Review: Candy and the Cankersaur by Jason Sandberg

Candy and the Cankersaur
By Jason Sandberg

Genre: Children, Picture Books
Publication: June 17th 2012 by Jason Sandberg eBooks
Format: ebooks
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Twitter

This is the sweet and funny tale of a young girl named Candy and a Cankersaurus Rex! Candy receives a dinosaur as a gift and is determined to train him to be a good pet.

Well, I wasn't quite sure how to review a children's book, so I'm not sure how to write one. 

Candy was a rich girl with a busy father. Her father always buys her new and latest toys. Then one day, he bought a Cankersaurus Rex to make up to Candy as a pet to keep her company, and she was going to train him to be a good pet. Candy's next-door neighbor, Chucky loved to compete with Candy. He would try to top with every new toy that Candy has. But when Candy had a Cankersaur, he realized that there's no way that he could top with that. He was so jealous that he started to do something unthinkable.

I don't normally read a children's book when I was young. But recently, I have started purchasing (and reading) children's book for my niece. I think, Candy and the Cankersaur is a cute story about a girl and her dinosaur. The illustration looks cute, colorful and nice for children.  Even if the kids didn't know how to read yet, I'm sure they would enjoy the pictures. 

I received an E-book Copy from the author.

Review: Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder

Shadow Study (Soulfinders #1)
by Maria V. Snyder 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: September 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 424 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog| Facebook

Once, only her own life hung in the balance…

When Yelena was a poison taster, her life was simpler. She survived to become a vital part of the balance of power between rival countries Ixia and Sitia.

Now she uses her magic to keep the peace in both lands—and protect her relationship with Valek.

Suddenly, though, dissent is rising. And Valek’s job—and his life—are in danger.

As Yelena tries to uncover her enemies, she faces a new challenge: her magic is blocked.And now she must find a way to keep not only herself but all that she holds dear alive.

I was so excited to read this book. I mean, Yelena and Valek are back! How can I not get excited? I mean, I squealed when Valek made his appearance! At one point, I wanted to skip Spy Glass and begin with this book immediately. But I regret my decision almost instantly because I've been spoiled with what was going to happen in Spy Glass. So, I would strongly recommend anyone to read and finish the Study series as well as the Glass series before they began with this one.

In Shadow Study, Yelena found out that her magic was blocked after an attack. She went to search for the cure and learned that one of her enemies has escaped prison. It wasn't easy as whoever tried to harm her now targeted those who are important to her.

While Valek now faced a new assassin, Onora, who was after his job. And something strange has been going on with the Commander. He was assigned by the commander to find out about smuggles between Ixia and Sitia.

I was a bit confused to see that it was written in Yelena, Valek and Janco's point of view. I mean, I love them all, but it was a bit hard to keep track of what was happening. But it was interesting to see what was going on with Valek while he's not with Yelena. We get to see Valek's past and how he became an assassin. I love to see Valek and the Commander together.

Shadow Study was an amazing read. There are a bit of romance, politics, magic and a whole lot of exciting adventure. The plot was really good. I just can't wait for the next book and find out what will happen to the cast, especially with how the story ended. I can't say that I hadn't seen that coming, but it was still a surprise!

Review: Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

Spy Glass (Glass #3)
by Maria V. Snyder 

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Young Adult
Publication: September 2010 by Harlequin Teen
Format: Paperback, 424 pages
Source: Own
Connect: Website | Blog| Facebook

Opal Cowan had been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her friends and rid the world of blood magic. Though she survives, she is forever changed…

Opal Cowan has lost her powers. More than that, she is now immune to magic. Opal is an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference to the world and were her whole world…

Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or learn if she’s lost them forever…

I love the Glass series. I mean... Opal Cowan may not be the perfect heroine. She can be stubborn, reckless (most of the time) and she drove me crazy with her decision in almost everything she did. But Maria V. Snyder's writing is very good. I just can't stop once I started the book, The book was exciting (especially since I got to see Valek again). And I need to know what will happen to Opal after she lost her magic and what happen with the blood magic.

Spy Glass definitely didn't disappoint me. The plot was exciting, thanks to Opal recklessness. I love how Opal has gotten stronger since the first time she appeared in the Study series. And I'm glad that a few familiar characters in the Study's series were making their appearance. 

I was quite shocked to see who Opal ended up with. I wouldn't say that I like her choice, but well... it wasn't so bad. Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would definitely recommend this series to fantasy fans.

On Tour: Dear Internet: It's Me, Avery by Jennifer Ammoscato - Review, Excerpt + Giveaway

Jennifer Ammoscato is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours with her book, Dear Internet: It's Me, Avery. Please visit her page for more blog stops.

Dear Internet: It's Me, Avery (The Avery Fowler 2.0 Series)
by Jennifer Ammoscato

Genre: Chick Lit, Humor, Romance
Publication: May 27th 2015 by Blue Moon Publishers
Format: ebook, 294 pages
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tours
Connect: Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Blog

Oh, don’t judge me, people. We all do it.

Don’t try to tell me that you’ve never checked that weird mole on your thigh on WebMD. Or how to fold meringue on Epicurious. And, there’s no way that I’m the only one who clears her search history after looking up how to give a great bl— (Um, that last one’s not important.)

When newspaper reporter Avery Fowler discovers her husband is having an affair, the online help site HowTo.com is where she turns to navigate this challenging stage of her life.

If the Internet is Avery’s information god, then HowTo.com is her Holy Grail. Its live chat option is like having a virtual life coach for the low, low price of $14.95 a month:

When I joined HowTo.com, it assigned me “Clementine” as my advisor, based on my choice of “British female” in the Preferences panel. That way, I can pretend that a Maggie Smith or Judi Dench type supplies the wisdom, tinged with a sassy touch of malt vinegar. (In reality, it’s most likely a bored, seventeen-year-old boy labouring in a New Delhi call centre.)

Add into the mix a new boss whose managerial style calls to mind the Wicked Bitch Witch of the West—or the Anti-Christ—and the poor girl needs all the help she can get! The stakes rise and hilarity ensues as our heroine struggles to take control of her personal life and topple her boss after she learns Victoria’s guilty secret.

With Clementine (virtually) in tow, our heroine tackles such tricky situations as dating after divorce, sex once nothing points north anymore, and how to cover attempted murder scenes (despite a paralyzing fear of blood) as the new and improved Avery Fowler 2.0.

'Dear Internet: It's Me, Avery' started out like many other chick lit books I've read. The heroine found out that her husband was having an affair. Like most heroines, Avery was going to need her friends to survive the divorce. But what makes the story much interesting was how Avery looked up for almost everything on HowTo.com and consulted her personal online advisor, Clementine.

This book was a highly entertaining read. I think the author did a very good job writing this book. There were tons of humor and romance. I love Avery. She's a lively character. There are times when I did get a bit frustrated with her, but she's a fun person. I enjoyed reading this book through her view. She made me laugh with her obsession with HowTo.com. I love the other supporting characters (Avery's friends and parents) as well. They made the story a lot more interesting. I especially love Avery's parents. They're lovely people who cared a lot about their daughter. I just wish that there was more about Jordan, though. I would definitely recommend this book to those who were looking for a light, humorous read.

I received a copy of Dear Internet: It's Me, Avery by Jennifer Ammoscato from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.

EXCERPT

“Avery dear, I want you to meet our dear friend, Tyler Browning.” Tyler steps forward to politely offer his hand. “Hello, Avery.”

My father joins us and sets a tray of cheese and crackers on the coffee table. To the casual observer, he may seem unaware of the tension in the room. I know better.

After four decades of marriage, he’s become quite adept at playing the part of blissfully ignorant bystander to his strong-willed wife’s schemes. He selects a tub chair as his safe harbour and watches the golf tournament on his 65-inch TV with studied interest.

“Hi,” I manage to say to Tyler, finally remembering my manners. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Satisfied that Phase One of Operation “Get Avery a Man” is unfolding properly, my mother calls out to my father, “Stephen, I need you to carve the roast.”

My father does not hesitate and jumps back up to his feet. “Of course, dear.”

I suspect he’s only been briefed on her master plan of attack and hopes to stay as far away from the action as possible. No one willingly wants to be part of the collateral damage.

Tyler and I are alone in the living room. I sense my mother’s eyes on us as she gathers intel that she can use later to assess whether or not her operation has succeeded.

Seeing no graceful way out, I attempt to swallow my annoyance at my mom’s ruse and make small talk with her victim. I plunk myself down on the couch and take a Triscuit from the hefty pile on the tray in front of us.

“So Tyler, how do you know my parents?”

“I started working in the accounting office at the hydro company with your dad a few months ago.”

My dad set me up? I digest this knowledge with a mixture of shock and a swell of affection for him. I feel my eyes well up a little with love for my papa, looking out for me. When my mom does it, I’m annoyed. When my father does it, I feel loved. Is that fair? No. Life’s not fair. Deal with it.

Tyler finally relaxes and I notice that he has kind eyes and a gentle smile. He’s dressed very nicely in a tasteful, salmon crewneck sweater and finely tailored tan slacks. Aww, he dressed up for me. I begin to feel badly that he’s been drawn into this web of deceit disguised as a Sunday roast beef dinner and good intentions.

I offer an apology on my parents’ behalf. “I’m sorry that you were brought out here on false pretense,” I tell him. “My parents just worry about me since my husband left last year.”

Tyler smiles back. “That’s okay. They seem like nice people.” Glancing toward the kitchen, he lowers his voice and says, “But in truth, I’m a bit confused by this whole thing.”

I reach for some Havarti cheese and wedge it between two more Triscuits. “Really, why?” I ask, popping the snack into my mouth.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see my mom still watches us intently from the other room. Tyler might be my dad’s idea but I’ll bet money that she developed the finer points of the plan’s execution. Even now, as she arranges the slices of roast on the serving platter, she’s probably deciding what she’ll want our children to call her.

“Well, Avery,” Tyler answers and lowers his voice even more. “I don’t really make a habit of telling people this when I first meet them…but I’m gay.”

For 20 seconds, all I can do is stare at his now-pink face, and process the words that he has just told me. OMG! “You’re GAY?”

I hear a loud gasp from the kitchen—and a crash—as my mother drops the porcelain, serving platter onto the floor.

My great-great-great grandparents brought that platter from Yorkshire, England in the 1800s. It survived a horrible sea voyage lovingly wrapped in hand-made linens and tucked safely into a leather trunk. It endured 150 years of Sunday dinners. It could not, however, survive the stunning revelation that my parents’ first foray into matchmaking resulted a sweet but confused gay man chatting in the living room with their daughter. The platter died a swift but ignominious death on my mother’s slate floor, alongside her pot roast.

I burst out laughing. My parents are so determined to land me a man that they didn’t even bother to check if he likes women. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be rude, Tyler,” I manage to gasp after wiping my eyes, and grasp his hand in solidarity.

In my mind, though, I can already envision the conversation that will take place in the privacy of my parents’ home after Tyler and I have fled. (But dear, how could I have known he was a homosexual. We don’t talk about things like that at the office. Besides, he’s a Green Bay fan!)

Author Bio:

Author Bio: Author Jennifer Ammoscato – solving the world’s problems one cosmo at a time.

Jennifer Ammoscato is a paid, productive member of society. Frankly, it’s not enough.

Therefore, May 2015 will see the launch of her debut novel, “Dear Internet: It’s Me, Avery” (The “Avery Fowler 2.0” series, Book I).

During the day, she is an intrepid writer/editor for the public relations department of a Canadian university. By night, she fights crime and the urge to organize closets and stuff herself with salted chocolate caramels.

Jennifer began writing as a child, producing such classics as “The Occurrence” (she understood the appeal of werewolves long before Stephenie Meyer). She had to search for the courage to write a novel, though. “That’s so F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. I didn’t know if I had the alcohol capacity for it.” However, after being goaded (sorry, encouraged) by a friend, she took the leap.

Dreams do not inspire Jennifer’s books. In fact, they tend to terrify her. In particular, the everpopular naked-at-school or I-have-a-final-exam-and-didn’t-study dreams. She usually just makes stuff up.

She is married to her husband, Ezio. As opposed to someone else’s husband (insert name here).

She is the proud mom of two very tall sons, Dante and Christian.

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On Tour: Stages & Thieves by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba - Review + Gieveaway

Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours with her book, Stages & Thieves. Please visit her page for more blog stops.

Stages & Thieves (Sémya Slotin Mystery #5)
by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba

Genre: Romance, Adult, Mystery, Thriller
Publication: Published February 17th 2015 by Ever After Edition
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tours
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | Blog
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Ibookstore

One fateful July morning forever changed the lives of Sémya Slotin and her best friend Polliannah Guryev.

Vincent Edgerton, the only man Sémya has ever loved, was taken from her by an explosion and a fire that she couldn’t understand, trust, nor explain. It left her alone, hurt, angry and desperately seeking answers. On top of everything, she is also incredibly hormonal; Sémya Slotin is going to be a mother.

Polliannah just healed from losing her husband but seeing her best friend grieving is not only breaking her heart, it has been a strain on their once close-knit relationship. She is afraid that Sémya will completely disappear into her grief. Thankfully, Polliannah can always seek refuge with the handsome Chief Superintendent James Connelly. In the past three months, he has become her safe haven. But when they finally give in to each other and Jim reveals his true feeling for her, Polliannah pulls away. Is she ready to put herself out there again?

Then all of the sudden, Sémya, the pregnant Detective Extraordinaire is chasing art thieves across the globe, making dangerous deals and finally meeting her father… It’s all about ex-lovers and new ones, a priceless painting, con artists, baby bumps, an impromptu trip to Moscow, designer dresses, teacakes, a birthday ball and reconnecting with your roots.

With everything that has happened this year, Sémya and Polliannah are more vulnerable and exposed than they have ever been. Will Jim’s love and trust be enough to ease Polliannah’s doubts? Will Sémya find out what happened to Vincent? Welcome to the Stages & Thieves saga, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

I wasn't really sure what to expect when I first read this book since 'Stages & Thieves' was the fifth book from the Sémya Slotin Mystery. At the beginning, it was a bit confusing, because I have no idea what was happening in the previous book, and I get this feeling that I hadn't been introduced to the characters properly, But still, I can't stop reading this book. The story and plot make you want to read more! I was hooked with the mystery surrounding Semya's family. It makes me want to read the previous books and get to know more about Semya and Polliannah and how they get to where they are now. And I wanted to know what will happen to them in the next book.

Overall, 'Stages & Thieves' was an enjoyable read, packed with mystery, danger and romance. I would recommend this book to mystery lovers. This book could be read as a stand alone, but I think I would have enjoyed the story a bit more if I start from the first book.

I received a copy of Stages & Thieves by Danielle-Claude Ngontang Mba from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.

AUTHOR BIO:

I’m over 30.
I was born in Quebec City, Canada.
I grew up in France and in Gabon.
I speak English & French fluently.
Pizza is my favorite dish.
Black Forest Cake is my favorite dessert.
I met Michael Jackson when I was eleven.
I loathe vodka but love gin, wine and tequila.
I'm obsessed with Robbie Williams and Michael Fassbender.
I call Toronto my home.
I love reading.
I love dancing.
I love watching exciting TV shows.
I love my life... most days.
I'm a major goof.
I can't stand intolerance.
I'm curious, cheeky and oh so opinionated!

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Review: Snow White Lies by Sarah J. Pepper

Snow White Lies
by Sarah J. Pepper

Genre: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance
Publication: Published April 26th, 2015
Format: ebook
Source: ARC
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook 

“Evil poisons everyone. Period. Our mouths water when we sink our teeth into what we have always craved. Surrendering to our desires by biting off delectable piece of the forbidden fruit is nothing more than a meager confession: Poison tastes sinfully sweet,”—Confessions of the Big Apple Debutante, by blogger Miss Snow White.

I’ve read Sarah J. Pepper’s Death of the Mad Hatter, and I really like it. But, when I was offered to read this book, I'm not sure what to expect. I mean, the blurbs didn’t give out much, but it’s mysterious enough to make me want to read it. Plus, I am tempted by the gorgeous cover!

Snow White Lies by Sarah J. Pepper is a fairy tale retelling of Snow White with lots of twist. And the author writes it brilliantly. Everyone in Sarah J. Pepper’s Snow White is not the character we used to know. The dwarves in this story, for example, didn’t act as Snow’s protector, and they’re not very nice. Snow White isn’t as innocent as we all thought she is.

I have to admit that it was hard to get into the book at first. It was confusing at first with the switching through past and present. Besides, I didn’t really like Snow. She’s a rich spoil girl who acted like a B. But the story is amazing. It is not what I expect with darker themes, and lots of twist that makes me want more.  Anyone who enjoyed fairy tale retelling would definitely enjoy this book.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

On Tour: The Marrying Type by Laura Chapman - Review & Giveaway

Laura Chapman is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours with her book, The Marrying Type. Please visit her page for more blog stops.

The Marrying Type
by Laura Chapman

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary
Publication: February 20th, 2015 by Marching Ink LLC
Format: ebook
Source: ARC, CLP Blog Tours
Connect: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Blog
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Always the wedding planner, never a bride, Elliot Lynch is famous for orchestrating the splashiest weddings in Charleston, South Carolina. When her father’s sloppy management practices leave them on the brink of bankruptcy, Elliot will do whatever it takes to save the family business. When asked to appear on “The Marrying Type,” a reality TV show about the people behind the scenes as couples exchange I dos, she says yes to the invasion of privacy (and the hefty paycheck that comes with it).

With a camera crew capturing every detail of her life, Elliot faces her most challenging contract yet: planning a wedding where her ex is involved in every part of the process. Add in a lazy assistant, liquor-loving bridesmaid, and rival planner encroaching on her turf, and Elliot’s wedding season goes from high-end to high-stress.

Forced to confront her past, Elliot must live out her troubled present on national TV if she has any hope of saving her future.

Elliot's family business is in financial trouble. To save their business well as their home, Elliot agrees to do a reality TV show, "The Marrying Type". When Elliot has been asked to plan for her ex's sister's wedding, she agreed. After all, the money could save the business.

This is a great read. The story flows beautifully and I just couldn't put it down. The characters are great. I love Elliot and Eric. They're adorable. I enjoy the progress of Elliot and Eric's relationship. It was very well developed. The other supporting characters make the book a lot more interesting. There may be lots of supporting characters, but every one of them is a great companion. They make the story enjoyable, even crazy Heloise. My favorite part is reading about the behind-the-scene of a wedding. It is mostly fun and a bit crazy. 

The Marrying Type is a quick, fun and cute read, with a bit of twists. I love Laura Chapman style and am definitely looking forward to read more books from her. I would definitely recommend this book to chick-lit lover. 

I received a copy of The Marrying Type by Laura Chapman from the author/CLP Blog Tours as part of the book tour.

Author Bio:

Laura Chapman is the author of The Marrying Type, Hard Hats and Doormats and the Autumn and Tuck series, which appear in Merry & Bright and A Kind of Mad Courage. A native Nebraskan, she loves football, Netflix marathons, and her cats, Jane and Bingley. Until she fulfills her dream of landing a British husband or becoming a Disney princess, you can find her in a bar penning her next novel.

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