The Final Six by Alexandra Monir: A ARC Review

Title: The Final Six
Author: Alexandra Monir
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publish Date: March 6th 2018
Pages: 345
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | iBooks

When Leo, an Italian championship swimmer, and Naomi, a science genius from California, are two of the twenty-four teens drafted into the International Space Training Camp, their lives are forever altered. After erratic climate change has made Earth a dangerous place to live, the fate of the population rests on the shoulders of the final six who will be scouting a new planet. Intense training, global scrutiny, and cutthroat opponents are only a few of the hurdles the contestants must endure in this competition.

For Leo, the prospect of traveling to Europa—Jupiter’s moon—to help resettle humankind is just the sense of purpose he’s been yearning for since losing his entire family in the flooding of Rome. Naomi, after learning of a similar space mission that mysteriously failed, suspects the ISTC isn’t being up front with them about what’s at risk.

As the race to the final six advances, the tests get more challenging—even deadly. With pressure mounting, Naomi finds an unexpected friend in Leo, and the two grow closer with each mind-boggling experience they encounter. But it’s only when the finalists become fewer and their destinies grow nearer that the two can fathom the full weight of everything at stake: the world, the stars, and their lives.

This was a fast paced sci-fi dystopian book. It roped me in from the beginning and had me page turning every step of the way to find out what happens next. I really enjoy this authors writing style and I can't wait to read more of her books, as this is the second book by Monir that I have had the chance to read.

In this one we have two perspectives, but it wasn't confusing, which was a nice change. Leo and Naomi. Leo seems very genuine and Naomi is head strong. And they both embark on this mission for different reasons. While Leo is gun hoe about going since he has nothing left for in his flooded Rome, Naomi is resistant and a bit hesitant about going due to leaving her ill brother behind. These two unlikely teens share a bond and you can see that right from the start.

I really enjoyed this book and I'm hoping for a sequel as this ended on a cliffhanger. If you like dystopian and science fiction and space travel, then this book is just for you.

Alexandra Monir is an Iranian-American author and recording artist. Her debut, Timeless, was a Barnes & Noble Bestseller and an Amazon Best Book of the Month and was followed by its sequel, Timekeeper, as well as Suspicion, The Girl in the Picture, and The Final Six. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

Find Alexandra: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free from Miss Print to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. 

***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. 

****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Haven by Mary Lindsey: A Book Review

Title: Haven
Author: Mary Lindsey
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: November 7th 2017
Pages: 371
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository

"We all hold a beast inside. The only difference is what form it takes when freed."

Rain Ryland has never belonged anywhere, He’s used to people judging him for his rough background, his intimidating size, and now, his orphan status. He’s always been on the outside, looking in, and he’s fine with that. Until he moves to New Wurzburg and meets Friederike Burkhart.

Freddie isn’t like normal teen girls, though. And someone wants her dead for it. Freddie warns he’d better stay far away if he wants to stay alive, but Rain’s never been good at running from trouble. For the first time, Rain has something worth fighting for, worth living for. Worth dying for.

Fast paced, action packed and hot! For fans of Twilight and Maggie Stiefvater's The Shiver trilogy. This was a seemingly quick read for me and I devoured it from start to finish. I really love Mary Lindsey and I couldn't wait to read this. The cover is completely amazing and the story had me pulled in from the beginning.

I really loved the main characters, Rain and Freddie. They both had their fair share of tragic pasts and loss. Which made them such a great pair. I felt like I was watching their relationship and romance unfold right before my eyes, almost as if I was witnessing it first hand. Also, the supporting characters helped pull the loose ends together quite nicely. I enjoyed seeing how the story unfolded as I was reading. However, there was a lot of back story to this and some characters did seem like they were being rushed into the story and thrown in when we didn't need any.

If you read where I stated that this was for fans of Twilight and that got your attention trying to figure out where the werewolf in this book crosses with the vampires of Twilight, I will say, there was one scene that, as I was reading this, was almost identical to Twilight. I don't want to spoil it for you, so you will have to read it to see what I am talking about. 

But for the most part, this was a fantastic, quick read that will pull you in from the start. Thanks to Entangled Publishing for my wonderful box of Haven inspired things and a wonderful book for review!

Mary Lindsey is a multi award-winning, RITA® nominated author of romance for adults and teens. She lives on an island in the middle of a river. Seriously, she does. When not writing, she wrangles her rowdy pack of three teens, two Cairn Terriers, and one husband.

Inexplicably, her favorite animal is the giant anteater and at one point, she had over 200 "pet" Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. The roaches are a long story involving three science-crazed kids and a soft spot for rescue animals. The good news is, the "pet" roaches found a home... somewhere else.

She also writes under the pseudonym Marissa Clarke.

Find Mary: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Cherry Bombe by Kerry Diamond & Claudia Wu: A Cookbook Review

Title: Cherry Bombe
Author: Kerry Diamond, Claudia Wu
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Publish Date: October 10th 2017
Source: Blogging For Books
Buy It: Amazon

It's the first-ever cookbook from the team behind Cherry Bombe, the hit indie magazine about women and food, and the Radio Cherry Bombe podcast. Inside are 100+ recipes from some of the most interesting chefs, bakers, food stylists, pastry chefs, and creatives on the food scene today, including:

Mashama Bailey, chef of The Grey Jeni Britton Bauer, founder of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams Melissa Clark, New York Times columnist and cookbook author Amanda Cohen, chef/owner of Dirt Candy Angela Dimayuga, executive chef of Mission Chinese Food Melissa & Emily Elsen, founders of Four & Twenty Blackbirds Karlie Kloss, supermodel and cookie entrepreneur Jessica Koslow, chef/owner of Sqirl Padma Lakshmi, star of Top Chef Elisabeth Prueitt, pastry chef and co-founder of Tartine and Tartine Manufactory Chrissy Teigen, supermodel and bestselling cookbook author Christina Tosi, chef and founder of Milk Bar Joy Wilson, of Joy the Baker Molly Yeh, of my name is yeh

The Cherry Bombe team asked these women and others for their most meaningful recipes. The result is a beautifully styled and photographed collection that you will turn to again and again in the kitchen.

In this cookbook you are taken through many different culinary recipes. Most of which weren't really for me. The photos were gorgeous and the recipes well laid out and descriptive. However, when we got down to it, nothing really jumped out at me as in saying "MAKE ME!". However, once I got to the desserts, there were a few things that stood out that I could see making in a everyday average american home. A few to name were the Best Friend Cheesecake and the Sweet Potato Pie. I, for one, may not have enjoyed the recipes in this book since they weren't really for me or my family, but I'm only one person, so these might just be for you. 

Ending Thoughts:

The cover was gorgeous and the photos add a great touch. I also liked how it tells you everything that you will need utensil and small appliance wise.

Editorial director of @cherrybombemag and host of Radio Cherry Bombe. Food + feminism. Currently on tour for Cherry Bombe: The Cookbook

Find Kerry: Twitter

CLAUDIA WU is the co-founder and creative director of Cherry Bombe, and runs a creative consulting and design studio. Previously, she was art director at V and Visionaire magazines, design director at Index Magazine, and founded and published Me Magazine.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Beastly Bones by William Ritter: A Book Review

Title: Beastly Bones (Jackaby #2)
Author: William Ritter
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Paranormal
Release Date: September 22, 2015
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

I've found very little about private detective R. F. Jackaby to be standard in the time I've known him. Working as his assistant tends to call for a somewhat flexible relationship with reality . . .

In 1892, New Fiddleham, New England, things are never quite what they seem, especially when Abigail Rook and her eccentric employer, R. F. Jackaby, are called upon to investigate the supernatural. First, members of a particularly vicious species of shape-shifters disguise themselves as a litter of kittens. A day later, their owner is found murdered, with a single mysterious puncture wound to her neck. Then, in nearby Gad's Valley, dinosaur bones from a recent dig go missing, and an unidentifiable beast attacks animals and people, leaving their mangled bodies behind. Policeman Charlie Cane, exiled from New Fiddleham to the valley, calls on Abigail for help, and soon Abigail and Jackaby are on the hunt for a thief, a monster, and a murderer.

In true Jackaby fashion, this book does not disappoint. I read the first book over a year prior and when I picked this up to read I wasn't lost and was easily pulled back in to a world where the unexplained paranormal exists and coincides with every day life and right under our noses. 

Abigail Rook and R.F. Jackaby are pulled into a case of shape shifters, chameleomorphs to be exact. While on the case they get side tracked with yet another case that takes them to Gads Valley where bones have been unearthed, strange deaths have happened and police officer Charlie Cane resides. 

We get to see more in depth traits on all characters including Jenny Cavanaugh the friendly specter who resides with the detective and Abigail. We also get to see Abigail develop some boldness when it comes to the handsome police officer. 

I'm very anxious to read the next book and find out about Jenny's death.

Find my review of Jackaby here

 At the University of Oregon, William made questionable choices, including willfully selecting classes for the interesting stories they promised, rather than for any practical application. When he wasn't frivolously playing with words, he earned credits in such meaningful courses as Trampoline, Juggling, and 17th Century Italian Longsword. These dubious decisions notwithstanding, he regrets nothing and now holds degrees in English and Education with certificates in Creative Writing and Folklore.

He currently teaches high school Language Arts, including reading and writing, mythology and heroes. He is a proud husband and father. When reading aloud, he always does the voices.

Jackaby is his first novel. It was born in the middle of the night and written on two different hemispheres. It has survived typhoons and hurricanes, and was fostered into publication through the patient care of many hands.

Find William: Website | Twitter

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. 

***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. 

****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller: An ARC Book Review

Title: Mask of Shadows
Author: Linsey Miller
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Glbt
Release Date: August 29th 2017
Source: Miss Print ARC Adoption
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

I Needed to Win. 

They Needed to Die.

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home.

When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge.

But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.

This book is a masterpiece that was cleverly written on a plot that we have seen in a few different ways.  You got a character who describes herself as " Thief and a killer, trained by childhood of fear and violence" who sets out in a competition to take a prized position.  I loved that we jumped into the story with little knowledge of how our character got to where she is.  Sometimes I feel the first book of a series gets bogged down with filling us in with backstory that it takes sooo long to get to the actual story. Since this is the first book we get more books to fill in the backstory as the main character continues on her path beyond achieving what she wants to in the competition. 

Some may hold issue with the love interest in this story as it is two females but I did not feel it was overly weird or that it distracted from the action filled story.  In fact, I'm not sure it could of played out well or at all if it been a male/female relationship.  

My favorite quote came right at the end of the story when the, now, crowned opal tells the queen just what she thinks of her. " I used to love you. I adored you. I would've died for you. I thought you were lady sent to save us, to pull us from the chaos magic and greed brought down upon us, but your just like us. Your not any different from them, maneuvering people to keep your power".  What a powerful thought and accurate description of how the political leaders actually think and work. Makes you wonder if the magic was ever truly banished?  Makes me intrigued for book two.

The book ends on rousing cliff hanger with our love interest being stolen away and the new opal taking on the task of her the previous opal.   "They'd taken my country and my life, and I would take their heads". Gives me tingles.

A wayward biology student from Arkansas, Linsey has previously worked as a crime lab intern, neuroscience lab assistant, and pharmacy technician. Her debut novel MASK OF SHADOWS is the first in a fantasy duology coming in September 2017 from Sourcebooks Fire. She can be found writing about science and magic anywhere there is coffee.

Find Linsey: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free from Miss Print ARC Adoption to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. 

***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. 

****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Blood Rose Rebellion by Rosalyn Eves: A Book Review

Title: Blood Rose Rebllion (Blood Rose Rebellion #1)
Author: Rosalyn Eves
Publisher: Knopf Books
Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Young Adult
Release Date: March 28th 2017
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

Sixteen-year-old Anna Arden is barred from society by a defect of blood. Though her family is part of the Luminate, powerful users of magic, she is Barren, unable to perform the simplest spells. Anna would do anything to belong. But her fate takes another course when, after inadvertently breaking her sister’s debutante spell—an important chance for a highborn young woman to show her prowess with magic—Anna finds herself exiled to her family’s once powerful but now crumbling native Hungary.

Her life might well be over.

In Hungary, Anna discovers that nothing is quite as it seems. Not the people around her, from her aloof cousin Noémi to the fierce and handsome Romani Gábor. Not the society she’s known all her life, for discontent with the Luminate is sweeping the land. And not her lack of magic. Isolated from the only world she cares about, Anna still can’t seem to stop herself from breaking spells.

As rebellion spreads across the region, Anna’s unique ability becomes the catalyst everyone is seeking. In the company of nobles, revolutionaries, and Romanies, Anna must choose: deny her unique power and cling to the life she’s always wanted, or embrace her ability and change that world forever.

I really enjoyed this book and the world building. At first it took a bit to grab my attention and pull me in, but once it did, I was hooked and couldn't put this down. I really enjoyed the story behind this, about the people who thought they were in control and had all the power and how they controlled everyone who wasn't Luminate, there was something a bit comical to it just knowing that somehow they would get what they deserved in the end, at least hopefully.

The characters were memorable. Even the ones you just hated and despised, to the ones that had less than a page description in the story. Anna was pretty amazing, but I don't think that I can relate to her in the sense that she would do anything to "fit in" with the society that she thinks is right. I do relate to her stubbornness and her determination to do what she thinks is right, how she follows the beat of her own drum so to speak. I really liked Gabor and Matyas and even Noemi. Their characters added great backbone to this wonderful story and seemed to give Anna strength throughout.

The only trouble I had with this is where the story leaves you at the end, asking so many questions. I had to look to see if there was going to be a book 2 so those answers would hopefully be answered. Luckily it looks like there will be, so hopefully I will stop feeling confused and have a better understanding to where everything is left.

Rosalyn Eves grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories is still one of her favorite things to do. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle. Her first book, BLOOD ROSE REBELLION, comes out Spring 2017 from Knopf.

Find Rosalyn: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

**Book info obtained through Goodreads. ***Book Cover Obtained through Goodreads. ****Author photo obtained through author website.

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Cookbook Review: Modern Potluck by Kristin Donnelly #cookbook #bookreview #4star @kristinconfit

Title: Modern Potluck
Author: Kristin Donnelly
Publisher: Clarkson Potter
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: July 26, 2016
Source: Blogging for Books
Purchase: Amazon

Uncover the best dish

Modern Potluck is a cookbook and guide for today’s potluckers that delivers Instagram-worthy dishes packed with exciting, bold flavors. These 100 make-ahead recipes are perfect for a crowd and navigate carnivore, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan preferences gracefully. With beautiful color photographs and lots of practical information such as how to pack foods to travel, Modern Potluck is the ultimate book for gathering friends and family around an abundant, delicious meal.

This was a beautifully put together cookbook full of recipes and photos for almost every recipe. The recipes have many different ranges from dips to salads to main dishes and cocktails. However, when I view this book, I don't see "potluck". What I see is every day meals, some expensive to make and others maybe not so expensive. When I was growing up, a potluck involved meatballs, salads, brownies, just things that were simple and not so expensive to make. I don't think potluck when I see things made with lamb and the like.

So, while this book really isn't for me and my family, maybe its right up your alley.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Kristin Donnelly is a food writer and recipe tester and developer. Before launching her career as a freelancer, Kirstin was an editor at Food & Wine for eight years, writing about healthy eating and wine pairing. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and their daughter.

Find Kristin: Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

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Cookbook Review: Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen by Francine Bryson & Ann Volkwein #4star #bookreview #cooking @francinebryson

Title: Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen
Author: Francine Bryson & Ann Volkwein
Publisher: Potter Books
Genre: Cooking, How-To
Release Date: March 29, 2016
Source: Blogging for Books

Few people know that national pie champion Francine Bryson got her start on the cooking contest circuit at age sixteen with a savory stuffed pork loin—that won first place. In Country Cooking from a Redneck Kitchen, Francine invites you into her home to share recipes for everything that graces her Southern table: chicken dinners, savory pies, Sunday suppers to serve the preacher, make-and-take casseroles, dips and other redneck whatnots, backyard barbecue favorites—and, of course, three chapters devoted to her celebrated baked goods, including her most-requested holiday sweets. Feeding people is what Francine loves to do, and here are simple instructions for 125 dishes with 60 color photographs to help you to bring her Southern charm to your table.

I grew up in the north, Michigan to be exact. I moved to the south in 2002 and started my southern trek between three states, starting in Texas, then Louisiana to Mississippi and finally back in Louisiana. I have been trying different southern foods, just trying to find the perfect southern food. I have learned how to cook different southern foods from friends parents as well. When I saw this book was up for review, I decided to give it a go and see what kinds of food that I haven't tried that might sound appealing. 

There are so many appealing recipes in this book, that I must say, I can't wait to try almost all of these. With Blueberry BBQ sauce to Blackberry Pecan Bread, to Squirrel Pot Pie (yes, you heard that right). Just so many options to try. There is definitely something in here for everyone.

The book is easily readable and understandable. With beautifully photographed recipes and well put together. I highly recommend this cookbook.

Disclaimer: *I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for free to review, this in no way influenced my review, all opinions are 100% honest and my own.

Francine Bryson is the author of the bestselling Blue Ribbon Baking from a Redneck Kitchen, a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Book Award finalist and Okra Pick. She has won more than 200 local and national baking competitions and was the runner-up and crowd favorite on CBS's The American Baking Competition. Bryson, a member of the American Pie Council, lives with her husband in Pickens, South Carolina.

Find Francine: Website | Twitter

Ann Volkwein is a best-selling food-and-lifestyle writer based in New York City and Austin, Texas. Her previous collaborations include The Neelys’ Celebration Cookbook, The Arthur Avenue Cookbook, Chinatown New York, Mixt Salads (with Andres Swallow), and, with Guy Fieri, Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; More Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives; and Guy Fieri Food.

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