Blog Tour: Royal Crush

                                                                                                                


Hey friends! It's Mari here, reviewing for one of my FAVOURITE AUTHORS OF ALL TIME!!!!!! Thanks to Rockstar Book Tours, we are bringing you a blog tour for Royal Crush by Meg Cabot! 

Title: ROYAL CRUSH
Author: Meg Cabot
Pub. Date: August 1, 2017
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 192
Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook
Find it: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

Being the newest princess of Genovia is WAY more complicated than she expected, but Olivia Grace Clarisse Mignonette Harrison is getting used to it. She gets to live in an actual palace with two fabulous poodles, a pet iguana, her very own pony, and, best of all, a loving family to help her figure things out!

And right now Olivia, having finally admitted that she likes Prince Khalil as more than just a friend, could REALLY use some advice. What is a princess supposed to do once she's found a prince she likes? With her half-sister Mia busy enjoying her honeymoon, Olivia turns to Grandmere for help.

The third book in the middle-grade Princess Diaries spin-off series, written and illustrated by New York Times-bestselling author Meg Cabot.


About Meg: 

The kween herself

Meg Cabot is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of books for both adults and tweens/teens. There have been over 25 million copies of Meg’s nearly 80 published books sold in 38 countries. Her last name rhymes with habit, as in “her books can be habit forming.” She currently lives in Key West, Florida with her husband and various cats.

Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr | Pinterest | Instagram 


Review:

Let me make something very clear. I do not, ever, read middle grade fiction. EVER. It's not my thing, nor was it when I was the age that it's targeted for.

But I will always, ALWAYS make an exception for Meg Cabot. She is a kween among women, and I will always give her books a try, especially when it comes to the Princess Diaries.

I'm so glad I made that rule.

I was expecting the whole Princess Olivia series to be a watered-down version of the original parent series. But it wasn't. It hit all the notes that the original did, but in a fresh way, geared toward a new generation of readers. Olivia is much like her half-sister Mia, in that she is neurotic and obsessive over the things that she loves, and her relationships with her friends and family are very similar to Mia's. She is a plucky and relatable heroine, and her personality is so freaking charming! But while that may seem like Cabot is simply trying to recreate something that she had with her other series, it really doesn't read that way. Trust me. 

The things that made me fall in love with the Princess Diaries in the first place, (that it was about a girl who came from a "common" life, and now lives with her rather trying royal Grandmere and family) are present in this series as well. What is new however, is that Olivia lives (and goes to middle school) in Genovia. It brings a new level to the story having her be surrounded by young royals, unlike her sister. It's hilarious seeing Olivia trying to navigate her new royal life. Plus her crush on a certain Prince is super cute to read. 

What also made me hesitant about reading this, was that it felt like I was cheating on Mia, what with reading about her sister and all. But never fear. Mia has a prominent role in the book (what with her pregnancy and all!) and even her friends are mentioned. Also, her mother and Rocky are still around, and reading about their happy life in Genovia is wonderful. It really makes you feel better about read-cheating on the original series.

All in all, this book hit all the right notes, and Olivia is a new princess for a new generation of readers. And (dare I say it?) even old ones like myself!

Recommended for people who enjoy: The Princess Diaries, contemporary fiction, middle grade




Rating: 9/10 Stars

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ROYAL CRUSH, US Only.

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Be sure to check out the rest of the tour!

Week One:
7/24/2017- YA Book Nerd- Review
7/25/2017- Bibliobakes- Review
7/26/2017- Margie's Must Reads- Review
7/27/2017- Never Too Many To Read- Review

Week Two:
7/31/2017- Little Miss Drama Queen- Review
8/1/2017- The Book Nut- Review
8/2/2017- Becky on Books- Review
8/3/2017- Pervy Ladies Books- Review

8/4/2017- YA Books Central- Spotlight

Well that's it from me! Let me know what you think of the Princess Olivia books, and if you missed my review of the first Princess Diaries book, click here to check it out!

Happy Reading,
Mari

Blog Tour: Timekeeper

Hello all! We are really excited to be apart of our first audiobook tour, hosted by the lovely Jess (from the Audiobookworm)! The book is super cool, and we are excited to highlight it for you! Enjoy, and be sure to enter the giveaway below!

Author: Tara Sim

Narrator: Gary Furlong

Length: 8h 50m

Publisher: Forever Young Audiobooks

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release date: Feb. 14, 2017

Summary:

Two o’clock was missing.

In an alternate Victorian world controlled by clock towers, a damaged clock can fracture time—and a destroyed one can stop it completely.

It’s a truth that seventeen-year-old clock mechanic Danny Hart knows all too well; his father has been trapped in a Stopped town east of London for three years. Though Danny is a prodigy who can repair not only clockwork, but the very fabric of time, his fixation with staging a rescue is quickly becoming a concern to his superiors.

And so they assign him to Enfield, a town where the tower seems to be forever plagued with problems. Danny’s new apprentice both annoys and intrigues him, and though the boy is eager to work, he maintains a secretive distance. Danny soon discovers why: he is the tower’s clock spirit, a mythical being that oversees Enfield’s time. Though the boys are drawn together by their loneliness, Danny knows falling in love with a clock spirit is forbidden, and means risking everything he’s fought to achieve.

But when a series of bombings at nearby towers threaten to Stop more cities, Danny must race to prevent Enfield from becoming the next target or he’ll not only lose his father, but the boy he loves, forever.

Buy on Audible/Amazon

About the Author:
Tara Sim is the author of Timekeeper (Sky Pony Press) and can typically be found wandering the wilds of the Bay Area, California. When she’s not chasing cats or lurking in bookstores, she writes books about magic, clocks, and explosives. Follow her on Twitter at @EachStarAWorld, and check out her website at tarasim.com.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Pinterest⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

About the Narrator:

Gary Furlong grew up in Wexford, Ireland. Throughout his life he has worn many a hat: He has worked as a teacher in Niigata, Japan; a puppeteer in Prague; an improv artist in Memphis, Tennessee; and as a singer and actor all over Ireland. He started narrating audiobooks in late 2015 and hasn't looked back.

Gary made his acting debut in the musical Godspell as a student. Since then he has pursued acting both on the amateur and professional circuits. Notable roles include Tom Collins in Bare Cheek's production of Rent in 2010.

Over the course of his five years in Japan, he was an actor, director, and audio producer. It was during this time that he discovered his interest in audiobooks and voice-over.

He now works full-time as an audiobook narrator and voice actor from his home in Ireland.

Website⎮Twitter

Audio Excerpt:

Guest Post:


Topic: LGBTTQ plus inclusivness in the YA genre (and how it can be drawn into the world of adult literature, and how it applies to the historical setting in the novel (where there significant changes that had to be made since it's set in the past, etc).

            One of the reasons I wrote Timekeeper was because I was tired of finding hardly any genre LGBTQ+ books. There were a couple here and there, but always hidden, or else not spoken about, and forget about finding them in a bookstore. Growing up with a love of both genre fiction—specifically, fantasy—and LGBTQ+ stories, naturally I wanted to create a story that combined these.
        I had written high fantasy stories with queer characters before Timekeeper, but this book was different because it was historical. I thought this might be an obstacle in portraying the sort of world I wanted to create, something that was a touch of our own world and a touch of another.
        But that’s where fantasy is great, because it helps bridge that gap. In making a world with an altered timeline, and advanced technology, I knew that society would be affected as a result. This was how I was able to tweak the typical Victorian views of things like homosexuality and gender roles. At first I was met with a little resistance by readers who didn’t understand this, but I refused to change it. I didn’t want Danny to feel unsafe because of his sexuality. Exploding clocks, sure—but not because he’s attracted to boys.
        The ratio of YA LGBTQ+ books is still pretty skewed toward contemporary, but I’m hoping that the next few years will see more and more genre LGBTQ+ stories join them. Stories where the main focus isn’t about the main character being gay, bi, trans, or ace, but rather about them having adventures and maybe (or maybe not) falling in love along the way.
        I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of YA LGBTQ+ books that have started making their way onto shelves, and I hope that this trend makes its way into the world of adult fiction as well. There are so many great stories out there for teens to find, and it’s part of our responsibility to help those teens find them.

Timekeeper Giveaway #1


Timekeeper Giveaway #2


Check out the rest of the days on the tour!
Schedule:

Mar. 19: The Book Keeper's Secrets
Tales of the Ravenous Reader

Mar. 20: Reading for the Stars and MoonNext Page Please

Mar. 21: Candid Ceillie
Gota Love Books

Mar. 22: BookstacksAmber

Mar. 23: Book Crushin
Lilly's Book World

Mar. 24: The Desert Bibliophile
BookstacksAmber


Mar. 25: Chapter Break

Mar. 26: Dab of Darkness
Blogger Nicole

Mar. 27: The Madhouse

Mar. 28: Rolo Polo Book Blog

Mar. 29: Mama Reads

Mar. 30: Novel Ink

Mar. 31: Glorious Panic

Apr. 1: The Broke Book Bank
A New Look On Books

Apr. 2: Jories Loves A Story

Apr. 3: The Hermit Librarian
Up Til Dawn

Apr. 4: Here's to Happy Endings
My World In Words and Pages

Apr. 5: Hall Ways
terriluvsbooks

Apr. 6: A Book and A Latte

Apr. 7: Desert Rose Reviews
Bound 4 Escape
Holed Up In A Book

Apr. 8: Zach's YA Reviews
The Autumn Bookshelf
The Queen Reads

➜Sign up as a host here

Well, tell us what you think!

Your friends,

The Autumn Bookshelf

Blog Tour: Shadows of Atlantis

Hello readers! So here we are again with another blog tour! We hope that you find a new read to add to your TBR pile!

Shadows of Atlantis 
Awakening
By Mara Powers ​
Genre: Fantasy

Atlantis is a luxurious paradise run by crystal technology built in alignment with nature. For thousands of years, Atlanteans have powered their cities with a Crystal Grid fed by psychic mindlight.

But the Grid has been infiltrated by parasitic shadows that feed off the negative emotions of humans - an epidemic called “the madness.” 

D’VINID, a dejected musician, is consumed by his personal problems. He meets Brigitte as she seeks to uncover the corruption in the Grid. Their magnetic attraction forces him to face his past and accept his future. He is among those born with a gene unlocking mystical powers once believed to be the birthright of all humans. 

As Atlantis slowly drowns in the trap of hubris and self-indulgence, he is faced with the shocking realization that his life may be mirroring Atlantis itself - he must choose to awaken or face destruction.

Goodreads * Amazon * iTunes * Smashwords * Kobo * B&N

MARA POWERS has been researching Atlantis avidly since she was a teenager. 

Mara Powers is a true Gen X American nomad. She has managed to establish a life of travel, moving around all her favorite cities on a quest to chase the perfect weather. She discovered the myth of Atlantis at age 16, and has made it her life work to unravel the riddle. She studies both esoteric and secular theories, and incorporates them all in her stories. In a way, her Atlantis series is a dissertation on the knowledge and experience she has accumulated over almost 3 decades. 

Also a social butterfly, Powers spent the early part of her career as an event manager. She has worked at resorts, on boats, restaurants, in the festival circuit, and underground clubs as a promoter of bands, performers and electronic music. 

Her many travels have been incorporated into her work. For instance, her time spent as a denizen of Venice Beach is represented by the dog-town-style hover tricksters who have plagued the streets of Atlantis. 

She loves hearing everyone’s past life memories of Atlantis. Shoot her an email with yours.

Website * Amazon * Goodreads * Facebook

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Hope you  enjoy the book! Let us know what you think!

Your Friends,
The Autumn Bookshelf

Blog Tour: The Sound of Rain

Hello all! We here at The Autumn Bookshelf are really excited to be apart of this blog tour! Read, add to Goodreads and comment what you think!



The Sound of Rain by Gregg Olsen

Release Date: December 13th, 2016
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Format: Hardcover, 350 Pages

Synopsis:

Former homicide detective Nicole Foster has hit rock bottom. Driven off the force by her treacherous partner and lover, she’s flat broke and struggling with a gambling addiction. All Nicole has left is the dream of a warm bed at a homeless shelter and the haunting memories of three-year-old Kelsey Chase—whose murder case ended her career.

As Nicole obsesses over the old facts, she realizes everything about that case felt off: a disinterested mom, a suicidal pedophile, and too many questions left unanswered. When the little girl’s grieving father begs Nicole for help, she’s drawn back into the investigation…and given one shot at redemption.

But the deeper Nicole digs, the more evil she uncovers, including betrayals that hit painfully close to home. Will a shocking discovery be the key to finally getting justice for Kelsey and resurrecting her own life?

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Throughout his career, Gregg Olsen has demonstrated an ability to create a detailed narrative that offers readers fascinating insights into the lives of people caught in extraordinary circumstances.

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written nine nonfiction books, nine novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel. He has also appeared on Dateline NBC, William Shatner's Aftermath, Deadly Women on Investigation Discovery, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The Today Show, FOX News, CNN, Anderson Cooper 360, MSNBC, Entertainment Tonight, CBS 48 Hours, Oxygen's Snapped, Court TV's Crier Live, Inside Edition, Extra, Access Hollywood, and A&E's Biography.

In addition to television and radio appearances, he has been featured in Redbook, USA Today, People,Salon magazine, Seattle Times, Los Angeles Times and the New York Post.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington's Secretary of State for the book's contribution to Washington state history and culture. His Young Adult novel, Envy, was the official selection of Washington for the National Book Festival.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker spaniel) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater).

WEBSITE: http://www.greggolsen.com/
TWITTER: @Gregg_Olsen
GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15035.Gregg_Olsen
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor

Interview:

What inspired the story behind the book?
Initially it was a conversation with a friend of mine who’d gotten herself into big trouble. Like Nicole Foster in my book, she’d lost everything and her life was a shambles. Yet, deep down, I knew she could pull herself out of the mess. She was strong. That idea morphed into the new novel. 

What do you hope readers take from this book?
I want them to see Nicole as somebody who made a terrible mistake, but is not going to let it define the rest of her life. I want readers to see that possibility in others they know who might have fallen hard, but deserve a second chance.

Who was the first person to read the book, and why?
I have a few beta readers that I trust and they were the first to give feedback. I trust the people around me to be honest in their assessment of what I’m trying to do. It means a lot to me to have their support. 

Which character from your book do you connect with the most?
Nicole, the lead character, has my heart. I tried to see the world through her eyes – someone who’d been badly wounded, hurt by so many, yet responsible for her own downfall. She didn’t blame anyone for her problems, but it takes her awhile to really become self-aware. I like that about her. 

If you had to describe your novel if one sentence how would you do it?
When searching for the murderer of a small child a police detective with a broken heart finds herself. 




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Love, 
Your Friends at 
The Autumn Bookshelf

Blog Tour: S.H.A.Y.

Hello again, it's yet another addition to the blog tours here at the Autumn Bookshelf! Let us know what you think about the book in the comments!

S.H.A.Y. (Almost #1) 
by Christina Leigh Pritchard
Genre: NA Scifi/Suspense 
Release Date: August 16th 2016 
Limitless Publishing 

Summary from Goodreads: 

Experiment 318: Gone Rogue

Shay is scientific experiment #318. 
Science may have created her, but she refuses to allow it to blind her to the difference between right and wrong...

Synthetic Hominid Assumed Youth (S.H.A.Y.) is eighteen years old, which means she has completed Phase One: Developmental. Shay no longer requires the assistance of her Optional Human Parent, Darla, who has guided her in the process of discovering her morality. Shay loves her easy, charming life aboard the marine research facility and doesn’t want it to change. 

Phase Two: Experimental. All S.H.A.Y. ages 18-20 will experience loss...Darla shouldn’t have to die because ofan experiment. The thought of losing the only parent she’s ever known is too much. Determined to make sure the scientists at the facility don’t get their way, Shay entraps Darla in a transport device to escape across the Miami Border. There, on the mainland, law enforcement will keep her human parent safe.   


Escape Mission: Failed...

Shay crashes into one of the Lone Keys off the coast of Florida, abandoned to all humanity, except for the stranger who drags her ashore. Shay must get Darla to safety or she will die of radiation poisoning trapped inside the Freeze Portal, but Shay can’t do it alone.  

The boy who found her,an Ersatz Reproduction Intelligence Clone (E.R.I.C.), is her only hope. He has adaptation skills she needs to complete her mission. Eric was created by the same scientists who want to kill Darla, though. She tries to keep their interaction strictly business, but it’s hard to hate him. He’s flirty, charming and not to mention devastatingly handsome.  

Shay must put her trust in Eric’s hands if she wants to save Darla from her fate. It may be worth her heart, but will it be worth her life?

Add to Goodreads

About the Author:

Christina Leigh Pritchard was born and raised in South Florida. Her first stories were written at the age of nine in spiral notebooks and in the various diaries she kept. Since she's upgraded to a computer, she's completed over fifty books, including her ALMOST Series, signed with Limitless Publishing. Christina Leigh Pritchard is still going strong with many more to come! Her genre's include science fiction, dark fantasy, young adult, drama, suspense, historical romance, multicultural, comedy, poetry and many more. 


Author Links: Website│Goodreads│Twitter│Facebook 

Blog Tour Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours


Hope you enjoy the book!
Your Friends,
The Autumn Bookshelf

Blog Tour: Faithfull

Hello Readers! We are stoked to be apart of the Faithful bog tour, hosted by Rockstar Book Tours! Check out the book, and let us know what you think in the comments!

About the Book:

Title: FAITHFUL

Author: Michelle Hauck

Pub. Date: November 15, 2016

Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse

Pages: 384

Formats: eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

Following Grudging--and with a mix of Terry Goodkind and Bernard Cornwall--religion, witchcraft, and chivalry war in Faithful, the exciting next chapter in Michelle Hauck's Birth of Saints series!

A world of Fear and death…and those trying to save it.

Colina Hermosa has burned to the ground. The Northern invaders continue their assault on the ciudades-estados. Terror has taken hold, and those that should be allies betray each other in hopes of their own survival. As the realities of this devastating and unprovoked war settles in, what can they do to fight back?

On a mission of hope, an unlikely group sets out to find a teacher for Claire, and a new weapon to use against the Northerners and their swelling army.

What they find instead is an old woman.

But she’s not a random crone—she’s Claire’s grandmother. She’s also a Woman of the Song, and her music is both strong and horrible. And while Claire has already seen the power of her own Song, she is scared of her inability to control it, having seen how her magic has brought evil to the world, killing without reason or remorse. To preserve a life of honor and light, Ramiro and Claire will need to convince the old woman to teach them a way so that the power of the Song can be used for good. Otherwise, they’ll just be destroyers themselves, no better than the Northerners and their false god, Dal. With the annihilation their enemy has planned, though, they may not have a choice.

A tale of fear and tragedy, hope and redemption, Faithful is the harrowing second entry in the Birth of Saints trilogy.

Forgot about book one? Well here it is!

About the Book:

Title: GRUDGING

Author: Michelle Hauck

Release Date: November 17, 2015

Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse

Formats:  eBook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

A world of chivalry and witchcraft…and the invaders who would destroy everything.

The North has invaded, bringing a cruel religion and no mercy. The ciudades-estados who have stood in their way have been razed to nothing, and now the horde is before the gates of Colina Hermosa…demanding blood.

On a mission of desperation, a small group escapes the besieged city in search of the one thing that might stem the tide of Northerners: the witches of the southern swamps.

The Women of the Song.

But when tragedy strikes their negotiations, all that is left is a single untried knight and a witch who has never given voice to her power. And time is running out.

A lyrical tale of honor and magic, Grudging is the opening salvo in the Book of Saints trilogy.

About Michelle:

Michelle Hauck lives in the bustling metropolis of northern Indiana with her hubby and two teenagers. Two papillons help balance out the teenage drama. Besides working with special needs children by day, she writes all sorts of fantasy, giving her imagination free range. A book worm, she passes up the darker vices in favor of chocolate and looks for any excuse to reward herself. Bio finished? Time for a sweet snack.

She is a co-host of the yearly contests Query Kombat and Nightmare on Query Street, and Sun versus Snow.

Her epic fantasy, Kindar's Cure, is published by Divertir Publishing. Her short story, Frost and Fog, is published by The Elephant's Bookshelf Press in their anthology, Summer's Double Edge. She's repped by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary.

Website | Twitter |Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive signed paperbacks of book 1, Grudging, US Only.

Did you check out the past days of the tour? Check them out now!

Tour Schedule:

 Week One:

11/7/2016- Books,Dreams,Life- Interview

11/8/2016- Bibliobibuli YA- Review

11/9/2016- Book in the Bag- Interview

11/10/2016- History from a Woman's Perspective- Review

11/11/2016- Marty Mayberry- Guest Post

Week Two:

11/14/2016- Book for Thought- Review

11/15/2016- Curling Up With A Good Book- Guest Post

11/16/2016- Always Me- Review

11/17/2016- Dazzled by Books- Interview

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Well that's it from us!
Your Friends,
The Autumn Bookshelf