Blog Tour: Masked & Keeping The Beat

Hey loves! Yes you read that right! Today is really special, as The Autumn Bookshelf is hosting TWO stops for Rockstar Book Tours! So sit back and enjoy!


Title: MASKED (Superheroes UnderCover, #1)
Author: J.D. Wright
Pub. Date: August 15, 2017
Publisher: Limitless Publishing
Pages: 217
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Find it: Amazon, B&N, TBD, Goodreads

Summary:

- Turn 18 (check!)
- Register super name
- Order supersuit
- Attend superhero indoctrination
- Graduate high school
- Start kicking criminal tail

Vada Lawson can’t wait to be a superhero. Born into a family with special powers, she’s been training to fight criminals and villains her whole life. But her indoctrination into the underground super community is derailed when normals start breaking out in superpowers themselves.

Not trained to control their new abilities, the normals are frightened and vulnerable. Then their mutilated corpses begin turning up all over town. What the heck?

Somehow, with the help—and hindrance—of an annoying newly-minted super named Orion, Vada has to stop the chaos before it destroys her and everything she holds dear…and ruins her superhero debut.

No one ever said that being a superhero was easy… 


About J.D.: 

J.D. Wright is a military wife, mother of four, and author of paranormal and fantasy romance books filled with strong-willed heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, and sprinkled with humor and adventure. J.D. creates artistry in many ways, as a baker and cake artist by day and author by night. You can usually find her typing away at the computer or covered in frosting.


Since discovering she has a knack for writing, J.D. has so far written and self-published eight books of the Everealm and Songs of Everealm Series and is now venturing into the world of paranormal with her new superhero-themed series. She is an avid reader and lover of all things romance so she always includes a good love story in her paranormal and fantasy novels.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads 

Interview with the author:

What was the inspiration behind the book?
It was actually a superhero children’s show that my kids started watching which gave me the idea to use that as a theme. I love superheroes myself. Then when I started looking into it, I realized there aren’t many books with this theme that are written for older teens and upper-YA. So I decided to write one!

Who would your dream cast be of the movie adaptation?
Surprisingly, I haven’t really given this a lot of thought. I know that’s crazy since I’ve mapped out my entire cast for two of my other series. But here are some ideas for Masked.
I think I would go with AnnaSophia Robb as Vada/Majestic. She has the girl next door look but could still probably kick some tail.
Nick/Orion is so hard because I really can’t think of a blonde actor that’s the right age to play him. Maybe Luke Benward? I’m sure my readers could probably help me find the perfect Nick.
I think Kyle Allen would be great as Victor/Velocious. Bonus points as he’s already an acrobat!
Henley/Eden is a complex character. Danielle Campbell might be able to pull off her wicked side.

What is your favourite quote from the book?
The one that still makes me chuckle is “…this isn’t Gotham City, Batman. You don’t foot the bill.” I thought it would be funny to mention a well-known superhero and Batman happens to be my favorite. But it also shows that comic books still exist in this alternate world. I won’t tell you who said it though. You’ll have to read it to find out.

What would you want your readers to take away from the book?
I don’t expect the story to have any long-lasting effects. There isn’t a message I’m trying to convey or a boundary I want to break through. Like movies and television, I just hope this story entertains you. If it does, that’s all I could ask for.

Which character do you identify the most with?

I think I’m a mixture of a few of them. Vada has my ambition, that’s for sure. James got my love of video games. And Nick has my terribly inappropriate sense of humor. Poor guy.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a MASKED Mug and a $10 Amazon GC, International winner will receive a $20 Amazon GC.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more exclusive content!

Tour Schedule:

Week One:
9/11/2017- Mom with a Reading Problem- Interview
9/12/2017- Seeing Night Reviews- Review
9/13/2017- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt
9/14/2017- Book Briefs- Review

Week Two:
9/18/2017- Under the Book Cover- Review
9/19/2017- Wonder Struck- Guest Post
9/20/2017- Comfort Books- Review
9/21/2017- BookHounds YA- Interview
9/22/2017- Reese's Reviews- Review

And now on to Keeping the Beat!

Title: KEEPING THE BEAT
Author: Jeff Norton
Pub. Date: April 4, 2017
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Pages: 368
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Find it: Amazon, B&N, iBooks, TBD, Goodreads

It was supposed to be the best summer of her life. Instead, seventeen-year-old Lucy finds her best friend, Harper, shot dead in an LA swimming pool. How did things ever go so wrong? The story circles back to trace the steps that led to this disaster.

Only Harper McKenzie could have taken five girls from their school and reinvented them as Crush, the top prospect to win the international talent contest Project Next. As soon as the band finds its footing, it scores a huge win in the UK semifinal. Next stop, LA! 

The girls will spend a luxurious summer in Hollywood, living as reality TV stars while they prepare for their performance in the Project Next final. With a mansion to themselves, they’re the toast of the town … living every girl’s dream come true. 

It’s way too late when Lucy discovers that Harper’s heart has never been in Project Next at all. Joining the competition was just part of Harper’s elaborate ruse to reconnect with her no-good ex-boyfriend. Harper will risk anything — from her friendships to the band’s reputation — to get him back. 

Meanwhile, the other members of Crush are throwing themselves headfirst into sex, drugs and rock and roll. With the band in crisis and the final approaching, Lucy must decide whether she wants to play to Harper’s beat or set the rhythm for the rest of the band. 

This fast-paced story takes unexpected twists, unraveling the mystery of Harper’s murder and exploring the complicated relationships among members of the band. Writing team Marie Powell and Jeff Norton — with many years in the entertainment business between them — deliver one-part wish fulfillment and one-part cautionary tale as they go behind the scenes to reveal what no one sees on “reality” TV.



About Jeff:

Jeff Norton is an author, writer-producer, and founder of AWESOME. He creates compelling characters, amazing stories, and immersive worlds for all ages, in all media. He is the author of the high-tech thriller ‘MetaWars’ series from Hachette, ‘Memoirs Of A Neurotic Zombie’ from Faber, and the upcoming ‘Stomp School’ picture book series from Little Tiger Press.  He also creates and co-writes with other talented authors, such as the best-selling ‘Princess Ponies’ series with Julie Sykes (under the name Chloe Ryder) for Bloomsbury and the young adult novel ‘Drummer Girl’ with Bridget Tyler.
Jeff is an Executive Producer of the pre-school television show ‘Trucktown’ based on Jon Scieszka’s best-selling books.  Through his production company, AWESOME, Jeff is developing a slate of high-concept television shows for kids and adults.


Website | Twitter |Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of KEEPING THE BEAT, US Only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Schedule:

Week One:
9/11/2017- Books,Dreams,Life- Excerpt
9/12/2017- Wonder Struck- Review
9/13/2017- Confessions of a YA Reader- Excerpt
9/14/2017- Lattes & Paperbacks- Review

Week Two:
9/18/2017- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review
9/19/2017- books are love- Interview
9/20/2017- Rachel's Book Reviews- Review
9/21/2017- BookHounds YA- Guest Post
9/22/2017- Here's to Happy Endings- Review

Well that's all for today! Let me know what you think below!
Happy Reading,
Mari

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.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Release Week Blitz: The Sky Throne

We are so
excited that THE SKY THRONE by Chris
Ledbetter is available now and that we get to share the news!

If you
haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Chris Ledbetter, be sure
to check out all the details below.

This blitz

also includes a giveaway for a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate courtesy of
Month9Books and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in
the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Haven't heard of THE SKY THRONE? Check it out!

Title: THE SKY THRONE

Author: Chris Ledbetter

Pub. Date: April 18, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 292

Find it: Goodreads
| Amazon | B&N | TBD | iBooks

Duality dwells at every turn, and an adolescent Zeus will learn that all too well when Hyperion attacks his family on Crete.


When the dust settles, his mother is unconscious and his best friend left for dead.


Stacking epic insult upon fatal injury, Zeus discovers the woman who raised him is not his biological mother. But to ensure her safety while she recovers, a heavy-hearted Zeus leaves her behind to seek answers at Mount Olympus Preparatory Academia.


Zeus embarks on a quest to discover who ordered the attack on his home, avenge the death of his friend, and find his birth mother. When some of his new schoolmates vanish, Zeus's quest is turned upside down, and the only way to make things right is to access the power of The Sky Throne, confront a most dangerous enemy, and take his life back.


On his way to becoming king of the Greek gods, Zeus will learn to seize power, neutralize his enemies, and fall in love.





"Destined to have a sequel or two, young teens will appreciate the story, and teachers will appreciate that it instructs readers about the pantheon of gods."--Kevin Beach, VOYA Magazine

Exclusive Excerpt

The Oceanids descended upon the campus from their barracks like a wave
crashing against the shore. Telesto, the most beautiful sea nymph by several
stadia, smiled at me for the first time since I’d been going to the school.
Okay, it wasn’t a full smile. The corner of her lip twitched upward as she
flipped her wavy, aquamarine hair over her shoulder and glanced past me. But
that counts, right?

I backhanded Anytos in the chest. “You saw that. That’s my opening. If I
don’t make my move, she’ll be gone to the upper school next year.”

“Pssht, she is beyond the Mediterranean beautiful. Completely
unattainable.”

“Did you see that come hither stare she flashed me?”

“Looked more like indigestion.”

“You are as wrong as you are false. Cover my back. I’m moving in.”

I crossed the courtyard in a flash and caught Telesto’s arm as she
reached the weather-beaten front door to the main school hall.

“Telesto, you look as if the sun radiates from you.”

She paused and leaned back against the doorframe. “You’re just saying
that because I wore my yellow tunic today.”

“You shine with such brilliance; you should wear yellow every day.”

She folded a strand or two of stunning teal hair behind her ear and
twirled the ends. “But what happens when I wear my purple tunic?”

“A tunic hasn’t been invented that could dampen your beauty.”

She giggled and turned away from me for a moment. “Zeus, is it?”

I nodded, surprised she even knew my name.

“You’re the one who pulled that massive prank on my mother, Headmaster
Tethys, aren’t you?”

Oh, that’s how she knew me. Not invisible after all. I bowed. “I am him.
He is me. One and the same.”

“Crazy. She was so mad.” She shook her head, stifling a smile.

“As far as I can tell, language arts must be your favorite subject. Your
tongue is spectacularly sharp-witted.”

“Not really. But I am feeling a little inspired right now.”

Several strands of her hair fell to cover half her face. “Are you going
to the bonfire at the beach tomorrow night?”

“I wasn’t invite—”

Several of Telesto’s broad-shouldered, dark-haired brothers bumped into
me from behind. “Those are uncharted waters, boy. Careful now,” One of them
called over his shoulder. Those were the first words they’d ever spoken to me.
Telesto rolled her eyes. “Pay them no mind. They’re harmless. You were saying?”

“Those bonfires are an Oceanids and Potamoi thing? It’s kind of a secret
club that you have to be born into, right? Being brothers and sisters, children
of Headmasters Okeanos and Tethys… young water deities in training… masters of
rivers and streams…”

“I guess. But you should come out any way. It’s all night, under the
stars. Eating, drinking, stargazing… What’s better than that?”

Gazing into her mesmerizing, iridescent eyes, my mouth fired before I
could stop it. “Kissing you under the stars. That’s better.”

“Sprint much? You’re a fast mover.”

“I just go after what I want.”

“Well … ” A pink tint rose on her high cheek bones. “We shall see. But
first you have to show up.” 

Her lips twitched gain. “I have to go to class. See
you tomorrow?” She disappeared inside the school hall.

About Chris: 

Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville,
VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he
promptly “walked-on” to the best drum line in the conference without any prior
percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his
back is not very happy about now.

After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion
University and earned his degree in Business Administration. He’s worked in various
managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. He taught high school
for six years in Culpeper, VA, and also coached football.

He has walked the streets of Los Angeles and New York City, waded in
the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and climbed Diamond Head crater
on Hawaii and rang in the New Year in Tokyo, Japan. But he dreams of one day
visiting Greece and Italy.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube |  Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

4/17/2017- Rockin'
Book Reviews- Guest Post

4/17/2017- Reading for the Stars and Moon- Review

4/18/2017- LILbooKlovers- Interview

4/18/2017- Sophie Riggsby- Review

4/19/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Interview

4/19/2017- Book Review Becca- Review

4/20/2017- Month9Books- Excerpt

4/20/2017- Zach's
YA Reviews- Review

4/21/2017- YA and
Wine- Interview

4/21/2017- Kim
Harnes, Author- Review

Week 2:

4/24/2017- Jennifer
Eaton- Guest Post

4/25/2018- So Few Books- Interview

4/26/2018- Never Too Many To Read- Guest Post

4/27/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/27/2018- I am not a bookworm!- Review

4/28/2018- Mundie
Moms- Review

Enjoy and let us know what you think!
Your Friends,
The Autumn Bookshelf

Blog Tour: When Planets Fall

Hello all! We here at the Autumn Bookshelf are really stoked to be able to be apart of this book tour for When Planets Fall! Be sure to read everything and enter the giveaway below!


When Planets Fall by Abby J. Reed

Releases: May 10th, 2017
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Series: Stars Fall Circle No. 1
Pages: 420
Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads

Summary:

On a planet where the only difference between three tribes is their blood color, war is on the horizon. Breaker, an amputee, wants peace for his family and home. Malani, a kidnapped POW, wants to return home. Luka wants justice for his home. All three teens come together when Breaker is given seven days to fix a wrecked enemy starship or their home, and peace, is forfeit..

"In this richly imagined start to a new sci-fi series, Reed brings optimism to the goal of solving entrenched violence in a galaxy far, far away . . . A propulsive, sharply crafted tale about a planetary war." -Kirkus Reviewsnets 

About the author:

Abby J. Reed writes young adult science fiction and fantasy novels that ask what if. She has a degree in English Writing and is drawn to characters with physical limitations due to her own neurological disorder called Chronic Migraine. Her debut novel, WHEN PLANETS FALL, will be published in April 2017 by Soul Mate Publishing.
Abby lives in Colorado with her husband and two fluffy pups. If her hands aren’t on the keyboard, they are stained purple and blue with paint.

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

Interview with the super sweet author (and fellow Browncoat), Abby J. Reed!:

What is your dream cast for the movie adaptation of your book?

I am terrible at picking actors. TERRIBLE. But I would love to have someone with an actual amputation for Breaker, migraines for Luka, and PTSD for Malani.  Annnnnnnd for Breaker to have a really noticeable nose. I hate how main characters are so perfect. I mean, I have acne for life. My parents still have acne. Why can’t we have actors with real life acne? Maybe that’s just me.

If you had to choose a quote from your book to tattoo on yourself, which one would it be?

This is the best question. Either new hope, which is what Breaker names the ship. Or a lullaby of stars and tears, which is from a song in the book. It reminds me of both dreams and grief and how they weave together in life.


What was it that inspired the book? Were there any influences that you drew from?

The original spark came from a camp I attended in high school. The camp counselors who super hot, so I paid rapt attention to everything they said. Ha. But the theme was based around “strangers in a foreign land”. That phrase stayed with me. Then I wrote a short story about it in college for an assignment. And then that short story stayed with me. Eventually, it turned into a full book (after many, many changes). There weren’t any particular influences, though I did want a distinctive ship in it like Firefly’s Serenity because starships are awesome.

Which character do you identify with the most?

Totally depends on my mood. I’m cranky and migraining, Luka. When I’ve got a massive to-do list, Breaker. Most days, I’m a good cross between Malani and Tahnya (Breaker’s girlfriend). I’m more laid back, which puts me in Tahnya’s territory, but I’m less afraid to cross people, which makes me slide closer to Malani’s.

Were there any hurdles that you encountered while writing the book?

Oh yeaaaaahh. I have Chronic Migraine, which can make reading and writing very difficult. (I know . . . and I wanted to be an author???) So there’s many practical hurdles while editing. There were an obnoxious amount of days where I was so sick, someone had to come over and read the book aloud to me. I’d verbally tell them all the changes. It’is definitely not my favorite way to edit.

If you had to sell this book in a single sentence, how would you write it?

On a planet where the only difference between three warring tribes is their blood color, Breaker is given seven days to fix a wrecked enemy starship or his home, brother, and peace is forfeit.

Finally, what is the best piece of advice that you got whilst writing the book? Can you give some advice to young writers?

My dad actually told me this—integrity is knowing what is best for you. And doing it.

I think this is super important because people will tell you to keep pushing yourself and keep striving. While some of that is good, not all of it is. For me, I need to know what my body’s limits are and to them in order to keep from making my disorder worse. This is a different way of living with integrity.

His advice is mine too—do what’s best for you. There’s no shame or guilt in that.


Also, you are not your writing. Just because your writing sucks doesn’t mean you suck. Just because your writing is awesome doesn’t mean you are an awesome person and I want to be friends.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Be sure to check out this wonderful book, which hits shelves in May, and of course, the rest of the tour!

Week One:

4/3/2017- Twinning for Books- Interview

4/3/2017- Everything Marie- Review

4/4/2017- Jennifer Mary G.- Guest Post

4/4/2017- What the Cat Read- Review

4/5/2017- The Not So Public Library- Excerpt

4/5/2017- YA and Wine- Review

4/6/2017- The Autumn Bookshelf- Interview

4/6/2017- A Trail of Books Left Behind- Review

4/7/2017- Smada's Book Smack- Guest Post

4/7/2017- Kayl's Krazy Obsession- Review

Week Two:

4/10/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/10/2017- The Broke Book bank- Review

4/11/2017- Read Day and Night- Review

4/11/2017- Wishful Endings- Review

4/12/2017- Books,Dreams,Life- Excerpt

4/12/2017- Book-Keeping- Review

4/13/2017- Bibliobibuli YA- Interview

4/13/2017- Reese's Reviews- Review

4/14/2017- YA Book Madness- Guest Post

4/14/2017- Taking It One Book at a Time- Review

As always, let us know what you think of the book in the comments below!

Your Friends, 

The Autumn Bookshelf