Review: In a Jam by Cindy Dorminy

Title: In a Jam
Author: Cindy Dorminy
Genre: Romance, New Adult
Publisher: Red Adept Publishing
Publication Date: April 10th 2018
*A digital copy of In a Jam was received in exchanged for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions where my own* 


Summary:

Andie Carson has to do three things to inherit her grandmother’s lottery winnings—sober up, spend a month running her grandmother’s Georgia coffee shop, and enter homemade jam in the county fair. If she can’t meet those terms, the money goes to the church, and Andie gets nothing. She figures her tasks will be easy enough, and once she completes them, Andie plans to sell the shop, take the money, and run back to Boston. After a rough breakup from his crazy ex-fiancée, Officer Gunnar Willis decides to take a hiatus from women. All he wants is to help make his small town thrive the way it did when he was a kid. But when wild and beautiful Andie shows up, Gunnar’s hesitant heart begins to flutter. Gunnar knows that Andie plans to leave, but he’s hoping to change her mind, fearful that if her coffee shop closes, Main Street will fold to the big-box corporations and forever change the landscape of his quaint community. But convincing her to stay means getting close enough to risk his heart in the process. Even though Gunnar makes small-town life seem a little sweeter, Andie has to decide if she’s ready to turn her world upside down and give up big-city life. One thing’s for sure—it’s a very sticky situation.

If there is one thing that anybody should know about me is that the country, country music, small towns and country boys are among some of my favorite things and right now Gunnar Willis is at the top of the country boy list. Though contemporary romance novels aren't much of my thing the synopsis of this book drew me in. In a Jam is one of those hidden gems of a book and I am so glad I had an opportunity to read and review this book. In a Jam is a pretty short read, that I finished about three hours into a six hour car ride upstate to take my sister to visit her dream college and it was a story that was stuck in my head for the reminder of my care ride there, and the six hour car ride back. 

Though I can't relate to Andie on many things I can relate to her from the fact that she is a city girl. Andie spent a good chunk of her life living in Boston and away from the small town that she had come from. After her Grandmother's death Andie is faced with a choice, abide by her Grandmother's wishes and inherit her millions of dollars in lottery winnings or stay in the dark hole she is spiraling down. Granny's conditions seem pretty simple: Sober up, run her coffee shop and enter the jam contest at the county fair. Andie thinks this is all simple enough until she meets Gunnar and discovers that maybe living small town life won't be as bad as it seems. 

There were so many moments in this book that I laughed or giggled at. Andie is sassy and has a quick sense of humor and then Gunnar just says things that make you want to melt and be envious of Andie (.... Not me of course...) In a Jam is told in dual prospective. I was fun being in both characters head, I liked that we get to see the reasons why they are hesitant to peruse anything with each other, and then the switch on when they decide what the decision is going to be. Getting Gunnar's POV gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about his past and things that he wasn't open with Andie about additionally. Cindy included a wide cast of characters in this book and the character development and chemistry between all the characters give this novel not only a small town feel but a feel of family as well. 

With summer coming up and people looking for books to read while lounging by the pool or on the beach I am going to be pushing this one hard. It was so sweet (pun intended) and fun and something quick. It will leave you grinning from ear to ear long after you read the last page. 

Thank you Cindy for the review copy and the chance to read In a Jam!

Waiting on Wednesday: Sea Witch by Sarah Henning

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine where we highlight some of the upcoming books we can't wait to read!

Amber's Waiting on:

Title: Sea Witch

Author: Sarah Henning

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: July 31st 2018 

Summary:

Ever since her best friend, Anna, drowned, Evie has been an outcast in her small fishing town. A freak. A curse. A witch. A girl with an uncanny resemblance to Anna appears offshore and, though the girl denies it, Evie is convinced that her best friend actually survived. That her own magic wasn’t so powerless after all. And, as the two girls catch the eyes—and hearts—of two charming princes, Evie believes that she might finally have a chance at her own happily ever after. But her new friend has secrets of her own. She can’t stay in Havnestad, or on two legs, unless Evie finds a way to help her. Now Evie will do anything to save her friend’s humanity, along with her prince’s heart—harnessing the power of her magic, her ocean, and her love until she discovers, too late, the truth of her bargain. The rise of Hans Christian Andersen’s iconic villainess is a heart-wrenching story of friendship, betrayal, and a girl pushed beyond her limits—to become a monster.

First off that cover *heart eyes* Second, mermaids. Thirst, story of friendship? Sign me up this sounds amazing.  

What are you waiting on this week? Leave your links so I can stop back!

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Fading by Cindy Cipriano

Fading
Cindy Cipriano
(The Fading Series, #1)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: April 10th 2018
Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Leath Elliott is a seventeen-year-old competitive shooter living with her mother in Woodvine, North Carolina. Leath’s father was killed in a tragic accident when she was fourteen, and her friend Victor Santana has been there for her every step of the way since. But the friendship starts to change when Victor develops deeper feelings for her. If that wasn’t complicated enough, newcomer James Turner, an emancipated minor with a dark past, wanders into her sights. Leath is captivated by him and wonders if he might be the boy of her dreams—literally.
Fading is the first book in an exciting new fantasy romance series by award-winning author Cindy Cipriano.

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—

GUEST POST BY CINDY CIPRIANO

Thanks for hosting me today. I’m thrilled to be here to talk about my new paranormal romance, Fading, and pass on some tips I’ve learned in my journey as an author. First, a little about Fading, which is the first book in The Fading Series.
Fading
Seventeen-year-old, Leath Elliott lives with her mother in the microscopic town of Woodvine, North Carolina. Leath’s father was killed in a tragic accident when she was fourteen, and her friend Victor Santana has been there for her every step of the way since. But the friendship starts to change when Victor develops deeper feelings for Leath. If that wasn’t complicated enough, newcomer James Turner, an emancipated minor with a dark past, wanders into her sights. Leath is captivated by him and wonders if he might be the boy of her dreams—literally.
Fading – Insider Info (or as much as I can tell you)
I often think of Fading as the VLJ story. As in Victor-Leath-James.
Being in love is wonderful, heartwarming, and can leave you breathless. But, sometimes, it is so confusing! If you have ever loved two people at the same time, you can relate to what Leath is going through in Fading. Although some readers have expressed their choice (Victor or James), many feel the way the same way Leath does; she loves them both.
As Leath soon learns, decisions of the heart are not always clear or easy to make. Thank goodness, she has best-friend, Anamae, to help her navigate the waters. On second thought, the word, “help,” might be a bit of a stretch
Feeling Extra? Readers are often surprised to learn that one of the settings in Fading is a real place. Judaculla Rock is a 2,000-3,000 year-old petroglyph located in western North Carolina. Several legends surround the origin of the rock as well as the images that are carved into its surface. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Judaculla Rock a few times and have really enjoyed incorporating this setting into Fading.
Which brings me to writing.
I’m often asked if I have any tips for new writers. The best suggestion I have is to join a critique group.
Now.
No, wait. Join one yesterday.
Learning how to give and receive thoughtful criticism will make your writing stronger. Writing is often an isolated endeavor. Being a part of a critique group helps foster a sense of community. It’s great having someone to turn to when you need to bounce ideas around. And, having a group discussion about your writing will help you see your story from a different perspective.
I’m also asked about the editing process. I’ll leave you with my best tip for editing.
Read your entire manuscript aloud. That really helps you notice mistakes and helps you smooth out the rough spots. If necessary, I suggest you record yourself as you read aloud the more difficult sections.
–Cindy Cipriano
–Please visit www.cindycipriano.com to learn more about Fading.

Author Bio:
Cindy Cipriano lives in North Carolina with her husband, son and their 27 pets.
Not really.
Just three dogs who think they are children and three cats who think they are raccoons. It only seems as if they make 27. When Cindy isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and the avoidance of cooking.
Cindy's first novel, The Circle, Book One of The Sidhe won the 2014 Moonbeam Children's Book Silver Award for Pre-Teen Fiction - Fantasy. Other titles in the series include The Choice, Book Two of The Sidhe (2015) and The Lost, Book Three of The Sidhe (2017). This seven-book series is published by Odyssey Books.
Miller's Island Mysteries #1 The Case of the Toxic River (2017) is the first in her eleven-book science mystery series (Vulpine Press). #2 The Case of the Catalyst will release in 2018.
Look for Fading, the first in her young adult series, in April 2018. (Clean Teen Publishing). Fading is the tale of first loves and the consequence of dreaming up Mr. Right.

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We'd like to thank the lovely team over at Xpresso for thinking of us and allowing us to be a part of this book blitz! Best of luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!

Guest Review: Wintersong by S. Jae-Jones

Title: Wintersong

Author: S. Jae-Jones
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
Hardcover, 436 Pages
Published February 2017

Summary: All her life, nineteen-year-old Liesl has heard tales of the beautiful, mysterious Goblin King. He is the Lord of Mischief, the Ruler Underground, and the muse around which her music is composed. Yet, as Liesl helps shoulder the burden of running her family’s inn, her dreams of composition and childish fancies about the Goblin King must be set aside in favor of more practical concerns. But when her sister Käthe is taken by the goblins, Liesl journeys to their realm to rescue her sister and return her to the world above. The Goblin King agrees to let Käthe go—for a price. The life of a maiden must be given to the land, in accordance with the old laws. A life for a life, he says. Without sacrifice, nothing good can grow. Without death, there can be no rebirth. In exchange for her sister’s freedom, Liesl offers her hand in marriage to the Goblin King. He accepts. Down in the Underground, Liesl discovers that the Goblin King still inspires her—musically, physically, emotionally. Yet even as her talent blossoms, Liesl’s life is slowly fading away, the price she paid for becoming the Goblin King’s bride. As the two of them grow closer, they must learn just what it is they are each willing to sacrifice: her life, her music, or the end of the world.

Today on the blog we have a guest review from Grant over at The Writer's Block! He was kind enough to stop by and review Gentleman's Guide and share her thoughts on it, and we couldn't be more excited to have him. So without further ado, let's get into it!

Full of wonder, magic, and music, Wintersong is a visual fairytale without the fairies. A story told through the eyes and heart of Elisabeth and her selfless sacrifice for her sister. Or was her sacrifice as selfless as first perceived?
In Wintersong reader’s will see a theme of lyrics, love, lust, liberation, and limbo between a quickly expiring childhood and an uncertain future. Elisabeth’s insecure and emotionally disrupted nature shaken after being the willing hostage of her childhood crush turned Goblin King of the mysterious, carefully shrouded, rearranging, and mystical underworld. She becomes the Queen to the brooding King and somehow the power of the position awakens new reserves of strength and confidence within the girl everyone always overlooked.

With insecurities nearly tucked away by the power of music, melodies, and royalty, surprisingly Elisabeth may just find what she is looking for….fulfillment in song and adventure!

The Goblin King is a cross between a debonair ghost from Elisabeth’s past and a villain willing to hold a young maiden captive to his command in his underworld kingdom of magic. He is so perfectly described as, “…standing in a far corner of the main hall, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. The tall, elegant stranger. The Goblin King. He was the still point around which everything revolved. He was reality where everything else was a reflection.

Der Erlkönig, Lord of Mischief, Ruler of the Underground? How did one address a legend?”

Although, the lingering childishness of Elisabeth puts a bad spin on this King the Lord of Mischief, he’s really not a bad guy. I truly believe that he loved her before that fateful night. (No worries, No spoilers 😉)

This story harkens back to the tale of Beauty and the Beast given that the female protagonist offers herself in exchange for a loved one to be freed from the paws of controlling individual. The Goblin King intrigued me perhaps the most of any character in Wintersong. His brooding, dark, mysterious, larger than life, and sexually charged presence was just the love interest for young Elisabeth that this book needed. And yet music was her one true love till the end.

I give Wintersong ✨✨✨✨ (4 Stars)!!

P.S. Don’t forget to check out S. Jae-Jones's sequel to Wintersong, Shadowsong out this February 6, 2018!

We'd like to once again thank Grant for stopping by The Book Bratz today to post this guest review. You can read the original review over on his blog by clicking HERE!

** Psst! Interested in guest reviewing on The Book Bratz? Shoot us an email at thebookbratz@gmail.com or DM us on Twitter (@thebookbratz) and we'd love to have you!

Review: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Title: Little Fires Everywhere

Author: Celeste Ng
Publisher: Penguin Press
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Hardcover, 338 Pages
Published September 2017

Summary: In Shaker Heights, a placid, progressive suburb of Cleveland, everything is meticulously planned – from the layout of the winding roads, to the colours of the houses, to the successful lives its residents will go on to lead. And no one embodies this spirit more than Elena Richardson, whose guiding principle is playing by the rules. Enter Mia Warren – an enigmatic artist and single mother – who arrives in this idyllic bubble with her teenage daughter Pearl, and rents a house from the Richardsons. Soon Mia and Pearl become more than just tenants: all four Richardson children are drawn to the alluring mother-daughter pair. But Mia carries with her a mysterious past, and a disregard for the rules that threatens to upend this carefully ordered community. When the Richardsons' friends attempt to adopt a Chinese-American baby, a custody battle erupts that dramatically divides the town and puts Mia and Mrs. Richardson on opposing sides. Suspicious of Mia and her motives, Mrs. Richardson becomes determined to uncover the secrets in Mia's past. But her obsession will come at unexpected and devastating costs to her own family – and Mia's.

I've heard nothing but good things about this book ever since it was named one of the top fiction books last year, but a little part of me was still hesitant because most adult books I've read in the past didn't hold my interest much. But when I found out that this book was going to be my school's book club pick, I decided to give it a try, and I'm so that I did -- because I already know I'll be pushing this book on everyone I know. There was so much more to this story than I even expected, and I can totally see why it's about to be turned into a Hulu series. 

As the summary explains, Mia and her daughter Pearl show up in the picture-perfect town Shaker Heights, where everything is planned, the community is viewed as safe, nothing goes wrong, and everyone only makes the "right" decisions. But Mia and Pearl are far from the stereotypical mold of Shaker Heights -- they're nomads that travel from place to place, living out of their van, always creating art, always on the move. There's no dad in the picture (although that gets discussed later). There's no stability. To everyone in Shaker Heights, they seem like a blemish that doesn't fit. Slowly but surely, they find ways to blend in...but then some of Mia's darkest secrets come to light, and Pearl finds herself caught in the crossfire. And what happens between those moments is rich and complex.

When I found out that author Celeste Ng actually lived in Shaker Heights growing up, that added an even creepier and more chilling element to the story. The way the town is described -- as something so planned and perfect -- seems like something out of a futuristic-esque novel that was so chilling that it couldn't be real. So finding out that it WAS a real place, even if the story itself was fictional...wow. It just added a whole new dimension to the book that hung around in the back of my mind throughout my whole reading process and made me keep looking over my shoulder. It certainly adds a thrill aspect to the story. 

I just really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the multiple layers of the story that happened throughout the novel -- there's a whole bunch to be unpacked here and these stories all find ways to intertwine and when you see it altogether in the end...wow. That's all I can say about that. It's clear that this book was planned out rigorously and thought out very well. There's the story of Mia and Pearl's arrival, Lexie's story, Mia's secret past, the Mirabelle situation, and even Mrs. Richardson's story and her place in Shaker Heights. There's a lot going on here worth paying attention to -- a lot more than I ever expected to be interested in! And I seriously zipped through this book so quickly -- I was worried that it would take me awhile to finish, but I read almost the entire thing in one day/one sitting because I kept wanting to flip to the next page and see what would happen next. The story may have started out a little slow with all of the backstory and getting the reader comfortable with the way Shaker Heights worked, but once you're settled in...the drama begins. And wow, do you find yourself latching onto the story quickly.

(Spoilers in this paragraph, please skip to the next one if you don't want the book spoiled for you!) One thing that I wasn't super crazy about with this book was the end. It brings you right back to where the story began, but then it just leaves you hanging! I was just left with so many questions. What happened to Izzy? Where did she go? Did Mrs. Richardson ever find out the truth about Lexie and Pearl? Trip and Moody? Where did Mia and Pearl go?! Who did they see?! Will Izzy ever get caught, and what happens if she does?? I just wanted to know the answers to all of those pressing questions, and I felt like I was left on a little bit too much of a cliffhanger. The story really only explained how we got to the beginning point in the first scene of the story, but it doesn't fill in much of what happens after it.

The only other thing that I wasn't really enthusiastic about was the way point of view was handled in this book. The story was told in 3rd person, which always tended to throw me off a little bit, but what threw me off more was the fact that the perspective would switch multiple times throughout the same chapter, sometimes even on the same page. There were a few instances where I had to back up and reread because I wasn't sure whose perspective I was seeing the story from. But as the book went on, I began to figure out the pattern and how Celeste Ng's writing style worked, and it became a little less confusing.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Little Fires Everywhere. It was a book filled with love and loss, mysteries and secrets, and even some love. It was interesting to look into the Shaker Heights dynamic as well. I started this book unsure of what I was going to feel about it, but I walked away feeling satisfied and having enjoyed a really good story. If you're looking for a new book to pick up, I encourage you all to check it out and give it a shot -- I certainly enjoyed it!