Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway! -- Why Kimba Saved the World by Meg Dendler

About the Book

The first book in the middle grade chapter book series Cats in the Mirror. 
How can a young cat pick between everything she has ever wanted and everyone she has ever loved? Kimba lives the care-free life of a much loved house cat, but what she really wants is freedom and the wild life for which she was born. Then she learns a secret that changes everything, including her destiny. Will she join this mysterious cat conspiracy? Kimba must choose between the freedom she craves and the human family she loves.If you enjoy kid's animal books and kid's fantasy books, "Why Kimba Saved The World" is just for you. This children's ebook is followed by the sequel, "Vacation Hiro." A kid's chapter book ages 9-12 is perfect for independent reading and kid's chapter book ages 4-8 is perfect for read aloud. 

 

Why Kimba Saved the World is a cute, captivating, and educational story about two kittens found and given a wonderful home with a loving family. It is also an imaginative story about those same kittens being contacted by other cats and given secret missions to complete.

As I was reading this book, I was laughing and thinking about my cat, and how he too is a found stray and how many of his first places and movements were similar to Kimba and Hiro’s. I think Cooper (my cat) may too be communicating with and accomplishing his missions with the strange things he does and things he gets into…

Any ways. I found Kimba to be a strong cat character and the message behind making hard decisions was present throughout the book. I think it was relatable and adorable and any young or older reader would have a good time picking it up, especially if they are a cat lover.

1 signed Paperback Copy of Why Kimba Saved the World

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
About the Author

Meg Welch Dendler is an award-winning author and a former pre-k, elementary, and middle school teacher who celebrated publishing her first book, “Why Kimba Saved The World,” on February 23, 2013. This story is based on her true-life crazy cat and the other cats in her home…and the idea that they are all really part of an alien race that wants to rule the earth. In October of 2013, “Why Kimba Saved The World” was honored with a Moonbeam Children’s Book Award as “Best First Book — Chapter Book,” Bronze Medal. The sequel, “Vacation Hiro,” is due out in November.

Find the Author

www.megdendler.com

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Follow the Tour

October 15  Review of “Kimba” at Kidz Review Krew

October 22  Featured Author at www.arkansasauthors.com

October 23   Review of “Kimba” at Cover2Cover Blog

November 3  Review of “Kimba” at Magnolia Blossom Reviews

November 4  Review of “Kimba” at Jenn’s Review Blog

November 11  Review of “Vacation Hiro” at Arkansas Book Reviewer 

November 18  Review of “Kimba” at Kid Lit Reviews

November 25 Feature & Review of “Kimba” at Crossroad Reviews

November 26  Review of “Kimba” at This Kid Reviews Books

Teaser Tuesday: Why Kimba Saved the World by Meg Dendler

Why Kimba Saved the World by Meg Dendler

 
Publish Date: Feb. 2013 Format: Paperback

 

Synopsis from Goodreads:

How can a young cat pick between everything she has ever wanted and everyone she has ever loved? Kimba lives the care-free life of a much loved house cat, but what she really wants is freedom and the wild life for which she was born. Then she learns a secret that changes everything, including her destiny. Will she join this mysterious cat conspiracy? Kimba must choose between the freedom she craves and the human family she loves.

My Teaser 

"A cat should desire freedom above all else.

But is that really what Kimba felt now, this moment?"

Page 23 of the Paperback

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Building the Book Pile #68

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!  A Weekly meme inspired by Stacking the Shelves

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Giveaways Going on NOW!         

 
  
Click pic to be taken to the giveaway!
Others may be linked on the right sidebar :) check them out!

  
What's Happening?!

  Hello Lovely Readers! I am trying to be more choosey with the tours and requests that come in because I have so many books sitting on my To Be Read Shelf...so not a lot this week which is nice...
 

Coming up on the Blog...

The Spooktacular Giveaway will continue
Blog Tour: Why Kimba Saved the World + Review
Cover Reveal: Duality (The Hitchhiker Strain, #2)
Early Reader Review: My Little Pony: Pony Tales (Graphic Novel)
[Hopefully a few other reviews if I get through things]
 

What I got this week (and last)...

  EBooks

Covers Link to Goodreads 

Persephone (Daughters of Zeus #1) by Kaitlin Bevis from the author for review

Have you missed anything lately?

Last Week

Blog Tour: Review -- The Grotto Under the Tree (MG) + GIVEAWAY -- 4 Stars

Blog Blitz: From Gods + GIVEAWAY! (YA)

Blog Tour: Review -- Kiss of Fire (YA) -- 4 Stars

Recent Reads Review: Two Boys Kissing (YA)  -- 4.5 Stars

Spooktacular Giveaway!!! Go Enter

Adult Blog Tour: Open Flame (ADULT) -- 3 Stars

Recent Reads Review: The Misadventures of the Magician's Dog (MG) -- 3 Stars

October 6-12

Early Reader Review: Unstoppable: Nowhere to Run (MG) -- 4 Stars

Cover Reveal: Born of Deception by Teri Brown

Spotlight: Neiko's Five Land Adventure

Blog Blitz: Interview with Helen Keeble author of No Angel

Blog this Blitz and Giveaway

  Comment and leave me a link to your Round-up post! Happy Reading!

Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway! -- The Grotto Under the Tree by John Theo, Jr

The Grotto Under the Tree by John Theo, Jr.

About the Book
Follow two young heroes, Sebastian and Sara, as they mistakenly descend into a mystical land where elves, mermaids, gnomes and other mythological creatures live. The two discover they have stumbled into an ancient battle between these fair folk and evil creatures called the Kylo. Their guide on this journey is Capri, an elf lord who is on a quest to find his lost tribe. The Kylo chase the children and Capri in his flying galleon north into the Arctic Circle where they find the most unlikely ally. During the final battle the children learn about sacrifice, love and ultimately forgiveness.

Find the book: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

The Grotto Under the Tree is a very sweet middle grade read about two friends who find themselves wrapped up in a fantasy. The plot has the feel of Narnia and Tolkien wrapped together with a world of magic, elves, and adventure for these two children. Sara and Sebastian are a funny pair, Sara is sporty and Sebastian is more intellectual so they make for a good friendship. One is always getting up to something and in this case leads to an adventure.

The story begins with some background about the old Oak tree that stands in from of their school, when a few days later the tree is damaged the kids find a secret place underneath of it and with it magical creatures like elves and mermaids, but they also find evil. This evil affects Sebastian and they must go with an elf to save him.

I found the plot fun and exciting and very easy to read. The story was paced well and the chapters were short and make for some good breaks in the plotline. I very much enjoyed the adventure and think that this will be a wonderful book for young readers. It will keep their attention, make them ask questions, and is a magical journey.

$25 Gift Card or Paypal (INT)  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author
John Theo, Jr. has numerous published articles on arts, culture and sports figures. He holds an
M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Pine Manor College in Chestnut Hill, MA. During the day John serves as Vice President of Operations for Blue Sky Holdings, which owns many commercial fitness clubs. John is also an adjunct professor at Endicott College in Beverly, MA, where he teaches screenwriting. John's Book, The Grotto Under The Tree, has been released by Astraea Press.

Find the author: Website 

Blog Blitz: Excerpts and Giveaway -- From Gods by Mary Ting

From Gods by Mary Ting 

About the Book
Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day? It’s not from Mother Nature. It is most likely from Mason Grand, swoon-worthy demigod, one of Zeus’s descendants. Skylar Rome is supposed to be having the best summer ever before she heads off to college. Little did she know, her whole life was about to change while visiting her cousin. Nearly drowning at the beach due to unknown forces, one of the Grand brothers she’d just met, Mason, saves her life. Cool, collected, mysterious, and dangerously good-looking, Skylar is drawn to him from the start. Though she knows he is the type of guy good girls stayed away from, it seems he is always saving her life, and the attraction was inevitable. Upon meeting the brothers, strange things begin to happen. When she accidentally kills one of the brothers, it throws her life into turmoil, as they search to find the answers. Implausibly, she gets caught up in a world of the decedents of ancient gods, all who have super powers. Not only is her discovery difficult to accept, evil beings are after her. Running out of time and running for her life, she must unravel a mystery. What do they want from her? Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will she find the answers, or will she die trying?   

Buy the Book

   

Teaser 1: “You’re wet. You should take off your clothes.” What a way to avoid a question! Skylar blinked her eyes in disbelief. Did she hear him correctly? “Excuse me?” Not wanting to assume he was really asking her to strip off her clothes, she didn’t move a muscle, but the way his piercing eyes laid on her, she might as well have already been naked. Then she inwardly gasped when he started to unbutton his shirt. Her eyes shot to the floor, then back to him, and then to the floor, wondering what she was supposed to do in this awkward moment. “Here. Go change in the restroom. You don’t want to catch a cold.” He placed his shirt in front of her. She looked up to see him shirtless for the very first time. With all the right curves and tightness, he looked like a statue of a god. He was beautiful and perfectly toned, with satin-like skin, which looked like it would be smooth to the touch. And there was a small tattoo shaped like a lightning bolt on his upper right arm, toward his shoulder. Way too sexy! As warmth flushed her face, she tried not to stare, but there was no way around it. “Umm…you won’t have a shirt,” Skylar said, thinking that was the most idiotic thing she had said so far, but she couldn’t think when he was half-naked in front of her. “I’m not cold, but you will be.” Mason was right. Skylar didn’t realize she was shivering until she placed her hand out to take his shirt. The adrenaline from the initial shock had kept her warm, and now it was wearing away. The blasting air conditioner didn’t help either. “Thanks.” Just as she pivoted right toward the restroom, even though she was deathly scared to go back, Mason gripped her arm. “Wait. Don’t go in there without me.” His sudden protectiveness surprised Skylar, but then again, he had saved her.    

Teaser 2: “Mason, Mason, Mason,” Skylar panicked. “I know. Skylar, hold on tight. I’m going to brake.” “But…but there are cars behind us.” “We have no choice. Don’t worry. I got this.” Pushing down on the brake pedal forcefully, the car hydroplaned to the right. “Hold on,” Mason yelled. Skylar gripped the first thing she could place her hand on tightly. The water from the road jetted up into the air like a water show, but the car kept gliding sideways, until finally it spun a full circle and stopped. With no time to waste, Mason turned the car toward the right and accelerated, hoping to dodge what was coming toward them. Out of nowhere, a long piece of ice, taking the form of a spear-like shape, darted through the trucks’ tires and punctured some of them. More ice spears came soaring out of the rain, but this time, ten or more sphere like ice balls followed, denting the sides of the trucks, and one went through a windshield. With flat tires, the trucks now glided as if on ice, maneuvering from side to side. “Did you do that?” Skylar asked excitedly. “No…must be Poseidon’s kids. Where the hell are they?” Mason spread his right arm in front of Skylar, as if to protect her. “Bend down, Sky.” One of the trucks hit another and swirled, hitting the other adjacent to it. The crash caused the trucks to flip and tumble, heading straight for Mason’s car. With a look of shock, Skylar held her breath. With no time to move, think, or get out of the car, she closed her eyes and prepared for the crash. Just seconds before the impact, Mason’s car flew up into the air, over the trucks. Somehow, magically, the water created a liquid bridge, guiding the car safely over, and then it thumped hard on the ground on the other side. Without looking back, Mason sped away as the sound of screeching brakes and metal impacting on metal blasted behind them.  

 

Praise for From Gods “A fast paced adventure full of mystery, action, magic and romance! Readers won’t be able to put this book down!” ~InD’tale Magazine  

“From Gods takes mythology to a whole new level of imagination with its incredible plot and amazing characters. It’s full of hotness that you never want to end!” ~Michele, Insane About Books  

“From Gods by the AMAZING AUTHOR Mary Ting is OMGods good!! If you even LIKE Greek Mythology, set aside some time because you will DEVOUR Mary Ting's Demi Gods and Vultures!!!” ~Mindy, Books Complete Me  

“This book is “electric” as it blends paranormal romance, mythology (which I love), action and suspense together for an amazing read. Mary Ting, you’ve done it again! This book exceeded my expectations and I was literally blown away as if I were struck by lightning!” ~Vanessa, Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader  

 

About the Author  
Bestselling/award-winning author Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.  

 

BookBlast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/8/13 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway! -- Kiss of Fire by Rebeeca Ethington

Kiss of Fire

Series: The Imadlind Series (#1)

Author: Rebecca Ethington

Purchase on Amazon

Purchase on B&N 

About the Book

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to.

The scar is the reason she is being hunted. If only she knew that she was. If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air. Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it. 

Kiss of Fire is a Clean Young-Adult Paranormal Romance Language: Low to None Violence: Mild to Moderate Sexual Content: Low to None 

Kiss of Fire is a very interesting book, it is a play on good and evil and ancient creatures, and all things wonderful in a good paranormal fantasy read. The first half lets us get to know the main character Joclyn. She is a loner and scared to let people really see her except for her best friend Ryland who she cannot actually be with due to social status. I enjoyed reading this part of the book, the portrayal of the characters were interesting yet left enough to be desired for me to keep reading. The second half of the book is like a whirlwind of people, places, magic, explosions, and chasing. It really pulls you in to the end of the book.

Joclyn grows throughout this experience and becomes stronger both mentally and physically and that growth is great. I found myself rolling my eyes in some spots though because of the romance that is around every page. Yes, I understand there has to be driving force, but trying not to die for yourself is a good reason as well as love.

I really enjoyed the book and would recommend it to YA readers, paranormal lovers, and those who like a romance without any raunchy bits.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

About the Author

Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn't found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.

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Recent Reads: Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan
Publisher: Random House Audio and Listening Library
Available: NOW!!August 27, 2013

 

Format: Audiobook
Source: Random House Audio for review

My rating:


Goodreads Synopsis:

New York Times  bestselling author David Levithan tells the based-on-true-events story of Harry and Craig, two 17-year-olds who are about to take part in a 32-hour marathon of kissing to set a new Guinness World Record—all of which is narrated by a Greek Chorus of the generation of gay men lost to AIDS.

While the two increasingly dehydrated and sleep-deprived boys are locking lips, they become a focal point in the lives of other teen boys dealing with languishing long-term relationships, coming out, navigating gender identity, and falling deeper into the digital rabbit hole of gay hookup sites—all while the kissing former couple tries to figure out their own feelings for each other.

Review:
I am not sure even where to begin with this review. I guess I should say that I really felt it should have 4.5 stars, but that was only because it was not what I expected of the book…it ended up being so much more, but not what I expected. I expected a story of two boys kissing and really that was all and what it became was a look at the community of past and present and how they are the same but so very different.

I was so intrigued by this book, I think at first it was because I have a lot of LGTBQ friends and I support them as much as I can and there is nothing wrong with two boys kissing so why not read a book entitled such? I was interested and excited to listen to this as an audiobook and was surprised to find that the reader was the author himself, David Levithan.

Wow… that is my reaction to this book. It is told from the points of view of many different teenage gay and questioning boys, as well as the spirits of the deceased gay community looking down on this new community.

There are 3 pairs of boys, then Cooper --a stand alone, and the spirits, all interwoven into a beautiful and dramatic story. It encompassed two boys kissing, two boys finding each other, two in a relationship but making sure their families understand them, and Cooper who doesn’t want to be himself any longer. It was sad and happy, controversial and normal, and overall a very powerful book to listen to. I found myself in literal tears of joy and of sadness at how communities react and the reality of how the book portrays all of these people and their situations.

There was a focus on all of the different emotions one can have in this community and how the public reacts to it and how it feels to be looked at as different and gross, when really you just want to be an equal. It was beautiful and I am so happy to have listened to it.



View all my reviews

Spooktacular Giveaway Hop!

 RULES: You must be a US Resident, 13 years or Older, respond within 48 hours of receiving the prize email.

PRIZES: 

You will have a choice of --

Middle Grade: Eliza's Forever Trees by Stephanie Lisa Tara

Young Adult: The Darkest Path by Jeff Hirsch

Covers go to Goodreads 
All Prizes will also come with some books swag: Bookmarks, stickers etc.... 

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Enjoy the HOP!

ADULT Blog Tour: Review -- Open Flame (Dragon's Fate #2) by Lacy Danes

PLEASE BE AWARE: The below book is for Adult Audiences only, it contains sexually explicit material.

Open Flame (Dragon’s Fate Book 2) by Lacy Danes

Genre: Paranormal romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Date of Publication: September 24^th 2013

ISBN: 9781619217461

ASIN: B00CZ8MCHO

Number of pages: 118

Word Count: 32K

 Cover Artist: Kanaxa 

Buy Links:  Samhain Publishing | Kindle | Kobo | Nook

About the Book

Between hate and lust lies heaven, hell… and smoldering love.

Like his brothers, Madoc is a dragon born by blood magic. Unlike them, he has only once bitten a human in a near-hopeless quest to find his eternal mate. Watching that woman die nearly destroyed him.

Now he works to invent a watch that will rewind time. When he attends the Spectacle of Time in Paris, though, he finds a woman who shakes the foundation of his world and crumbles his ferocious control.

Ever since the black-haired man with the red crescent on his cheek ruined her family, Fina has hated him. When she runs into him in Paris, she is determined to show him just how much. Instead, overwhelmed by the desire to both kill him and bed him, her body betrays her and she melts in his arms.

Sparks fly, and—when his teeth sink into her skin—she ignites. But she can’t run far and fast enough to avoid the burning truth. She is now part of Madoc’s dangerous world?body, soul, and fire.

Warning: This novel contains explicit sex, time-shifting, distance-hopping, a super-hot dragon, and a woman who can take the heat.

Short Excerpt: http://www.lacydanes.com/books/open-flame/#read-an-excerpt

Attention: This book is intended for an ADULT audience and does contain sexual material.

So, I read Waterfall, the first of the Dragon's Fate Novellas, a while back, and it was alright. I felt that because of the sexual content the plot was a bit overrun. I gave Open Flame a read, to see if the plot continued or if the plot had really become the ‘joining’ of the Dragons and their mates… and it has.

I did not mind the sexual content, as I knew to expect it and knew the portion of the book it may take up based on the last episode. I found the characters kind of one-dimensional but I am interested to see if/ where the story line goes. Do all the brothers find their loves? What is going on with the creepy guy and Carmen?.. I need to know! :/

In Open Flame, the second of the brothers believes he has found his eternal mate, which I guess is a good portion of the overall plot anyway. However in this story there is more of a focus on their bonding than the evil that surrounds the Dragons.

I have been intrigued by this series, as it has mystery, sexual tension, dragons, complicated tidbits which I hope are explained, but you can only accomplish so much when each installment is only about 150 pages in length.

If what you are looking for is a short slightly erotic read ...with dragons... than this may be for you.

Interested in the series? 

Find a Review of Book 1: Waterfall HERE

About the Author

Lacy Danes made a New Year's resolution to write a hot, historical romance. A year and a half later, she achieved her goal. She lives in Portland OR, where besides writing she enjoys horseback riding, gardening and savoring a great martini while watching the world go by.

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