Review from Sadie: Of Heart and Wings (Dragon King Series, #1) by Debbie McQueen (M/M Paranormal Fantasy)

 

 

Raiden is the firstborn son and heir to the throne. When his father is injured, the weight of the crown is heavier than ever. At seventeen years old, Raiden isn’t sure he can live up to the king’s legacy.

 

Egan is a dragon who appears human. He works for his family as a blacksmith. The secret he must protect keeps him from getting close to anyone.

 

After a chance encounter, Raiden discovers Egan’s secret. They form a friendship forged by trust, it soon blossoms into something neither of them expected. The strength they find in each other may just help them rise up to meet their destinies.

 

Amazon 

US- https://amzn.to/31WgaAj

Canada-https://amzn.to/36FkA2H

 

UK-https://amzn.to/2GxC3iV

 

France-https://amzn.to/2I6sh7R

 

Australia-https://amzn.to/36H6UEb

Of Heart and Wings is book one in Debbie McQueen’s new series called the Dragon King Series. This first-person narrative is a journey about Raiden, who is discovering his truth about himself and what kind of king he will be. With his father ill, he must step up and be the leader his people and younger brother need. 

While out hiking on his own, a normally fatal slip almost cost him his life except he was rescued by a dragon. Creatures that everyone thought were no longer in existence. He also makes a new friend, Egan. These two males soon realize that they share a connection. And the dragon, well, I love me a good dragon story and this did not let me down

This is a sweet M/M story about finding your truth and embracing who you are. I am personally excited to see more stories coming out that are not your typical boy/girl romance. 

McQueen also has created a beautiful landscape in her writing helping you picture where the boys live and the difference in lifestyles.  I will say the first chapter gives you a lot of set-up but keep reading. The story that unfolds is worth it,

Debbie McQueen has been married to her loving and supportive husband for eighteen years. They have two amazing kids that share her love of musicals, singing, fairies, dragons, and superheroes. Debbie is an avid reader and loves to read YA/NA, PNR, Urban Fantasy, Thrillers, LGBTQ stories, and more.

Debbie is an affirming Christian who is proud to continue learning and serving as an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate. She has learned more about God’s love through the beauty of a diverse creation and strives to support her friends and loved ones, as well as the broader LGBTQ+ community. She proudly gives out Free Hugs at Pride events, and also works with a service organization that helps support LGBTQ youth in Southern California.

Author Website-readers can learn more and order signed paperback copies (US only) 

Paperback is live on Amazon, ebook releases October 11th

www.authordebbiemcqueen.com

 

Goodreads link

https://bit.ly/2Yqakqe

 

Facebook Reader group-

 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2719749851604784/?ref=share

 

Facebook Author Page-

www.facebook.com/authordebbiemcqueen

 

Instagram page-

www.instagram.com/authordebbiemcqueen

 

Sadie Review: Review, Book Blitz & Giveaway: Confession of a Sex Kitten by Mila Rossi (Adult Contemporary Romance)

Confessions of a Sex Kitten
Mila Rossi
Publication date: August 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Striving to be the sex kitten Avery Taylor portrays on her blog is a lot harder than she imagined, but having a hot, new neighbor move in next door sure gets her imagination going. His green eyes alone would give a girl the vapors. And yet, getting involved with someone so close just isn’t in the cards for Avery, even if her inner kitten is telling her that all rules are meant to be broken once. Or twice. Or as many times as it takes to get familiar with James’s one billion abs.
James Mardin moves to NYC to focus on family and work. Quirky Avery just plops into his life out of nowhere. She’s the last thing he needs, and yet, he can’t seem to stay away from the damsel down the hall, especially after he stumbles upon her secret blog. A sexy goofball lusting after him? It just wouldn’t be proper if he didn’t make her fantasies come true.
With views to die for, neighborly favors to return, and secrets to uncover, James and Avery are in for a treat. The attraction is evident, but is it enough to get them through snarky family remarks, burning buildings, and the heat of a typical New York summer?

Goodreads / Amazon

—

Confessions of a Sex Kitten by Mila Rossi is a cute story about a young woman, Avery, trying to reinvent herself after a relationship gone wrong. With a push from her bestie, Avery starts a sexy blog, which ends up in an email to her sexy hot neighbor, James. 

James’ apartment looks right into her’s. Together they find Avery’s inner sex kitten waiting to be unleashed. Now with a title like Confessions of a sex kitten you might think this book is going to be HOT hot. Sorry. Though there is sexy talk and some sexy scenes, Rossi let’s your imagination finish what the couple has started. It is a cute story but I felt I waited to long for the conflict to arise and was over rather quickly. 

This is a fun, little fantasy read. I liked that there were blog posts added into the story and would like to have had more. 

EXCERPT:

She walked into her bedroom, kicked off her shoes, and removed her earrings before starting to take off her dress. As she contorted every way possible to reach the zipper in the back, her eyes locked on her neighbor watching TV in the dark. She continued fiddling with her dress, not thinking much of James lounging in his chair, seemingly absorbed in whatever show or movie he was watching, when the light from his television illuminated his bare chest and abs, rising and falling in rapid succession.
She forgot about her dress now hanging down to her hips, and squinted in concentration, trying to get a better look. His white dress shirt was unbuttoned and hung loosely at his sides, while his rolled-up sleeves revealed those forearms she always stared at. What really got her attention though, was the fact that he seemed to be panting.
What in heaven’s name is he doing?
Except for one bare leg, the rest of him was hidden by the television. And then it hit her. He was masturbating, probably to porn. Her pulse started to race and her palms got sweaty as she watched the dark fuzz on his chest and abs move up and down in perfect rhythm. Not even a fire alarm going off could have chased her away from the window, but what could, was James turning his head and locking eyes with her across the distance.

1. MY. GOD!

She had a split second to give him the courtesy of a blush before she tried to bolt from the window, tripped over her cat, and crashed to the floor with much humiliating noise as her flailing hands knocked over the night lamp. For the next couple of minutes, she remained spread out on the floor like a flattened pancake. The throbbing in her ears turned out to be her heartbeat and her lungs seemed devoid of air as she inhaled deeply, wincing at the pain in her ribs. Roger thankfully seemed unfazed by the fiasco and sat in the corner, licking his tiny jewels.
A knock at the door made her head snap around so quickly, she almost caused further injury to herself.
“Who is it?” she shouted in the most casual voice she could pull off.
“It’s me,” a deep, husky voice replied.
Great, first he catches me spying on him and now this.
“What’s up?”
“Are you alright? I heard a loud noise.”
“No shit,” she mumbled to herself, staring at the ceiling. “I’m fine, thanks!”
“Can you open the door?”
Her eyes darted in his direction.
“Um, I’m getting ready to go to bed.”
“I want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m fine, James. Go back to your…apartment.” She’d almost told him to go back to jerking off.
“Open up, Avery, so I can have a look for myself. You looked like you crashed pretty hard.”
Great, so he’d seen her. Good grief.
She shifted with a groan, but managed to pick herself up and head for the door. She stuck her arms through the sleeves of her dress, but didn’t bother with the zipper in the back.
“All fine,” she said, opening the door just a crack to smile at him. Her expression froze as she gaped at his body still displayed in all its glory, except now he wore pants. She had to summon all her control not to run her hands over the hair covering his chest, leading down into his pants.
“Avery,” James said, getting her attention.
She blinked rapidly and looked up at him. “Hm?”
He pushed open the door and stepped inside.
“What are you doing?” she asked alarmed.
“Making sure you’re still in one piece.”
He closed the door and turned her every which way to see if she was bleeding, at least that’s what she assumed he was doing. She winced when his hand ran over her left side and he looked at her concerned.
“You’re hurt.”
“No, I’m not. Nothing a drink or some medicine won’t cure. Maybe both together,” she grumbled as an afterthought.
He looked like he didn’t believe her.
“I’m fine,” she repeated, doing a mini-dance. “See? All good. Now go back home and let me get some sleep.”
He touched her side again and she winced once more.
“What the hell are you doing?” she gritted.
“Proving that you’re a liar.” He grabbed her hand and dragged her to the sofa. “Sit.”
She gave him an annoyed look.
“Sit, Avery, before I’ll make you.”
“Fine.” She plopped down.
He knelt before her and touched her ribs gingerly, watching for her reaction. “Can you lift your arm?”
She did so and gave him an I-told-you-so look.
“Can you bend side to side?”
She did and felt a tug. “It hurts a little, but not much. I can manage.”
“Good. Then nothing’s broken.”
Her eyes lowered to his hands wrapped around her waist. Her skin was on fire at his touch, even through the fabric of her dress. If this was how her body responded now, she wondered what it’d feel like without any barriers.
His hand slid along her side in what felt decidedly like a caress. “Be more careful next time.”
Confused she stared into his eyes, mere inches from her. “With what?”
“Your choice of entertainment.”
She felt herself blush to the very roots of her hair and cleared her throat. “I didn’t see anything.”
He held her gaze and tightened his grip on her, causing her breath to hitch. “Yes, you did. And you liked it.”

Author Bio: 

Mila Rossi is a contemporary romance author who writes feel-good stories - no angst here. She creates heroines who don't back down, stand up for themselves and insist on freedom and independence until the right man comes along. Then all rules are thrown out the window. The heroes must be clever, generous and able to throw a girl over their shoulder.
Mila has seen the world and loves to write about it. She also loves to paint vintage anime characters, belly dance, try new foods and perfect her archery skills. She wishes she could partake in extreme sports but only allows her characters to tempt fate. Her own chances of causing disasters are just too high.
Mila also writes historical romance under the name Alice Lake.

Website / Pinterest / Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Review From Sadie: Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Awakened - The Power Trilogy book 1 by Dot Caffey (Young Adult Fantasy)

Awakened
Dot Caffrey
(The Power Trilogy, #1)
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: August 31st 2018
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Power and Prophecy!

Seventeen-year-old Regnaryn grew up in an idyllic land among mythical beings. She believes she is the last surviving human.

Her world begins to shatter when Evil invades her dreams, demanding she relinquish unknown powers foretold by her long-deceased mother. When Graeden, a young human male, arrives, he further disrupts her once-orderly life. Her emotions in chaos, Regnaryn flees the only home she’s ever known, only to be captured by the servants of Evil from her dreams. Now she must take a stand, confronting her late mother’s prophecy while also attempting to survive and protect those she loves.

Being the only human in Reissem Grove with no powers can make you feel like an outsider. Regnaryn grew up with a family that did not look like her, act like her and had powers but her family loved her as if she was born into their pack. She was the last human to survive in her realm and it was unknown if she would ever have powers until one night her dreams became more of a reality. Her birth mother’s prophecy was starting to come true unbeknown to her.

Graeden is human and lives in distant lands with siblings who he feels all have worth and he has none. It’s when he decides to run away and soon gets captured and tormented does His and Ragnaryn’s worlds collide. Dreams become reality. For both of them. What were once childhood stories and myths Graeden will find are factual. Together the two will need to find a way to bridge their realitis and will find out they had more power than they ever dared to dream.

Now, I did enjoy the book. Dot Caffrey created a fantastical world I just wish I could remotely pronounce the names of the characters. The names are what drew me out of the reading because I was trying to sound out what each person's or town’s name was. I don’t mind having a big cast like this did and was able to remember who went with you but maybe give us nicknames or a few easy ones for those of us who just want to let a book wash over us without thinking.

It was an interesting concept of having animal like creatures mixed with human traits. The romance is sweet and kept Y.A. so this mom doesn’t have to worry about what my kid, or my nieces are reading. I loved the parallel between the older romance of the parents and the newly in love young ones. Very reminiscent of Much Ado About Nothing.

This book is great for  lazy weekend reading. Grab a drink, some cookies and dive in.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

I was born and raised in New York, mostly on Long Island not “The City”. After high school, I moved to California and then did a three-year stint in the Navy before going to college and getting a Microbiology/Medical Technologist degree.
According to my Dad, I’ve been a storyteller from the time I began talking (which was at a very young age). But, it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to take my passion for writing and my love for all things magical or mythical seriously and set out to write fantasy novels.
When I’m not at my day job or writing, I enjoy creating and wearing costumes (cosplay), playing video games (though, I’m not very good at it) and watching NHL hockey and assorted other things many of which are merely time wasters. Of course, hanging out with my friends and my cats also pleasantly fills my time.

Website / Facebook

GIVEAWAY! a Rafflecopter giveaway

ReBlog: Review from Sadie (NEW) and Shannon - Ray vs The Meaning of Life by Michael F. Stewart (Young Adult, Coming of Age, YA)

Ray Vs the Meaning of Life
Michael F. Stewart
Publication date: May 15th 2018
Genres: Young Adult, Coming-of-age

“Stewart presents readers with a dynamite coming-of-age story … A tale spins its answer to an age-old question into an inclusive, hilarious, and thought-provoking yarn.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
——
Grandma’s Last Will and Testament names Ray to inherit the trailer park. It’s a million-dollar estate with one hitch: to prove he’s not as aimless as he seems, Ray must discover the meaning of life by the end of the month. (She left the answer in an envelope.) If he fails, the camp goes to his estranged family.
How does anyone find the meaning of life while running a park full of misfit miners, would-be truck racers, and one demanding little girl? There’s a bear too. A grizzly. Maybe that’ll help?

Goodreads / Amazon

This is the second book I've read by Michael F. Stewart. The first being Counting Wolves, a first person account into the world of a girl with mental illness. I was blown away by that one, so had a pretty high expectation when I began reading Ray vs The Meaning of Life, I wasn't dissapointed. 

Once again, Mr. Stewart shows us what writing in first person present should look like. The words are beautifully chosen, the picture painted and the characters undeniably intriguiing! The one thing Mr. Stewart is exceptional at (besides making first person present readable to folks like me) is the way he makes truly unlikeable characters, redeembable. Those characters I hate in the beginning, we grow to understand and even empathize with as the story goes on, discovering who they are with our character, Ray.

In addition, there is always a lesson to be found in his novels. In this case, it's about the Meaning of Life. I know, that's extrememly broad, but that's why this book needs to be read. Not just by the Young Adult audience that is often the target of Mr. Stewart's writing, but by everyone. We adults will walk away with that necessary information we all need to find that path we are looking for. 

Please take the time to grab a copy of this amazing novel. I'll defintely be looking for more of Mr. Stewart's books in the future. And if your kids are looking for a great read, just grab one of these, they won't be disappointed.

For seventeen year old Ray, life in the trailer park in the middle of nowhere was all he knew of life.When his grandma dies and is going to leave her fortune to him, but only if he can figure out the meaning of life, his world changes drastically.

With the help of a Guru and the people around him in the park, he may just find the change he is needing. Ray vs the Meaning of Life by Michael F Stewart is funny and heartwarming. I enjoyed this read AND it was first person. As you follow Ray’s journey, there are a few life lessons that are great reminders for us all. I enjoyed this book, following Ray and others as they figure out their meaning of life too. It is great reminder to take a look at a situation from different eyes and see how others are doing.

This would be a great High School English class book that teens could relate a bit to and help them to learn that it’s not “all about me” but I will jump down off my soapbox on that for now. Give this to a teen in your life for a summer read and take time to read it for yourself. It was a quick read that pulls you in and you want to know “what are they going to do now.”

 Have fun and Be kind.

Michael F. Stewart embraces all forms of storytelling. In 2009, he created Bully For You for Scholastic Canada, a fully functioning social media platform with an embedded interactive story. He’s written graphic novels for Rubicon Publishing’s Boldprint series, illustrated early readers and novellas for Pearson (coming in 2019!), non fiction texts on Corruption and Children’s Rights; he even tried to convince the world that we needed a location based storytelling app with augmented reality (NARR8R)-we still do! He’s written adult horror, sci-fi, urban fantasy, and adventure. He’s even written books you’ll never find. But nothing is ever wasted. His most recent book, Counting Wolves, a contemporary YA, was named to Kirkus Reviews “Best Books of 2017” list. The Boy Who Swallows Flies (2018) won Killer Nashville’s Claymore Award, and the Assured Destruction Series won The Creation of Stories: Best YA Award at the Toronto International Book Fair. In 2016, Michael was selected to join the CFC/Entertainment One TV Adaptation Lab. Herder of four daughters, Michael lives to write in Ottawa where he was the Ottawa Public Library’s Writer in Residence and runs free writing workshops. To learn more about Michael and his next projects visit his website at www.michaelfstewart.com or connect via Twitter @MichaelFStewart.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway