Blog Tour, Extra

BLOG TOUR (+EXCERPT): Secrets of the Great Fire Tree by Justine Laismith

44180656. sy475

In rural China during the New Year celebrations, Kai receives devastating news. A poor harvest spells disaster unless his mother accepts a job in the city caring for a wealthy family.

Abandoned in his mountainous village, Kai is desperate to bring his mother home. He gives in to superstition and unlocks the secrets of the Great Fire Tree. The Great Fire Tree will grant Kai’s wish—for a terrible price. With the help of his new friend Xinying and his trusted piglet, Kai will make a sacrifice to make his family whole.

Justine Laismith weaves together Chinese mystique and rural charm in an enchanting tale of an antidote that kills and an amulet that curses.


EXCERPT:

Kai fetched his basket. It was wide and deep enough that if he curled himself into a ball, he could
fit in it. Two pieces of cloths were tied to it in a loop shoulder length apart, forming the shoulder
straps for him to carry the basket on his back. Yee Por held the basket for him while he threaded
his arms through.

With the bucket inside and Piglet on a rope, Kai descended toward the thick bushes. Down the
mountain path and past the soft green that grew around the clearing to his favorite Dragon’s
Pearl Tree, the tall tree with enormous fruit that went uneaten. To Kai, it was such a wasted
effort; even more so last year when the tree tried to brighten up the dry season with heavy
blossoms. They were unusual flowers; instead of branches, they stuck out directly from the
trunk. But like any flower, the petals fell and produced its fruit.

“The birds would not eat them, so we mustn’t eat them either.” He remembered what Ma had
said.

Every tree and every rock down that familiar path to the river reminded him of Ma, how he used
to charge ahead with Pink Belly, whacking the bushes and frolicking in the clearing until Ma
caught up with them.Today, he did not feel like playing with the new piglet in the same way.
He had always gone with Ma to fetch the water. She was stronger and carried the bigger bucket.
He carried the smaller one. It only took fifteen liters.

Without Ma, the road back was windier and more treacherous. The burden of the water weighed
him down as he lumbered upward. Thank goodness Piglet was only tiny and seemed to know
how to handle the uneven terrain, grass or rock, upward or downward. He rested his tired legs
and shoulders every few meters. But each time he stopped, he listened for voices. He did not
want to be caught resting by the school bullies. Especially now he was on his own.

On one of these breaks, he heard a rustle. Then a pair of huge feet appeared on the path.


About the Author:

Justine Laismith

Justine Laismith is the winner of the Beyond Words: Young and Younger writing
competition, who published her chapter book, The Magic Mixer. She grew up in Singapore and
has worked in the UK pharmaceutical, chemicals, and education sectors. When not writing, she
takes far too many pictures on her phone. She now lives in England.

For more information, visit www.justinelaismith.wordpress.com


GIVEAWAY:

PRIZE(S): A Book Cover Postcard, A $5 AURELIA LEO Gift Card, & An eCopy of Secrets of the Great Fire Tree

GIVEAWAY LINK: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/f647019e2/?


FOLLOW THE TOUR:

NOV 11 ~ https://thebookbratz.blogspot.com/

NOV 12 ~ https://autumnbookreads.home.blog

NOV 13 ~ https://anewlookonbooks.com/blog

NOV 14 ~ https://forbookssake.home.blog/

NOV 15 ~ http://jemimapett.com/blog/

NOV 18 ~ www.justinelaismith.wordpress.com

NOV 19 ~ https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.home.blog/

NOV 20 ~ https://aurelialeo.com/blog/

NOV 21 ~ https://www.storeybookreviews.com

NOV 22 ~ www.justinelaismith.wordpress.com

Extra, Fae Crate Unboxings

FAE CRATE UNBOXING: Break the Wheel (October 2019)

Screenshot_2019-06-11 Fae Crate - Let's live a thousand live together


Hello Lovelies! I’m back with another unboxing of my favorite subscription box, Fae Crate. These boxes are the highlight of my month and I could not love the items more! I hope you enjoy this month’s unboxing as much as I did! The items were really cute and some of them are up there when it comes to my favorites!

***There is also an option through Fae Crate to get a box with a shirt as well, but I typically opt-out of this option because of the cost. It is also more practical for me personally because I don’t typically wear t-shirts.***


October’s Theme:

Image result for fae crate october

Let’s start off with this month’s theme which was Break the Wheel! As soon as I saw this theme, I knew this month’s box was going to be great! Break the Wheel is one of my favorite plot points in books and, once I heard the fandoms for this month, there was no way I was not going to buy this box!

The art for this month was based on Sarai and Lazlo from Strange the Dreamer and I think that it was absolutely perfect for this theme! It got me SOOO hyped for this box!


The Box Itself:

For those that haven’t seen my previous unboxings, this is what the box looks like. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?!

I just love everything about this book and the way it looks. The color and logo fit the company perfectly, the *CAUTION: magic inside* lid is absolutely adorable, and the sides that have the company slogan which says, “Let’s live a thousand lives together” just warms my heart.


The Items in the Box:

image1

Reign the Earth Patch ~ I have not read this series yet, but it is on my TBR. This patch was really cute though and it is currently occupying my bookshelf.

image2

Meira Chapstick ~ This chapstick is supposed to represent Meira from Snow Like Ashes. The flavor is frozen berries and it smells really good.

image0(1)

Bone Witch Socks ~ I found these to be absolutely ADORABLE!! They fit the October month really well and I just love the sayings on the bottoms.

image2(1)

Strange the Dreamer Mouse Pad ~ This was by far one of my most favorite items in the box. It was absolutely perfect and I use it every day now!

image3

Gentlefriend Pillowcase ~ The only item that could top the mouse pad was this one! It is based on Nevernight and, after recently just finishing that series and it being one of my favorites, I could not love this pillowcase more! AHHHHH!!! I fell to the floor screaming when I saw it in the box!


Monthly Polaroid and Coin:

For those that don’t know, each month Fae Crate has a monthly Polaroid picture that they include and a monthly coin. These are exclusive to each month and you cannot get them again. Fae Crate announces what the Polaroid is to look like and what fandom the coin is going to be from on their Instagram. I highly encourage you to check them out so you can decide if you want a box before they sell out!

image4

The Darkest Minds Polaroid ~ I absolutely love this Polaroid! It is so beautiful and captures the gang in The Darkest Minds perfectly! It is by far one of my favorite Polaroids!

image0(2)

Three Dark Crowns Coin ~ I. AM. SO. IN. LOVE. WITH. THIS. IT. IS. NOT. EVEN. FUNNY. LOOK AT THE PERFECTION THAT IS THIS COIN!!! It is definitely my favorite in the coin collection!

November’s Polaroid and Coin have already been announced. For those that want to know, they are:

  • LIFEL1K3 Polaroid & King Arthur Coin

Monthly Ebook Download:

Each month not only does Fae Crate include a hardcover book, but they also include a code so you can download a free ebook! The ebook for this month was Significance by Shelly Crane. This is a book that I have already read and have loved for years. It is one of my favorite series out there so I was really happy to get this ebook!


Book of the Month:

36321739

The Book of the Month was The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco. I am highly anticipating diving in to this book and I am extremely happy that it was the selection for this month. That cover is absolutely stunning!

The book also came with a card from the author that I thought was so beautiful that I had to include it! That quote is literally everything! Here it is:

image1(1)


Thank you for joining me today! I had so much fun opening this box and talking about all of the bookish items inside! What about you? Do you subscribe to Fae Crate? Do you subscribe to any other monthly book boxes? What do you think of my unboxing and the items in this month’s box? Please let me know!

~𝒜𝓊𝓉𝓊𝓂𝓃 💕

 

Blog Tour, Contemporary, Romance

BLOG TOUR (+EXCERPT) Tell Me Tru by J. Haney & S.I. Hayes

Bannerr

∴ Goodreads Amazon


SYNOPSIS:

Tru Averdeen had everything a person could want. Money, fame, the power to influence others. Her way was paved on her fortune and her face. With porcelain skin, a head of fiery curls, all framing a pair of pastel blue eyes and lips like pink roses she has been a Media Spectacle since she was born. Then she met Holly…

Holly Turner came up rough. Emotionally damaged all she wanted was a life worth living. Then she sees a face on TV crying over some lost rich daddy. Her wheels turn and soon she is face to face with Tru and the truth…

It’s been four years since that night. They don’t speak of it, not anymore. Tru has fallen away from the limelight, letting Holly take on her name, her face, friends. All Tru wants is a quiet happy existence away, and all Holly wants is what’s owed to her. It’s worked for four years…

Worked.


EXCERPT:

What is this? I wake with my hair a matted mess on my head and a note taped to my face. Upon reading the said note, I am told to have fun by Holly. Whatever the hell that is supposed to mean? After telling Alexa to find Tru’s playlist and play in the bathroom, I strip my clothes and step into my hot as sin shower. I let the water pelt and beat down against my skin. The heat letting me stretch, pop, and crack my bones in just the right way.

After my shower, I throw on my matching silk lace bra and panties before adding my black skull mini shorts. I like these because it looks like a skeleton is grabbing my ass. It comes with an unassuming black and white tank. I slip on my big bear foot slippers, telling Alexa to play music in the kitchen. That way,  by the time I make it there, the music is already going full tilt.

I bang my head to the music blaring through the room. I love Avenged Sevenfold, and what better song to be playing then Hail to the King? Best fucking song there is by A7F!

First things first, I need coffee via IV. If only that were possible. I dance my way to the coffee pot slipping a pod into my Keurig. Once it’s finished, I inhale my coffee, before taking a drink. Mmm, nice. Steamy goodness. After finishing my first cup, I start looking for food. Cam, my bodyguard, is usually up making breakfast, but I suppose he wasn’t in the mood today.

It isn’t till I’m frying bacon that all the dogs in the house go crazy. Holly left her mini pins here. So, on top of her four, I have seven. Queenie is a Red/Queensland Heeler, Shadow is a Catahoula Leopard and Pit mix, Chusky is just what his name says a Chow and Husky. Shepsky is my German Shepherd and Husky; Blue Bell is a Lab and Husky, Pom-Pom, who is by far my smallest is an Australian Shepherd and Pomeranian, making her a mini. Last and most certainly not least is my newest addition and the only pure breed, Monk, and he’s a Golden Retriever.

With the bacon almost done, eggs mixed, and veggies cut up, I’m ready to start my omelet. Closer by Nine Inch Nails is blasting through the speakers as I give my eggs one more whip. I turn around, and down the bowl goes breaking on the floor.

“Alexa, stop!” I meet Rion’s eyes. “Lay down.” I shout above the dog’s barks. All of mine hit the ground, but Holly’s are still bouncing and piddling everywhere! This, of course, includes D’artagan, which Rion is holding.

I walk over to the back door, shouting, “Out!” All the dogs are out the door, and I come back to where I was standing. I look over at Rion once more, and he’s inspecting his shirt. The dog pissed on him.

A blush creeps over my cheeks. “I’m sorry. Let me go find you a shirt. What size do you wear?”

“Nothing you got, Hon. I’ve got something in the truck. Ugh.” He says, disappearing.

I run a hand over my face before grabbing the paper towels, squatting to clean the mess up at my feet. Of course, this is also when I notice I’m going to have to wash my slippers. Where the hell is Cameron when I need him? Thinking about that- how in the hell did Rion get keys to my house? What the hell is he doing here? I’ve only had a crush on this man for like four years, and of course, he’d see me as me when I’m a mess and naked as far as hair products and makeup.

I don’t even know Rion’s back till he’s bent over and picking glass up. “Careful, you’ll cut yourself. Let me do this.”

“No, I’ve got i-Ouch, shit, fuck.” I say, cutting my finger, and Rion picks me up, setting me on the counter. He turns the sink on and puts my hand under the cold water. “Ow, that stings.”

“Oh, shush.” He pulls my hand from the water and blows on my clipped fingers, all while grabbing paper towels. “Have you got a first aid kit, band-aids, what have you?”

“Uh, uh, um…”

Rion looks at me. “Are you alright?” He crunches the paper towels around my fingers and steps back.

“Uhh, Uh-huh.” Of course, while I’m looking at him, the smoke detector picks this moment to go nuts.

“What the-” Rion cuts himself off, taking care of the mess I have going on.

I shake my head and try to clear it. “Um, uh, R-Rion, what are you doing here?”

He looks at me funny and picks up some papers off the counter. “I need you to sign these, and you were supposed to leave a check for Harol’s?”

Harol’s?” I question for a moment. “Oh, right, Harol’s, how much and what papers do I need to sign?”

“Ten should cover it for now, and this is the new contract for the wall and the rest of the security features you asked for.”

“Ten, ten, ten hundred, give me just a second, and I’ll grab my checkbook.” I climb off the counter and grab my checkbook from a drawer.

“No disrespect, but have you been drinking?” Rion asks.

“No, I need more coffee, well an IV is more like it.” I say in a big rush. I walk back over to him. “How much did you say again?”

“Well, based on the near six I spent yesterday, ten thousand should be enough to cool Harol’s jets.”

“Do you have more you need to get?”

“This is just towards your tab. Are you sure you’re alright and haven’t hit your head?”

“Sugar, haven’t eaten yet. I’ll be fine. How about I’ll make it for thirty, and that too should keep you good for a bit more?”

“If you want to give Harol a heart attack, sure- why not?”

“I-I was just thinking extra is better.”

“Ten is fine, thirty is fine, anything you plan on giving me is just fine.”

“Oh, geez, Did I forget to pay you too? I’m so sorry.” I say, making out the check for Harol.

Rion reaches over and stays my hand. “We’re good for now.” He slips the check for Harol away. “You look over those contracts, and I’ll be back to get them after the weekend. Here are your keys. I’ll let myself out.” He takes a few steps away from me. “Oh, one more thing I forgot. I believe these are yours.” He throws a red ball at me.

With that, Rion is gone, and I lose it. “What the fuck was Rion doing in my house? Why the fuck did nobody tell me? Oh, I’m going to kill her!”


ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

J. Haney was born and raised in Kentucky, currently residing in Greenup County, Kentucky with her family, where she is the proud momma to Jessalyn Kristine and co-owner of Proud Momma Designs, which she runs with her amazing Momma. J. Haney’s work tends to lean toward sweet and sexy, with suspenseful undertones, giving her readers something to hold onto.

S.I. Hayes was born and bred in New England and is currently living in Ohio. Running around Connecticut, she used all of her family and friends as inspiration for her many novels. When not writing Paranormal Drama or Erotic Romance, she can be found drawing one of many fabulous book covers or teasers. To see them, check out her website.

The pair met while working for a former publisher and became fast friends. Their split dynamics and views on life, family, and love in general, led to the idea of Stolen Moments: A County Fair Romance their foray into the Rocker Genre with A Sex, Drugs, and Rock Romance and their newest Working-Class Beauties. They do hope to bring you more in the months to come, so keep your eyes open and a fresh pair of panties close by. You know, just in case.