🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 Cursed Beauty by Stacey O’Neale {GIVEAWAY!}

Cursed Beauty by Stacey O’Neale

Release Date: August 30th 2021

Pages: 155

Genres: Fairy Tales, Retelling, Young Adult

From USA Today bestselling author Stacey O’Neale comes a standalone, gender-reversed YA retelling of Sleeping Beauty!

The day has come for sixteen-year-old Aurora to receive her witch mark. She should be thrilled. But unlike the rest of her coven, a centuries-old family curse has already decided her fate; the cost of her new power is her life.

After the ceremony, her grandmother offers her hope: Aurora can save herself and prevent her coven from dying by awakening a sleeping prince with the power to break her curse. Unfortunately, she must travel through the forbidden Shadowlands to reach him.

The enchanted forest is filled with magical creatures—friends and foes—including the mysterious son of a powerful wolf pack leader. Can she find the prince in time, and if she succeeds, will he choose to help despite having been placed under a sleeping spell?

Perfect for fans of Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig, and The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert.

Amazon

AUTHOR BIO:

USA Today Bestselling YA Fantasy Author, Stacey O'Neale, lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, podcasting, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.

Her career in publishing started as a senior publicist for Entangled Publishing. Stacey writes young adult fantasy and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.

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🔖 BLOG TOUR 🔖 Fallen Rose by Amelia Wilde {REVIEW}

Fallen Rose by Amelia Wilde

Release Date: July 20th 2021 by Dangerous Press

Series: Beauty and the Beast Trilogy #3

Pages: 350

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Dark, Retelling

Leo Morelli has lost everything.

His safety. His sanity. But worse than that, the woman he loves. He will destroy Bishop’s Landing to get her back, even if it means becoming the monster she fears.

The entire city will feel his wrath. 

Haley Constantine loves her beast, but she can’t walk away from her family. They need her now more than ever. It will take more than violence to face these enemies. It will take sacrifice.

Can she give up the man she loves to save him? 

Amazon, Nook, Apple, Kobo, Google

My Review:

Fallen Rose, the anticipated conclusion to the Beauty and the Beast Trilogy is finally here! Wilde delivers a roller coaster ending that’s darker than ever before and filled twists and turns.

After being betrayed by her own brother, Haley Constantine wakes up in her aunt Caroline’s house. She is captive yet again and this time getting out of her aunt’s grasp won’t be easy. Caroline now holds the upper hand and she is ready to do whatever it take for Haley to hate Leo once and for all. They might have the same last name, but Haley is about to find out just how far her family is able to take things in order to keep their prestigious name intact. Meanwhile, Leo Morelli is about to personify the Beast of Bishop’s Landing in order to get Haley back. He is furious with the way her own family has turned on her and is willing to fight to the woman he loves before it’s too late.

I enjoyed reading Fallen Rose, we see the characters face new challenges as they struggle to save their relationship from falling apart. My favorite part of the book and what made it that much better was Leo’s story. From day one we got to see Leo go from controlling and dangerous beast to a hero who has been deeply hurt growing up. He is the caretaker among his siblings and he wants to protect them from any danger. Once he realizes that Haley is perfect for him, he is willing to go through any lengths to make sure she is save from her family. He makes the ultimate sacrifice that doesn’t pan out the way he hopes, but it changes the dynamic between the Constantines and the Morellis. In the end we see the characters get closure and close a chapter in their lives to start a new beginning. All in all, the story had a good mixture of action, a bit of mystery, lots of steamy scenes and a romantic ending that I would highly recommend checking out! :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**

My Rating:

About the Author:

Amelia Wilde is a USA TODAY bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance and loves it a little too much. She lives in Michigan with her husband and daughters. She spends most of her time typing furiously on an iPad and appreciating the natural splendor of her home state from where she likes it best: inside.

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 Hidden Beauty by Amelia Wilde

Hidden Beauty by Amelia Wilde

Release Date: May 11th 2021

Series: Beauty and the Beast Trilogy #2

Genres: Dark, Romance, Retelling, Mafia, Contemporary

Haley Constantine traded her life for her father's safety. Now she's trapped in a castle with the Beast of Bishop's Landing.

Her own family wants her dead.

The only man who can save her is the one she can't trust.

Dangerous. Tortured. Furious. Leo Morelli wears a mask of cruelty to cover up a lifetime's worth of scars. He's been injured, but that only makes him fight harder. The only thing he cares about more than revenge is the woman he’s come to love.

HIDDEN BEAUTY is the second book in the Beauty and the Beast trilogy from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde.

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My Review:

Hidden Beast is the second book in the Beauty and the Beast Trilogy that’s emotional, steamy and a total page-turner to keep you at the edge of your seat.

After Secret Beast ends in such a twist of the events, Hidden Beast picks up right where the first book lefts off. Leo Morelli has been shot and as he is fighting for his life, Leo is tormented by his past as he recalls the events that led to him wanting his revenge against the Contantines in the first place. Now more than ever Leo will have to keep Haley safe, even if it means keeping her as his prisoner. Growing close to her has become dangerous, but it’s too late to keep his feelings to himself. Meanwhile, as Haley starts to resent Leo for keeping her captive in his castle, she starts to see a new side of him that keeps her wanting more. When they are together, Haley’s worries disappear and as she starts to learn more about Leo’s past, the need to be with him just keeps growing stronger. Yet, it’s when new obstacles come their way that she will have to make a choice between her family or the man she has grown to love.

I throughly enjoyed reading Hidden Beast, the pace of this book was quicker and steamier! We get to see the characters truly spend more time with each other and we also get to learn more about Leo’s past. As he battles with past trauma, Haley is fighting for him and their future. She is beginning to see just how much her family has done to the Morellis and she struggles to choose between the two of them. She loves her family and wants to keep them safe, at the same time we get the ultimate betrayal at the end. It does end with another cliffhanger and I will be anxiously waiting to read the conclusion to this trilogy! :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**

My Rating: 4.5/5

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde (#1)

My Review

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🔖 REVIEW 🔖 Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

Secret Beast by Amelia Wilde

Release Date: February 23rd 2021 by Dangerous Press

Series: Beauty and the Beast Trilogy #1

Pages: 350

Genres: Dark, Romance, Contemporary, Retelling

The beast hides a dark secret in his past…

Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop's Landing for his cruelty. He’ll get revenge on the Constantine family and make millions of dollars in the process. Even it means using an old man who dreams up wild inventions.

The beauty will sacrifice everything for her family...

Haley Constantine will do anything to protect her father. Even trade her body for his life. The college student must spend thirty days with the ruthless billionaire. He’ll make her earn her freedom in degrading ways, but in the end he needs her to set him free.

SECRET BEAST is a new full-length novel from USA Today bestselling author Amelia Wilde about revenge, family secrets, and the redeeming power of love.

Praise for Amelia Wilde's King of Shadows trilogy...

"Breathtaking, intense, and scorching hot, KING OF SHADOWS is the modern myth I've been waiting for." –New York Times Bestselling Author Skye Warren

"Summer Queen is a sexy shot of antihero goodness—this is the kinky, delicious retelling of the year!" –Sierra Simone, USA Today bestselling author

“Amelia Wilde has proven once again why she is my mortal enemy—I would kill to have written this dark, sensuous retelling of Persephone’s journey to becoming Queen of the Underworld.” –Kayti McGee, USA Today bestselling author

Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Apple, Google

My Review:

From the eye catching cover to the intriguing synopsis, I did not what to expect before reading Secret Beast. Needless to say, Amelia Wilde quickly grabbed my attention with this much darker retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Prepare to go on a journey full of revenge, shocking secrets and a sensuous romance that will hook you from beginning to end.

Haley might look like a Constantine and have the name, but she does not have the Constantine money. Her family has never cared about the flashy things and power that comes with being part of a very powerful family. But even they know that they can’t trust anyone and that includes the Morellis. They are supposed to be evil and they hate her family. Yet, it’s when her dad, the inventor, tells her and her bother that he has an idea that is going to change the world that they get worried.

Her dad needs someone to back him up financially and they are shocked to hear that he is going to meet with a Morelli. Haley cannot let her dad put himself in danger, so when she finds out that he is going to meet Leo Morelli, she rushes out to meet him before it’s too late. Nothing could have prepared her for what was going to happen next, Leo is like no one she’s ever met before and she is about to make a deal with the beast himself in order to null the contract her dad signed with him. Haley never meant to lose her heart to him, but the more time they spend together, the more she realizes that beneath the beast might just be the love of her life.

Leo Morelli is known as the Beast of Bishop’s Landing for being unpredictable and dangerous. Yet, rumors of his uncontrollable temper have largely been exaggerated. He is protective over his family and doesn’t like the Constantines. So when he gets the chance to lure one of them into singing a contract with him, Leo takes the opportunity as it is all part of the big plan to make the Constantines pay for what they’ve done to him and his family. He is surprised to find out that Haley is not like the rest of her family. She is tough, smart and doesn’t see him the way the rest of her family does. She wants to understand who he is and Leo finds himself unable to let her go. She has captivated him and soon he has to decide if he is strong enough to let her go before it’s too late.

I enjoyed reading Secret Beast, the storyline is very reminiscing of the original Beauty and the Beast story with a much darker tone. We have two characters that should be enemies, but end up against all odds falling for each other. But just when things were starting to pick up with them, a sudden change of events happen and they have to face their ultimate obstacle. One that is about to bring apart and that’s exactly how the first book ends, with a cliffhanger. So much happens in the book, from Leo’s past coming back to haunt him to Haley wanting to do anything in order to protect her family. This story will leave you wanting to read the next book right away. I would highly recommend it if you enjoy much darker retellings with a twist. :)

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**

My Rating:

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🌟 Freebie Tuesday (Edition #340) 🌟

📬 Happy Tuesday! Welcome back, don't forget I will be tweeting random freebies that I can find on any given day so if you're looking for more free books make sure to follow me on twitter @JackieBookWorld. :) 

📌 Note that there will be some books that will be free for limited time only, so make sure to download them as soon as you can. Also if there is any specific genre that you guys would like me to feature, let me know!  

Whiskey Secrets
by Carrie Ann Ryan

Release Date: January 2nd 2021 by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: Whiskey and Lies #1
Pages: 298
Genres: Romance, Contemporary

Author's Links: Goodreads, Website, Twitter, Facebook

Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.

Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.

Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

          

Speechless
by Madeline Freeman

Release Date: December 2nd 2018 by Laurealinde Publishing LLC
Series: Unfortunate Souls #1
Pages: 348
Genres: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy
Author's Links: Goodreads, Website, Twitter

She longs to be part of his world. He desires to be anywhere else.

In a world where uncommon powers are feared by ordinary people, seventeen-year-old Aria must hide who she is or risk being shipped off to a detention facility for people with abilities—for aberrations like her.

Enrique Martinez is tired of having every moment of his life live-streamed to eager viewers. When he learns the cameras will go dark for forty-eight hours, he vows to break the rules and have the adventure of a lifetime—if even for only a day.

When Aria’s ability to breathe underwater is discovered, her life collides with Enrique’s, entangling their fates. Swept up in a global deception, Aria must choose between her safety and her desires, between her family and the life she’s always wanted.

From USA Today-bestselling author Madeline Freeman comes a futuristic spin on The Little Mermaid, full of adventure, romance, and out-of-this-world excitement. Fans of Marissa Meyer will love this pulse-pounding retelling!

If you love twisted fairytale retellings, fast-paced action, and forbidden romance, buy now to start thrilling new series today!
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

          

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🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 Faerest by Brianna Bennett {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

Faerest by Brianna Bennett

Release Date: November 10th 2020

Genres: Adult, Fairy Tales, Retelling

Mystery has surrounded Sydney White for as long as she can remember. Her mother’s death puzzled even the hardiest of investigators, but eventually, they just stopped trying. So, when Syd is presented with the opportunity to finish a degree in faery anthropology that her mother began over twenty years ago, she leaps at the chance to learn the truth. However, truth is often stranger than fiction, especially when the lines between faery and human are eroding each day. Syd will have to navigate unthinkable deals, a prince in peril she swore she would never speak to again, and an organization only known as Coventry.

Amazon

{EXCERPT}

Strangely, she could still feel the careful caress of his skin on hers, which of course transitioned into other memories about their final night together. ‘No, we’re not going there.’ she told herself firmly, shaking her head as if that would knock the memories from her brain.

Once she fully came back to the present, she found that Sal had already chosen a track and the timekeeper was counting down. ‘Focus, Syd. Dinner is on the line.’ she told herself, the controller’s smooth plastic familiar and comforting.

Princess Peach, Syd’s favorite character, took off when she accelerated, cruising to the front of the pack efficiently.

She made use of all of the boosters, and she was lapping everyone else within minutes. ‘It feels good to get behind the wheel again, so to speak.’ She thought, and soon enough she found herself embracing the thrill of competition.

While Sal and Syd faced off, Jamie sat between them. Each time someone got ahead of Syd on the track, the lights would strobe ever so slightly, but as soon as she reclaimed first place, they stopped.

He glanced over at Sal and caught Sal looking at him out of the corner of his eye. Jamie’s mouth went dry, and he forced himself to focus on the game. Three rounds later, Syd shot up and cheered for her win.

“YES!” She looked down her nose haughtily at Sal. Jamie watched the scripted awards ceremony unfold, Princess Peach on the top tier, Bowser in second, and one of the computer-controlled racers in third.

“Looks like you’re buying dinner!” she crowed triumphantly.

“I can’t believe I just lost to a princess,” Sal said after a beat, and Syd smirked victoriously.

“There’s your first lesson in Mario Kart and in life: Never underestimate the princess.”

AUTHOR BIO:

Fanfiction was where it all began. It gave me the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles and work out crucial lessons in the craft. I spent several years writing for free, which helped me understand the realities of the writing world early on.

Once I got to college, I did the one thing that most advisors tell you not to do: I majored in what I was passionate about, not what would be most practical. ​

After graduating from college with a degree in Professional Writing, I took a year off and then enrolled in a double Master's program. In the 3 years that followed, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about all areas of writing and publishing. 

Nowadays, I'm a medical receptionist, soon-to-be self-published author, Medium blogger, writing coach, and podcast host. I live and work in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

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🌟 BOOK BLITZ 🌟 A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair {EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!}

A Game of Fate by Scarlett St. Clair

Release Date: September 18th 2020

Series: Hades & Persephone #1.5

Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Hades, God of the Underworld, is known for his inflexible rule, luxurious night clubs, and impossible bargains. Used to control, he is not prepared to discover the Fates have chosen his future wife and Queen—Persephone, Goddess of Spring.

Despite her attraction to the god, Persephone, an ambitious journalism student, is determined to expose Hades for his cruel and ruthless ways.

Hades finds himself faced with the impossible—proving his future bride wrong. Regardless of his efforts, there are forces who wish to keep the two apart and Hades comes to realize he will do anything for his forbidden love, even defy Fate.

Amazon

{EXCERPT}

It’s time for terms, Hades.”

He scowled and sat back in his chair, glaring. Aphrodite threw her head back in laughter.

“Someone does not like to lose.”

Her words were like a poker in his side. Hades did not actually mind losing. He lost all the time when he bargained with mortals, but he had not wanted to lose to Aphrodite.

The goddess pressed a finger to her chin and offered a soft hum, as if she did not know what to ask of him. She was wasting his time. She knew what she wanted, but just as he was about to bark at her, she spoke.

“Fall in love, Hades. Better yet, find a girl who will fall in love with you.” Then Aphrodite clapped and exclaimed, “That’s it! Make someone fall in love with you!”

Hades’ jaw tightened, and Aphrodite stared back as if she wished to see to his soul in turn. Her terms were insulting. If it were that easy to fall in love, he would not be alone now.

“Is this your idea of a joke?” he asked, his voice quiet and calm, despite the anger twisting his insides. He was going to have to torture someone just to release the tension in his body.

“Not a joke,” she said, raising a thin blonde brow. “You’ve offered love advice. Follow it.”

Not a joke then, but retribution. She was frustrated with him for offering his opinion on her marriage.

“And if I can’t meet those terms?”

Her smile cut across her face wickedly.

“Then you will release Basil from the Underworld.”

“Your lover?” Hades could not keep the disgust from his voice. They’d just spent the last few minutes discussing her love for Hephaestus, and here she was asking for a man—her hero, to be exact. Basil had fought and died for her in The Great War. “Why? Don’t you want Hephaestus to admit that he loves you?”

She glared at him. “Hephaestus is a lost cause.”

“You haven’t even tried!”

“Basil, Hades. He is who I want.”

“Because you imagine yourself in love with him?”

“What do you know of love? You’ve never loved in your lifetime.”

Those words did not hurt, so much as embarrass him. He leaned toward the goddess.

“Basil loves you, that is true, but if you don’t love him in return, it is meaningless.”

“Better to be loved than not at all,” she countered.

You are a fool, Hades wanted to say. Instead, he asked, “Are you sure this is what you want? You have already petitioned Zeus for a divorce, now you have asked me to resurrect your lover in the event I cannot meet the terms of your contract. Hephaestus will know.”

Aphrodite was quiet, and he recognized her uncertainty in the way she toyed with her lip.

Finally, she answered.

“Yes. It is what I want.” She took a deep breath then and managed a smile. “Six months, Hades. That should be enough time. Thank you for the entertainment. It was…invigorating.”

With that, the Goddess of Love vanished.

AUTHOR BIO:

Scarlett St. Clair lives in Oklahoma with her husband. She has a Master's degree in Library Science and Information Studies and spends a lot of time researching reincarnation, unsolved murders and Greek mythology-all of which made it into her debut novel, When Stars Come Out.

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❄️ Freebie Tuesday (Edition #303) ❄️

❄️ Welcome back! Hope everyone is having a great start to the new year/decade. 🌟

I will be tweeting random freebies that I can find on any given day so if you're looking for more free books make sure to follow me on twitter @JackieBookWorld. :) 

***Note that there will be some books that will be free for limited time only, so make sure to download them as soon as you can. Also if there is any specific genre that you guys would like me feature, let me know!  

Stay with Me 
by Kristen Proby
Release Date: May 29th 2018 by Ampersand Publishing, Inc.
Series: With Me in Seattle #9
Pages: 204
Genres: Romance, Contemporary
Author's Links: Goodreads, Website, Twitter, Facebook

From New York Times Bestselling Author Kristen Proby comes Stay With Me, an all new addition to the series that has sold more than a million copies to date, her beloved With Me In Seattle Series! 

Amelia Montgomery has left her past behind her. With a beauty and fashion career that’s skyrocketing and a loving family around her, everything else is just junk in the rearview mirror. 

Until it’s not. 

When she has to drop out of the public eye, her cousin Jules offers her a new, temporary life on the Puget Sound. Her past may be catching up with her, but hope for the future is in Seattle. 

Wyatt Crawford can’t figure out the enigmatic beauty who’s living next door. As an architect, he’s usually good at looking beneath the surface—but she barely even leaves her house. 

Until she needs his help. 

When she knocks on his door, how can he resist? It isn’t long before Wyatt and Amelia become more than just neighbors. But when he finally learns the truth, will the skeletons in her closet be too much for him to handle, or will he stay?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

           

Second Star 

by J.M. Sullivan

Release Date: March 5th 2019 by Bleeding Ink Publishing

Series: Neverland Transmissions #1

Pages: 352

Genres: Young Adult, Retelling, Fantasy

Author's Links: Goodreads, Website, Twitter, Facebook

Wendy Darling worked her entire life to rise through the ranks of the prestigious Londonierre Brigade. Now as a Captain, she has everything she’s always wanted, including a ship and crew of her own. But when the Brigade receives a strange transmission from the legendary James Hooke, lost a hundred years earlier in uncharted space and presumed dead, Wendy is willing to risk it all to rescue her hero. She races to the planet known only as Neverland; her mission to find the long-lost crew and bring them home.

But there is more to Neverland than meets the eye, and more to Hooke than what was written in history books. When Wendy crash lands on the ominous planet, she quickly discovers Neverland’s dark secret; a malevolent being known as The Shadow that’s looking for a host body to escape its eternal prison. To fulfill her mission, Wendy must decide whether to trust the dashing Hooke or the mysterious Fleet mechanic who goes by the name of Pan--and she has to decide quickly...

Before the darkness consumes them all.

(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

           

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