Mundie Moms

Friday, April 10, 2020

FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout / Book Review #FromBloodAndAsh



ABOUT THE BOOK

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series: Blood & Ash
Released on: April 7, 2020
Source: purchased books
Add it to Goodreads

A Maiden…

Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…

The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…

Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel


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An exciting, captivating read that had me re-reading it shortly after finishing the book. I absolutely loved FROM BLOOD AND ASH, so much that I purchased both the e-book and physical book. I need the next book already.

MY FULL REVIEW

FINALLY! This book was so worth the wait! I absolutely love it. This is definitely my favorite book to date that Jennifer has written. If you’ve been following me for a long time, you that’s saying something as I’ve been a huge fan of hers & have read all of her books since reading an arc of her debut book, and FROM BLOOD AND ASH is her best book yet! 

I absolutely love a well written fantasy book. I loved the way this book’s fantasy story was written. From the world and it’s complex history, to all the fantasy elements, and the trade mark character chemistry that makes Armentrout’s books an automatic buy for me, this book is Armentrout perfection!

The characters are all well developed, three dimensional characters. Some of secondary characters were just as easy to love as the main characters. Others were extremely easy to despise. One of the things I appreciated, was how Poppy grew into a strong, fierce character who didn’t make excuses for what she wanted. Once she embraced herself, there was no stopping her. I loved her for that. I also loved how Hawke saw her for more than just her Maiden title. Their banter was down right hysterical at times, and at other times these two can definitely make a reader blush.

I bought the e-book the day it came out and after reading it, and then re-reading it the next day, I had to purchase a physical copy of the book. This book is one intoxicating read! With fantastic character chemistry, magic, plenty of action, dangerous secrets, and an exciting turn of events, this is one book I’d highly recommend picking up. 

There are some scenes that may be a trigger for some. There are also well written sexual scenes, and some language in the last part of the book that may not be suitable for all readers.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT ME By Jenna Guillaume | Blog Tour + Giveaway #WhatILikeAboutMe



Welcome to the What I Like About Me Blog Tour!

To celebrate the US release of What I Like About Me by Jenna Guillaume on April 1st, blogs across the web are featuring exclusive original content from Jenna, as well as 10 chances to win a finished copy of What I Like About Me and WILAM pocket mirror, as well as one grand prize giveaway of a book, mirror, beach towel, and sunglasses!


5 Things I'd Tell My 16-Year-Old Self
by Jenna Guillaume

Being a teen is INTENSE. Emotions run close to the surface and everything feels huge and important (both the good and the bad things). I vividly remember all the highs and lows of those years, which is something I tapped into for my work at a teen magazine—and now, when writing YA fiction. While I wouldn’t really change anything about my teen years—because your experiences, for better or worse, shape you into the person you are—there are a few things I wish I could let my former self know. The kinds of things I try to teach the characters in my books…

Stop comparing and competing
I know you just want to fit in and you’re desperate to be normal. But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as normal. Everyone has their own insecurities, their own struggles—everyone, in one way or another, feels like they don’t fit in. Don’t try to change or shrink yourself in order to be what others want you to be, or what you think you should be. And really, seriously, don’t do something just because your friends do. Live your life, not somebody else’s.

Say goodbye to toxic friends
You don’t have to feel grateful that someone is friends with you. You are awesome and completely worthy of love and friendship, and if other people don’t see that, that’s their problem. Don’t let anyone make you feel like they’re doing you a favour just by talking to you. They’re not. Anyone who judges you for just being who you are is not a real friend. I know you’re scared to be without them, but trust me—you’ll be much better off.

Wear whatever you want
You don’t love your body, but you really, really should. And you should feel comfortable wearing whatever the hell you want. Go to the beach in a bikini. Wear a short skirt. Embrace shorts. Don’t waste your time angst-ing over stretch marks or pale skin or whatever else is worrying you. I promise you, no one cares. And if they do, they’re the one with major issues, not you.

Keep following your passions
Yes, I know the things you’re passionate about are watching TV and movies and spending time on the internet. Despite what your mother tells you, this is NOT a waste of time. Okay, maybe you should get a little more homework done than you’re currently doing…but all those hours consuming stories and communicating with others online? They’re not only influencing who you are as a person, they’ll also define your career. Never let anyone make you feel like something that brings you happiness is bad. That in itself makes it worth it.

Keep things in perspective 
It feels as though everything matters right now, and one right or wrong move is going to define the rest of your life. It won’t. Even if you don’t get the exam results you’re hoping for, for instance, there are other pathways to success. No matter what others say, these aren’t the best years of your life, but they aren’t the worst either. Appreciate them for what they are—especially enjoy the ample time for seeing your friends, and napping—and don’t overthink the bad stuff. You’ll be okay.

*****

Blog Tour Schedule:

March 30th - BookHoundsYA
March 31st - Sprinkles of Dreams
April 1st - The Fandom
April 2nd - Fangirlish
April 3rd - Word Spelunking

April 6th - Julie Caught Reading
April 7th - A Dream Within a Dream
April 8th - Mundie Moms
April 9th - Good Choice Reading
April 10th - Crossroad Reviews


“This is the book I would hand to teen me.”
—Becky Albertalli, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

"Funny and heartfelt. I loved it." 
—Melina Marchetta, author of On the Jellicoe Road

“Debut author Guillaume's novel features funny dialogue and fresh takes on body image and personal relationships as well as a plucky heroine who slowly but surely comes into her own….Perfect for fans of Dumplin’, a hilariously sweet yet complex romance.” 
Kirkus Reviews

ABOUT THE BOOK


Follow Jenna: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Follow Peachtree Publishing: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

You know all those movies where teenagers have, like, THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES? This vacation is probably not going to be that.

The last thing sixteen-year-old Maisie Martin thought she'd be doing over vacation is entering a beauty pageant. Not when she's spent most of her life hiding her body from everyone. Not when her Dad is AWOL and her gorgeous older sister has returned to rock Maisie's already shaky confidence. And especially not when her best friend starts flirting with the boy she's always loved. But Maisie's got something to prove.


As she writes down all the ways this vacation is going from bad to worse in her school-assignment journal, what starts as a homework torture-device might just end up being an account of how Maisie didn't let anything, or anyone, hold her back.


Jenna Guillame’s American debut features a plus-size protagonist with a compelling, funny, and authentic narrative voice. This relatable and charming novel about friendship, confidence, and self-love will draw readers in as Maisie’s realistic emotional journey unveils the importance of embracing one’s body and celebrating one’s self.




About the Author


Jenna Guillaume was the editor-at-large for BuzzFeed Australia, where she wrote about pop culture, identity, feminism, social media, and, most importantly, Chris Hemsworth’s biceps. Previously, she worked in the features department of Girlfriend magazine in Australia, writing about everything from bullying and body image to bad kisses and boy bands. She also contributed to Girlfriend Life Hacks, an essential guide to navigating a girl’s completely-awkward-but-totally-awesome teen years. Guillaume lives in Australia. Visit her website at jennaguillaume.com.


ENTER TO WIN


  • 10 winners will receive a finished copy of What I Like About Me and WILAM pocket mirror
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 11:59pm ET on 4/18
a Rafflecopter giveaway

GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY


  • One winner will receive a finished copy of What I Like About Me, WILAM pocket mirror, beach towel, and sunglasses
  • US/Canada only
  • Ends 11:59pm ET on 4/18
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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