Karen Kincy Birthday Celebration and Giveaway!!!

Happy Birthday!

Karen Kincy

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to—

Oh, wait, I’m sharing my birthday? Right! This September 1st means I get one more year and one
more book. Clockwork Menagerie, a companion novella to my Shadows of Asphodel series, comes out today. The story follows the archmage Konstantin into Russia during the bitter winter of 1914. If you know Konstantin, you won’t be surprised when he gets into trouble with technomancy, clockwork beasts, and a certain handsome airship captain.

Since today happens to be a double birthday, we need cake. Myself, I’m partial to chocolate mint cake with a rich glaze, which my mom bakes upon request. Konstantin, on the other hand, lives and works in Vienna, Austria. He loves the famous sachertorte, chocolate filled with apricot, though he’s secretly the most fond of strawberry torte for his birthday cake.

Who doesn’t love birthday presents? Konstantin daydreams about all the mechanical trinkets and upgrades he could acquire for his laboratory. He hopes that someone will research the latest in technomancy equipment and buy him something cutting edge and dangerous. Though sadly none
of his friends will buy him a gift that might literally blow up in his face.

As for me, I’m pretty bad at guessing about birthday presents. I keep telling people they can always get me more books, but they point to my swaybacked bookshelves and mutter something about me having “too many,” which is obviously impossible. Konstantin would agree with me, though he tends to read more nonfiction than fiction.

When is Konstantin’s birthday? That’s a secret in the books, but I’ll go ahead and tell you it’s February 13. The day before Valentine’s Day, which means blackmail material for more presents. Not that Konstantin would ever do anything so diabolical—he limits his schemes to bigger and better experiments, never mind that they often backfire.

Happy birthday, Clockwork Menagerie, and go party with readers!

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Clockwork Menagerie (Shadows of Asphodel, #2.5), by Karen Kincy

Genre: Historical-fantasy romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Release: September 1, 2015

Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky

Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Description:

A companion novella to the Shadows of Asphodel series, from Konstantin's point of view.

1914. Konstantin would love to hide in his laboratory and dissect the clockwork dragon captured from Russia, but the Archmages of Vienna have other plans. He finds himself shipped off to St. Petersburg as the scientific attaché to an ambassador. His orders? Look, but don't touch. Of course, he considers this an impossible request with so much enemy technomancy to explore.

To make matters worse, Konstantin has to work with the dashing zeppelin commander Himmel, a man who should also be untouchable. They can't act on the smoldering attraction between them without risking it all. Faced with an illegal relationship and a devious rival technomancer, Konstantin might not return from this mission in Russia without conquering the forbidden.

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About The Author:

Karen Kincy (Kirkland, Washington) can be found lurking in her writing cave, though sunshine will lure her outside. When not writing, she stays busy gardening, tinkering with aquariums, or running just one more mile. Karen has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College.

Find Karen Kincy Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY:

Dragon Steampunk Necklace (found here on etsy)

Open to US 

Ends Sept. 16th

Prizing is provided by the publisher. Hosts are not responsible. Prize is shipped directly from the etsy seller. If there is an issue a similar item may be used to replace it.

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This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions

Sherlock 221b Baker Street Gold Keychain Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

221B BAKER STREET KEYCHAIN

#sherlockholmes

***My Personal Review***

Are you a member of the Sherlock Holmes fandom?  If so then you have to pick up one of these awesome little keychains!  Made of high quality materials in beautiful gold tone this is the perfect unique accessory for a SH fan.  It is a white background with the words 221B Baker Street W1 City of Westminster on it as well as a silhouette of the good doctor himself!  It has just a slight round feel on the top and the keychain holder is really well-made and I think this will last a long time even if you have heavy wear and tear.  But I am keeping it for my collection :)

Zubel Football and Cheerleaders Review and Giveaway!

#zubels

Website

***My Personal Review***

Zubels is an awesome company that makes beautiful crocheted items like baby hats, rattles, toys and yes even sports and holiday figures!  I was lucky enough to be chosen to review one cheerleader rattle and one football player and I must say I am thoroughly impressed!  They are beautifully made with intricate detailing that just sets them apart from other crochet items.  As you can see from the pictures they have hundreds of choices, their catalog is huge so please go to their website and request one!  Zubels also owns all of its factories so their prices are very reasonable :)  If you have a football lover they offer a 5" knit football rattle; a 7" knit football player and cheerleader; a 12" knit football player and cheerleader; a football sweater size 0/6 mo-toddler 4; and also a football knit hat size 0/6 mo-2/3 years.

My daughter loves these and I am happy to send her to bed with them because they are so soft and I know they are safe for her.  She loves the cheerleader!  If you have little ones they have the cutest hats and accessories like booties.  You can find a lot of their products on Amazon but ordering from their website is the best way to go!  You will have a much better selection :)  These are made of all organic materials and there are no hard parts in the 2 that I received, I can't speak to all of them but I think they are probably all this way.  Definitely a great stocking stuffer for your kiddo or even a collectible item for sports fans you know because of the color selection :)




















My sponsor has been so generous as to offer one lucky reader a prize of one 7" Zubel Football player rattle or Cheerleader rattle :)  There are several required options to be considered so make sure you do them!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WS Momma Readers Nook is not responsible for fulfillment of prize, that is the responsibility of the sponsor.  This is open to US residents 18 and older, winning entry will not count if it cannot be verified. 

Money Maze Review

Link to my review on Amazon:

MONEY MAZE

#AGREATLIFE

***My Personal Review***

Looking for a fun and unique gift for your kids or someone who loves puzzles?  Then you have found it!  For just $9.90 you can choose from pink, blue, green or orange.  You flip the lid open and insert the money or whatever you want (a small toy possibly) and replace the lid, then give it to them and let them maneuver the ball around the maze until they get it into the hole at the top and it clicks the top open!

It's hard, I had to do it several times to get it, but I had fun :)  This is a nice size it's not huge so it would make a great stocking stuffer - your kids might be a tad bit upset if they can't get to their money quickly but it will be worth it in the end!  Pick up a couple now before Christmas comes and they run out!

Silicone Wedding Rings-All sizes in one Package

Link to my review on Amazon:

SILICONE WEDDING RINGS

#WDGRNGONEPKG2

***My Personal Review***

Want your wedding to really be different and unique or just don't like the traditional ways?  Perhaps you work somewhere that you are afraid to wear your ring due to safety concerns ... well then this is the perfect solution!  All silicone and 5 different sizes in one package, you get sizes 8-12.  If these catch on something they will stretch and hold up to 40 lbs of pressure so you can wear your ring and never have to worry about safety problems.  These are also nice because silicone doesn't get rusty so you can leave it on to shower or bathe, you don't have to worry about losing it as easily. 

These would also be great for that couple that is adventurous and does a lot of outdoor activities - it's a very natural way to display your wedding vows :)  No worrying about skin problems or marks from metal rings, and there is also NO chance of losing a gem or rock from your band.  Simple and adventurous at the same time.  Go check them out today and see if they will work for YOUR wedding or even to buy new wedding bands!

Dragon Stone Trilogy by Kristian Alva Book Blast and Giveaway

Is Elias strong enough to save himself and halt the evil that is spreading across the land?

Publication Date: July 31, 2015

Genre: Epic Fantasy, Young Adult

Sequestered deep in the capital, the tyrannical Emperor Vosper weaves a plan to destroy all the dragons. He succeeds in driving them to the very brink of extinction. Only a handful of dragons and riders remain; living in exile in the desert. When young Elias Dorgumir finds a carved dragon stone in the forest, it brings empire soldiers to his doorstep, and puts Elias on the run with a bounty on his head.

With some help from his friends, Elias must escape the emperor's wrath and try to make it to the safety of the dwarf caverns. Elias holds the key to the salvation of the dragon race. Is Elias strong enough to save himself and halt the evil that is spreading across the land?

* * *

The evil emperor Vosper gathers his troops in the east, poised to conquer the entire continent. His target is the rebel city of Parthos, a constant thorn in his side, and the last sanctuary of the Dragon Riders.

Besieged from all sides, the remaining Dragon Riders come out of hiding. Forced to fight for their lives, they leave the safety of the desert, traveling across the land to gather intelligence and shore up forgotten alliances.At the center of it all is Elias Dorgumir, the key to an ancient prophesy, and Vosper will do anything to get his hands on him. Is it too late for the Dragon Riders to save Elias and stop Vosper from destroying the only refuge they have left?

* * *

As the races of Durn stand on the brink of war, the power-hungry emperor plans his conquest of the entire continent.

The dragon riders are fragmented. They have been scattered across the land; weakened by the discovery of a traitor in their own ranks.

Are the riders strong enough to defeat Vosper before he destroys them all?

Amazon

Goodreads

Kristian Alva was born into a family of writers and teachers. She worked as a staff writer and a ghostwriter before publishing her own manuscripts. She currently lives in the United States with her family. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading all genres, especially epic fantasy.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Goodreads

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WHO R U REALLY? by Margo Kelly Paperback Release and Giveaway :)

Today we are excited to be celebrating the Paperback Release of the Young Adult Thriller: WHO R U REALLY? by Margo Kelly

Nearly a year has passed since WHO R U REALLY? by Margo Kelly came out in hardback, and now, Merit Press (the YA imprint of F+W Media) is publishing a paperback version of the young adult thriller! Its official release date is September 4, 2015, and to celebrate, we’re giving away FIVE signed paperback copies! For a chance to win one, simply follow the steps below in the Rafflecopter.

Here are a few of the exciting things that have happened since WHO R U REALLY? debuted as a hardback:

Won 1st Place in the YA Category for the Idaho Author Award

The Department of Homeland Security took notice:
DHS invited Margo to partner with the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. campaign, which is the global cyber security awareness campaign to help people stay safer and more secure online.

Librarians have applauded the story:
“This book is sure to spark a dialogue between parents and teens as well as tell an appealing cautionary tale to a younger audience and would be a good addition to any middle school, high school, or public library.” The Idaho Librarian

“With all the different trending social media out there, this book is intriguing because the story centers around a naive yet strong-willed girl who falls into the trap of an internet predator. … You will definitely want to read this book to find out what happens!” The Dallas Public Library

Industry experts have had positive things to say:
"This tense thriller offers useful lessons." --The Horn Book Guide

"Based on actual events, the story should be required reading for all teens." --VOYA Magazine

"Kelly shows us just how terrifying, dangerous and unknown the world of online gaming can be--especially for a young teen.... The book is well-written and the story believable and engaging...I strongly recommend this book." --The Idaho Statesman

Description of WHO R U REALLY?:
When Thea discovers a new role-playing game online, she falls under the spell of Kit, an older boy whose smarts and savvy can’t defeat his loneliness and near-suicidal despair. As Kit draws soft-hearted Thea into his drama, she creates a full plate of cover stories for her parents and then even her friends. Ripped from a true-life story, Who R U Really? willscare you as Thea’s life spins out of her control.

About the Author:

Margo Kelly is a native of the Northwest and currently resides in Idaho. A veteran public speaker, Margo is now actively pursuing her love of writing. Who R U Really? is her debut novel, published by Merit Press. The Department of Homeland Security has partnered with Margo to promote online safety. Margo welcomes opportunities to speak to youth groups, library groups, and book clubs. For more information, visit her website: www.margokelly.net

Here are a few places you can buy a copy of WHO R U REALLY?:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Rediscovered Books


Here are a few places you can find Margo Kelly online:
http://www.margokelly.net
https://www.goodreads.com/margokelly
https://twitter.com/MargoWKelly
https://www.facebook.com/MargoKelly.author

GIVEAWAY:

5 signed paperbacks of Who R U Really? 

US only

Ends 9/4

Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible.

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

 

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions

Tenchi Sports Skidless Non Slip Suede Microfiber Hot Yoga Towel

Link to my review on Amazon:

TENCHI SPORTS YOGA TOWEL

#tenchisports

***My Personal Review***

Absolutely perfect towel for your yoga mat.  We all know going to the gym isn't the greatest experience if you are kind of a germophobe like me.  Sweaty people, bodily fluids = not so awesome.  But with one of these you get so many features - it has pockets on all 4 ends to slip the yoga mat into and you never have to touch the mat!  Plus while you are working out the microfiber fabric will help you keep your balance so you don't slip.  I chose the grey/blue design and the size is 72" long so this should fit any yoga mat easily.  The microfiber is also the same stuff they use for towels so when you start sweating this will easily wick away the moisture giving you a more comfortable workout.  This is great for even just using as a towel though because it is so soft and large.  However you decide to use it just pick one up now :)

Squishy Deluxe Microbead Convertible Travel Pillow

Link to my review on Amazon:

SQUISHY DELUXE NECK PILLOW

#SquishyDeluxe

***My Personal Review***

Love love love this pillow!  I can't keep my daughter away from it, she loves the softness and squishiness of it.  The nice part about this is that it looks like a regular travel neck pillow but it converts into another travel pillows and then zips back into the regular neck pillow again.  This is great for plane or train travel or even in the car to make sure you do not get a sore neck but you don't need a bulky pillow :)  They have several kinds and colors but I chose the purple on the white background because that is what my daughter wanted!

The bolster pillow it becomes is great for your neck when you are sleeping or my daughter likes to use it to hang onto when she is sleeping.  Perfect size at 12" x 5.5".  When in its regular shape it is 13" x 12" x 3.5" so it's big enough for almost any size person.  It is so super soft and plush and the microbeads are just amazing - they offer you the comfort you need by moving with your neck to give you a good rest.  This is able to be washed in a machine and it's pretty easy to clean, I am able to wipe mine down and any spots almost disappear in between washings.  The microbeads make it much easier to wash because they will just pop right back into shape :)

ROHA Measuring Spoon

Link to my review on Amazon:

ROHA MEASURING SPOON SET

#ROHAMeasuringSpoon

***My Personal Review***

This is a really good quality set of stainless steel measuring spoons.  No extras, just thin and easy to use.  They are engraved with the measurements including ML so you don't have to worry about them wearing off.  This set comes with the 4 standard measuring spoons 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp and 1 Tbsp on a wire holder.  Very slim and these are going to fit easily into any drawer without taking up a lot of space.  Throw them in the dishwasher or hand clean, your choice!  A great deal at just $9.95 for a set that is stainless steel and will last you forever.  Simple yet elegant :)