The Foxglove Killings Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Foxglove Killings Blog Tour!  Make sure to check out everything going on during this tour by clicking the banner above. I also have a review of The Foxglove Killings and a giveaway for you to enter. 

About the Book

Title: The Foxglove Killings

Author: Tara Kelly
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Publication Date: September 1, 2015

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

Gramps always said that when the crickets were quiet, something bad was coming. And the crickets have been as silent as the dead. It started with the murdered deer in the playground with the unmistakable purple of a foxglove in its mouth. But in the dying boondock town of Emerald Cove, life goes on.

I work at Gramps's diner, and the cakes―the entitled rich kids who vacation here―make our lives hell. My best friend, Alex Pace, is the one person who gets me. Only Alex has changed. He's almost like a stranger now. I can't figure it out...or why I'm having distinctly more-than-friend feelings for him. Ones I shouldn't be having.

Then one of the cakes disappears.
When she turns up murdered, a foxglove in her mouth, a rumor goes around that Alex was the last person seen with her—and everyone but me believes it. Well, everyone except my worst enemy, Jenika Shaw. When Alex goes missing, it's up to us to prove his innocence and uncover the true killer. But the truth will shatter everything I've ever known about myself—and Alex.

About the Author

Tara Kelly adores variety in her life. She’s an author, one-girl-band, graphic designer, editor, and
photographer. She lives in Sin City with her beloved guitars, sound design master husband, and a fluffy cat named Maestro.    

My Review of The Foxglove Killings

The Foxglove Killings had me on the edge of my seat from the first opening scene to the very last pages. I am so glad I picked up The Foxglove Killings; it is the perfect book to get back into mysteries and get myself in the mood for Halloween next month. While I loved the synopsis, I have had trouble reading anything lately. I was nervous that I was not going to be able to get into the story and mystery plot line and be able to devote my full attention to it. Most enjoyably that was not the case, this book managed to send my book blues away and have me so focus on reading I could not put it down until I finished in one setting. 

Nova is a teen who wants to grow up to work in the police force, but it currently stuck being harassed by the local rich kids also known as cakes while working at her grandfather’s diner. The only thing she can count on besides her family is her best friend Alex. When animals turn up mutilated with a foxglove in their mouth, Nova certain it going to lead to something more. Suddenly a “cake” turns up murdered and Alex is prime suspect due to a few rumors. When things start to go sideways, Nova has to work with the one girl that despises her most. This kind of antagonist relationship leads to a great deal of drama in the book as well as Nova’s new feeling for Alex. I kind of like the added dramatics for the poor townies versus the rich tourist “cakes.” It was like a mild version the Socs and Greasers from The Outsiders aside for the raging serial killer storyline. 

The drama really unfolds as Nova tries to prove Alex’s innocence as everyone around starts to believe he is guilty. As she uncovers more about those around her and the “cakes” the more everyone begins looking like a suspect. For once, I did not know who was behind the killings until the very last chapter as things unfolded. Even when I thought I knew who was guilty, there was a twist after twist that kept me on my toes until the final reveal. Not often do I not see a murder mystery suspect for who they are before there is any reveal, but The Foxglove Killings defiantly had my blinded until the end. 

The action had my heart pounding, the mystery had my brain whirling, and the relationships had my romantic bone tingling. The Foxglove Killings balanced all the elements perfectly and I loved every minute of it. I would say I probably read it much faster than I normally would have because the tension had my heart pumping and my brain wanting answers. I would defiantly read another book from Tara Kelly, and I am overjoyed that I chose to read The Foxglove Killings. 

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book, in exchange for an honest review**

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Waiting on Wedneday: This Monstrous Thing

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: This Monstrous Thing

Author: Mackenzi Lee 

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Steampunk, 

In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.
His brother, Oliver—dead.
His sweetheart, Mary—gone.
His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.
Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.
But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.
Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay…

Why am I waiting?

A retelling of Frankenstein right before Halloween, where do I sign up. I like everything this blurb describes, and I always love when someone takes a story and makes readers see it from another side. I also like that there is a steam-punk element added on to the story as well.

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Dawn Release Day Launch: Excerpt and Giveaway

Welcome to Release Day Launch for Dawn by Alyssa Rose Ivy! I could not be more excited to participating in this awesome launch from one of my favorite authors. I have an excerpt for you to enjoy and a giveaway for you to enter. 

About the Book

Title: Dawn

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Series: The Dire Wolves Chronicles #3

Publication Date: September 3, 2015

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble  | Kobo

It is always darkest before dawn.

Gage and Mary Anne are on the run and determined to break Hunter out of prison so he can finish changing Gage. They look to Mary Anne’s college friend Genevieve and the zany Dire Denny for assistance, but in the end, help comes from the unlikeliest of places.

Hunter must end the hunt even if it means destroying his own brother and giving up on the girl destined to be his. With betrayal surrounding him at every turn, his best chance at ending the hunt is someone he is sworn to hate.

Do not forget to read the first two books in the series...

Dire | Dusk

 About the Author

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance

and

a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

    

Excerpt From Dawn

“What’s your favorite flavor of ice cream?” As inconsequential as her answer was, it mattered to me. I wanted to know her tastes and preferences. I wanted to know everything about her.

“My favorite flavor of ice cream?” She leaned up on her elbow. “Are you seriously asking me that right now?”

“I need to know more about you.”

“And that includes learning my ice cream preferences?”

“You know all of that stuff about me, don’t you?” I already knew the answer.

“Rocky Road.” She flushed.

“See.”

“Does that freak you out?”

I ran my lips across hers. “Not in the slightest. It means you cared enough to know. I should have too. I should have noticed you more.”

“You had plenty of other girls to notice.”

“I don’t notice them now.” There was no one else I wanted. I’d never understand how I hadn’t noticed how perfect we were for each other.

“Maybe you will again.”

“Nope. You’re stuck with me.” I was only half joking. I wouldn’t force my company on her, but if it was up to me, I’d never leave her side again.

“Because I already know you’re a wolf?”

“No.” I felt a growl growing inside me. “Because you’re meant to be with me.”

“Oh no. No. No.” She moved away. “None of that. Next you are going to start talking about pre-destined dreams and freaky stuff like that.”

I stiffened. Those dreams were the root of most of our trouble. “This has nothing to do with dreams. It’s about the way I feel. Becoming Dire has made things even clearer for me.”

“But you’re still you, so if it’s just your Dire side…”

I rolled her over so she was under me. “My feelings for you come from both of my sides. They were always there, but this experience has made them stronger. Being with you has made them stronger. Becoming a Dire has only accentuated what I already felt as a human. Things are clearer now, crisper.”

She grazed her teeth over her lip in a nervous gesture, and I couldn’t hold back. I needed to taste her lips myself. I leaned my head down and let my lips connect with hers. The kiss wasn’t gentle nor any of the things I’d promised my kisses with her would be now. It was primal and needy. I was greedy, wanting and needing to soak up every ounce of her. 

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Waiting on Wednesday: Blood and Salt

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: Blood and Salt

Author:  Kim Liggett

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Horror, 

Romeo and Juliet meets Children of the Corn in this one-of-a-kind romantic horror.
“When you fall in love, you will carve out your heart and throw it into the deepest ocean. You will be all in—blood and salt.”
These are the last words Ash Larkin hears before her mother returns to the spiritual commune she escaped long ago. But when Ash follows her to Quivira, Kansas, something sinister and ancient waits among the rustling cornstalks of this village lost to time.
Ash is plagued by memories of her ancestor, Katia, which harken back to the town’s history of unrequited love and murder, alchemy and immortality. Charming traditions soon give way to a string of gruesome deaths, and Ash feels drawn to Dane, a forbidden boy with secrets of his own.
As the community prepares for a ceremony five hundred years in the making, Ash must fight not only to save her mother, but herself—and discover the truth about Quivira before it’s too late. Before she’s all in—blood and salt.

Why am I waiting?

Children of the Corn terrfied me when I was younger, and I like the foreboding that name brings on. I am curious to see what Ash finds when she follows her mother, and what exactly the five hundred year old ritual. This tied with the creepy cover makes it the perfect Halloween read. I am defiantly picking this one up when it comes out. 

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Life After Falling

Life After Falling by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Expected Publication: October 15, 2015
 Cover Design by Najla Qamber Designs
Genres: Contemporary, Romance

One tangled cassette tape. Two tangled lives.

Cassidy snaps. She quits her job and fiancé all in the same day and ends up on her parents’ doorstep. In the midst of everything she is determined to fix a broken cassette tape that she thinks holds the key to rediscovering happiness.

On her quest to fix the tape she meets Leo, a guy as down on his luck as she is lost. What starts with curiosity leads to something resembling a relationship and maybe a chance at love.

 About the Author

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a New Adult and Young Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance

and

a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

    

My Thoughts: 

I love the cover it is beautiful! I love the cassette tape and cannot wait to read this one. I love Alyssa Rose Ivy and I am dying to read anything new of hers. She has this way with romance that always has me addicted from the very first chapter. 

I want to hear what you think!

Let me know in the comments

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Waiting on Wednesday: Nightfall

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: Nightfall

Author: Jake Halpern, Peter Kujawinski 

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Publication Date: September 22, 2015
Genre: Young Adult, Horror, 

A story where edge-of-your-seat horror meets post-apocalyptic thriller, perfect for fans of Lois Lowry and The Mazerunner
Night is coming.
On Marin’s island, sunrise doesn’t come every twenty-four hours--it comes every twenty-eight years. Each sunset, the townspeople sail to the south, where they wait out the long Night. None of the adults will tell Marin, Kana, or their friend Line exactly what happens when they leave the island, but when the three are accidentally left behind in the gathering dusk, they learn the truth: at Night, their town belongs to others, and those others want them gone.
Fleeing through the now-alien landscape that used to be their home, the three confront shocking transformations and uncomfortable truths about themselves.  They are challenged to trust one another or perish. Marin, Kana, and Line must find their way off the island . . . before the Night finds them.

Why am I waiting?

This sounds exceptionally horrifying and intense. Bonus it comes out just in time to get me in the Halloween spirit. Does anyone else like to read scary or horror novels during October? I think it is just so fitting with the fall atmosphere and all the scary movies. I also want to know that lurks in the night. 

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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Waiting on Wednesday: Dawn

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we cannot wait to get our hands on.

 I am waiting on:

Title: Dawn

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Series:The Dire Wolves Chronicles #3

Publication Date: September 3, 2015
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, 

Why am I waiting?

If you have been here any amount of time, the name Alyssa Rose Ivy should be very familiar. Alyssa Rose Ivy is probably the only author that I have read nearly every book that she has written, and the ones I haven't are simply due to a backlog in my TBR pile. The Dire Wolves is an amazing series, and so different from her other shapeshifter series. They are set in the same universe and even crossover which makes them even better for avid fans like me. I am curious to see what happens in the latest installment of this series.

Other Dire Wolves Fans: Team Hunter or Team Gage?

What are you waiting on?

Make sure to let me know in the comments

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