Showing posts with label 4.5 trees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 4.5 trees. Show all posts

Refugee by Alan Gratz (Scholastic)

 


Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

By Yara – OnceUponaTwilight.com


Refugee by Alan Gratz, published by Scholastic, is a powerful middle-grade novel that doesn’t shy away from heavy truths. It follows three young characters from different time periods and countries as they each flee their homes in search of safety. Their journeys are intense, emotional, and surprisingly connected.


What drew me to this book wasn’t just the buzz or the cover. I picked it up during our middle school Scholastic Book Fair after seeing that one of the stories follows a Cuban girl named Isabel who escapes on a boat with her family during the 1990s. That hit home. My husband fled Cuba the same way around the same time. Reading Isabel’s journey stirred up memories I’ve only heard about but could now see through a child’s eyes. And here’s the part that completely caught me off guard, one of the other characters is escaping to Cuba. That kind of full-circle storytelling really stuck with me.


Gratz also introduces us to Josef, a Jewish boy escaping Nazi Germany, and Mahmoud, a Syrian boy caught in the chaos of modern-day civil war. All three stories are gripping, but I’ll admit one of them didn’t hit quite as hard for me as the others. It’s the only reason I’m giving this 4.5 instead of a full 5 stars.


Still, Refugee is one of those rare books that educates and moves you at the same time. It’s beautifully written and incredibly important, especially for younger readers. If you’ve ever wondered what courage looks like in real life, this book shows you.


Highly recommend adding this to any school or home library.


Posted by Once Upon a Twilight at 8:00 AM 0 comments
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Review Tour: Indiscretion by Vi Keeland



Title: Indiscretion
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 13, 2025


BLURB

He's her boss. She's his greatest temptation.

The first time I met Dawson Reed, we wound up in bed.
The problem was, neither of us knew the other were there.
When I woke up in the middle of the night and found a stranger next to me, instinct kicked in and I attacked the intruder.
Only it turned out, the man wasn’t an intruder at all.
Dawson had rented this cabin, too. Apparently, a system glitch allowed a duplicate booking.
We’d soon find out we were in town for the same wedding, and Dawson was the groomsman I’d been warned about. He was as tall, dark and jaw-droppingly gorgeous as my best friend had described. Though she was also right when she’d said you two will hate each other.
When daylight rolled around, Dawson and I attempted to straighten out the mess we found ourselves in. But it proved to be more difficult than we initially thought. Since it was a holiday weekend, there wasn’t a single room available for more than fifty miles.
I suppose things could be worse than sharing a cabin for a weekend with a handsome man you despise.
Like maybe him winding up being your new boss?







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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As always, Vi Keeland created a masterpiece with this book, Indiscretion. I went into this book completely blind and was not expecting it to start the way it did; with our leading man getting punched by our leading woman.  Dawson was checking into his cabin rental after an exhausting day, showered and then was about to go to bed, when he encountered Naomi already there. Of course Naomi reacted as any woman would react to a strange man being in HER rented cabin, with a right hook.  After the initial reactions, they concluded they mistakenly both rented the cabin due to a glitch and were there for the same wedding. 


Due to Dawson and Naomi being friends with the same couple they end up periodically being in the same place at the same time and the attraction increases with each interaction. Dawson is a criminal defense attorney that had mixed business with pleasure previously, leaving him with no employees and hardly any office furniture. Due to this, he’s very skeptical about working with any woman again. Naomi is a disbarred lawyer looking for work as a paralegal almost at the end of her savings. What could possibly go wrong working with someone you’re extremely attracted to!? 


This book was such an enjoyable read from start to finish. I read half and listened to the audio version for the other half, all in one sitting. I highly recommend the book and the audio version. The audio is done by two audio legends: Sebastian York and Andi Arndt. They are without a doubt two of my favorite narrators. This story was a great start to my 2025. I rate the story 4.25 stars and the narration 5 stars. 




AUTHOR BIO


Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria, Israel, and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.


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Book Review: The Rules of Dating My Best Friend’s Sister

 




Title: The Rules of Dating My Best Friend's Sister
Authors: Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 2, 2023


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling authors Vi Keeland & Penelope Ward comes a new standalone romance.
Rule number one for dating your best friend’s sister: Don’t.
Just don’t do it.
Especially when your best friend is dead and the last thing he made you promise him was that you’d keep an eye on his little sister, but not too good of an eye.
As a musician whose longest committed relationship was six weeks, I, Holden Catalano, was the last guy on Earth who should’ve been messing around with Laney Ellison.
The super smart girl whom I affectionately dubbed Lala since childhood was always off limits.
Though that didn’t stop me from thinking about her over the years, especially those times when the two of us would sneak out onto the roof and talk for hours after my buddy fell asleep. It was innocent, but I’d always held a torch for her.
After Ryan passed away, I vowed to always protect Lala. That included protecting her—from me.
Now all grown up and a scientist, Lala needed a place to stay when she accepted a temporary research position in New York. I thought I did the right thing by offering her an apartment in the building I co-owned with my three friends.
Except having her close by reignited all of those old feelings.
And things started to get complicated.
Especially since she was engaged.
And especially since, lately, I’d noticed something more in her eyes. Desire.
Lala didn’t exactly look at me like the platonic brother figure I was trying so desperately to be, even though I wanted her more than I’d ever wanted anything.
Yet, I was being good—on my very best behavior.
But you know what they say…all good things must come to an end, right?







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AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

ALSO AVAILABLE





⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

My favorite duo deliver again. I have to start off by saying I LOVE HOLDEN and was so glad to learn he was getting his own story. The close proximity, the forbidden aspect, CHEF’s KISS. 

I love reading about the long term crushes these two had on each other ever since they were young. The chemistry they carry into adulthood is nuclear. Side note, I love the names of the characters, Lala and Holden. Then trying to dance around their feelings while living next door and while Lala is in a relationship made the book so amazing. I couldn’t put it down. 

Every single Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward book has been between a 4 and 5 star read for me and this one is no different. I binge read it in one sitting. I’m giving this book 4.5 stars because it had all the elements I love in a book. 

VI KEELAND


Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles are currently translated in twenty-seven languages and have appeared on bestseller lists in the US, Germany, Brazil, Bulgaria and Hungary. Three of her short stories have been turned into films by Passionflix, and two of her books are currently optioned for movies. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.



PENELOPE WARD


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance. 

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism. 

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over thirty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.

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Posted by Once upon a twilight at 9:30 AM 0 comments
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ARC Book Review: Stealing Infinity by Alyson Noel

Stealing Infinity
Stolen Beauty #1
Author: Alyson Noel
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Fantasy
Released: 06/28/2022
Review Source: Netgalley

These days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru.

Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me.

Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma—which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to. They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world. And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know…


Stealing Infinity tells a story of time travellers with a pinch of romance, a lot of secrets and even more mystery. Gray Wolf Academy isn't how it seems - even if I don't know why yet. The whole book revealed so many questions and not many answers so as you can imagine I am dying for more! 

The further into the book you get, the more intriguing the prologue becomes.  

"When the boy does find my daughter - and he will - I can only hope it will lead to her uncovering this object."

Has she already met this mysterious blue eyed boy? What does he want with her? Why? How does this tie in with her current situation? Ms Noel, I need answers!

The novel began with an introduction to numerology (something I'd never heard of) and I loved that it was included as it was fun to workout and read up on my number - I'm an eight! You can see the amount of research and detail the author included and it was a fantastic touch!

Alyson Noel is an author who has been in my heart for years - way back when The Immortals series came out and Stealing Infinity did not disappoint. The gripping storyline had me from the beginning and I was desperate for more when it ended. The author took a trope I generally don't like (time travelling) and spun a tale that become one my favourite reads of the year.



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Book Review: The Assignment by Penelope Ward

 




Title: The Assignment
Author: Penelope Ward
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: February 28, 2022


BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.

Reasons why I should not be drawn to Troy Serrano.
Number one: He’s obnoxious.
Number two: He and I were enemies over a decade ago in high school.
Number three: He’s my friend’s ex-boyfriend.
I could go on and on, really.
When my boss gives me an unwanted assignment and tells me it involves spending time with the grandson of one of our residents—the grandson turns out to be Troy. He’s now as successful as he is undeniably handsome.
Lucky me. Four hours a week of having to deal with his insufferable personality and unsolicited advice.
The only consolation is getting to stare at his annoyingly gorgeous face in between our many arguments.
Eventually, though, we slowly warm to each other and our outings become something I actually look forward to.
What’s happening to me?
Apparently, I misunderstood the assignment, because it certainly didn’t include thinking about Troy when I close my eyes at night, imagining what it would be like with him—just once. All the while hating myself for fantasizing about a guy who’s all wrong for me. A guy whose car I keyed back in the day. (Long story, but he deserved it.)
That’s all this is—a fantasy.
Well, until that one night at the bar.
The night Troy and I run into each other, and all of our pent-up frustration comes barreling out.
Still, I refuse to accept that it means anything.
There’s no way the guy I’m supposed to hate is also the one I can’t live without.



PURCHASE LINKS

Limited time release price $3.99!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU




⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another amazing book by one of my favorite authors!  I have to start off by saying I haven’t read a book by Penelope Ward that I didn’t like and this book was no different!  

The enemies to lover book I didn’t know I needed. It’s about 
Troy Serrano and Aspyn Dumont, former high school classmates with years of anger towards one another. Aspyn works at an assisted living facility for elderly patients. One of the patients she helps with is none other than Troy’s grandfather. I have to say, besides Aspyn and Troy, Troy’s grandfather is my favorite character.  He’s so funny without even trying to be. I also LOVEDDDD the obvious tension between our two main characters. Such a thin line between love and hate. 

The story has all the feels, is a standalone, can be read in one sitting (which is what I did), CHEMISTRY between characters, and great character development. I give this book 4.5 stars and recommend it to everyone!  Get this book!

AUTHOR BIO


Penelope Ward is a New York Times, USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary romance.

She grew up in Boston with five older brothers and spent most of her twenties as a television news anchor. Penelope resides in Rhode Island with her husband, son, and beautiful daughter with autism.

With over two million books sold, she is a 21-time New York Times bestseller and the author of over twenty novels. Her books have been translated into over a dozen languages and can be found in bookstores around the world.


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Book Review: My Favorite Souvenir by Penelope Ward | Vi Keeland

MY FAVOURITE SOUVENIR IS LIVE!
A Contemporary Romance Novel
New York Times Bestselling Authors Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland

 BLURB
My planned trip for two unexpectedly turned into a trip for one. Rather than let
my breakup get me down, I packed my bags and decided a week at a luxury
resort was just what I needed.
But one calamity after the next, and suddenly I was stuck without a hotel room,
along with a few hundred other people.
It looked like my fancy vacation was about to turn into me sleeping on the hotel
lobby flo or.
Until I overheard a gorgeous man pretending to be someone he wasn’t in order
to steal a reservation from a guest who hadn’t shown up yet.
When I realized there were two rooms, instead of calling him out, I pretended to
be his sister. That’s how the story of “Milo and Maddie Hooker” began.
We were the Hookers.
My depressing trip quickly made a U - turn into an adventure.
My fake brother spent the next few days showing me around his hometown.
When it was time to leave, neither of us really wanted to go yet.
So, instead of flying back to our respective h omes, we ventured on a road trip.
At every stop, we’d pick up souvenirs.
But as hot as our chemistry was, we never crossed the line.
Milo knew I’d just come out of a tough relationship and didn’t want to mess with
a vulnerable woman.
So instead, at the end of our trip, we made a pact to meet again in three
months.
It was always my intention to meet him.
But when I got back home, reality hit in a big way.
And I worried I may have lost my handsome stranger forever.
Was there a place for him in my future?
Or had the memory of him just become my favorite souvenir?

the day he came back
  PURCHASE LINKS:</ p>
Amazon eBookè https://fave.co/2xS9bO9
Paperback</ span>è https://fave.co/2T0vXcS

Sign up for Penelope & Vi’s mailing list now and be the first one notified when it goes live! &eg rave; https://www.subscribepage.com/2FreeBooks


One of my favorite duos has done it again!  I sound like a broken record when it comes to Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland but I just love them so much.  They always manage to surprise me with a new interesting plot, always unexpected.

Per usual for me, I go into my books completely blind.  I was so not expecting this plot.  We meet our heroine, Hazel who’s life just got “straight flipped upside-down”.  Things just go from bad to worse.  I related to her on a spiritual level.  Down this crazy spiral, she is led on a road trip with our handsome stranger, Matteo.

I love every, single character created by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland and these two main characters are so great.  Matteo is sexy and such a charmer.  Hazel is complex, at times frustrating, and smart.  The two together have amazing chemistry.  Chemistry I have grown accustomed to feeling with this writing duo.  I loved them together, their interactions and dialogue completed absorbed me.

I am rating this book 4.5 stars because it was such a crazy, soul searching, ride that I didn’t want to leave. I was able to finish it in 1 day.  I recommend this book and every book of theirs. 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

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Book Release|Review: Kiss the Stars by A.L. Jackson


A Falling Stars stand-alone romance from A.L. Jackson


"Edgy and sexy and sure to have you clinging to every hauntingly beautiful word from beginning to end. Move aside Lyrik West . . . Leif Godwin takes intense, broody, and sullen to a whole new level, and I AM HERE FOR IT." 
- NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Molly McAdams

"I'm dead. Deceased. Put a fork in me. I'm flooded with feels and adrenaline and awe after reading this glorious book! My heart is beating so fast right now. HOLY CRAP! Steam, suspense, and FEELS, FEELS, FEELS! I can't recommend this one highly enough!" 
-Lauren Rowe, USA TODAY & International Bestselling Author

  Signed Paperback    
  Audible    
DETAILS: 
TITLE: KISS THE STARS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 5TH, 2020


Synopsis


A Falling Stars STAND-ALONE NOVEL from NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author, A.L. Jackson . . .


A single mother.
An up-and-coming drummer with a sordid past.
Their paths never should have crossed.
But when a senseless crime rocks Mia West’s entire world, she agrees to spend the summer hiding out at her rock-star brother’s mansion in Savannah until the storm blows over.
What she never expected was the gorgeous, brooding drummer living in the guest house.
His darkness a lure.
His gaze a trap.
She knows better than to go after what will hurt her most.
Leif Godwin has two focuses in his life: his band, Carolina George, and seeking retribution for what was stolen from him.
Mia was never supposed to be a part of the equation.
Her eyes an appeal.
Her body a temptation.
Touching her is nothing but a sin.
But will loving her destroy them all . . .

    Signed Paperback    
    Audible    
    Audible


GIVEAWAY

COMPLETE BLEEDING STARS SIGNED SET & $50 Gift Card

   
    Audible
       

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance. She writes emotional, sexy, heart-filled stories about boys who usually like to be a little bit bad.

Her bestselling series include THE REGRET SERIES, CLOSER TO YOU, BLEEDING STARS, FIGHT FOR ME, and CONFESSIONS OF THE HEART novels. Grab her latest stand-alone, KISS THE STARS, available now!

If she’s not writing, you can find her hanging out by the pool with her family, sipping cocktails with her friends, or of course with her nose buried in a book.

Be sure not to miss new releases and sales from A.L. Jackson - Sign up to receive her newsletter http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson or text “aljackson” to 33222 to receive short but sweet updates on all the important news.
Connect with A.L.

Newsletter: http://smarturl.it/NewsFromALJackson
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Twitter: @aljacksonauthor
Instagram: @aljacksonauthor


Kiss the Stars was awesome. It has been a minute since I have read or reviewed an A.L. Jackson book so to say I was excited to get my hands on this book was a huge understatement.

I was a hugeeeeee fan of Jackson’s Bleeding Stars series so the expectations were pretty high to begin with on this book. It starts off with Mia, a single mother hiding out from a crazy hectic situation at her brother’s house until things cool off. Her brother is none other than Lyrik from Where Lightning Strikes. I freaking loved this dynamic. I loved seeing characters I have read and loved before. It’s like seeing an old friend.

Leif was very freaking mysterious and surrounded with so much suspense. I love the feelings Jackson evoked in me with this character and the emotions of Mia and Leif together. Both of them have dealt with so much but their chemistry is off the charts.

I’m rating this book 4.5 stars because it was really good and I was able to read it in one day. I loved it!  A.L. Jackson comes through once again.  I recommend all of her books and can't wait to read more!

Posted by Once upon a twilight at 7:00 AM 0 comments
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