Inside the Wong Mind

Oathbound by Victoria McCombs

About the Book

Book: Oathbound
Author: Victoria McCombs
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release date: February 15, 2022

Beware the waters. The dangerous deep brings ruin to all.

Emme has spent her life avoiding anything to do with pirates. But the fates are cruel, and now a hidden sickness leads her to partner with pirates for the one thing that can save her—a cure on an island none are certain exists.

The pirate captain’s secrets are darker than the deep and threaten to kill them all. His obligations are tinged with betrayal, for his oathbind must be fulfilled. To ignore it is to invite peril of unimaginable destruction.

As the adventure unfolds, the sea takes more than she expects and the sea gives more than he wants.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Victoria McCombs is the author of The Storyteller’s Series from Parliament House Press, and Oathbound. She writes young adult fantasy and adores stories about treacherous pirates and traitorous princes. Her favorite things include peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, game nights with family, and Jesus. She has her mom to thank for allowing so many medieval weapons inside the house as she was growing up, which curated her love for that time period. She is a mom of three little boys and a wife to the handsomest accountant there is. Together they live in Omaha, Nebraska.

My Review

Oathbound
by Victoria McCombs
Book 1 in The Royal Rose Chronicles series
Rating: 4/5

Wow. You are in for a treat if you enjoy swashbuckling adventure with love, betrayal and ghosts! Having never read anything from the author before, I was pleasantly surprised at the fun and action-filled story. The author does an amazing job at catching and holding the reader’s attention.

First, the cover is gorgeous and definitely makes you want to pick up the book.
Second, the story makes you want to escape to the sea and fall in love with a pirate.
Third, the main characters are interesting, unique, and full of passion and courage.

You won’t want to miss this exciting adventure that captures the imagination! I can’t wait to read whatever comes next in the series. (Not quite a cliffhanger ending but you’ll definitely want the next book)

Highly recommend if you enjoy clean YA fantasy that has action, romance and pirate adventures.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

More from Victoria

Oathbound was my quarantine book. I remember getting the idea and thinking “I don’t know of any other pirate books in the YA fantasy genre.” Of course, after that, I saw them everywhere, and several amazing ones have come out since. But theses broken pirates had grabbed my attention and I couldn’t let go.

One aspect of my book makes it unique, and that comes in our main character. My characters are a reflection of me, but none more so than Emme. We see early on that she is sick, and while the disease is made up for the book, it’s mirrored exactly by the disease that runs in my family called ataxia. This is a disease that impairs every part of life before it ends it too soon. I’ve never opened those emotions so fully to put them on a page, but Emme and I were going through this together. While I’m lucky not to have symptoms yet (and the chance to never have to go through it), this disability is something I understand deeply, and I’m honored to bring it to life on the page to show the strength that can lie within even when our bodies fail us.

I hope you all enjoy Oathbound!

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, February 28
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 1
Wishful Endings, March 1
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 2
Inklings and notions, March 3
For Him and My Family, March 4
By the Book, March 4
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 5
Nancy E Wood, March 6
Blogging With Carol, March 6
deb’s Book Review, March 7
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 8
Labor Not in Vain, March 8
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, March 9
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 10 (Spotlight)
Inside the Wong Mind, March 10
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, March 11
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 12
Through the Fire Blogs, March 12
Artistic Nobody, March 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1b061/oathbound-celebration-tour-giveaway

March 10, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews Giveaway

The Lady of Galway Manor by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book

Title: The Lady of Galway Manor
Author: Jennifer Deibel
Genre: Historical Christian Fiction
Publisher: Revell
Release Date: February 1, 2022

In 1920, Annabeth De Lacy’s father is appointed landlord of Galway Parish in Ireland. Bored without all the trappings of the British Court, Annabeth convinces her father to arrange an apprenticeship for her with the Jennings family–descendants of the creator of the famed Claddagh Ring.

Stephen Jennings longs to do anything other than run his family’s jewelry shop. Having had his heart broken, he no longer believes in love and is weary of peddling the “lies” the Claddagh Ring promises.

Meanwhile, as the war for Irish independence gains strength, many locals resent the De Lacys and decide to take things into their own hands to display their displeasure. As events take a dangerous turn for Annabeth and her family, she and Stephen begin to see that perhaps the “other side” isn’t quite as barbaric and uncultured as they’d been led to believe–and that the bonds of friendship, love, and loyalty are only made stronger when put through the refiner’s fire.

Travel to the Emerald Isle for another poignant and romantic story from the enchanted pen of Jennifer Deibel.

Purchase your copy here!

About the Author

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal. Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com.

My Review

The Lady of Galway Manor
by Jennifer Deibel
Rating: 4/5

Who doesn’t want to fall in love in Ireland? Get ready to be swept away back to 1920s Ireland. The De Lacy family has just moved to Ireland and Lady Annabeth is the new apprentice for the famous Claddagh Ring jewelers, the Jennings family. Stephen Jennings must train the English lady, but will his feelings toward Britain’s rule of Ireland keep him from admitting his growing attraction to the lovely Annabeth?

The chemistry between Stephen and Annabeth is palpable and oh so swoon worthy! Their back stories are well developed and their authenticity makes them relatable.

“Hate is fueled by ignorance, son. The first step toward peace is the genuine desire to understand your so-called enemy. Don’t punish her for the sins of her fathers. Let her learn.”

Highly recommend this book about the choices we make and taking risks for love.

My thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.

Read An Excerpt

March 6, 2022 by Kim Book Reviews

Shadow Angel 2 by Leia Stone & Julie Hall

About the Book

Title: Shadow Angel Book Two
Authors: Leia Stone & Julie Hall
Series: Shadow Angel #2
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Release Date: February 25, 2022

He’s gone, and the worst part is, I don’t know if he’s dead or alive.

I dealt with the curse. I picked my side. The hellish nightmare that I woke up to when I discovered I was a Watcher should be over, but it’s not. Weeks have passed with no sign of Gage and I can’t seem to move on, but a war is brewing and wallowing is no longer an option. With the ruler of the Netherworld after me, my new mission not only affects one realm, but all of them.

Save my mom.
Save the souls.
Save the world.

No pressure.

Purchase your copy here!

About the Authors

Leia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She’s sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children. www.LeiaStone.com

Julie Hall is a USA Today bestselling, multiple award-winning author. She writes YA paranormal / fantasy novels, loves doodles, and drinks Red Bull, but not necessarily in that order. Julie’s daughter says that her superpower is sleeping all day and writing all night . . . and well, she wouldn’t be wrong. Julie currently lives in Colorado with her four favorite people – her husband, daughter, and two fur babies. www.JulieHallAuthor.com

My Review

Shadow Angel: Book Two
by Leia Stone and Julie Hall
Rating: 4.5/5

This epic story continues after that crazy cliffhanger from Book One! You definitely should read the first book in the series because it’s awesome and this story picks up right where Book One left off. This author duo is great at action and high stakes suspense. They aren’t afraid to break our hearts and then give them back.

First, the cover is gorgeous (as always) and deserves to be seen in person (I will be ordering the special hardback when available). What book cover lover won’t want the special edition? 😉

Second, the story continues with a new character that is amazing and powerful and I want to know more! Yes, I’m talking about Aurum and you’ll be talking about Aurum too.

Third, the sweet love story between the main characters continues to make readers swoon and sigh in awe. There are definitely some very romantic moments in the midst of all the action.

Fourth, that ending! I won’t say more but come on! You’ll just have to read the series to find out.

I cannot wait to read what comes next and am excited to delve into this fantastic world again.

PG-13 content – some swear words.

Highly recommend if you enjoy stories about light and dark and the characters who fall in love against all odds.

My thanks to the authors for providing me with an ARC of the book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.