Sunday Shout Out 41


Recently, I introduced a new feature here at In the Hammock on Sundays. It's called "Sunday Shout Out" and it's a place where I can give a special shout out to those publishers and authors who have sent me books over the week, as well as those bloggers who have hosted contests that I've won! I'll also be giving shout outs to any other cool books, blogs or bookish news that I've spotted during the week.

For Review
"Merlin's Shadow" by Robert Treskillard

    
 
"Idiots Guides: Drawing Manga" by 9colorstudio


"Idiots Guides: Sewing" by Cinnamon Miles


"The Last Ride of Caleb O'Toole" by Eric Pierpoint


"Royal Inheritance" by Kate Emerson


(finished copy)




Contest Wins
"Percy Jackson: The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan




Won from Just One More Chapter





50% Off Plane Labels from Mabel's Labels!



Mabel's Labels is offering two great 50% off promotions! 

On 9/19, Mabel's Labels is offering 50% off Pirate Ship or Skull 'n' Crossbones Sticky Labels in honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Plus, on 9/20, Mabel's Labels is offering 50% off Plane Sticky Labels in the first ever Talk Like a Pilot Day created by Mabel's Labels. Don't miss your chance to shop these great offers! 


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with affiliate links.

Free Ebooks for Kindle and Nook Sept 16


Hi, everyone!

I've found a few great ebooks available for free for Kindle and Nook!


"Valkyrie Rising" by Ingrid Paulsen

(not free for Nook)

This one has been on my to read list for awhile!

"Romancing Lady Stone" by Delilah Marvelle


I really like this historical romance author's books, and this free novella is a great chance to give her books a try if you haven't read anything by her yet!
Hurry and grab these while they are still free!

Wash Away Labels from Mabel's Labels



Mabel's Labels has a great new way to label your dishes for potlucks and family get togethers. Wash Away Labels are dissolvable and perfect for potluck dishes, bottles for daycare, frozen foods, containers of leftovers and of course canning jars! When no longer needed, simply pop in the dishwasher or under running water to rinse off.  Be sure to shop Mabel's Labels today.

How easy is that!? I love this idea for potlucks, you'll never worry about not coming home with your dishes again! It's also great for labeling frozen items and leftovers!


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with affiliate links 

Giveaway and Review: "The Arrangement"

"The Arrangement'"
by Mary Balogh

Publisher: Dell

Release Date: Aug 27, 2013
Source: ARC sent by publicist

My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Summary from goodreads.com:

A mesmerizing story of passionate awakening and redemption, Mary Balogh’s new novel unites a war hero consigned to darkness with a remarkable woman who finds her own salvation by showing him the light of love.

Desperate to escape his mother’s matchmaking, Vincent Hunt, Viscount Darleigh, flees to a remote country village. But even there, another marital trap is sprung. So when Miss Sophia Fry’s intervention on his behalf finds her unceremoniously booted from her guardian’s home, Vincent is compelled to act. He may have been blinded in battle, but he can see a solution to both their problems: marriage.

At first, quiet, unassuming Sophia rejects Vincent’s proposal. But when such a gloriously handsome man persuades her that he needs a wife of his own choosing as much as she needs protection from destitution, she agrees. Her alternative is too dreadful to contemplate. But how can an all-consuming fire burn from such a cold arrangement? As friendship and camaraderie lead to sweet seduction and erotic pleasure, dare they believe a bargain born of desperation might lead them both to a love destined to be?

My Review:

This book really impressed me, it was such an amazing romance! They say the hardest reviews to write are for the books that you absolutely loved, but I will give it a try! The best thing about this book was the truly believable, flawed characters. They both had obstacles to get through personally and together they were able to shoulder the weight as a team. Even though they had their problems, they never ever felt sorry for themselves.

The two characters were so perfect for each other. And what really impressed me was that they actually appreciated all the seemingly little things the other person did for them. For instance, Vincent hated being coddled by his relatives because of his blindness, especially when they did everything for him including leading him around. Sophia let him guide himself, and even her, when walking, or gave him very subtle clues about his surroundings when he needed them. This was never lost on Vincent, or taken for granted, and it was just so nice to see the couple appreciate each other.

Vincent wasn't the only one with a vulnerability. Sofia's scars weren't as visible, but they haunted her, and Vincent helped her to grow past the scars of the past. Her self esteem was so beaten down by her extended family treating her so poorly that she thought very little of herself. She always thought she was terribly plain, and it was beautiful to have Vincent tell her how gorgeous she was, and he never failed to let everyone else know it when anyone mentioned that she was less than beautiful.

I suppose the only (tiny) drawback to the book for me was in fact, "the arrangement" mentioned in the title. It was so obvious that neither character wanted such a marriage in name only after getting to know each other even just a little bit. It seemed a bit silly that either of them even thought about it again. It was the one thing that made me irritated with the otherwise near-perfect hero. I just wanted him to speak up! Tell her how much you love her and don't want to stick to your 'arrangement'! Of course that it the name of the book, so I can see how it needed to be there.

Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5
Setting: 5/5

Romance: 5/5

Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
Writing: 5/5


Bottom Line: This is a wonderful, uplifting romance, and it will probably be awhile before I read another historical romance that warms my heart as much as this one did.




Find Mary Balogh on the web:



Follow along with the rest of the tour.


GIVEAWAY RULES
The publicist has generously provided a copy of this book for a lucky reader of my blog.
All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below.
  • US
  • Prizes will be mailed out by the publicist
  • Must be 18 or over 
  • Ends Sep 24
Thanks to everyone for entering! Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publicist and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Blurb Books Sale! 15% Off



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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links.

"Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire' Review

"Hyperion and the Great Balls of Fire" Heroes in Training #4
 by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams

Publisher: Aladdin 
Release Date: Aug 6, 2013
Source: sent by the authors

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars


Summary from goodreads.com:

The action heats up for Zeus and his fellow Olympians in this blazing Heroes in Training tale.Phew, it’s hot! Under the titan Hyperion’s rule, the sun is burning even brighter than normal and scorching everything in northern Greece—including the villagers! The Olympians are forced to play a sizzling “game” of Dodge the Sunbursts as Hyperion hurls giant fireballs that could fry them to pieces!

Armed with some clues, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades set out to figure out why in the world Hyperion has been making things so hot. They also need to rescue Hera, who is still missing. Battling the extreme heat—and some fantastical and scary creatures, courtesy of their old foe Cronus—the boys are off on another epic adventure…and Zeus is one step closer to discovering his destiny.

My Review:


These books are always short and sweet action packed tales of adventure. I love the characters and stories from mythology, I think it encourages young readers to find out more about the classic tales.

This series is written by the authors of Goddess Girls, but it isn't the same 'world' as the Goddess Girls, it is completely separate. I wouldn't really say the two series are that similar, except for the mythology element. There is a lot more action in the Heroes in Training series. This time their foe is Hyperion and his giant fireballs!

I like that the heroes are always meeting new members to add to their group. And girls, don't worry, there are some strong females in their little group of warriors, too! I like how each of the characters have their magical object that makes them even stronger. You can see these on the cover, Zeus has his lightning bolt, Poseidon has a trident, and Hades has a helm. Bolt the lightning bolt is so fun to read about. He has a mind of his own, and usually acts like Zeus' loyal puppy.

There is never a dull moment in this book, with all of the adventures this group of heroes embarks on. The handful of illustrations add a lot to the story, and would be fun for readers of graphic novels. There is a lot of humor in the book too, which makes it so fun to read! The Oracle never fails to make me laugh with her foggy glasses causing her to mix up her visions.


Main Characters: 5/5
Supporting Characters: 5/5

Setting: 5/5

Romance: n/a

Uniqueness: 5/5
Cover: 5/5
Writing: 5/5



Bottom Line: Another great addition to this fun, action packed series for middle graders!  


If you think this book sounds good, you might want to read my reviews for the other books in the series, as well as my reviews for another series by the same authors: The Goddess Girls.

The Heroes in Training Series:

#1 Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom
#2 Poseidon and the Sea of Fury

The Goddess Girls Series:
#1 Athena the Brain
#2 Persephone the Phony (one of my favorites in the series)
#3 Aphrodite the Beauty (another top pick in the series)
#4 Artemis the Brave
#5 Athena the Wise
#6 Aphrodite the Diva
#7 Artemis the Loyal 
#8 Medusa the Mean (another of my favorites)
#9 Pandora the Curious 
#10 Pheme the Gossip 
#11 Persephone the Daring (another favorite)
Super Special: The Girl Games 


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.

Reebok Customizable Kids Sneakers!

Now available for customization through YourReebok from Reebok.com is the popular back to school shoe, the kids ATV19! Have your kids design their own pair of ATV19s to start the school year off in style. With splatter print designs, and colors to choose from like candy pink, trust blue, sonic green and excellent red, your kids will have the coolest kicks in homeroom. Not only do the custom ATV19s look great, but this all-terrain running shoe features 19 large ATV lugs to help provide traction wherever kids roam. Customize your ATV19s from base to sole, and everything in between -- you can even add text for personalization! Let your kids stand out in their custom ATV19s and make a lasting impression this back to school season! Order your pair of custom ATV19s today!

You can customize everything about these shoes! I tried the customization part out myself, and you get to choose a color for every piece of this shoe, front back, fade, sole, everything! This pair is in colors already offered by Reebok, don't miss your chance to make your very own custom version!

Reebok Girls Black ATV19 - Youth Running Shoe

from: Reebok

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links.

Layla Grayce Extra 15% Off Sale Items!


Layla Grayce has an amazing sale right now! Save an additional 15% off already reduced sale items with code EXTRA15. Don't miss your chance to shop furniture, home decor, fashion, baby and more with prices as low as $5! Find the items you'll love at prices you can't beat. Happy Shopping!


Here are a few sale items that I love, you can apply the extra 15% off to them too!




Jessie Steele Apron Strapless Bows & Roses - $29.00

from: Layla Grayce & Zinc Door


Jessie Steele Apron Courtney Harvest Toile - Final Sale - $21.00

from: Layla Grayce & Zinc Door


Naiya Hostess Apron - Final Sale - $26.00

from: Layla Grayce & Zinc Door



Jessie Steele Tote Bag with Goodie Two Shoes - Final Sale - $12.00

from: Layla Grayce & Zinc Door


Enjoy shopping, everyone!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and contains affiliate links.

Waiting on Wednesday 241


Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine, and it is a way to show off the books you can't wait to be released!!

This week I chose:

"Fates"
by Lanie Bross
Delacorte
Release Date:  Feb 11, 2014

The following description is from goodreads.com:

One moment. One foolish desire. One mistake. And Corinthe lost everything.

She fell from her tranquil life in Pyralis Terra and found herself exiled to the human world. Her punishment? To make sure people’s fates unfold according to plan. Now, years later, Corinthe has one last assignment: kill Lucas Kaller. His death will be her ticket home.

But for the first time, Corinthe feels a tingle of doubt. It begins as a lump in her throat, then grows toward her heart, and suddenly she feels like she’s falling all over again—this time for a boy she knows she can never have. Because it is written: one of them must live, and one of them must die.

In a universe where every moment, every second, every fate has already been decided, where does love fit in?
Sounds so intriguing and I love the cover!!

What are you waiting for this week???