Hi friends! This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Victoria Saccenti will be awarding a $15 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
One woman holds the key to his destiny—and his people’s salvation. Hagen drags himself to the gates of Hell, body and soul shredded by the bloodlust that consumes all the unmated of his kind. Awaiting the painful atonement that will buy him ten more years to find his eternal mate—or face oblivion. But Hades himself kicks him out with the bloodlust still prowling, unsatisfied, in his veins.
Bargained away by her parents to Master O, a mysterious, cruel wizard, Faiza serves in his household, keeping her small magic a secret, plagued by wild, confusing visions of a strange, suffering man. Then the master brings home a wounded Titanian warrior whose touch sends ice, fire, and desire racing through her body.
When she learns Master O plans to use Hagen as a weapon to conquer all races, she devises a desperate plan to free him—a plan that opens a portal to a world she’s never known. And a destiny entwined with danger that could destroy them all.
Read an Excerpt
The wounded male groaned and flipped on his side. Burdened by the heavy weight, the pallet under him protested with loud creaks. Faiza scowled. The abrupt movement had reopened a cut on his brow, and a trickle of blood flowed to his jaw.
“To hell with Master.” Huffing, she stomped to the kitchen, tore another dishcloth in lengths under running water, and squeezed out the excess. As she returned to the male, she passed a strip to Lilith. “He’s too big for only one of us. I’ll clean one side. You take care of the other.”
Lilith nodded. Without making her usual smart comments or objections, she knelt quietly next to their guest and took care of his cheek and neck.
Faiza leaned closer to his jaw. She dabbed his skin. Instantly, he clutched her wrist. Fire and ice punched through his hold into her, and she was thrown back as icicles settled in her lungs and flames flared in her core.
“Ah!” Faiza yelped, eyeing the point of contact, convinced she’d see sores and burns, but her skin was smooth and its golden color hadn’t changed. She felt no pain except for an odd tingle under his fingers.
“Penance!” he shouted, rising close to her face. His deep voice resonated through the small room.
Then he looked at her.
Sparkling irises, full of magic and bright as searchlights bore into hers. He was not human, but not a god either. No deity aura surrounded him. Her mind spun as she fought to make sense of this marvel and every wild sensation he’d inspired in her.
About the Author:
Award-winning, multi-genre author Victoria Saccenti writes romantic women’s fiction, contemporary romance, and paranormal romance. Not one for heart and flower stories, she explores the edgy twists and turns of human interaction, the many facets of love, and all possible happy endings. After thirty years of traveling the world, she’s settled in Central Florida. She splits her busy schedule between family and her active muse at Essence Publishing. However, if she could convince her husband to sell their home, she would pack up her computer and move to Scotland, a land she adores. On a side note, in one form or another, Scotland appears in most of her stories.
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot
on the CHUPACARTER by George Lopez & Ryan Calejo Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out
my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
About the Book:
Title: CHUPACARTER
Author: George Lopez, Ryan Calejo, & Santy Gutiérrez (Illustrations)
With his signature laugh-out-loud humor, world-famous
comedian George Lopez launches a fantastical middle grade series inspired by
his own colorful childhood and Latinx folklore.
In this illustrated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Jorge is lonely and
resentful after being sent to live with his grandparents. His first day at his
new school doesn’t go well after catching the attention of his belligerent
principal and the school bullies, so Jorge might be a little desperate for a friend.
But the only kid who shares his interest in junk food and games turns out to be
a young chupacabra—a legendary monster whose kind is known for being
bloodthirsty livestock killers. The truth is, Carter is anything but
savage—he's kind, a good listener, and has great taste in sneakers. Being
friends with a mythical creature should be amazing, but when local cattle turn
up dead and his principal suspects the truth, Jorge is torn. Should he trust
that his friend is innocent and protect him from exposure, or reveal his
dangerous existence and change the world forever?
Reviews:
“ChupaCarter is an uproariously good time, full of humor,
heart, and unexpected friendships.”
—Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Valentina Salazar Is Not a
Monster Hunter
"A narrative punctuated with wisecracks and flavored with Spanish
phrases and slang...Frights and fun in equal measure."—Kirkus Reviews
"Gutierrez’s lively b&w illustrations expertly render Jorge and
Carter’s occasionally over-the-top, adrenaline-filled adventures.
Actor/comedian Lopez and Calejo offer a rollicking tale brimming with Latinx
folklore and culture about finding one’s home in the unlikeliest of places that
never takes itself too seriously."—Publishers Weekly
"Some good and gross humor...in this fantasy-infused tale."—School
Library Journal
Book Trailer:
REVIEW of Chupacarter by George Lopez and Ryan Calejo Rating: 4 Stars Format: ARC (Courtesy of Publisher and Rockstar Book Tours)
When one thinks of George Lopez, the first things that come to mind are his sit-com, his acting credits and his long running career as a comedian. If you’re a fan of Goerge’s work in any of those arenas, you’ll be pleased to know that he’s added another creative outlet to his list with his middle grade debut (coauthored with Ryan Calejo) entitled Chupacarter.
As a big fan of mythology and fantasy, I love any opportunity to learn about the stories of other cultures around the world. It was fun to get to see the use of the Chupacabra legend in the book, especially as the Chupacabra was in more of a hero position (rather than the villainous role they find themselves in usually). It was also exciting to get a glimpse into facets of Latinx culture; there are elements inspired by George’s life. There is also a decent amount of Spanish usage in the book, but the authors did a great job making it easy to understand for those not familiar with the language.
A cross between a chapter book and a graphic novel, illustrations are interspersed throughout the story. Santy Gutierrez did an excellent job with the depictions of the action - the illustrations really helped to add another layer of depth to the story. I enjoyed the humor and vivid emotion that each portrayed.
Chupacarter is an entertaining book, and a great choice for readers of all ages. I think it would be an especially fun read during the fall or autumn season. If you or a reader in your life enjoys humorous, heart-filled middle grade novels inspired by diverse cultures and myths, then you should definitely check out George Lopez’s middle grade debut today. I’m looking forward to reading Chupacarter and the Haunted Pinata when it comes out in May 2023.
Thank you to the authors, the publisher Viking Books for Young Readers, and Jaime at Rockstar Book Tours for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review Chupacarter immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way.
About George Lopez:
George Lopez is a New York Times bestselling
author, stand-up comedian, actor, and talk show host. He made waves as the
star of the most successful English-language prime-time television series about
Latin Americans in recent history. His successful stand-up comedy showcases his
idiosyncratic point of view and impeccable comedic timing. He lives in Los
Angeles.
Ryan Calejo is an award-winning author
born and raised in south Florida. His critically acclaimed Charlie Hernández
series has been featured on half a dozen state reading lists and is a two-time
gold medal winner of the Florida Book Awards.
