Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Romance. Show all posts

3.19.2024

Pride and Preston Lin ~ Review

Pride and Preston Lin cover art featuring the silhouettes of a man and a woman.
Pride and Preston Lin
By Christina Dudley

Lissie (Elizabeth) is the middle Cheng sister who were taken in by her aunt and uncle when their parents died. When Lissie is overworked one night at the family restaurant she makes what could have been a fatal mistake - she serves a customer with allergies a dish that contains shellfish. Not good and then Preston Lin starts throwing his "privileged" opinion about the situation around. He might be good looking but his wealthy family and self-righteous personality make him an instant cringe for Lissie. Especially after the shellfish incident. It's not like she meant to make such a huge mistake.

Pride and Preston Lin is a modern take on Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice with a twist. Preston is a star student at Stanford, and stellar when it comes to swimming. Everything Lissie isn't. And he has his very own fan club in Hazel Bing, the young woman Lissie had the unfortunate incident with. And her brother Charles has a thing for Lissie's sister Jenny, which means more chance encounters with Preston, ugh!

It is really interesting seeing how the author changes up Jane Austen's classic and makes it hers. This is definitely a modern twist, but it all plays out in such an original way that someone with only a passing familiarity with Pride and Prejudice might not recognize it. It is fun seeing the similarities and just how different they come across in a different time period, setting, and culture. Highly recommend to anyone who reads any and all Jane Austen iterations. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


BOOK DESCRIPTION

 

In this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the quick-witted and contrarian Lissie Cheng must navigate societal pressures and her growing attraction to the rich and enigmatic Preston Lin.

 

Lissie is the middle of three sisters, orphaned and taken in by their aunt and uncle. Both she and her older sister, Jenny, work in the family restaurant while pursuing their education and career dreams. When Lissie accidentally serves a dish containing shellfish paste to an allergic customer, she runs afoul of the wealthy Lin family. Their golden boy, Preston, star swimmer and Stanford Ph.D. student, is as handsome as he is self-righteous. Lissie hates him and everything he stands for, but circumstances keep bringing them together. Can she overcome her pride and her initial misgivings about Preston Lin and his condescending mother? Will love prevail, and will these enemies turn into lovers?

 

Pride and Preston Lin by popular Regency romance writer Christina Hwang Dudley is a hilarious and earnest contemporary riff on Jane Austen’s classic work. And readers will undoubtedly root for Lissie Cheng, a sassy new Elizabeth Bennet for our times, to find lasting love and happiness.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Christina Dudley's books have been called "enchanting," "sparkling" and "swoon-worthy" by reviewers like Austenprose and Austenesque Reviews. She's authored two award-winning Regency series: The Hapgoods of Bramleigh and The Ellsworth Assortment, as well as PRIDE AND PRESTON LIN, a contemporary riff on Austen's classic which was chosen as a February 2024 Editor's Pick by Kirkus Reviews Magazine and received starred reviews from both them and Booklist. She and her family live in Bellevue, Washington.

 





ADVANCE PRAISE

 

"In a world with so many Pride & Prejudice adaptations, a new one has to be truly special to stand out, and this one is. Dudley’s contemporary debut is faithful to its source material but finds clever ways to make it work in a modern setting, while also adding an authentic Chinese American perspective on the beloved story. A warm, sweet story with all the witticisms Austen fans savor."— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

 

"Like Crazy (not) Rich Asians meets Jane Austen, Pride and Preston Lin is a delightful retelling of a beloved classic that had me smiling from page one."— Evelyn Skye, New York Times bestselling author of The Hundred Loves of Juliet




 

3.14.2024

Tangled Up in Love ~ Review

Tangled Up in Love
A Trinity Lake Romance
By Carolyn Miller

Ellie Reilly has been living her dream, traveling Europe, enjoying the history, and meeting someone special. Returning to Trinity Lakes is just so ordinary. And what was her everyday life before Europe has changed, leaving her feeling unsettled and at loose ends. And then there is her best friend Jasper, something just feels off about him.

Jasper Cohen has been counting down the days until Ellie's return since the day she left. He's been hiding his feelings for her for years and when he sees after all those weeks away, lefts just things get just a tad awkward. Of course, Ellie has no idea why, just assumes it's because of his dad's health issues.

When Ellie gets an unexpected job offer - reopening the local museum - it seems like a dream come true, if not for her recent taste of Europe and travel. But this is an opportunity she can't pass up. With the encouragement of those who know her best she takes on the challenge and recruits Jasper to help her bring her vision back to life. And then she gets word that Sebastian is coming to see her.

Tangled Up in Love finds Ellie having to decide just what she wants out of life and just how important her faith and values are to her daily life. Will it take a crisis for Ellie to see what she truly wants out of life? Or will she be blinded by what she thinks she wants?

This is a contemporary romance that can be read as a standalone title. The Trinty Lakes series is written by several authors, each focusing on different people within the community. In this book the main focus is on Jasper, Ellie, and Ellie's family-especially big brothers Jackson and Mitch. Trinity Lakes seems like it would a lovely community, smaller but not tiny. A bedroom community, one could say, of Seattle or Walla-Walla. Tight with bonds that hold them together in a good way. I would highly recommend this title for fans of friends-to-something more.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

One kiss didn't mean much.

One kiss could mean everything.

When Ellie Reilly returns from a dream overseas trip, a too-long hug from her best friend Jasper Cohen clues her in that his feelings might be more than what she suspected. He's unsure about pushing their friendship further, and doubly uncertain when her European friend, Sebastian, seeks her out in Trinity Lakes.


Uncertainty is something Ellie knows all too well. Since returning from her vacation, Ellie feels like she doesn't fit at her family's ranch or in small town life. When she is asked to take on responsibility for reopening Trinity Lakes' historical museum - a dream she's always wanted - she can't help but wonder if settling for life in the familiar is all that God has for her, or whether she dare trust Him for more? Can these two best friends push past mistakes and insecurities and find a future together?


Preorder at https://books2read.com/TangledUpInLove

3.12.2024

Trapped in Yosemite ~ Review

Trapped in Yosemite
By Dana Mentink

It seemed like a simple job, help someone identify what was ailing his trees, but it soon became obvious it was something more when someone started shooting. Suddenly Stella Rivers is running for her life and into the presence of the man who broke her heart 18-months ago.

Yosemite National Park is in the midst of a major earthquake when Von Sharpe notices a vehicle driving in an area where it shouldn't. What he never imagined was that someone was attempting to kill the driver. Nor did he suspect that the intended victim was his ex-fiancée, Stella. And when he learns the secret Stella has been keeping, let's just say what drove them apart is readdressed and provides some new food for thought for them both.

The earthquake was just the first and the damages have trapped Stella and Von at MDWG along with the rest of the camp's staff and five campers. With no power, aftershocks, mudslides, floods, and blocked roads things could be worse. And when the killer again takes aim at Stella, they realize just how trapped and isolated they are. And even more concerning, how does the killer always seem to know where Stella is! 

Trapped in Yosemite is a suspense-filled read that is driven by secrets. And secrets are a powerful motivator to protect what you hold close. Powerful enough to kill for. This is also a book of second chances. And there are dogs, I mean who doesn't love having dogs in their books and when the dogs are also heroes, what could be better?

With so much already thrown into the mix, I admit it the killer wasn't who I was expecting out of the list of potential suspects.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When a massive earthquake levels the region, secrets and unknown dangers are exposed…

The ground in still-icy Yosemite National Park isn’t stable, and K-9 handler Von Sharpe fears the worst. But his worries are pushed aside when he sees an SUV viciously forced off the road…with his ex-fiancée at the wheel. It’s only when Stella Rivers steps out of the vehicle that the very ground under their feet cracks and breaks with the onslaught of a terrifying earthquake. 

When her meeting with a mysterious client is ambushed, Stella witnesses the man being gunned down by a sniper and becomes a target herself. With the threat of aftershocks triggering landslides and floods, the new mom has no choice but to run to save her baby girl—even if it means teaming up with the man who has no idea he fathered her child.

Trapped in a dangerously unstable wilderness with a killer closing in, Von and Stella are running out of time to get to safety. And every fissure reveals a new secret that will shake them to their foundation…

Mountain Dragons and Sacrifice ~ Now Available

 

Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice
By Tara Grayce
is now available


Available to purchase at the following link


About the Book:

It’s a tale as old as myth and legends: the village maiden sacrificed to a monster.

Every year, Nessa’s village sacrifices a maiden to the dragon in the mountain. If they don’t, the dragon will sweep down from his lair and destroy them all.

When Nessa is chosen to be that year’s sacrifice, she’s prepared to be eaten, as much as anyone can prepare for such a thing. Instead, she finds herself swept away to a world of dragons, gnomes, and fae creatures beyond her imagination, leaving her with more questions than answers. If the maiden’s purpose isn’t to be eaten, then what is the dragon’s reason for the sacrifices? And why is the dragon nothing like what she had been told he would be?

And, most frightening of all, what would happen if she lit the candle and looked upon the dragon’s face?

Loosely inspired by the myth of Psyche and Eros, this humorous romantasy features dragon shifters, quirky fae, and swoony no-spice romance, perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Kenley Davidson, and K.M. Shea!

2.29.2024

An Unlikely Proposition ~ Review

An Unlikely Proposition
Unexpected Seasons #2
By Roselyn Eves

Imagine being a widow at seventeen years of age. Well, Eleanor Lockhart finds herself in just such a position. Not only is she a widow, she's finished her year of mourning after a mere month of marriage. Yikes!!!! 

But her husband's death has left her with means, and she means to enjoy life a little and have some fun. Her late husband's nephew and heir has other ideas. If Eleanor marries, her inheritance then goes to her dear, loving nephew-in-law. He is so concerned at her widowed state he is determined to help her find someone to become husband number two, and the sooner, the better. After all, he can certainly make better use of her money.

But first, Eleanor needs a new companion, one who won't steer her into a new marriage. Enter Thalia Aubrey, a young woman with poetic tendencies. A friendship between the two young women soon forms.

This is a lovely and delightful Regency read that finds a young woman having to navigate a new period of life. But she's determined to keep her independence, an independence afforded her by her late husband. But she'll have to figure out how to thwart those who are after her inheritance (namely her late husband's nephew). There are heroes and villains, fake engagements, and discovered loves. And they all end in a tangled mess that has a most satisfying conclusion. 

This an enjoyable read that, though written for the young adult reader, can easily be enjoyed by most, especially if you are a fan of Regency Romance. Highly recommended for a quiet afternoon or a long weekend in your favorite cozy corner.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide an honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
A standalone companion to An Improbable Season, this Regency romance ⁠― perfect for fans of Bridgerton ― is about following your heart, pursuing your dreams, and falling head over heels in love.

Eleanor did not come to London to be proper and boring. After the death of her husband and a year of mourning, the seventeen-year-old wants nothing more than her independence and to have a little fun. She’s hardly looking to remarry, despite pressures from her late husband’s nephew, who is keen on obtaining her inheritance. Eleanor quickly devises a plan that includes a fake engagement. What’s not a part of the plan? Falling for a dashing, quiet man outside of her social circle – a man who is not her betrothed. Can she survive the Season with her heart and her fortune intact?

Thalia is determined to begin afresh after a disastrous first Season in London. No romantic distractions, but only her work as a poet and newfound companion to Eleanor. Determined to get her poems published, she struggles to be taken seriously as a female writer. As the spring progresses, Thalia does not expect to take interest in a man from her past (a man who is engaged to her employer, no less!), but some feelings demand to be felt even if the timing isn’t quite right.

Rosalyn Eves's An Unlikely Proposition is a transportive Regency drama that captures the sparkle of London, the thrill of friendship, and the swoon of new love.



2.26.2024

One Wrong Move ~ Review

One Wrong Move, book number 1 of Dani Pettrey's Jeopardy Falls
One Wrong Move
Jeopardy Falls #1
By Dani Pettrey

When a series of art heists focus on galleries that Christian O'Brady installed the security systems for, he is pulled into a case that will bring his past front and center. His parents pulled Christian and his siblings into their crimes at a young age, and, unfortunately, Christian was good at it until he turned his skills to the benefit of others. But this rash of thefts has reopened the past, along with his guilt.

Called in when art theft has hit galleries that her company insures, Andi Forester is tasked with discovering who is involved. What she didn't expect was the man who destroyed her FBI career would be involved, indirectly, with the case. 

As Andi and Christian work to uncover all the layers of this deadly criminal spree, they find themselves the target of someone who wants to keep the truth hidden. But the cat-and-mouse game they find themselves in finds them being drawn into past sins and the cost could be their lives.

One Wrong Move is the series debut of Jeopardy Falls, which I have to admit keeps the tension and suspense ratcheted up throughout the book. And in addition to the art theft storyline there is an equally page-turning, attention-grabbing thread - Andi's past with the FBI and the debacle that ended her career as a forensic analyst has come into question. But who is telling the truth, Andi or the man her work put in jail? The answer just may get them killed!

This is a fast paced Contemporary Romantic Suspense set in New Mexico. If you love reading a book that will keep you up all night Dani Pettrey has done it. If you prefer to sleep at night - make this a weekend read instead with a good hour or two to relax before you want to put your head to your pillow. This story is complete with no danglers to keep you wondering, "But what about?" But even so I'm interested to see what happens next - I'm assuming it will have something to do with Christian's siblings - Riley or Deckard.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book
Title: One Wrong Move
Series: Jeopardy Falls #1
Author: Dani Pettrey
Publisher: Bethany House
Release Date: February 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Taunting riddles.
A deadly string of heists.
Two broken hearts trapped in a killer's game.

Christian O'Brady was pulled into a life of crime at a young age by his con artist parents. Now making amends for his corrupt past, he has become one of the country's foremost security experts. When a string of Southwestern art heists targets one of the galleries Christian secured, he is paired up with a gifted insurance investigator who has her own checkered past.

Andi Forester was a brilliant FBI forensic analyst until one of her colleagues destroyed her career, blaming her for mishandling evidence. She now puts those skills to work investigating insurance fraud, and this latest high-stakes case will test her gift to the limit. Drawn deep into a dangerous game with an opponent bent on revenge, Christian and Andi are in a race against the clock to catch him, but the perpetrator's game is far from finished, and one wrong move could be the death of them both.

Dani Pettrey captivates with . . .

"An intense blend of suspense, love, and faith."--Booklist

"Wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likeable characters."--Publishers Weekly


2.17.2024

While the City Sleeps ~ Review

While the City Sleeps
The Women of Midtown #1
By Elizabeth Camden

Katherine Schneider is a woman dentist working the late-night shift in New York City. When a patient begins rambling while under the effects of nitrous oxide, she thinks little of it. But when something the patient said is linked to the mafia, Katherine finds herself caught up in unexpected danger. 

Lieutenant Jonathan Birch is determined to keep the mafia where it belongs - out of his beat. For the last couple of years, he's escorted Katherine home when her shift ends and, on occasion, offering her baked goods that can't be found in any bakery. This friendship causes Katherine to seek him out when she fears her late-night patient may have been involved in something sinister.   

While the City Sleeps is the first book in the Women of Midtown series. This book is set during the Gilded Age, 1913 New York City. I like the idea behind the title of this book - While the City Sleeps describes the people who work during the night, the people who keep the city running through their work during the night. People that most aren't even aware exist. 

This book is a Historical Romance, but there is also a mystery that runs through it. There is more than one mystery. The one is the threat to the city. The other involves Lieutenant Birch; who is he?  Jonathan is very protective of his past, offering little when questioned. And yet, we get glimpses of his thoughts and concerns about his secrets and deception. 

This book is attention-grabbing with the way the story unfolds. The author makes it come alive with a seamless blend of setting, characters, and historical facts. I, for one, didn't know that the American Dental Association was well-established in 1913. I love it when I can learn facts like this while being entertained. And a mansard roof was mentioned, so guess who did a search for pictures to see examples?  But if all you want is an enjoyable read that includes historical fiction and a touch of romance, you will enjoy this new series debut.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

QUICK FACTS                                                                                                  

 Title: While the City Sleeps
 Series: The Women of Midtown (Book 1)
 Author: Elizabeth Camden
 Genre: Historical Mystery, Historical Romance, Gilded Age Fiction
 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)
 Length: (352) pages
 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 
 ISBN: ‎978-0764241710
 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient
reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is
plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a
police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on
them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety
on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal
conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all
costs.

Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of
dangerous secrets and wounded hearts, fighting to overcome the darkness while the
rest of the city sleeps.


PRAISE FOR WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS

 "History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"— Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of When the Day Comes and In This Moment

 "Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else... A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of The Metropolitan Affair

 “I loved the historical details that make the story feel authentic.”— Kim Prudhoe, All the Lovely Pages

PURCHASE LINKS: 


AUTHOR BIO

Elizabeth Camden is best known for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America, featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband, who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.





WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS





2.10.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice

   Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice
by C.F.E. Black, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

All Vera wants is to survive her wedding day without disaster striking, no easy task for a quarter-mage like Vera. But all her hopes fade when a stranger traps Vera, claiming she's dangerous. The day gets worse when she is shoved inside the Labyrinth, an enchanted prison for the worst of criminals.

In this place, madness reigns. The monsters—both real and imagined—are all ruled by a terrible force that feeds on fear. Vera must keep her wits about her as she navigates this deadly place, searching for a way out.

When she meets another mortal trapped within, she doesn't know if she can trust him. But as their paths continue to cross, it seems as if the maze is forcing them to work together. Can they help each other defeat the monsters and survive in this nightmare world? But in the Labyrinth, nothing is as it seems.

Labyrinth of Lies and Sacrifice is book 6 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend, each tale packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.


And now the cover:




Coming April 12, 2024

2.09.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice

  Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice
by Mary Mecham, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

To assassinate her target, she must marry the one man capable of killing her.

Azora has dedicated her life to exacting revenge on the phoenix shifters who murdered her parents. When Prince Tarquin of Pyren demands a bride as part of a peace treaty, the elite strike squad of assassins Azora belongs to agree—she’s the perfect candidate to eliminate the monstrous shifter.

The traces of phoenix blood flowing in her veins grant her immunity to fire and will allow her to slay Tarquin. But, since only a phoenix can destroy another, the gift is also her curse.

With the tantalizing offer of peace on the altar, Azora weds Tarquin, knowing that as soon as the peace treaty is broken, either bride or groom will be the first casualty. But just as Azora begins to uncover the man behind the monster, skirmishes erupt throughout the land. When the time arrives to finally eliminate the threat to Termarth, Azora’s loyalties are torn.

She intended to gamble her life away, not her heart.

Assassin of Fire and Sacrifice 
is book 5 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.


And now the cover:



Coming April 5, 2024

2.08.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Island of Secrets and Sacrifice

  Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Island of Secrets and Sacrifice
by Deborah Grace White, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

A girl marked for death, a man branded a monster…a reality that is very different from what it seems

Ember’s defiance has always been a frustration to the rest of her island community. But even she didn’t expect to be selected as the next sacrifice, years before another is due. And she can’t help but wonder if it relates to the strange new ability that’s just begun to stir within her. She doesn’t intend to go down without a fight—in fact, the chance to confront the monster demanding sacrifices is a more welcome path than the marriage her parents had arranged to a local farmer.

Haiden has never heard of Ember’s island, and he couldn’t care less about their plight. He’s fully occupied trying to lift the curse that has turned him into a monster while fending off the stream of maidens determined to break it for him—both feats that are proving impossible in spite of his considerable magical ability.

When Ember charges into his purposely isolated life, badly wounded, full of nonsensical accusations, and entirely undaunted by his hideous form, their paths and plans collide with a force neither is prepared for. It will take more than Ember’s fledgling magic and Haiden’s superior training to lift both his curse and the lies holding her island captive. They’ll first have to learn to actually let each other in, which may prove the hardest sacrifice of all.

Island of Secrets and Sacrifice is book 4 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend, each tale packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

It’s set in the world of The Singer Tales, a completed series of six clean fairy tale retellings by Deborah Grace White. Island of Secrets and Sacrifice takes place six years after the end of the series, but can be enjoyed without any prior reading.


And now the cover:



Coming March 29, 2024

2.07.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Mask of Deception and Sacrifice

 Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Mask of Deception and Sacrifice
by Callie Thomas, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

If she can remove the monster’s mask, she will earn her freedom…but failure will cost her life.

Thirteen years ago, Princess Fiona fled the bloodshed within Ravenwood Castle. She has no desire to return to the place of her childhood nightmares, especially not as a prisoner locked in chains. Using the power of illusion, she glamours her appearance to conceal her royal identity, hoping that her facade won’t crumble before she can escape.

When the usurper king forces her on a deadly mission to subdue a wild man terrorizing his kingdom, Fiona must earn the trust of a masked monster who uses his sharp tongue and shifting personalities to keep her away. But the longer she’s with him, the more she sees beyond his disguise and succumbs to his charms.

With her life on the line, the last thing she needs is a distraction. But when he offers her another path to freedom, will she sacrifice everything for him?

Mask of Deception and Sacrifice is book 3 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.


And now the cover:




Coming March 22, 2024

2.06.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice

 Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice
by Everly Haywood, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

To save a kingdom, she must sacrifice herself…and her heart.

When Princess Reva seeks a trade alliance, she doesn't realize her hand in marriage may be required to save her people from starvation. But with more than one suitor fighting for her hand, her plans are thrust into chaos when there's a fatal attack in the cove.

After she is ripped away from negotiations against her will, loyalties are tested as rumors of a deadly magic pearl--and the constant meddling of a determined sea elf and a dastardly pirate captain--put Reva into an impossible position.

When a monstrous creature attacks her homeland, can this swashbuckling princess solve the mystery of the forbidden Death Pearl before everyone she loves is dragged beneath the sea?

Loosely inspired by Perseus and Andromeda, this hilarious romantasy set on the high seas is sure to enthrall fans of The Princess Bride and Howl's Moving Castle. Pearls of Salt and Sacrifice is book 2 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend, each tale packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.


And now the cover:


Coming March 15, 2024


The Divine Proverb of Streusel ~ Review

The Divine Proverb of Streusel 
By Sara Brunsvold

When Nikki Werner's parents broke up, she was hurt. But when her father remarried soon afterward, her world shattered. And she leaves everyone and everything behind, seeking refuge in the one place she least expected - her father's childhood home, a place she hadn't visited in more than a decade.

But in the act of trying to hide from her pain and clinging to her bitterness, she's caused a rift with the one man she thought she'd spend all her tomorrows with. This is a summer of discovery for Nikki. Discovering where she came from and the factors that shaped her father into the person he became.

I liked the recipes that Nikki discovered in an old notebook. Recipes for both food and for living. This was a really good book - I wasn't sure what to expect as it dealt with the fallout of a failed, broken marriage as seen through the eyes of an adult daughter. But it is more than that. It is a story of understanding, forgiveness, love, and loss. Of finding oneself where you are.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Shaken by her parents' divorce and discouraged by the growing chasm between herself and her serious boyfriend, Nikki Werner seeks solace at her uncle's farm in a small Missouri hamlet. She'll spend the summer there, picking up the pieces of her shattered present so she can plan a better future. But what awaits her at the ancestral farm is a past she barely knows.

Among her late grandmother's belongings, Nikki finds an old notebook filled with handwritten German recipes and wise sayings pulled from the book of Proverbs. With each recipe she makes, she invites locals to the family table to hear their stories about the town's history, her ancestors--and her estranged father.

What started as a cathartic way to connect to her heritage soon becomes the means through which she learns how the women before her endured--with the help of their cooking prowess. Nikki realizes how delicious streusel with a healthy dollop of faith can serve as a guide to heal wounds of the past.

2.05.2024

Cover Reveal ~ Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice

Today, I'm taking part in the hardcover cover reveal for Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice
by Tara Grayce, part of the Sacrificed Hearts series, which will reveal the artwork for the hardcover editions! 

But first, a little about the book:

It’s a tale as old as myth and legends: the village maiden sacrificed to a monster.

Every year, Nessa’s village sacrifices a maiden to the dragon in the mountain. If they don’t, the dragon will sweep down from his lair and destroy them all.

When Nessa is chosen to be that year’s sacrifice, she’s prepared to be eaten, as much as anyone can prepare for such a thing. Instead, she finds herself swept away to a world of dragons, gnomes, and fae creatures beyond her imagination, leaving her with more questions than answers. If the maiden’s purpose isn’t to be eaten, then what is the dragon’s reason for the sacrifices? And why is the dragon nothing like what she had been told he would be?

And, most frightening of all, what would happen if she lit the candle and looked upon the dragon’s face?

Loosely inspired by the myth of Psyche and Eros, this humorous romantasy features dragon shifters, quirky fae, and swoony no-spice romance, perfect for fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Kenley Davidson, and K.M. Shea!

Mountain of Dragons and Sacrifice
 is book 1 in the Sacrificed Hearts multi-author series, a collection of stand-alone fantasy romances inspired by monsters of legend and packed with strong heroines, swoony heroes, and sacrificial themes.

And now the cover!

Coming March 8, 2024

2.02.2024

Double Take ~ Review

Double Take
Lake City Heroes #1
By Lynette Eason

Eighteen months ago, Lainie Jackson survived her ex-fiancé's murder attempt; he didn't. But now someone is trying to convince her otherwise. Or else she is losing her mind. And whoever it is seems intent on finishing what Adam failed to do. But she knows Adam died. She was there and tried to save his life.

Detective James Cross wants to be anywhere other than the hospital where he is now. But the hostage situation he was just involved in made a trip there an order. What's worse, his sister's best friend, Lainie, is the PA assigned to take care of him. And letting his family know that he's home and in the hospital will not be pretty. 

What follows is an intense page-turning read. Danger is seemingly just around the corner and keeping a very close eye on Lainie. And one wrong move could make the killer strike sooner.

Double Take is the first book in Lynette Eason's new Lake City Heroes series, and believe me when I say if you want to have an excuse to avoid certain obligations, this is the book you're looking for. (And, yes, I know Star Wars and Lynette Eason don't fall into the same genre, but it works.) I had an idea of where the book was going, and, in all honesty, I was only partially right. Just promise me you will not skip ahead because that will ruin everything, and this is a page-turner for a reason. In my opinion, this is one book you don't want to miss.


About the Book:

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he's rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it's not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

USA Today bestselling author Lynette Eason will leave you breathless with this fast-paced first book in a brand-new series.

1.24.2024

The Way You Love Me ~ Review

The Way You Love Me
Fox Bakery #3
By Michelle Sass Aleckson

Oliver Fox left home years ago and never thought he'd be back. But to keep custody of his five-year-old daughter, he needs to return to Deep Haven. But facing his past and the mistakes he's made may be the most difficult thing he's ever done.

Lena Larson is Deep Haven's only veterinarian, and when an accident makes the animal shelter unusable, she opens her home to them. Oliver Fox's return just adds to Lena's daily stress. The last thing she needs is a daily reminder of her greatest embarrassment.

But to save what they most desire may involve Lena and Oliver letting go of the past and its pain and embracing a future that neither of could have seen. And there may be a fainting goat involved.

This is the third book in the Fox Bakery series which sees the Fox grandchildren returning to Deep Haven and facing the pain that drove them away. Leave doesn't leave the hurt or the mistakes behind, not when they've shaped your life. Sometimes the only way to heal is to return home and face it head on with those you love by your side. And sometimes you need to clear the air and not hide what you are truly feeling and yet balance it by not causing the issue to grow bigger. As Oliver told Lena she needed to both laugh more and get angry, she needed people to see the real her. Something I'm sure many of us are guilty of - wearing a mask. This was a book that offered depth while entertaining in a perfect blend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Faith. Forgiveness. A future they never imagined. It’s time for a fresh start for the Fox family.

Oliver Fox never thought he’d step foot in Deep Haven again—not with the ghosts he left behind. But when the custody battle for his beloved daughter hinges on his ability to face his past, he returns to Deep Haven and dives back into the fray of his mistakes…starting with the girl next door.

Veterinarian Lena Larson has her hands full with the town’s pets, including a shelter for lost animals. The last thing she needs is the arrival of the man who once shattered her heart. But back he is, and with an adorable daughter…and the need to start over. She has no intention of letting him back into her life. But when her shelter is destroyed, Lena finds herself with a garage full of homeless animals—and an unlikely ally in Oliver. Together, they embark on a mission to find homes for the abandoned animals, and help Oliver make peace with his past.

But it’s not easy to come home. Not everyone believes Oliver has changed, and their doubt could keep him from retaining custody of his daughter. More, Lena has ghosts of her own, and they’ve returned to haunt her. If she isn’t careful, they might even have the power to destroy the surprising happy ending she never saw coming.

Discover this captivating story of healing, forgiveness, and the transformative power of second chances.