Blog Tour: The Wedding Engagement - Review!

The Wedding Engagement by Allison Zoe

Planning a wedding is so romantic . . . except when it’s not yours, and you’re planning it with the guy you’re secretly crushing on.   Scottish schoolteacher Liv Holland has a secret. She’s been carrying a torch for Arran Adebayo, her brother’s best friend, for years. A blind date gone wrong cements in Liv’s mind that Arran has no romantic interest in her whatsoever. But then, with her brother set to marry her own best friend, she and Arran are enlisted to help plan the festivities… After being left at the altar by his ex, single father Arran is having trouble managing his growing feelings towards the woman who is both his best friend’s sister and his son’s Liv. Then his mind is blown when fate thrusts them together for an unexpected blind date, but he messes up his chance to tell her how he feels.   As the big day approaches and Liv and Arran’s connection intensifies, their chemistry chafes against their checkered romantic histories. Risking everything for love could mean losing each other forever . . . or being the next ones to find their happy ever after.

-summary and cover via GOODREADS

Review: This was a great romance! I loved Liv and Arran as characters, going from friends to more. I think weddings/wedding planning make for great book plots (a!ways room for so much drama and humor), so I was definitely happy with that. Overall, this was a delightful romance novel, that I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Recipe For A Charmed Life - Review!

After a day of unrivaled disappointments, a promising young chef finds every bite of food suddenly tastes bitter. To save her career, she travels to the Pacific Northwest to reconnect with her estranged mom, and discovers a family legacy she never suspected in this delicious novel from the bestselling author of The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie.

American chef Georgia May Jackson has one goal—to run her own restaurant in Paris. After a grueling decade working in Parisian kitchens, she is on the cusp of success. But in one disastrous night, Georgia loses her sous-chef position, her French boyfriend, and her sense of taste! Renowned for her refined palate and daring use of bold flavors to create remarkable dishes, Georgia is devastated to discover her culinary gift has simply...vanished.

When she receives a surprising invitation from her estranged mother, Georgia flees to a small island near Seattle hoping the visit will help her regain her spark in the kitchen. There she tentatively reconnects with her mom, a free-spirited hippie eager to make up for her past mistakes. But there’s something about the enigmatic island Georgia just can’t piece together. Good luck charms keep appearing in the oddest places. Her neighbor is a puzzlingly antagonist (and annoyingly handsome) oyster farmer. And her mom keeps hinting at a mysterious family legacy.

With the clock ticking and time running out to win her dream job in Paris, Georgia begins to unravel some astonishing secrets that make her wonder if the true recipe for a charmed life might look—and taste—very different than she ever imagined.

Review: I really enjoyed this romance novel! The characters were all fantastic, and I thought the writing was really well done. And I love the cover (isn’t it so cute?!)! Overall, I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Technically Yours - Review!

Technically Yours by Denise Williams

Seven years ago, he fell in love with a stranger he couldn’t have—today, she’s back in his life and the sparks between them threaten to set her career on fire.

Pearl Harris has learned the hard way to be careful in work and in love. When she is appointed acting director of OurCode, a nonprofit aimed at inspiring high schoolers to code, she has a chance to make lasting change for the organization, but a scandal has put their reputation at risk. Further complicating matters, Pearl didn’t expect the one man she hasn’t stopped thinking about in seven years to be the newest member of her board of directors.

Cord Matthews fell for Pearl when they met in an elevator seven years ago. She’s just his type: smart, capable, and makes him laugh, but when she broke his heart, he decided love wasn’t for him. After five years with no contact, their connection is immediate despite the many roadblocks in their way and Cord must consider breaking his ban on serious relationships. But going public with a romance between them might derail Pearl’s career and the progress she’s made at OurCode. 

Pearl and Cord both are hesitant to trust their feelings and take a risk as they grow closer, but it becomes impossible to keep ignoring the electricity between them. Cord is a skilled programmer, but a workplace romance might spell disaster for both of them, and love isn’t easily debugged.

-summary and cover via Goodreads 

Review: I really enjoyed reading this romance! Great characters, and I loved the ending! Overall, I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: CHRISTMAS IN THE CROSSHAIRS - Author Guest Post - Review - Giveaway!

Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense) by Deena Alexander

Author Guest Post:

Since it’s the holiday season, I thought it would be fun to share a delicious, easy-to-make recipe.
 

My father has baked cookies every Christmas for as long as I can remember, and my all-time favorites are his Italian Rainbow Cookies! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Rainbow Cookies

 
INGREDIENTS:
4 Eggs
1 Cup sugar
1 Cup flour
3 Tsp. almond extract
3 Tbsp. Amaretto 
2 Sticks melted margarine
Food coloring: Red, yellow, green
1 Bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 jar Apricot or Raspberry jam or jelly (whichever you prefer)
 
DIRECTIONS;
 
Preheat oven to 350
 
Beat eggs and sugar together. Add flour and stir. Add Amaretto, almond extract, and melted margarine. Beat well. Separate into three bowls (an even amount of batter in each bowl). Add one color food coloring to each bowl (until batter is desired color).

Spray three 9 X 11 disposable baking pans with non-stick spray. Pour one color batter into each pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350 for 14 – 15 minutes (cooks quickly, so watch closely and remove if browning). Remove and let cool.

Melt chocolate chips.

Once cool, spread apricot or raspberry jelly over one colored sheet. Put next sheet on top of it. Spread a layer of jelly over that sheet. Put next sheet on top. Cover top layer with the melted chocolate chips – spread thin. 

Cut into small rectangles and enjoy!

Those look absolutely delicious!

About Christmas in the Crosshairs

 Christmas in the Crosshairs (Love Inspired Suspense) Inspirational Romantic Suspense Setting – Seaport, Long Island, New York Love Inspired Suspense (November 28, 2023) Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335597794 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1335597793 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BTJ3BSJW

A baby in need of protection— and a hitman in pursuit.

After evading an attack, defense attorney Adam Spencer is on the run from a dangerous hitman. The killer’s wife is Adam’s only hope at apprehending the criminal—until she lands in the hospital. Now he must depend on her twin sister, Jaelyn Reed, to find the answers they need…all while protecting the baby niece Jaelyn didn’t know she had. But with threats at every turn, trust may be the deadliest trap…

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My Review:

I really enjoyed reading this Love Inspired Suspense book! Jaelyn and Adam were great main characters, and even though they had been through horrible things, I loved getting to see them find happiness. The epilogue was a fantastic ending! Overall, I would definitely recommend this romance novel!

I received a finished copy from the blog tour company/publisher.

About Deena Alexander

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, a son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor.

Author Links:

• Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html
​
• Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html
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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor
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• Twitter: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA
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• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander
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• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander
​
• Newsletter: https://gmail.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d7e6e9ecdc0888d7324788ffc&id=42d52965df

Purchase Links - Amazon B&N Kobo Harlequin Apple Google Play 

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

November 28 – Maureen's Musings – REVIEW 

November 28 – Just Another Teen Reading Books - REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST November 29 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT 

November 29 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW 

November 30 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

November 30 – Diane’s Book Journal – SPOTLIGHT

December 1 – Christy's Cozy Corners - REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

December 2 – fundinmental – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

December 3 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

December 4 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

December 5 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

December 6 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

December 6 – Sapphyria's Books – REVIEW

December 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

December 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

December 8 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

December 8 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

December 9 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

December 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

December 11 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

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Blog Tour: The Wake-Up Call - Review!

The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary

Two hotel receptionists—and arch-rivals—find a collection of old wedding rings and compete to return them to their owners, discovering their own love story along the way.

It’s the busiest season of the year, and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel’s front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside and see it through.

The hotel won't stay afloat beyond Christmas without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest’s lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management that this might be the way to fix everything. With four rings still sitting in the lost & found, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel—and their jobs.

As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, Izzy and Lucas begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future. Can the two of them make it through the season with their hearts intact?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This was a lovely read! I really enjoyed the plot. I thought Izzy and Lucas were wonderful! The ending was my favorite part! Overall, I would definitely recommend this adult romance!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: Case of the Bleus!

Review: Case of the Bleus by Korina Moss

What in the bleu blazes is happening in Yarrow Glen now?

Cheesemongers from across the Northwest have come to the Sonoma Valley for the Northwest Cheese Invitational. As owner of the local cheese shop, Curds & Whey, Willa Bauer loves it. The event showcases custom cheese creations, and it’s the perfect time to gather with old colleagues to honor her former boss, the late and grate cheese legend, Max Dumas. He was famous for journeying into the wild bleu yonder to where he aged his award-winning custom Church Bleu. Only Max knew the recipe and location to his beloved cheese, and many are eager to have these revealed at his will reading.

But instead of naming someone to inherit his cheese and its secrets, Max stuns everyone with one cryptic clue. When a fellow cheesemonger dies under mysterious circumstances––the woman they all thought would get the secrets to Max's prized possession––everyone falls under suspicion. Willa adores Church Bleu as much as the next cheese connoisseur, but it’s not to die for . Is a killer trying to get away with murder...and the cheese?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This was another five star read from Korina Moss! The Cheese Shop Mysteries are one of my favorite cozy series, and I absolutely loved this newest book. I don't want to say too much about the mystery aspect, but I will say I thought it was really well written, and I loved the treasure hunt part of it! And the personal lives of all the characters got a little advancement in this book, which I really enjoyed.

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: All That Glitters Isn't Old!

Review: All That Glitters Isn't Old by Gabby Allan

The bubbly fun of a rom-com meets the irresistible quirkiness of a cozy mystery in this buoyant new rom-cozy set off the coast of Southern California. It’s the perfect vacation spot for those who want to get away from it all. Unfortunately for Santa Catalina boat tour guide Whitney Dagner and her chonky cat Whiskers, it’s also the perfect vacation spot for people who want to get away with murder…

When she’s not piloting a glass bottom boat, showing the sights to tourists, Whit sells seashells by the seashore—among many other sea and sand souvenirs—to help keep her family shop, Nautically Yours, afloat. It’s a far cry from her corporate climbing ladder life in Los Angeles, but Whit and her frisky feline, Whiskers, love calling Catalina home and being close to family. Especially Whit’s grandmother Goldy, a fun and feisty senior who always marched to the beat of a different drum.

In her youth, Goldy was an item with a Catalina catch named Darren. But it was actually a ruse to fool Darren’s parents who wouldn’t have accepted his preference for men. Eventually, he left the island and chose the life—and life-partner—he wanted for himself. Back in town for his mother’s funeral, Darren takes the opportunity to heal his open wounds, and settle some scores.

In a surprise to the residents, Darren produced a documentary about the history of Catalina, and has arranged a premiere screening in the local theater. But his film career is cut short when his partner’s dead body is discovered the night before the opening. Rumors start swirling that Darren’s documentary was actually about Catalina’s people—and the things they’ve done—giving a lot of folks a lot of motives. Now, it’s up to Whit and her somewhat-ex-boyfriend policeman to catch a killer, and uncover just how much Grandma Goldy knows about the back door deals tied to Darren’s past…

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I really enjoyed reading this newest installment in the Whit and Whiskers mysteries series! I loved reading about Whit solving another case. I liked getting to spend time with returning characters (Her boyfriend! Her friends! Her family!), and meeting new ones as well. This book had a bit of a zany adventure feel towards the end, which was fun! Overall, I definitely recommend this series for those who haven't read it yet, and this book to those who have!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

June Mini Reviews!

Hi, everyone! I'm posting June mini reviews today of a bunch of books. Here we go!

The Beast and The Bookseller by Eva Devon

I really enjoyed reading this historical romance! I liked the romance between the two leads, and I thought the plot was good. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Chaperone by M Hendrix

I thought this was an interesting YA Dystopian read! Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier

This was a really good mystery/suspense novel that I enjoyed reading! Overall, I would definitely recommend reading!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Ms Perfectly Fine by Kate Callaghan

I thought this was a nice contemporary adult romance! There was good chronic pain rep in the book, and I always appreciate that. The romance was great! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Everyone Wants to Know by Kelly Loy Gilbert

I thought this was an interesting YA novel, that I would would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Bookshop Cinderella by Laura Lee Guhrke

This was a great historical romance! I really liked the couple in this one, and I liked the bookish aspects of the book as well! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

And Break the Pretty Kings by Lena Jeong

I really enjoyed reading this book! It was an excellent debut fantasy, and I look forward to whatever else this author writes. The  characters, writing, and plot were all great. Overall, iI would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith

This was a terrifying read, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Night It Ended by Katie Garner

This was a really interesting thriller/suspense novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who think the plot sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

A Most Agreeable Murder by Julia Seales

This was a fun historical mystery that was such a mash up of different genres, that I enjoyed reading! I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Charlotte Illes Is Not a Detective by Katie Siegel

The premise of this one was really fun! And I thought it was a good read! The mystery was well done. Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

We Ship It by Lauren Kay

I thought this was a great YA summer read, that also touches on some serious topics. And I think the cover is really cute! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

How the Murder Crumbles by Debra Sennefelder

I thought this was a great beginning to a new cozy mystery series, with a fun premise! Overall, I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Kismat Connection by Ananya Devarajan

I thought this was a really good YA read! I liked the characters, and thought it was well written. Overall, I would definitely recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mini Reviews (Contemporary Romance Edition)!

Hi, everyone! In my quest to catch up on books I need to review, we are focusing on contemporary romance today!

A Guide to Being Just Friends by Sophie Sullivan

I think Sophie Sullivan always writes excellent contemporary romance, and this new book was no different! Great characters, and a good romance. I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Just My Type by Falon Ballard

I loved Lease On Love by this author, and I was really looking forward to this book! And I really enjoyed it! A great romance, and well written. Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings

This was a good contemporary romance novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who enjoyed Mazey's previous books!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Last Word by Katy Birchall

This was a well written romance novel, that I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Emma of 83rd Street by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding

I quite enjoyed this retelling of Emma! I thought both Emma and Knightley were good characters, and I liked the other people we meet in the novel as well. Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Not That Kind of Ever After by Luci Adams

This was an interesting contemporary romance, that I would recommend try to those who are curious about it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

I thought this was a well written romance, with great characters! And I loved the anxiety rep in it. Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Only Game in Town by Lacie Waldon

This was a good contemporary romance, with a unique premise! I really enjoyed reading it. Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Ana Takes Manhattan by Lissette Decos

I thought this was a good romance, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Ellie Is Cool Now by Victoria Fulton and Faith McClaren

This book had a fun premise, and I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Double-Decker Dreams by Lindsay MacMillan

I loved the setting of this book, and I liked the plot of it! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Gigi, Listening by Chantel Guertin

This was a fun contemporary romance, with a bookish main character! Overall, I would recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Take the Lead by Alexis Daria

A great romance for DWTS fans, I would definitely recommend trying this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Real Love by Rachel Lindsay

I enjoyed reading this book, and I would definitely recommend trying it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Do-Over by Suzanne Park

I love Suzanne Park's books, her sense of humor always makes me laugh! This was another great book by her, that I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

One Hot Cowboy Wedding by Carolyn Brown

This was a good cowboy romance, that I would recommend to anyone who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

He's My Cowboy by Diana Palmer, Rebecca Zanetti, & Delores Fossen

I thought all three of the novellas were really good, and I don't think I could pick a favorite! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson

This was a cute rom-com that I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Leave It to the March Sisters by Annie Sereno

I thought this was a good book! Even if you've never read Little Women (I knnnooww! I did see the movie years ago, but I've never read the book), I think you're able to enjoy it. I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

More Mini Reviews!

Hi, everyone! Here are some mini reviews to help me catch up even more. And we're focusing on Historical Romance today!

A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

This was another fantastic historical romance/mystery novel from Manda Collins! Her books are always a fun read, and I quite enjoyed this newest one. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Artfully Yours by Joanna Lowell

This was a really unique historical romance, that I would definitely recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Counterfeit Scoundrel by Lorraine Heath

This was a great historical romance novel from Lorraine Heath! The plot was unique. I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

This was a really unique historical romance with great characters! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Yours Truly, The Duke by Amelia Grey

I really liked this one! The characters were great, and I liked the ending. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Countess by Sophie Jordan

This was a great beginning to a new historical romance series that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Duke's Secret Cinderella by Eva Devon

This was a great take on the Cinderella fairytale, that I enjoyed reading! Overall, I would recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Portrait of a Duchess by Scarlett Peckham

I thought this was a unique historical romance novel, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Four Weddings and a Duke by Michelle McLean

I quite liked this one! The characters were great, and I loved reading about their growth throughout the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

What Happens in the Ballroom by Sabrina Jeffries

I think Sabrina Jeffries writes fantastic historical romance, and this one was no different! The characters were great, and I look forward to the next book. Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

How to Best a Marquess by Janna MacGregor

This was another great book from Janna MacGregor! Overall, I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Lady Knows Best by Susanna Craig

I love the premise of this series, and I thought this first book was great! Overall, I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby

I thought this was a unique historical novel with a mystery aspect to it! Overall, I would recommend to those who think it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Earls Rush In by Jennifer Haymore

I thought this was a good historical romance, that I would recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Husband List by Ella Quinn

I really like Ella Quinn's romance novels, and this one was no exception! I quite enjoyed it, and would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

The Duke Gets Even by Joanna Shupe

I thought this was a good historical romance, and I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Review: Practice Makes Perfect!

Review: Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

Annie Walker is on a quest to find her perfect match-someone who nicely compliments her happy, quiet life running her flower shop in Rome, Kentucky. Unfortunately, she worries her goal might be too far out of reach when she overhears her date saying she is "sounbelievably boring." Is it too late to become flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favorite romance movies? Maybe she only needs a little practice...and Annie has the perfect person in mind to become her tutor: Will Griffin.

Will--the flirtatious, tattooed, and absolutely gorgeous bodyguard--is temporarily back in Rome, providing security for Amelia Rose as excitement grows for her upcoming marriage to Noah Walker. He has one personal objective during his time in town: stay away from Annie Walker. But no sooner than he gets settled, Will soon finds himself not only breaking his rule, but tasked with far more than simply providing security.

Will wants no part in changing the sweet and lovely Annie, but he can't bring himself to say no to her request, so he officially agrees to teach her how to be the next leading lady of Rome, Kentucky, and find the love of her life-even if he doesn't believe in love himself. Between faking a relationship so the meddling town doesn't catch on to what's really happening on their practice dates, and tutoring lessons that convince Annie to add passion to her list of must-haves in a mate, it doesn't take long for the lines of their friendship to blur...

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I loved this book! Annie and Will were absolutely adorable together, and I loved getting to read about their growth throughout the book. I loved getting to see all the characters from the first book set in Rome, WHEN IN ROME. I just don't know how to express how much I loved this book?? If you love Contemporary Romance novels, I highly recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Play For Me - Review!

Play for Me by Libby Hubscher

When her new job takes her to a New England boarding school, she’s surprised to find her roommates are all men – including a very handsome one who plays by his own rules. 

Sophie Doyle has her dream job as the head athletic trainer for her favorite baseball team (go Red Sox!), a handsome boyfriend, and easy access to the finest cannoli in Boston. When she loses all three and the World Series to boot, she’s forced to apply for the open trainer position at an arts-focused boarding school in New Hampshire. The only available room is a glorified closet in an apartment with three guys: Jonas Voss, the aloof and attractive orchestra teacher, and his two rambunctious roommates.

Sophie knows that training a bunch of privileged high school kids whose idea of a play is A Chorus Line instead of a walk-off homer is going to be a big change from the pro athletes she’s used to. She wasn’t expecting that these students would have big-time talent and even bigger-time problems. Sophie has troubles of her own—Jonas is a full-fledged grump who clearly doesn’t want her near him or the precious piano he never plays.

With sunny optimism, Sophie sets out to win over Jonas and help the kids she’s growing attached to. But when her relationship with Jonas moves to the major leagues and plans change at the end of the season, they have to choose whether they are playing for keeps.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I absolutely loved this book! Sophie was a fantastic main character, and I loved reading about her growth throughout the book, and her realizing what her dreams really were. And Jonas!! I loved him. His romance with Sophie, and how their relationship grew throughout the book was really lovely. And my heart broke for him with how his life had been when he was young. I loved Sophie's relationship with her father, and her best friend. Sophie and Jonas' roommates were great. And the ending made me smile so much! Overall, I would highly recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Mini Review Round Up!

Hi, everyone! These are just a few mini reviews of books I've read in the past few months!

The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego & Joe Whitt

This was a beautifully illustrated graphic novel! All the character designs were really good. Overall, I would recommend to people who think it looks good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

How Not to Marry a Duke by Tina Gabrielle

I really enjoyed reading this historical romance! I liked the characters, and the plot. I would definitely recommend!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Said No One Ever by Stephanie Eding

This was a fun, entertaining read! I loved the plot the characters, and there were truly funny moments in the book. Overall, I would definitely recommend reading this adult contemporary romance!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

One Night with the Duke by Jodi Ellen Malpas

I thought this was an interesting historical romance, that I would recommend to those who think it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Lovelight Farms - Review!

Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison

Where the lovelight gleams …

A pasture of dead trees. A hostile takeover of the Santa barn by a family of raccoons. And shipments that have mysteriously gone missing. Lovelight Farms is not the magical winter wonderland of Stella Bloom’s dreams.

In an effort to save the Christmas tree farm she’s loved since she was a kid, she enters a contest with instafamous influencer Evelyn St. James. With the added publicity and the $100,000 cash prize, she might just be able to save the farm from its financial woes. There’s just one problem. To make the farm seem like a romantic destination for the holidays, she lied on the application and said she owns Lovelight Farms with her boyfriend. Only … there is no boyfriend.

Enter best friend Luka Peters. He just came home for some hot chocolate, and somehow got a farm and a serious girlfriend in the process.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I really enjoyed reading this romance novel! The characters were excellent. I loved the Christmas atmosphere. Overall, I would definitely recommend this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Summer Reading - Review!

Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay

When a woman who'd rather do anything than read meets a swoon-worthy bookworm, sparks fly, making for one hot-summer fling in New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay's new rom-com.

For Samantha Gale, a summer on Martha's Vineyard at her family's tiny cottage was supposed to be about resurrecting her career as a chef, until she's tasked with chaperoning her half-brother, Tyler. The teenage brainiac is spending his summer at the local library in a robotics competition, and there's no place Sam, who's dyslexic, likes less than the library. And because the universe hates her, the library's interim director turns out to be the hot-reader guy whose book she accidentally destroyed on the ferry ride to the island.

Bennett Reynolds is on a quest to find his father, whose identity he's never known. He's taken the temporary job on the island to research the summer his mother spent there when she got pregnant with him. Ben tells himself he isn't interested in a relationship right now. Yet as soon as Sam knocks his book into the ocean, he can't stop thinking about her.

An irresistible attraction blossoms when Ben inspires Sam to create the cookbook she's always dreamed about and she jumps all in on helping him find his father, and soon they realize their summer fling may heat up into a happily ever after.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I love this book! I read it in a day, because I couldn't stop reading it! Sam was a great main character. And Ben! He is now one of my favorite bookish love interests, he was absolutely wonderful. I loved how Sam's family played such a big part in the book. Her friend was a fantastic character, and I can't wait to read her book! I don’t have enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this novel. A 5 star read, I highly recommend it!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl - Spotlight/Review!

Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renée Rosen

It’s 1938, and a young woman selling face cream out of a New York City beauty parlor is determined to prove she can have it all. Her name is Estée Lauder, and she’s about to take the world by storm, in this dazzling new novel from the USA Today bestselling author of The Social Graces and Park Avenue Summer.

In New York City, you can disappear into the crowd. At least that’s what Gloria Downing desperately hopes as she tries to reinvent herself after a devastating family scandal. She’s ready for a total life makeover and a friend she can lean on—and into her path walks a young, idealistic woman named Estée. Their chance encounter will change Gloria’s life forever.

Estée dreams of success and becoming a household name like Elizabeth Arden, Helena Rubinstein, and Revlon. Before Gloria knows it, she is swept up in her new friend’s mission and while Estée rolls up her sleeves, Gloria begins to discover her own talents. After landing a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York’s finest luxury department store, Gloria finds her voice, which proves instrumental in opening doors for Estée’s insatiable ambitions.

But in a world unaccustomed to women with power, they’ll each have to pay the price that comes with daring to live life on their own terms and refusing to back down.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: This was a really neat and interesting historical fiction novel! This fictionalized story of Estée Lauder was fascinating, and I thought Gloria was a good character to follow. And I love the cover of the book! Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds good!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Deep Tide - Review!

Review: Deep Tide by Laura Griffin

With two brothers on the police force, Leyla Breda is well aware of the rising crime in her small beach town, but she never expected it to show up on her doorstep. When Leyla finds one of her employees murdered in the alley behind her coffee shop, she's deeply shaken, and as a new law enforcement officer in town begins to circle her place of business, her instincts only sharpen.

Sean Moran is on an undercover The seaside community of Lost Beach may look like a picturesque postcard, but his team suspects it's a point of intersection for several crime syndicates that the FBI has been investigating for years. Even so, when the brash and beautiful Leyla Breda starts bossing him around, he's immediately intrigued. He knows her brothers want him to back off, but every time he sees her, he feels more of a spark.

Leyla's connections in the local community and Sean's skills allow them to go deeper into the case together than they would be able to go alone. But when a single crime spirals into something much darker, Sean's carefully planned mission takes a deadly turn.

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I really enjoyed reading this novel! The mystery/suspense portion was well written, and I liked the characters a lot. Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out this book!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Jasmine And Jake Rock The Boat - Review!

Jasmine and Jake Rock the Boat by Sonya Lalli

An impulsive decision to join an Alaskan cruise getaway brings the chance for an onboard romance in this new enemies-to-lovers romance from the author of A Holly Jolly Diwali.

Jasmine Randhawa likes everyone to think she has it all—great job, perfect Seattle apartment, and a handsome boyfriend. But she’s not as confident or successful as she seems, and her relationship is at a breaking point.  

When Jasmine finds herself single and tagging along on her parents’ vacation, she’s not sure her life can get any farther off course. It's a nightmare for someone who's been so fiercely independent to find herself on a cruise full of family friends who’ve judged her since childhood. Things only get worse once the ship leaves the harbor and she realizes that this is a seniors’ cruise, and the only other person under fifty on the entire boat is her childhood acquaintance, cocky and successful Jake Dhillon.

Jasmine and Jake clash right away, with Jasmine smarting over how their South Asian community puts him on a pedestal as the perfect Indian son, whereas her reputation as a troublemaker precedes her. Except they can’t avoid each other forever during the ten-day cruise, and they soon recognize a surprising number of similarities, especially in how many secrets they’re keeping hidden from their families. Their restlessness seems to disappear whenever they’re together, but is this relationship strong enough to last on land?

-summary and cover via Goodreads

Review: I really enjoyed reading this romance! Jasmine was a fantastic main character, and I loved watching her grow throughout the book. Her relationship with Jake was really nice. I loved the last chapter of the book! (And the cover is really pretty!) Overall, I would definitely recommend checking this book out!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

Blog Tour: Murder In Postscript - Review!

Hi, everyone! I'm very happy to be participating in the blog tour for Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters! Read on to check out my review of the book. Plus, enter a giveaway!

About Murder in Postscript

Murder in Postscript (A Lady of Letters Mystery) 

Historical Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Victorian London, 1860 Berkley (March 28, 2023) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593548760 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593548769 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B5D5HW3K

When one of her readers asks for advice following a suspected murder, Victorian countess Amelia Amesbury, who secretly pens the popular Lady Agony column, has no choice but to investigate in this first book in a charming new historical mystery series.

Amelia Amesbury—widow, mother, and countess—has a secret. Amelia writes for a London penny paper, doling out advice on fashion, relationships, and manners under the pen name Lady Agony. But when a lady’s maid writes Amelia to ask for advice when she believes her mistress has been murdered—and then ends up a victim herself—Amelia is determined to solve the case.

With the help of her best friend and a handsome marquis, Amelia begins to piece together the puzzle, but as each new thread of inquiry ends with a different suspect, the investigation grows ever more daunting. From London’s docks and ballrooms to grand country houses, Amelia tracks a killer, putting her reputation—and her life—on the line.

My Review: I thought this was an excellent beginning to a new historical cozy mystery series! Amelia was a great main character, and I liked the other characters, too. The mystery was well written. And I love mysteries that take place in the past, it's always fun to read. Overall, I think this was a wonderful book, and I would definitely recommend to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher and blog tour company.

About Mary Winters

© Julie Prairie Photography 2016

Mary Winters is the author of Murder in Postscript, the debut novel in A Lady of Letters Mystery series. A longtime reader of historical fiction and an author of two other mystery series, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery—and another trip! Find out more about Mary and her writing at marywintersauthor.com.

Author Links:

Website http://www.Marywintersauthor.com

Blog http://www.Marywintersauthor.com/blog

Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/marywintersauthor

Instagram http://www.Instagram.com/marywintersauthor

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61391814-murder-in-postscript

Purchase Links Amazon Barnes & Noble Bookshop IndieBound Audible

TOUR PARTICIPANTS 

March 28 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW

March 28 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT

March 29 – I'm Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

March 29 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 30 – Elza Reads – REVIEW

March 30 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

March 31 - View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

March 31 - Diane’s Book Journal – REVIEW

April 1 – Just Another Teen Reading Books – REVIEW

April 1 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

April 2 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

April 2 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

April 3 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

April 3 – Lisa Ks Book Review – SPOTLIGHT

April 4 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

April 4 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

April 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

April 5 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

April 6 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT

April 6 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT

April 7 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – SPOTLIGHT

April 7 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

April 8 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

April 8 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

April 9 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

April 9 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – SPOTLIGHT

April 10 –The Mystery of Writing - REVIEW

April 10 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

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