Blog Tour Review - If Shapes Could Eat by Rella B.

Delighted to kick off my stop on the If Shapes Could Eat tour!

Rella B.’s whimsical picture book serves up a feast of imagination, blending geometry and nutrition into a playful adventure. Join Riley Rhombus and her best pal Maxine Hexagon as they navigate a block party brimming with tantalising treats, learning valuable lessons about moderation, curiosity and the joy of diverse flavours along the way. With vibrant illustrations by Wenny S. and a storyline as lively as a child’s appetite for discovery, this book transforms picky-eating struggles into a celebration of food’s colourful possibilities.

Enjoy!

If Shapes Could Eat

Author: Rella B.
Publication Date: 1 March 2025
Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:

Riley Rhombus is super excited!

She has thrown a block party for all her shapely neighbors.

She cannot wait to taste all the delicious dishes on the street with her best pal, Maxine Hexagon.

But she runs into trouble with her excitement and super snacking along the way.

“What kind of trouble?” you may wonder.

“… and what does she discover along the way?”

Join Riley as she learns about tastes and textures and when she takes a moment to think about what she is putting in her mouth!

This is a book all about the celebration of food and the discovery of how a diet with variety can make you feel amazing! Riley and Maxine are excited about trying new foods and enjoying new flavors… but, sometimes, a little too enthusiastic. This book encourages young readers to enjoy all colors of the foodie rainbow, from peas to pizza, from cherry to chocolate, and from carrot to cake!.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Lush by Tinia Montford

Lush

Author: Tinia Montford

Publication Date: March 31st, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

Laurene King had it all: beauty, wealth, and a sexy secret affair with Reese Ashbourne— the brooding heir of her family’s sworn enemy.

But one reckless night shattered everything.

Tragedy struck. Laurene disappeared. And Reese was left with betrayal, unanswered questions, and scars he’ll never forget.

Now, Laurene is back, forced to return to the life she fled, but her homecoming comes with a cruel twist. Their families, teetering on the edge of ruin, have resurrected an old deal to save themselves: an Ashbourne and a King must marry—or lose everything.

Only this time, Reese is the groom. Not his brother.

Haunted by the past, Reese craves revenge as much as he still craves her. Trapped in a forced proximity neither can escape, their chemistry ignites—and so do their secrets.

But someone knows the truth about that night. The lies that tore them apart are unraveling, and the shadowy danger lurking in their luxurious world could destroy them both.

With their second chance at love and their families’ legacies hanging by a thread, Laurene and Reese must choose: bury the past or watch everything crumble to ashes.

The clock is ticking, and some truths are better left buried…

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Frozen Flames by M.H.B.

Frozen Flames

(The Hollow, #3)

Author: M.H.B.

Publication Date: March 20th. 2025

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

One mistake.

A tragic accident.

A life-altering event.

Something I can never take back.

What do you do when you meet the girl of your dreams but you’re now a shadow of who you used to be.

Gemma Ackerman, my girlfriend, was my everything. Her quiet, nerdy aura drew me in and I never wanted to let go. Life on my Harley with her by my side was perfect.

Until it wasn’t—until I lost myself.

Because a part of me died that night and it was never coming back.

I welcomed anger instead.

I greeted loneliness like an old friend.

I allowed guilt and sorrow to nestle inside my head.

That’s when I met Claire Edwards—the epitome of joie de vivre. She showed me a new colorful way to see the world. She turned numbness into eagerness for a taste of life.

And now I’m torn between a girlfriend that never gave up on me and a woman I picture as my wife.

I had no other choice.

I let myself die, so that I may live.

And it’s all thanks to her. . .

*Follow the same standalone storyline as Silent Screams and Grieving Graves through Harvey and Claire’s eyes.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sam Squared by Cindy Dorminy

Sam Squared

Author: Cindy Dorminy

Publication Date: March 17th, 2025

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Falling in love should be easy as Pi.

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Baughman has one month to raise her GPA, or she can kiss her coveted Auburn basketball scholarship goodbye. Her only hope lies with her high school’s resident bad boy—and closet genius—Samuel King.

The last thing Samuel wants is to get tangled in anyone else’s problems. But when he gets caught helping another student cheat, his teacher offers him a get-out-of-jail-free card. With a one-way ticket to boarding school as his only other option, Samuel reluctantly agrees to tutor Samantha… with one stipulation. They have to keep their arrangement on the down-low. No one can know about their study sessions, especially Samantha’s overprotective brother, who has already warned Samuel to stay away from his sister.

As the “Sams” spend more time together, their playful banter turns into genuine attraction, including one extra-credit-worthy kiss. But Samantha’s brother’s threats send Samuel backpedaling so fast that he denies their encounter ever happened. Now, it’s game on for Samantha to get him to confess. She may need his help to pass her classes, but he’s the one who needs schooling in matters of the heart.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

Book Blitz & Giveaway - In The Market For Love by Shanna Hatfield

In The Market For Love

(Hearts of the West, #1)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: March 6th, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He’s never opened his heart to anyone. She wears her emotions on her sleeve. When romance blooms, will they realize love is what they both need?

Ransom Kressley possesses the gift of gab, striking good looks, and a blistering disdain for his family’s Idaho ranch where he resides with his father and identical twin brother. His genuine passion is football, but a knee injury shattered his dreams of an NFL career. After years of channeling his frustration and anger toward those who care about him most, Ransom resolves to change. He accepts a job in Portland as a promotions manager for an arena football team and eagerly steps into his new life. As he makes a fresh start, his past continues to plague him, interfering with his chance to get to know the woman who lingers in his thoughts.

Despite her sunny smile and tender spirit, Kelly Truman isn’t in the market for love or even a relationship when she agrees to have lunch with her best friend’s soon-to-be brother-in-law. Familiar only with Ransom Kressley’s notorious reputation, Kelly is determined to keep her guard up around him. However, Ransom proves to be nothing like she expected. Soon, she realizes she cherishes time spent with the man, but fears trusting him with her heart.

When their friendship evolves into something more, will Ransom’s charm and silver tongue split them apart or bind them together?

A sweet romance full of warmth and humor, In the Market for Love is a story of hope, forgiveness, and redemption.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Immortal Dark by Shermon Kodi

Immortal Dark

Author: Shermon Kodi

Publication Date: March 10th 2025

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

The shadows awaken as darkness falls. And these shadows have fangs.

Seventeen-year-old Bexis has survived the frozen streets of Coppejj by trusting no one but herself. With her shadow magic, she’s scraped by as a freelance thief, working for local gang lords and politicians.

But when a routine heist goes horribly wrong, Bexis is branded with ancient magic, making her the target of a bloodthirsty spirit.

Desperate for answers, she turns to an eccentric demon hunter. Together, they uncover a deadly plot by a sinister cabal, threatening to plunge the world into eternal night. As Bexis confronts her haunted past, she faces a grim choice: Embrace the shadows within, or lose everything she holds dear.

To destroy the darkness, she must first become it.

BOOK REVIEW: The Drowners by David A. Anderson

The Drowners

Author: David A. Anderson
Publication Date:  18 March 2025
Genre: Semi-Autobiographical YA/ Coming of Age Fiction

Book Description:
For Aaron, this world is an unfathomable puzzle. Haunted by disturbing dreams, he drifts through empty days, shielding himself behind sarcasm and cynical wit. After being expelled, he sees an opportunity to rewrite his future at a new school. Connecting over a shared love for De Niro films with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent, he unexpectedly finds his companion piece, one person who truly understands him. Together, they navigate the chaotic waters of adolescence, from dramatic first dates to sociopathic bullies, iconic concerts, and a dead body.

With adulthood fast approaching, the crushing weight of societal pressures and devastating revelations threaten to shatter their unique bond. Confronted by the ghosts of his past, Aaron must choose whether to blaze bright or fade away.

A funny and poignant meditation on the forces that shape us, The Drowners is an ode to that time when your tolerance for hypocrisy was zero and life’s possibilities seemed infinite.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US | UK

Connect with the Author:

Threads | Mastodon | X

SUMMARY

The Drowners by David A. Anderson is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in 1990s Dublin. The story revolves around Aaron Anderson, a 15-year-old struggling to find his place in the world. Haunted by disturbing dreams and feeling like an outsider, Aaron navigates adolescence with sarcasm and wit. After being expelled from school, he finds a new beginning and forms a deep bond with Robbie, an aspiring actor of Jamaican descent. Together, they face the challenges of first loves, societal pressures and personal revelations. As Aaron grapples with his identity and the expectations of those around him, he must confront his past and decide whether to embrace his true self or conform to societal norms.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a powerful exploration of adolescence, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. The author's use of humour and poignant moments creates a narrative that feels both authentic and relatable, drawing readers into the world of 1990s Dublin. The setting provides a unique backdrop, capturing the era's optimism and cultural nuances, which adds depth to the story. One of the strengths of the book is its raw honesty; it doesn't shy away from difficult themes like drug use, identity crises, and the struggles of growing up. This unapologetic approach makes the narrative feel real and engaging, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The exploration of mental health themes in The Drowners resonated with me, particularly in its portrayal of Aaron's inner turmoil and his struggles with identity and societal expectations. The narrative reminded me of My Mad Fat Diary, a British series known for its honest and relatable depiction of teenage life and mental health struggles. Both share a similar tone in addressing complex issues with humour and sensitivity, making them relatable and impactful. The music ensemble in the book, with its references to iconic artists like Bowie, adds another layer of depth, reflecting the characters' emotional journeys and the cultural context of the time.

In terms of its themes and tone, The Drowners also brings to mind The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. Both stories explore the importance of finding one's place in the world through friendships and shared experiences. The film Submarine, directed by Richard Ayoade, is another point of comparison, as it too captures the awkwardness and humour of teenage life with a similar blend of wit and pathos. Even classic coming-of-age films like The Breakfast Club come to mind, as both The Drowners and The Breakfast Club highlight the importance of finding one's identity and forming meaningful connections with others amidst the challenges of adolescence.

However, at times, the dialogue felt slightly mature for the age of the protagonists, which occasionally required a reminder that these were teenagers. Despite this, the overall authenticity of the characters' experiences and emotions remained intact, making their journey relatable and impactful.

The character development is strong, particularly in the portrayal of Aaron's inner turmoil and his relationship with Robbie. Aaron's struggles with his identity, family expectations and personal relationships are deeply explored, making him a compelling and sympathetic protagonist. The dynamic between Aaron and Robbie is especially well-crafted, showcasing how their bond evolves from an awkward beginning to a comfortable and supportive friendship. The dialogue is smooth and authentic, contributing to the overall sense of realism in the story. The way the characters interact with each other feels natural, which is a testament to the author's skill in crafting believable relationships.

One minor issue is the lack of clear dialogue tags, which can sometimes make it difficult to discern who is speaking. However, this wasn't a big enough issue to cause a disruption in an otherwise smooth transition from one scene to the next. The narrative flows well, and the reader is able to follow the story without significant confusion.

Overall, The Drowners is a compelling read that offers a satisfying conclusion that aligns with its themes of embracing uncertainty and finding courage in the face of adversity. The book's ability to balance humour and sensitivity while tackling complex themes makes it a standout in its genre. I highly recommend it for its honest portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of identity, relationships, and personal growth. The author's willingness to confront difficult subjects head-on creates a narrative that is both impactful and memorable.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author