Book Blitz & Giveaway - Exiles on Earth by Bea Tama

Exiles on Earth

Author: Bea Tama

Publication Date: May 16th, 2025

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Stranded alien. Fierce farmer. One blown-up barn.

Ellen’s barely keeping her family farm afloat, clinging to dreams of what it could be—with a little luck and a lot of hard work. What she doesn’t need is a spaceship crashing onto her land, or the massive scaled alien who steps out of the wreckage. Now the barn she wanted to convert to a bed and breakfast is shattered all over the lawn, and this huge scaly dude is to blame.

Elia is a space-faring clone, bred for loyalty and survival. He fought for the chance to enter the prestigious Mating Games, only to be exiled for a crime he didn’t commit. Now, stranded on an uncharted world, he and his crew are at the mercy of an infuriated human female with fire in her eyes and no warriors of her own to protect her.

She is not fragile. But she is vulnerable. And something deep in Elia wants her. All he has to do is rebuild what he destroyed and guard her land and her dreams as fiercely as if they were his own.

But Ellen isn’t looking for a mate. And Elia is running out of time to prove that she should.

🔥 A sizzling sci-fi romance featuring a caring, exiled alien, a determined human heroine, and slow-burn tension that will leave you breathless. Perfect for fans of aliens on earth, forced proximity, and fierce heroines who refuse to back down. 🔥

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Her Darkest Hour by Suzy Henderson

Her Darkest Hour

Author: Suzy Henderson

Publication Date: May 8th, 2025

Genre: Adult Historical Fantasy

Book Description:

In the shadow of war, a young woman must choose: deny her magic or wield it to stop a traitor before Britain falls.

England, 1939. A young witch. A nation at war. A spy hiding in plain sight.

As war looms over Britain, Eliza MacLean wants nothing more than an ordinary life. Raised on the Isle of Mull, she’s spent years denying her gifts—just as her mother insisted. But her grandmother taught her differently, whispering ancient knowledge of herbs, charms, and spells.

When her grandmother dies, Eliza seeks refuge in Cambridge with her cousin and the women of the WVS. But beneath its spires and blacked-out streets, Cambridge hides more than just scholars and soldiers. A secret network of witches is working to protect Britain from an enemy who knows magic is real—and seeks to weaponise it.

Drawn into the fight, Eliza is thrust into a world of espionage, deception, and occult warfare. Her rare abilities catch the attention of MI5 agent Alex Fletcher, who needs her help to unmask a deadly spy before it’s too late.

As she learns to harness her power, Eliza finds herself torn between duty and love, risking everything for Jim, a fighter pilot whose fate seems written in the stars. But war is ruthless, and magic has a price.

With the spy closing in and the war reaching new heights of peril, Eliza’s only hope of saving those she loves is to embrace the very magic she’s spent a lifetime hiding—no matter the cost.

But some powers were never meant to be used.

Perfect for fans of A Discovery of Witches and The Rose Code, Her Darkest Hour blends historical fiction with supernatural intrigue in a gripping tale of war, witchcraft, and sacrifice.

Buy LinksL

Amazon US | UK

BOOK REVIEW - A Curse for the Homesick: A Novel by Laura Brooke Robson

A Curse for the Homesick

Author: Laura Brooke Robson
Publication Date: 18 February 2025
Genre: Adut Romance / Magical Realism

Book Description:

On Stenland, there comes a time known as skeld season: when a woman can wake with three black lines on her forehead, the mark of a skeld, and turn anyone she sees to stone. Skeld season comes around without warning, and while each only lasts three months, the people skelds turn to stone are very much dead.

That’s how Tess’s mother killed Soren’s parents. Maybe for this reason alone, Tess and Soren should not have fallen in love. Since the time her mother was a skeld, Tess has wanted to leave Stenland, to run from the windswept island, from her family and friends. She is unwilling to bear the responsibility of one day killing anyone, let alone someone she loves. Soren, though, has always been determined to stay, to live out his life in the only place he’s ever known as home, even if that life could be cut short. They cannot see eye to eye—and yet, they cannot stay apart. She tries to come back for him. He tries to leave for her. But can your love for one person outweigh everything else? And how do you decide how much you’re willing to risk, if it might mean destroying someone else in the process?

Laura Brooke Robson has crafted a fascinating story about the choices we make, the responsibilities we carry, and the ambiguities of regret.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

Laura Brooke Robson's A Curse for the Homesick takes readers to the windswept island of Stenland, where women live under the shadow of a peculiar curse. During unpredictable periods known as "skeld season", women can wake with three black lines across their foreheads - a mark that gives them the unwanted power to turn anyone they make eye contact with into stone.

This curse forms the backdrop for a complicated love story between Tess Eriksson and Soren Fell. Their lives are inextricably linked by tragedy: when Tess was twelve, her mother became a skeld and accidentally turned Soren's parents to stone, killing them instantly. Despite this devastating connection, the two find themselves drawn to each other, developing feelings that neither can fully escape.

The novel follows Tess's journey through different periods of her life-from her youth in Stenland to her adult life in San Francisco, California, where she tries to build a new existence far from the curse. But when she returns to attend her childhood friend Linnea's wedding, she confronts both her unresolved feelings for Soren and her complicated relationship with her homeland.

At its heart, the story explores two people who want fundamentally different things: Tess longs to escape the island and the possibility that she might one day become a skeld, while Soren remains determined to stay in the only place he's ever called home, despite the risks. Their love is a constant push and pull - she tries to come back for him, he tries to leave for her - but their conflicting desires create seemingly insurmountable barriers.

MY THOUGHTS

A Curse for the Homesick sits comfortably within the literary fantasy genre, blending magical realism with deeply personal exploration of identity and belonging. Robson has created a fascinating premise that serves as a powerful metaphor - the curse effectively symbolises the burdens placed specifically on women and the sometimes suffocating expectations of conforming to societal roles.

The strength of this novel lies in its atmospheric quality. Stenland feels properly lived-in and real, with its distinctive customs and collective trauma creating a setting that's both haunting and oddly cosy. Robson's prose is notably lyrical. The narrative structure, which moves through different periods of Tess's life, effectively captures how our relationships with home evolve as we grow and change.

However, I found myself never quite connecting with the characters as deeply as I would have liked. While the tragic link between Tess and Soren provides a compelling foundation for their relationship, their emotional dance becomes somewhat repetitive over time. The "will-they-won't-they" aspect dragged on longer than necessary, making portions of the narrative feel stagnant rather than developing.

The novel's examination of friendship - particularly between Tess, Linnea and Kitty - adds welcome complexity. These relationships aren't portrayed as straightforward but rather as complicated bonds that evolve and sometimes strain with time and distance. This nuanced approach to female friendship felt refreshingly honest.

What I found most engaging was the book's central question: how much should we sacrifice for love, and is it worth risking everything for someone when the consequences could be devastating? The ambiguity of these questions, and the characters' struggles with them, elevates the story beyond a simple romance.

Whilst I appreciated the concept and Robson's talent for creating a distinctive atmosphere, I ultimately found myself wishing for a bit more momentum in the narrative. The premise promised more emotional impact than the execution delivered, leaving me feeling that this was a good book that could have been truly exceptional with tighter pacing.

Overall, this book offers a thoughtful exploration of home, love and responsibility wrapped in an intriguing magical premise, even if it doesn't quite reach the emotional heights it aims for.

VERDICT

Rating: 3 Stars

Source: Netgalley

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Intimate Secret by D.C. Stone

Intimate Secret

(Empire Blue, #6)

Author: D.C. Stone

Publication Date: April 17th, 2025

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

A murder was captured on satellite and multiple law enforcement agencies are trying to solve it. One of the detectives on the case, Jake Gonzalez, is led right to the front door of a local author, Francesca Conti. Sparks fly as Jake realizes he’s insanely attracted to his primary suspect, and her father is one of the most ruthless mafia bosses in the city, and someone he’s been investigating for years.

Francesca wants to escape this life her father has set for her and has been putting money away, looking for her opportunity to disappear. And much to her dismay, lately her father has been pushing her toward marrying his right-hand man, someone no woman has ever been able to say no to.

Just when she thinks she’s getting closer to escaping, Detective Gonzalez lands on her doorstep asking alarming questions, and making her heart race unlike ever before.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Just Another Meet Cute by Jenn P. Nguyen

Just Another Meet Cute

Author: Jenn P. Nguyen

Publication Date: May 20th, 2025

Genre: YA Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Boy saves girl stuck on a disastrous hike. What could go wrong? So. Much.

Just Another Meet Cute is the joyful and funny story about what happens when you realize you’re dating the wrong twin.

When seventeen-year-old Nina Riley gets saved by a super cute Knight-in-Faded-Khakis just as she lands in an embarrassingly ‘ahem’ sticky situation during the most disastrous hike known to man, she wasn’t exactly looking for a meet cute. She really just needed some peace and quiet from her complicated family. Unfortunately, he disappears before she can properly thank him or get his number. All she has is his name (Ian Nguyen) and a navy jacket with a dog keychain, a gym card, and laundromat receipt. But a meet cute is a meet cute. And armed with years of watching Veronica Mars and a techy cousin, it should be simple enough for Nina to find the boy of her dreams, right? But when she finally tracks him down, he’s different than she thought ―right down to his name. Ryan is just as cute as she remembers, but the chemistry isn’t there like it was before. After a few dates, she meets Ryan’s family: his sweet grandma, his enthusiastic sisters, and his twin brother ―​​​​​​​―Ian.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Unspoken Words by Linda Joyce

Unspoken Words

Author: Linda Joyce

Publication Date: April 22nd, 2025

Genre: Adult Women’s Fiction

Book Description:

What happens when the truth you’ve hidden becomes the key to your greatest fear—and your greatest hope?

For years, Jane Landry has carried a secret that could break hearts and heal them all at once. Her son, Christopher Marcus, is the light of her life—but he’s also the boy no one knows about. Not his father, her ex-husband Mark, nor his wife Maggie, or his sister Suzanne, Jane’s best friends from childhood. Now, with a cancer diagnosis threatening her future, Jane must summon the courage to confess her secret. She prays they’ll embrace Christopher as family before time runs out.

But just as Jane takes the first step, tragedy strikes—Mark is killed in an accident after learning he has a son. The devastating loss leaves Jane grappling with how to face Maggie and Suzanne, the two women she’s avoided for years but now desperately needs. Her truth risks alienating them, yet the stakes are higher than ever. Christopher needs a home. Jane needs to know her boy will be loved when she’s no longer there to protect him.

As Jane uncovers the secrets Maggie and Suzanne have been hiding, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying the weight of the past. Old wounds, unexpected betrayals, and the search for forgiveness weave together in a story about love, loss, and the lengths we’ll go to for family.

Set against the vivid backdrop of New Orleans, Unspoken Words explores the messy, beautiful journey of redemption and the bonds that hold us together—even when stretched to their breaking point.

Discover a story that will break your heart, heal your soul, and stay with you long after the final page.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

BOOK REVIEW: Slip by L. Ryan Storms

Slip

Author: L. Ryan Storms
Publication Date:  15 April 2025
Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance / Magical Realism

Book Description:

9 minutes and 53 seconds isn't enough time to change the world. It's not even enough time to finish a biology exam.

But 16-year-old junior, PJ "Slip" Ellis, gets to repeat the most anxiety-inducing parts of her life again and again. Because her panic attacks send her 9 minutes and 53 seconds into the past, which means she'll do whatever she can to avoid triggering her nerves. And she's learned to deal with her anxiety...mostly.

At least, until Ethan Morrow appears in class. Now, PJ is falling for Ethan, and her anxiety-once under control-is quickly spiraling out of hand. So, PJ's determined to avoid Ethan with every slip.

If only the solution were so easy. Ethan appears in PJ's life no matter what path she takes, no matter how many times she slips. Is it fate? Kismet? Organized chaos? One way or another, PJ must make peace with herself if she ever wants a shot at true happiness with-or without-Ethan Morrow in her life.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Connect with the Author:

Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Threads

SUMMARY

Slip follows the story of sixteen-year-old Penelope Jane "PJ" Ellis, who has a unique and challenging ability—whenever she experiences anxiety or panic attacks, she's sent exactly 9 minutes and 53 seconds into the past. This unusual temporal displacement, which PJ calls "slipping", has become her coping mechanism for navigating the stressful moments of her teenage life. She's developed strategies to manage both her anxiety and her slips, creating a delicate balance that works—most of the time.

PJ's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when Ethan Morrow, an old classmate, returns to school after moving back from California. As PJ finds herself developing feelings for Ethan, her anxiety—which she thought she had under control—begins spiraling. What's most perplexing is that no matter how many times she slips to avoid Ethan, he continues to appear in her life through different circumstances. Even more startling, Ethan seems to remember events from her "slips" that should have been erased—something that's never happened with anyone else.

The novel explores PJ's home life with her workaholic but loving single mother, with whom she communicates primarily through handwritten notes. PJ's friendship with her best mate Mariana Salvadore provides grounding support as she navigates the complications of her condition. Throughout the story, PJ grapples with whether to reveal her ability to Ethan, especially after previous failed attempts to confide in her mother. The central question becomes whether PJ can make peace with her anxiety and her unique ability to give herself a chance at happiness.

MY THOUGHTS

Storms has crafted a refreshingly original take on the magical realism genre with Slip. What immediately struck me was how seamlessly the fantastical element of time-slipping integrates into the otherwise grounded narrative—a hallmark of magical realism. Unlike traditional sci-fi or fantasy tropes that often over-explain supernatural mechanics, Storms treats PJ’s slipping ability as an organic extension of her emotional reality. The 9-minute-53-second rewinds are not just plot devices but visceral manifestations of anxiety itself, blurring the line between psychological experience and literal magic in a way that feels deeply human. Haven't we all wished we could go back and redo those moments when anxiety gets the better of us? PJ actually can, and watching her navigate this power brings both humour and poignancy to the narrative.

The character dynamics are absolutely brilliant. The dialogue between PJ, Ethan and Mariana flows naturally and often had me chuckling aloud. Their banter feels authentic to teenage friendships without falling into the trap of trying too hard to sound "young". PJ's relationship with her hardworking single mum is portrayed with nuance—there's genuine love there, alongside the realistic frustrations of a teenager who wishes for more parental presence.

Storms handles the mental health aspects of the story with remarkable sensitivity. The conversations between PJ and Mariana about anxiety and mental wellbeing are thoughtfully constructed and genuinely moving. These moments provide valuable insights without ever feeling preachy, which is quite an achievement in YA literature where such themes can easily become heavy-handed.

Where the novel falters somewhat is in its pacing. The second half leans heavily into romantic tension at the expense of leveraging slipping’s unique storytelling possibilities. While Storms wisely avoids over-explaining the ability’s mechanics (a strength of the magical realism approach), I found myself wishing for more creative applications of the slips themselves. For instance, how might PJ’s relationship with her power shift if she actively engaged with it rather than solely reacting to anxiety triggers? The narrative’s focus on Ethan, while emotionally grounded, occasionally sidelines the very device that makes PJ’s journey so distinctive.

I was also slightly perplexed by PJ's reluctance to tell Ethan about her ability when she already knows he somehow remembers her slips. This hesitation feels somewhat contrived, especially given that he's demonstrated an awareness that should make him the perfect confidant. It's a small logical inconsistency in an otherwise well-constructed narrative.

Despite these minor quibbles, Slip delivers a compelling story that balances its supernatural premise with authentic emotional depth. The novel excels at depicting the everyday struggles of teenage life alongside extraordinary circumstances, making PJ's journey relatable despite its fantastical elements.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Revenge Game by Jax Calder

The Revenge Game

(The Revenge Club, #1)

Author: Jax Calder

Publication Date: April 11th, 2025

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary / LGBTQ+ / Romance

Book Description:

Rule #1 of Revenge Club: Don’t fall for your target

Andrew

I’ve come a long way since being the gawky, geeky, gay kid who was constantly picked on growing up. Having just sold my tech start-up for so much money it broke my phone calculator, I’m now at a loose end wondering what to do next in my life.

Then I run into Justin. Justin, the golden boy from high school. Justin, the popular jock who turned my life into a living hell for four years.

And do you want to know the kicker? He doesn’t even recognize me.

Even worse, it looks like karma hasn’t done its thing because Justin definitely hasn’t been punished for his previous sins.

Maybe my next mission in life is to give karma a helping hand…

Justin

My life looks perfect from the outside – good job, good friends, no worries. Only I know it is all based on a lie. I’ve never been honest with anyone about my sexuality.

Then I meet the new IT guy at work who has just moved into my apartment building too. Given I seem to be having an extraordinary run of bad luck with technology at the moment—like having my email randomly decide to spam the entire company with images of trolls in intimate embraces —Drew’s been a lifesaver. And the more I get to know Drew, the more I want to confess my secret in the hope we can become something more.

But I can’t help the niggling feeling Drew is hiding something from me…

The Revenge Game is a laugh-out-loud journey through misadventures in revenge and the unexpected twists of fate. It’s where old grudges spark new attractions, where secrets unravel, and where two men learn all about redemption and love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Celebrating a Milestone: CBY Book Club in FeedSpot’s Top YA Blogs!

CBY Book Club: Honoured as One of the Top 100 Young Adult Book Blogs in 2025!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with our readers! CBY Book Club has been recognised as one of the Top 100 Young Adult Book Blogs on the web by FeedSpot. This incredible honour highlights our dedication to bringing you engaging reviews, recommendations and discussions about young adult literature.

What This Means for Us

Being part of FeedSpot’s comprehensive list of the best YA book blogs is a testament to our commitment to connecting readers with stories that inspire, entertain and spark meaningful conversations. This recognition motivates us to continue delivering high-quality content that resonates with our audience.

A Special Thank You

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to FeedSpot and its panelists for selecting CBY Book Club for this prestigious list. Their support reinforces our passion for sharing the magic of young adult books with readers worldwide.

Celebrate With Us!

To celebrate this milestone, we’ve added FeedSpot’s badge to our website—a symbol of this achievement and a reminder of the incredible community we’re proud to be part of. Check it out on our homepage and feel free to share it on social media to help spread the word!

How You Can Support Us

Share Our Blog: Help us grow by sharing your favourite posts from CBY Book Club on social media or with friends who love books.

Follow Us: Stay connected by following us on social media and subscribing to our newsletter for updates, reviews and exclusive content.

Engage With Us: Leave comments, share your thoughts and recommend books you’d like us to review. Your involvement keeps our community vibrant!

Discover More Amazing Blogs

FeedSpot’s list is a treasure trove of incredible YA book blogs that cater to diverse tastes and styles. Explore the full list here and discover new favourites alongside CBY Book Club.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to more milestones, great books, and a thriving YA community!

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Eva is Waiting by Romola Farr

Eva is Waiting

Author: Romola Farr

Publication Date: February 14th, 2025

Genre: Adult Historical Thriller

Book Description:

Following the death of her mother, Lily is sent to a remote girls’ boarding school, tearing her away from all the excitement of London in the Swingin’ Sixties. Bereft, she develops a relationship with Rainer, the husband of Sylvia, the headmistress.

One day, Bella, the school Collie, goes missing whilst playing on the shore below sheer cliffs. Despite a rising tide, Lily is determined to find the beautiful dog and discovers her trapped between rocks in a cave. Deepening water swirls around them as her fingertips dig into the sand and touch the smooth surface of what she believes to be an animal skull. From that moment on, she is haunted by a young girl pleading for help.

Lily speaks to her headmistress and learns that eleven years previously a pupil went missing. Eva was a refugee from Hungary, and it was assumed by the police that she had run away.

Forced to stay on at school during the Christmas holiday, Lily is caught between those who know what really happened and wish to silence her, and her determination to end Eva’s wait for justice.

But is history about to repeat itself?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

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