Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sleigh Bell Serenade by Shanna Hatfield

Sleigh Bell Serenade

(Winter Wishes, #2)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: January 19th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He keeps his heart heavily guarded.

She meets everyone with a friendly smile.

Will the attraction sizzling between them pull them into the space between their two worlds?

Burdened by too many responsibilities, Bowen Jensen struggles beneath their overwhelming weight. Between raising his teenage sister, running their family ranch, and managing Sleigh Bell Tours, he barely has time to sleep, let alone do something just for himself. He can’t even recall his last date. Then a chance encounter with a beguiling woman leaves him pondering if there isn’t more to life than trudging through one lonely day after another.

Juniper Haynes appears to have it all with a successful real estate career and a picture-perfect life. In reality, she’s tired of dealing with demanding clients, wary of her so-called friends, and secretly longs for the peace she finds at her sister’s mountain home. After a magical New Year’s Eve kiss with a cowboy she barely knows, she realizes true happiness might only be found outside her comfort zone.

Can Bo and Juniper find the courage to embrace change and explore the possibility of a future together?

Find out in this sweet winter romance full of small-town charm, memorable characters, laughter, hope, and love.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Defy the Stars by Cathrina Constantine

Defy the Stars

Author: Cathrina Constantine

Publication Date: January 13th, 2023

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

Circus grunt. Charmer. Fire wrangler.

Growing up within the grind of the enchanted Circus Faire, Crew’s unique talents have blossomed. Though, he’s been warned that the King of Hawkswing is determined to eradicate a certain species, and for his own sake Crew must keep his formidable gifts under wraps.

Relations between interspecies caused an imbalance of power and now are strictly forbidden. Dolorans, like Sage and her sister, are being hunted and persecuted because of their intense powers, leaving them no choice but to run to escape the genocide of their kind.

She possesses a forceful energy for good and evil.

His untapped powers are growing stronger by the day.

Survival will demand they rely on each other.

When Crew learns a dark wizard is holding his brother captive, he enters into a deal with him in hopes of getting close enough to free those he has imprisoned. Yet, what he uncovers is far more sinister than Crew could ever imagine. Can Crew harness the strength within him to save his brother and Sage and all those in the wizard’s clutches? Or will he be trapped by the wizard’s wicked plan?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Maverick Cowboy by Macie St. James

The Maverick Cowboy

(Cupid Ridge Dude Ranch, #1)

Author: Macie St. James

Publication Date: January 6th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Western

Book Description:

He’s slow to trust. She can’t seem to keep a secret. Can they overcome their differences to find they're happily ever after?

Joshua Ludington is slow to trust. After being betrayed by the woman he loved, he vowed to take a hiatus from dating. But when Lucie Cooper drives onto his family ranch, he finds the beautiful chef hard to resist.

Lucie Cooper is at Cupid Ridge Inn to do a job. They need an interim chef for their dude ranch guests, and she’s determined to fill that position. When she runs into handsome cowboy Joshua Ludington, at first she’s excited to show off her cooking skills. Soon, though, it becomes apparent that what she’s feeling for him goes beyond gratitude for the job.

Although Lucie knows Joshua has been burned, she’s determined to show this handsome cowboy that he can count on her. But Lucie is notoriously bad at keeping secrets, and working for the Ludingtons means keeping things quiet. She means well, but she might just destroy her new relationship before it gets off the ground.

The Cupid Ridge Dude Ranch series is a sweet, clean contemporary western romance series filled with swoon-worthy cowboys in a small-town setting.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Cusp of Darkness by Olivia Preya

Cusp of Darkness

(The Cusp Series, #1)

Author: Olivia Preya

Publication Date: January 20th, 2023

Genre: Adult Mafia Romance

Book Description:

Valerius Cafarelli

In my world, we live and die for our family. We brand our skin with symbols of loyalty and rank that bind us together. It’s time to step from behind the scenes and claim my birthright, leader of the Cafarelli family. But the mafia is nothing if not set in tradition. Marriage is the only way to claim what’s rightfully mine.

When the angel I’ve protected from a distance suddenly needs me as much as I need her, I make an offer she can’t refuse.

She is a candle in the night.

She is a prayer to the gods.

She is the knife that brings me to my knees.

—

Adaliya Solarin

I took an oath to save lives, trying to redeem myself from a bloody night where I played judge, jury, and executioner. I worked hard to erase all traces of the night I claimed revenge, but my mind can’t forget the man who ensured I’d never be put away for my crime.

Now I need someone to help me save my father from himself. When I’m left desperate and defeated, the man who saved me once offers one last chance at survival. What can I do but make a deal with the devil?

He is the bump in the night.

He is my darkest temptations come to life.

He is my salvation.

Cusp of Darkness is book one of the Cusp series but can be read as a standalone. It has a guaranteed HEA, swoon-worthy anti-hero, and badass heroine. This is an interracial mafia romance containing explicit sex scenes, graphic violence, and is recommended for readers 18+. Please check the author’s website for the full list of content warnings on the author’s website.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Books and Movies of 2023

Happy New Year To You All!

May this year bring you much joy and good health. To kick off this year, check out my most anticipated books and movies for 2023.

WHICH BOOKS AND MOVIES ARE ON YOUR WISH LIST THIS YEAR?

 

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Books
Of 2023 Are:

 

 

  

  

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies

Of 2023 Are:

  

  

  

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Her Best Friend's Brother by Yahrah St. John

Her Best Friend’s Brother

(Six Gems, #1)

Author: Yahrah St. John

Published by: Harlequin Desire

Publication Date: December 27th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Childhood friends become forbidden lovers in this sexy start to the Six Gems series from Yahrah St. John.

Their fiery affair fulfills her fantasies…

And puts everything at risk.

When travel blogger Wynter Barrington’s wealthy, disapproving family cuts her off, she finds comfort in a passionate chance encounter with Riley Davis, her best friend’s brother. He’s hot as hell…and totally off-limits.

And when they meet again months later, they begin a sizzling affair. Wynter knows Riley doesn’t do love and marriage, but her youthful crush is feeling more and more like a real relationship. If she’s not careful, Wynter may put more than her relationship with her best friend on the line. Can she survive falling in love with the one man she was never supposed to touch?

Buy Links:

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

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2023

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2023

from CBY Book Club

Here's wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I wish you all have a joyful and stress-free holiday and hope you have great times awaiting you in the upcoming new year.

Have a blessed celebration and stay safe!

CBY

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Winter Dragon by Olena Nikitin

Winter Dragon

(Season’s War, #2)

Author: Olena Nikitin

Publication Date: December 18th, 2022

Genre: Adult Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

“When a Chaos mage fights, only blood and scorched earth remain.”

Mage War Chronicles

Some victories are more costly than others, and Ina was the one that paid the price.

Determined to rescue her dragon, the newly appointed royal witch embarks on a gruelling journey through the wintery Grey Mountains. The weather is not her only obstacle, as the enemy forces gathered in the kobold mines have only one goal.

To capture the Chaos mage and deliver her to the heart of the mountain.

With the help of Sa’Ren, Ina arrives at Castle Liath almost unscathed, but her joy is short-lived, as its granite walls hide a shocking revelation.

With blossoming love shattered by a possessive dragon’s claim and an impossible mission to fulfil, will the mysterious Blessing of the Mountain help or hinder her efforts to protect Cornovii?

Immerse yourself in the second book of Season’s War, where passion mix with cruelty and the world-changing power is buried deep in the ancient tomb guarded by the stern Mountain God.   

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - For the Love of Brigid by Nanette Littlestone

For the Love of Brigid

Author: Nanette Littlestone

Publication Date: December 15th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Discover an ancient legend, powerful magic, and heartwarming romance in the gentle hills of western Ireland.

Tongue-tied around men, the only place shy librarian Brigid Cleary finds love is in the books she reads. Certainly not in the novel she’s writing—as appealing as a dusty desert. Then a famous mystery writer enters her life to research an Irish legend related to her family. As their easy conversation grows, Brigid develops feelings. There’s just one large problem—he’s engaged.

With two failed books behind him, Andrew Connally is desperate for success. The Irish legend has to pull him through. When Brigid invites him to Ireland for a family celebration, in exchange for his help with writing, he jumps at the chance. But surprises emerge in this enchanted land. The flames of attraction climb, and the legend pulls them both on a powerful journey.

As the secrets of the legend come to light, Brigid and Andrew discover an unexpected path to love and the dreams they both desire.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK REVIEW - Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: The Shimmering Eye

Series: Screamcatcher, Book 3

Author: Christy J. Breedlove

Genre: YA Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Supernatural

Publication Date: 18th August 2020

Book Description:

Eighteen-year-old Jory Pike, a half-blood Chippewa, is depending upon her Native ancestry to help her investigate one of the strangest hauntings she’s ever encountered. A 500-plus acre ranch in rural Montana is under psychic and physical attack. The ranch’s owner, the elderly Ambrose Tucker, is determined to hold steadfast and courageously to his beloved property. Answering an ad in Jory’s outfit, The Badlands Paranormal Society, Ambrose hopes to rid his property of evil spirits once and for all.

Jory and her crew of three other teenagers, each of whom bring to the table their own line of skills and expertise, have brought every known piece of hardware and technical equipment to Granite Springs Ranch. Although the assignment seems ordinary at first, and the answer to the haunting seems eminent, everything spirals out of control and leaves the team terrified. The problem is, they have no idea that they’re being outclassed and sabotaged by a malevolent spirit, who seems to know their every move.

If Jory and the Badlands Paranormal Society don’t solve the problem in quick fashion, they stand to lose the $50,000 extermination fee, but worst of all, they will allow a dangerous and unmerciful entity to unleash a hoard of vicious mythological creatures that will run rampant over the ranch and surrounding properties. Jory has no idea how she and her teammate’s mettle will be tested, bringing them near the edge of insanity, physical endurance and death.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK SUMMARY

It's a UFO ... It's a ghost ... It's a demon ... It's ... No one knows. And therein lies the problem. How do you defeat an enemy if you don't know what you're up against? 

The Scooby gang are back with another whirlwind adventure, battling an enemy that has terrorised Granite Springs Ranch in rural Montana for what could be centuries. Jory and the gang have faced challenging opponents before, but this enemy may just be the death of them. Always seeming to be one step ahead of the gang, The Badass (sorry, I mean "Badlands") Paranormal Society have to solve the mystery surrounding the identity of their enemy if they wish to stand a chance at defeating it before it destroys them one by one.

WHAT I LIKED

The fact that the story was set in one location really worked well in building suspense and a tense atmosphere, which at times allowed elements of horror to slowly seep into the narrative. This would be great as a movie. I got vibes of Jordan Peele's movie "Nope". With the focus being in one location, you really got the chance to see the characters' personalities more than we did in previous books. It was a little hard to connect with the characters other than Jory in previous books, but in this one, their character traits stood out more and we get to learn a bit more about their background and upbringing. You get to see that they are distinct characters and got a better insight into what each of them bring to the team individually, their strengths and weaknesses, so to speak.

I don't fully recall the previous books in detail, but I'm sure I didn't think of (or don't recall) the characters as being humorous, however, in this book, there were some good banter between the gang, particularly Darcy and Lander. I found myself laughing a lot more in this book than the previous ones, which was enjoyable as the burden of battle was very weighty and prolonged, so it was nice to see some light moments and fun between the characters despite trying times.

There were some good action scenes where the characters were getting their asses handed to them by their enemy. They also put up a good fight.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

I would have liked the enemy to feel more of a threat to the characters. There was a lot of suspense built up around unveiling its identity, but given there was no evidence of it killing humans, it didn't always seem as though they were truly at risk of dying or being badly hurt. I had also expected a bigger final fight. It wasn't as gripping as I had hoped it would be given the intelligence of the creature throughout the story.

There was oftentimes more telling than showing, which also killed some of the suspense and character development.

VERDICT:

A thoroughly entertaining read for anyone seeking a thrilling adventure coupled with fantasy and sci-fi elements.

RATING:

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: Love Forever by Maharaja Jadeja

Love Forever

Author: Mahiraj Jadeja

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Poetry
Publication Date: 6th May 2016

Book Description:

“Lover Forever” is Poet Mahiraj Jadeja’s second collection of romance contemporary poems after beautiful reception of his first collection “A Lover’s Will”. The work covers all aspects of Love and Emotions, their highs and lows and pain and pleasure. This collection leaves its readers with a relatively intense emotional yet naive foray into love, and does it in a manner which is both pure and intense. The poems aren’t merely romantic words put together but have a deeper meaning to it. Poems are literally painting pictures of different scenarios depicting Love will always remain Forever.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

A collection of short poems about love expressed through a range of emotions, both subtle and intense.

MY REVIEW

This was an interesting collection of poems with relatable scenarios. I liked the references to nature and the way the author incorporated nature in his expression of love and romance, pain and suffering. It made it easier to visualise the scenarios depicted. A few poems did stay with me and left an impression, particularly Innocent Lover, Shower of Tears and Love Forever.

The grammatical errors were distracting and intrusive, which caused me to disconnect from time to time, which I found disappointing as I enjoyed the creativity and imagination of the author in his raw and genuine portrayal of love. Nonetheless, this was still an enjoyable read.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Guiding the Grouch by Shanna Hatfield

Guiding the Grouch

(Summer Creek, #5)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: December 15th, 2022

Genre: Adult Contemporary Holiday Romance

Book Description:

He’s a billionaire set on escaping the holidays and his demanding family.

She’s a single mom with a sunny smile who keeps her heart safely hidden.

When she makes him her personal Christmas project, what could possibly go wrong?

Gabe Gatlin would do anything to evade the obligatory family holiday hobnobbing that is nothing more than one horrible business event after another, all wrapped up with a gaudy Christmas ribbon. Then the opportunity arises to explore a property in the small town of Summer Creek, Oregon, and gives him the idea to run away for the holidays. This year, he’s skipping Christmas. All he has to do is hide out until January in the quirky little town where the residents have dubbed him Grinchy Gabe. But when a delightful woman starts making his sleigh bells jingle, he might find it impossible to avoid losing his three-sizes-too-small heart.

Single mom and waitress, Dani Latham, has two priorities: give her son the stable life she never had, and spread joy to her friends and neighbors in Summer Creek. When a stranger with a grinchy attitude sits at her table, she makes it her personal mission to make him smile. As she guides him into a flurry of Christmas festivities, she starts to wonder if this grounch’s heart will ever return to normal size. And even worse. . . if it does, who is going to save hers from breaking when he leaves?

Will a little Christmas magic and wonder bring these two lonesome people together?

Discover the joys of the season mixed with humor, holiday fun, and moments that tug at your heartstrings in this sweet contemporary Christmas romance.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK