Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Highlander's Enchantress by Violetta Rand

The Highlander’s Enchantress

Author: Violetta Rand

Published by: Entangled: Amara

Publication Date: May 29th, 2023

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Book Description:

If her cruel and domineering father were to be believed, Kali Bane is the worst of women. Defiant. Independent. Were it not for her beloved younger sisters, she would have sought her freedom long ago. When she refuses to wed an old, wine-soaked English lord, her father bans her to the McKay clan in the Highlands, warning them that she’s a witch.

There is no welcome at the McKay castle—only an aging laird prone to fits of temper who believes that Kali is, in fact, a witch. A sorceress. Here she is little more than a hostage, kept from sight from almost all but Adam McKay, the laird’s son, whose hypnotic green eyes make her long for something forbidden. It’s almost enough to make her abandon all thoughts of escape.

Kali is the only one who can protect her sisters from their father’s greedy machinations. But the longer she remains imprisoned in the McKay tower, the more Kali and Adam realize there are other forces at play. They’re both pieces in a silent, terrible game that could destroy everyone they’ve ever loved…including each other.

Buy Links:

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

Book Blitz & Giveaway - To Love a Thief by Delta James

To Love a Thief

(Relentless Pursuit, #1)

Author: Delta James

Publication Date: May 19th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance / Suspense

Book Description:

When the thief he is chasing becomes more than just a job, will the distraction be his undoing or her death sentence?

Claire Mitchell is a master jewel thief, who has a secret. Although the thrill of the heist is exciting there is a reason behind her choice of profession. Family honor above all else. It was the perfect plan… until he interfered.

Ryland Fletcher is the investigator determined to catch her. As he tracks Claire and gets to know her he finds there are more questions than answers. He doesn’t trust the beautiful thief in his bed but it doesn’t stop him from wanting her. The risk is life or death but the rewards are too great to resist.

What begins as a heist of the century turns into a game of cat and mouse. When their game of cat and mouse turns deadly it’s time to bring her in.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK REVIEW - Screamcatcher: Sa'be Most Monstrous by Christy J. Breedlove

Screamcatcher: Sa'be Most Monstrous

Series: Screamcatcher, Book 4

Author: Christy J. Breedlove

Genre: YA Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Supernatural / Paranormal

Publication Date: 9th August 2022

Book Description:

Jory Pike and the Badlands Paranormal Society get a strange and frantic call from a woman who claims her property has been invaded by unknown trespassers who have terrorized her and her husband and killed their two dogs. She says her husband has gone hunting for the culprits and disappeared. The Sherriff’s office performed a routine investigation and mysteriously quit. The woman also called a first nations tribe tracker to help her, but after a short investigation, he claimed she had something more dangerous than a bear and wanted nothing to do with it.

Jory’s 91 year-old grandfather, a full blood Ojibwe, believes he knows what this mystery is all about and demands to go on the hunt.

Four teenagers and a seemingly fragile old man find out, too late, in the deep Shasta forest, that they are the ones being hunted.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

BOOK SUMMARY

The Badlands Paranormal Society ("BPS") are back for another wild and weird adventure. On their previous expedition, they were up against an unknown assailant, leaving them in the complete dark as to how to defeat the enemy, but this time, however, when Tonya Duke Wininger calls BPS seeking help after her dogs were killed and her husband went missing three days ago after he went out searching for the killer, Jory's grandfather, Albert White Feather Pike, thinks he knows what the mysterious assailant might be, and so he demands to tag along for the ride. While everyone might not be on board with some of Albert's suggestions, he insists that they follow his instructions if they wish to survive, as their assailant is smarter than its letting on.

But what exactly is it Albert thinks the team's up against? Could the culprit be the mystical Sasquatch, aka Bigfoot, or the Ojibwe Sa'be, as Albert would say?

VERDICT

Like the previous books, this was an entertaining adventure with likeable characters and a solid plot. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, Breedlove does well with creating a tense atmosphere full of suspense, and the fact that the action takes place mostly in one setting adds to the mystery and adventure and that slight tinge of horror that crops up every now and again. I liked the inclusion of Albert in this one. He has a wealth of knowledge, which added a lot of excitement to the story. I liked the fact that we had something to work with in this one, as it allowed us to get a better insight into each characters' skills and allowed us to witness just how difficult their field of work is and how brilliantly they work as a team.

While we had more insight into what the team was up against and there were some tense scenes, I thought the threat was a little underplayed. I thought the buildup of tension and suspense was more frightful than the actual enemy.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and would recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure full of suspense and mystery.

RATING:

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Stone Initiation by Debbie Cassidy

The Stone Initiation

(Gargoyles of Stonehaven, #1)

Author: Debbie Cassidy

Publication Date: May 11th, 2023

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

There’s no place for a half blood at the gargoyle table.

I’ve been a shameful secret all my life. Shunned by my pureblood gargoyle father to keep up appearances. But it never mattered because I had Romi.

My half-brother. My best friend. My true family.

Until death took him from me.

They say it was an accident. I say that’s bull.

They’re hiding something, and the only way to get to the truth is to step into Romi’s world.

Stonehaven Academy is where Romi worked with his elite guard to hone the next generation of warriors, and it’s where I’ll find my answers.

A world where I’ll be pitted against pureblood gargoyles and not expected to survive. A world of secrets, revelations, and forbidden fruit in the form of Serath—the lethally beautiful sigma leader of the elite team.

If I want answers, I’ll need to get close to the sigma. I’ll need to play with fire and be prepared to get burned.

But there’s a reason Serath is off limits.

A reason, that could mean the difference between life and death.

Because the Stone Council is hiding a horrific truth.

One, that if revealed, could tear our world apart.

The Stone Initiation is the first book in the Gargoyles of Stonehaven series. A Paranormal MF Romance featuring a strong female lead and a sizzlingly tempting gargoyle hero.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Lost Man by A.S. Kelly

The Lost Man

(From Connemara With Love, #6)

Author: A.S. Kelly

Publication Date: May 3rd, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

I left at dawn on a rainy day.

I left as he slept, believing that he’d still find me in his arms when he woke up. I left, taking everything I’d promised him. I took it all, and neither of us would ever have it again.

I left, turning my back on everything I knew, believing I could never be part of it.

I left the man who loved me, the family who raised me. I left my home, my roots, my dreams. I left my whole life behind in search of a past that was never mine. I hurt everyone who loved me, and broke him into so many pieces that I know I’ll never deserve his forgiveness.

But I’m here, now, trying to rebuild everything I’ve destroyed. I’m trying to find what I thought I’d lost. And although he says that he’ll never be the same, though he says that there’s nothing left of him, I can’t abandon him again. I can’t say goodbye to us.

They say that you always find your way back to happiness, but I’ve found my way back to the only place I’ve ever felt at home.

I’ve found my way back to him.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Entirely by Talya Blaine

Entirely

(Transformation Series, #3)

Author: Talya Blaine

Publication Date: April 25th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

“…the deep interplay between the two main characters adds a special intimacy to the novel.” -Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize

“a fantastic story…with many surprises and exquisite intimacy. …an excellent read for romance fans and anyone new to the genre.” -Literary Titan

A startling revelation. A secret that speaks to who we are and who we hide. A choice that forces one heartbreaking question: Can their love survive?

Quinn and Jonathan’s journey continues in Entirely, the third novel in the Transformation series. Outfitting a wedding barn and planning Becca’s reception has Quinn furiously busy and—except for a stinging writing rejection—optimistic. Jonathan watches her self-protective walls crumble as their relationship begins to bloom.

Until Octavia calls with an urgent plea.

Quinn can’t refuse Octavia’s request, while Jonathan sees red. The erotic arrangement she proposes to make it up to him yanks him straight out of his comfort zone. He rises to the challenge, though, taking them to stratospheric heights of pleasure and closeness.

When a shocking discovery forces Quinn to make an impossible choice, will their story end with a chasm of hurt and betrayal between them, or can they find their way back to each other?

Intensely intimate, sensual, and emotional, Entirely concludes the first Transformation trilogy. (No cliffhanger.)

• Friends to lovers, slow burn, second chance, fish out of water—readers will click with the themes in this edgy contemporary romance.

• Third-person, alternating points of view

• Characters over 40 and a sexy beta hero

Note: Mature themes, strong language, dungeon and super-steamy open-door bedroom (among other places) scenes. Entirely is Book 3 in the Transformation series; the novels should be read in order.

Buy Links:

Books2Read

BOOK REVIEW: Katy on Broadway by Ella English

Katy on Broadway

Author: Ella English

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 25th May 2022

Book Description:

I’m a Superstar!

Katy loves to sing and practices every day. Gerry says she can’t, and Lilian says New York is too dangerous for such a small kitty. But now she’s ready to try! She escapes her yard and makes it to the city. But it IS a big scary place! Now she’s all alone and lost. How will she find her way? Can she really become a superstar? 

This is the first of the Kitty in the City series! Be on the lookout for more adventures as Katy explores New York!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

Katy Cat wants to be a singer on Broadway, but all the other animals mock her when she sings and tell her she will never be a superstar. Unexpectedly, Katy arrives in the city, though it's not quite what she had imagined it to be, and she soon starts to feel lost and alone and misses her home. But when she encounters a friendly stranger willing to show her the ropes, she embarks on an adventure that lands her on the doorstep of Broadway. Will Katy finally get the chance to be a performer and prove everyone wrong?

This was an enjoyable read, however, it wasn't as exciting as I had imagined it would be. I thought it could have done with a few more illustrations. Overall, it was an okay read with a positive message of never giving up on your dreams.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Reluctant Hearts by Linda Griffin

Reluctant Hearts

Author: Linda Griffin

Published by: The Wild Rose Press

Publication Date: April 24th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Four couples, four stories: Darien Francis and Richard Li meet during a bank robbery, but she’s afraid to love again. Shane Kenniston and Beth Parker are reacquainted years after she had a crush on him, but she is a recent widow, and Shane’s life was upended by a false accusation. David Early and Kate Howard meet in the Laundromat, but her life is consumed by the needs of her disabled child, and David isn’t ready for the responsibility. Realtor Frank Ellison meets Kayla Barnes at an open house, but a mistaken first impression derails any chance of romance. Can they all overcome the obstacles to love?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Grand Gestures by Lynne Hancock Pearson

Grand Gestures

Lynne: Hancock Pearson

Publication Date: April 15th, 2023

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

She will grit her teeth and smile at the snobby and suspicious CFO if it means landing the contract. But she won’t put on a dress and definitely not heels.

Event planner Jane Beckett has big dreams for her small company and is bending over backward to accommodate demanding clients. Jane doesn’t have to like them. She doesn’t have to spend her free time with them. But she wants to tease the grumpy pencil-pushing executive who always seems to be in her way, muss up his hair and show him that there’s more to life than boardrooms and bottom lines. That is, when she doesn’t want to yell at him. Or punch him.

Liam Cross believes every woman has a hidden agenda, one that involves taking advantage of big hearted, clueless billionaires like his best friend and co-worker. He’s watching Jane and her sister to ensure that party-planning is all that’s going on. Even though she manages to steal his assistant, he likes what he sees in the smart-mouthed brunette, admires her stubborn independence, and wants to help her fledgling firm succeed despite his misapprehensions.

Paintballs, punches, and sparks fly when inflated egos and miscommunication threaten relationships between friends, family, and partners.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Love on Target by Shanna Hatfield

Love on Target

(Pink Pistol Sisterhood, #2)

Author: Shanna Hatfield

Publication Date: April 10th, 2023

Genre: Adult Historical Romance

Book Description:

Will romance hit its mark when true love is the target?

Desperate for a fresh start, Rena Burke journeys from Texas to Oregon with only her father’s pistol and a plodding old mule for company. She takes a job working with explosives at a mine, spends her free time emulating her hero Annie Oakley, and secretly longs to be loved.

Saddle maker Josh Gatlin has one purpose in life and that is his daughter. Gabi is his joy and the sunshine in his days. Then he meets a trouser-wearing woman living life on her own terms. Rena is nothing like his perception of what he wants in a wife and mother for his child, but she might just prove to be everything he needs.

When tragedy strikes, will the two of them be able to release past wounds and embrace the possibilities tomorrow may bring?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble

BOOK REVIEW: Jimmy the Firefighter by J.P. Anthony Williams

Jimmy the Firefighter

Author: J.P. Anthony Williams

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 14th March 2023

Book Description:

"Jimmy the Firefighter: A Dream Adventure" is the perfect bedtime story for young children who aspire to be brave and adventurous!

This heartwarming tale follows Jimmy as he dreams of becoming a firefighter, fighting fires and saving animals.

With vivid illustrations and simple yet engaging storytelling , children will be enthralled by Jimmy's journey to fulfill his dream.

The book is not only an exciting adventure, but it also teaches valuable lessons about nature and courage . Parents will love reading this book to their children and watching their imaginations soar. Get ready to ignite your child's imagination with "Jimmy the Firefighter: A Dream Adventure."

This inspiring book is sure to become a bedtime favorite and instill bravery and determination in your child.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

This was an enjoyable tale about a young boy named Jimmy who dreams of becoming a firefighter. The book is full of amazing illustrations that do well in capturing the mood and theme. I do admire the fact that it encourages children to face their fears and be brave, and while it was depicted as a dream, I did, however, feel there were moments where a sense of precautionary measures and safety could have been implemented to highlight the danger of the situation and remind the readers that although Jimmy is a brave young lad, doing good to fight raging fires to save animals, the act of what he is doing is very dangerous and certain measures need to be taken to ensure Jimmy himself is safe from the danger surrounding him. Maybe a little mention about his gear would have been nice to showcase the need for proper fireman equipment and uniform.

Nonetheless, this was an enjoyable read. I liked the simplicity of the language used to convey the message, and I loved the illustrations.

RATING

Source: BookSirens

BOOK REVIEW: Lost and Found by Natalie Shampanier

Lost and Found

Author: Natalie Shampanier

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Publication Date: 24th December 2022

Book Description:

Forgotten toys at a summer camp ground

Are tossed into the camp’s Lost and Found.

But Dino Boy refuses to spend his days on a shelf

He sets out to escape and find a home for himself.

A ballerina, a hippo, and a mood ring tag along

On this great adventure to find where they belong.

Award-winning screenwriter and family therapist Natalie Shampanier draws from her experience with adopted children to create a poignant rhyming tale about determination, friendship and the search for love. This beautifully illustrated book is a perfect read-aloud for early readers and shared family story time!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

MY REVIEW

This was just a fabulously effective and appropriate portrayal of mental health disorder. It's not the easiest topic to address with young minds, however, I thought the method and approach taken by the author was necessary and adequate in highlighting the various ways mental health can affect people and also exploring coping mechanisms to help handle those difficult times. The lost and found theme of toys being tossed aside and forgotten and then being claimed by new owners was great and well executed.

The story and the characterisation were great. It's very relatable and suitable for the whole family. I loved the colourful illustrations and the fact that it was set in one location. It's a book about family, friendship and love. I think everyone would be able to find something to relate to with this one.

I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

RATING

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Beast's Secret Baby by Grace Goodwin

Beast’s Secret Baby

(Interstellar Brides Program: The Beasts, #7)

Author: Grace Goodwin

Publication Date: March 30th, 2023

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance / Science Fiction

Book Description:

Atlan Warlord Velik is hanging on to sanity by a thread. His mating fever rages. His beast fights him every moment. The beast needs to hunt. To kill. To find their mate or surrender to a glorious death in battle. He volunteers for a mission so dangerous, he knows he will not return.

Waiting to deploy, he is lost, keeping distance between himself and those his tormented beast could destroy. His fate is sealed…until his beast picks up her scent. Sees her face. In an instant, the beast knows this human woman belongs to him and no one else.

Until he sees the diamond ring on her finger and overhears a discussion about her wedding, the event mere weeks away.

He is honorable. He is desperate. He will stop at nothing to seduce her. Claim her. Steal her heart and keep her for himself.

When he disappears on a secret mission, she has a decision to make; play the fool and hope for a dead Atlan’s return, or marry another and ensure the security and safety of her true love’s unborn child.

Buy Links:

Amazon US

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Thorns at Sunrise by Janeen Ippolito

Thorns at Sunrise

(Janeen Ippolito)

Author: Thorns at Sunrise

Publication Date: March 23rd, 2023

Genre: YA Fantasy / Romance

Book Description:

A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.

She believes she’s crazy.

Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.

He only wants the truth.

Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.

But there are thorns at sunrise.

Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.

This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Flirting with the Stranger by Gia Stevens

Flirting with the Stranger

Author: Gia Stevens

Publication Date: March 20th, 2023

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Have you ever mistaken a guy for a stripper and had a scorching hot one-night stand with him only to find out he’s your new boss? No? Just me?

The first time I met Van, I was instantly drawn to his charismatic smile and stunning good looks as I shoved dollar bills into his waistband.

The second time I saw Van, he walked into my bakery as the new owner and boss. That time, I kept my dollars to myself.

But there’s a problem, owning a bakery wasn’t his choice and all he wants is to sell. Somehow, I need to persuade him to keep the business, so I can keep my dream job. When he admits he doesn’t know the difference between “frosting” and “icing,” I realize I have my work cut out for me.

With each passing day, our chemistry ignites like a chocolate flambé. But it’s a distraction I don’t need. I know from experience that when I wish for everything, I end up with nothing.

Van’s young and irresponsible, he can’t possibly know anything about running a bakery or falling in love. But he’s determined to prove me wrong.

It turns out he has a few cupcakes up his sleeve that just might satisfy my sweet tooth.

Flirting with the Stranger is a reverse age gap, strangers to lovers, one night stand, boss/employee romantic comedy with a hero who has a real sweet tooth for something besides cupcakes. Be prepared to laugh-out-loud one minute and swoon the next in this steamy standalone romance.

Buy Links:

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

BOOK REVIEW: Love Zindabad Not Jihad by Maharaja Jadeja

Love Zindabad Not Jihad

Author: Mahiraj Jadeja

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Novella
Publication Date: 25th May 2021

Book Description:
“Love Zindabad Not Jihad” is a story covering aspects of Love, Emotion and Spirituality through words. The story 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 Love story of Shiv and Mahira is going through problems of religious divide. Will they succeed in Love despite the difference in their religion, what will be the reaction from the society, will they able to define what true love and religion is?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

SUMMARY

Shiv and Mahira, who met in college and instantly fell in love, have recently graduated and are now facing a dilemma regarding the future of their relationship. Despite having been together for three years, they have kept their relationship as secret from their families and now have to figure out if their love for each other can survive the obstacles posed by their different cultures and religions.

This is a short story about the forbidden love between two people of different religious disposition. Can their love survive when their family and society forbids their union?

MY REVIEW

This was an okay read. I didn't fall in love with the characters as I would have liked, but I found their situation rather interesting and was eager to see how their story would unveil and how they would deal with all the conflicts and objections thrown at them. I found the content relatable and relevant. The plausible storyline made it feel that much more real, and I think on some levels, the subject matter allowed me to form somewhat of a connection with the characters. I thought the characters themselves were a little undeveloped and their story needed to be fleshed out a little bit more. Nonetheless, I did enjoy what was presented.

Overall, it was an okay read. With a little editing, I think it would have been a more enjoyable read. I did struggle somewhat with the grammatical errors, which was not easy to ignore. I liked the concept of the story and the potential of what the book could be. It just needed some more work.

RATING

Source: Author