Book Blitz & Giveaway - If I Asked You to Stay by Brianna Remus

If I Asked You to Stay

(Pebble Brook Falls, #1)

Author: Brianna Remus

Publication Date: June 6th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

For readers of Elsie Silver, Laura Pavlov and Catherine Cowles, fall head over heels for this binge-worthy read of two hearts who have always been destined to come together…even after twelve years of being apart.

*****************

We were both orphans.

While Johnny Moore was the product of alcohol and bad decisions, he never let his family define him. And me? Well, let’s just say that my mother’s unwanted pregnancy almost destroyed her family name and leaving me behind was the best decision she ever made.

Johnny and I made a pact all those years ago—never leave. Two simple words that always gave me hope. Something solid to lean on when things got tough.

But I guess promises are meant to be broken. The memory of Johnny walking away on his eighteenth birthday will forever be burned into my heart like a brand.

Ten years of forgetting him. Ten long years of forging my own path and trying to make my dreams come true…without him.

Nothing could have prepared me for the series of events that brought me back to Pebble Brook Falls and face-to-face with Johnny Moore. The very man I wanted nothing more than to forget…forever.

And nothing could have prepared me for the man that was the embodiment of my weaknesses. With his towering height, southern accent, and a smile that made me weak in the knees, I was completely helpless against him.

He had been my first for everything, and I mean everything. And even though I knew he was the only person who could break my heart, the moment I laid my eyes on him after ten years, I knew I wanted him to be my last—my forever.

The only question was, would he even want me to stay?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Blog Tour Spotlight - All That Glitters by Mike Martin

A light mystery set in Grand Bank on the easternmost tip of Canada featuring food, friends, fun and a few dead bodies…

All That Glitters

Author: Mike Martin

Publisher: Ottawa Press and Publishing

Pages: 140

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

Sergeant Winston Windflower is moving on to a new chapter of his life, no longer an RCMP officer but now a Community Safety Officer in his home of Grand Bank, Newfoundland.

But when a body is found in the bed and breakfast he co-owns, diamonds are found in the body’s digestive system, and then Windflower’s friend Dr. Sanjay, who was given the diamonds for safekeeping, is kidnapped, it’s clear that crime has returned once more to Grand Bank.

Windflower finds himself back in the thick of it, helping his newly promoted friend, RCMP Corporal Eddie Tizzard, track down a ruthless diamond smuggler who will stop at nothing — kidnapping, even murder — to pull off his dirty business.

This is another finely spun Windflower mystery that contrasts suspense and tension with the joys of friendship, family, and gratitude.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | CA | B&N

Book Blitz & Giveaway - It Had to be You by Tracy Solheim

It Had to be You

Author: Tracy Solheim

Publication Date: June 5th, 2023

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

It’s hard to keep a big secret in a small town . . .

When Paige Hollister discovers her “Mr. Right” already has a “Mrs. Right,” she swears off men forever. Even more humiliating, she suddenly finds herself labeled the other woman and out of the teaching job she loves. So Paige does what every unemployed single woman staring thirty in the face does:  She hightails it to the beach. Bad luck like hers is hard to outrun, however. Her getaway is stalled when her car breaks down in a small-town chock full of meddling, nosy residents. The worst of them being the local sheriff—none other than her estranged father.

Finally on top of the golf world, Tanner Gillette is poised to show everyone he’s not just an entitled playboy coasting through tournaments on his pedigree. That is until his life is turned upside down by a little girl who shows up on his doorstep with a birth certificate inexplicably bearing his name. Complicating matters more, the kid isn’t talking. When the stress of caring for a child whose mother is AWOL gives Tanner a bad case of the yips, he’s forced to enlist help from the one person in town who can’t wait to leave.

Sticking around Chances Inlet and her father’s shiny new, über-successful family isn’t on Paige’s to-do list. Especially when she’d prefer to keep her embarrassing incident under wraps. Yet she can’t walk away from the troubled little girl. Or the sexy Australian golfer who just might make her want to take a chance on trusting her heart again.

Buy Links:

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

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