Thursday, March 14, 2024

BLOG TOUR: A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Berkley and Deanna Raybourn for letting me be a part of this tour!


Title: A Grave Robbery (Veronica Speedwell #9)
Author: Deanna Raybourn
Published by: Berkley
Released: March 12, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
Goodreads          Amazon
 
Synopsis: Veronica and Stoker discover that not all fairy tales have happy endings, and some end in murder, in this latest historical mystery from New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award–nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Lord Rosemorran has purchased a wax figure of a beautiful reclining woman and asks Stoker to incorporate a clockwork mechanism to give the Rosemorran Collection its own Sleeping Beauty in the style of Madame Tussaud’s. But when Stoker goes to cut the mannequin open to insert the mechanism, he makes a gruesome discovery: this is no wax figure. The mannequin is the beautifully preserved body of a young woman who was once very much alive. But who would do such a dreadful thing, and why?

Sleuthing out the answer to this question sets Veronica and Stoker on their wildest adventure yet. From the underground laboratories of scientists experimenting with electricity to resurrect the dead in the vein of Frankenstein to the traveling show where Stoker once toured as an attraction, the gaslit atmosphere of London in October is the perfect setting for this investigation into the unknown. Through it all, the intrepid pair is always one step behind the latest villain—a man who has killed once and will stop at nothing to recover the body of the woman he loved. Will they unmask him in time to save his next victim? Or will they become the latest figures to be immortalized in his collection of horrors?
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts: I love reading Veronica Speedwell's adventures. This series is just a lot of fun and I enjoy each and every book. A Grave Robbery is another great installment to the series.
I was hooked as soon as I read the synopsis for this one. A wax figure killer!! Tell me more.
This series works so well because of the partnership of Stoker and Veronica. They bicker and banter while solving crimes.
I enjoyed this mystery. It kept me on my toes, trying to figure out what was going on.
Fans of the series will definitely enjoy this newest installment. If you haven't started the Veronica Speedwell Series, you definitely should!




Deanna Raybourn is the New York Times bestselling and Edgar® Award–nominated author of the Veronica Speedwell Mysteries, the Lady Julia Grey series, and several stand-alone novels, including KILLERS OF A CERTAIN AGE. She lives in Virginia with her family.


Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for A Grave Robbery by Deanna Raybourn! Thank you to Berkley and Deanna Raybourn for letting me be a part of the tour. This is a really fun series that you should definitely add to your TBR!

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

BLOG TOUR: Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas! I received a free electronic copy for a honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Penelope Douglas for letting me be a part of the tour!
 
 
Title: Kill Switch (Devil's Night #3)
Author: Penelope Douglas
Published by: Berkley
Released: March 12, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher
Goodreads          Amazon
 
Synopsis: One woman’s worst fears come to life in the third novel of the Devil’s Night dark romance series by New York Times bestseller Penelope Douglas, now with bonus material.

Sending Damon to prison was the worst thing Winter could’ve done. It didn’t matter that he did the crime or that she wished he was dead. Winter thought he’d cool off in jail and be anything but the horror he was, or that at the very least she’d have time to disappear before he got out.

But she was wrong. Three years came and went too fast, and prison only gave him time to plan. And while Winter anticipated his vengeance, she didn’t expect this. He doesn’t want to make her hurt. He wants to make everything hurt.

Damon knows he needs to get rid of Winter’s father, giving her, her sister, and her mother nowhere to run. The Ashby women are desperate for a knight in shining armor. But that’s not what’s coming.

It's time Damon took control of his future. It’s time he showed them all that he will never stop being the nightmare they think he is.

Damon won’t have to break into her home to do it.

As the new man of the house, he has all the keys. (Synopsis from Goodreads
)
 
My Thoughts: This book is a chunky monkey! It's not for the faint of heart. This is also book three in a series, and it's better understood if you have read the other books.
This romance was dark and addicting. There are a lot of triggers for this book, which shouldn't be too surprising since it's a dark romance. I couldn't look away. I can see how readers' get so obsessed with these books.
I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. It's a lot, you should know that going in, but if you're prepared, you're going to have a time.
 


 Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. Their books have been translated into twenty languages and include the Fall Away series, the Hellbent series, the Devil’s Night series, and the stand-alones Misconduct, Punk 57, Birthday Girl, Credence, and Tryst Six Venom. They live in New England with their husband and daughter.


Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas. Thank you to Berkley and Penelope Douglas for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for some intense romance, add this one to your list!

Thursday, March 7, 2024

BLOG TOUR: What Grows in the Dark by Jaq Evans

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for What Grows in the Dark by Jaq Evans! I received a free electronic copy for a honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Jaq Evans for letting me be a part of the tour!


Title: What Grows in the Dark
Author: Jaq Evans
Published by: MIRA
Released: March 5, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher
 Goodreads         Amazon
 
Synopsis: In this chilling contemporary horror novel, a phony spiritualist returns to her hometown to assist in an investigation that eerily mirrors her sister’s death, forcing her to confront the secrets she’s been running from.

Sixteen years ago, Brigit Weylan’s older sister, Emma, walked into the woods in their small hometown of Ellis Creek. She never walked out. People said she was troubled—in the months leading up to her death, she was convinced there was a monster in those trees. Marked by the tragedy, Brigit left town and never looked back.

Now Brigit travels around the country investigating paranormal activity (and faking the results) with her cameraman, Ian. But when she receives a call from Ellis Creek, she’s thrust into the middle of a search for two missing teenagers. As Brigit and Ian are drawn further into the case, the parallels to Emma’s death become undeniable. And worse, Brigit can’t explain what’s happening to trees appearing in her bedroom in the middle of the night, something with a very familiar laugh watching her out in the darkness and Emma’s voice on her phone, reminding Brigit to finish what they started.

More and more, it looks like Emma was right -- there is a monster in Ellis Creek, and it’s waited a long time for Brigit to come home.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts: The synopsis for this one really caught my attention. I love stories with some horror, some mystery, and some weird things going on. I enjoyed reading What Grows in the Dark. I was flipping pages just waiting to see what was going to happen next. I was very interested in seeing what all was going to happen.
I had a good time with this one. I'd definitely check out more by this author.





 Jaq Evans grew up running around the woods in Virginia's Blue Ridge foothills and now lives near different mountains in Seattle. A graduate of the Stonecoast MFA program, Jaq writes fiction, narrative nonfiction and poetry. What Grows in the Dark is her first novel.


Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for What Grows in the Dark by Jaq Evans! Thank you to MIRA and Jaq Evans for letting me be a part of the tour. This would be the perfect book to add to your TBR!

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

BLOG TOUR: Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Canary Street Press and Alexandra Kiley for letting me be a part of the tour!


Title: Kilt Trip
Author: Alexandra Kiley
Published by: Canary Street Press
Released: March 5, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
Goodreads           Amazon
 
Synopsis: Ready or Scot...

Globetrotter Addie Macrae always follows her wanderlust. As a travel consultant, she jet sets around the world—anywhere but Scotland. But when she’s sent on assignment to help a struggling family-run tour company in the Highlands—and save her own job—Addie packs away her emotional baggage and turns on the professional charm.

Rugged as the land he loves, Logan Sutherland’s greatest joy is sharing the beauty of Scotland’s hidden gems…even if it means a wee bit of red ink on the company’s bottom line. The last thing Logan wants is some American “expert” pushing tourist traps and perpetuating myths about the Loch Ness Monster—especially when Addie never leaves her desk to experience the country for herself.

As they wage an office war, Logan discovers Addie’s secret connection to Scotland: a handful of faded Polaroids of her late mother. Hoping for a truce, he creates a private tour to the places in the pictures to help Addie find closure and appreciate the enchantment in less-traveled destinations, never expecting the off-limits attraction sparking between them. But Addie’s contract is almost up, and magic won’t pay the bills. They can’t afford distractions, but how can Addie do her job if she hasn’t explored all Scotland—and Logan—have to offer?
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts: I really, really enjoyed this one! It was exactly what I was craving, just what I wanted. I loved that it was set in Scotland. This is a perfect book for people wanting to travel without actually leaving home.
I really enjoyed the characters of Addie and Logan. I loved their back and forth. It was fun to watch them go from not liking each other to a relationship. I love those kinds of stories.
This was a lot of fun to read. I can see a lot of other people really enjoying this one.




Alexandra Kiley writes big-hearted romances full of banter, found-family, and deep love. When she’s not writing, you can find her drinking tea, hiking, or gazing adoringly at the mountains of Colorado where she lives with her husband and two kids. Her novels are inspired by her semester in Scotland where she fell in love with not only the lush and magical land, but also the people who invited her into their homes and made her feel like family.



Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley! Thank you to Canary Street Press and Alexandra Kiley for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

BLOG TOUR: Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for a honest review. Thanks so much to Berkley and Iris Yamashita for letting me be a part of the tour!
 
 
Title: Village in the Dark (Cara Kennedy #2)
Author: Iris Yamashita
Published by: Berkley
Released: February 13, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher
Goodreads          Amazon
 
Synopsis: Detective Cara Kennedy thought she’d lost her husband and son in an accident, but harrowing evidence has emerged that points to murder--and she will stop at nothing to find the truth in this riveting mystery from the author of City Under One Roof.

On a frigid February day, Anchorage Detective Cara Kennedy stands by the graves of her husband and son, watching as their caskets are raised from the earth. It feels sacrilegious, but she has no choice. Aaron and Dylan disappeared on a hike a year ago, their bones eventually found and buried. But shocking clues have emerged that foul play was involved, potentially connecting them to a string of other deaths and disappearances.
 
Somehow tied to the mystery is Mia Upash, who grew up in an isolated village called Unity, a community of women and children in hiding from abusive men. Mia never imagined the trouble she would find herself in when she left home to live in Man’s World. Although she remains haunted by the tragedy of what happened to the man and the boy in the woods, she has her own reasons for keeping quiet.
 
Aided by police officer Joe Barkowski and other residents of Point Mettier, Cara’s investigation will lead them on a dangerous path that puts their lives and the lives of everyone around them in mortal jeopardy. (Synopsis from Goodreads
)
 
My Thoughts: I am always game for a mystery and Village in the Dark gave me a good mystery. This was a really intense case to follow. This story deals a lot with grief and loss. Detective Cara Kennedy has lost those closest and most important to her, her husband and son.
I loved the setting of the story. It was so atmospheric and almost a character in it's own right. There were a lot of secrets to unravel in this one, and I was invested throughout the story.
There's an intense feeling to this mystery. We've got cat and mouse games happening.
I really enjoyed my time reading this one. I could see a lot of other people really enjoying it too.
 


 Iris Yamashita is an Academy Award–nominated screenwriter for the movie Letters from Iwo Jima. She has been working in Hollywood for fifteen years developing material for both film and streaming, has taught screenwriting at UCLA, and is an advocate of women and diversity in the entertainment industry. She has also been a judge and mentor for various film and writing programs, and lives in California.



Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita! Thank you to Berkley and Iris Yamashita for letting me be a part of the tour. This is definitely a good mystery to add to your reading pile.

Thursday, February 22, 2024

BLOG TOUR: A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian! I received a free electronic copy for a honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Park Row and Vera Kurian for letting me be a part of this tour!


Title: A Step Past Darkness
Author: Vera Kurian
Published by: Park Row
Released: February 20, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher
Goodreads          Amazon
 
Synopsis: SIX CLASSMATES. ONE TERRIFYING NIGHT. A MURDER TWENTY YEARS IN THE MAKING…

There’s something sinister under the surface of the idyllic, suburban town of Wesley Falls, and it’s not just the abandoned coal mine that lies beneath it. The summer of 1995 kicks off with a party in the mine where six high school students witness a horrifying crime that changes the course of their lives.

The six couldn’t be more different.

• Maddy, a devout member of the local megachurch
• Kelly, the bookworm next door
• James, a cynical burnout
• Casey, a loveable football player
• Padma, the shy straight-A student
• Jia, who’s starting to see visions she can’t explain

When they realize that they can’t trust anyone but each other, they begin to investigate what happened on their own. As tensions escalate in town to a breaking point, the six make a vow of silence, bury all their evidence, and promise to never contact each other again. Their plan works – almost.

Twenty years later, Jia calls them all back to Wesley Falls—Maddy has been murdered, and they are the only ones who can uncover why. But to end things, they have to return to the mine one last time.
(Synopsis from Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts: This is exactly the kind of book that I can't resist! I knew I had to read it after that synopsis. I love a mystery. I love a ragtag group. This had such a fun concept that pulled me in.
This is long and it's very character driven. I feel like these facts can either be a turn on or a turn off. I'm in the camp that liked it. I just really wanted to know what happened, so I had to keep reading.
The mystery and supernatural elements were really fun. I had a good time with this one!



Vera Kurian is a writer and scientist. Her short fiction has been published in magazines such as Glimmer Train, Day One and The Pinch. She’s lived in DC for most of her adult life and has a PhD in social psychology. Never Saw Me Coming is her first novel.


Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for A Step Past Darkness by Vera Kurian! Thank you to Park Row and Vera Kurian for letting me be a part of the tour! This is an easy add to your TBR pile!

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

BLOG TOUR: Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa! I received a free electronic copy for a honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Amanda Jayatissa for letting me be a part of the tour!


Title: Island Witch
Author: Amanda Jayatissa
Published by: Berkley
Released: February 20, 2024
Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by the Publisher
Goodreads         Amazon
 
Synopsis: Inspired by Sri Lankan folklore, award-winning author Amanda Jayatissa turns her feverish, Gothic-tinged talents to late 19th century Sri Lanka where the daughter of a traditional demon-priest—relentlessly bullied by peers and accused of witchcraft herself—tries to solve the mysterious attacks that have been terrorizing her coastal village.

Being the daughter of the village Capuwa, or demon-priest, Amara is used to keeping mostly to herself. Influenced by the new religious practices brought in by the British Colonizers, the villagers who once respected her father’s craft have turned on the family. Yet, they all still seem to call on him whenever supernatural disturbances arise.

Now someone—or something —is viciously seizing upon men in the jungle. But instead of enlisting Amara’s father’s help, the villages have accused him of carrying out the attacks himself.

As she tries to clear her father’s name, Amara finds herself haunted by dreams that eerily predict the dark forces on her island. And she can’t shake the feeling that it’s all connected to the night she was recovering from a strange illness, and woke up, scared and confused, to hear her mother’s frantic No one can find out what happened .

Lush, otherworldly, and recalling horror classics like Carrie and The Exorcist , Island Witch is a deliciously creepy and darkly feminist tale about the horrors of moral panic, the violent space between girlhood and adulthood, and what happens when female rage is finally unleashed. (Synopsis from Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts: I knew I wanted to read this one as soon as I saw the cover and read that synopsis. I had a good feeling that it was going to be my kind of book!
This was exactly the creepy, gothic tale that I wanted it to be. It's a historical leaning towards horror story. I really loved the vibe of it. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen next.
I really enjoyed the main character Amara. I'm glad I got to follow her through the story.
There is a lot of violence in this story. Not only are men being killed, but there is also a lot of violence against women. It's not a happy book, but sometimes life is not happy.
I can see a lot of people really enjoying this one. I'd definitely recommend it and I'm glad I got to read it.


When she isn’t recovering from a self induced book hangover, Amanda runs corporate trainings on Communication Skills Development, and works tirelessly as the Chief Taste Tester at the cookie shop she co-owns. She grew up in Sri Lanka and has lived in the California bay area and British countryside, before relocating back to her sunny island, where she lives with her husband and two Tasmanian-devil-reincarnate huskies.



Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Island Witch by Amanda Jayatissa! Thank you to Berkley and Amanda Jayatissa for letting me be a part of the tour. This beautiful book should definitely be added to your TBR!