Reading Right Now! (265)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Black Light Express (Railhead #2) by Philip Reeve -- I don't even know how to explain this series. It's very unique. I'd say it's sci-fi, but a very well done sci-fi. This universe is connected through railways and these sentient trains take species from one world to another. My explanation is not doing it justice at all. This is the sequel to Railhead, which centered on a street thief named Zen Starling who was approached by a strange man named Raven. Raven wanted to hire Zen Starling to pose as a cousin of the ruling family the Noons and board a train for an annual family trip. Stuff happened and it was crazy. Black Light Express takes off right where the first one left off. I would recommend reading them close together, which is something that I'm not very good at doing.

This series is great. It is so unique. It has such good world building. I'm never bored by it, I'm always curious to see where it's going to go next. It's really like nothing I've read before. It definitely deserves more people reading it.

It took me a second to get into this sequel, just because it had been a little bit since I read the first book, but I'm in it now. Stuff has happened. Danger is afoot. I'm just really curious to see where it all goes.

And on a weird side note, my edition of this book is printed on this fabulous, thick, white, creamy paper. It has that great book smell. I don't know what kind of paper this is, but I feel luxe turning the pages.

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: He Started It by Samantha Downing

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Blog Tour for He Started It by Samantha Downing. I read and loved My Lovely Wife last year, and I couldn't believe I was getting the opportunity to read He Started It. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks soooo much to Berkley and Samantha Downing for letting me be a part of this!

Title: He Started It

Author: Samantha Downing

Published by: Berkley

Released: July 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan haven't all been together in years. And for very good reasons—we'll get to those later. But when their wealthy grandfather dies and leaves a cryptic final message in his wake, the siblings and their respective partners must come together for a cross-country road trip to fulfill his final wish and—more importantly—secure their inheritance.

But time with your family can be tough. It is for everyone.
It's even harder when you're all keeping secrets and trying to forget a memory—a missing person, an act of revenge, the man in the black truck who won't stop following your car—and especially when at least one of you is a killer and there's a body in the trunk. Just to name a few reasons.

But money is a powerful motivator. It is for everyone. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Exxxxxcellent! I was right to be as excited for this book as I was. It was great! A thrilling ride! I flew through it. After having read My Lovely Wife and really enjoying it, I was curious and excited to see what Samantha Downing would do next. She did not let me down. This had secrets, danger, weird family dynamics, and a roadtrip!!

It was just what I wanted. A great thrilling read for summer. An awesome book to occupy your mind while Covid-19 continues to ruin the whole summer. I just liked it a lot.

I'm always a sucker for a road trip book, and this gave me one crazy road trip. I also just love the zaniness of the whole plot. I liked how this grandfather really made them work for that money.

This was also a lot of characters to juggle. I think Downing did a good job with it.

And that ending. That Ending!! My mind can't even comprehend.

So, I definitely think you should give He Started It a read. It's a lot of fun. I can't wait to see what's next from Samantha Downing.

Samantha Downing is the author of the bestselling My Lovely Wife, nominated for the Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards for Best Debut Novel. Amazon Studios and Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films have partnered to produce a feature film based on the novel.

Her second novel, He Started It, was released on July 21, 2020. 

She currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away on her next thriller.

Thank you so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for He Started It by Samantha Downing. Thank you so much to Berkley and Samantha Downing for including me. I'd definitely say get this book, or check it out from your library. Just read it.

BLOG TOUR: Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Jill McCorkle for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: Hieroglyphics

Author: Jill McCorkle

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: June 9, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Lil and Frank married young, launched into courtship when they bonded over how they both—suddenly, tragically—lost a parent when they were children. Over time, their marriage grew and strengthened, with each still wishing for so much more understanding of the parents they’d lost prematurely.

Now, after many years in Boston, they have retired in North Carolina. There, Lil, determined to leave a history for their children, sifts through letters and notes and diary entries—perhaps revealing more secrets than Frank wants their children to know. Meanwhile, Frank has become obsessed with what might have been left behind at the house he lived in as a boy on the outskirts of town, where a young single mother, Shelley, is just trying to raise her son with some sense of normalcy. Frank’s repeated visits to Shelley’s house begin to trigger memories of her own family, memories that she’d rather forget. Because, after all, not all parents are ones you wish to remember.

Hieroglyphics reveals the difficulty of ever really knowing the intentions and dreams and secrets of the people who raised you. In her deeply layered and masterful novel, Jill McCorkle deconstructs and reconstructs what it means to be a father or a mother, and what it means to be a child piecing together the world all around us, a child learning to make sense of the hieroglyphics of history and memory. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Beautiful writing and character's made real were the biggest takeaways from Jill McCorkle's Hieroglyphics. It was a wonderful story that I really got lost in. Each character is so fully realized and fleshed out. I just think of that quote from Shrek where he says, "Ogres are like onions, they have layers." Is that a ridiculous thing to think while reading this book? Maybe, but that's how this book was. The reader is peeling back layer after layer of history and how it relates to who these characters became in the now.

I love a book that discovers the past. I really enjoyed Lil looking through old notes and diary entries to try to understand the parent that was taken too soon.

Frank is very focused on the place that he left as a child and I did find aspects of that relatable. Places hold memories, but a place is never frozen in time. 

I really liked the relationships in this book, the new ones and the old ones.

This was just a very nice story to read. I enjoyed my time in it.

Jill McCorkle’s first two novels were released simultaneously when she was just out of college, and the New York Times called her “a born novelist.” Since then, she has published six novels and four collections of short stories, and her work has appeared in Best American Short Stories several times, as well as The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction. Five of her books have been New York Times Notable books, and her most recent novel, Life After Life, was a New York Times bestseller. She has received the New England Booksellers Award, the John Dos Passos Prize for Excellence in Literature, and the North Carolina Award for Literature. She has written for the New York Times Book Review, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, Garden and Gun, the Atlantic, and other publications. She was a Briggs-Copeland Lecturer in Fiction at Harvard, where she also chaired the department of creative writing. She is currently a faculty member of the Bennington College Writing Seminars and is affiliated with the MFA program at North Carolina State University.
 

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Hieroglyphics by Jill McCorkle. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Jill McCorkle for letting me be a part of it.

BLOG TOUR: Settling An Old Score by Delores Fossen

I'm very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Settling An Old Score (Longview Ridge Ranch #3) by Delores Fossen. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Delores Fossen for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: Settling An Old Score (Longview Ridge Ranch #3)

Author: Delores Fossen

Published by: Harlequin Intrigue

Released: August 1, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: From USA TODAY bestselling author Delores Fossen, comes the next instalment of the Longview Ridge Ranch series featuring no-nonsense cowboy brothers in law enforcement.

A past tragedy destroyed their love. A vulnerable newborn brings them back together.
Within moments of discovering a baby on his doorstep, Texas Ranger Eli Slater finds himself being held at gunpoint by his ex, Ashlyn Darrow. She claims she was tipped off that the still-gorgeous cowboy kidnapped her newly adopted daughter because of the bad blood that defines their past. They quickly realize Eli’s been set up and now Eli is determined to protect Ashlyn and her daughter. But regaining her trust will be as easy as ignoring the attraction even a lifetime apart can’t erase… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Fun! Settling An Old Score is full of cowboys, bullets, babies, danger, and old flames. It was one enjoyable ride! It starts off with a bang and doesn't let off the gas. It's the third installment in the Longview Ridge Ranch Series. I've not read any of the others in that series, (I think) but I had no trouble jumping into this one.

I really enjoyed Ashlyn and Eli's story. I liked them rediscovering how they feel about each other. They also have to depend on each other a lot in this story in order to find out just who is targeting Ashlyn and trying to set up Eli.

It was fast-paced and a lot of fun to read. I did not expect that twist at the end.

Only in Texas could an adventure this big happen. I'd definitely recommend this to fans of romance, cowboys, and danger.

USA Today bestselling author, Delores Fossen, has sold over 70 novels with millions of copies of her books in print worldwide. She's received the Booksellers' Best Award, the Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award and was a finalist for the prestigious Rita ®. In addition, she's had nearly a hundred short stories and articles published in national magazines. You can contact the author through her webpage at www.deloresfossen.com

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Settling An Old Score by Delores Fossen. Thanks so much to Harlequin Intrigue and Delores Fossen for letting me be a part of the tour.

BLOG TOUR: Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Park Row and Ciara Geraghty for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: Rules of the Road

Author: Ciara Geraghty

Published by: Park Row

Released: August 4, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: The simple fact of the matter is that Iris loves life. Maybe she’s forgotten that. Sometimes that happens, doesn’t it? To the best of us? All I have to do is remind her of that one simple fact.

Tuesday morning starts like any other—until Terry discovers her best friend, Iris, has gone missing. Finding her takes Terry, Iris and Terry’s confused father, Eugene, on an extraordinary journey, one that will change all of their lives. And along the way, what should be the worst six days of Terry’s life turn into the best.

Because friendship teaches us all to be brave—and that sometimes the rules are made to be broken. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: A very sweet story that deals with life just as much as it does death. Terry goes on a journey that is life changing. She also goes on a journey with people she loves. Her father has dementia. Her best friend has gone missing. There's a lot on Terry's plate and this journey to find her friend really makes her think what life is really about.

I really liked the writing of this story. It was sweet. It made me think. It was also a really sweet story of friendship. It wasn't always the happiest of stories, it had a lot of challenges woven within its pages. It deals with end of life decisions, dementia, and MS.

Terry is also an interesting character because for years, she's lived her life for other people. She raised her children, and now she does everything she can to make her husband's life comfortable. This journey Terry goes on is also a journey for her.

I thought this was a sweet story. I definitely think it's one to check out.

Ciara Geraghty is an Irish bestselling novelist. She lives in Dublin with one husband, two 'technically' grown up children and one actual kid, who is probably the most mature of the lot of them. When she is not writing in her garret, Ciara loves reading, swimming in the sea and playing her violin. The neighbours adore her, obviously....

Thanks for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Rules of the Road by Ciara Geraghty. Thanks so much to Park Row and Ciara Geraghty for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Reading Right Now! (264)

Nothing really exciting this week, or at least nothing new, but I'm gonna tell you anyway! What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

American Royals (#1) by Katharine McGee -- I'm over halfway through and I'm enjoying it. I like how far this What If game was taken. The author really used her imagination and put some thought into how royalty in America would work.

I'm liking the story. It speeds along. There's a lot of drama. It really does feel like Gossip Girl, but not as risky.

We follow four characters (all girls) Beatrice the next Queen of America, her little sister Sam the spare, Nina who is Sam's best friend and wants to stay out of the spotlight, and Daphne who is the ex-girlfriend of the Prince of America, and will do anything to get him back. There's a lot of relationship drama in this book. I almost wish that Prince Jefferson had his POV in this too.

Also, the author is very nice. She's commented on my instagram pictures before, which is always a special feeling.

The Duchess Deal (#1) by Tessa Dare -- I feel like I would be reading this one faster if I wasn't trying to do the whole two books at once thing. I'm enjoying this a lot. It's a very easy writing style to just fly through. I enjoy the banter. I love a marriage of convenience trope. It's very steamy. It's fun. I'm just putting it out there that you might see more historical romance, or romance in general, on this blog.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert. I was sent a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Carina Press and Annabeth Albert for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: High Heat (Hotshots #2)

Author: Annabeth Albert

Published by: Carina Press

Released: July 27, 2020

Source: Review Copy from the Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements ofMan vs. Wild .

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.
Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all...

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was a great addition to the Hotshots Series. I enjoyed myself. It's a romance with some personal things that have to be overcome. Garrick Nelson was severely injured and must heal before returning to the things he loves most, Smoke jumping. He has injuries that need to heal and needs the motivation to put up the with grueling physical therapy.

This also features an age gap romance. Garrick is older, while Rain is young, and a little more free-spirited. I do think they fit well together though. The age didn't break their romance.

There's also a sweet, lost dog. I always love a book with a dog.

High Heat was cute and I enjoyed being back in the Hotshots world. If this book calls to you, I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

Annabeth Albert grew up reading romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the openno flashlights required. When shes not adding to her keeper shelf, she is a published romance writer. Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. She loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and is a passionate gay rights supporter. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for High Heat (Hotshots #2) by Annabeth Albert. Thank you to Carina Press and Annabeth Albert for having me on the tour.

BLOG TOUR: Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay

I am very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay. How could I not read a book with this cute of a cover. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Jenn McKinlay for letting me be a part of this trip.

Title: Paris Is Always a Good Idea

Author: Jenn McKinlay

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: July 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: It's been seven years since Chelsea Martin embarked on her yearlong post-college European adventure. Since then, she's lost her mother to cancer and watched her sister marry twice, while Chelsea's thrown herself into work, becoming one of the most talented fundraisers for the American Cancer Coalition, and with the exception of one annoyingly competent coworker, Jason Knightley, her status as most talented fundraiser is unquestioned.

When her introverted mathematician father announces he's getting remarried, Chelsea is forced to acknowledge that her life stopped after her mother died, and that the last time she can remember being happy, in love, or enjoying her life was on her gap year. Inspired to retrace her steps--to find Colin in Ireland, Jean Claude in France, and Marcelino in Italy--Chelsea hopes that one of these three men who stole her heart so many years ago, can help her find it again.

From the start of her journey nothing goes as planned, but as Chelsea reconnects with her old self, she also finds love in the very last place she expected. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: There is a lot happening in this book. It gives the impression of being light hearted and fun, from the cute, illustrated cover, but there is more going on within the pages. This deals with family tragedy and loss. Our main character is kind of stuck in grief. There is also fun within the pages, and romance.

Chelsea's tour of the world (or at least Europe) to find her old loves is a lot of fun. I always love a book with some international travel. She also has an annoying coworker who adds some competition and maybe more to the mix.

Chelsea's journey in this book is a little bit of finding herself and learning to live in a world that has kicked her around a bit. She has to deal with the death of her mother, her father remarrying, and just stuff she's been repressing.

I definitely enjoyed this one. It had a lot of fun moments, mixed in with some heavy moments. I loved getting to travel through this book and see the world. It's one that I would recommend giving a read if it sounds like something you'd like.

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewer's Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband's guitars. 
Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:
Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor
Instagram: @mckinlayjenn
Twitter: @JennMcKinlay

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Paris Is Always a Good Idea by Jenn McKinlay. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Jenn McKinlay for letting me be a part of the tour.

BLOG TOUR: Inherent Fate (Blood Secrets Book 3) by Alicia Anthony

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Inherent Fate (Blood Secrets Book 3) by Alicia Anthony. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thank you so much to Drury Lane Books and Alicia Anthony for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Inherent Fate (Blood Secrets Book 3)

Author: Alicia Anthony

Published by: Drury Lane Books, LLC

Released: July 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: A discarded asset stripped of her identity…

An emotionally scarred ex-agent…
An innocent life hanging in the balance…
Who would you trust if the world was out to get you?
Losing Liv Sullivan in a Bureau operation gone bad turned ex-agent Ridge McCaffrey into a broken man. So when fate reunites him with the woman he thought was dead, he’ll risk anything to make her part of his life again.
Liv Sullivan returned to the States with two goals: end the FBI’s corrupt GenLink psychic intelligence program and reclaim the life it stole from her. But when the case against GenLink exposes a threat against Ridge’s son, the cost becomes too great. Refusing to destroy more lives, she leaves Ridge, and the chance to reclaim her identity, behind. 
But as a new generation of GenLink closes in, once-trusted allies become enemies and long-buried secrets threaten.
Can Liv and Ridge end GenLink before echoes of the past destroy their future?
Inherent Fate is the compelling third installment in the Blood Secrets psychological suspense series. For fast-paced, emotionally intense story lines that keep you up past your bedtime, and intricate plots laced with romance, this award-winning series is for you.

Book 3 of 3. Series is best enjoyed in sequence. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this series with all its twists, turns, genetic enhancements, and secrets. This final book really kept that fast pace edge until the very end. I definitely enjoyed my time reading it. I would recommend to jump into this series at the beginning because you get background and everything will just make a lot more sense.

I enjoyed the danger and thrills in Inherent Fate. It was definitely a race to the end. I liked our characters of Liv and Ridge. I also really enjoyed this whole GenLink Program. I'm definitely a sucker when it comes to secret programs with a paranormal edge.

Go give the Blood Secrets Series a read. It's fun, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. It has a lot of stuff going on and I liked it.

Check out the first two books in the Blood Secrets Series:

Inherent Truth and Inherent Lies

 

Synopsis for Inherent Truth (Blood Secrets Book 1) by Alicia Anthony: A woman with buried secrets… An agent with an impossible mission… An inheritance that will destroy them both… When Liv Sullivan’s dead grandmother beckons for help from beyond the grave, the reluctant psychic is forced back to her small Ohio hometown. Scrambling to make sense of her grandmother’s legacy, Liv finds herself face to face with undercover Agent Ridge McCaffrey. Assigned to protect the woman whose gifts unnerve him, all for a covert psychic intelligence operation he doesn’t understand, Ridge struggles to place duty over desire. But when a body is found at Sullivan Farm and Liv’s allegiance is called into question, Ridge’s mission becomes clear. Can Liv unearth family secrets that are best left buried before the ghosts of her past destroy her dreams of a normal future?

Alicia Anthony’s first novels were illegible scribbles on the back of her truck driver father’s logbook trip tickets. Having graduated from scribbles to laptop, she now pens novels of psychological suspense in the quiet of the wee morning hours. A full-time elementary school Literacy Specialist, Alicia hopes to pass on her passion for books and writing to the students she teaches.
A two time Golden Heart® finalist and Silver Quill Award winner, Alicia finds her inspiration in exploring the dark, dusty corners of the human experience. Alicia is a graduate of Spalding University’s School of Creative & Professional Writing (MFA), Ashland University (M.Ed.) and THE Ohio State University (BA). Go Bucks! She lives in rural south-central Ohio with her amazingly patient and supportive husband, incredibly understanding teenage daughter, two dogs, three horses, a plethora of both visiting and resident barn cats, and some feral raccoons who have worn out their welcome.
When she’s not writing or teaching, Alicia loves to travel and experience new places. Connect with her online at www.AliciaAnthonyBooks.com. She’d love to hear from you!

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop and Release Day Post for Inherent Fate (Blood Secrets Book 3) by Alicia Anthony. Thank you so much to Drury Lane Books and Alicia Anthony for letting me be a part of the fun.

BLOG TOUR: The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull

I am excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull. A good, historical fiction can just hit the spot. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Bryn Turnbull for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: The Woman Before Wallis

Author: Bryn Turnbull

Published by: MIRA

Released: July 21, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: This novel is the fictionalised story of the American divorcée who captured Prince Edward’s heart before he abdicated his throne for Wallis Simpson.

In the summer of 1926, when Thelma Morgan marries Viscount Duke Furness after a whirlwind romance, she’s immersed in a gilded world of extraordinary wealth and privilege. For Thelma, the daughter of an American diplomat, her new life as a member of the British aristocracy is like a fairy tale—even more so when her husband introduces her to Edward, Prince of Wales.

In a twist of fate, her marriage to Duke leads her to fall headlong into a love affair with Edward. But happiness is fleeting, and their love is threatened when Thelma’s sister, Gloria Morgan Vanderbilt, becomes embroiled in a scandal with far-reaching implications. As Thelma sails to New York to support Gloria, she leaves Edward in the hands of her trusted friend Wallis, never imagining the consequences that will follow. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Ahhh the historical drama this gave me. It was great. I admit, I did not know anything about Thelma Morgan before reading this book. I don't think I'd ever even heard her name. Her story was definitely interesting, scandalous, and full of drama.

The author does make clear that this is a fictionalized tale of Thelma Morgan's life, but that just made it more fun. I definitely enjoyed this book. It was interesting how it was told in a back and forth time kind of manner. It goes back and forth from Thelma's time with Prince Edward, then to the future where Thelma's sister is in court fighting for custody. Thelma Morgan's family definitely had a lot going on. It definitely made for a fascinating story.

I really enjoyed all the drama that was in this. Love and Lust. Affairs and Backstabbing. Court is a crazy place.

The story of Prince Edward is so interesting too. I always wonder if he was happy in the end. If he ever regretted giving it all up for Wallis Simpson. Was Wallis Simpson happy? If I looked into it more, I'd probably know more.

Bryn Turnbull told a very entertaining story. I really liked her writing. I'd definitely check out more from her.

If Historical Fiction is something that you like, I'd definitely recommend checking out this interesting story of The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull.

Bryn Turnbull is a writer of historical fiction. Equipped with a masters of letters in creative writing from the University of St. Andrews, a masters of professional communication from Ryerson University, and a bachelors degree in English literature from McGill University, she focuses on finding stories of women lost within the cracks of the historical record. The Woman Before Wallis is her first novel.

Thank you for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for The Woman Before Wallis by Bryn Turnbull. Thanks so much to MIRA and Bryn Turnbull for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

Reading Right Now! (263)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Silver Borne (Mercy Thompson #5) by Patricia Briggs and I literally have one page left before I finish it. I love this series. It didn't take me any time to fall right back into this world. There was a lot of things happening in this one. Mercy gets involved in another paranormal dilemma. Samuel is going through some tough times. Mercy is facing some pushback from the pack. Also, it's Adam and Mercy being adorable. I love it. Love every minute of it. I definitely recommend reading this series if you're a fan of Urban Fantasy. It's an older one too, so you'll have plenty of books to read before you're caught up with publication.

What I'm Going To Read Next

 

American Royals (#1) by Katharine McGee This one plays around with the idea of what if George Washington had accepted the crown when it was offered to him. What if America had a royal family of its own. I think this one should be fun.

The Duchess Deal (Girl Meets Duke #1) by Tessa Dare Romance books have been calling my name lately. I've started noticing all these romance books pop up in my feeds. I've started watching more romance booktubers. I think I'm about to fall down the romance rabbit hole. This one looks like a steamy, sexy good time. It's got a marriage of convenience, which calls to me. It's got a leading male character who is beast like in appearance. I'm excited for this. This romance should be full of sexy times, which should be obvious by the cover. 

I feel like I've always read a variety of books, I don't stick to one genre, but I definitely feel like I'm going down a different path here if I get addicted to romances.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! and planning to read next. What are you reading?

BLOG TOUR: A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee

I am really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee. As soon as I saw this cutie, I knew I had to read it. I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Jayci Lee for letting me be a part of the tour.

Title: A Sweet Mess

Author: Jayci Lee

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin

Released: July 14, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: Korean-American author Jayci Lee delights with this delicious and light-hearted romantic comedy that readers will devour and ask for more.

Bake a chance on love. 
Aubrey Choi loves living in her small town nestled in the foothills of California, running her highly successful bakery away from the watch of her strict Korean parents. When a cake mix-up and a harsh review threaten all of her hard work and her livelihood, she never thought the jaded food critic would turn out to be her one-night stand. And she sure as hell never thought she’d see her gorgeous Korean unicorn again. But when Landon Kim waltzes into her bakery trying to clean up the mess he had a huge hand in making, Aubrey is torn between throwing and hearing him out.
When she hears his plan to help save her business, Aubrey knows that spending three weeks in California wine country working with Landon is a sure recipe for disaster. Her head is telling her to take the chance to save her bakery while her heart—and her hormones—are at war on whether to give him a second chance. And it just so happens that Landon’s meddling friends want them to spend those three weeks as close as possible...by sharing a villa. When things start heating up, both in and out of the kitchen, Aubrey will have to make a choice—to stick it out or risk her heart. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: So cute, so sweet, and so much baking. I now want all the baked goods, which probably will not help me lose any weight. I'm a fan of this one.

This was just a really cute story of Aubrey and Landon. She owns a bakery, he's a food critic. Misunderstandings, second chances, and cuteness ensues. It was delectable.

I love a good rom-com. It was just so nice to lose myself in the story. I loved rooting for Aubrey and Landon's second chance romance. It gave me what I wanted.

Sure, these two could have had a much easier time if Landon was a little smarter, a little smoother. He had a bad habit of saying the wrong things sometimes, but every relationship needs work.

A Sweet Mess was a fun reading experience for me. It was cute, I loved all the food, and the story swept me off my feet.

Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance every free second she can scavenge. She lives in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys with boundless energy, and a fluffy rescue whose cuteness is a major distraction. At times, she cannot accommodate real life because her brain is full of drool worthy heroes and badass heroines clamoring to come to life.
Because of all the books demanding to be written, Jayci writes full-time now, and is semi-retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator. She loves food, wine, and travelling, and incidentally so do her characters. Books have always helped her grow, dream, and heal, and she hopes her books will do the same for you...
Starting with her contemporary romance, TEMPORARY WIFE TEMPTATION, coming February 4, 2020; and her romcom A SWEET MESS, coming July 14, 2020.

Thank you so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee. If you're looking for something cute to read, I'd definitely recommend picking this up. Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin and Jayci Lee for letting me be a part of the tour.