Reading Right Now! (342)

 Another week where I'm just tired 90% of the time. I'm pretty happy with my book selections for the week. One is a backlist book that I've been meaning to read for quite a while. The other is a random find from the library.

So, what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

Zero Day (The Hatching #3) by Ezekiel Boone -- This is a book that I've been meaning to read for a long time, and I'm finally getting to it! Yayy me! This series is about killer spiders, and they are terrifying. Umm, it's been quite a while since I read the first two books in the series, so I don't really remember a lot of the particulars, just the general stuff. This switches between multiple people and perspectives. Reading this will finish a series, and it will also be my Z for my ABC challenge. Z is such a hard letter to find.

 I'm liking this so far. It's quick. I'm only 50 pages in, so the spiders have been relatively quiet.

The World of Lore: Wicked Mortals (#2) by Aaron Mahnke -- This was a random library find and I'm glad I picked it up. I originally thought it was a fiction story, but it's not. It's a book that's based on a podcast of the same name. This podcast also got turned into an Amazon Prime show. I knew nothing of either of those things when I picked up this book. This series explores the darkness of our past. This novel focuses on some murderers, and how their stories kind of fascinate us. It's really interesting. I like how it's written. It's illustrated really nicely. It's a well designed book. I'll definitely read more from this series. 

I'm reading this one in little chunks. So far, it's covered the topics of the fear of changelings that led to a real murder, and Dr. H.H. Holmes and his Murder Castle. Super interesting.

And that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading? I'm definitely starting with the spooky and scary for almost October.

BLOG TOUR: Holidays in Virgin River by Robyn Carr

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Holidays in Virgin River by Robyn Carr! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Robyn Carr for letting me be a part of the tour.

 

 

Title: Holidays in Virgin River: Romance Stories for the Holidays 

Author: Robyn Carr

Published by: MIRA

Released: October 4, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads        Amazon

 

Synopsis: Celebrate the holidays with this special edition containing 2 fan-favorite stories from the Virgin River series. Includes exclusive recipies inspired by the Virgin River characters.

Under the Christmas Tree
With snow falling over the redwood forests, secluded Virgin River is the ideal place to spend the holidays. Each year, the close-knit community gathers in the town square to decorate and light a massive tree. Carols are sung, hot chocolate is shared—and this year, a surprise is about to bring two special people together. When the townsfolk discover a box of adorable puppies under the town’s Christmas tree, they call on local vet Nathaniel Jensen for help. But it’s his budding romance with Annie McCarty that really has tongues—and tails—wagging!

Midnight Confessions
In Virgin River, holiday kisses don’t end with Christmas—there’s still the New Year’s Eve party at Jack’s Bar to attend. Locals and newcomers alike find themselves eager for that special countdown…and that midnight kiss.

As the townspeople gather, two lonely revelers decide the best balm for their broken hearts might just be each other.

BONUS: Includes a special note from Robyn Carr, author of the popular Netflix series, Virgin River. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a really fun addition to the Virgin River Series. I enjoyed both stories included in the book. Even though I don't really want to think about Christmas yet, it was a good time reading these Christmas Stories. 

One of the stories had puppies! I love puppies.

This was a great addition to the series. I little extra that brought the joy of the holidays. I'd definitely recommend this one.

 

 

 

 Robyn Carr is an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including highly praised women's fiction such as Four Friends and The View From Alameda Island and the critically acclaimed Virgin River, Thunder Point and Sullivan's Crossing series. Virgin River is now a Netflix Original series. Robyn lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit her website at www.RobynCarr.com. 

 

 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Holidays in Virgin River by Robyn Carr. Thank you to MIRA and Robyn Carr for letting me be a part of the tour. This is a great addition to the series.

BLOG TOUR: The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Sheila Roberts for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Road to Christmas

Author: Sheila Roberts

Published by: MIRA

Released: September 20, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads        Amazon

 

Synopsis: From USA TODAY bestselling author Sheila Roberts, three generations of travelers embark on a Christmas road trip filled with humor and heart, set against the snowy mountains of Washington State.

Michelle and Max are not planning on a happy holiday. Their marriage is in shambles and the D word has entered their vocabulary. But now their youngest daughter, Julia, wants everyone to come to her new house in Idaho for Christmas, and she’s got the guest room all ready for Mom and Dad. Oh, joy.

Their other daughters, Audrey and Shyla, are driving up from California and hoping to meet a sexy rancher for Audrey along the way. What they don’t plan on is getting stranded on a ranch when the car breaks down.

The ones with the shortest drive are Grandma and Grandpa—also known as Hazel and Warren. It’s still a bit of a trek, and Hazel doesn’t like the idea of driving all that way in snow, but Warren knows they’ll have no problem. They have a reliable car—and snow tires and chains if they need them. They’ll be fine.

Surprises lie in store for all three sets of intrepid travelers as they set out on three very different adventures, all leading to one memorable family Christmas. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a really nice Christmas family drama. There are some cute road trip elements to it, with most of the family members having to travel. Some of them encounter various challenges along the way.

This story also has some relationship troubles with Michelle and Max not really getting along, but having to put on a brave face for the family gathering.

I just really enjoyed all the family stories in this. I love stories about second chances and family always being there for you.

This was definitely a cute one, and I enjoyed reading it.

With nearly fifty books to her name, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her Christmas perennial "On Strike for Christmas" was made into a movie for the Lifetime Channel and her novel "The Nine Lives of Christmas" was made into a movie for Hallmark. Her novel "Angel Lane" was listed as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila splits her time between the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Road to Christmas by Sheila Roberts! Thank you to MIRA and Sheila Roberts for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're ready for Christmas, definitely pick this one up and give it a read!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Pump: A Natural History of the Heart by Bill Schutt

 I'm excited to be a part of the Spotlight Tour for Pump: A Natural History of the Heart by Bill Schutt! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Bill Schutt for letting me be a part of the tour! This book is perfect for lifelong learners, and those interested in science.

Title: Pump: A Natural History of the Heart

Author: Bill Schutt

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: September 13, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

 

Synopsis: In this lively, unexpected look at the hearts of animals—from fish to bats to humans—American Museum of Natural History zoologist Bill Schutt tells an incredible story of evolution and scientific progress. We join Schutt on a tour from the origins of circulation, still evident in microorganisms today, to the tiny hardworking pumps of worms and the golf-cart-sized hearts of blue whales. We visit beaches where horseshoe crabs are being harvested for their blood, which has properties that can protect humans from deadly illnesses. We learn that when temperatures plummet, some frog hearts can freeze solid for weeks, resuming their beat only after a spring thaw. And we journey with Schutt through human history, too, as he traces humanity’s cardiac fascination from the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who believed the heart contained the soul, all the way up to modern-day laboratories, where scientists use animal hearts and even plants as the basis for many of today’s cutting-edge therapies. Pump shows us this mysterious organ in a completely new light. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

Bill Schutt is a vertebrate zoologist and author of six nonfiction and fiction books, including Pump: A Natural History of the Heart and the New York Times Editor’s Choice, Cannibalism: A Perfectly Natural History. Recently retired from his post as professor of biology at LIU Post, he is a research associate at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has studied bats all over the world. His research has been featured in Natural History magazine as well as in the New York Times, Newsday, the Economist, and Discover.

BLOG TOUR: Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to HQN and Sarah Morgan for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Snowed in for Christmas

Author: Sarah Morgan

Published by: HQN

Released: September 20, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads        Amazon

 

Synopsis: A family gathering 

This Christmas the Miller siblings have one goal—to avoid their well-meaning family’s endless stream of prying questions. Ross, Alice and Clemmie have secrets that they don’t intend to share, and they are relying on each other to deflect attention. 

An uninvited guest 

Lucy Clarke is facing a Christmas alone and the prospect of losing her job. Unless she can win a major piece of business from Ross Miller, the season promises to be anything but festive. She’ll just deliver her proposal to his family home and then leave. After all, she wouldn’t want to intrude on the Miller family’s perfect Christmas. 

A Christmas to remember 

When Lucy appears on the Miller family’s snow-covered Highland doorstep, she's mistaken for Ross’s girlfriend. By the time the confusion is cleared up, they're snowed in—she can’t leave, even if she wants to! But does she want to? As secrets spill out like presents from an overstuffed stocking and the chemistry between her and Ross ignites, this is going to be either Lucy's worst Christmas ever or the best mistake of her life. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was so fun! It's Christmas time, a family gathering, and forced proximity. I enjoyed myself immensely. It really reminded me of a holiday movie. There's a nosy family element that adds just a little extra to this romance.

I enjoyed the romance between Lucy and Ross.

This book was a lot of fun and I'd definitely recommend it. It was just cute.

USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes lively, sexy contemporary stories for Harlequin.
Romantic Times has described her as 'a magician with words' and nominated her books for their Reviewer's Choice Awards and their 'Top Pick' slot. In 2012 Sarah received the prestigious RITA® Award from the Romance Writers of America. She lives near London with her family. Find out more at www.sararahmorgan.co

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Snowed in for Christmas by Sarah Morgan! Thank you to HQN and Sarah Morgan for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're ready for that holiday feeling, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.

BLOG TOUR: Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Amanda Flower for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Because I Could Not Stop for Death

Author: Amanda Flower

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: September 20, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads       

Synopsis: Emily Dickinson and her housemaid, Willa Noble, realize there is nothing poetic about murder in this first book in an all-new series from USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author Amanda Flower.

January 1855 Willa Noble knew it was bad luck when it was pouring rain on the day of her ever-important job interview at the Dickinson home in Amherst, Massachusetts. When she arrived late, disheveled with her skirts sodden and filthy, she'd lost all hope of being hired for the position. As the housekeeper politely told her they'd be in touch, Willa started toward the door of the stately home only to be called back by the soft but strong voice of Emily Dickinson. What begins as tenuous employment turns to friendship as the reclusive poet takes Willa under her wing.

Tragedy soon strikes and Willa's beloved brother, Henry, is killed in a tragic accident at the town stables. With no other family and nowhere else to turn, Willa tells Emily about her brother's death and why she believes it was no accident. Willa is convinced it was murder. Henry had been very secretive of late, only hinting to Willa that he'd found a way to earn money to take care of them both. Viewing it first as a puzzle to piece together, Emily offers to help, only to realize that she and Willa are caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse that reveals corruption in Amherst that is generations deep. Some very high-powered people will stop at nothing to keep their profitable secrets even if that means forever silencing Willa and her new mistress.... (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I'm always excited to learn of new series. I have so many series ongoing, why would I want to start new ones? Yet, I can't help myself, and this series just called out my name. It's historical fiction, solving crimes, and features Emily Dickinson. I think it's a winner.

I had a lot of fun reading this one. I liked the friendship between Willa and Emily. When I think of Emily Dickinson, I just think of a recluse who wrote poems about death, but wouldn't it be fun if she had been a detective solving crimes. It was a lot of fun to just picture the scenario.

I liked the case our heroines have to solve. It wasn't the most twisty of reveals, but I really enjoyed getting there.

I also enjoyed all the history incorporated into this story. It talked about things that were happening during that time period, and that really helped immerse me in the story.

I definitely see myself reading more of this series.

David M. Seymour 2022

Amanda Flower is the USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning mystery author of over forty novels, including the nationally bestselling Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series, Magical Bookshop Mysteries, and, written under the name Isabella Alan, the Amish Quilt Shop Mysteries. Flower is a former librarian, and she and her husband, a recording engineer, own a habitat farm and recording studio in Northeast Ohio.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Amanda Flower! Thank you to Berkley Books and Amanda Flower for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend adding this one to your reading list.

BLOG TOUR: All is Bright by RaeAnne Thayne

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for All is Bright by RaeAnne Thayne. I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to HQN and RaeAnne Thayne for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: All is Bright

Author: RaeAnne Thayne

Published by: HQN

Released: September

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads      Amazon

Synopsis: Return to Hope’s Crossing this Christmas in New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne’s latest heartwarming story of matchmaking at the holidays!

Sage McKnight is an ambitious young architect working at her father’s firm who takes on her most challenging client in Mason Tucker. The former pro baseball player is still healing from the physical and emotional scars after a plane crash left him a wheelchair-using single dad, and he’s determined not to let anyone breach his emotional defenses. Sage knows her work on Mason’s new home in Hope’s Crossing is her best work yet, and she won’t let her grumpy client prevent her from showcasing her work personally.

With Sage’s gift for taking broken things and making them better, the matchmaking talent of the quirky locals and a generous sprinkling of Christmas cheer, Mason doesn’t stand a chance against the power of this magical holiday season. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This was a sweet story and I really enjoyed it. I liked the characters of Sage and Mason. I loved returning to Hope's Crossing. This was just something that was fun to pick up and get lost in.

I also really liked getting some Christmas cheer in, even though it was only September when I read it. I think this will be a fun one to have on your Christmas reading list.

I have no complaints. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read!

New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne finds inspiration in the beautiful northern Utah mountains where she lives with her family. Her books have won numerous honors, including six RITA Award nominations from Romance Writers of America and Career Achievement and Romance Pioneer awards from RT Book Reviews. She loves to hear from readers and can be reached through her website at www.raeannethayne.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for All is Bright by RaeAnne Thayne! Thank you to HQN and RaeAnne Thayne for letting me be a part of the tour! It might be a little early for Christmas, but it's still fun to read about it!

BLOG TOUR: The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Ace and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Witch and the Tsar

Author: Olesya Salnikova Gilmore

Published by: Ace

Released: September 20, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by the Publisher

Goodreads        Amazon

 

Synopsis: In this stunning debut novel, the maligned and immortal witch of legend known as Baba Yaga will risk all to save her country and her people from Tsar Ivan the Terrible—and the dangerous gods who seek to drive the twisted hearts of men. 

As a half-goddess possessing magic, Yaga is used to living on her own, her prior entanglements with mortals having led to heartbreak. She mostly keeps to her hut in the woods, where those in need of healing seek her out, even as they spread rumors about her supposed cruelty and wicked spells. But when her old friend Anastasia—now the wife of the tsar, and suffering from a mysterious illness—arrives in her forest desperate for her protection, Yaga realizes the fate of all of Russia is tied to Anastasia’s. Yaga must step out of the shadows to protect the land she loves.
As she travels to Moscow, Yaga witnesses a sixteenth century Russia on the brink of chaos. Tsar Ivan—soon to become Ivan the Terrible—grows more volatile and tyrannical by the day, and Yaga believes the tsaritsa is being poisoned by an unknown enemy. But what Yaga cannot know is that Ivan is being manipulated by powers far older and more fearsome than anyone can imagine.
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore weaves a rich tapestry of mythology and Russian history, reclaiming and reinventing the infamous Baba Yaga, and bringing to life a vibrant and tumultuous Russia, where old gods and new tyrants vie for power. This fierce and compelling novel draws from the timeless lore to create a heroine for the modern day, fighting to save her country and those she loves from oppression while also finding her true purpose as a goddess, a witch, and a woman. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I was sold as soon as I heard Baba Yaga! This book was full of interesting choices when it came to it's story. It presents a Yaga that is not the one that first comes to mind. It also takes place in 16th century Russia, which is not one that I know much about. I loved how I learned while reading this story. It introduced me to a subject that I don't have much knowledge about.

This is a slightly chunky book with a lot packed into it. It wasn't the fastest thing I've ever read, but I did enjoy it.

This was a unique story and I'm glad I got to read it. If you have a hankering a unique story, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Nicola Levine Photography, LLC 2021

Olesya Salnikova Gilmore was born in Moscow, Russia, raised in the U.S., and graduated from Pepperdine University with a BA in English/political science, and from Northwestern School of Law with a JD. She practiced litigation at a large law firm for several years before pursuing her dream of becoming an author. She is most happy writing historical fiction and fantasy inspired by Eastern European folklore. She lives in a wooded, lakeside suburb of Chicago with her husband and daughter. The Witch and the Tsar is her debut novel.

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore! Thanks so much to Ace and Olesya Salnikova Gilmore for letting me be a part of the tour! This is a perfect autumn read, and I'd definitely recommend picking it up.

Reading Right Now! (341)

 I am so tired. So tired. I wish I could have the weekend to relax, but it is my nephew's birthday Saturday, and I must go. This week has been this weird mix of feeling long, while at the same time going by pretty quickly.

I figured, since I've been awful about doing Reading Right Now! posts, as well as any other posts that aren't Blog Tours, I need to fix that. Try to get back to what I used to do. We'll see how it goes.

So, what I'm Reading Right Now! is...

Cackle by Rachel Harrison - I really liked Rachel Harrison's first book, The Return, and was very excited to get my hands on her witchy book. I checked out a copy from my library. I don't know if I got an early electronic copy to review or not, and I'm too lazy to check.

This isn't the witchy book that I was expecting, but I do like it. I do think there is a ton of red flags that Annie is ignoring when it comes to Sophie. They become fast friends in a suspicious amount of time. I would wonder why all the townspeople are frightened of her. Annie is so lonely though, she jumps at the chance to be Sophie's friend.

I'm over halfway through. I'm interested to see how it is going to end.

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

BLOG TOUR: The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Park Row and Gretchen Anthony for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Book Haters' Book Club

Author: Gretchen Anthony

Published by: Park Row

Released: September 13, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads       Amazon

 

Synopsis: All it takes is the right book to turn a Book Hater into a Book Lover…That was Elliott’s belief and the reason why he started The Book Haters’ Book Club—a newsletter of reading recommendations for the self-proclaimed “nonreader.” As the beloved co-owner of Over the Rainbow Bookstore, Elliott’s passion and gift was recommending books to customers. Now, after his sudden death, his grief-ridden business partner, Irma, has agreed to sell Over the Rainbow to a developer who will turn the cozy bookstore into high-rise condos.

But others won’t give up the bookstore without a fight. When Irma breaks the news to her daughters, Bree and Laney, and Elliott’s romantic partner, Thom, they are aghast. Over the Rainbow has been Bree and Laney’s sanctuary since childhood, and Thom would do anything to preserve Elliott’s legacy. Together, Thom, Bree and Laney conspire to save the bookstore, even if it takes some snooping, gossip and minor sabotage.

Filled with humor, family hijinks and actual reading recommendations, The Book Haters' Book Club is the ideal feel-good read. It’s a celebration of found family and a love letter to the everyday heroes who run bookstores. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was such a great feel good book. I love books about books, and ones that contain bookstores. It's all about saving a place that means so much to each of them.

The pending sale takes up a lot of the first half of the book, and I was excited to get past that point, and get to the real meat of the story.

I enjoyed the message of this story. It was sweet.

This book has a great family element to it, being with the family you choose. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this one.

GRETCHEN ANTHONY is the award-winning author of The Kids Are Gonna Ask, recipient of the 2021 Alex Award from the American Library Association. Her debut novel, Evergreen Tidings from the Baumgartners, was a Midwestern Connections Pick and a best books pick by Amazon, BookBub, PopSugar, and the New York Post. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Medium, and The Write Life, among others. She lives in Minneapolis with her family.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Book Haters' Book Club by Gretchen Anthony! Thank you to Park Row and Gretchen Anthony for letting me be a part of the tour. A great book about books!

BLOG TOUR: Lucy on the Wild Side by Kerry Rea

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Lucy on the Wild Side by Kerry Rea! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Kerry Rea for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: Lucy on the Wild Side

Author: Kerry Rea

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: September 13, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads       Amazon

 

Synopsis: A charming and wildly funny new romantic comedy by Kerry Rea, author of The Wedding Ringer.

Lucy Rourke has two great loves in her life: the gorilla troop she cares for as a primatologist and the laundry list of reality TV shows she watches to escape the fact that her actual love life doesn’t exist. And like a reality contestant gunning for the final rose, Lucy’s laser-focused on one thing: getting promoted to head keeper. So when a wildlife docuseries hosted by hotshot TV personality Kai Bridges chooses her zoo as its summer filming location, she sees an opportunity to showcase her beloved gorillas to the world and land a starring role in her department.
When Kai and his film crew arrive, however, it's obvious to Lucy that Kai cares more about sky-high ratings than the gorillas, and he considers her a camera-averse know-it-all whose wardrobe consists entirely of khaki. But she’s surprised to discover there’s more to him than his rugged good looks and cheesy catchphrases...and that maybe a promotion isn’t the only thing she wants. But when secrets from their pasts threaten to complicate everything, Lucy discovers that happiness and success aren’t the same thing—and that finding joy just might mean getting a little wild. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was cute, fun, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the setting and Lucy's job. It was fun reading about a zookeeper. I don't know that I have before. I also loved the reality TV angle. These characters live in two vastly different worlds, which makes them coming together so fun. I'm also always happy to have another rom com to read. There's nothing better than romance and funny situations.

This was a good time. It did take a bit to warm up to Lucy. She could be a little immature, but it was nice seeing her grow.

I'd say give this one a read. It's good.

Kerry Rea is a 2017 and 2019 #PitchWars mentee. Her work has appeared in Seventeen magazine. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and four dogs. The Wedding Ringer is her debut novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Lucy on the Wild Side by Kerry Rea! Thank you to Berkley Books and Kerry Rea for letting me be a part of the tour. This is cute, and you should definitely read it.

BLOG TOUR: Barbarian Mine (Ice Planet Barbarians #4) by Ruby Dixon

 I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon! This is a series that I can't seem to stop myself from reading. I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Ruby Dixon for letting me be a part of the tour! 

Title: Barbarian Mine (Ice Planet Barbarians #4)

Author: Ruby Dixon

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: September 13, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads       Amazon       Goodreads Special Editon

Synopsis: The ice planet has given me a second lease on life, so I'm thrilled to be here. Sure, there's no cheeseburgers, but I'm healthy and ready to be a productive member of the small tribe.

What I didn't anticipate? That there'd be a savage stranger waiting nearby, watching me. And when he takes me captive, the unthinkable happens... I resonate to him.
Resonance means mating, and children... but I don't know if this guy's ever been around anyone before. He's truly a barbarian in all ways, right down to clubbing me over the head and claiming me as his own.
So why is it that I crave his touch and hunger for more? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

The fourth novel in the international publishing phenomenon the Ice Planet Barbarians series, now in a special print edition with bonus materials and an exclusive epilogue!
Harlow receives the shock of her life when she wakes up to see Rukh, a stranger who has clearly been on his own his whole life, but she soon learns that there is much more to this gruff, barbaric alien than the savage he appears to be.
The ice planet has given me a second lease on life, so I'm thrilled to be here. Sure, there are no cheeseburgers, but I'm healthy and ready to be a productive member of the small tribe. What I didn't anticipate? That there'd be a savage stranger waiting nearby, watching me. And when he takes me captive, the unthinkable happens...I resonate to him.
Resonance means mating, and children...but I don't know if this guy's ever been around anyone before. Rukh is utterly wild. He's completely uncivilized, can't speak more than a few words and doesn't know what clothes are. A human--a human woman--is mystifying to him. He's truly a barbarian in all ways, and like Tarzan in the stories, he's kidnapped me and claimed me for his own.
Being with him means I'm going to have to teach him to speak, how to kiss, and how to be human. Or even alien. It should be a terrifying prospect...so why is it that I crave his touch and hunger for more? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This series is so addictive and entertaining, I just can't get enough. I'm loving continuing on with this series. I also love that Berkley keeps releasing these Special Editions. It's a great way to draw in more readers to the series, and I find these so pleasing to look at.

Anyone going into this series should know, it's very adult. It's smutty alien romance. These books are written in a way that is so entertaining. 

I liked getting Harlow's story. I really liked how this one was a little bit of a twist from the previous books. Rukh is the one that has to be taught everything instead of Harlowe. He's been on his own for so long that there's a lot of things he needs to figure out.

I really liked the romance in this. This was just another fun time in Ice Planet Barbarian world.

Ruby Dixon loves to write sexy, dirty things. Right now she's obsessed with dirty aliens. She's also dabbled in dirty bikers, dirty bears, and well, just dirty things in general.

The latest ICEHOME has arrived with FLOR'S FIASCO and so many crazy things are happening I cannot possibly mention them all! Just to say that I think you'll like it...and you'll really enjoy Flor and her unlikely mate. Also mid-September, the beautiful special edition of BARBARIAN MINE comes out in paperback!!

As always, my e-books are free in Kindle Unlimited.

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Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour stop for Barbarian Mine by Ruby Dixon. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Ruby Dixon for letting me be a part of this tour! If you like monster/alien romance books, definitely give these ones a read!

BLOG TOUR: The Girl from Guernica by Karen Robards

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Girl from Guernica by Karen Robards! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Karen Robards for letting me be a part of the tour!

 

 

 

Title: The Girl from Guernica

Author: Karen Robards

Published by: MIRA

Released: September 6, 2022

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads        Amazon

 

Synopsis: Inspired by Picasso’s great masterpiece, Guernica, New York Times bestselling author Karen Robards returns with a riveting story of intrigue, deception and bravery in the face of war…

On an April day in 1937, the sky opens and fire rains down upon the small Spanish town of Guernica. Seventeen-year-old Sibi and her family are caught up in the horror. Griff, an American military attaché, pulls Sibi from the wreckage, and it’s only the first time he saves her life in a span of hours. When Germany claims no involvement in the attack, insisting the Spanish Republic was responsible, Griff guides Sibi to lie to Nazi officials. If she or her sisters reveal that they saw planes bearing swastikas, the gestapo will silence them—by any means necessary. 

As war begins to rage across Europe, Sibi joins the underground resistance, secretly exchanging information with Griff. But as the scope of Germany’s ambitions becomes clear, maintaining the facade of a Nazi-sympathizer becomes ever more difficult. And as Sibi is drawn deeper into a web of secrets, she must find a way to outwit an enemy that threatens to decimate her family once and for all. 

Masterfully rendered and vividly capturing one of the most notorious episodes in history, The Girl from Guernica is an unforgettable testament to the bonds of family and the courage of women in wartime. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a really compelling story full of danger and intrigue. I always like diving in to historical fiction from time to time. World War 2 was such a crazy time in our world, and it's interesting to read stories about.

Karen Robards did a little something different with a WWII book, and covered something that I hadn't heard much about. I'd never even heard of Guernica before this book. I like how she incorporated something different and taught me something I didn't know. I imagine if I had been more into the art world, I would have recongnized Guernica really fast. Time is funny, you don't think necessarily of Picasso living in the time of WWII. I really enjoyed discovering something different.

The story was really good too. There was a lot of danger, heartbreak, and doing what you must to survive a grim situation. I liked our characters of Sibi and Griff. The story definitely kept me on the edge, worrying about what was going to happen to them.

Karen Robards is the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of fifty novels and one novella. She is the winner of six Silver Pen awards and numerous other awards.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Post for The Girl from Guernica by Karen Robards. Thank you to MIRA and Karen Robards for letting me be a part of the tour! This is perfect for fans of historical fiction and WWII.