BLOG TOUR: Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Barbarian's Prize (Ice Planet Barbarians #5) by Ruby Dixon! I received free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Ruby Dixon for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Barbarian's Prize (Ice Planet Barbarians #5)

Author: Ruby Dixon

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: February 28, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads           Amazon

 

Synopsis: The next novel in the international publishing phenomenon the Ice Planet Barbarians series, now in a special print edition with a bonus original novella!

Tiffany doesn't care about all the attention she's getting from the alien men, but there is one particular hunter she can see herself with--if only she can find a way to move forward from the past. . . .

It's hard being the most popular girl on the ice planet. The alien men are falling all over themselves to impress me in the hopes that I'll take them to my furs. But they don't know my secrets. And they don't realize that behind my smile, I just wish they'd take their courting presents and their competitions for my affection and go away. I want to be left alone. But on a planet where women are a scarcity, that won't be happening.

If I had to choose a mate . . . it'd be someone with a gorgeous blue body, big horns, and the most intense gaze ever. Someone who knows the truth of what happened to me and why I don't like attention. Patient, handsome Salukh knows my secrets. He knows why I have nightmares and why I don't trust anyone. He's willing to let me "experiment" with him. I can use him. Take what I need from him to work through my trauma. He's been a good friend and the best shoulder to cry on.

There's one small problem.

When it comes to us, he doesn't just want to be my friend. He wants to be my forever. And day by day, he's getting harder to resist. . . . (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This series is so addicting, and I was really excited to continue on my Ice Planet journey. We get Tiffany and Salukh's story in this one.

Tiffany went through more trauma in the abduction than most of the other girls. It's a trauma that really sticks with her and makes life and relationships difficult. Tiffany's story is a bit different from the other girls in Ice Planet world, and it can be a little less feel good because of that.

I enjoy the Ice Planet Barbarian world, so this was another book I flew through. It was a very addicting read and I loved the bonus novella.

I won't say this series is for everybody, but if it sounds like something you want to read, it is very addictive. I enjoy it.

 Ruby Dixon is an author of all things science fiction romance. She is a Sagittarius and a Reylo shipper, and loves farming sims (but not actual housework). She lives in the South with her husband and a couple of geriatric cats, and can’t think of anything else to put in her biography. Truly, she is boring.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Barbarian's Prize by Ruby Dixon. Thank you to Berkley Books and Ruby Dixon for letting me be a part of the tour! I think this series pretty much sells itself. It is very addicting.

BLOG TOUR: It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison

 I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and J.T. Ellison for letting me be a part of the Blog Tour!

Title: It's One of Us

Author: J.T. Ellison

Published by: February 21, 2023

Released: MIRA

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Everybody lies. Even the ones you think you know best of all . . .

 Olivia Bender designs exquisite home interiors that satisfy the most demanding clients. But her own deepest desire can’t be fulfilled by marble counters or the perfect rug. She desperately  wants to be a mother. Fertility treatments and IVF keep failing. And just when she feels she’s at her lowest point, the police deliver shocking news to Olivia and her husband, Park.
  DNA results show that the prime suspect in a murder investigation is Park’s son. Olivia is relieved, knowing this is a mistake. Despite their desire, the Benders don’t have any children. Then comes the confession. Many years ago, Park donated sperm to a clinic. He has no idea how many times it was sold—or how many children he has sired.
 As the murder investigation goes deeper, more terrible truths come to light. With every revelation, Olivia must face the unthinkable. The man she married has fathered a killer. But can she hold that against him when she keeps such dark secrets of her own?
 This twisting, emotionally layered thriller explores the lies we tell to keep a marriage together--or break each other apart . . . (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This story was full of secrets, and I loved discovering them all! This story had a lot of twists and turns that surprised me. It was one of those books where I just had to know what really happened.

This story deals with some tough topics, such as infertility and IVF treatments. This can be a topic that is hard to read about, because for some it hits too close to home.

I liked the DNA aspect of this story and all the secrets that that uncovered. It's alwasy fascinating to read about how decades old cases are finally solved through DNA.

I had a good time reading this book. I think J.T. Ellison does a great job with writing thrillers with all the twists and turns. I can definitely see myself reading more books by this author.

 J.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 25 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary show A WORD ON WORDS. With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim, prestigious awards, and has been published in 28 countries. She lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens.

 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison. Thank you to MIRA and J.T. Ellison for letting me be a part of the Blog Tour and giving me the chance to read this book! This is one I'd definitely add to your To Read pile.

BLOG TOUR: End of Story by Kylie Scott

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for End of Story by Kylie Scott! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Kylie Scott for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: End of Story (#1)

Author: Kylie Scott

Published by: Graydon House

Released: February 14, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: New York Times bestselling sensation Kylie Scott’s sexy, smart and unconventional opposites-attract love story looks at what happens when fate refuses to give up on what’s meant to be…

When Susie Bowen inherits a charming fixer-upper from her aunt, she’s excited to start living her best HGTV life. But when she opens the door to find that her contractor is none other than her ex’s best friend, Lars—the same man who witnessed their humiliating public breakup six months ago—she isn’t exactly eager to have anyone around whose alliance is with the enemy. But beggars can’t be choosers, and the sooner the repairs are done, the sooner she can get back to embracing singledom.

Things go from awkward to unbelievable when Lars discovers a divorce certificate hidden in a wall and dated ten years in the future—with both their names on it. It couldn’t possibly be real…could it? As Susie and Lars work to unravel the document’s origins, the impossibility of a spark between them suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched. But would a relationship between them be doomed before it’s even begun? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: The premise for this just sounded so wild that I knew I had to read it. I thought this was a lot of fun. It was a cute read that kept my interest, and kept me reading. This was a contemporary romance with a little bit of magic to it.

I think a lot of readers would enjoy this one. It starts off a little strange, but you can't help but be intrigued.

I'm glad I got to check this one out.

KYLIE SCOTT is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA TODAY bestselling, Audie Award–winning author. She has sold over two million books and was voted Australian Romance Writer of the Year four times by the Australian Romance Readers Association. Her books have been translated into fourteen different languages and she is based in Queensland, Australia

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for End of Story by Kylie Scott. Thank you to Graydon House and Kylie Scott for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one you should definitely pick up.

BLOG TOUR: Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour from Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Books and Rachel Koller Croft for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: Stone Cold Fox

Author: Rachel Koller Croft

Published by: Berkley Books

Released: February 14, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: A compelling debut novel about an ambitious woman who, after a lifetime of conning alongside her mother, wants to leave her dark past behind and marry the heir to one of the country's wealthiest families.

Like any enterprising woman, Bea knows what she’s worth and is determined to get all she deserves—it just so happens that what she deserves is to marry rich. After a lifetime of forced instruction in the art of swindling men by her mother, Bea wants nothing more than to escape her shadow, close the door on their sordid past, and disappear safely into old-money domesticity.

When Bea finds her final mark in the perfectly dull blue-blooded Collin, she’s ready to deploy all her tricks one last time. The challenge isn’t getting the ring, but rather the approval of Collin’s family and everyone else in their tax bracket, particularly his childhood best friend Gale. Going toe-to-toe with Gale isn’t a threat to an expert like Bea, but what begins as an amusing cat-and-mouse game quickly develops into a dangerous chase. As the truth of Bea’s past threatens to come roaring out, she finds herself racing against the clock to pass the finish line before everything is exposed. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: As soon as I read the synopsis, I wanted to read this one. I was not disappointed. This was a whole lot of fun. It has manipulative women and twisty secrets. There is a battle of wills between Bea and Gale. 

This was the perfect book to just fly through. It kept my attention throughout. I had to keep reading to find out what happened.

I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read!

 Rachel Koller Croft is an author and screenwriter in Los Angeles, where she has scripted projects for Blumhouse, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Comedy Central, among others. She lives by the beach with her husband, Charles, and their rescue pitbull, Juniper. Stone Cold Fox is her first novel.

 

Thank you for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Stone Cold Fox by Rachel Koller Croft! Thank you to Berkley Books and Rachel Koller Croft for letting me be a part of the tour. I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read!

BLOG TOUR: The Long Run by James Acker

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Long Run by James Acker! I received an advanced electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Inkyard Press and James Acker for letting me be a part of the tour!

 

 

Title: The Long Run

Author: James Acker

Published by: Inkyard Press

Released: February 7, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads           Amazon

 

Synopsis: Two track and field athletes find an unexpected but powerful love in this unapologetically blunt and unforgettably real YA debut.
 Sebastian Villeda is over it. Over his rep. Over his bros. Over being "Bash the Flash," fastest sprinter in South Jersey. His dad is gone, his mom is dead, and his stepfather is clueless. Bash has no idea what he wants out of life. Until he meets Sandro.
 Sandro Miceli is too nice for his own good. The middle child in an always-growing, always-screaming Italian family, Sandro walks around on a broken foot to not bother his busy parents. All he wants is to get out and never look back.
 When fate—in the form of a party that gets busted—brings these two very different boys together, neither of them could’ve predicted finding a love that they’d risk everything for… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: Life has not been easy for Sebastian or Sandro. They've definitely had obstacles and challenges. This book isn't the happiest of tales, but it does have a sweetness to it. 

This is a contemporary story that doesn't rush anything. That can either drive you crazy, or you can love it. This book was a bit on the slow side for me, but it had good payoff.

It's very much a book of what you see is what you get. I think there will be a lot of readers that will enjoy this.

 

 James Acker grew up in New Jersey, and he’s based his entire personality off that fact. He received his Bachelor’s in Screenwriting & Playwriting from Drexel University and won the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowship for his screenplay Sadboi. When he’s not writing, James lives in Los Angeles with his wonderfully supportive partner and his two recurring stress dreams. This is his debut novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Long Run by James Acker. Thank you to Inkyard Press and James Acker for letting me be a part of the tour. If this one sounds good to you, then you should definitely give it a read.

BLOG TOUR: Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for honest review. Thanks so much to Park Row and Pam Jenoff for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Code Name Sapphire

Author: Pam Jenoff

Published by: Park Row

Released: February 7, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: A woman must rescue her cousin's family from a train bound for Auschwitz in this riveting tale of bravery and resistance, from the bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris

1942. Hannah Martel has narrowly escaped Nazi Germany after her fiancé was killed in a pogrom. When her ship bound for America is turned away at port, she has nowhere to go but to her cousin Lily, who lives with her family in Brussels. Fearful for her life, Hannah is desperate to get out of occupied Europe. But with no safe way to leave, she must return to the dangerous underground work she thought she had left behind.

Seeking help, Hannah joins the Sapphire Line, a secret resistance network led by a mysterious woman named Micheline and her enigmatic brother Mateo. But when a grave mistake causes Lily’s family to be arrested and slated for deportation to Auschwitz, Hannah finds herself torn between her loyalties. How much is Hannah willing to sacrifice to save the people she loves? Inspired by incredible true stories of courage and sacrifice, Code Name Sapphire is a powerful novel about love, family and the unshakable resilience of women in even the hardest of times. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a story with a lot of danger and a lot of heart. If you're a fan of historical fiction and pre-WWII books, then this should be one you check out. I really enjoyed the way it was written and told.

Our main character, Hannah, is very brave. She risks a lot to try to save all those that she can.

I was really interested to learn about the Sapphire Line. I really liked learning that it was based on real events.

Nazi Germany and the awful things that occurred there can be really hard to read about, really hard to wrap your head around, but it's definitely an important time to study and remember. Seeing the kinds of heroism ordinary people did is very inspiring.

I really enjoyed this story. I think a lot of people will like it too.

 Pam Jenoff is the author of several books of historical fiction, including the NYT bestsellers The Lost Girls of Paris and The Woman with the Blue Star. She holds a degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her J.D. from UPenn. She lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia, where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff. Thank you to Park Row and Pam Jenoff for letting me be a part of this tour! If you like historical fiction and pre-WWII books, then I'd definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Review: The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould

 

Title: The Dead and the Dark

Author: Courtney Gould

Published by: Wednesday Books

Released: August 3, 2021

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Netgalley / Physical Copy from Library

Synopsis: Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places―and people―you didn’t expect.

The Dark has been waiting for far too long, and it won't stay hidden any longer.

Something is wrong in Snakebite, Oregon. Teenagers are disappearing, some turning up dead, the weather isn’t normal, and all fingers seem to point to TV’s most popular ghost hunters who have just returned to town. Logan Ortiz-Woodley, daughter of TV's ParaSpectors, has never been to Snakebite before, but the moment she and her dads arrive, she starts to get the feeling that there's more secrets buried here than they originally let on.

Ashley Barton’s boyfriend was the first teen to go missing, and she’s felt his presence ever since. But now that the Ortiz-Woodleys are in town, his ghost is following her and the only person Ashley can trust is the mysterious Logan. When Ashley and Logan team up to figure out who—or what—is haunting Snakebite, their investigation reveals truths about the town, their families, and themselves that neither of them are ready for. As the danger intensifies, they realize that their growing feelings for each other could be a light in the darkness.

 

My Thoughts: I liked the idea of this, I just don't know if I was in love with the journey or the pacing. I also don't know if I really needed this to be dual perspective. I don't think I did.
The horror aspect of this was very interesting. I liked what it was trying, but it needed a little more oomph. I needed more answers to my questions. Everything also gets resolved a little too neatly in the end. The weird goings on in Snakebite definitely had potential.
Snakebite also had potential, but I don't think it every fully got there. There were multiple sections telling how bad Snakebite was, but you didn't really see it. It felt just like any small town. Some of the residents maybe weren't the nicest, but would that make a place really evil? I saw no.
Our duo of Ashley and Logan were subpar when it came to investigating the situation. It mainly just served as an excuse for them to hangout. They didn't really find out anything. They didn't do any kind of research. They didn't follow up on questions they did find. Or if they did follow up, they'd give up very quickly.
This also had weird time jumps that just got to be a little irritating. It was always two weeks passing. Why two weeks? What was annoying about it was that we would get some big happening at the end of a chapter, and instead of the next chapter showing those consequences, it would instead be two weeks later with nothing really to show for it.
Logan, to me, didn't really feel like she had parents. They didn't treat her like their child, more just like their little sister, niece, cousin, or something. Alejo and Brandon didn't really keep track of her. They were always off doing mysterious stuff or just lounging in their motel room. They didn't seem to care what Logan was doing with her time in Snakebite. I don't think she had much structure.
Ashley's switch flipped too fast. Maybe even Logan's too. I felt a whole lot of nothing when it came to their relationship. It wasn't insta-love, but it sure had no real development. Logan getting mad and jealous just didn't really fit for me.
I also was very annoyed with Logan because she didn't push for answers when it came to anything. This book would have been a whole lot more enjoyable if secrets were revealed a whole lot sooner. Then it could have really been an investigation into the goings on in Snakebite with Ashley, Logan, Alejo, and Brandon. There could have been relationships built and more character growth.
I also questioned why Ashley wasn't more freaked out when it came to seeing ghosts. Why does she even have this talent?
I enjoyed the last bit of this book because that's when everything really came together. The final battle was a tad anticlimactic though.
This book was just okay for me. It had the potential, but it didn't quite reach it. It had good story bones.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Love the Cover. Had potential, just didn't quite get there.