BLOG TOUR: Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Andie J. Christopher for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Unrealistic Expectations

Author: Andie J. Christopher

Published by: Berkley

Released: September 26, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: When a relationship therapist gets dumped right before her new dating handbook hits shelves, she fake dates to save face in this spicy romantic comedy.

There are a lot of things that can go wrong on an author's publication day, but breaking up with her long-term boyfriend might just be at the top of Jessica Gallagher’s list. She also didn’t expect to run into her old crush, Galvin Baker, the very next day. When Jessica goes into crisis mode about the PR nightmare, she proposes the first solution that comes to fake dating. Luckily, Galvin seems game.

Galvin Baker is used to being a constant disappointment, which is why he can’t—and won’t—commit to a relationship. Unfortunately for him, his last girlfriend used her vast social media power to make sure everyone knows how much Galvin "underperforms.” Fake dating for Jessica’s book promotion seems like the perfect cover—and maybe she can teach him something along the way.

Hookups “for science” and some seriously sweet gestures later, Jessica and Galvin’s fake dates are feeling more authentic than any of their previous relationships did. Have they replaced unrealistic expectations with unexpected realness? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it! I love the fake dating trope, so when I saw that was an element of the story, I was excited! Fake dating is just fun.

I liked both Galvin and Jessica. I really liked their romance and watching them come together. I also enjoyed how they had to deal with their past romantic issues.

This was the perfect reading escape. I can see a lot of people enjoying this fake dating romance.

 USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher writes sharp, witty, sexy contemporary romance about complex people finding happily-ever- after. Her work has been featured in NPR, Cosmopolitan, The Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, and New York Post. Prickly heroines are her hallmark, and she is the originator of the Stern Brunch Daddy. Andie lives in the nation’s capital with a French bulldog, a stockpile of Campari, and way too many books.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Post for Unrealistic Expectations by Andie J. Christopher. Thank you to Berkley and Andie J. Christopher for letting me be a part of the tour! This is one to definitely add to your TBR pile.

BLOG TOUR: The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher. Thanks so much to Algonquin Books and Ross Gay for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Book of (More) Delights

Author: Ross Gay

Published by: Algonquin Books

Released: September 19, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: The New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Delights and Inciting Joy is back with a new chronicle of small, daily wonders—and it is exactly the book we need in these unsettling times.

Ross Gay’s essays have been called “exquisite” (Tracy K. Smith), “imperative” (the New York Times Book Review ), and “brilliant” (Ada Limón). Now, in this new collection of genre-defying pieces, again written over the course of a year, one of America’s most original voices continues his ongoing investigation of delight.

For Gay, what delights us is what connects us, what gives us meaning, from the joy of hearing a nostalgic song blasting from a passing car to the pleasure of refusing the “ubiquitous, nefarious” scannable QR code menus, from the tiny dog he fell hard for to his mother baking a dozen kinds of cookies for her grandchildren.

As always, Gay revels in the natural world—sweet potatoes being harvested, a hummingbird carousing in the beebalm, a sunflower growing out of a wall around the cemetery, the shared bounty from a neighbor’s fig tree—and the trillion mysterious ways this glorious earth delights us.

For his many fans eagerly awaiting this new volume and for readers who have enjoyed the works of Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Zadie Smith, and Rebecca Solnit, Gay once again offers us “literature that feels as fluent and familiar as a chat with a close friend” (the New York Review of Books ). The Book of (More) Delights is a collection to savor and share. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This isn't the kind of book I usually gravitate towards, but I really enjoyed it. I'm more of a fiction girl, but this one did catch my eye. It was just an interesting and thought provoking little read. It was just a sweet little collection that made you feel good. It examines life in little snippets and shows what makes it delightful.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. It's nice.

 Ross Gay is the New York Times bestselling author of the essay collections The Book of Delights and Inciting Joy and four books of poetry. His Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude won the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, was a finalist for the National Book Award, and in 2022 was named an NEA Big Read title; and Be Holding won the 2021 PEN America Jean Stein Book Award. Gay is a founding board member of the Bloomington Community Orchard, a non-profit, free-fruit-for-all food justice and joy project and has received fellowships from Cave Canem, the Bread Loaf Writer’s Conference, and the Guggenheim Foundation. He teaches at Indiana University.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Book of (More) Delights by Ross Gay! Thank you to Algonquin Books and Ross Gay for letting me be a part of this! If this one sounds interesting to you, then you should definitely pick it up.

BLOG TOUR: The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Canary Street Press and Sarah Morgan for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: The Book Club Hotel

Author: Sarah Morgan

Published by: Canary Street Press

Released: September 19, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: This Christmas, USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan returns with another heartfelt exploration of change, the power of books to heal, and the enduring strength of female friendship. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Jennifer Weiner.

With its historic charm and picture-perfect library, the Maple Sugar Inn is considered the winter destination. As the holidays approach, the inn is fully booked with guests looking for their dream vacation. But widowed far too young, and exhausted from juggling the hotel with being a dedicated single mom, Hattie Coleman dreams only of making it through the festive season.

But when Erica, Claudia and Anna—lifelong friends who seem to have it all—check in for a girlfriends’ book club holiday, it changes everything. Their close friendship and shared love of books have carried them through life's ups and downs. But Hattie can see they're also packing some major emotional baggage, and nothing prepares her for how deeply her own story is about to become entwined in theirs. In the span of a week over the most enchanting time of the year, can these four women come together to improve each other’s lives and make this the start of a whole new chapter? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was a sweet little read! It had just the charm that I was looking for.

I loved the importance books played in the story, with three of the characters being involved in a book club. I also really liked the setting of a cozy hotel.

I found the story to be interesting and entertaining.

It's the perfect read for the holiday season.

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

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Book Club Hotel by Sarah Morgan! Thank you to Canary Street Press and Sarah Morgan for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're already in the seasonal spirit, then this is one you should definitely add to your TBR pile.

BLOG TOUR: All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Kerri Maher for letting me be a part of the tour.

 

 

Title: All You Have to Do Is Call

Author: Kerri Maher

Published by: Berkley

Released: September 19, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: A dramatic and inspiring novel based on the true story of the Jane Collective and the brave women who fought for the right to choose, from the national bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller.

Chicago, early 1970s Who does a girl call when she needs help? Jane.

The best-known secret in the city, Jane is a women's health organization composed entirely of women helping women, freeing them from the expectations of society and family. Veronica, Jane's founder, prides herself on the services she has provided to thousands of women, yet the price of others' freedom is that she leads a double life--when she's not at Jane, Veronica plays the role of a conventional housewife--which becomes even more difficult during her own high-risk pregnancy.

Two more women in Veronica's neighborhood are grappling with similar disconnects. Margaret, a young professor at the University of Chicago, secretly volunteers at Jane as she falls in love with a man whose attitude toward his ex-wife increasingly disturbs her. Patty, who's long been content as a devoted wife and mother, has begun to sense that something essential is missing from her life. When her runaway younger sister Eliza shows up unexpectedly, Patty is forced to come to terms with what it really means to love and support a sister.

In this historic moment when the personal was nothing if not political, when television, movies, and commercials told women they'd "come a long way, baby," Veronica, Margaret, and Patty must make choices that will change the course of their lives forever. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was an interesting story all about women helping women. It moved at a nice pace and I enjoyed seeing how everything played out. The characters were very interesting to follow too.

This is a very girl power book through the lens of history. I can see a lot of people enjoying it.

 

 

 

 Kerri Maher is the USA Today bestselling author of The Paris Bookseller, The Girl in White Gloves, The Kennedy Debutante, and, under the name Kerri Majors, This Is Not a Writing Manual: Notes for the Young Writer in the Real World. She holds an MFA from Columbia University and lives with her daughter and dog in a leafy suburb west of Boston, Massachusetts. 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher! Thank you to Berkley and Kerri Maher for letting me be a part of this tour. If this one sounds good to you, you should definitely check it out.

 

 

BLOG TOUR: This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin

I'm very excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley Romance and Tori Anne Martin for letting me be a part of the tour!

 

 

Title: This Spells Disaster

Author: Tori Anne Martin

Published by: Berkley Romance

Released: September 12, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: Fake dating gets a magical twist in this enchanting queer romantic comedy where a witch worries that the real feelings brewing between her and her crush were sparked by an accidental love potion, and the only way out of the disastrous spell is a healthy dose of the truth--drink up, witches.

Potion maker and self-proclaimed "messy witch" Morgan Greenwood is sure she was hexed at birth. Not only did she drunkenly offer to fake date the woman of her dreams during the biennial New England Witches' festival, but Rory Sandler, spellcasting champion and brilliant elemental witch--for reasons known only to the Goddess--accepted. It's like every good luck spell Morgan ever cast came through at once, and it doesn't take a crystal ball to predict this charade will end with a broken heart.

Or is the magic between them real? As Morgan and Rory prepare to fool everyone at the festival, their relationship starts to feel a whole lot less fake--right until Morgan realizes she might have screwed up the common relaxation potion she made for Rory and given her a love potion instead, breaking one of the most sacred Witch Council Laws.

To fulfill her promise to Rory, Morgan must somehow keep playing pretend while under the watchful eyes of Rory's family and legion of fans. But to break the love potion, she'll also have to prove how incompatible she and Rory really are. For a screwup like her, ruining their relationship should be easy--except every day, Morgan is becoming more bewitched by Rory herself. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was cute. A fun little witchy romance. I'm a sucker for these kinds of books and worlds where magic abounds. I'm also a fan of the fake dating trope, so this got me there as well.

I had a good time with this one. I could see it being a perfect, cozy Halloween read. It was fun following Morgan and Rory.

I think a lot of people would enjoy this one.

 

 Tori Anne Martin lives in New England, where she collects pen names, tattoos, and hoodies in shades of gray and black. Previously, she collected degrees, including a doctorate in psychology, where she studied interpersonal power, consent, and sexual assault. She much prefers writing romance. If you can't find her online, it's because she's lost in the woods.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin. Thank you to Berkley Romance and Tori Anne Martin for letting me be a part of the tour. This is the perfect read to add to your cozy Halloween TBR!

Reading Right Now! (346)

Well, I haven't done one of these in forever. I have no one to blame, but myself. I get home from work and I don't want to turn on my computer to make a blog post, I'd rather just lay in my bed and scroll on my phone.

Life has been life. Work has been work. This year has been flying by.

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

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano - This is the second book in the Finlay Donovan series. Accidental hit-woman for hire.

In this book, Finlay is trying to uncover the mystery of who wants someone close to her dead. Finlay and Vero get into various situations on the path to uncovering the truth.

I had a lot of fun with the first book in this series, and I'm having fun with this sequel too. Vero and Fin cause me much anxiety with the situations they get themselves into. I'm over halfway through, and I'm definitely curious to see how everything is going to play out.

This is also a book that I got for review from Netgalley, and then proceeded to never read it. The story of my life. I will never get an acceptable Netgalley feedback ration *cry face* I know you're supposed to think positive thoughts, but I just don't see it happening unless I do nothing but read review books for years and years. I also checked out a physical copy from my library, which is the format I'm reading it in.

What are you Reading Right Now? Let me know. I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

BLOG TOUR: What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Hanover Square Press and Michiko Aoyama for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: What You Are Looking For Is in the Library

Author: Michiko Aoyama

Translated by: Alison Watts

Published by: Hanover Square Press

Released: September 5, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: For fans of The Midnight Library and Before the Coffee Gets Cold, this charming Japanese novel shows how the perfect book recommendation can change a reader's life.

What are you looking for?

This is the famous question routinely asked by Tokyo’s most enigmatic librarian, Sayuri Komachi. Like most librarians, Komachi has read every book lining her shelves—but she also has the unique ability to read the souls of her library guests. For anyone who walks through her door, Komachi can sense exactly what they’re looking for in life and provide just the book recommendation they never knew they needed to help them find it.

Each visitor comes to her library from a different juncture in their careers and dreams, from the restless sales attendant who feels stuck at her job to the struggling working mother who longs to be a magazine editor. The conversation that they have with Sayuri Komachi—and the surprise book she lends each of them—will have life-altering consequences.

With heartwarming charm and wisdom, What You Are Looking For Is in the Library is a paean to the magic of libraries, friendship and community, perfect for anyone who has ever found themselves at an impasse in their life and in need of a little inspiration. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was very cute and sweet! I love books about books, and books involving libraries. I think any book lover would really appreciate this one.

I love how this book has a magical librarian. She can just look at a person and know exactly what book they need in their life.

I enjoyed seeing the patrons come through the door and seeing how Sayuri Komachi could help them.

I enjoyed this one. I could see a lot of other people liking it too!

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama! Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Michiko Aoyama for letting me be a part of the tour. This is definitely one you should add to your TBR stack.

BLOG TOUR: Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon

 I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Park Row and Jamie Varon for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: Main Character Energy

Author: Jamie Varon

Published by: Park Row

Released: September 5, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

 Goodreads         Amazon

 

Synopsis: Poppy Banks would rather be writing mysteries than writing listicles for her dead-end job at Thought Buzz. But after a series of rejections, she’s ready to accept life on the sidelines as a plus-size woman. Her aunt Margot is the one person unwilling to give up on her niece’s dreams and tells her so at their secret yearly lunches.

But all of Poppy’s beliefs about herself are challenged when her beloved aunt dies and leaves her niece a grand surprise—a trip to her villa in the French Riviera. There, she learns her aunt intends to leave her stunning villa and secretive writer's residency to Poppy—if she can finish her novel in six months.

When the writing countdown begins, Poppy realizes she has more to confront than her writer’s block. Family drama, complicated romances and self-doubt all threaten to throw her off course. In this fun and heartwarming debut, Poppy must decide if she can live up to her aunt’s—and her own—desire to be the main character in her own life. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: Isn't is everyone's dream to be the main character in their life? I feel like Poppy has some challenges in her life that I can relate too.

I was sucked in by the synopsis for this story. It just sounded like a lot of fun, and something that I definitely wanted to read.

This book was a lot of fun! Having France as the backdrop of Poppy's new playground was great! I don't know how true it is to France, I've never been there, but I did enjoy reading about it.

I also really enjoyed all the drama that Poppy encounters while trying succeed in writing her novel and inheriting the villa. I kept flipping pages because I wanted to see what was going to happen next.

I could see a lot of people enjoying this one. It's an easy breezy read with a great locale.

 Jamie Varon is an author, branding expert, course creator, and graphic designer living in Calabasas, California. Her nonfiction book Radically Content was published in 2022 with Quarto and is currently being adapted into a feature film with Camilu Productions LTD. Main Character Energy is her debut novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon! Thank you to Park Row and Jamie Varon for letting me be a part of the tour. This is a fun one that you should add to your TBR!

BLOG TOUR: All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris! I received a free copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Gallery/Saga Press and Charlaine Harris for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: All the Dead Shall Weep (Gunnie Rose #5)

Author: Charlaine Harris

Published by: Gallery / Saga Press

Released: September 5, 2023

Source: Physical Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: Sisters Lizbeth Rose and Felicia as well as brother Eli and Peter, are reunited in Texoma only to break apart before the Wizard’s Ball held in San Diego, which will determine all their fates.

Following the murderous events of the Serpent of Heaven, Lizbeth Rose is awaiting the arrival of her sister Felicia and her husband’s younger brother Eli in Texoma. Both needed to leave the seat of the Holy Russian Empire in San Diego after Felicia’s burgeoning wizardly power in death magic became the reason for kidnapping and assassination attempts from her mother’s family of high-powered wizards in Mexico.

Yet bad news has traveled ahead of them, as Eli is called back to San Diego, taking Peter along with him, splitting them apart in more ways than one as their enemies’ plans for revenge come to fruition. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I've been a fan of Charlaine Harris, so I was very excited to read this newest book. This series is a whole lot of fun! I really enjoy the world that Charlaine Harris has created in this series. It's an alternate history Western with magic that is a good time to read.

This fifth book doesn't disappoint, and it's a solid addition to the series. I was very invested in what was happening with our crew of characters. The book just seemed to fly by.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this series.

 Charlaine Harris is a New York Times bestselling author who has been writing for over thirty years. She was born and raised in the Mississippi River Delta area. She has written four series, and two stand-alone novels, in addition to numerous short stories, novellas, and graphic novels (cowritten with Christopher Golden). Her Sookie Stackhouse books have appeared in twenty-five different languages and on many bestseller lists. They’re also the basis of the HBO series True Blood. Harris now lives in Texas, and when she is not writing her own books, she reads omnivorously. Her house is full of rescue dogs.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for All the Dead Shall Weep by Charlaine Harris. Thank you to Gallery/Saga Press and Charlaine Harris for letting me be a part of the tour. This is an easy add to the TBR pile.