BLOG TOUR: Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Uzma Jalaluddin for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Much Ado About Nada

Author: Uzma Jalaluddin

Published by: Berkley

Released: June 13, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: A sparkling second-chance romance inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion...

Nada Syed is stuck. On the cusp of thirty, she's still living at home with her brothers and parents in the Golden Crescent neighbourhood of Toronto, resolutely ignoring her mother's unsubtle pleas to get married already. While Nada has a good job as an engineer, it's a far cry from realizing her start-up dreams for her tech baby, Ask Apa, the app that launched with a whimper instead of a bang because of a double-crossing business partner. Nothing in her life has turned out the way it was supposed to, and Nada feels like a failure. Something needs to change, but the past is holding on too tightly to let her move forward.

Nada's best friend Haleema is determined to pry her from her shell...and what better place than at the giant annual Muslim conference held downtown, where Nada can finally meet Haleema's fiancé, Zayn. And did Haleema mention Zayn's brother Baz will be there?

What Haleema doesn't know is that Nada and Baz have a past--some of it good, some of it bad and all of it secret. At the conference, that past all comes hurtling at Nada, bringing new complications and a moment of reckoning. Can Nada truly say goodbye to once was or should she hold tight to her dreams and find their new beginnings? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was fun! It's a Persuasion retelling, and a second chance romance. That was all I really needed to know to read this one. I also like how it's set in Canada.

I could relate with some of Nada's feelings, of not being where you thought you'd be in life. So I enjoyed having that perspective.

I liked all the Nada and Baz stuff. It was good stuff.

I could definitely see a lot of people enjoying this one. I'd recommend it.

 Uzma Jalaluddin is the bestselling author of Ayesha at Last and Hana Khan Carries On, both of which have been optioned for film, the latter by Mindy Kaling. A high school English teacher, Jalaluddin is also a contributor to the Toronto Star and The Atlantic. She lives near Toronto with her family.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Much Ado About Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin. Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Uzma Jalaluddin for letting me be a part of the tour. This one should definitely be added to your list.

BLOG TOUR: Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Little Brown Books and Ali Hazelwood for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Love, Theoretically

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Published by: Little Brown Books

Released: June 13, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: Another great STEM Romance by Ali Hazelwood! She definitely has a formula for these books, but it works every time. I really enjoyed reading this one. Elsie and Jack were fun to follow. I liked seeing their story and how they came together. It was a lot of fun.

I didn't always understand the science, but the romance was what I came for.

If you're already an Ali Hazelwood fan, then you should definitely pick this up to continue your collection. If you've never read Ali Hazelwood, you should definitely give her a try.

Ali Hazelwood is a multi-published author—alas, of peer-reviewed articles about brain science, in which no one makes out and the ever after is not always happy. Originally from Italy, she lived in Germany and Japan before moving to the U.S. to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience. She recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies her. When Ali is not at work, she can be found running, crocheting, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her two feline overlords (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood! Thank you to Little Brown Books and Ali Hazelwood for letting me be a part of the tour. This is an easy add to your TBR Stack.

BLOG TOUR: The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick

I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Park Row and Phaedra Patrick for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

 

 

Title: The Little Italian Hotel

Author: Phaedra Patrick

Published by: Park Row

Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: When a relationship expert’s own marriage falls apart, she invites four strangers to Italy for a vacation of healing and second chances in this uplifting new novel from the author of  The Messy Lives of Book People .

Ginny Splinter, acclaimed radio host and advice expert, prides herself on knowing what’s best for others. So she’s sure her husband, Adrian, will love the special trip to Italy she’s planned for their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. But when Ginny presents the gift to Adrian, he surprises her with his own very different plan—a divorce.

Beside herself with heartache, Ginny impulsively invites four heartbroken listeners to join her in Italy instead while live on air. From hiking the hills of Bologna to riding a gondola in Venice to sharing stories around the dining table of the little Italian hotel, Ginny and her newfound company embark on a vacation of healing.

However, when Adrian starts to rethink their relationship, Ginny must decide whether to commit to her marriage or start afresh, alone. And an unexpected stranger may hold the key to a very different future… Sunny, tender and brimming with charm, The Little Italian Hotel explores marriage, identity and reclaiming the present moment—even if it means leaving the past behind. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This was the perfect little vacation of a book! I really enjoyed immersing myself in the story. It's definitely a women's fiction, feel good kind of book, and that was just what I needed.

Ginny is going through some stuff in her life. I was glad that she used the trip to Italy to be a kind of healing journey for her. I liked seeing her navigate difficult decisions, and try to figure out what she wanted her life to be.

This was an enjoyable read. I can see a lot of people liking this one.

 

 Phaedra Patrick is the bestselling author of several novels, including The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, which has been translated into twenty-five languages worldwide. Her second novel, Rise and Shine Benedict Stone, was made into a Hallmark movie. An award-winning short story writer, she previously studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organizer and communications manager. Phaedra lives in Saddleworth, UK, with her family.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick! Thank you to Park Row and Phaedra Patrick for letting me be a part of the tour. This book is perfect vacation reading.

BLOG TOUR: Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Eliza Jane Brazier for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Girls and Their Horses 

Author: Eliza Jane Brazier

Published by: Berkley

Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Set in the glamorous, competitive world of showjumping, a novel about the girls who ride, their cutthroat mothers, and a suspicious death at a horse show…from the author of Good Rich People.

When the nouveau riche Parker family moves to an exclusive community in the heart of Southern California, they believe it’s their chance at a fresh start. Heather Parker is determined to give her daughters the life she never had—starting with horses.

She signs them up for riding lessons at Rancho Santa Fe Equestrian, where horses are a lifestyle. Heather becomes a “Barn Mom,” part of a group of wealthy women who hang at the stables, drink wine, and prepare their daughters for competition.

It’s not long before the Parker family is fully enmeshed in the horse world—from mean girl cliques to barn romance and dark secrets. With the end of summer horse show fast approaching, the pressure is on, and these mothers will stop at nothing to give their daughters everything they deserve.

Before the summer is over, lies will turn lethal, accidents will happen, and someone will end up dead. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I really like the cover of this. It's almost got a futuristic look to it, with the pose and the colors. It's not a futuristic book, but the cover definitely caught my attention.

Welcome to the horse world! This is not a world I'm very familiar with. I like horses, but I was never part of the horse girl lifestyle. It was fun and interesting to get lost in this world. It's not nice horse world though, this is a thrilling ride with death, competition, and cutthroat people. I was glued to the page.

This is a perfect book for summertime reading. I think a lot of people will really enjoy this one.

 Eliza Jane Brazier is an author, screenwriter, and journalist. Eliza entered the horse world at the age of 5 and has worked as a rider, horse trainer and riding instructor. She currently lives in California with her horse and dogs, where she is developing her books for television.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier. Thank you to Berkley and Eliza Jane Brazier for letting me be a part of the tour. You should definitely add this one to your list!

BLOG TOUR: Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan, the graphic novel version!! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Christine Feehan for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Dark Hunger

Author: Christine Feehan

Adapted by: Dana Kurtin

Published by: Berkley

Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: The New York Times bestselling author's Carpathian classic goes Manga!

Christine Feehan has reinvented the vampire novel with her New York Times bestselling Carpathian series. Now she and Berkley take her "out-of-the- ordinary" (Booklist) in a thrilling new direction--and this time it's more graphic than ever.

Riordan is an immortal Carpathian male, trapped and caged, his honor compromised by his captors. They're in his mind. They're in his blood. And not one can withstand his desire for revenge.

Juliette is an activist devoted to liberating animals from a secret jungle lab. What she stumbles upon is a prisoner like no other. She will release him from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I'm a big fan of graphic novels and manga. I always think it's fun when they adapt a novel into one. 

I enjoyed this manga version. I thought the art was decent and the story was good. I need to really dive in to the world of Feehan's Carpathian novels. This manga made me want to check them out even more.

I liked this. It was fun and quick. I think fans of the series will really enjoy experiencing the story they know in a slightly different format.

 Christine Feehan is the New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including the Carpathian series, the GhostWalker series, the Leopard series, and the Sea Haven series. She lives in northern California.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Dark Hunger by Christine Feehan. Thank you to Berkley and Christine Feehan for letting me be a part of the tour. I definitely think you should give this one a read.

SPOTLIGHT: Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey

 I'm really excited to share a Spotlight for Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey! I received a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Avon and Tessa Bailey for letting me be a part of this! I'll also be doing a post on my instagram (@gotbookcitement) so look for that. 

The thing that hooked me about this story was learning it had a marriage of convenience. I love that trope, so I knew I had to read this one.

Title: Unfortunately Yours (A Vine Mess #2)

Author: Tessa Bailey

Published by: Avon

Released: June 6, 2023

Source: Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis:  A down-on-her-luck Napa heiress suggests a mutually beneficial marriage of convenience to a man she can't stand... only to discover there's a fine line between love and hate.

After losing her job and her fiancé in one fell swoop, Natalie Vos returned home to lick her wounds. A few months later, she's sufficiently drowned her sorrows in cabernet and she's ready to get back on her feet. She just needs her trust fund to finance her new business venture. Unfortunately, the terms require she marry before she can have the money. And well, dumped, remember? But Natalie is desperate enough to propose to a man who makes her want to kill him--and kiss him, in equal measure.

August Cates may own a vineyard, but he doesn't know jack about making wine. He's determined to do his late best friend proud, no matter what it takes. Except his tasting room is empty, his wine is disgusting (seriously, he once saw someone gag), and his buddy's legacy is circling the drain. No bank will give him the loan he needs to turn the business around... and then the gorgeous, feisty heiress knocks on his door. Natalie has haunted his dreams since the moment they met, but their sizzling chemistry immediately morphed into simmering insults.

Now, a quickie marriage could help them both. A sham wedding, a few weeks living under the same roof, and then they can go their separate ways--assuming they make it out alive. How hard could it be? There's just one thing they didn't account for: their unfortunate, unbearable, undeniable attraction. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

#1 New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

BLOG TOUR: Even If the Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Even If the Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy! I received a free electronic copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Canary Street Press, Taj McCoy, and all the authors in this collection for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Even If the Sky is Falling

Edited by: Taj McCoy

Published by: Canary Street Press

Released: May 30, 2023

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: It’s the end of the world as they know it—or so they think…

When an international warning siren accidentally goes off, convincing everyone that a meteor shower may just be the end of life as they know it, six couples—friends, exes, crushes and rivals—must take shelter. Inhibitions are abandoned, confessions are made and love blossoms, but what happens when the world doesn’t end?

Filled with humor, heat and hope, this riveting collection of interconnected multicultural stories by acclaimed authors Lane Clarke, Farah Heron, Taj McCoy, Charish Reid, Sarah Smith and Denise Williams beautifully explores the secrets we carry with us—and the joy we discover when we let go and reach for the stars.
Two NASA specialist exes forced to reunite under pressure.
Competing food stall owners face no escape—from each other or their shared past.
Two law students learn just how strongly opposites attract between the library stacks.
A pair of literature lovers confront long-held feelings under the covers of a bookstore bunker.
A songwriter discovers her newly hired contractor hits all the right notes.
Trapped on campus, former college rivals entertain their reignited spark.   (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: This anthology was a lot of fun! I loved the mash-up of possible end of the world and love stories. I just found the concept for the whole anthology to be very entertaining.

Anthologies are always funny, because I know I'm not going to like every story contained within it. There are always stories that are great, and some that are just okay. I enjoyed all the stories in this collection. I thought they were all steamy and fun.

This is a short story collection that I can see a lot of people liking. It's an easy recommendation.

Oakland-born law grad Taj McCoy is committed to championing stories that include Black and multiracial women of color, plus-size protagonists, Black love, Black joy, and strong senses of sisterhood and familial bonds. Taj started writing as a small child, enjoying her first publications in elementary school. When she's not writing, Taj may be on Twitter boosting other marginalized writers, practicing yoga, sharing recipes, or cooking private supper club meals for close friends.

Farah Heron writes romantic comedies for adults and teens full of huge South Asian families, delectable food and, most importantly, brown people falling stupidly in love. Her books have been named as best books of the year by CBC Books, USA TODAY and NPR. She lives in Toronto with her family.


Lane Clarke has been in love with books since the age of two. Her stories feature Black culture and bighearted characters with self-doubts and big dreams, who―with a little laughter and good friends―can accomplish anything. She currently lives in Northern Virginia and works as an attorney in Washington, DC.

Charish Reid is a fan of sexy books and disaster films. When she's not grading papers or prepping lessons for college freshmen, she enjoys writing romances that celebrate quirky Black women who deserve HEAs. Charish currently lives in Sweden.


Sarah Smith is a copywriter-turned-author who wants to make the world a lovelier place, one kissing story at a time. Her love of romance began when she was eight and she discovered her auntie's stash of romance novels. She lives in Bend, Oregon.

 

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Even If the Sky is Falling edited by Taj McCoy! Thank you to Canary Street Press and Taj McCoy for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one to definitely add to your TBR pile.