BLOG TOUR: The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore! I received a free review copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Monica Chenault-Kilgore for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Jewel of the Blues

Author: Monica Chenault-Kilgore

Published by: Graydon House

Released: November 19, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Set in the sparkling 1920s jazz era, The Jewel of the Blues pulls back the curtain on all the romance, danger and drama in the bustling backstage life of a young performer.

Lucille Arnetta Love has always lived on the run. In her family's traveling band, Lucille was billed as The Little Girl with the Big Voice, belting out gospel hymns and never staying in once place too long--all to keep attention off the real reason the Loves had to flee across America. Unaware of the danger, Lucille dreamed of breaking out of the backwoods and being big enough for Broadway. Nearly eleven years after setting out on the road with her parents, Lucille is finally discovered by Marcus Williams, a young talent manager who whisks her away to chase her dreams.

The big cities aren't kind to Lucille; no matter how big her voice is, there's always another act to be compared to. So Marcus rebrands The Little Girl with the Big Voice and sets Lucille up with a band. Once Miss Lucille's Black Troubadours are formed, no one can hold a candle to them. Together with Big Bobby, Lincoln, and Sweet Mitchell, Miss Lucille and her band become rising stars, moving up the bill and delivering knockout performances at every club and theatre on the circuit.

But as opportunities grow stagnant and the band turns restless, personal demons haunt the Troubadours. Between drinking, gambling, and love affairs, Lucille's family secret is revealed, and it's a shock even to her: a decades-old robbery that ended in a suspicious death--and all signs seem to point to her own father as the culprit. Now the thieves from years' past have caught up with Lucille and are back for revenge...and to collect the money that was never recovered with the body. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this story. I liked following the life of Lucille. It was interesting reading her story, all the ups and downs that life took her on.

I liked reading a story set from this time period. It always looks like a time of fun and party, but you can forget how hard life can be. 

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one, especially if they read a lot of historical fiction.

Monica Chenault-Kilgore was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio and currently lives in Edison, New Jersey. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University School of Journalism. Her published works include Liberty and Justice for All…Profiles of Middlesex County African American Veterans of WWII and the Korean War which is available in the public library. She formerly worked as a Contributing Reporter for The Home News Tribune and The Courier News newspapers.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Jewel of the Blues by Monica Chenault-Kilgore! Thank you to Graydon House and Monica Chenault-Kilgore for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one book you should definitely give a read.

BLOG TOUR: Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Berkley and Bryn Donovan for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Her Knight at the Museum

Author: Bryn Donovan

Published by: Berkley

Released: November 12, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: A centuries-long curse is no match for rom-com shenanigans when a medieval knight is brought to life in modern-day Chicago.

Forgotten by time and abandoned by hope, Sir Griffin de Beauford’s existence stretches out before him. Cursed by a ruthless enchanter to see, hear, and think, but never to move or speak, Griffin suffers the long, lonely centuries trapped in stone…until an unexpected kiss from a fair maiden breathes new life into his soul—and his body.

Emily Porter, a recently divorced conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago, is charged with the restoration of a statue of a medieval English knight. Breaking curses was not part of the job description. And yet, here he is, the man of her dreams come to life, resplendent in shining armor as he joyously barrels into priceless antiquities...and goes on to dismantle her defenses, wreak havoc on her senses, and tempt her to believe once more in happy-ever-afters.

But the modern age tries Griffin’s patience and pride, and Emily is a prime suspect in the investigation of the missing sculpture. In a complicated world, can they find their way to a fairy-tale ending? (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: As soon as I read the synopsis for this, I was in! It was exactly the fun, romantic kind of story I was wanting.

This story was a blast to read. It gives everything the synopsis promises. Sometimes, I just want a book to let me have a good time, and this did that for me.

I can see a lot of readers enjoying this one.

I really enjoyed both of the characters and the hijinks they got into.

Bryn Donovan is the author of several romance novels, including Sunrise Cabin, a Publishers Weekly bestseller. She’s also written nonfiction books and the story treatments for two Hallmark Channel movies. Her work has appeared in McSweeney’s, Writer’s Digest, and many literary journals. A former executive editor in publishing, she earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona. She’s a voracious reader, a rescue dog lover, and a hopeless romantic who lives in the Chicago area and blogs about writing and positivity.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Her Knight at the Museum by Bryn Donovan! Thank you to Berkley and Bryn Donovan for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for something cute, give this one a read.

BLOG TOUR: Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Ace and Sylvia Mercedes for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: Bride of the Shadow King

Author: Sylvia Mercedes

Published by: Ace

Released: November 12, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: For fans of The Bridge Kingdom and A Deal with the Elf King, this arranged marriage romance about a human princess forced to wed a dark and desperate Shadow King is sure to entice!

A shunned princess. A reluctant king.

A marriage that could save both their kingdoms . . . but destroy their hearts.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. Her chronic illness makes her a liability to the crown, and she has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

Though not eager to take a human bride, King Vor is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

When disaster strikes and the marriage alliance is compromised, Faraine suddenly finds herself forced to take her sister’s place . . . regardless of her new husband’s desires. Can she find a place at Vor’s side as his queen? Or is his heart forever closed to the woman who deceived him so cruelly?

Passionate and alluring, Bride of the Shadow King is an arranged marriage tale with dual point-of-view (his and hers). It’s perfect for fantasy fans looking for a touch of spice to go with the sweet in their next swoony, slow-burn romance. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I am always excited to pick up some new Romantasy. I'm also a sucker for the arranged marriage trope. As soon as I read the synopsis, I was ready to give this book a read.

I really enjoyed this one. It definitely had a lot of angst and feelings that the characters kept experiencing. 

It was a really easy book to read and devour.

I definitely want to read the rest of the series. I need to see what happens next.

If you're a Romantasy Reader, you'll definitely want to pick this one up!

Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and the feline duo affectionately known as The Fluffy Brothers. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels.

​

But mostly she’s writing.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Bride of the Shadow King by Sylvia Mercedes! Thank you to Ace and Sylvia Mercedes for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for some more Romantasy to read, you should definitely check this one out.

BLOG TOUR: Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Natalie Cana for letting me read and share this one!

Title: Sleeping With the Frenemy

Author: Natalie Cana

Published by: MIRA

Released: October 29, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: The third book in the riotously funny Vega Family Love Stories finds self-assured firefighter Leo Vega trying to reignite a flame that’s gone cold and finally bring his secret love affair into the open.

Leo Vega’s love life has been on life support since long before the gunshot wound that put him on leave from the fire department. Now, a year after his injury, he’s finally able to return to work, but he’s no closer to fixing things with Sofi, his sister’s best friend and the woman he’s had a secret on-again, off-again relationship with for years. Sofi is still reeling from the revelation that her best friend lied to her years ago, setting her life on a course she’s resented ever since. She’s done with the Vega family, and that includes Leo, who has always prioritized his tight-knit clan over their relationship. She’s moving on with her life, but then circumstances beyond their control push Sofi and Leo into a tense roommate situation. It’s almost impossible to move on with someone new when Leo is there, reminding her what they had, every day.

When his great-granddaughter Rosie tips Papo Vega off about what’s been going on between Leo and Sofi, he’s on the case, with reinforcements. Working behind the scenes alongside Sofi’s mom, he’s determined to help these two stubborn lovebirds end up where they belong—together. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this. I love romance series that follow families. I think you could read this by itself, but it would be more satisfying if you followed the series all the way through. There's just something really nice about already knowing the characters before jumping in to their love story.

This one is a second chance romance kind of thing. I had a good time reading it. I really like the whole cast of characters.

I think romance readers would really enjoy this series.

Natalie Caña loves to incorporate her you’ll-never-believe-what-just-happened-to-me personal experiences, enthusiasm for telenovela tomfoolery, and love for her Latinx culture into creating funny, heartfelt, and just a little bit over-the-top contemporary romances for characters who look and sound like her. A Proposal They Can't Refuse is her debut novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for Sleeping With the Frenemy by Natalie Cana! Thank you to MIRA and Natalie Cana for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're looking for a cute and romantic series to read, you should definitely check this one out.

BLOG TOUR: One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to Canary Street Press and Susan Mallery for letting me be a part of the tour!

 

Title: One Big Happy Family

Author: Susan Mallery

Published by: Canary Street Press

Released: October 1, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads          Amazon

 

Synopsis: Please don’t come home for Christmas…

Julie Parker’s kids are her greatest gift. Still, she’s not exactly heartbroken when they ask to skip a big Christmas. Her son, Nick, is taking a belated honeymoon with his bride, Blair, while her daughter, Dana, will purge every reminder of the guy who dumped her. Again. Julie feels practically giddy for one-on-one holiday time with Heath, the (much) younger man she’s secretly dating.

But her plans go from cozy to chaotic when Nick and Dana plead for Christmas at the family cabin in memory of their late father, Julie’s ex. She can’t refuse, even though she dreads their reactions to her new man when they realize she’s been hiding him for months.

As the guest list grows in surprising ways, from Blair’s estranged mom to Heath’s precocious children, Julie’s secret is one of many to be unwrapped. Over this delightfully complicated and very funny Christmas, she’ll discover that more really is merrier, and that a big, happy family can become bigger and happier, if they let go of old hurts and open their hearts to love. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

 

My Thoughts: I am not in the Christmas Spirit just yet, I am firmly in the land of Halloween, but I did enjoy this chaotic family Christmas story.

This was a fun Christmas drama. There is so much going on with this family, with relationships and secrets. I had fun staying at this family cabin as all the family came piling in. I was never bored and was interested to see where everything was going to go. Family is everything.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. This would be the perfect add to the reading pile if you can't wait for Christmas. 

 

#1 NYT bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming, humorous novels about the relationships that define our lives―family, friendship, romance. She's known for putting nuanced characters in emotional situations that surprise readers to laughter. Beloved by millions, her books have been translated into 28 languages. Susan lives in Washington with her husband, two cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Visit her at SusanMallery.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery! Thank you to Canary Street Press and Susan Mallery for letting me be a part of the tour. If you're ready for Christmas, you should add this one to your TBR!

BLOG TOUR: In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to MIRA and Crystal King for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: In the Garden of Monsters

Author: Crystal King

Published by: MIRA

Released: September 24, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: A woman with no past. A man who seems to know her. And a monstrous garden that could be the border between their worlds…Italy, 1948 Julia Lombardi is a mystery even to herself. The beautiful model can’t remember where she’s from, where she’s been or how she came to live in Rome. When she receives an offer to accompany celebrated eccentric artist Salvador Dalí to the Sacro Bosco—Italy’s Garden of Monsters—as his muse, she’s strangely compelled to accept. It could be a chance to unlock the truth about her past… Shrouded in shadow, the garden full of giant statues that sometimes seem alive is far from welcoming. Still, from the moment of their arrival at the palazzo, Julia is inexplicably drawn to their darkly enigmatic host, Ignazio. He’s alluring yet terrifying—and he seems to know her. Posing for Dalí as the goddess Persephone, Julia finds the work to be perplexing, particularly as Dalí descends deeper into his fanaticism. To him, she is Persephone, and he insists she must eat pomegranate seeds to rejoin her king. Between Dalí’s fevered persistence, Ignazio’s uncanny familiarity and the agonizing whispered warnings that echo through the garden, Julia is soon on the verge of unraveling. And she begins to wonder if she’s truly the mythical queen of the Underworld… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: The cover really got me for this one. It just really caught my eye, so I was excited to see what this story was going to deliver.

This story was definitely an adventure and a journey to read. When I read the synopsis, I could tell that I was going to be in for a weird time, and I think that is accurate. Reading this story is a surreal experience.

The author had some really vivid and detailed descriptions of food and place that really added to the overall vibe.

I don't know if this book is for everybody, but I know a lot of readers' will really enjoy this one.

Crystal King is the author of In The Garden of Monsters, The Chef’s Secret and Feast of Sorrow, which was long-listed for the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize and was a Must Read for the MassBook Awards. She is an author, culinary enthusiast, and marketing expert, and has taught at multiple universities including Harvard Extension and Boston University. She resides in Boston. You can find her at crystalking.com.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for In the Garden of Monsters by Crystal King! Thank you to MIRA and Crystal King for letting me be a part of the tour. If this one sounds good to you, you should definitely give it a read.

BLOG TOUR: The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thank you to Graydon House and Margot Harrison for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: The Midnight Club

Author: Margot Harrison

Published by: Graydon House

Released: September 24, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Goodreads         Amazon

Synopsis: Four friends. A campus reunion. A dark new way to relive the past.

“How could you leave the past undisturbed when it was hiding parts of you from yourself?”

It’s been twenty-five years since The Midnight Club last convened. A tight-knit group of college friends bonded by late nights at the campus literary magazine, they’re also bonded by something darker: the death of their brilliant friend Jennet junior year. But now, decades later, a mysterious invitation has pulled them back to the pine-shrouded Vermont town where it all began.

As the estranged friends gather for a weeklong campus reunion, they soon learn that their host has an ulterior motive: she wants them to uncover the truth about the night Jennet died, and she’s provided them with an extraordinary method—a secret substance that helps them not only remember but relive the past.

But each one of the friends has something to hide. And the more they question each other, the deeper they dive into their own memories, the more they understand that nothing they thought they knew about their college years, and that fateful night, is true.

Twisty, nostalgic, and emotionally thrilling, The Midnight Club explores that innate desire to revisit our first loves, our biggest mistakes, and the gulf between who we are and who we hoped we’d be. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I love books with past tragedies that bring them all back together. The cover and synopsis really drew me in for this one. I also love trying to solve a mystery, not that I'm ever very good at it.

This story goes back and forth in time. We see the characters where they are now, and back when they were in college. They all come back together to deal with something from their past.

I really wanted to know what happened, so I was invested in the story.

I can see a lot of people enjoying this one. I think it's worth a read.

MARGOT HARRISON is the author of four young adult novels, including an Indies Introduce Pick, Junior Library Guild Selections, and Vermont Book Award Finalists. She grew up in New York and now lives in Vermont. The Midnight Club is her debut adult novel.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Midnight Club by Margot Harrison. Thank you to Graydon House and Margot Harrison for letting me be a part of the tour. This is one you should definitely add to your TBR pile.