BLOG TOUR: You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook! I received a free electronic copy for an honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Hanover Square Press and Emma Cook for letting me be a part of the tour!

Title: You Can't Hurt Me

Author: Emma Cook

Published by: Hanover Square Press

Released: November 5, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Meet Eva, who can’t feel pain, and Anna, who can’t escape it. Everyone has heard about the case of Eva Reid. Ever since she was born, she’s felt no she can get a paper cut, break a limb and even give birth without feeling a single thing. Her life has long captivated the fascination of reporters and researchers—including Dr. Nate Reid, Eva’s husband and acclaimed scientist renowned for his work in the Pain Laboratory. Also among them is Anna Tate, a ruthless journalist with a dark past of her own. When Eva is suddenly found dead inside her home, it raises a flurry of questions around the last night of her life—and who might’ve been involved. Anna finds herself growing increasingly obsessed with Eva’s her protected, painless existence, her promising career as a psychotherapist and especially her toxic relationship to the alluring Dr. Reid, whom Eva met and married as his former patient. But what other secrets could they be hiding? When Dr. Reid embarks on the process of writing a book about Eva, an opportunity arises for Anna to work on it alongside him. As she slowly inserts herself into their home to uncover what’s fact and what’s fiction, shocking discoveries await her—and not everyone may come out unscathed… (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I love a book about secrets, so I was definitely interested in this one after reading the synopsis. There is always something so fun about mystery and obsessive journalists.

This book was full of drama and awful characters.

I was super intrigued while reading this, because I had to see just what was happening.

This story is perfect for thriller readers. I can see a lot of people wanting to know just what is going on in this book.

EMMA COOK is assistant editor The Observer Magazine. She has written for a range of titles including The Guardian, The Independent, The Times and the Daily Telegraph.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for You Can't Hurt Me by Emma Cook. Thank you to Hanover Square Press and Emma Cook for letting me be a part of the tour. This would be the perfect book to curl up with and read by the fire.

BLOG TOUR: The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman

 I'm excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman! I received a free electronic copy from the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to MIRA and Sara Ackerman for letting me be a part of this tour!

Title: The Maui Effect

Author: Sara Ackerman

Published by: MIRA

Released: November 19, 2024

Source: Electronic Review Copy Provided by Publisher

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Synopsis: Taylor Jenkins Reid meets 100 Foot Wave in this dazzling new romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ackerman.

'Iwa Young’s life is high in the Maui rainforest. As a field biologist, she’s happiest in company with trees and birds and waterfalls. When a developer arrives with plans for a so-called "eco resort" in the middle of a forest full of endangered species, 'Iwa puts all her energy into the fight to protect it. But a chance encounter threatens to distract her. His name is Dane Parsons, and he’s a big-wave surfer from California. 'Iwa has a few unbreakable rules, and at the top of her list: never date a surfer.

Dane Parsons is part of an underground group of big-wave riders, and his connection to the ocean runs deep. When he meets 'Iwa, he can’t get her out of his mind. But 'Iwa wants nothing to do with Dane until he offers to help protect her beloved forest and waterfall. Always on the hunt for the ultimate ride, Dane suddenly glimpses something even greater, but just out of reach.

In this thunderous love story, we travel deep into the Maui rainforest and hop across the globe from Hawai'i to California to Portugal, chasing waves the size of nine-story buildings—where the unthinkable is always just one breath away. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I really liked the setting of Hawaii. It was a book that made me feel warm, which I really needed as the weather is getting colder. I also love the cover design.

I enjoyed the characters and following their story. I really enjoyed the surfing culture.

I can see a lot of people really enjoying this one, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a read.

Sara Ackerman is the Hawai'i born, bestselling author of historical & romance novels set in the islands. Her books have been labeled “unforgettable” by Apple Books, “empowering & deliciously visceral” by Book Riot, and New York Times bestselling authors Kate Quinn and Madeline Martin have praised Sara’s novels as “fresh and delightful” and “brilliantly written.” Amazon chose Radar Girls as a best book of the month, and ALA Booklist gave The Codebreaker’s Secret a starred review. Find out more about Sara and her books at www.ackermanbooks.com and follow her on Instagram @saraackermanbooks and on Facebook @ackermanbooks.

Thanks so much for checking out my Blog Tour Stop for The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman! Thank you to MIRA and Sara Ackerman for letting me be a part of the tour. This book is a great reminder of summer vacation while being stuck inside with cold weather!

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

Goodreads         Amazon

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.