Review | Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace

“life is not something that can be experienced on a deadline.”

amanda lovelace, the bestselling & award-winning author of the “women are some kind of magic” poetry series, presents unlock your storybook heart, the third & final installment in her feminist poetry series, “you are your own fairy tale.” this is a collection about being so caught up in the fable that is perfectionism that you miss out on your own life. be honest: when was the last time you stopped to take in the everyday enchantment all around you?

Rating: 5 out of 5.

I’ve enjoyed most of Amanda Lovelace’s other book and this one was no exception, but with this one especially I found myself identifying with a lot of the messages. This collection was perhaps a calmer or quieter theme than some of the others, but no less impactful. There are strong themes of learning to love yourself, grief of or loss of a parent and not letting what other people think affect you. Overall this is definitely up there among her collections for me and might be fighting for my favorite.

Happy reading!

Blitz | Perky by Julia Kent

Perky
Julia Kent
(Do-Over, #2)
Publication date: July 30th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT

One hundred years ago when I was young and impulsive (okay, it was five, alright? Five years ago…) I let my boyfriend take, let’s just say…compromising pictures of me.

(Shut up. It made sense at the time).

Surprise! The sleazy back-stabbing jerk posted them on a website and, well, you can guess what happened. That’s right.

I’m a meme. A really gross one.

You’re seen the pictures. And if you haven’t – don’t ask. And don’t look!

As face recognition software online improves, I get tagged on social media whenever anyone shares my pictures. You try getting a thousand notifications a day, all of them pictures of your tatas.

So. I’m done.

It’s time for revenge. Let him see how it feels! But how do you get embarrassingly intimate pictures of your jerkface ex who double-crossed you five years ago?

Especially when he’s a member of the U.S.House of Representatives now?

Getting sweet between the sheets with a congressman is pretty much every political roadie’s dream, right? I’m one in a crowd.

Except to this day, he swears he didn’t do it. Pursued me for months after I dumped him five years ago. Begged me to take him back.

And I almost did it. Almost. I was weak and stupid and in love a hundred years ago.

Okay. Fine. Five.

But I still have the upper hand. Second chance romance has all the emotional feels, doesn’t it?

I can’t wait to punch him in the feels.

All I need to do is sleep with him once, take some hot-and-sweaty pics of him in… delicate positions, and bring him down. That’s it. Nothing more.

Pictures first. Revenge after. And then I win.

At least, that’s how it was supposed to happen. But then I did something worse than sexting.

I fell in love with him. Again.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

FREE for a limited time only!

Author Bio:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. Since 2013, she has sold more than 1.5 million books, with 4 New York Times bestsellers and more than 16 appearances on the USA Today bestseller list. Her books have been translated into French and German, with more titles releasing soon. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men’s room toilet (and he isn’t a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three children in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Bookbub / Amazon


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Blitz | Blood Guard by Eve Bale

Blood Guard
Eve Bale
(Bladed Princess, #1)
Publication date: February 4th 2022
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

I was the winner—and the envy of many. What I didn’t realize is that I was a pawn in a game I’d already lost…

It isn’t every day a dying girl wins the chance to live. Ten years ago, I was that girl. The first winner of the vampire lottery. And my prize? A new life as a bloodsucker.

No one told me that winning the lottery would cost me everyone I loved. But I still have Dimitry—I only have Dimitry—the sexy, inscrutable, Russian vampire who saved me from certain death. My protector. For a hot minute, there was a spark between us until it fizzled to a barely glowing ember.

Now Dimitry and I have been summoned from Moscow to the politics and the cruelty of vampire-controlled Las Vegas right when the city is going to pot. I swore I would never return to a place I will only ever be a pawn, but the alternative is much worse. Deadly.

I’m nothing there. Small-fry. But maybe it’s time I changed that.

A slow-burn vampire romance set in the same world as my Voracious Vampires of Las Vegas and The Bladed series. This series follows Kayleigh and Dimitry’s first meeting in The Lottery, my prequel story set ten years earlier.

Due to adult language, violence, and steamy scenes, this book is recommended for 18+. Also ends in a cliffhanger.

Goodreads / Amazon

EXCERPT:

“You look bored, little rabbit,” a male voice murmurs in Russian-accented English, drawing my gaze to the other occupant of my leather booth, a man who has remained largely silent since our arrival a couple of hours ago.

Dimitry Ivanov is my date tonight, as he is every night. Since, well, I have no one else in my life. As is usual, he’s dressed in ripped black jeans and a black t-shirt that he lives in, as he sips on a large glass of vodka.

Yes, he’s Russian, and yes, he’s drinking vodka. I tell him he’s behaving like a stereotype. He tells me he is Russian, and he likes vodka. Where is the stereotype in that?

And I… never have a good enough response so I change the subject.

“Bored? I’m living my best life, Dim, there’s no reason for me to be bored.”

Even if it is hollow and filled with things that aren’t what I really want at all.

Dimitry, the vampire who saved me from certain death ten years ago and my date in the most platonic sense, raises an eyebrow. Nothing in his stormy blue-gray eyes suggests he believes a single word that just came out of my mouth.

He nods to the mass of people a few feet away. “Then perhaps you might join them?”

He’s right.

I retrieve my glass of blood-spiked champagne from the matte-black table in front of me and go back to tonight’s true entertainment: staring.

Before I can take a sip, a female voice startles me enough that I come dangerously close to wearing my drink.

“Dimitry, it’s good to see you again. Can I get you another vodka?”

I turn to the statuesque blonde woman in a painted-on black leather dress. Her lips are the exact shade of blood, and she has her large blue eyes fixed on Dimitry with predatory focus.

“No.” When Dimitry doesn’t even glance at her, has hope surging.

Maybe this thing we once had isn’t one-sided after all.

Ivana, the owner of the club, doesn’t move. That Dimitry hasn’t already fallen into bed with her is a mystery, considering she has a face and body guys don’t say no to for long. I know because I’ve seen it happen over and over. It was only a matter of time before she set her sights on Dimitry.

“Perhaps I might interest you in—”

Dimitry keeps his eyes on me. “No.”

Or maybe he’s only saying that because I’m here. If I wasn’t, I’m sure he’d be all over Ivana in one of the corner booths. I just know it.

Curious about how she’s taking Dimitry’s disinterest, I shift my focus away from him. Her eyes, narrowed with determination, tell me she’s not the type who gives up easily.

As if she feels my attention, her gaze slides from Dimitry to me. “Oh, it’s you again.”

“Yep, me again. Aren’t you going to ask if I want a drink?” I grin.

Her eyes harden. “You know where the bar is.”

“Yes, I do. So does Dimitry. Now, if you don’t mind…”

Geez, Kayleigh, find another reason to piss off the vampiress who already regards you as little more than dirt on her shoes, why don’t you?

Author Bio:

Eve lives in London. She writes steamy and suspenseful paranormal romances about heroines who grow into strong women, and the alpha heroes who love them.

If you want to receive updates on new releases and grab your free copy of ‘The Lottery’ (a prequel for the Bladed Princess series), you can join her mailing list here: http://www.evebale.com

Website / Goodreads / Instagram / Newsletter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Blitz | With Love by Alexa Randolph

With Love, Ella
Alexa Randolph
(With Love, #1)
Published by: February 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

New York’s power couple Daniel Collins and Ella Chambers, have been best friends since they were young. He is the Quarterback for the New York Giants, and she is one of the most sought-after New York Party Planners.

It is summertime in the Hamptons, which means Ella is in full swing planning events while Daniel prepares to get back to another season. They are busier than ever and more in love than ever.

He finally decided it is time to pop the question. Just after she says yes, she finds out news that has changed her world upside down.

Will they make it down the aisle?

Is the Hamptons drama too much for their relationship?

There are always people trying to take them down. Will they succeed?

Find out in the first book of the With Love, Series.

With Love, Ella
Alexa Randolph
(With Love, #2)
Published by: February 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Daniel Collins, New York Giants Quarterback, just won the biggest game of his life, the Superbowl. He should be out celebrating with his loved ones, but instead, he has never felt so lost and alone.

He starts going down a dark path of destruction but cannot seem to find a way out. Then, one night he has a chance encounter with a stranger who is going through troubles of their own.

Daniel is in the process of losing everything, including his starting position on the team. His family and friends do not know what to do or how to help him.

Will he lose everything he holds near and dear to his heart?

Or will he finally see the light and get his life back on track?

Read on to find out how the With Love Series concludes.

Amazon

EXCERPT (With Love, Ella):

Ella walked into the bathroom to see Marissa checking herself out in the mirror. Marissa looked

up to see Ella and rolled her eyes.

“Marissa,” Ella said while fixing her make-up.

“Ella,” Marissa said while walking toward the door with a suspicious smirk.

The two girls hated each other. Most people weren’t big fans of Marissa, but especially Ella.

Marissa was always jealous of Ella, and Ella didn’t like how Marissa treated her and her friends.

She just had no use for toxic people in her life. They used to be somewhat friends back in

elementary and middle school, but everything changed in high school. Marissa became a

cheerleader. She had always had a thing for Daniel, and she told him at a party during the

beginning of high school, but he told her he wasn’t interested. So she had blamed Ella and had

her fellow cheerleaders torment Ella. But, of course, no one blamed Ella for hating Marissa. The party was in full swing, and everyone was having a great time. Ella finally decided to relax

and let whatever was supposed to happen, happen.

“Hey babe, you ready for a drink?” Daniel asked.

“Yes, a drink sounds great right about now.”

They made their way to the bar.

“Hey Ella, hey Daniel. Party is going great. What can I get you both to drink?” Tommy, one of

the bartenders, asked.

“Hey, big T can I have a Miller Lite and a Riesling for the superstar over here?” asked Daniel,

pointing at Ella.

“You’re doing a great job, T, and I’m not a superstar. I’m just doing my job. As long as everyone

is happy, or most people are happy, I’m happy.”

“Daniel is right Ella, you are a superstar, and I will have your drinks up in a minute.”

Daniel and Ella were waiting for their drinks when Marissa came up to them. They both

inwardly groaned, not wanting to deal with her and her drama that always seemed to follow.

“Hello Ella, Hello Daniel,” Marissa said in her fake high-pitched voice.

“Hello, Marissa. Enjoying the evening?” Daniel asked.

“Yeah, it’s been fine. So Daniel, are you excited for the upcoming season?”

“Yes, it will be great to get back into the routine. I have a good feeling about it.”

“That’s great. Well, I can’t wait to come watch practice in a few weeks. I know you will do

amazing.”

“Practices are closed for family only, but you can always buy season tickets to watch the team,”

Ella explained, trying to be as sugary sweet as possible but getting annoyed.

“Oh, I know, my cousin is the second-string quarterback and was able to get me into practice. So

it’ll be great.” Marissa said while putting her arm around Daniel.

“Oh well, that’s nice. Daniel, I love this song. Let’s go dance,” Ella said, holding his hand.

“Sounds great, babe.”

“Bye, Marissa,” they said, walking away with their drinks in hand.

Marissa just stood there glaring at Ella. What did she have that Marissa didn’t? Ella and Daniel had been dancing for hours with their friends and family, having a great time.

Ella had to go to the bathroom, so she dragged Julia, Daniel’s sister, with her to the bathroom.

Marissa and her friend saw them go in, so they decided to follow. She couldn’t let Ella get away

with humiliating her in front of Daniel.
A quick note that with a blitz I don’t assign a specific date to each blogger. They’re simply asked to post on any day between Jan 11th-15th – participants each choose the day that works best for them. Those interested in reviewing were asked to post their review either during the blitz or in the weeks following.

Here’s the Rafflecopter code for the giveaway if you wanted it too:

I’ll be in touch when I have the winner for you about a week after the blitz!

Thanks,

Author Bio:

I am a graduate of Michigan State University with a BA in Communications. I love to read, write, travel, binge watch Netflix for days, make up stories about random people I see for days and drink lots of coffee.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Review | A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee

From New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist, Traci Chee, comes a Japanese-influenced fantasy brimming with demons, adventure, and plans gone awry.

In the realm of Awara, where gods, monsters, and humans exist side by side, Miuko is an ordinary girl resigned to a safe, if uneventful, existence as an innkeeper’s daughter. But when Miuko is cursed and begins to transform into a demon with a deadly touch, she embarks on a quest to reverse the curse and return to her normal life. Aided by a thieving magpie spirit and continuously thwarted by a demon prince, Miuko must outfox tricksters, escape demon hunters, and negotiate with feral gods if she wants to make it home again. But with her transformation comes power and freedom she never even dreamed of, and she’ll have to decide if saving her soul is worth trying to cram herself back into an ordinary life that no longer fits her… and perhaps never did.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Anything involving Asian culture, folklore or mythology piques my interest, so when I got the chance to pick up this book I jumped at the chance. This title definitely did not disappoint.

I can sometimes struggle with some fantasy because of the info dumping or too much worldbuilding at once, but with this book I felt like the storytelling pacing and worldbuilding was really well balanced. The characters were very well developed, especially the main character. She was very three dimensional and it was clear that her character was well thought out.

This book was really hard to put down and while truly a fantasy, it delved into some very important topics. The story moves well and keeps you reading until the very end.

Happy reading!

Blitz | The Snowman’s Sweetheart by Shanna Hatfield

The Snowman’s Sweetheart
Shanna Hatfield
Publication date: January 27th 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Will a whirlwind winter romance result in a forever love?

After a Christmas Eve catastrophe that left her heart encased in ice, Sierra Goodwin detests anything to do with winter and the holiday season. To take her mind off her troubles, her best friend talks her into a weekend spa getaway to a town she’s never heard of. Her bestie’s boyfriend tags along like a bumpy third wheel, and things go from bad to worse when they arrive in town to find a winter fest in full swing. Then Sierra runs into a handsome stranger, a man everyone calls Mr. Snowman, and discovers her heart might not be a frozen fortress after all.

Kylan Snow loves his life, his Christmas tree farm, and the town of Pinehill where he was raised. There’s nothing he enjoys more than a beautiful winter afternoon spent outside in the crisp, fresh air, or time spent with friends and family. When he unexpectedly encounters a dimple-cheeked woman in need of a little hope, he has no idea one weekend with her with completely alter his world.

Will their winter wishes for a forever sweetheart come true? Find out in this sweet romance brimming with laughter, snowmen, small-town charm, and love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

EXCERPT:

As they reached the parking garage, Sierra followed Jenn over to her parking space, only to find Rob Kohl, Jenn’s boyfriend, waiting for them in his SUV.

“Hey, Sierra!” he said, hopping out and opening the back of the vehicle. “Isn’t this great?”

Sierra scowled at Jenn, furious she’d invited her boyfriend to join them for a weekend they’d been planning for months. “What, exactly, is going on?”

“Rob got time off from work, too, and is joining us,” Jenn said, practically squealing with joy.

Sierra had visions of spending the entire trip watching Jenn and Rob making lovey-dovey eyes and kissy-faces to each other. Although they were always good to include her in activities, she often felt like an unwanted third wheel when she was around them. She certainly didn’t need to feel that way on a vacation that was supposed to be a time for her and Jenn to relax and have fun.

She tossed the interloper a blistering scowl. “I’ll stay home. You two go.” She started backing away from the vehicle.

“No! You’re going,” Jenn said, handing her things to Rob, then grabbing Sierra’s arm before she could make an escape. “Rob surprised me this morning with the news he was free to go with us. I knew you’d do this, try to back out of it if you knew he was coming along, but you are going on this trip, and you are going to have fun!”

Rob chuckled. “You can’t force her to go or have fun, Miss Bossy.” He winked at Jenn, then looked at Sierra. “But we really do want you to go, Sierra. Please? I promise we’ll both be on our best behavior. If you refuse to go, then I’m the one who’ll stay behind.”

Sierra rolled her eyes. She wanted to refuse and storm off in a fit of anger, but Rob was truly a nice guy. And if he said he’d stay behind, he would, even if it was painfully obvious how much he wanted to go. She couldn’t very well march off in a snit after his offer to remain behind. Though she was disappointed her girls’ weekend with Jenn had just morphed into something entirely different.


Author Bio:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes sweet romances rich with relatable characters, small town settings that feel like home, humor, and hope.

Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

When this farm girl isn’t writing or indulging in rich, decadent chocolate, Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. She also experiments with recipes, snaps photos of her adorable nephew, and caters to the whims of a cranky cat named Drooley.

To learn more about Shanna or the books she writes, visit her website http://shannahatfield.com or find out more about her here: linktr.ee/ShannaHatfield

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Bookbub / Newsletter


GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Cover Reveal | The Viking Mist by Ariella Moon

The Viking Mist
Ariella Moon
(The Two Realms Trilogy, #2)
Publication date: March 2nd 2022
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

When a fairy kills a fairy, they forfeit immortality.

Never over three centuries, since the Last Fairy King was assassinated, has a noble fay been murdered in Fairy…until now.

The mysterious murder leads to an astounding discovery. Mab, Queen of Fairy, accuses Talfryn’s parents of stealing an elixir that restores immortality. She holds his fay father hostage, forcing the Halfling to enter the Viking realm to retrieve the potion.

Talfryn has five days to navigate the world of lethal Cold Iron, locate the human mother he has never known, and recover the elixir that could mask the murderer — a quest he cannot survive without aid from Fenella. Will the Thaness of Thorburn honor their alliance, knowing the venture would jeopardize her freedom and second chance at love?

In 16th century Scotland, Fenella believes Talfryn is dead. Her covert plan to regain her thanedom and safeguard her life hinges on marrying her kidnapper’s son…for love. With weeks until their wedding, she can ill afford to break Edward’s trust, or his heart…again.

Will love be lost…or found?

In this sequel to The Beltane Escape, shape-shifters and secrets abound, time bends, fates interweave, friendships fray, and no one is safe.

Add to Goodreads


Author Bio:

Ariella Moon draws upon her experiences as a shaman to create magical Young Adult fiction. Her series include The Two Realms Trilogy, a medieval Scotland and Fairy fantasy romance, Two Realms Novellas, origin stories of characters and magic in the Two Realms, and The Teen Wytche Saga, a series of sweet contemporary paranormal romances. Ariella’s “Covert Hearts” appears in Second Chances: A Romance Writers of America Collection. She lives a nearly normal life doting on her extraordinary daughter, two shamelessly spoiled dogs, and a media-shy dragon.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest


Hosted by:
XBTBanner1

Review | A Comb of Wishes by Lisa Stringfellow

Sure enough, the sea woman will come for what’s hers.

Ever since her mother’s death, Kela feels every bit as broken as the shards of glass, known as “mermaid’s tears,” that sparkle on the beaches of St. Rita. But when she discovers a different kind of treasure, she accidentally summons an actual mermaid—the wrathful Ophidia.

Ophidia makes Kela a bargain: her ancient comb, in exchange for a wish. And though Kela knows that what she wants most is her mother back, a wish that big will exact a dangerous price…

Rating: 4 out of 5.

I will reach for pretty much any book that incorporates mythology or aspects of different cultures, so as soon as I heard of this book I wanted to pick it up. I really enjoyed the writing style and the distinct perspectives the story is told from. I was immediately drawn into the story and loved the overall atmosphere of the book. I was even surprised by some darker moments, but loved the journey. The grief that was felt by Kela over the loss of her mother was genuine and a consistent theme throughout the book.

The world and culture portrayed felt vibrant and developed, giving a unique view at everyday life in the Caribbean as well as a deep dive into Caribbean folklore. All in all I felt this was a solid middle grade that will thrill readers with dynamic folklore elements as well as teach important lessons along the way.

Lisa Stringfellow writes middle grade fiction and has a not-so-secret fondness for fantasy with a dark twist. Growing up, she was a voracious reader, and books took her to places where her imagination could thrive. She writes for her twelve-year-old self, the kid waiting to be the brown-skinned hero of an adventure, off saving the world. Lisa’s work often reflects her West Indian and Black southern heritage. She received the inaugural Kweli Color of Children’s Literature Manuscript Award in 2019 for an earlier draft of A Comb of Wishes. Lisa is a middle-school teacher and lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her children and two bossy cats.

A Comb of Wishes comes out on February 8th, so be sure to pick up a copy! Thanks again to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book.

Happy reading!