Tuesday, April 16, 2024
A Taste of Summer
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Last Night By Luane Rice and My Brother's Restuarant
Happy Monday! In my neck of the woods, we are enjoying some summer weather! Today, I'm sharing a quick review of the recent release Last Night by Luane Rice. I picked up this book when it was free to me as a Prime First Read. I chose Last Night because it said it was a domestic thriller.
When I was deciding on my First Read, I didn't have my glasses on and I mistakenly thought the hotel on the cover was a government building, I thought domestic thriller meant it was a political thriller about a domestic issue. I greatly enjoy political thrillers. Domestic thrillers are typically about romantic relationships gone bad and are fine but not what I seek out to read.
If you enjoy domestic thrillers, this book works as a stand-alone book. If you read it and enjoy it there are other books in the series. The book has child kidnapping, it's handled well, but child kidnapping is something I don't really want to read.
Overall it's well-written, and has a positive conclusion and I rate it four stars because of those factors. If you enjoy domestic thrillers this is likely going to be a five-star review for you. If anyone has any recommendations for a political thriller, please let me know because I'm in the mood for one of those!
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Exciting Happenings This Week! The Sunday Post
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
Tonight I'm a guest host on the podcast Christmas Countdown! Exciting! I've been listening to the podcast since it started and now I get to be on an episode sharing my top five favorite (recent) Christmas movies! Do you listen to podcasts? If you like Christmas, you must check out the five-star goodness of Christmas Countdown!
Speaking of books, I'm happy to share the cover for my second book in the Marley Creek Romance Series!
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Is a Bunch of Brothers A Micro Trope?
One thing it's safe to say about romance readers is that we demand a HEA (or HFN) and we love our tropes! I enjoy when the woman is grumpy and the man is full of sunshine. I love found family. And when it's a romantic fantasy AKA romantasy these days, then I love enemies to lovers.
Recently I read Buttercup and the Beard a spicy small-town romance that takes place in the mountains and introduces a character (the Beard in the title) who has 5 handsome burly brothers. The book got me to thinking, is that a micro trope? I say yes. What do you think?
Buttercup and the Beard is a novella and is the first book in the Everette Series by Alina Lane. Here is a link to the book on Amazon: Buttercup and the Beard. Alina Lane has a unique and fun voice to her writing, if you check out the series let me know what you think! The first book has our couple snowed in and...opps there's only one bed!
I found this book to be a nice easy read, and I did keep turning the pages because even thought I knew, I knew our couple was going to have a HEA, I had to know how they were going to get there!4 Stars!
Next week I'm going to be at the Chicago North Romance Writers Spring Fling Conference. I'm very excited! My first conference! I'm volunteering, I've got a list of presentations I'm planning to attend, and I'm one of the signing authors! If you are in Chicagoland you can come to the free signing on Saturday! Look at all the amazing authors whose company I'll be in!
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Neon Gods and Local Bookstores
Neon Gods has over two hundred thousand reviews on Goodreads! Amazing, clearly this has been a very popular book. If you ask me, part of the reason why this is popular is not because there is a sex dungeon, but because it's a great update to the ancient story of Persephone and Hades. I read a physical copy of the book and it took me about four sittings to read it. I liked the world enough that I was ready to go straight from this book to the next book in the series. I loved that in this story, Hades isn't described as very handsome but not tall or particularly imposing, even though he is Hades. Most importantly for me, in this story, Persephone isn't kidnapped by Hades. I like this version better.
Have you read this book? What did you think?
Sunday, April 7, 2024
A Good Slow Burn and Lollapalooza
The kids were all home for Easter and we got to talking about concerts my daughter said she really wanted to go to Lollapalooza, and she specifically said she wanted to go on Thursday or Friday. I thought about it and I offered to get a couple tickets if she wanted to go with me. She picked Thursday! So I'll be going to Lollapalooza for one day this year! I love music and nothing beats an outdoor concert in Chicago on a summer day.
Ten years ago I was at Lolla and I saw this one guy who was on a side stage first thing in the morning. It was one of those shows where you know the musician is going to be huge. The kind of show where you get goosebumps. That musician was Hozier, and this year he's a headliner for Thursday night. Sure I'll be one of the oldest people in the crowd, but life is short!
Beneath The Lies by Sara Talley is a long slow burn featuring Violet and Colson who are two college-age kids from different backgrounds. This book reminded me of the TV show the OC. If you like longer romance books, you are in for a treat this is a 400-plus page book, so lots of time for the embers to glow before the fire and lots of time to spend with the couple. This was a 4-star reading for me!
Below is the description of the book from Goodreads so you can check out the theme of the book and some of the content warnings.
Colson
After my addict mother steals most of my savings, I move into my cousin’s college apartment, knowing it’ll keep everyone out of my business with Harrison Height’s most known drug dealer.
However, when I stumble into the wrong bathroom during a party, it doesn’t take me long to realize that Violet is all the good I’ve never had in my life. As much as wanting her consumes me, I can’t let myself have her. Not when I’m buried beneath a life that would show her just how much we don’t belong.
Violet
After the worst summer of my life, I return to Chatham U closed off. My focus is on my classes, my job at the daycare, and trying my best to ignore how my friends and I are growing apart.
Then there’s the new guy in our friend group who I’m drawn to despite our unconventional meeting. He’s gorgeous, mysterious, and…completely closed off.
Somehow he sees more than I want him to. It’s obvious he’s hiding something, but I also know that whatever it is, he needs me. Maybe more than I need him.
Beneath the Lies is a full-length new adult, college romance with hints of corruption, binge-worthy drama, and slow-burn angst. It is the first book in the Complicated Truths Duet. Recommended for 18+. TW: Corruption, drug use/addiction, sexually explicit scenes, strong language, violence (incl. body mutilation).
442 pages, Paperback
Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Sunday Post! Problem Solved!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
When I tried to check out my blog today, I got redirected to a spammy site. Fortunately, I was still able to access the back end of my blog. One of the widgets on my blog was causing a major problem. I am glad I was able to delete most of the widgets and solve the problem. I've had this blog for so long, I'd be really sad if it just up and went away.
This week we get two days off of school for Eid, the celebration at the end of Ramadan. It's like getting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day off. I'm planning to use it to make a concerted effort to catch up on blog posts and reviews. Last week I was in North Georgia visiting my parents and unfortunately, the husband came down with a cold during the trip which took most of the fun out of it. At least it wasn't Covid or Strep, I would hate to have brought that to my parents!
We are going back with the whole family in August for my dad's 80th birthday. To be on the safe side, I think Tom should take Emergen-C and a daily allergy pill since the last two times we've visited the mountains of Georgia, he's gotten sick!
How was your week? Read any good books lately? I'm currently finishing a new novella Buttercup and the Beard by Alina Lane. On the TV I've been watching the new Shogun and last night started watching Sugar on Apple TV. Both shows are fantastic and I highly recommend you watch them!
Here are a couple pictures from the mountains:
Friday, March 15, 2024
The Sunday Post--Happy St. Patrick's Day!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
How about you, do you have plans for St. Patrick's Day?
*****
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
Nikki Payne Writes the Best Contemporary Jane Austen Adaptations
A nice chaser to this book is to treat yourself with an evening watching the new Hallmark Channel Sense & Sensibility.
Less than a week until our Illinois Primary! Here is a sunset photo from Monday's canvassing. The time change means it wasn't pitch black when I got done at seven p.m.
Monday, March 11, 2024
Taken by Eveline Rose
Meg ~
… Released on parole… Those three words sent me looking for a new town, but I never expected Weatherford, Texas to feel like home. I was getting mom-vibes from my boss and sexy looks from my boss’s son. I was making friends and learning what it felt like to be in a real family, but with every step closer to love and happiness, I risked cracking my mask and revealing my secrets. I wouldn’t repay the Sheppard family’s kindness by endangering their lives.
Jack ~
The second my eyes connected with Meg’s, I knew she was meant to be mine. I also knew she was hiding something. Lucky for her, I spent my entire life being raised, trained, and conditioned to protect. Meg would share when she was ready, and I was patient enough to wait, but I didn't have to. Being a PI made it easy to find out the truth for myself. I was determined to uncover the threat against her and keep her safe.
When Meg learns about his snooping, the betrayal sends her running… right into the duct-tape wielding hands of her worst nightmare. Can Jack reach her in time, or will she have to save herself? More importantly, is their love strong enough to overcome the lies?
This standalone, first in series, slow burn, small town, romantic suspense features an overprotective man and a woman with a hidden identity. They'll get their HEA, but only after redefining what it means to love. The intense action, and Meg's horrifying past, may not be for everyone. Use Read Sample to check the copyright page for details.
Saturday, March 9, 2024
The Sunday Post: Do You Spring Forward?
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
Happy time change to those who celebrate! I've been canvassing for the last few weeks and it's hard when the sun goes down to see people's addresses so I'm happy to have the daylight for that last hour of knocking on doors this week.
I sent my second book off to my editor and am now working on trying to make social media posts in Canva! This week I listened to Bride by Ali Hazelwood. I also finished Taken by Eveline Rose, the first in a new police romance series. I'll post about these books this week.
In the meantime here is the back blurb for my second book (cover reveal TBD!) When Jasper makes Zaina a deal she can’t refuse, will she find herself with something more than money?
Zaina Evans told herself this was going to be her year. She’s done looking for a soulmate to share her life. She lives in a great small-town, has a successful business, she’s surrounded by wonderful friends and her mom is just a train ride away. Zaina has everything she needs and wants in life except for a baby. Now all she needs is funding to help pay for IVF.
Jasper Kane is the handsome owner and head brewer of Hop’s Heaven Brewery. He’s only had time to promote his business and date a of string of beautiful women for the last five years. His goal to take his craft brewery nationwide consumes him. Maybe if his brewery had locations across America, his mother would finally take him seriously.
Then a video of Jasper and Zaina goes viral for its feel-good content, and a local TV show wants to do a live remote, but only if Zaina’s there too. This gives Jasper a fantastically devious idea. He can get loads of free publicity and tons of followers if Zaina agrees to fake date him to make social media content. But when they get stuck at the brewery during an ice storm, things stop being fake fast. Will they be able to get past their preconceived notions of the perfect life to find the love right in front of them?
Too Klösch For Comfort is a small-town, fake dating, iced-in, steamy romance, featuring a craft brewer who will do anything for his business and a tarot card-reading woman who’s given up on finding her true love. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story includes viral videos, Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Canvassing and Under The Mask- A Superhero Romance!
I enjoyed the romance and the action of the book. If you typically read paranormal romance I think this book is a good fit. Plus this is a standalone book. So it's like Nalini Singh's Psy Changeling series, each book will have a different couple. Which is nice!
Sunday, February 18, 2024
The Sunday Post Finally Turned a Corner
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
On Tuesday, I was still feeling crummy and coughing way too much, but I did get some sleep. Wednesday my symptoms diminished by like eighty percent. I don't know why, but thank goodness! By Thursday I was feeling so much better I could not believe it. I hope you had a nice Valentine's Day. We didn't do much of anything.
This week I'll be sharing reviews for a couple of new releases and a book I read before I got sick.
I'm also excited that on Tuesday, Will Trent is back on TV. Yay! I've been waiting!
Saturday, February 10, 2024
I've been sick the whole month so far! Rude! #TheSundayPost
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
I have spent this month with a miserable sinus infection. The worst is at night when I am coughing, coughing, coughing. It's still pretty bad but not as bad as last week, so I guess I'm getting better. I have done all the things you are supposed to do to alleviate symptoms. One problem I have is that I can't take any decongestant stuff because it causes me to have restless legs.
The other day my No Gouda Without You author copies arrived and I've been exhausted and sick to do an unboxing video! A total bummer!
I didn't have the energy or attention span to read or blog. I did manage to work on writing my second book, that's about all I could manage. My manuscript is due to my editor on March 2nd, so that was my motivator.
How are you doing? I hope you have not been sick! My fingers and toes are crossed that I start feeling better each day this week. I've got books to share here and I'd like to have the energy to read!
Wishing you a wonderful Valentine's Day!
Sunday, January 28, 2024
The Sunday Post Closing Out January
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
This week our weather took a turn for the warmer and that caused me to have a terrible sinus headache that has turned into sinusitis. The turn for the worse happened Friday night so I guess the upside is I have the weekend to relax. However, my plan for the weekend was to work on writing my second book! Yesterday I was smart enough to recognize there was no point in trying to write and I laid in bed most of the day.
Today, as you can see, I am feeling good enough to sit in bed and write. My goal for today is two thousand words. Wish me luck!
How are you doing? Any fun plans for the upcoming week?
I'm currently finishing reading Cat Sloan Is Swirling. I'm planning to blog about that on Friday. Tomorrow I'll be blogging about Last Night by Luanne Rice.
Friday, January 26, 2024
In The Depths of Winter, What You Need is a Cozy Fantasy Read!
Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Small Town Romance from Donna R. Madden You Are Enough
Monday, January 22, 2024
Book Release Day! No Gouda Without You by Me!
Having survived cancer, Nicole Garrett is determined to take care of herself by eating well, exercising, and avoiding stress. She’s got a stable job, good friends, and her own house, and that’s enough for her. Most importantly, Nicole isn’t going to take any risks that could leave her heartbroken again. But when she meets a handsome chef with the cutest dimples she’s ever seen, she begins to question if playing it safe is still working for her.
Sean Harper is the optimistic chef and owner of Jesse’s Pub. After two years of constant devotion, his restaurant is hitting its stride. He’s put every dollar and every hour he’s had into making it a success. Beyond the now positive balance sheet, it’s a way for him to distance himself from his own broken family, who’ve never seen his worth. Then one Sunday, he meets the attractive woman who dismisses his omelet culinary masterpiece, and he can't get her out of his mind, so much so that he starts questioning if he can make room for her in his kitchen.
She’s got plenty of reasons to be grumpy, and, frankly, relationships with men never end well for her, especially given the wounds she’s still healing from. Even though sparks fly between Nicole and Sean, he only has time for his farm-to-table restaurant. If he’s willing to change his view of marriage, can he convince her to open her heart and trust him in return?
Sunday, January 21, 2024
The Sunday Post- Not Sure How That Happened
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
I wrote and published a whole Sunday post yesterday and then today I made a post for Tuesday and then I somehow managed to overwrite that post and accidentally post my Tuesday post this afternoon. Whoopsy.
How was your week? It was cold here and we had some more snow but not a bunch. This coming week it's supposed to be above freezing and I'm happy about that because on Tuesday I'm medically cleared to run again. Obviously, I'll need there to be snow and ice-free sidewalks.
I've got two of my posts for this week done, one is for my own book release, No Gouda Without You, and another new release You Are Enough that will be out on Thursday. I also finished reading Between Mischief and Magic and I'll review that either Friday or Saturday.
Have a great week!
Friday, January 19, 2024
What A Week! Happy Friday!
Sunday, January 14, 2024
Amazon First Read - Thriller with Magical Realism
Today at my house we all have the day off. My husband works from home and he is terrible about actually taking time off, so we will see if he goes ahead and logs a few hours of work. It's below zero here so I'm not going to be doing my but staying home today. My big excitement for today is to sign up for my local library's Winter Reading Challenge! I want to win a fun prize! A few years ago I won a Fitbit, which was an excellent reward for doing something I love to do.
Do you have a local library? Do they do reading challenges?
For January you can get two Amazon First books if you are a Prime member. I chose Almost Surely Dead as one of my choices. In the book, we follow our unreliable narrator and try to figure out who is trying to kill her and why. There are supernatural elements that reveal themselves as it goes along. Dunia is the main character and her family is from Pakistan and they are Muslim. She isn't a practicing Muslim and is very disconnected from her heritage--but in the book, her heritage is key to the plot.
It's a fast-paced book and I enjoyed it. I did have a few wait what? moments toward the end regarding a couple of developments in the story. Overall it was a decent read from a new author and I would consider reading another book from her. Four Stars!
Saturday, January 13, 2024
The Sunday Post, Week One Back to School In the Books
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme
Thankfully I have tomorrow off work. I love a nice three-day weekend. 2024 has brought the winter weather to Chicagoland. For the most part, we got off easy in December. We didn't have measurable snow and we had more than a handful of days in the 40s and even 50s. Now those days are gone and we have about five inches of snow blowing around and it's crazy cold! We are below zero Fahrenheit (-17 Celcius) until Wednesday.
I have said before on this blog that I have made a conscious effort to embrace the winter season. I've learned to appreciate the quiet of a cold winter day, to look forward to hot tea and lots of layers. But when it's below zero, ooof. That's too cold!
This weekend I worked on the proofreading edits and formatting of my book. Let me just say, I am learning so much about grammar and fun stuff like not using numerals in fiction.
How are things by you? Did you have a nice week? Read anything good? See any good TV or Movies?
This week on the blog I'll be talking about:
If you enjoy wondering if your narrator is unreliable..this is a book for you!