A MONSTER LIKE ME by Pamela Sparkman

Heart of Darkness series #2

HELLO STRANGER by Lisa Kleypas

The Ravenels series #4

THE BUTTERFLY PROJECT by Emma Scott

Companion to the Full Tilt series

PLAYING FOR KEEPS by Jill Shalvis

Heartbreaker Bay series #7

UNWRITTEN by Jen Frederick

Woodlands series #5

Cross My Heart by L.H. Cosway

Hearts series #5.75

MOONSHADOW by Thea Harrison

Moonshadow series #1

Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Excerpt Reveal: A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison


A fantastic enemies to lovers romance about an It girl whose world is upended when a boy from the past moves into her house after tragedy strikes. For fans of Ibi Zoboi's Pride, Mary H. K. Choi and Samira Ahmed. Wattpad author Whitney D. Grandison's traditional publishing debut.


A LOVE HATE THING by WHITNEY D GRANDISON
Publication date: January 7, 2020
Published by: Inkyard Press
Genre: YA contemporary romance

 Add on Goodreads


SYNOPSIS

When they're stuck under one roof, the house may not be big enough for their hate…or their love

When Tyson Trice finds himself tossed into the affluent coastal community of Pacific Hills, he’s ready for the questions, the stares, and the total feeling of not belonging in the posh suburb. Not that he cares. After recovering from being shot and surviving the mean streets of Lindenwood, he doesn’t care about anyone or anything. He doesn’t even care how the rest of his life will play out.

In Pacific Hills, image is everything. Something that, as the resident golden girl, Nandy Smith knows all too well. She’s spent most of her life building the pristine image that it takes to fit in. After learning that her parents are taking in a former childhood friend, Nandy fears her summer plans, as well as her reputation, will go up in flames. It’s the start of summer vacation and the last thing Nandy needs is some juvenile delinquent from the ’Wood crashing into her world.

Stuck together in close quarters, Trice and Nandy are in for some long summer nights. Only, with the ever-present pull back to the Lindenwood streets, it’ll be a wonder if Trice makes it through this summer at all.

Purchase your copy now!



EXCERPT

     1 | TRICE

Getting shot isn’t the worst part. It’s the aftermath that really fucks you up.

Six months ago, on a dark December night, I was lying in a pool of my own blood on the living room floor. Six months later, I was sitting in a car on the way to a new town to start fresh. In some ways, yeah, the wound had healed. In others, it never would. I didn’t care, though. The last thing I’d cared about got me where I was.

“You’ll like it there, Tyson. The Smiths have prepared a new home for you,” Misty from social services was saying as she drove the long stretch of highway toward Pacific Hills. It was only an hour away from where I used to live in Lindenwood, California.

I didn’t respond. Home was a meaningless word to me now.

Misty peeked at me. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”

“I can leave as soon as I turn eighteen, right?” That was all that mattered. Fuck the rest. Five months, aka one hundred and sixty days, to go. On November twelfth, I’d be free.

Misty sighed. “Look, I know what you’re going through—”

“Word? You’ve been shot too and all’at?” I glanced her way. This lady was going home to a million-thread-count sheet-and-pillowcase set, resting easy once I was off her hands.

Fuck outta here.

“Well, no, but—”

“Then shut up.” I faced the road ahead, done talking.

Misty let out a breath, her light tan skin no doubt holding a blush upon her cheeks. “Do you kiss your—” She caught herself, as if realizing where she was about to go. “I—I’m sorry. You just shouldn’t speak that way.”

I felt an ache in my chest, but I let it go.

I didn’t care.

Half a beat later Misty was rambling on about food. “Do you wanna stop and get something to eat, you must be starving.”

“I told you I wasn’t hungry.”

“Oh, well, are you nervous?”

I hadn’t thought about being nervous or the fact that I would never return home again and lead a normal life. Not like I’d ever led one to begin with.

“No.”

“Well, good. Think of it as going to a sleepover at an old friend’s house.”

One thing was true, the Smiths were old friends, but this setup was for the next five months.

“It’s been ten years since I last saw them,” I spoke up. “This ain’t no damn sleepover, and it’s not about to be all kumbaya, neither.”

At least they were black. Moving into the uppity setting of Pacific Hills was sure to be hell, but at least I would be with a black family. Even if I wouldn’t exactly fit in.

I didn’t look the same. I didn’t act the same. I wasn’t the same. And I didn’t care.

“Tyson—”

“It’s Trice.” I had asked her to call me that from jump street. No one called me Tyson.

I didn’t want to think about that. I didn’t want to think about anything. I didn’t care.

“Trice, please, try? I know it’s been rough these past few months, but you have a chance at something fresh. The Smiths are good people, and Pacific Hills is a lovely town. I’m sure soon you’ll be close to your old self.”

Misty had no clue what she was talking about. My old self? She obviously hadn’t paid attention to my file, or she would’ve been smart enough to leave it at fresh and not bring up my past.

Tyson Trice was dead.

He died on the floor in the living room that day, and he was never coming back.

When I didn’t respond, Misty let up, probably getting that I didn’t give a shit either way.

I didn’t care.





2 | Nandy


I told myself I didn’t care about the juvenile delinquent my parents were moving into our home. I told myself it was no big deal an ex-con would be sleeping right next door to me. I told myself that my parents hadn’t made the worst decision in everdom.

It was just an everyday occurrence in the Smith household.

Still, it wasn’t fair.

As I paced around the pool in my backyard and complained to my best friend, Erica Yee, over the phone, I expected her to be on my side and console me.

“This was supposed to be a great summer and they pull this?” I whined.

“You can still have a good summer,” Erica responded. “This doesn’t have to be the end.”

But it was the end. My parents hadn’t gone into detail about the boy’s situation, just that he was in a “rough spot” and would be living with us for now. And that he was from Lindenwood, otherwise known as the ghetto.

I’d never gone there, but I’d heard enough stories to know to be cautious. When my parents watched the news, there was always a segment on some tragedy that had happened in Lindenwood. Some high-speed chase, or little kids killed during a drive-by, or a robbery gone wrong among the usual clutter of crime that kept the LPD busy. Lindenwood was notorious for its drugs, thefts, assaults, and murders.

I shivered.

It probably hadn’t been the best idea to stay up lurking on the local news feeds right before the delinquent moved in.

Everything would be ruined.

“It is the end,” I insisted. “I mean, they spent all this time whispering and having these hushed conversations behind closed doors, and they barely revealed last night that he’s from Lindenwood!”

Maybe I was acting childishly, but I felt like a kid with the way my parents had shut me out on the biggest detail of all when it came to the boy coming to stay with us out of nowhere. For two weeks, they’d been scarce on the topic and evaded any and all questions. Now it felt like they’d dropped a bomb on me.

For all I knew, this kid was a total ex-gangbanger and my parents were intent on opening our home to wayward souls.

Dramatic? Sure.

Precautions? I was definitely taking them.

“Right now, you’re probably pacing around your pool in a Gucci bikini while your happily-in-love parents are inside preparing dinner together. God, Nan, your life is incredibly boring. You could use this delinquent to spice things up.”

Well, it was a Sunday evening, and the sun was beginning to set. My parents always made dinner together on Sundays, because they were both off work and able to do so.

I stopped pacing and glanced down at my white Gucci bikini. “Yee, you try new hobbies to spice things up, not invite ex-cons to move in with you. Look, whatever, let’s just get away for a few hours. The longer I put a halt on this, the better.”

“When is he supposed to show up?”

“Sometime today. I just wanna blow it off. Maybe you, me, and Chad could grab a bite at the club or something.”

My boyfriend’s family had a reserved table at the local country club. Anything would be better than dinner with the delinquent. I wasn’t 100 percent sure he was a criminal, but I wasn’t taking any chances. When it came to Lindenwood, you couldn’t be too sure.

“You in?” I asked.

“If we must.” Erica pretended to sound exasperated. “Call me with the details in twenty, okay?”

“Deal.” I hung up and sighed, tilting my head back toward the darkening sky and questioning what I had done to deserve this.

It was the first week of June, and school had ended last week. I intended to spend this summer before senior year going to beach bonfires and parties with my friends, lounging around, preparing for cotillion, and just staying as far away from home as possible.

With a plan in motion, I went around my pool and stepped into our family room through the patio doors.

“Shit!” I jumped back, dropping my phone and barely registering the sound of its rough slap against the hardwood floor.

My parents were standing in the room with an Asian woman who was dressed in a violet-red pantsuit. But it was the boy beside her that startled me. He towered over my father, with broad shoulders and a wide chest, and arms that let me know he worked out, even though he seemed drenched in black with his long-sleeved shirt and matching pants. He had deep, dark brown skin with a clean complexion. But what really stood out was his hair. The boy had cornrows braided to the back of his head—well-aged cornrows.

Ugh, he looked so unpolished.

Suddenly I remembered my fallen phone and looked down to discover the screen was cracked. Because things aren’t messed up enough already.

“And you remember our daughter, Nandy.” My mother played it cool, gesturing toward where I’d frozen near the patio doors.

Everyone faced me, looking just as uncomfortable as I felt.

Great, I was making my first impression completely inappropriate in a bikini.

Awkwardly, I waved and forced a smile onto my face, showing off the result of two years of braces.

“Nandy, this may be a little bit of a surprise, but you remember Tyson Trice, don’t you?” my father asked, looking between the two of us.

At first, the name vaguely rang a bell, but then it hit me. Tyson, the boy I’d played with when I was younger. He used to come by in the summers when his grandfather would do lawn work around our subdivision. There’d been a few times during the school year when he’d come by too, but it was mostly a summer thing. Until he stopped coming altogether.

The revelation brought a sense of relief followed quickly by a foreign anger that I couldn’t explain.

That was then; this is now.

Now Tyson Trice had hit a mega growth spurt and stood before me nearly a man, appearing not at all like the seventeen years young that we both were.

“Right.” I nodded my head. “Tyson, hey.”

Tyson didn’t shift focus to my body. He stared straight into my eyes and bore no friendly expression or a tell of what he was thinking. He was far across the room, but I didn’t need to be right up on him to know that he had the angriest eyes I’d ever seen. Dark, soulless abysses stared at me, making me shiver.

Right on, Dad. Thanks for inviting a possible murderer into our home.

“And this is our son, Jordy.” My mother didn’t miss a beat as she went on, downplaying how awkward everything was.

Jordy, my eleven-year-old little brother, was sitting against the ottoman, playing a video game on his handheld.

Tyson glanced at Jordy, and I felt protective, seeing curiosity briefly cross his face as he laid eyes on my Thai brother.

Jordy looked up from his game. “Hey.”

Tyson lifted a brow and turned to face my parents in that familiar way most outsiders looked at my family once they realized a black family was raising a Thai son.

Jordy smirked, shaking his head. “They wish they could’ve spawned a kid as goodlooking as me.”

My father chuckled. “We spoke about adopting for years after having Nandy, and right around the time she was eight, we got approved and Jordy came into our lives.”

“He was just two years old,” my mother gushed. “He was so adorable, we fell in love with him instantly.”

I came more into the room, wanting to shield my brother from Tyson. Someone had to think of the kids.

“Nandy, why don’t you go put some clothes on.” It wasn’t a question. My mother was ordering me to cover up and look more presentable for our guests.

“I was actually on my way out to meet up with Erica, we’ve got this—”

“Right now?” she asked. “We’ve got company.”

I glanced at Tyson, hating him again for spoiling my summer. I’d seen him, and I’d spoken to him. What more did she want?

“Yeah, but Erica and I had plans to go to the country club and talk about cotillion.”

My mother pursed her lips. “Nandy—”

“You know what,” my father stepped in, “that’s a great idea. Nandy could take Tyson and the two could get reacquainted, and that’ll give us time to talk to Ms. Tran here.”

My eyes practically shot out of their sockets. There was no way in hell I’d share a car with Tyson.

After thinking it over, my mother seemed to agree. “That is a great idea. We can all sit down together later.”

My jaw hit the ground.

I shook my head. “You know, never mind, suddenly I’m not as hungry as I thought. In fact, I feel sick to my stomach. I think I’ll go lie down.”

By the way my mother narrowed her eyes, I knew she’d be giving me hell later about my behavior. I didn’t care. It wasn’t fair to me to force some scary-looking guy into my hands to be babysat.

With one final look at the newest arrival to the Smith household, I picked up my phone from the floor and made my way up to my room.

Long after Ms. Tran had left and my mother had scolded me in our family office, I sat in my room, maneuvering with a broken phone as I texted my boyfriend. Going on a hunger strike didn’t last long for me. After having refused to go down for dinner, I was starving.

My cell phone chirped as Chad texted me back.

Chad: Outside

Me: Thank God

My parents were probably still up, no doubt discussing either my punishment or how we were going to work Tyson into the family.

With their bedroom being in a different wing of our house, sneaking out was always an easy feat. Still, I made sure to keep extra quiet as I crept out of my room and slipped down the staircase.

Chad was waiting for me out front. He’d been pacing back and forth in front of our walk as he waited, and as I stepped outside I was elated to see him.

“I’m thinking sushi, you in?” I asked as I walked past him, heading for his car.

“Yeah, sure. What’s going on?” Chad asked as he caught up to me and fell into step.

I peered up into his blue eyes. “You don’t want to know.”

Chad ran a hand through his auburn hair, appearing confused but conceding. “O-kay, let’s go get some sushi.”

At the feeling of being watched, I glanced back at my house. On the second floor, through one of the large bay windows, I caught sight of a silhouetted figure.

It was him.

Creep.

I turned back to Chad and reached out and caught his hand. “Yeah, let’s get out of here.”

This was my summer, and no one was getting in the way of that.

Excerpted from A Love Hate Thing by Whitney D. Grandison. Copyright © 2020 by Whitney Grandison. Published by Inkyard Press.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Whitney D. Grandison was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, where she currently resides. A lover of stories since she first picked up a book, it’s no surprise she’s taken to writing her own. Some of her works can be found on Wattpad, one of the largest online story sharing platforms, where she has acquired over 30,000 followers and an audience of over fifteen million dedicated readers.

You can find her on:

Monday, December 16, 2019

Cover Reveal: Kiss of Vengeance by S. Young


A standalone paranormal romance from New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young, writing as S. Young.


Kiss of Vengeance by S. Young
Series: True Immortality #2
Release Date: March 3, 2020
Cover Design: Hang Le
Photo: Wander Aguiar

 Add to Goodreads



Synopsis:

Fionn Mór was once a high king of Ireland; a fierce warrior who led his tribes against the invading fae. It was a war he couldn’t win and to save his family he turned consort for the Fae Queen. Fionn escaped as the thing he once despised, and the people he loved betrayed him for it. Now, centuries later, it’s time to reopen the gates to Faerie to take his revenge against the Faerie Queen.

At sixteen Rose Kelly discovered family secrets that changed her forever. Years after, she’s still lost, traveling across Europe in search of that elusive missing ‘something’. When she’s attacked by a vampire, not only is she wrenched into a supernatural underworld she never knew existed, a knock on the head releases a spell on her mind and unlocks powers beyond her wildest imaginings. And with them more questions. Questions Fionn Mór claims to have answers to.

Following the powerful and enigmatic Fionn to Ireland, Rose quickly realizes she’s a pawn in his plan for vengeance. What begins as a passionate battle of wills leads to an inexplicable but undeniable connection. One that will force them to face an impossible choice between the deepest love… and the darkest revenge.
 Preorder:
Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo 



About the Author

S. Young is the pen name for New York Times Bestselling Author Samantha Young. Her debut adult paranormal romance War of Hearts (A True Immortality Novel) was published October 2019.

Follow her:

Review: Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn


In this warm and witty romance from acclaimed author Kate Clayborn, one little word puts one woman’s business—and her heart—in jeopardy . . .


LOVE LETTERING by KATE CLAYBORN
Series: Standalone
Genre: contemporary romance, rom-com
Publisher: Kensington Books
Publication Date: December 31, 2019




Synopsis:

Meg Mackworth’s hand-lettering skill has made her famous as the Planner of Park Slope, designing beautiful custom journals for New York City’s elite. She has another skill too: reading signs that other people miss. Like the time she sat across from Reid Sutherland and his gorgeous fiancée, and knew their upcoming marriage was doomed to fail. Weaving a secret word into their wedding program was a little unprofessional, but she was sure no one else would spot it. She hadn’t counted on sharp-eyed, pattern-obsessed Reid . . .

A year later, Reid has tracked Meg down to find out—before he leaves New York for good—how she knew that his meticulously planned future was about to implode. But with a looming deadline, a fractured friendship, and a bad case of creative block, Meg doesn’t have time for Reid’s questions—unless he can help her find her missing inspiration. As they gradually open up to each other about their lives, work, and regrets, both try to ignore the fact that their unlikely connection is growing deeper. But the signs are there—irresistible, indisputable, urging Meg to heed the messages Reid is sending her, before it’s too late . . .

Purchase your copy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | BAM | 


Praise for Kate Clayborn:

 "What if you and your two best friends all went in together on a winning lottery ticket? The romance between Kit, a no‑nonsense scientist who dreams of her first real home, and Ben, a recruiter and builder (I promise, it works) is emotional and real. Plus, I adored Kit’s strong relationship with her two best friends."
—O, The Oprah Magazine, Best Romances of the Year, on Beginners Luck

"A warm and lively romance"
—The New York Times on Luck of the Draw

"Clayborn’s characters are bright and nuanced, her dialogue quick and clever, and the world she builds warm and welcoming."
—The Washington Post, 5 Best Romances of the Year for Luck of the Draw

“Clayborn is a thoughtful, talented writer with a gift for complex characters and individual arcs...The complexity of the relationship that slowly builds between the two is breathtaking...An incredible achievement.”
—Bookpage on Best of Luck

 “This book is hilarious and moving and sexy, with a focus on strong female friendship, guilt that’s hard to let go of, and one of the most realistic, and ultimately romantic, fake fiancé setups I’ve ever read.”
—Buzzfeed, Best Romances of the Year, on Luck of the Draw

“[Zoe and Aiden] are intriguing and relevant characters that drive this layered and memorable love story, and Kate Clayborn delivers a smart, sexy and sublime enemies-to-lovers romance with Luck of the Draw." 
—USAToday.com on Luck of the Draw

“Aiden and Zoe's eventual bonding feels earned.”
—Refinery29 on Luck of the Draw

“Clayborn’s characters in this story are intelligent and subtle, with quick and smart dialogues, in a world that is warm and welcoming.”
—The Frisky on Luck of the Draw

“Kate Clayborn is my new go-to romance author.”
—New York Times bestselling author Stacy Finz



About the Author

Double RITA® nominee Kate Clayborn lives in Virginia, where she’s lucky enough to spend her days reading and talking about all kinds of great books. Kate loves to hear from and connect with readers—follow her on Twitter, on Instagram, and on Facebook. Visit her at kateclayborn.com to sign up for her newsletter.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

REVIEW

Love LetteringLove Lettering by Kate Clayborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars








    It feels like floating, like being untethered. Like writing without letters. Like counting without numbers. It feels like love.

This book saved me from the dreaded end of the year book funk! I had no idea what to expect, but I did read a sample earlier in the year which impressed me. So I was cautiously hopeful that this would finally be the book to bring back my missing excitement. Don't get me wrong, I've had some decent reads. But there is good, there's great, and then there's giddy. This was a giddy book, much to my surprise. I fell hard for the entire set of characters, and had more than one moment where I stopped to savor the warm feelings from this adorable couple. It's kind of fitting that this was the book to bring the joy back again. I feel like I was finding mine right along with the two main characters.

Meg is a calligraphy artist who designs a variety of products for clients looking for a personal touch. After moving to New York with her best friend, she's grown a considerable following online and has made a name for herself as The Planner of Park Slope. Yes, she has a achieved a level of success anyone would envy, but for some time she's been stuck in a creative rut. This lag in inspiration caused her to distract herself by doing something more than a little reckless. Putting hidden messages in her work isn't her brightest idea, but it was intended to be her little secret. Harmless, until Reid's gift for code brings him to her door looking for answers. After all, wouldn't anyone want to know how a complete stranger could predict his engagement imploding?

When you first meet Reid, he gives every appearance of being the definition of dull and stuffy. He's clearly sharp as a tack, doggedly direct and blunt, but I wondered if his brilliance would be enough to win me over. Let me assure you, he has many hidden layers just waiting to be peeled back and examined. It takes some time to get there, but the attraction between them is a slow burn that's well worth the wait. Reid reveals himself to be lonely, unhappy, and shouldering some sort of burden at work that leaves him itching to leave the city. The dissolution of his engagement seems to be the least of his worries, but the reader is left in the dark over what weighs so heavily on him. What we do know is that being around Meg reminds him to find delight in the little things again.

They begin a tentative friendship during walks around the city, and through their studies of hand-lettered signs they both find hope along the winding path. His sometimes brutal honesty teaches her how to confront difficulties in her life head-on rather than sidestepping confrontation. His lackluster view of the city is transformed as she teaches him how to have fun in the simplest of ways. It's not always easy or comfortable. Jarring yourself out of long-standing comfort zones has a learning curve that's often messy and downright confusing. But with each baby step they take together, they grow stronger. More confident in their new direction. She finds a soft, romantic side under his reserve that feels like a gift when it's revealed. Just a faint quirk of his mouth or an sudden burst of laughter from her irreverence is enough to make her feel like she conquered the world. This taciturn man is much, much more than he allows the people around him to see.

    I know that I could have my eyes closed this way and I’d still know Reid’s kiss anywhere, because Reid’s kiss is everything I like about Reid—firm and direct, with a sweetness you have to know to truly recognize.

They each have a small subplot running alongside the main story. A broken lifelong friendship she doesn't know how to put back together, and his unhappiness with his career in general merge in the end with a big twist I didn't see coming. Secrets are unearthed, and the safe haven they found in each other's company is abruptly tested to its limits. The conflict at the end could have easily felt overdramatized, but somehow it worked. It made me fall in love with Reid even more than I thought possible, showing his strength of character and depth of feeling for Meg. When he first declared his feelings for her, I melted into a puddle of goo when he told her she left a "Meg-shaped shadow" in her absence. I thought nothing could top it. I read the passage twice in a row, savoring the unexpected romance of it. Then he writes his love letter to her and I fell even harder.

Meg and Reid are opposites in every way imaginable. Each side of one counterbalances a side of the other, making a perfect, matched pair. He's analytical, she's fanciful. He's reserved, she's warm and easygoing. But the main difference between them? Letters and numbers. This is a strong theme running throughout the story that was so fresh and whimsical. I can't think of one contemporary romance that is remotely like this one so that gets huge brownie points from me.

Admittedly, the descriptions of Meg's letter observations can be a little rambling at times. But the originality of this heartwarming story, the surprises to be found in the cracks and crevices made the occasional wordiness well worth it. I really adored this author's style of writing, the wittiness of it, and the meaning she infused in such a lighthearted plot. I can't recommend this one enough to anyone looking for a quirky romance that thinks outside the box. Meg and Reid are guaranteed to steal your hearts.


FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

TwitterBlogEmailGoodreadsPinterestFacebook




Thursday, December 12, 2019

Review: Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters


In this charming, feel-good debut novel, a cynical assistant at a screenwriting agency must reenact the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedy movies in order to help her #1 client get his scriptwriting mojo back--but can a real-life meet-cute be in store for someone who doesn't believe in happily ever after?


WOULD LIKE TO MEET by RACHEL WINTERS
Series: Standalone
Genre: romantic comedy
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: December 3, 2019




Synopsis:

After seven years as an assistant, 29-year-old Evie Summers is ready to finally get the promotion she deserves. But now the TV and film agency she's been running behind the scenes is in trouble, and Evie will lose her job unless she can convince the agency's biggest and most arrogant client, Ezra Chester, to finish writing the script for a Hollywood romantic comedy.

The catch? Ezra is suffering from writer's block--and he'll only put pen to paper if singleton Evie can prove to him that you can fall in love like they do in the movies. With the future of the agency in jeopardy, Evie embarks on a mission to meet a man the way Sally met Harry or Hugh Grant met Julia Roberts.

But in the course of testing out the meet-cute scenes from classic romantic comedies IRL, not only will Evie encounter one humiliating situation after another, but she'll have to confront the romantic past that soured her on love. In a novel as hilarious as it is heartwarming, debut author Rachel Winters proves that sometimes real life is better than the movies--and that the best kind of meet-cutes happen when you least expect them.

Purchase your copy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | BAM | Google Play


Praise for Would Like to Meet:

“Would Like to Meet is a fun, lighthearted — and at times laugh-out-loud — debut novel that seeks to highlight the power and purpose of a rom-com…It’s a reminder that the best meet-cutes happen when they’re least expected.”—San Francisco Chronicle

“Kept me turning pages way past my bedtime.”—NPR

“Evie is a scrappy, winning heroine….The references to classic films of the genre will delight rom-com fans, as will the sweet romance. The best scenes, though, are with Evie and her three best friends, who have the warmly mocking dynamic of friends in a Richard Curtis film. A lovely, humorous ode to romantic comedies.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Winters’s charming debut combines tropes from classic romantic comedy films to hilarious effect….Winters employs self-aware, genre-savvy characters to expertly balance humor and heart. This adorable romance is a love letter to cinephiles.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Utterly charming…[A] winning tale”—Booklist

“Winters offers a relatable take on modern dating, writing, and working. Movie aficionados, in particular, will enjoy references to iconic rom-com moments as lovable, overworked Evie navigates her own series of meet-cute mishaps.”—Library Journal

“A lively, laugh-out-loud story…Debut author Rachel Winters hits all the right notes in Would Like to Meet, a fun and lively millennial rom-com with a heartfelt message that cleverly plays off tropes from a host of contemporary romance movies.”—Shelf Awareness



REVIEW

Dangerous AllianceDangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was such a fun, quirky book! When I read in the synopsis that the heroine is a book lover, more specifically that she is obsessed with Jane Austen, I knew she was a girl after my own heart. Not only did each chapter head have a relatable Austen quote, there were references sprinkled throughout the story. I was also attracted to the unusual cover which isn't typical in the romance genre. I'm always on the lookout for fresh, new reading experiences, and this debut author has really delivered the goods.

Victoria is the youngest of two daughters, and her parents have given her a level of freedom that you don't usually see for the period. She helps the family on the estate, and has already been through one season without any pressure to marry. She has no plans to change that in the near future, but circumstances soon force the Astons to take desperate measures. Victoria's sister Althea is newly married to a man who was thought to be her love match. Until she showed up on their doorstep seeking refuge from the abusive husband who has hidden his sins and control over her well. Much of the book revolves around the family's plot to permanently separate her from him so he no longer has any legal rights to her or the family fortune. The author put a lot of research into the details of divorce in that time period, which was not completely unheard of, despite popular belief. It was rare and of course, easier for a man to achieve, but not out of the realm of possibility.

It was decided that Victoria must find a trustworthy husband so she and her spouse will be eligible to inherit from her father. The search quickly narrows down to one main candidate, Mr. Carmichael. He's certainly charming and quick with pretty compliments, but how is she to know he isn't another monster with his own agenda? During their courtship several "accidents" befall Victoria and her family and there is an added urgency in discovering his true nature. This mystery takes up a large portion of the story, I would say it's more in the forefront than the romance I was expecting. Victoria's love interest Tom is introduced almost immediately as her ex-best friend who grew up in the estate neighboring Oakbridge.

There is some question as to why Tom suddenly left and cut off communication between them. Tom is quite stoic, holding his painful past inside as he shoulders the huge debt he inherited from his despicable father. He puts on a affable front as he fights for the welfare of his struggling family. Inside however, he's suppressing panic that his business plan isn't enough to rescue them as his brother's spending spirals out of control. His brother is such a piece of work. There were points I wanted to strangle him within an inch of his life for adding to poor Tom's stress. He acted very selfishly out of a childish, misplaced resentment.

For the majority of the book, the relationship between Tom and Victoria was that of tentative friends. They didn't communicate about the past, but rather tried to start fresh as they got to know one another again. It was a friends to lovers trope with an emphasis on friends, probably up until the last 30% of the book. Until then there wasn't really much angst between the two of them or a slow burn feeling. This is my reasoning for my rating because I would've liked to have seen their romance more equally balanced with the mystery of who was behind the attacks. This is my personal preference though, and I really appreciated the originality of the storyline.

There was a lot to love about this book. A fantastic heroine that was easy to root for, an interesting plot that taught me about divorce in the Regency period, and plenty of Jane Austen references delicately woven in. Tom and Vicki really worked well together and I loved the fact that they were childhood best friends. Once Tom opened himself up to the idea that he could deserve her and revealed his heart, the two of them fit like two peas in a pod. I really enjoyed this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

    “You’re not like Mr. Darcy. And I wouldn’t have you be. You’re you. And I wouldn’t trade you for a dozen perfect gentlemen. The reality of you is far better than any fiction.”


FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

TwitterBlogEmailGoodreadsPinterestFacebook




Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Review: The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe


In the second novel in Joanna Shupe's the Uptown Girl series, a ruthless casino owner bent on revenge finds his plans upended by a beautiful women who proves to be more determined than he is—and too irresistible to deny.


THE PRINCE OF BROADWAY by JOANNA SHUPE
Series: Uptown Girls #2
Genre: historical romance
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: December 30, 2019



Synopsis:

Powerful casino owner.
Ruthless mastermind.
Destroyer of men.

He lives in the shadows...

As the owner of the city's most exclusive casino, Clayton Madden holds the fortunes of prominent families in the palms of his hands every night. There is one particular family he burns to ruin, however, one that has escaped his grasp... until now.

She is society's darling...

Florence Greene is no one's fool. She knows Clayton Madden is using her to ruin her prestigious family... and she's using him right back. She plans to learn all she can from the mysterious casino owner—then open a casino of her own just for women.

With revenge on his mind, Clay agrees to mentor Florence. However, she soon proves more adept—and more alluring—than Clay bargained for. When his plans are threatened, Clay must decide if he is willing to gamble his empire on love.

Purchase your copy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play


Praise for The Prince of Broadway:

“An intelligent, sexy romp!”
- Entertainment Weekly

"Shupe continues to cut her very own swath through the historical romance subgenre by effectively using her literary moxie for mixing savvy characterization, an intriguingly different historical setting, and scorching sensuality to create the kind of captivating love stories romance readers crave."
- Booklist



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. While in college, Joanna read every romance she could get her hands on instead of attending classes, yet still managed to graduate with a journalism degree. She enjoyed a few years in sports and theater marketing but soon returned to romance by crafting her own racy historical novels.

In 2013 she won Romance Writers of America’s prestigious Golden Heart® Award for Best Historical. Joanna’s first Gilded Age historical novel, MAGNATE was named one of the Best Books of 2016 by Publishers Weekly, and one of 2016′s top romances by The Washington Post and Kobo.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and dashing husband.

FOLLOW HER:



REVIEW
The Prince of Broadway (Uptown Girls, #2)The Prince of Broadway by Joanna Shupe
My rating: 1 of 5 stars


I don't give out a ton of one star ratings, but if I do you know the book really made me angry. Unfortunately this is the case for The Prince of Broadway. I thought for sure this was going to be a huge hit for me considering how much I loved the previous book and enjoyed this author's writing. Not only that, but Clay and Flo were such compelling characters in The Rogue of Fifth Avenue that I was really excited to read more about them. Disappointment is a vast understatement for what I'm feeling right now.

I love a good revenge plot, in fact, it's one of my favorite tropes. So I wasn't bothered by Clay's hardened, cold behavior at the start. Clayton Madden has climbed his way out of the slums and now owns the most prosperous, illegal casino in New York. His need for power and revenge is as essential to him as the very air he breathes. He used the hatred he feels for Flo's father as fuel to come out on top, and have the means to always be in control of his life. Thing is, no one ever has that power no matter how much money or status you attain.

Flo is the daughter of his greatest perceived enemy, but he can't resist his instant attraction to her. And her rebellious heart can't help but flutter over this dangerous, broody man's focused interest. The first thing that really bothered me about these two came very early on. She has a grand plan to start a casino exclusively for women, and asks him if he will mentor her in the business. He agrees to give her lessons, while admitting that he has a scheme in motion to get revenge on her father. With a vague thought that she'll somehow change his mind later, she accepts this and commences lusting over him.

I understand that she's an unconventional woman for the time who has no interest in marriage or finding love. Nothing wrong with that. But how do you knowingly team up with a man who is bent on harming your family? He keeps repeating throughout the book that he is being honest and transparent, so he's not taking advantage of her, but that's an outright lie. He never tells her specifically what he's doing, even after they become involved on a personal level. Even after she tells him that the very home he intends to steal from her grandmother will one day be passed down to her. She's depending on that home to secure the independent future for herself, and he never even hesitates in this knowledge.

Flo was meant to appear bold and adventurous, but she was better described as an immature, privileged kid who does what she wants without thoughts of the consequences. Namely, trusting him enough to sleep with him. Despite his continued determination for revenge, she throws herself at him and he treats her like trash afterwards.

She foolishly sneaks out to the casino night after night, disregarding the danger in doing so. When her father finds out and rails against her for putting herself at risk and associating with a criminal who wants to harm them, she petulantly acts like he's being unreasonable. What adolescent scene would be complete without an "It's not fair!" Yes, she goes there. In the end, she gets burned badly but I couldn't feel much sympathy for her.

Clay remains cold and unfeeling about the woman he's supposed to have deep, unwanted feelings for, but actions speak louder than words. He continues to push his plans forward, knowing the hurt and devastation he will cause. I didn't see any character growth whatsoever from his starting point, and the more he clung to his hatred, the more mine grew. When the big confrontation happens in the last 15%, the things he said and did were not redeemable. The remorse he feels afterward is way too little, too late. I wish I could have jumped inside the book and punched him in his smug face. She finally shows some backbone at this point and rebuffs his apologies, but that was not enough for me either.

I wasn't rooting for them to make up, and I felt nothing for the two of them as a couple. I would say that's a complete fail when reading a romance novel. I'm so sad that this book didn't work, but I would still give the rest of the series another chance. The next book is about Mulligan, and once again I'm curious to read more about him in his own story. Hopefully others will find more to enjoy with this second installment, but for me this one missed the mark in a big way.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

TwitterBlogEmailGoodreadsPinterestFacebook



Monday, December 2, 2019

Review: Dangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen


The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue meets Jane Austen in this witty, winking historical romance with a dash of mystery!


DANGEROUS ALLIANCE by JENNIEKE COHEN
Series: Standalone
Genre: historical romance
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Date: December 3, 2019



Synopsis:

Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could want: an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home.

But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season.

Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exact circumstances: whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility.

Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day.

Purchase your copy:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | iBooks | Google Play


Praise for Dangerous Alliance:

“Contemporary fans of the Austen novels and their screen adaptations will relish this rousing, late Georgian romance.”
- ALA Booklist

“While Vicky takes center stage, interspersed perspectives from other characters, including those of Sherborne and his half-sister, deepen the story’s themes… Frequent references to then-popular novels and a thoughtful historical note add additional context to this spirited romp.”
- Publishers Weekly

“Charming and fun. Replete with intrigue, grand parties, and romantic entanglements, fans of Jane Austen will positively devour this book.”
- Jessica Cluess, author of A Shadow Bright and Burning

“Romance fans and Jane Austen devotees will devour this delicious Regency romp.”
- Alexa Donne, author of Brightly Burning and The Stars We Steal

“Bathed in Cohen’s richly textured language, Dangerous Alliance boldly shines a light on issues women struggled with historically: abuse, obstruction, and dominance. A timeless story.”
- Shelley Sackier, author of The Antidote and The Freemason’s Daughter

“A fresh, enchanting addition to the historical fiction genre!  The perfect read for fans of Jane Austen and Downton Abbey!”
- Tobie Easton, award winning author of the Mer Chronicles series

“The perfect combination of mystery, intriguing characters, surprising action, and delightful romance. I loved every single word.”
- Samantha Hastings, author of The Last Word


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennieke Cohen (JEN-ih-kah CO-en) is used to people mispronouncing her name and tries to spare her fictional characters the same problem. Jennieke writes historical fiction for young adults inspired by real people and events because life is often stranger than fiction. She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. Jennieke loves exploring new locales but always returns home to Northern California where the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and life is casual.

FOLLOW HER:



REVIEW

Dangerous AllianceDangerous Alliance by Jennieke Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was such a fun, quirky book! When I read in the synopsis that the heroine is a book lover, more specifically that she is obsessed with Jane Austen, I knew she was a girl after my own heart. Not only did each chapter head have a relatable Austen quote, there were references sprinkled throughout the story. I was also attracted to the unusual cover which isn't typical in the romance genre. I'm always on the lookout for fresh, new reading experiences, and this debut author has really delivered the goods.

Victoria is the youngest of two daughters, and her parents have given her a level of freedom that you don't usually see for the period. She helps the family on the estate, and has already been through one season without any pressure to marry. She has no plans to change that in the near future, but circumstances soon force the Astons to take desperate measures. Victoria's sister Althea is newly married to a man who was thought to be her love match. Until she showed up on their doorstep seeking refuge from the abusive husband who has hidden his sins and control over her well. Much of the book revolves around the family's plot to permanently separate her from him so he no longer has any legal rights to her or the family fortune. The author put a lot of research into the details of divorce in that time period, which was not completely unheard of, despite popular belief. It was rare and of course, easier for a man to achieve, but not out of the realm of possibility.

It was decided that Victoria must find a trustworthy husband so she and her spouse will be eligible to inherit from her father. The search quickly narrows down to one main candidate, Mr. Carmichael. He's certainly charming and quick with pretty compliments, but how is she to know he isn't another monster with his own agenda? During their courtship several "accidents" befall Victoria and her family and there is an added urgency in discovering his true nature. This mystery takes up a large portion of the story, I would say it's more in the forefront than the romance I was expecting. Victoria's love interest Tom is introduced almost immediately as her ex-best friend who grew up in the estate neighboring Oakbridge.

There is some question as to why Tom suddenly left and cut off communication between them. Tom is quite stoic, holding his painful past inside as he shoulders the huge debt he inherited from his despicable father. He puts on a affable front as he fights for the welfare of his struggling family. Inside however, he's suppressing panic that his business plan isn't enough to rescue them as his brother's spending spirals out of control. His brother is such a piece of work. There were points I wanted to strangle him within an inch of his life for adding to poor Tom's stress. He acted very selfishly out of a childish, misplaced resentment.

For the majority of the book, the relationship between Tom and Victoria was that of tentative friends. They didn't communicate about the past, but rather tried to start fresh as they got to know one another again. It was a friends to lovers trope with an emphasis on friends, probably up until the last 30% of the book. Until then there wasn't really much angst between the two of them or a slow burn feeling. This is my reasoning for my rating because I would've liked to have seen their romance more equally balanced with the mystery of who was behind the attacks. This is my personal preference though, and I really appreciated the originality of the storyline.

There was a lot to love about this book. A fantastic heroine that was easy to root for, an interesting plot that taught me about divorce in the Regency period, and plenty of Jane Austen references delicately woven in. Tom and Vicki really worked well together and I loved the fact that they were childhood best friends. Once Tom opened himself up to the idea that he could deserve her and revealed his heart, the two of them fit like two peas in a pod. I really enjoyed this author's writing style, and look forward to reading more from her in the future.

    “You’re not like Mr. Darcy. And I wouldn’t have you be. You’re you. And I wouldn’t trade you for a dozen perfect gentlemen. The reality of you is far better than any fiction.”


FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: 

TwitterBlogEmailGoodreadsPinterestFacebook