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, January 18, 2022

Blog Tour: Lightning in a Mirror by Jayne Ann Krentz


The final installment in the chilling Fogg Lake trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz.


LIGHTNING IN A MIRROR by JAYNE ANN KRENTZ
Series: Fogg Lake #3
Publication date: January 18, 2022
Published by: Berkley
Genre: romantic thriller

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SYNOPSIS

Olivia LeClair's experiment with speed dating is not going well. First there was the nasty encounter with the date from hell who tried to murder her and now the mysterious Harlan Rancourt—long believed dead—sits down at her table and tells her she's the only one who can help him locate the legendary Vortex lab.

This is not what Olivia had in mind when she signed up for the Four Event Success Guaranteed package offered by the dating agency. She doesn't have much choice, though, because her psychic investigation firm works for the mysterious Foundation and Victor Arganbright, the director, is adamant that she assist Harlan. There's just one problem—no one knows Harlan's real agenda. His father once ran the Foundation like a mob organization, and Harlan was destined to be his heir. There's a real possibility Harlan has returned to claim his inheritance. 

For now, however, it's a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend because others are after the secrets of the long-lost lab. Unfortunately for Olivia, the one thing friend and foe have in common is that everyone is convinced she is the key. Her unique psychic talent is required to defuse the ticking time bomb that is Vortex.

Neither trusts the other but Olivia and Harlan soon realize they must work together to survive and unlock the Bluestone Project's most dangerous secrets before more innocent people die.


Praise for Lightning in a Mirror:

“Bestseller Krentz wraps up her Fogg Lake trilogy in dazzling fashion with this paranormal tour de force…Krentz delivers a first-rate set of characters while masterfully ratcheting up the tension on the way to a powerhouse finale. Readers will devour this smart, sexy story.”
Publishers Weekly

“Best-selling Krentz expertly wraps up her Fogg Lake trilogy by smartly leaning into her preferred literary wheelhouse of paranormal-tinged danger, sizzling desire, and zippy dialogue. All these elements are expertly distilled into a fast-paced plot that includes some fun references to other books in the Jayneverse delivered to readers in lively writing imbued with a generous dose of bracing wit.”—Booklist, starred review



Purchase your copy now!
Amazon | B&N | Apple | BAM | Google Play


EXCERPT:

 “If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me?” Olivia asked.

She did not look up from her phone. She wasn’t supposed to be on it. The rules of the speed dating event were quite specific about that. All phones, watches and assorted tech were to be powered down for the evening. But she had concluded the event was a waste of time, so she had palmed her phone from her handbag. She was now holding it under the edge of the cocktail table, where the event coordinator could not see it.


The knee-length burnt orange wool coat she was examining was stunning, but, sadly, the color was over-the-top for Seattle. Most of the outerwear on the city’s streets came in shades of gray, black, navy and forest green. If she were to stroll down Pine Street in a burnt orange coat, she might as well carry a sign that shouted tourist.


The man who had just sat down on the other side of the small, round table did not respond to the question. With a sigh, she looked up. It was obvious from his uncertain expression that he thought she was texting.


“I said, if I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me?” she said.

“Excuse me?” He looked around and then leaned forward. He lowered his voice. “I think they said that we should turn off our phones.”


“Sorry.” She dropped the phone into her large handbag, wedging it between her turmeric-yellow wallet and the vintage camera. She took a closer look at her new date. The name tag stuck on his shirt identified him as Nathan.


“Hi, Nathan. I’m Olivia,” she said, going for bright and sparkly. “I’ll repeat my question. If I disappeared tomorrow would you walk into hell to find me?”


“Uh.” Nathan got a deer-in-the-headlights look.


She recognized the expression. Nathan was rapidly coming to the conclusion that she was weird. Within the next thirty seconds he would do what the previous dates had done—excuse himself and take off to find the restroom, where he would hide out until the bell rang.


It was not Nathan’s fault she had signed up for the Four Event Success Guaranteed package offered by the speed dating agency. So far most of the people she had met had been nice. A bit boring—but nice. The experiment had been a disaster for her, however.


She had purchased the package because it was 20 percent off. The first event had been a washout, but she had told herself to be optimistic. You couldn’t expect immediate success. But now she was midway through the second event and the prospects were looking even more dismal.


“I’m not sure exactly what you mean,” Nathan said.


He did a quick, furtive glance around the room. It didn’t take any psychic talent to know he was searching for the restrooms.


She gave him another shiny smile. “The matchmaker said we are supposed to ask each other questions. That’s my question.”


“Oh.” Nathan cleared his throat. “Well, uh, I guess it would, you know, depend.”

At least Nathan was considering his answer, not running for the restroom. That was promising.


“What would it depend on?” she asked.


“How well I knew you. Whether or not you and I were, you know, close.”


“And if we were close?” she pressed. “Then would you walk into hell to find me?”


Panic sparked in Nathan’s eyes. He glanced at the table where the event coordinator sat. When he realized there was no salvation coming from that direction, he made a heroic effort to move forward.


“My turn,” he said, bubbling with artificial enthusiasm. “My question is, where do you like to go on vacation?”


“Hawaii. My turn. If I went missing would you walk into—”


“I guess I’d call your friends first,” Nathan said. He sat back in the booth, putting a little more distance between them. “See if they knew where you were. Then, uh, maybe call the cops. Hey, I like Hawaii, too. Do you snorkel?”


“No.” She leaned forward, closing the space he had just made. “How hard would you look for me?”


“Well, uh, I’m not an expert when it comes to search and rescue work. Don’t you need a dog for that?” Nathan shot to his feet. “Excuse me. Gotta hit the restroom. Be right back.”


And another one bites the dust. No, that wasn’t right, Olivia thought. I’m the one who just bit the dust. Again. She realized she didn’t care. The speed dating experiment was a failure. If she hadn’t bought the Four Event Success Guaranteed package she would leave right now. But she had made an investment, and the fine print was firm—no refunds.


From LIGHTNING IN A MIRROR published by arrangement with Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. Copyright © 2021 by Jayne Ann Krentz.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Photo credit: Marc von Borstel

The author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print. 

She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.

Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington. 

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Tuesday, January 4, 2022

Review: When You Get the Chance by Emma Lord


A bighearted novel about falling in love, making a mess, and learning to let go, When You Get the Chance is the next effervescent novel from Emma Lord, New York Times bestselling author of the Reese Witherspoon YA Book Club pick You Have a Match.


WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE by EMMA LORD
Series: Standalone
Publication date: January 4, 2022
Published by: Wednesday Books
Genre: young adult romance

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SYNOPSIS

Nothing will get in the way of Millie Price’s dream to become a Broadway star. Not her lovable but super-introverted dad, who after raising Millie alone, doesn’t want to watch her leave home to pursue her dream. Not her pesky and ongoing drama club rival, Oliver, who is the very definition of Simmering Romantic Tension. And not the “Millie Moods,” the feelings of intense emotion that threaten to overwhelm, always at maddeningly inconvenient times. Millie needs an ally. And when a left-open browser brings Millie to her dad’s embarrassingly moody LiveJournal from 2003, Millie knows just what to do. She’s going to find her mom.

There’s Steph, a still-aspiring stage actress and receptionist at a talent agency. There’s Farrah, ethereal dance teacher who clearly doesn’t have the two left feet Millie has. And Beth, the chipper and sweet stage enthusiast with an equally exuberant fifteen-year-old daughter (A possible sister?! This is getting out of hand). But how can you find a new part of your life and expect it to fit into your old one, without leaving any marks? And why is it that when you go looking for the past, it somehow keeps bringing you back to what you’ve had all along?

Purchase your copy now!
Amazon |  B&N | iBooks


Praise for Emma Lord:

"Brimming with energy, rapid-fire banter, and affectionate theater references, this memorable Mamma Mia! retelling...thoughtfully pays homage while skillfully modernizing it for today’s readers." -Publishers Weekly (starred review) 

"Chock-full of musical theater references and humor, the novel includes high-stakes emotional drama that is balanced by supportive friendships and strong, deep family connections...An entertaining personal journey with plot twists galore." - Kirkus Reviews




ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Lord is the NYT bestselling author of YOU HAVE A MATCH and TWEET CUTE, a BuzzFeed market editor, and dessert gremlin living in New York City, where she spends whatever time she isn’t writing either running or belting show tunes in community theater. She graduated from the University of Virginia with a major in psychology and a minor in how to tilt your computer screen so nobody will notice you updating your fan fiction from the back row. She was raised on glitter, a whole lot of love, and copious amounts of grilled cheese. 

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REVIEW

When You Get the ChanceWhen You Get the Chance by Emma Lord
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Title: When You Get the Chance
Series: n/a
Author: Emma Lord
Release date: January 4, 2022
Cliffhanger: no
Genre: ya romance

Emma Lord is quickly cementing herself as one of my top favorite authors in the young adult genre. I've read all three books of hers now and each one is a fresh, modern, and poignant coming of age story. When I read the synopsis for When You Get the Chance, I was intrigued by the description of Millie Price. As a teen with aspirations of making it big in theater, she seemed like she would have a larger than life personality. And boy...did she ever. I guess you could call her a bit of a drama queen, in more ways than one. She's brash, impulsive, confident (sometimes overly so) and strong-willed. There are tons of YA books out there about teens who are shy, uncertain of their futures, and perhaps even scared to enter into the next chapter of their life. Millie is a completely different personality which I have to say, was very refreshing.

Millie knew where she was headed from a very young age. She started belting out tunes whenever the opportunity arose, which led to her meteoric internet fame in the "Little Jo" video. We all have embarrassing home videos that we'd rather never see the light of day ever again, right? What if that home video were available for millions to view and ridicule for public entertainment? (Think back to Rebecca Black's video, Friday. Now you get the picture.) Millie is so ashamed of her warbling childhood singing video that she decides that the only solution is to constantly re-invent herself. Her wardrobe is like a revolving door of identities that swing from one extreme to another. She knows she has the talent to succeed in the business, but only if she can keep the skeleton firmly hidden in the closet.

Oliver is the thorn in her side at school who lives to annoy her as much as she does him. After starting off on the wrong foot, they've had a competitive edge in their school relationship. After getting accepted into Madison with a scholarship, it's an added bonus that she won't have to work alongside him in their theater department anymore. That is, if she can convince her dad to allow her to attend the school she never got permission to apply to. Yes, she went through rigorous auditions and screenings to get approved, but she didn't plan far enough ahead to figure out how she was going to actually get permission to go. She has one summer in order to make that happen-and when she sets her mind on something she goes after it like a tenacious Pit Bull. Then her dad's college journal happens. Left open, she's suddenly faced with the possibility of solving the mystery of her mother.

When Millie's was a newborn, her mom dropped her off on her dad's doorstep and never came back. He's handled being a single father like a champ with a little help from her Aunt Heather-she couldn't have asked for two more supportive people in her life. She also has her endearing best friend Teddy to lean on. However, not knowing who her mother was or why she was abandoned has always eaten away at her, and her dad has never offered her any explanations or clues about what transpired in the past.

My dad has always sidestepped the topic like he’s allergic to it, 
and my aunt says my dad never actually told her who my mom was.
I took their cues growing up and never discussed it much either. 
Not even with Teddy. The secrecy aside, it just always kind of left 
a bad taste in my mouth to think about, let alone say out loud.

So typical Millie style, she hatches an impulsive plan to find her mother by applying for an internship that Oliver is up for (which was definitely not well thought out and led to more secrecy and dishonesty with her family.) In some ways, Millie is very strong and confident for her age, but in others she's kind of a mess. She often sticks her foot in her mouth, unintentionally hurting those around her. She's also much more vulnerable than she appears on the surface. The stress of competing against Oliver for the internship while simultaneously trying to find her mom wore her thin. Her mentor is hardcore tough, and her dance class is just as impossible as she feared it would be. Add in some conflicting feelings for Oliver that start to develop and she's got a lot to deal with.

I feel like the romance between Oliver and Millie was a bit underwhelming, but overall they were sweet together. After they got beyond the antagonism and competitiveness that prevented them from truly getting to know one another, they hidden depths that neither expected. There was also a side story with Teddy and Chloe that I really enjoyed.

In summary, there was a lot to love about this book. In Millie's search for her mother, she learned so much about herself along the way. She learned to embrace who she was without shame and open herself up to new possibilities. I'm excited to see what Emma Lord has to offer next.

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Monday, January 3, 2022

Series Spotlight: Off-Campus By Elle Kennedy




I've read more than my fair share of New Adult sports romance, and this series is one of my all-time favorites. No question. Bloom Books, an imprint of Sourcebooks, is now bringing her beloved books to a wider audience than ever before. In 2023, Elle Kennedy has a brand new hockey romance scheduled for release! If you haven't had the pleasure of reading the Off-Campus series, scroll down for information on all five books. 



OFF-CAMPUS #1: THE DEAL 

Trope: Friends to Lovers

New York Times bestseller Elle Kennedy brings you the first in the sexy Off-Campus series that everyone is talking about.

She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy...



Original Publication date: February 24, 2015
Publisher: Bloom Books
ISBN: 9781775293934
My Rating: 4.5 stars

 Find on Goodreads 



SYNOPSIS

Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date.

...and it's going to be oh so good

All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

Praise for The Deal:

"Elle Kennedy engages your senses from the very first sentence! Both deliciouslysteamy and heart-achingly tender, The Deal is an absolute winner!" -Katy Evans, New York Times bestselling author

"Elle has masterfully captured the feelings, the romance and the unbridledsexiness of the New Adult genre with this book! You will swoon for Garrett!"- Alice Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of WALLBANGER

"I loved this book! Garrett is dreamy. If you love NA, you must read TheDeal!" - Monica Murphy, New York Times bestselling author

"The Deal iseverything you could ask for in a New Adult. Sexy, sweet, and emotionallysatisfying. I loved this book and did not want it to end!" - Kristen Callihan, USA Today bestselling author

"The Deal reminds me of all the reasonsI love romance." - Jane Litte, Dear Author

"Romance. The most adorable couple. The banter -omg the banter. The romance. The friends. The flirtation. The smiles it gaveme."​ - Mandi, SmexyBooks

"This was one of the best college romance I've read...I laughed, I swooned, I couldn't put itdown. Highly recommended!!" - Aestas Book Blog

"Absolute "new adult" angsty-romance reading PERFECTION!" - Maryse'sBook Blog

"The story and banter made The Deal afun and sexy page-turner" - Angie, Shameless Book Club

"This story is filled with witty banter, sexy tension and anoverall warm feeling." - The Rock Stars of Romance

"We haven't wiped these happy dopey grins off our faces sincefinishing The Deal and yep, we were well and truly in book heaven from start tofinish and everything in between!" - Totally Booked Blog

"This heartwarming, funny, unexpectedly profound little gemtook me by surprise and ended up rocking my world..." - Natasha is a Book Junkie









OFF-CAMPUS #2: THE MISTAKE 

Trope: Second Chance

A New York Times bestseller! Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author Elle Kennedy.

He’s a player in more ways than one…


Original Publication date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Bloom Books
ISBN: 9781775293941
My Rating: 5 stars

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SYNOPSIS

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Praise for The Mistake:

"Prepare to slide into a book hangover after you finish this book! I loved it SO MUCH I had to immediately begin it again. Elle Kennedy can't write fast enough for me..." - Sophie Jordan, New York Times bestselling author

"Heart-melting, funny, fresh and exquisitely romantic, THE MISTAKE left me breathless and absolutely in love!" - Katy Evans, New York Times bestselling author

"More hockey hotness from Elle Kennedy? Yes, please! The Mistake is a smart, feel-good, swoon-worthy page-turner that will have fans tossing their hearts onto the rink." - Sarina Bowen, USA Today bestselling author





OFF-CAMPUS #3: THE SCORE 

Trope: Opposites Attract

A New York Times bestseller! Get ready for another binge-worthy romance from international bestselling author Elle Kennedy.

He knows how to score, on and off the ice...


Original Publication date: January 11, 2016
Publisher: Bloom Books
ISBN: 9781775293958
My Rating: 5 stars

 Find on Goodreads 



SYNOPSIS

He’s a player in more ways than one…

College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he’ll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he’s worth a second chance.

Now he’s going to need to up his game…

After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She’s not a charity case, and she’s not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He’ll have to work for it. This time around, she’ll be the one in the driver’s seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Praise for The Score:

"And she scores again!! This is such a romantic read; laughter, swoons, teary-moments, The Score has got it all and then some! Elle Kennedy once again delivers a fun and delightfully memorable romance" - Katy Evans, New York Times bestselling author

"Just when I thought this series could not get any better, we are given another delectable installment in this witty, sexy, flawlessly written series about opposites attracting" - Natasha Is a BookJunkie
 
"Really- everyone just go read it now. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Why are you still here?? Go!" - Kaetrin, Dear Author
 
"Elle Kennedy just never fails to make us smile, laugh and swoon. The Score is just what we needed" - Totally Booked Blog
 
"Like its hero, The Score should come with a warning: too sexy for words. Elle Kennedy has pulled off a hat trick - this third Off-Campus novel is as swoon-worthy, funny, and utterly addictive as The Deal and The Mistake" - Wit and Sin
 
"THE SCORE is a great addition to the series and it cements the fact that this is one of the strongest new adult series out there" - Under the Covers
 
"This story made me swoon, cry (and) I laughed, too. It's a story that gripped me from page one and kept me reading until the last line" - New Adult Addiction
 
"Elle Kennedy wrote another strong character driven romance with lovable characters and I can't help but want more from this world and from Elle Kennedy period" - Book Binge






OFF-CAMPUS #4: THE GOAL 

Trope: Opposites Attract

Discover another binge-worthy romance from New York Times and international bestselling author Elle Kennedy!

She’s good at achieving her goals…


Original Publication date: September 26, 2016
Publisher: Bloom Books
ISBN: 9781775293965
My Rating: 3 stars

 Find on Goodreads 



SYNOPSIS

College senior Sabrina James has her whole future planned out: graduate from college, kick butt in law school, and land a high-paying job at a cutthroat firm. Her path to escaping her shameful past certainly doesn’t include a gorgeous hockey player who believes in love at first sight. One night of sizzling heat and surprising tenderness is all she’s willing to give John Tucker, but sometimes, one night is all it takes for your entire life to change.

But the game just got a whole lot more complicated...

Tucker believes being a team player is as important as being the star. On the ice, he’s fine staying out of the spotlight, but when it comes to becoming a daddy at the age of twenty-two, he refuses to be a bench warmer. It doesn’t hurt that the soon-to-be mother of his child is beautiful, whip-smart, and keeps him on his toes. The problem is, Sabrina’s heart is locked up tight, and the fiery brunette is too stubborn to accept his help. If he wants a life with the woman of his dreams, he’ll have to convince her that some goals can only be made with an assist.

Praise for The Goal:

"Smart, sexy and utterly addictive, I fell in love with Tucker's strength and patience. But it was his dirty mouth in the bedroom that made me swoon and search for tickets to a hockey game!" -#1 New York Times bestselling author Vi Keeland

"Tucker is mine, ladies. I called it. This series just keeps getting better." -USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen








OFF-CAMPUS #4: THE LEGACY

Collection of Second Epilogues: Couple updates

The international bestselling Off-Campus series returns with a collection of four novellas by New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy! This brand-new installment provides the much-anticipated answer to the question: Where are they now?


Original Publication date: August 17, 2021
Publisher: Bloom Books
ISBN: 9781990101069


 Find on Goodreads 



SYNOPSIS

Four stories. Four couples. Three years of real life after graduation…

A wedding.
A proposal.
An elopement.
And a surprise pregnancy.

Life after college for Garrett and Hannah, Logan and Grace, Dean and Allie, and Tucker and Sabrina, isn’t quite what they imagined it would be. Sure, they have each other, but they also have real-life problems that four years at Briar U didn’t exactly prepare them for. As it turns out, for these four couples, love is the easy part. Growing up is a whole lot harder.

Come for the drama, stay for the laughs! Catch up with your favorite Off-Campus characters as they navigate the changes that come with growing up and discover that big decisions can have big consequences…and big rewards.

Praise for The Legacy:

"Hilarious and heartwarming! This collection of follow-up novellas is a blast! You won't believe what the Off-Campus crew is up to" - USA Today bestselling author Sarina Bowen