#BookReview: The Last Graduate (The Scholomance #2) by @naominovik

Synopsis: A budding dark sorceress determined not to use her formidable powers uncovers yet more secrets about the workings of her world in the stunning sequel to A Deadly Education, the start of Naomi Novik’s groundbreaking crossover series.

At the Scholomance, El, Orion, and the other students are faced with their final year—and the looming specter of graduation, a deadly ritual that leaves few students alive in its wake. El is determined that her chosen group will survive, but it is a prospect that is looking harder by the day as the savagery of the school ramps up. Until El realizes that sometimes winning the game means throwing out all the rules . . .

#BookReview: Thorn (Dauntless Path #1) by @BooksByIntisar

Synopsis: A princess with two futures. A destiny all her own 

Between her cruel family and the contempt she faces at court, Princess Alyrra has always longed to escape the confines of her royal life. But when she’s betrothed to the powerful prince Kestrin, Alyrra embarks on a journey to his land with little hope for a better future.

When a mysterious and terrifying sorceress robs Alyrra of both her identity and her role as princess, Alyrra seizes the opportunity to start a new life for herself as a goose girl. 

But Alyrra soon finds that Kestrin is not what she expected. The more Alyrra learns of this new kingdom, the pain and suffering its people endure, as well as the danger facing Kestrin from the sorceress herself, the more she knows she can’t remain the goose girl forever.

With the fate of the kingdom at stake, Alyrra is caught between two worlds and ultimately must decide who she is, and what she stands for.

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Includes The Bone Knife, a bonus short story set in the world of Thorn.

#ReleaseBlitz for A Brit Player by @bstjohnbrown and @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: A Brit Player
Series: Castle Calder #4

Author: Brenda St John Brown

Genre: Second Chance Sports Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2021

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Whoever said taking a second chance on your first love was a good idea obviously had nothing to hide…

They say the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else. But shagging a guy with a “Bad Decision” tattoo is never a good idea. It’s a warning label. Trust me.

So when a friend coerces me into taking part in a charity dating auction, I jump at the chance to leave London - and my bad decisions - behind for a weekend.

But Max Foster is there and he’s bidding on me like it’s his job. Max isn’t just a guy. He’s THE GUY - my first love who I haven’t seen since the day he left high school to go play professional football in Spain.

I shouldn’t see him again, never mind want to. Because letting him find out about the secret I’ve kept from him these past twelve years? That has “bad decision” written all over it.

**This book contains content that readers who have experienced loss of pregnancy may find upsetting.**

#ReleaseBlitz for Beautiful Sins by Piper Lawson @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: Beautiful Sins

Series: Enemies Trilogy #2

Author: Piper Lawson

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2021

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“I don’t know how to treat a woman like you.”

I swore I’d cut Harrison King out of my life, and my bed, forever.

The second my contract with the ruthless billionaire who owned me was up…

I ran.

Not knowing that decision would only twist the web around us tighter.

Now, he’s back, and the sins of his past threaten to destroy us both.

He still thirsts for power and vengeance. But his secrets run deeper than I knew.

This time, he wants me to stand by his side.

This time, he’s asking.

BEAUTIFUL SINS is the steamy, enthralling continuation of Harrison and Reagan’s romance that begins in BEAUTIFUL ENEMY!

#ReleaseBlitz for Sinful Daughter by @emilybowie82 and @GiveMeBooksPR #Giveaway ($20 Amazon gift card)

Title: Sinful Daughter

Series: Dark Mafia Sins #1

Author: Emily Bowie

Genre: Mafia Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2021

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I’m in love with a mafia princess…

And I’m a cop. One of the good guys.

Theo Fox:

I’m on the verge of taking down the largest mafia family. Until, Aria Rossi. She’s equal parts sexy and sassy. I want to hate her. Yet, she consumes me, drawing me into her world. She blurs the lines of right and wrong, twisting my moral compass each time we meet. She’s become a distraction that will get me killed. When I’m forced to choose between the job I love and the girl I need to hate, will I choose right? Is there even a choice?

Aria Rossi:

He’s the one cop who can’t be bought, making us enemies. I want him, I hate him. He should be off-limits and yet when he puts his hands on my body I can’t say no. War is at my family’s doorstep and Theo Fox wants to be the victor by eliminating the Rossi last name. I never asked for him to steal my heart but it never stood a chance. The world is all ablaze. Will my heart survive or turn to ash in my desperate attempt to save my family? Will either of us be standing when the smoke clears?

#BookTour: I Hear the Black Raven by @Ishiayetoro @rabtbooktours #Giveaway

A Petite Memoir

Date Published: 06-04-2021

Publisher: Equal Age

 

At 31 years of age, Claire Ishi Ayetoro has lived enough lives to fill an ensemble cast. In this, her first memoir, no topic is off-limits as she paints portrait after portrait of her triumphs and her battles with bipolar disorder, religiosity, and that ever elusive cure-all: love. A vividly compassionate depiction of psychosis, Ayetoro weaves words of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration into every layer of her storytelling. Journey with her through the mountains and valleys of manic depression, guided by that singular spirit of flight: the black raven. You never know, it may even be calling to you.

#BookReview: Fresh by @margotwood

Synopsis: A hilarious and vulnerable coming-of-age story about the thrilling new experiences––and missteps––of a girl's freshman year of college

Some students enter their freshman year of college knowing exactly what they want to do with their lives. Elliot McHugh is not one of those people. But picking a major is the last thing on Elliot’s mind when she’s too busy experiencing all that college has to offer—from dancing all night at off-campus parties, to testing her RA Rose’s patience, to making new friends, to having the best sex one can have on a twin-sized dorm room bed. But she may not be ready for the fallout when reality hits. When the sex she’s having isn’t that great. When finals creep up and smack her right in the face. Or when her roommate’s boyfriend turns out to be the biggest a-hole. Elliot may make epic mistakes, but if she’s honest with herself (and with you, dear reader), she may just find the person she wants to be. And maybe even fall in love in the process . . . Well, maybe. 

This title will be released on August 3, 2021.

#BookReview: In the Shadow of the Cities by Laurel Solorzano

Synopsis: Scarlett would never kill her best friend, perhaps a Citizen if the situation called for it, but never Rhys. There are quite a few rules in the training center, but a few are the kind that are never broken.

1. Greens are not sent into Cities without officially being promoted to Blue.
2. Blues don’t kill each other.

So why is Scarlett being sent into a City without the proper training? And why does a bizarre, elderly male say Scarlett will kill Rhys? In the Shadow of the Cities details Scarlett’s life in the training center before she is pulled unexpectedly into City life. Without the proper training, she is confused about these things called “families” and why the Citizens aren’t grateful that she is keeping them safe.

In this dystopian novel, In the Shadow of the Cities, the story is told not from a Citizen’s point of view but from a Guard’s. Why do the guards seem to tirelessly obey the government? How can they gun down Citizens mercilessly? Find out as you follow Scarlett on her journey into the Cities. 

This title will be released on July 13, 2021. 

#ReleaseBoost for Her Dirty Jocks by @mikalaneauthor and @GiveMeBooksPR #Giveaway

Title: Her Dirty Jocks

Series: Men at Work #12

Author: Mika Lane

Genre: Contemporary Reverse Harem Romance

Release Date: June 17, 2021

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I have to tutor three hot college student athletes to earn extra cash. But they’re the ones who end up teaching me… how to be dirty.

I needed money for school.

Three hot jocks needed to pass math.

You could say I made the team.

One has very hard… muscles.

Another knows how to… score.

And the third throws a real curve… ball.

And while guys like that never gave me the time of day, when they found they needed me, they started paying attention.

I became the center of their universe.

I might teach them math.

But they’ll teach me something much more… valuable.

#ReleaseBlitz for Frying Night by @christianson_tl and @GiveMeBooksPR #Giveaway (5 signed paperbacks of Cracked Open)

Title: Frying Night
Series: Dragon Born Academy #4

Author: T.L. Christianson

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Release Date: June 23, 2021

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Abductions, alien worlds, portals, bondmates, and dragons.

I thought that my biggest problem was the unfinished bond between me and my dragon mate, Ashe… but instead, we have an even bigger problem.

We’ve done the impossible and crossed through a portal into the world of dragons – the same place where my mother’s been trapped for the past fifteen years.

With this lavender sky, orange sun, and a freaking planet hanging above us, it’s clear that we’re no longer on Earth. Our biggest problem is finding our way back… right?

WRONG.

There are deadly animals and wild dragons on this alien world, not to mention the Abraxas.

The Abraxas are the humans that live here… yup, humans. They’ve known about our world for millennia… and they’ve been abducting women from our Earth for a very, very long time.

One of the kidnapped girls has asked me to bring her back to Earth with us. No problem, right? Except I find resistance in an unlikely place. My bondmate, Ashe, is against helping her. But how can I leave her here?

Besides the growing rift between Ashe and me, we still need to find my mother. If she couldn’t get how, however will we?

#ReleaseBlitz for The Rule Maker by @gina_azzi and @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: The Rule Maker

Series: Boston Hawks Hockey #4

Author: Gina Azzi

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance

Release Date: June 23, 2021

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NHL Boston Hawks captain Austin Merrick used to be my boy-next-door. Now, he’s the man on my mind.

Our paths haven’t crossed in over a decade when I find myself back in Boston, desperate to save face in front of my ex-fiancé. With a devilish smirk and wicked blue eyes, Austin steps back into my life to be my plus one for a summer filled with weddings and events.

Should be fun and effortless, right?

Then why the need for rules?

And why do I crave his touch at the small of my back and wish for his kiss on a moonlit beach?

Suddenly, things begin to feel complicated, messy, and real. When I look at my first friend, I don’t see the boy-next-door, but the man I want to spend forever with.

If Austin learns the depth of my feelings, will he give us a real chance? Or are some rules better left unbroken?

#ReleaseBlitz for The List by @FeliceStevens1 and @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: The List

Series: Second Chances #1

Author: Felice Stevens

Genre: MM Romance

Release Date: June 16, 2021

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Oops. He did it again.

Elliot Hansen has a terrible habit of falling in love with every man he dates.

His friends have had enough and make a list of Elliot’s perfect man.

That V…

Those abs....

Shouldn’t a boyfriend be more than the sum of his parts?

But when sexy detective Winston Rogers bursts into his bedroom to arrest a burglar, Elliot knows he wouldn’t mind checking one or two things off that list with him.

What if you had it all?

Five years after the death of his husband, Winston Rogers is single and determined to stay that way.

He throws himself into his job—the more dangerous the assignment, the better.

He can’t face another risk to his heart.

But then a routine arrest in his neighbor’s bedroom leaves Win searching for more than evidence as the man’s sweet smile and vulnerable eyes strike a chord inside him Win had thought gone forever.

Why not enjoy each other with no strings attached? Win and Elliot decide to make their own list.

Rule #1: Strictly friends with benefits.

Rule #2: No doing anything stupid like falling in love.

Rule #3....

See Elliot and Win ignore Rules #1 and #2.

#BookReview: The Tragedy of Dane Riley by Kat Spears

Synopsis: Dane Riley's grasp on reality is slipping, and he's not sure that he cares. While his mother has moved on after his father's death, Dane desperately misses the man who made Dane feel okay to be himself. He can't stand his mother's boyfriend, or the boyfriend's son, whose favorite pastime is tormenting Dane. Then there's the girl next door: Dane can't quite define their relationship, and he doesn't know if he's got the courage to leave the friend zone.

An emotional novel about mental health, and dealing with grief and growing up, The Tragedy of Dane Riley is the story of a teenager looking to make sense of his feelings in the wake of tragedy, and finding the strength he needs to make life worth living.

#BookReview: Strange Creatures by @PhoebeNorth

Synopsis: A riveting, unexpected, and beautiful contemporary novel about a girl whose brother mysteriously disappears, the family and friends he leaves behind, and the stories—real and imagined—that they tell themselves to fill the empty space.

From the moment that Annie was born, she and her older brother, Jamie, were inseparable. Alike in almost every way, they promised to always take care of each other while facing the challenges of growing up different in suburban America. And when life became too much for them, they created their own space in the woods behind their house: a fantasy world of their own making, where no one else could find them. And it was enough, for a while. But then came middle school when Jamie grew dark and distant. He found new friends, a girlfriend, and a life away from Annie and their shared world. By the time Annie was in eighth grade, it was as if she hardly knew the brother who was her other half.

And then, one day, he disappears.

Annie, her family, and the entire community are devastated. And as the days turn into months turn into years, everyone begins to accept that Jamie is gone for good. Everyone, that is, except Annie, who believes that Jamie, somehow, has entered the world they created, and who believes that she's the only one who can bring him back. But as Annie searches for answers and finds a new relationship with a girl she did not expect, she makes startling discoveries about her brother's disappearance—and has to decide how much of herself she’s willing to give up in order to keep hope alive.

As they follow the lives of Annie, Jamie, and the friends and family around them, acclaimed author Phoebe North weaves an unflinching, unforgettable story of the empty spaces inside all of us, and the devastating sacrifices we make in order to become whole.

#ReleaseBoost for Hard Limits by Suki Williams @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: Hard Limits

Series: Queen of Hearts #1

Author: Suki Williams

Genre: Reverse Harem/Dark Romance

Release Date: June 18, 2021

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Call girls are meant to fuck the client then go home, not fuck them up, but I never minded getting my hands just a little dirty.

Homeless teen turned prostitute turned elite call girl with some… unusual extracurricular activities was not what I’d set out to become, but survivors can’t be choosers. Now, I’ve got a life for myself, and I even like it most of the time, but a favor owed to my boss/ex-lover is about to mess all of that up.

Her husband’s become a problem, and when the team of men she’s hired can’t seal the deal, I’m brought in for some assistance. What a fucking mess. Especially since the team consists of my favorite client, his brother, my roommate, and my roommate’s boyfriend.

When the shitstorm of my present starts to collide a bit too much with my past, I’ve got to hope my skills are sharp enough to keep me in one piece.

There’s an unexpected danger that’s found me once again, but lucky for me, I’ve always thrived in the darkness.

Trigger warning: non con, dub con, BDSM scenes, torture, and other adult material that people could find triggering.

#ReleaseBlitz for Her Faithful Protector by @CaitlynOLearyNA and @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: Her Faithful Protector

Series: Night Storm #6

Author: Caitlyn O'Leary

Genre: Romantic Military Suspense

Release Date: June 24, 2021

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Will Nic Get His Second Chance At Love?

Navy SEAL, Nic Hale, is happy. Just ask him. As the youngest member of the team he has the world by the tail, and a date every night of the week. Leaving him wide open to the team’s ribbing. No one would ever know it’s a role he plays to try to forget the woman who stole his heart years ago.

When Night Storm is called in to rescue a busload of kidnapped university students in the Mexican jungle, a mission Nic can sink his teeth into. That is until he finds out his high school sweetheart, the love who was ripped from him, is one of the hostages and all bets are off. Will he be able to save her before they finally have a shot at happiness?

This is the sixth book in the Night Storm Navy SEAL series. It is an Action Adventure Romance that can be read as a stand-alone.

#ReleaseBlitz for Killian by Cala Riley @GiveMeBooksPR

Title: Killian

Series: The Syndicates #2

Author: Cala Riley

Genre: Mafia Romance

Release Date: June 24, 2021

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Greer

My life isn’t a fairytale. I might be locked up like a princess, but I’m more rebellious than I let on. While my brother might be the Don of the Catalini family, he does not know the secrets I’ve been keeping.

That’s how I meet him.

Killian O’Reilly.

This might be the most dangerous thing I’ve ever done.

Killian

This life isn’t for everyone. Being the boss of the Westie’s comes with a load of responsibilities. One’s I’ve never rebelled against.

Until her.

Greer Catalini.

Pursuing her might start a war, but anything thing worth having is worth the risk.

#BookReview: Grace and Glory (The Harbinger #3) by @JLArmentrout @Inkyardpress

Synopsis: Danger, betrayal, and enticing forbidden love clash in book three of #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s Harbinger trilogy!

When Angels Fall

Trinity Marrow has lost the battle and her beloved Protector. Even with both demons and Wardens on her side, Trin may not win the war against the Harbinger.

Bringing Lucifer back to the world to fight the Harbinger is probably a really, really bad idea, but they’re out of options—and the world’s ultimate fallen angel is the only being powerful enough to impact the outcome.

As Trin and Zayne form a new and more dangerous bond and Lucifer unleashes Hell on earth, the apocalypse looms and the world teeters on the end of forever. Win or lose, one thing is certain—nothing will ever be the same. 

#BookReview: Not My Problem by @CiaraNicG

Synopsis: Aideen has plenty of problems she can’t fix. Her best (and only) friend is pulling away. Her mother’s drinking problem is a constant concern. She’s even running out of outlandish diseases to fake so she can skip PE.

But when Aideen stumbles on her nemesis, overachiever Meabh Kowalski, in the midst of a full-blown meltdown, she sees a problem that—unlike her own disaster of a life—seems refreshingly easy to solve. Meabh is desperate to escape her crushing pile of extracurriculars. Aideen volunteers to help. By pushing Meabh down the stairs.

Problem? Solved. Meabh’s sprained ankle is the perfect excuse to ditch her overwhelming schedule. But when another student learns about their little scheme and brings Aideen another “client” who needs her “help,” it kicks off a semester of traded favors, ill-advised hijinks, and an unexpected chance at love. Fixing other people’s problems won’t fix her own, but it might be the push she needs to start.

#BookReview: What I Carry by @JenLiaLongo

Synopsis: For readers of Robin Benway's Far From the Tree, a powerful and heartwarming look at a teen girl about to age out of the foster care system.

Growing up in foster care, Muir has lived in many houses. And if she's learned one thing, it is to Pack. Light.
Carry only what fits in a suitcase.
Toothbrush? Yes.
Socks? Yes.
Emotional attachment to friends? foster families? a boyfriend? Nope!
There's no room for any additional baggage.
Muir has just one year left before she ages out of the system. One year before she's free. One year to avoid anything--or anyone--that could get in her way.

Then she meets Francine. And Kira. And Sean.

And everything changes.