Saturday, May 03, 2025

#BookReview: Lady Dragon by @adriannemaystrickland






Rachel Hartman's Seraphina meets The Priory of the Orange Tree in Lady Dragon, a sapphic YA romantasy from A.M. Strickland.

The age of queens is over . . . unless they can save it..

Since the last war between humans and dragons left the leaders of both species slain—the last human king of Andrath and the legendary dragon queen—both queendoms have been living under a tentative truce: only women will sit on the throne of Andrath, the dragons will have free passage through the human lands . . . and if men ever try to retake the throne, the draconic realm will retaliate.

Samansa and Kirek are two new leaders coming of age in war-scarred lands—Samansa a reluctant human princess and Kirek the favored contender for the draconic queenship. Per tradition, Kirek must undergo the distasteful task of using a mysterious gem called the Heartstone to shift into human form and maintain the strained ties between the species . . . and study human weaknesses, a new and secret task she’s been given by her queen. As the princess and the dragon girl grow closer, they are sent to investigate a potential breach of the treaty and encounter a plot that could reignite an even bloodier war. While fighting to maintain the peace their ancestors fought for and uncovering centuries-old secrets, Samansa and Kirek must grapple with betraying their clashing nations . . . or their unexpected feelings for each other.
This title will be released on August 26, 2025.

#BookReview: To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods (Gods Beyond the Skies #1) by @mollyxchang




She has power over death. He has power over her. When two enemies strike a dangerous bargain, will they end a war . . . or ignite one?

Heroes die, cowards live. Daughter of a conquered world, Ruying hates the invaders who descended from the heavens long before she was born and defeated the magic of her people with technologies unlike anything her world had ever seen.

Blessed by Death, born with the ability to pull the life right out of mortal bodies, Ruying shouldn’t have to fear these foreign invaders, but she does. Especially because she wants to keep herself and her family safe.

When Ruying’s Gift is discovered by an enemy prince, he offers her an impossible deal: If she becomes his private assassin and eliminates his political rivals—whose deaths he swears would be for the good of both their worlds and would protect her people from further brutalization—her family will never starve or suffer harm again. But to accept this bargain, she must use the powers she has always feared, powers that will shave years off her own existence.

Can Ruying trust this prince, whose promises of a better world make her heart ache and whose smiles make her pulse beat faster? Are the evils of this agreement really in the service of a much greater good? Or will she betray her entire nation by protecting those she loves the most?


#CoverReveal for A Wreck, You Make Me by @thesaffronkent




Title: A Wreck, You Make Me
Author: Saffron A. Kent
Genre: Dark Forbidden Romance
Tropes: Bully Romance, Blackmail, Forced Proximity
Morally Grey Hero, Praise/Degradation Kink, Soccer
Cover Design: Najla Qamber
Model Cover Photographer: Daniel Jaems
Release Date: June 9, 2025


BLURB

I have been in love with Shepard Thorne since I was twelve.
He’s my best friend’s hot older brother, and I am the weird redhead who low-key follows him everywhere. He’s soccer’s bad boy, and I am stuck in a dead end job, serving drinks at the local strip club.
Our paths aren’t meant to cross.
Until one day I catch him getting a lap dance at the club and jealousy makes me ruin his fun.
Now he’s made it his mission to make my life hell and no matter what I do, there is no escape.
Everywhere I turn, there he is, waiting for his payback.
He threatens to kiss me one second, and choke me the next.
He promises to bring me to my knees and make me beg.
What started as a little harmless prank turns into a twisted game of blackmail that’s toxic but oh-so-good.
But it has to end.
Because I have a secret...
That ties me to my tormentor in an irrevocable way, and if he ever finds out, it will wreck everything I now crave.
Even his revenge.

Note: This is a STANDALONE set in the world of Bardstown

Friday, May 02, 2025

#BookReview: The Enemy’s Daughter by @melissawritesya



A stunning reimagining of Tristan and Isolde set in a dystopian world woven with magic. An addictive debut YA enemies-to-lovers romantasy—perfect for fans of Rebecca Ross and Sarah Underwood as well as books like Curious Tides, The Hurricane Wars, and Belladonna.

It’s been thirty-seven years since the Republic was destroyed. Now two settlements—the five clans and the Kingsland—fight for control of the untainted land. Though the five clans are outnumbered, they’ve finally struck, killing Kingsland’s brutal leader.

In the war that follows, Isadora, an eighteen-year-old healer, risks her life to help injured soldiers. But when she stops an attack from Tristan, a Kingsland assassin, his soldiers shoot her with a poisoned arrow. As Isadora lies dying, Tristan does the unimaginable: He offers to save her life using a rare magic. 

In choosing to live, Isadora is unknowingly bound to the mysterious Tristan. Worse, even acknowledging the attraction between them allows him to glean fragments of her memories and the very knowledge he needs to destroy the five clans. But their magical connection works both ways. So to save her people, Isadora will have to open her heart to her most cunning enemy. Because in a race for ultimate survival, she’ll need to destroy Tristan and his people first.



#ExcerptReveal for Jilted by @vi_keeland @GiveMeBooksPR




Title: Jilted
Author: Vi Keeland
Publisher: Bramble/Macmillan
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Wedding Meet Cute/Pro Athlete Hero
He Falls First/Cocky Hero
Release Date: May 6, 2025


Take a sneak peek at JILTED.
You know you want to...

“And this is Wilder. Your partner for the ceremony.” She wagged a finger at him. “Be nice.”
He smirked. “I’m always nice, love.”
Ooh . . . Those eyes come with a British accent.
The groomsman, whose name was apparently Wilder, gave me the once-over. His eyes dropped down to take in my dress, then raised to the top of my head, where the fascinator that looked more like mangled horns sat protruding from my skull.
“You had on a different dress earlier. So the accident must’ve happened recently then?”
“Accident?”
He smirked and motioned to the fascinator. “I’m assuming there’s a giant wound under there, since you thought it was a good idea to put that dress on instead.”
“Are you joking?” My hands flew to my hips. “Who insults someone they just met like that?”
“Actually I was.” He grinned. “Joking, I mean.”
“Well, it wasn’t very funny. Do you think I want to be wearing this . . . this . . .” My arms flailed around. “Costume?”
The maître d’ walked over. His eyes flashed down the hall and back. I suspected he was looking for the bride. “Is everything alright over here?” he whispered.
“Fine.”
He gestured to the door. “People are waiting for the ceremony to start. The walls are thin.”
I took a deep breath and nodded. “Of course. Sorry.”
My eyes slanted to the guy standing next to me, my partner, it seemed. He still wore a shit-eating grin and looked pretty proud of himself. But while I continued to scowl, I took a moment to check out the rest of his face, since I hadn’t been able to move past his eyes earlier. Square jaw, defined cheekbones, flawless tanned skin—I wasn’t sure if Bridezilla made the men get spray tans too, but his coloring was too golden bronze to have come from anything other than genetics. Not to mention, he was tall—a weakness of mine—with broad shoulders and . . . I inhaled. Damn, the fucker smells good, too.
I’d been so busy checking him out, I hadn’t realized he’d watched me do it. When my eyes met his again, he raised a brow. “Like what you see?”
Ugh. Cocky and rude. I plastered on a fake smile. “Yes, what a shame something so pleasant doesn’t come with a matching personality.”

#ReleaseBlitz for Stroke of Chance by @authorlilahlance @GiveMeBooksPR




Title: Stroke of Chance
Series: Titan Security #4
Author: Lilah Lance
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Opposites Attract, Forbidden Love
Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
Release Date: May 2, 2025


BLURB

He’s my biggest heist yet…

Defiant. Devious. Desperate.

That's me.
I steal for the thrill. It's all I've ever known.
But all it takes is one sweet doctor.
Adam Whittaker.

He's the only thing I've ever meant to take.
Principled and kind and everything I am not—he's my opposite in every way that matters. I'm supposed to be a thief with a heart full of regret. But something in him makes me want to risk it all.
He sees past my masks and beyond my lies. He makes me feel things I never thought possible.
Wanted. Loved.
Safe.
Except I'm trapped in a dangerous game with no control.

Even if his kisses make me believe in second chances, love might not be enough to save us.

Because in a world of secrets and lies, falling for one good doctor might be the most dangerous thing I do.

Stroke of Chance is the fourth installment in the Titan Security series, featuring a good boy-bad girl romance with a blue-collar doctor and Titan's resident jewel thief. Opposites attract in this sexy, steam-filled story, full of secrets and danger.

Content Warning: This book contains explicit content, violence, profanity, and adult themes.

#ReleaseBlitz for Red Hot Roaster by @kristinjeffriesauthor @GiveMeBooksPR




Title: Red Hot Roaster
A Small Town Romance Perfect
for Lovers of Growly Guys and Smouchy Pups
Series: Tales from the Chocolate Lab Café #1
Author: Kristin Jeffries
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Small Town/Meddling Friends & Fur Babies
OTT Protective MMC/Later in Life Love
Release Date: May 2, 2025


BLURB

What happens when an over-protective coffee roaster rubs up against an uber-independent café owner?

Watch the sparks fly in this strangers to friends to lovers romantic comedy.

Red Hot Roaster is a sweet and spicy small town romance featuring meddling fur babies and besties, a blind chocolate-truffle-tasting—clothing optional, holiday hijinks, and all the slow burn to roasting hot feels.

Rose is struggling to keep her café afloat while sad about her mom’s passing and her son leaving for college. Sure, Pirate, her lummox of a Chocolate Lab, keeps her company. Plus, she couldn’t ask for a better found family in her cozy neighborhood of Dogwood. So why is she so drawn to Rafe, her mysterious, muscly—and temporary—coffee roaster?

With her café on the line, Rose doesn’t have time for love. And she’s been burned once too often—she doesn’t trust men to stick around. Will she settle for a no-strings-attached fling or fight for forever love?

Rafe prefers his life as a roaming coffee roaster, going from gig to gig. That way, he’s only responsible for himself and for being a good girl-dad to his dainty rescue dog, Princess. So why can’t he resist trying to help Rose, his gorgeous and sad-eyed new boss, solve all her problems?

After his tough years in the army and his rough youth, Rafe fears he’s not worthy of love. Besides, he’s always been a loner with no home—and no woman—to call his own. Will he leave town with his secrets or stay to claim his true love?

Grab a table at the Chocolate Lab Café, where Dogwood denizens, canine and otherwise, help Rose and Rafe chase their happily-ever-after. And where, even later in life, love can find a way to rescue your heart.

HEA guaranteed. Dual POV. Intended for 18+ readers.

#ReleaseBlitz: Game Changer by Evelyn Sola @EvelynWritesEveryday @IndiePenPR



Brynne and Colin meet by chance on a sun-soaked island getaway and indulge in a whirlwind romance filled with dreams and promises. However, when Brynne returns home, fate takes an unexpected twist when she discovers her promotion has been handed to Colin instead. Caught between their undeniable chemistry and growing animosity, Brynne and Colin are forced to navigate the rocky path from lovers to enemies while managing tricky office politics. Readers who enjoy forced proximity and office romances will devour Game Change by Evelyn Sola, a steamy, diverse, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romance.

#CoverReveal for Steel Beauty by @authorgeorgiacates @GiveMeBooksPR




Title: Steel Beauty
A Beauty Series Novel
Trilogy: Alex and Magnolia #1
Author: Georgia Cates
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Billionaire Romance/Arranged Relationship
He Falls First/Secret Identity/Reclusive Hero
Cover Design: Swoony Cover Designs
Release Date: April 29, 2025


BLURB

They agreed on three months… but neither expected to fall.

Alex Sebring is a former professional rugby star—and a man with nothing left to prove. Fame, fortune, and adoration were once his everyday normal… until injury ripped him from the game and the headlines turned brutal. Now, he lives in quiet exile.

No press. No relationships. No complications.

He’s content to lick his wounds in peace.

Until her.

Magnolia Steel is in Australia on a three-month work assignment. Just career focus… and maybe a little fun on the side. She never expects to connect with a stranger from behind a wall in a blind-dating suite. No faces. No names. Just voices—and something that feels dangerously real.

At the urging of his best friends, Jack and Laurelyn McLachlan, Alex proposes a deal: three months together, no expectations, no labels. But what begins as a simple arrangement turns into something far more complicated when hearts get involved.

They promised it would end when she left. But what if walking away is the one thing neither of them can do?

Sound familiar? Your favorite Australian caveman and his American girl return—a decade later—with a fresh twist on the love story that started it all.

Meet Alex and Magnolia.


#BookReview: Skipshock (Skipshock #1) by Caroline O'Donoghue @czaronline




Set in a universe where time is key to power and privilege, this dazzlingly inventive, genre-defying fantasy romance is the first in a duology by best-selling author Caroline O’Donoghue.

Margo is a troubled schoolgirl. After the death of her father, she’s on her way to a new boarding school in a new city.

Moon is a salesman. He makes his living traveling through a series of interconnected worlds on a network of barely used train lines. 

They never should have met. But when Margo suddenly appears one day on Moon’s train, their fates become inextricably linked. If Margo wants to survive, she has to pass as a traveling salesman, too—except it’s not that easy. 

Move north on the train line and time speeds up, a day passing in mere hours. Move south and time slows down—a day can last several weeks. Slow worlds are the richest you live longer, your youth lasting decades. Fast worlds are sharp, cruel, and don’t have time for pleasantries. Death is frequent. Salesmen die young of skipshock. That is, if they’re not shot down by the Southern Guard first. 

As Margo moves between worlds and her attachment to Moon intensifies, she feels her youth start to slip between her fingers. But is Moon everything he seems? Is Margo?

Told through the eyes of both naive Margo and desperate Moon, the unforgettable realm of Skipshock will shake the way you think about love, time, and the fabric of the universe. The first in a planned duology from the best-selling author of the Gifts series, this utterly original epic is a must-read.

This title will be released on June 3, 2025.

#BookReview: A Fate Inked in Blood (Saga of the Unfated, #1) by Danielle L. Jensen



A shield maiden blessed by the gods battles to unite a nation under a power-hungry king—while also fighting her growing desire for his fiery son—in this Norse-inspired fantasy romance from the bestselling author of The Bridge Kingdom series.

Bound in an unwanted marriage, Freya spends her days gutting fish, but dreams of becoming a warrior. And of putting an axe in her boorish husband’s back.

Freya’s dreams abruptly become reality when her husband betrays her to the region’s jarl, landing her in a fight to the death against his son, Bjorn. To survive, Freya is forced to reveal her deepest secret: She possesses a drop of a goddess’s blood, which makes her a shield maiden with magic capable of repelling any attack. It was foretold such a magic would unite the fractured nation of Skaland beneath the one who controls the shield maiden’s fate.

Believing he’s destined to rule Skaland as king, the fanatical jarl binds Freya with a blood oath and orders Bjorn to protect her from their enemies. Desperate to prove her strength, Freya must train to fight and learn to control her magic, all while facing perilous tests set by the gods. The greatest test of all, however, may be resisting her forbidden attraction to Bjorn. If Freya succumbs to her lust for the charming and fierce warrior, she risks not only her own destiny but the fate of all the people she swore to protect.



#BookBlitz: Writers of the Future (Volume 41) @RABTBookTours



Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Date Published: 04-22-2025

Publisher: Galaxy Press


 

This anthology blends science fiction, fantasy, and literary brilliance, showcasing thrilling adventures, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking themes. Paired with stunning illustrations, each story immerses you in boundless imagination. Step outside the norm and explore worlds of wonder—order your copy today!


Thursday, May 01, 2025

#ReleaseBlitz for Long Time Coming by S.L. Scott @GiveMeBooksPR @s.l.scott




Title: Long Time Coming
Author: S.L. Scott
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Single Dad, Brother's Best Friend, Small Town
Millionaire/Billionaire, Boots & Hats Cowboy
Release Date: May 1, 2025


BLURB

Sometimes the wait is worth the while.

It didn’t take long for news to spread that Tagger Grange was back in Peachtree Pass. I found out even faster when I fell right into his arms—not by choice.

The barstool wobbled under me when reaching for a cheddar biscuit. They’re my weakness. Much like he used to be.

Rolled up sleeves and tailored pants have replaced the boots and jeans my brother’s best friend once wore. But it’s not just the clothes that have changed. His shoulders are broader and he’s broodier. Somehow, he's even more handsome than ever.

And seeing the little boy smiling at his side? My heart instantly melts. I can't handle Tagger as a hot single dad.

Since he has no plans to stay, I know it’s best to avoid him. But daily run-ins at Rollingwood Ranch make him hard to ignore, and even harder to walk away.

His heated glances warm my insides, his smile awakens my dormant heart, and one stormy night leads to crossing lines we vowed we wouldn’t.

But when falling in the hay turns into falling in love, I start to wonder if our happy ending is a long time coming. Or will he return to the city leaving me with a broken heart?

#CoverReveal: How to Date a Prince by Hayden Stone @haydenstoneauthor @XpressoTours

How to Date a Prince
Hayden Stone
Publication date: July 15th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

What happens when the British Crown Prince falls in love with an American man who opposes the monarchy?

Prince Auggie swears he’s no kind of dashing prince: daydreamer, private—and also secretly very gay. He’s instantly horrified when his father, reality TV addict King James, signs Auggie up for a reality TV show to promote the monarchy, where the man with the most talents wins—and to help find Auggie a bride, the very last thing Auggie wants. But duty calls.

When Auggie finds out his co-star is irritatingly gorgeous Thomas Golden, the charismatic dual American-English heir to the Golden hotel fortune, it’s another step too far. There’s at least one problem: Prince Auggie’s already recently crossed paths with Thomas Golden one disastrous night in a London club. Plus, there’s that whole second not-so-small, not-so-secret problem—the Golden family wants to get rid of the monarchy.

Once Auggie and Thomas arrive on set in the English countryside, it’s already unapologetically hate at first sight. It’s going to be a very long summer of filming…until sparks fly behind the scenes, leading them to make a searing heatwave all their own. But soon, real reality strikes, and Auggie must choose between the life he’s destined for as the future king—or dare risk everything for love.

An enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, feel-good gay royal rom-com.

For fans of Red, White & Royal Blue, Boyfriend Material, and The Unlikely Heir.

#BookTour: When the Wicked Sing by S.L. DeBois @sldebois @rrbooktours


Welcome to the ARC tour for When the Wicked Sing by S.L. DeBois - Available May 28, 2025 and you can pre-order on Amazon

When the Wicked Sing (The Leruna Sea Series #1) Expected Publication Date: May 28, 2025 Genre: Fantasy Romance Tropes/Micro-tropes:

Enemies to Lovers
Slow Burn
Touch Her/Him and 💀
Strong FMC
Hidden Villain
Betrayal
Closed Door Love Scene
Only One Bed
Only One Tub
The Chosen One
Queer Rep
Family Secrets and Lies
Hidden Power
Rising Hero
High Stakes (Good vs Evil)
Light vs Darkness
Sun and Moon
The Rescue
Powerful Artifact
He Pins Her Down
She Tries Biting Him
Deadly Power/Magic
Multiple Magic Systems
Gods/Goddesses/Spirits
Banished from the fae realm, the last surviving sirens hidden deep within the underwater city of Salus face death at every turn. They dream in the darkness of seeing the light of their homeland, Sirenia, once more. With a missing sister's life at stake, Mariana, heir to the siren throne, must fight to save everyone she loves, or watch the last of her kind vanish from the world. After battling arcane forces, the dominating fae sovereign, and even her own heart, what will happen when the wicked sing? 

  Triggers: This book explores themes of death, grief, and trauma. While these elements are integral to the story, they may be emotionally challenging for some readers. Please proceed with care and prioritize your well-being. 

#BookTour: French Cruises Can Kill You by #ConstanceMeccarelloGerson @meccarello @RABTBookTours




The Hassle High Mystery Series, Book 3

 

Cozy Mystery

Date Published: 11-14-2020


 

Cozy Mystery with Death Romance and twists on a French Cruise with the Hassle High group. Complete with occult, kidnapping and French Recipes.


#BookBlitz: No Apparent Bruises by @robynsanthology @RABTBookTours #Giveaway


 


Poetry Collection

Date Published: 02-14-2025

Publisher: Rotting Peach Press


 

A poetry collection exploring the messy and confusing feelings of missing someone you're better off without.




#SeriesBlitz: Little Curiosities by Jeffrey C. McGregor @RABTBookTours


 


Children’s Science Picture Book Series


 

Embark on an enlightening journey with Jeffrey C. McGregor's Little Curiosities series, where he delves into a myriad of captivating topics to satisfy your inquisitive mind. With keen insight and a flair for explaining complex subjects in an accessible way, McGregor takes readers on an educational adventure that spans across ten volumes.

From unraveling the mysteries of microorganisms that exist beyond our sight to exploring the intriguing realm of renewable energy sources, McGregor's writing is both engaging and informative. His dedication to making complex subjects understandable is evident throughout the series. Whether you're curious about the inner workings of our planet, environmental challenges, or the hidden world of tiny creatures, Little Curiosities offers a collection of books that enlighten and inspire readers of all ages. Delve into these pages and satisfy your curiosity for knowledge, guided by the expertise and passion of Jeffrey C. McGregor.

#PreOrderBlitz: Gatos by Lia Connor @RABTBookTours


 

(Cat O’Nines)

 

LGBTQ+, Dark Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Date Published: May 2, 2025

 

 

Catkind -- they're rough, they're tough and they don't take no for an answer. But who'd want to say no? Not Gabriella, a barmaid in a tiny roadhouse named Gatos near the Mexican border. Nor her sister Marnie. With his sisters carried off by the Catkind, Tony's left to run Gatos, but he won't be alone -- a couple of misfit "alley cats" have joined forces with Tony.

Lucia's a party girl with two hot, hunky Catkind on her trail. Orion, a white Tiger, and Jomei, a Bengal, are royalty among the Catkind. They're about to learn Lucia's much more than a pretty face. When the four Gatos siblings return with their Catkind mates for a final showdown against their nemesis, Anuetta thinks she's got these tigers by their tails, but she doesn't count on the mighty strength of the Gatos family. The line's been drawn in the ashes, and the claws are out!


This collection contains the previously released novellas in the Cat O'Nines collection: Cat's Claws, Cat's Eye, Cat's Cradle, Cat's Meow, and Cat's Paw.

#BookReview: Standing Up: Making the Best Out of Surviving the Worst by Mary L. Devine @shewritespress



For true-crime fans, a gripping memoir of a domestic violence survivor who becomes a police detective in the domestic violence unit and is forced to face her demons when her first major case mirrors her own violent assault.

Standing Up invites you on an exhilarating journey with a woman who refuses to be defined by her scars. A pulse-pounding chronicle of survival against all odds, this memoir takes readers along on a plunge into the chilling depths of abusive relationships.

At the tender age of twenty-three, Mary Sweeney-Devine unwittingly stumbled into the clutches of her abuser, igniting anguish and despair. With each heart-wrenching trial, including a hospital visit, she unearthed a reservoir of resilience she didn’t know she possessed. But just when she thought she had weathered the storm, a second marriage to a recovering alcoholic unleashed a tempest of secrets and unforeseen challenges.

Yet Devine emerged from the darkness, fueled by an unyielding determination and a fierce spirit. With the help of unexpected allies, determination, and a sprinkling of humor, she navigated the treacherous terrain of her past—and reclaimed her life with courage. Offering hope to those ensnared in the vicious cycle of abuse, Standing Up is a riveting testament to Devine’s indomitable spirit and a gripping saga that will leave you breathlessly rooting for the victory of the human heart over adversity.