#BookReview: Slip by L. Ryan Storms

9 minutes and 53 seconds isn’t enough time to change the world. It’s not even enough time to finish a biology exam.

But 16-year-old junior, PJ “Slip” Ellis, gets to repeat the most anxiety-inducing parts of her life again and again. Because her panic attacks send her 9 minutes and 53 seconds into the past, which means she’ll do whatever she can to avoid triggering her nerves. And she’s learned to deal with her anxiety…mostly.

At least, until Ethan Morrow appears in class. Now, PJ is falling for Ethan, and her anxiety—once under control—is quickly spiraling out of hand. So, PJ’s determined to avoid Ethan with every slip.

If only the solution were so easy. Ethan appears in PJ’s life no matter what path she takes, no matter how many times she slips. Is it fate? Kismet? Organized chaos? One way or another, PJ must make peace with herself if she ever wants a shot at true happiness with—or without—Ethan Morrow in her life.

#BookReview:Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros

Welcome to the brutal and elite world of Basgiath War College, where everyone has an agenda, and every night could be your last . . .

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general - also known as her tough-as-talons mother - has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you're smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away . . . because dragons don't bond to 'fragile' humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother's daughter - like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She'll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Alliances will be forged. Lives will be lost. Traitors will become allies . . . or even lovers. But sleep with one eye open because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

#BookTour: Angel of Earth & Bone by Tory Guyon @RRBookTours1

Angel of Earth & Bone (The Book of the Watchers Vol II)

Expected Publication Date: January 16, 2025

Genre: YA/NA Urban Fantasy Romance 

Enemies-to-Lovers

Forbidden Love

Second Chance Romance

Warring realms

Dagger to the Throat

Morally Gray MMC

Found Family

Mental Health Rep

Magical Creatures

“We shouldn’t be doing this”

Dungeon Runs

Backpacking Culture

Six weeks isn’t long enough to heal a broken heart. Not for River Harlow, who lost her best friend, Javi; her mentor, Olivia; her lover, Ryder—her entire life—in what feels like the blink of an eye. Yet, as the new Angel of Water and with a bounty on her head placed by the conniving enemy realm, the only thing left to do is try to move on.

To take back her life, River stands against Chet, the horrific guy-turned-wolf who assaulted her at a bonfire. But when she tries to testify against him at the werewolf tribunal, she—and her remaining friends—realizes he has not only slithered into the welcome arms of the enemy, but the enemy is very much among them. It won’t be too long before their army of demons infiltrates Mortal Earth and destroys everything she loves.

Finding the three other elemental archangels, the Watchers, might be her only hope of saving the realm. On a dangerous search abroad to find the Angel of Earth, her strength, hope, and heart are tested in the deceitfully glittering realm of the Huldufólk. The Queen of the Elves strikes a bargain with River to take her to the Angel of Earth, but elves always demand payment for their magic, and River owes her dues—in bones and blood.

Angel of Earth & Bone is the second volume in The Book of the Watchers, an upper YA/NA urban fantasy romance series about the secret heiress to a powerful archangel and the half-angel demon hunter sent to destroy her.

#BookBlitz: A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy by Nikki Bright @XpressoTours #Giveaway $25 Amazon gift card

A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy
Nikki Bright
Publication date: January 9th 2025
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Samuel Warner is rich, charming, the CEO of his family’s business, and the guy I’ve hated since grade school. Now, thanks to one of my more questionable ideas, he’s also my new pretend boyfriend.

Our families have been at each other’s throats for three generations, fighting over the future of our small town. The Warners are all for bulldozing and modernizing every corner of Fox Creek, while my family is determined to preserve our quirky little town and its quaint ways. But even without the family feud, Samuel’s charm and charisma (and his maddening smirk) would still get on my nerves.

Samuel is insufferably smooth, his favorite hobby is teasing me even though he’s able to charm the most cantankerous granny in the county, and he’s spine-tinglingly handsome. Worse yet, he knows it!

But when my brother falls head over heels for a Warner girl, I’m desperate to find a way to unite our families. So, I propose a totally sane, not-at-all-ridiculous plan: Samuel and I will pretend to be in a serious relationship, faking our way to family peace and town harmony with a Romeo-and-Juliet-style performance (minus the tragedy at the end).

First problem with this fantastic idea? Samuel agrees way too quickly, which screams that he’s got a hidden agenda. And yet, he’s so perfect in the role of doting boyfriend, I can’t figure out what his angle is.

Second problem? This relationship might be fake, but my heart didn’t get the memo. Every “date” and impromptu public display of affection Samuel insists on performing stirs up feelings I’m not prepared for. Soon enough, I’m wondering if I can really end this without a total family feud—or losing my heart.

A Guide to Fake Dating Your Enemy is a laugh-out-loud small-town romantic comedy full of swoon-worthy moments, sizzling kisses, and a romance that’s anything but fake. It’s a closed door romance with mild swearing/language.

#BookBlitz: Decoding Men by Italia Tornabene @RABTBookTours

 

Decoding Men: Understanding, Attracting and Keeping the Right Man (Italia's books)

 

Nonfiction

Date Published: May 19, 2024

 

 

Curious about what truly drives men? In "Decoding Men: Understanding, Attracting, and Keeping the Right Man," Italia Tornabene unveils the secrets to understanding and connecting with men, drawing from her unique 15-year experience as a high-profile companion. This insightful guide categorizes men into distinct types, such as The Player, The Provider, The Commitment-Phobe, and The Romantic.

Italia deep dives into each type's unique traits, motivations, and behaviors, providing practical strategies for effectively engaging and building lasting relationships. Whether you aim to enhance your current relationship or attract the right partner, "Decoding Men" offers invaluable insights and actionable advice. Addressing complex issues like infidelity, communication barriers, and maintaining passion in long-term relationships, Italia shares techniques for reading body language, interpreting verbal cues, and fostering open, honest dialogues to build mutual trust and understanding.

Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate the intricacies of male behavior and relationship dynamics. With Italia's expert guidance, you'll gain the confidence to attract, understand, and keep the right man in your life. Discover the transformative power of "Decoding Men" and start building the fulfilling relationships you deserve.