Review: The Prized Girl by Amy K. Green

The Prized Girl by Amy K. Green
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy of this book via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.

I know 2 stars isn't a great rating, but this wasn't a bad book. It just isn't my preferred type of thriller, so take my rating with a grain of salt. It kept me guessing and it is pretty messed up. This book deals with some disturbing subject matter, but it isn't overly graphic and it is not gory. I just thought the plot jumped around too much because it had so many characters. I prefer fewer characters with more developed stories and plots.

The story is told in alternating timelines from the perspectives of two sisters. Virginia the older sister is left in the aftermath of younger sister Jenny's murder, and she takes it upon herself to find out what really happened that night and maybe heal some of her own past wounds. Jenny's story is told in the past and leads up to what happened on the night she was killed. Jenny is a 13 year old former beauty pageant star, but she decides that she wants some independence from her overbearing mother. Her parents are worried that she'll end up like her deadbeat sister VIrgina who can't hold down a job and dresses like a homeless person most of the time. I didn't find either sister particularly likeable, they were both impulsive and made a lot of poor choices that seemed unrealistic. Then again I didn't find any of the characters likeable and most of the characters made a lot of poor choices.

As the story unfolds, we not only learn about what happened to Jenny, but we learn about the secrets that are being kept by everyone involved in the case. Everyone seems to hold a piece of the much larger puzzle to solve Jenny's murder, and Virgina is determined to put it all together and bring her sister's killer to justice and put her life back together.

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Review: Net Force: Dark Web by Jerome Priesler

Net Force: Dark Web by Jerome Preisler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I listened to the final production copy of the audiobook.

I found the premise of this book to be very interesting. I thought this was a standalone in a long running series, but it definitely felt like I should have known the characters and their backstories going into this book as well as some of the plotlines. I'm not sure if that is the case, but it felt that way when I was reading/listening to the book. I don't think I would have taken the ARC had I known that it were part of such an established series. I feel that way because it doesn't end as a standalone. It ends as though you need to read the next book to find out what happens next.

Again I found the plot to be very interesting, but I lost interest because there were far too many plotlines and characters to keep track of. This made the pacing very slow and the book very long. I expected this to have a much faster pace considering it was a cyber security thriller. While in reality cyber attacks probably have many more people involved than we meet in this book, I think I would have enjoyed this had I not met every single player in the game. I would have preferred more developed characters, and perhaps they are more developed throughout the series as this is book 12 and I've missed out. I also would have preferred a more focused plot, this just jumped around too much for my taste and it was hard to keep track of who was who and what they were doing.

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Tag Tuesday Fall Time Cozy Time Book Tag 2019

I was procrastinating on the long list of stuff I need to get done, so naturally I was catching up on youtube videos and saw this on India's channel and it reminded me that I really loved this tag last year so I brought it back.  I've read alot of books since last year's post so let's see if I can come up with different answers.

Fall is my favorite time of year, but this fall has been really busy.  It is technically still fall until the end of this week, although there is snow on the ground and it has steadily been in the 30's here in Pennsylvania for the last week or so.


India - Life is a Page Turner https://youtu.be/CmaAXaxQ_Tk
Sam's Nonsense // creator → https://youtu.be/Q-4nDR8jXi0


1. Crunching Leaves: The world is full of color - choose a book that had reds/oranges/yellows on the cover  - The Furies by Katie Lowe

2. Cozy Sweater - It's finally cold enough to don warm cozy clothing: what book gives you the warm fuzzies? 
His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik has the most amazing relationship between Captain Laurence and his dragon Temeraire.  I truly love their bond and this alternate history.


3. Fall Storm: The wind is howling & the rain is pounding - choose your favorite book OR genre that you like to read on a stormy day
I'm not really a big re-reader.  I always intend to read books again, but I never do.  Lately I've been favoring romantic comedies, which is strange for me since I'm not big on romance.  Life can be stressful, so a little comedy is a good way to keep things light on a gloomy day. 

4. Cool Crisp Air: What's the coolest character you'd want to trade places with?
Indira Story from Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen.  She becomes the hero in her own book.  I mean what book lover doesn't want to become the hero in their own story.  Her friend Maxi was pretty cool too.


5. Hot Apple Cider: What under hyped book do you want to see become the next biggest, hottest thing? Senior Year Bucket List by J.M. Miller

6. Coat, Scarves, and Mittens - The weather has turned cold & it's time to cover up - What's the most embarrassing book cover you own that you like to keep hidden in public?  This is another great reason to own a kindle.  No one can see what you are reading.  I'm really not a fan of covers with shirtless men on them, which cover's most romance novels.  Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, however while it had a romance, was a weird sci-fi dystopian novel.  I didn't really like it, and this cover is not my favorite.  I'm glad this was the audiobook cover, not a book I was reading in physical copy.


7. Pumpkin Spice: What's your favorite Fall time comforts food/foods?  I'm going with Applesauce.  Every fall we try to go apple picking or atleast get apples from a local farm and I make and can my own applesauce for the year.  I canned 44 pints of applesauce this year and we've already made quite a dent in them.  This year I used Stayman Winesap apples (my favorite), excellent for snacking, applesauce, apple crisp, and pies  I think this year was the best batch of applesauce yet.

COVER REVEAL: Kiss of Vengeance (A True Immortality Novel) by S. Young

COVER REVEAL

Kiss of Vengeance (A True Immortality Novel) by S. Young 

Photo: Wander Aguiar

Cover Design: By Hang Le

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

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.

Out March 3rd 2020 

Preorder Now: 

Add it Goodreads – http://bit.ly/2pjjKF2

Apple Books – https://apple.co/2MFzUAC

Kindle US – https://amzn.to/2M8JjSq

Kindle Worldwide – mybook.to/KissOfVengeance

Nook – http://bit.ly/35v8I04

Kobo US – http://bit.ly/2B6AMsP 

Cover Reveal: Number Neighbors by Emma Hart

NUMBER NEIGHBORS, an all-new, side-splittingly hilarious neighbors-to-lovers romcom from New York Times bestselling author, Emma Hart, and we have the fun, flirty new cover! Pre-order today so you don’t miss it on March 24^th!

What happens when your number neighbor turns out to be your hot, British, next-door neighbor?

BLURB
Bad Idea #241: Sending a dirty text to your number neighbor.

In my defense, my friends did it too, and their neighbors took it as the joke it was.
Mine didn’t.
He responded with a dirty text of his own. Next thing I know, I have a standing texting date every night at ten-thirty.
Until I have to miss it because the stray kitten who adopted me one week ago is sick. The only person I know who can help me at this time of night is my British next-door neighbor and local vet, Isaac Cooper.
I’ll keep him overnight, he says. Here’s my number to call me in the morning, he says.
The problem?
I know that number.
Because I’ve been texting it every night for the last four days.

Pre-Order Today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Apple Books | Kobo | Nook

About Emma Hart

Emma Hart is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels and has been translated into several different languages.
She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.
Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.
Yes, really. She's that sarcastic.

Follow Emma

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Newsletter| Website | Pinterest | Spotify

Blog Tour: Enemies by Tijan

“Enemies to lovers is one of my most favorite romance set ups. The two are a match made in sexy, angsty heaven.” -- Jay Crownover, New York Times bestselling author

Enemies, an all-new emotional, enemies to lovers romance from New York Times bestselling author Tijan, is available now!

Gorgeous and charismatic, he became the town’s football god, while I became the town’s invisible girl.

He went to a Division 1 school for football, while my father was fired by his father.

His team won the National Championship, while my mother died the same day.

He was a first round pick for the NFL ...

… while I made the worst decision of my life.

Now I’m in Texas trying to pick up the pieces of my life.

But, Stone is here.

Stone is everywhere.

It doesn’t matter that disaster has struck my life again.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the one trying to console me.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the nation’s newest football obsession.

Because for me, he always has been and always will be my enemy.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DzRCl1

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/EnemiesTijan

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2P5s9p1

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2rjDSbk

Excerpt

“Do not think I won’t pick you up and throw you in my truck, head first and everything. I’m two seconds away.”

I stopped and stared at him.

Shit. He meant business. He was glaring at me with eyes that said, “Do not fucking fuck with me, you fucking twit.”

Well. Then.

I sighed. I’ll try reasoning instead. “You’re going to drive me to your house, and then I’ll pack whatever I need and call a cab to take me all the way back to where I’m paying rent. It’s not worth it. Just let me grab a cab now.”

A savage curse bit out, and then his eyes flashed.

His singular warning had been when he told me he was two seconds away. In a flash, he grabbed me, and I was airborne, right into the back of his truck. But he wasn’t done. He leapt up, grabbing the seatbelt over me, and pulled it around me, clicking it in place. He had the door shut, locked, and he was already going around the front before I could even push myself upright and then start to reach for my seatbelt.

By then, he was inside, the engine on, and he shoved off into traffic.

“This is stupid.”

“You’re right. You’re being stupid.” Cursing, he ducked down as a car sped past us. They knew he was driving because they came up on his driver’s side, their phones up and ready to go. It was a car full of teenage girls. “Dammit.”

“Where do you live?”

He opened his mouth, then caught himself. His eyes narrowed in the rearview mirror. “Why?”

I just smiled. “No reason.”

He continued to study me in between still watching the road, and with a soft growl, he shook his head. “I’m not buying it. What? You’re going to tell those girls who are trying to get a picture of me?”

“What’s the difference? I’ll know when you take me to your house. What’s stopping me from posting it on Twitter, or even posting your phone number?”

A litany of curses spewed from him, and the back of his neck was getting red. I was having a heyday with this. It was more fun than I could remember having in a long time.

Until he announced it, “I liked your mom.”

“What?”

“Your mom.” He moved into the far lane, settling back.

I was thinking we had a bit of drive from here, and he settled an arm back on the passenger seat headrest.

“I always liked her. She made me cookies and muffins. And I remember when she tried to teach us to bake cakes from scratch. You were horrible and your cakes tasted terrible, but we’d lie to you. Both of us.”

“You did not—” But I was remembering, and even I hadn’t wanted to taste my cakes.

A tug at my mouth. “She’d wear that ugly yellow apron. She hated that apron.”

“What? I loved that apron. Always felt like it was sunshine. Made me feel warm, even in the winter.”

I noted softly, “That’s why she wore it. For you.”

His eyes lifted to the rearview mirror, holding mine a second again. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “Yeah.” His voice came out raspy. “She was a good woman, and a good mom. She was a good wife. I could always tell.”

I snorted. “Why? Because she wasn’t wasting away like yours?” Then, I winced. That sounded even bitchier to my own ears, more than I thought it would be. “Shit. I’m sorr—”

“Because you guys laughed.” He kept on talking about my family, ignoring what I’d so blatantly pointed out about his own, his face hard. “My parents laughed when they were drunk, and only when they had a party. When there were other people there to laugh with, never the two of them, never the three of us. I was their only kid. I wouldn’t have known better except I half grew up in your home, too, and what I remember the most about growing up was that you guys laughed.”

My throat burned.

“Yeah, we did.” I looked out the window. A hollow feeling starting to dig in my chest. “Until she died. We didn’t laugh much after that.”

“You laughed until then?”

I nodded. I felt the chinks in my armor widening.

I remembered how he did adore my mom. The two acted as if they were conspiring together during our baking lessons, and any time he was in the house. He congregated around her. She congregated closer to him.

“You’re the son she never had.” Then, feeling bad about my shot at his mom, “Your mom cooked for us. I remember that one time she tried to teach us to make lasagna.”

He cracked a grin, barking a laugh. “You sucked at that, too. I never knew lasagna noodles could come out hard like rocks until yours.”

Fuck him, but I was grinning. I couldn’t help myself.

Those were good times, good memories before the shit ones came. And they came soon after that lasagna disaster.

He quieted. “It wasn’t the same. My mom versus yours. We had baking lessons at your house once a month, every first Sunday. My mom tried to teach us how to make Caesar salad, the only second cooking session she gave us, and that one we all got fine. It’s hard to screw up.”

“Says you. You’re perfect at everything.”

He didn’t reply.

I didn’t expect him to. It was true. He knew it. I knew it. The entire nation knew it.

Then from him, “Not at being a friend.”

My stomach kicked.

Hell no. No way. He wasn’t getting back in. No fucking way.

“Oh. God.” I groaned, throwing a hand up to hit my forehead. “Can we not? Can we save the dramatics until I’m able to call a cab to take me back to my place? For real. Enough bonding or whatever it is we were just doing.”

He growled, “You are such a goddamn bitch.”

I retorted, “And you are such a goddamn prick. Drop me the fuck off!”

“With fucking pleasure!”

He gunned the engine, shooting forward in traffic, and weaving until we were nearing my exit. When he took it, I relaxed. The rest of the way was tense and silent, and I knew both of us couldn’t wait to be rid of the other. Then he pulled over to the curb. He didn’t make a move, his only action just unlocking the door.

His head was turned halfway to me, his jaw clenching over and over again.

Fine.

I shoved forward, my head only swimming a little bit as I climbed out of his truck. Once I shut the door and turned around, he’d already hit the engine, tearing away from the curb.

I only had the clothes on my back, on the side of the street, but I’d never been so fucking grateful to be away from him.

Now, turning to the house I wasn’t sure I was still invited to live in, I saw that all the lights were off. Lovely.

About Tijan

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores.

Connect with Tijan

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30oxe0f

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tijansbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tijansbooks

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tijansbooks/

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TijansFanPage/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EcGBqB

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tijan

Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

Blog Tour: BEARD NECESSITIES by Penny Reid

Billy Winston’s family is going to see him happy and in love if it’s the last thing they do.

Beard Necessities, the final standalone in the bestselling romantic comedy Winston Brothers series from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penny Reid, is available now!

No one deserves a happily-ever-after quite as much as the second oldest Winston brother and his lady love, Claire McClure (aka Scarlet St. Claire). Cruelty and circumstance tore them apart almost twenty years ago. Secrecy and bitterness kept them separated.

But you know who's tired of their separation and stubbornness? Everyone. Especially Billy Winston’s family. And now they're going to do something about it.

Well-meaning interference means the star-crossed lovers can’t stop tripping over each other in the hills of Tuscany, the catacombs of Rome, and the waterways of Venice. Billy and Claire find themselves thrown together and at the mercy of the Winston siblings’ shenanigans.

But will their forced proximity bring them together? Or push them even further apart?

This second-chance romance brings back the entire Winston gang, playing cupid in one last story of love, hi-jinks, and family collusion.

BEARD NECESSITIES is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, and can be read as a stand-alone, but it’s probably best read after books 0.5, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of the Winston Brothers series.

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2oeQbUM

Apple Books: https://apple.co/2nytE4S

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/BeardNec

Nook: http://bit.ly/2m48E5O

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ny6b3X

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2nwim1a

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2odegLz

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2mHnbEH

Excerpt

Strolling to the desk, I set down the milk and cookies, crossed my arms and turned to face my brother. “You’re pointing out that Scarlet and I will see each other during various family functions.”

“Correct.”

“And, therefore,” I continued reasonably, “I need to be nice to her.” I knew that already, and tonight—after watching her face crumple and feeling a part of my soul shrivel at the sight—I’d finally accepted it. I would be nice. I would be so damn nice. I’d be a saint.

But then Cletus said, “No, Billy. Not nice. Nice is for tea parties and doctor’s visits. You need to woo her.”

I blinked once. “Woo her.”

“That’s right. You need to woo the pants off her, hopefully literally, and then make that woman yours. Permanently. Once and for all. Put a ring on it. Woo is where it’s at. Jenn still has the centerpieces from our wedding if you’d like to borrow them.” During this enlightening monologue, he’d moseyed over and picked up the glass of milk and a cookie, dunked the cookie into the milk, and then took a bite just as he’d finished his listings of delusions.

“That’s never going to happen.”

“Why not? Those centerpieces are lovely. You don’t know your color scheme yet. Ask Scarlet before you decide.”

I ground my teeth. “Scarlet and I are never going to happen, Cletus.”

He shook his head firmly. “I’m disappointed in your lack of ambition, Billy. I thought we’d be on the same page. But I see now, I’m going to have to take a tough love approach.”

“Cletus—”

“I’m going to give you one chance,” he said, then pushed the rest of the cookie in his mouth and spoke around it as he continued, “One more chance is all you get. I’ve waited long enough for this and you know my feelings on delayed gratification.”

“Pardon?”

“It’s overrated.” He took a gulp of milk and picked up another cookie.

“No, Cletus. One chance on what?”

“I’m giving you one chance. One.” He pointed the cookie at me. “Tomorrow, you’re going to go find her, apologize to her for whatever that kerflufflefuck was I walked in on. Tell her you were suffering from temporary insanity, hopped up on illicit drugs, abducted by asshole probing aliens, whatever. I’m giving you one chance to make this right, and if you don’t take it, you are not going to like what happens next.”

Enter the giveaway for a signed paperback set of the entire Winston Brothers Series!

http://bit.ly/2Y4LKcN

Meet Penny Reid

Penny Reid is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of the Winston Brothers, Knitting in the City, Rugby, and Hypothesis series. She used to spend her days writing federal grant proposals as a biomedical researcher, but now she just writes books. She’s also a full time mom to three diminutive adults, wife, daughter, knitter, crocheter, sewer, general crafter, and thought ninja.

Connect with Penny

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennyReidWriter/

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2lakzsD

Twitter: @ReidRomance

Mailing List: http://pennyreid.ninja/newsletter/

www.pennyreid.ninja

Review: Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore

Breaking Jess by H.B. Moore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I purchased the ebook version of this and have had it on my shelves for a while, but the author provided me a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. This is narrated by Steve West and Karissa Vacker who do an outstanding job narrating as Logan and Jess.  Steve West is one of my favorite narrators for audiobooks, so when I saw he was one of the voices I jumped on the chance to review this.  Karissa Vacker is quickly becoming a favorite, she's narrated some recent releases I've listened to and I really like her.  I really like Heather's books, she writes cleaner fiction and she writes in several different genres.  Her books are more plot and character focused without being graphic, graphic descriptions of stuff and language don't bother me, but sometimes I want something that isn't vulgar and a little more wholesome.

The thriller part of the story is pretty good, I didn't want to stop listening as it unfolded but I could have done without the romance. It was completely unnecessary in my opinion, and the end dragged a bit for me as the "thriller" was over and we switch over to mainly romance. I really enjoyed the medical/psychological thriller part of the book and would have prefered that it just end there, but that's just my opinion. There will be plenty of others that enjoy the romantic element to the story. As for the romance, I'm pretty happy with the way that ended up given the circumstances. I also really liked the way Jess developed from beginning to end. The ending really showed her character development and how far she's come as a person and how much she's overcome her ordeal.

On to the story itself, this follows Logan a psychiatrist who begins treating Charles for blackouts. Charles asks Logan to also begin treating his sister Jessica, who has been in a phyiciatric facility for the last 9 years for killing their parents. Jessica doesn't remember committing the crime and Charles has been her guardian, which may or may not be contributing to his blackouts as he seems pretty stressed out by overseeing Jessica's care. As Logan gets to know the brother and sister, he notices that something is not right between the two of them. At the same time his former flame Gwen happens to be looking into the case as some of the details just don't check out. Gwen doesn't do everything according to the book, which is why things didn't work out with Logan, however her unconventional ways have them looking into details of the case that might have been missed. This gets Logan asking Jessica questions about her memories which are coming back as she has decided to stop taking her meds and take back some control in her life. Her super controlling brother isn't very happy, and his own mental state begins to spiral out of control. As Logan and Jessica spend more time together and go through some traumatic events, something more than just a doctor patient relationship begins to develop between them. You have to actually read the book to find out what happens because I won't spoil it for you.

I really enjoyed the broad cast of characters and watching them develop as the story unfolds. If you've ever read H.B Moore's books before you will know that they are fairly clean with respect to violence, language and sexual situations. Things will be implied or mildly explained, but nothing graphic.

View all my reviews

Release Blitz: Enemies by Tijan

Stone Reeves was my neighbor, and I’ve hated him since sixth grade.

Enemies, an all-new enemies to lovers stand-alone from New York Times bestselling author Tijan, is available now!

Gorgeous and charismatic, he became the town’s football god, while I became the town’s invisible girl.

He went to a Division 1 school for football, while my father was fired by his father.

His team won the National Championship, while my mother died the same day.

He was a first round pick for the NFL ...

… while I made the worst decision of my life.

Now I’m in Texas trying to pick up the pieces of my life.

But, Stone is here.

Stone is everywhere.

It doesn’t matter that disaster has struck my life again.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the one trying to console me.

It doesn’t matter that he’s the nation’s newest football obsession.

Because for me, he always has been and always will be my enemy.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2DzRCl1

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/EnemiesTijan

Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/2P5s9p1

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2rjDSbk

About Tijan

Tijan is a New York Times Bestselling author that writes suspenseful and unpredictable novels. Her characters are strong, intense, and gut-wrenchingly real with a little bit of sass on the side. Tijan began writing later in life and once she started, she was hooked. She’s written multi-bestsellers including the Carter Reed Series, the Fallen Crest Series, and the Broken and Screwed Series among others. She is currently writing a new YA series along with so many more from north Minnesota where she lives with a man she couldn’t be without and an English Cocker she adores.

Connect with Tijan

Amazon: https://amzn.to/30oxe0f

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tijansbooks/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/tijansbooks

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/tijansbooks/

Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TijansFanPage/

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EcGBqB

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/tijan

Website: http://www.tijansbooks.com/

Blog Tour: Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley

"Don't miss this hilarious and sweet adventure in the Green Valley Library series. Five Stars!"--Aleatha Romig, New York Times bestselling author

Shelf Awareness, an all-new hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley is available now!

After catching her husband in a compromising position, Finley Granger finds herself in a new hell: reentering the dating world. When she moves in with her grandmother, her great-aunt, and their best friend, Finley finds herself surrounded by a trio of well-meaning yet bumbling matchmakers.

In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters—the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle. Is he on the lam or escaping a bad breakup? What’s his story?!?!

As Finley finds herself reluctantly drawn to the gorgeous IT guy, she can’t help but wonder: should she indulge in a rebound tryst with the mysterious Zeke, or has she finally met her match?

‘Shelf Awareness’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33YjLhr

Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/ShelfAwarness

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2m2NkNC

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2lAahaG

Check out my review here.

Except

As Zeke worked on uploading the census records, I hoisted one of the many boxes from the Henderson’s donation onto the table. It kicked up an epic dust cloud. I reached inside to pluck out one of the moldering tomes of historical literature. Wrinkling my nose, I fought the urge to sneeze. Instead, I cleared my throat. When it still felt like I had swallowed a wad of sawdust, I coughed. And that was my grievous mistake.


The force of the cough dislodged the Ben Wa ball, sending it into an epic downward dive. Yes, ladies and gentlemen the Ben Wa ball had left the building. Whirling away from Zeke, I used my hand to try an inconspicuous crotch shuffle to send the ball back to its point of origin. What happened next was truly against the laws of motion. Because the universe apparently hated me, the ball escaped the confines of my thong. As it started its descent down my thigh, I squeaked and clamped my knees together.


“Are you all right?” Zeke asked behind me.

I threw a glance at him over my shoulder. “Uh, yeah, I . . .” Okay, I had no idea how I was going to get out of this one. It wasn’t like I could say, “Well, here’s the thing. The Ben Wa ball I was using to strengthen my pelvic floor muscles to keep my vagina healthy for the D just slipped out and is about to make a very unhappy trail down my leg.”

“I think a bug bit me or something.”


“Oh no. Want me to take a look?”


“No!” When Zeke’s eyes widened at my outburst, I said, “Sorry. I’m okay.”

“If you’re sure.”


“Totally.”


“I think I might’ve found something interesting for your research.”


The only thing I was interested in at the moment was getting the Ben Wa ball out of my pants without Zeke seeing it. “Oh?”


“I definitely see some Native American female names.”

Damn him for being enthusiastic about my research. The last thing I wanted to do was walk the couple of steps back over to him while trying to keep a Ben Wa ball from rolling down my pants leg. Since I couldn’t see any other way out of it, I nodded. Gritting my teeth, I started shuffling over to him.

When I started lurching like Frankenstein’s monster, Zeke tilted his head curiously at me. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yep. Totally fine,” I muttered.

Just as I reached his chair, my knee shifted because of what I imagined was panic sweat overtaking me. As the ball became dislodged, I bit down on my lip to keep from squealing again. There was no saving the ball now or my humiliation for that matter.

As soon as it plopped onto my shoe, I flung my foot, sending it ricocheting into the desk. Of course, it’s size caused it to make a tremendous ching-ching noise, which in turn caused Zeke to rip his attention away from the screen. “What was that?”

“What was what?” I questioned innocently.

He furrowed his brows at me. “You didn’t hear that noise?”

“Uh, no.” Plastering a smile on my face, I said, “I’m sorry. I was just so into what you were saying.”

Ignoring my response, Zeke quickly assessed the area around us. After I’d flung the ball away, it had come to a rest to the right of his desk chair. When he bent over to examine the ball, I inwardly began screaming noooooo while at the same time cursing Estelle for even bringing the Ben Wa ball into my orbit.

Since the universe hadn’t tortured me quite enough yet, Zeke picked up the ball. “Interesting,” he murmured as he twisted it between his fingers.

I decided it was best to play absolutely and completely clueless in this situation. “What is it?” Silently, I prayed he wouldn’t respond with, “It looks like one of those sex balls you shove up your cooch.”


“I don’t know. Maybe a part off one of the desks or chairs. I should probably give it to maintenance, so they can check all the furniture in here.”

Oh hell no. Without a second thought, I snatched the ball out of his hands. Since I did it rather abruptly, Zeke’s surprise was apparent on his face. Waving my free hand dismissively, I said, “Don’t bother yourself with that. I’ll take it to them.”


“Thanks, Finley.”

After wheezing out a breath, I replied, “You’re welcome.” I jerked my thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll go do that right now.”


I didn’t bother waiting for Zeke to reply. Instead, I power walked right out of the history room. I’m sure if he was watching me he would have been puzzled at my miraculous recovery, considering I’d been limping earlier.

At the first trash can I could find, I deposited the Ben Wa ball. It seemed abundantly clear that neither I nor my vagina were quite ready to handle the responsibility.

About Katie Ashley

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Five Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her two rescue dogs named for Disney Princesses, Belle & Elsa, an out-numbered cat, Harry Potter, and one Betta fish. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

Connect with Katie Ashley

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Review: Enemies by Tijan

Enemies by Tijan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Enemies follows Dusty, a girl who is running from some serious traumatic experiences, but we don't get to find out what those are until much later in the book. She ends up in Texas to pursue marine biology at college to get away from what she experienced and start to heal. Unfortunately her new school just happens to be in the same town as her former best friend and now enemy Stone who is now a famous NFL player. Stone dropped Dusty for no good reason when puberty hit, and his family did some not so nice things to hers. When Dusty's stepmom starts hinting that they should reunite and maybe crosses a few lines with her insistence that Dusty reach out to Stone, their reunion does not go as planned. Meanwhile, Dusty is having a rough start to her new life at school, her new housemates are not as welcoming or tame as promised and finances are tight making things stressful. She does love marine biology though and is determined to make it work out.

When yet another tragedy befalls Dusty, Stone is the only person in town that knows her is there to help her pick up the pieces of her fractured life. In her heightened emotional state, Dusty lashes out at him and unloads all of her hate that she's been holding onto for years for him, his family, and for her situation. Stone is determined to make things right as best he can, even if it is to let her hate him and use him to feel better. Those scenes were pretty steamy. While he's supporting her, they rediscover the friendship they once had and their banter is pretty great. He helps Dusty through one of the toughest times in her life to date and while he does get a bit alpha on her at times, it is for her own good because she is falling apart and not taking care of herself.

I will say that the writing felt a bit disjointed at times. It wasn't bad, there were just details I felt were left out. In the end they weren't necessary, but I was left feeling like I missed something a few times. Overall I really enjoyed it though, Stone and Dusty's story is solid and I didn't want to put it down. I loved that the group of housemates eventually became a support system for Dusty as much as Stone was. I wasn't exactly sure about them for a while, but they came around in the end. Dusty found her place and was able to heal from her ordeal, which was pretty overwhelming and find her tribe. She was also able to voice when she was ready for things and when she wasn't and what she wanted.

Overall this is a solid enemies to lovers story and I really enjoyed it.

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Review: The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was really cute, and anyone who is married will know that some of the situations in this book are very realistic. This follows Thea and Gavin a married couple going through some very real marriage trouble. Gavin is a pro baseball player, and Thea is a former artist who gave up her art to become a wife and mom shortly after she and Gavin met. Thea has had enough of Gavin never being around, being preoccupied with his career, and just not paying attention in general to what she wants. Coming from a divorced home herself, Thea has a hard time trusting and believing in love, so when Gavin walks out after a fight she takes that to mean divorce is their only next step. Gavin wants to work things out, and is determined to fix things. His friends from his baseball team introduce him to "the club" where many other pro athletes and professional men have found the answer to their marriage woes by reading romance novels. Gavin doesn't buy into the idea of fixing his marriage by reading a regency bodice ripper, but his best friend convinces him to give it a chance.

While parts of this were kind of silly, I did find so much of this a parallel to real life. Like the part where he couldn't find the towels when they were exactly where she said they were, that happens every day in my house. My son says I have a super power for finding things, I say boys can't find things that are right in front of them. I don't often read romances where the couple is already married and working out their marriage, typically they are getting together from the start or its a second chance romance after being apart for a long time. This was a nice change of pace. As for character development, it takes most of the book for the characters to really get to the root of their problems and really deal with them. When they finally internalize their own issues they are finally able to deal with each other and give their marriage a chance. I would have liked to see that happen a little earlier in the book as the ending felt a bit rushed to me.

Overall I really enjoyed this and I'm looking forward to the next one. I really enjoyed the guys in the club as they brought a lot of laughs to the book. It was also a nice surprise that parts of the romance Gavin was reading were included in the book, and that the guys in the club discussed it just like you would at a real book club.

I was provided an ARC of this book via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review, however I listened to the final release version of the audiobook. Both of the narrators were excellent and I highly recommend the audiobook version.

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Review: Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley

Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was super funny. I loved Finley and Zeke as a couple. I also loved "the girls" aka Finley's grandmother GramBea, and her Great Aunt Dot and her Godmother Estelle. They were kind of like a more pious version of the Golden Girls, and they were hilarious with their pearl clutching (except for progressive Estelle) and meddling. Finley quits her job as a journalist and moves to Green Valley after she finds her husband in bed with someone else. She moves in with "the girls" in order to figure out what she wants to do next. When she takes a job at the newly renovated library as a history curator, she encounters Zeke Masters. Zeke is volunteering his time and IT skills at the library while on sabbatical from his life in Seattle.

Zeke and Finley quickly hit it off, but she is going through a divorce and that is emotionally draining and he is going through some emotional stuff as well. They find comfort and support in their budding friendship. He pulls her into his outdoorsy, nerdy lifestyle, and she introduces him to the ways of the south. As they both navigate through their own emotional issues, they keep ending up back at the same point. They can't deny that there is something between them. Their romance picks up fairly quickly and it is pretty heated. GramBea and Aunt Dot would definitely be clutching their pearls if they knew what those two had been getting up two.

This was so enjoyable. I will say that it lacked the character interaction from the Pennyverse that I've come to know and love having read all of the other Smartypants Romance books. With this being the final book in the 2019 release cycle, this one was the most independent of the releases. The author kind of stuck with her own characters and locations, which were great, but if you've read the other books you expected more interaction from the main players in Penny's books and the other Smartypants books as well as more visits to the main locales in Green Valley. There were brief mentions of some of the characters and places, but the interactions were brief. That doesn't take away from the fact that this was a great read, I'd just like to see more interaction with the characters and places we've come to know and love from Green Valley.

Overall another great addition to the Smartypants Line and the Green Valley Library Series.

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Blog Tour: Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Release Date: November 19, 2019

Outmatched, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young.

What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?

Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.

Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.

Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?

They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt:

AngryTink: Hey. This is Parker. Parker Brown.

My phone dinged loudly. I fumbled around my bed, finally finding the damn thing under a pillow. Wiping the sleep off my face, I rolled onto my back and read the text that had pulled me out of a pleasant sleep. I smiled. It was just so … Parker. Settling in, I answered her.

RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?

AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants.

My smile turned into an evil grin. The girl was always going to punch back and make it count.

RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?

AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.

RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.

AngryTink: Would you please behave?

RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants.

AngryTink: ARGH!

A chuckle rumbled in my chest as my thumbs tapped out a response I knew would piss her off more.

RhysThis: Was that even English? Honestly, Ms. Brown, I thought you were educated.

She took a moment to answer. I could picture her, phone in hand, grinding her teeth.

AngryTink: You’re deliberately trying to annoy me, aren’t you?

RhysThis: You’re quick. I’ll give you that.

AngryTink: Mr. Morgan, I’m about ten seconds away from finding an alternate fake boyfriend. A goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.

It was cute she thought that was threatening.

RhysThis: Yeah, probably. But the goat doesn’t have a signed contract. I do, Tinker Bell.

AngryTink: ARGH@!!

RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.

About Kristen:

Kristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.

Connect with Kristen:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KristenCallihan/

Twitter - Kris10Callihan

Website - http://www.kristencallihan.com/

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Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/Kristen_Callihan

About Samantha:

Samantha Young is a New York Times and #1 International bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. On Dublin Street was Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. She has since published over thirteen romance titles including the New York Times Bestsellers Into the Deep, Hero, and her most recent contemporary romance Play On. When writing Adult Paranormal romance she writes under the pen name S. Young.

Connect with Samantha:

Social media links:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Website – http://authorsamanthayoung.com

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Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

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Review: Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young

Outmatched by Kristen Callihan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was hilarious. It puts two completely opposite characters together in a boyfriend for hire situation. Throw in some miscommunication, an arrogant, misogynistic billionaire villain and a failing boxing gym and you've got the makings of a really interesting story.

Parker is successful in the field of renewable energy. She's very passionate about saving the planet. Unfortunately, she's found herself at a very old school company where the guy at the top is very old fashioned. He doesn't really think about diversity in any way, and prefers employees (read that as men) who are committed (read that as married, with 2.5 kids, and own a home). Parker decides that if she wants to keep her dream job, she has to play the game and keep up with appearances to impress the boss. So she hires Dean Morgan to pretend to be her boyfriend to attend work events with her and give the appearance that she is in a committed relationship. When they are supposed to have their first date, his brother Rhys, a former pro-boxer shows up instead to give her a piece of his mind about the arrangement. He is a bit protective of his baby brother. Rhys is everything Parker is not, tall, athletic, working class, and he swears in just about every sentence. Rhys has alot going on, but he's got to save his gym so he decides to save Parker and the gym by taking Dean's place. Fortunately or unfortunately for Parker, the head honcho boss guy is enamored with Rhys and his past boxing career.

Their relationship gets off to a rough start, but they quickly find that they kind of like each other and their opposing personalities. Then they realize they really like each other as they bond over
their disdain for Parker's boss. Parker and Rhys have great banter throughout the book, and they made me laugh so many times. This isn't terribly angsty, so if you are looking for that this isn't it. There are some trying moments where lines of communication get crossed and they fight, but those situations were quickly resolved. I really liked that Rhys pulled Parker out of her comfort zone and out of her head. She was quiet and uptight and mostly accepted things as they were to please everyone around her. As a woman working in a mostly male dominated field that can be really easy to do, keep your head down and your mouth shut but there is a price. You have to speak out against the jerky CEO/boss or things won't change. I like that Rhys had her back without doing it for her, and that she had his. They both had each other's well being in mind when they were at a crossroads to do something when they were going to do something they would both regret.

I hope this writing team continue working together. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading anything they collaborate on in the future.

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Release Blitz: Shelf Awareness by Katie Ashley

“LOVED Shelf Awareness. It's sweet and funny and adorable and full of southern goodness! I just adore it!"--Tara Sivec, USA Today bestselling author

Shelf Awareness, an all-new hilarious romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Katie Ashley is available now!

After catching her husband in a compromising position, Finley Granger finds herself in a new hell: reentering the dating world. When she moves in with her grandmother, her great-aunt, and their best friend, Finley finds herself surrounded by a trio of well-meaning yet bumbling matchmakers.

In spite of their efforts, Finley only has eyes for one person, and that’s Zeke Masters—the 6’4”, impossibly built, and ridiculously good-looking new man in town. Along with her nether regions, Finley’s journalistic spidey-senses tingle as to why he’s on sabbatical from Seattle. Is he on the lam or escaping a bad breakup? What’s his story?!?!

As Finley finds herself reluctantly drawn to the gorgeous IT guy, she can’t help but wonder: should she indulge in a rebound tryst with the mysterious Zeke, or has she finally met her match?

‘Shelf Awareness’ is a full-length contemporary romantic comedy, can be read as a standalone, and is book #4 in the Green Valley Library series, Green Valley World, Penny Reid Book Universe.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

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About Katie Ashley

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Five Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her two rescue dogs named for Disney Princesses, Belle & Elsa, an out-numbered cat, Harry Potter, and one Betta fish. She has a slight obsession with Pinterest, The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

Connect with Katie Ashley

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