October TBR

I have another very ambitious TBR this month.  The Smartypants Romance books are coming out in October and November and I've been approved as a reviewer for several of them.  I'm so excited!!!!

If you don't know what I'm talking about, Smartypants Romance are a series of books set in the Pennyverse created by Penny Reid.  Other indie minded authors will be writing stories set in the world Penny has created in her books, either writing stories about new characters or alternative stories for canon characters.  Penny is one of my favorite authors and I know I'm going to love everything that comes from the lovely authors she has teamed up with to extend her universe.

Books/Ebooks/ARCs

• A Hero Born by Jin Yong
• This book was published in 1957, but was just released in the US in September.  This is a Chinese fantasy, historical fiction novel about Genghis Khan.  I've started this already and so far it is good.
• Cilka's Journey by Heather Morris 
• This due out October 1st and is the follow up to The Tattooist of Auschwitz.  I recently finished that and I'm looking forward to reading Cilka's story as she played a major part in Lale and Gita's story.  I've started this already and this appears to be more fictional than Tattooist.  I don't think Morris had the opportunity to interview Cilka.  
• The Furies by Katie Lowe due 
• This one comes out October 8rd and is a YA Thriller.  The cover reminds me of the movie The Craft.  The synopsis kind of gives me those vibes too.  I loved that movie, and this sounds really interesting, it promises occult, mentions witch trials, and has a dark tone.  Looks like a perfect read for fall.
• I Will Make You Pay by Teresa Driscoll
• This is out October 10th.  It is a thriller, so perfect for this time of year.  It deals with a stalker who makes threatening phone calls to a journalist on Wednesdays.  Sounds creepy.
• The Never Tilting World by Rin Chupeco
• This is the newest fantasy by Chupeco.  It is supposed to have mythology, romance, and ancient prophecy, and female heroines.  Sounds awesome!  It comes out October 15th.
• Spell on Wheels by Kate Leth, Megan Levens, Marissa Louise, Jen Bartel, and Nate Piekos
• Verity by Colleen Hoover
• These are both on my Spookathon TBR, so I plan on reading them the week of the 14th.

Smartypants Romance Releases

• Code of Conduct by April White
• Weight Expectations M.E. Carter
• Sticking to the Script by Stella Weaver
• Happy Trail by Daisy Prescott
• Love in Due Time L.B. Dunbar
• Stud Muffin Jiffy Kate

Audiobooks

Some of these are repeats, but again I'm focused on finishing up my reading challenges.  

• Song of Susannah, The Wind Through the Keyhole, and The Dark Tower by Stephen King
• I'm finishing my audio reread of the Dark Tower series.  This series is weird but I love it!
• The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Manhke
• I put this on my Spookathon TBR, so this is going to happen the week of the 14th.  
• This is an audiobook I got for free on Volumes, which is Penguin Random House Audio’s app. They periodically do free audiobooks. This is a compilation of stories either from a podcast or inspired by the Lore podcast and TV series. I'm not big on short stories or podcasts, so this is a perfect fit. I also love learning about the history of spooky stuff. It also has a red cover.
• Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
• Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton
• These are recurring repeats because I'm going to get to them and I keep listening to other stuff instead.

September Wrap Up

I had a pretty ambitious TBR for the month, and I did pretty well.  I didn't get to everything on my list, but some of those were ARCs for October, so we can let those slide.  I also read ahead for my October TBR because I was afraid I wasn't going to finish some of the longer books.   Overall I think I had a great reading month.  I read some really great stuff this month.  October is shaping up to be about the same, way too many books to read (as if that is a problem) and not enough time to read them (an actual problem). 

Books/Ebooks/ARCs

• The Chestnut Man by Søren Sveistrup
• Review
• This came out September 3rd.  This is a Scandinavian thriller about a man who leaves little chestnut dolls at the scene of his very violent crime scenes.  It is good but in my opinion far too long and has way too much going on.  I often lost interest in what was happening because there were too many different things happening to too many characters and it took too long to resolve everything.  I find this is my typical reaction to Nordic Noir.  I like them but they are too slow.  I do better with the audiobook version.  I do think this will make an excellent movie.
• Beard with Me by Penny Reid
• Review
• This is one of  my most anticipated books of the year, this and the next one Beard Necessities.  This came out September 16th and was heartbreaking.  This is book 5.5 of the Winston Brothers series and it tells Billy and Claire aka Scarlet's story when they were teenagers.  The next book tells their story when they are adults and I can't wait.  Beard with Me is tragic and reveals so many things from the series that I've been wanting answers to.  If you haven't read the series, they are some of my favorites and this couple has been waiting for their book for a very long time!
• The Grace Year by Kim Liggett 
• Review
• This came out September 17th.  This is a YA dystopian set in a very misogynistic society.  When girls turn 16, their Grace Year, they are banished to survive that year on their own to rid themselves of their magic and sin.  Women are treated as property and if they fall out of line they are punished.  Their grace year is the only time they are allowed to act freely because they are consumed by magic, or are they?  I really liked this.  It was fast paced and had some really disturbing parallels to real life.
• War of Hearts by S. Young
• Review
• I'm so glad that Samantha has returned to her paranormal romance roots.  I loved this.  I has the qualities of her romance books that I love as well as the paranormal fantasy elements that made me first love her books when I found them years ago.  This is an awesome merging of all of the things I love about her writing.  This is a standalone novel due out October 1st, but I hope there are more books coming.  It follows Thea a paranormal of unknown origin and Conall a Scottish Werewolf.  Conall has a unique tracking gift and he is essentially hired to track Thea down by her adoptive father.  All is not what it seems and Thea and Conall find themselves on the run from several different factions that either want Thea dead or want to use her for her power.  It's a romance too, so I don't have to tell you the rest.  
• Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen 
• Review
• This came out September 17th.  This is a new middle grade fantasy series by Reintgen.  I loved his sci-fi trilogy Nyxia and this is so much fun.  This follows a fairy tale character who is waiting for her story.  It was amazing and I loved it!
• Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart
• Review
• This is a hilarious romcom.  It begins with a naughty text sent to the wrong number.  Reagan is outspoken already, and decides to engage the texter to tell him he's got the wrong number and witty banter ensues.  They end up having friendly text conversations when tragedy strikes and Reagan's apartment burns down.  She's rescued by a fireman, who comes to check on her in the hospital.  Her hero is none other than her text friend Noah, who happens to be the man of her fantasies.  He's hot, tattooed, and he has a ridiculous chihuahua.  Coincidence?  I think not.  This is a quick and funny read.  I read it in a couple of hours.  I really love this series and can't wait for the next book due out in October.  This was published on September 24th.
• Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen
• Review
• This is a friends to lovers romantic comedy.  It is really adorable and not full of angst.  It follows Joss, a girl in a wheelchair which is something we don't often see in romance. Her best friend Levi is in love with her, but they met shortly after a wicked virus left her paralyzed from the knee down.  She wasn't ready for his affection, but she needed a friend.  She and Levi begin navigating what it means if their relationship changes to something more.  I really enjoyed being back in Green Valley and the Donner Bakery.  This comes out October 8th.
• The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
• Review
• This picks up where The Darkest Star left off.  Evie is trying to come to grips with her identity and how Luc fits into her life.  Strange things happen pitting humans against Luxen putting our cast in a precarious situation.   As usual there is more to the story than meets the eye and Luc and Evie are at the center of it.  I really enjoyed this sequel and I'm really liking this spinoff series.  This also comes out October 8th.

Audiobooks

I didn't get to everything on my September TBR for audio, but most of these are longer books so I'm not upset about my progress.  I also finished up a few reading challenge prompts, so we are making steady progress on that front.

• The Library Book by Susan Orlean
• This really wasn't what I was expecting.  It was very well written, and well narrated by the author herself.  I was expecting more of a true crime novel about the fire at the library.  I was disappointed because I didn't not get what I was expecting not because of anything else.  This is more of a love letter to the LA Central library and the library system, with information about the fire thrown in here and there.  The timeline jumps around alot and there is a ton of valuable history in this book, it just doesn't solely focus on the fire or the investigation.  It is a very interesting book for sure.
• The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen
• I read this for the popsugar reading challenge to read a book with sugar in the title.  This was short and cute.  It wasn't my favorite.  It has some elements that I don't love.  The main character has little self-esteem and she is treated very poorly by her mother and the rest of the town. She is naive and sheltered and rarely leaves the house other than to take her ailing mother to the ladies of privilege social gatherings.  I did like the interaction with Chloe and Josey.  Them meeting and becoming friends were my favorite scenes.
• The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe
• Review
• I really enjoyed this.  It is actually the first book in The Physick series.  I read the 2nd book back in July and really enjoyed it.  This sets up some of the back story but they are both standalones.  I really enjoy anything involving the Salem Witch trials and this delivers.  It is a nice blend of historical fiction, magical realism, a little fantasy, and has a nice romance.  
• The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
• This was amazing.  I've had this on my TBR forever.  I highly recommend the audiobook.  I really enjoyed getting to know Eve and Charlie.  Both of their stories and how they intersect is a compelling tale.  Eve is a spy during WWI sent to France to bring back information to the Alice Network, a group of female spies placed strategically throughout France to gather information on the Germans.  Charlie is an American, headed to Europe to take care of her little problem, aka an unwanted pregnancy.  She decides to take a detour from her very proper, French mother to look for her long lost French cousin Rose who disappeared during WWII.  Charlie was given Eve's name as someone who might be able to help her find Rose.  The tale is one of heartbreak, revenge, loss, and trauma.  I really loved this!
• Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab
• This sequel follows our Cassidy, daughter of ghost hunters except she can actually see and talk to the dead.  This installment takes place in France as her parents shoot footage for their TV show about the haunted history of Paris.  Cassidy attracts the company of a long dead French poltergeist and she has to figure out how to get him to pass on before he really hurts someone.  Accompanied by her BFF ghost Jacob and fellow ghost whisper Lara, Cassidy must dodge her parents and save the city from mischief and mayhem.  This is a great read for fall.  It is a little creepy, not too scary, and perfect for young readers who want to dabble in horror.
• Wolves of the Calla by Stephen King
• I started a reread of this series via audio a while ago, but I took a break after Wizard and Glass because I was going to read The Wind Through the Keyhole.  Well that paperback has been collecting dust on my shelf for a while now and I've decided to pick back up on my reread.  This follows our favorite ka-tet on yet another weird adventure as they try to get closer to the dark tower.  It also made me realize that I'm a terrible Stephen King fan because I've never read Salem's Lot.  I have had a copy for approximately 1000000 years, no seriously I've probably had my copy for close to 25 years and I hope to get to it before the end of this one.

Review: The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Burning Shadow by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

It is no secret that I love JLAs books. This picks up right where The Darkest Star left off. Evie has just discovered a big secret about her identity and her connection with everyone's favorite Origin, Luc. As their relationship develops, their chemistry is undeniable. As Evie having an identity crisis, she struggles with with understanding if Luc's feelings are for her or the girl he thinks he knows and if her friends are really truly her friends. While all that is happening, people start getting sick at school, and the fear and hatred against Luxen gets worse.

Despite the length of this book, I'm finding it hard to write this review without spoiling things. This book is long, well over pages, but it keeps you engaged and I didn't feel like parts of it dragged or were repetitive. All of the information was relative to the story and the build of the plot. We get more character development from Evie and especially Luc in this installment. We get information about their past and much more emotion from Luc than we've ever seen in the past. I really enjoyed the development of their relationship, their friendships with the other characters, and the science fiction elements of the story.

If you were a fan of the Luxen fan and enjoy YA paranormal romance, give this series a try. The series are similar, but they aren't the same. We also get to see characters from the original series and I enjoy watching their interactions as they've all grown up since we last saw them. I will say this does end on a cliffhanger, but if you are paying attention you kind of can see it coming. I wasn't shocked by the reveal I was just shocked that it ended so abruptly and I have to wait for the next book. Overall this is a great sequel and a great spinoff series.

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Spookathon TBR

So I was checking Youtube as I do when I'm procrastinating and I came across Booksandlala's Spookathon announcement video.  Go check it out here.

The readathon runs from October 14-20th.  

I love the fall and Halloween.  It is my favorite time of year.  I'm excited that there is a readathon dedicated to the spookier time of year.  I love mysteries and thrillers!  There was a long stretch when I didn't read anything mystery or thriller, but I've been reading more of them the last year or so and I'm so happy to have them back in the mix of things I'm reading.

Challenges and Books I'm going to try and read

Let's be real, I almost never read what is on my TBR, so I'll say these are what I plan to read but we'll be flexible.  I plan on doubling up on these challenges.

• Read a thriller
• Verity by Colleen Hoover
• 
• I’ve put this on several other readathon’s and keep pushing it off. It’s a thriller I keep meaning to get to. It's on my end of year must read list and perfect for this prompt.
• Read a book with a spooky word in the title
• Spell on Wheels by Kate Leth, Megan Levens, Marissa Louise, Jen Bartel, and Nate Piekos
• 
• I’ve been meaning to get to this. It’s a graphic novel so it is perfect for a readathon, and it has witches on a road trip for revenge. Sounds perfect!
• Read a book with a spooky setting
• Shadows by Kristen Proby
• 
• This one is tentative. It comes out at the end of October and I’ve requested an ARC. If I get a copy it would be perfect for this prompt. It is a paranormal romance set in New Orleans, has a characters that sees the undead, and promises unspeakable evil. If I don’t get an advanced copy I’m still planning on reading it after it releases.
• Read something you wouldn't normally read
• Read a book with red on the cover
• The World of Lore: Monstrous Creatures by Aaron Manhke
• 
• This is an audiobook I got for free on Volumes, which is Penguin Random House Audio’s app. They periodically do free audiobooks. This is a compilation of stories either from a podcast or inspired by the Lore podcast and TV series. I'm not big on short stories or podcasts, so this is a perfect fit. I also love learning about the history of spooky stuff. It also has a red cover.

Review: Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen

Baking Me Crazy by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first of many books being released by Smartypants Romance, brainchild of Penny Reid. This is set in Green Valley and the Donner Bakery where Jennifer Winston nee Donner makes her famous banana cakes and she fell in love with Cletus. While Jen and Cletus have cameos in this, Penny's characters do not play a large role in the storyline. The main characters Joss and Levi as well as all of the side characters are all Sorensen's own and you will love getting to know them.

Joss and Levi met 5 years ago when he was coaching her wheelchair basketball team. For Levi it was love at first sight, as the men in his family have a "curse" and when they meet the one that's it for them. He immediately knew Joss was the girl for him. Joss is new to town and still trying to get used to life in a wheelchair after recovering from a virus that has left her partially paralyzed. Levi eventually asks her on a date, but Joss turns him down and asks if they can be friends instead. Fast forward 5 years and they are best friends. Levi is looking for a job as a physical therapist after graduating from college and Joss has gotten a job at the local bakery. Levi is still head over heels in love with her but she has no clue because she doesn't really think anyone can see past her chair and the issues it would bring to a relationship. She has a bit of a self-confidence problem, but with Levi and his family she is just Joss and they love and respect her. As she puts herself out there by working in the bakery she meets a new guy that sparks an attraction that she isn't used to feeling. Turns out the guy at the bakery is also her new physical therapist. When she tells Levi that she might have romantic feelings for someone he is naturally hurt, but with advice from his family he starts to let her know that PT guy has some competition. Their friends to lovers relationship begins to take off from there and while it wasn't smooth sailing it was funny and adorable to watch them figure things out.

This was so much fun to read. I adored the characters and I loved being back in Green Valley. I want to get to know more about all of the side characters and I hope we get the opportunity. If you are looking for a super angsty story, this isn't it. It doesn't have a ton of drama, which let's be real sometimes you just need a feel good story with a happy ending. This is that story. I really enjoyed it!

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Review: War of Hearts by S.Young

War of Hearts by S. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an advanced review copy via the author in exchange for an honest review.  This book will be published on October 1, 2019

It is no secret that Samantha aka S. Young is one of my favorite authors. I'm so glad that she's writing paranormal romance again. I discovered her writing when she was writing YA paranormal and this is a merging of the YA urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance that she does so well. This book is adult much like her more recent contemporary romance novels, but it blends really well with the fantasy and paranormal elements that's she's written in her YA books.

This story follows Thea Quinn, a girl on the run from her adoptive father because he wants to use her. Thea is a paranormal of unknown origins and she has unique abilities even for someone of the supernatural world. Her adoptive father Ashforth approaches Conall, a Scottish werewolf chieftain with who also has a unique tracking ability to find her and bring her back. They make a bargain, and Conall quickly finds Thea's latest hiding spot. Conall has been told that she is a dangerous killer, but when she shows compassion and respect for life, Ashforth's story doesn't seem to add up. As Conall gets to know her real story, a bond begins to form between Thea and Conall as more than one group tries to stop them from getting back to Scotland and Ashforth. Conall is determined to help her find out her true origins and well this is a romance so you know he eventually decides to protect her instead of turning her over to the bad guy.

I really loved this. Thea is a great loner type character and I really enjoyed watching her develop from a standoffish, self sufficient, untrusting character to someone who knows she can't and doesn't want to continue on alone. While their relationship develops quickly, it has all of the banter and tension that you want from a romance. Conall pushes her to open up about her life and experiences but he is respectful and isn't overbearing. She tries to be selfish and he won't let her. I really loved their dynamic. I also really enjoyed the side characters.

While this was a standalone, it was definitely left open for more books. I do hope that the series continues. I would like to see more in the series or just in the genre from Sam.

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Blog Tour: KISS ME TONIGHT by Emma Hart

What do a wrong number text, a burning building, and a quirky florist have in common?

A hunky firefighter with an extra-large…hosepipe.

Kiss Me Tonight, an all-new hilarious standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

In hindsight, I never should have opened that text message. The last thing I needed first thing on a Monday was a picture of some stranger’s, um, eggplant, in my inbox.

I also should have replaced the batteries in my fire alarm, because my Friday night did not need to end with my apartment building going up in flames.

But it’s fine. It’s fine. Everything is fine.

I’m only lying in a hospital bed with more split ends than I’ve ever had, almost all my Earthly possessions have turned to ash, and apparently, they don’t serve wine to patients in this place.

But like I said, it’s fine.

Until he walks in.

The guy who saved my life. My hero. Noah Jacobs.

And the universe is amusing itself at my expense, because the dirty photo I woke up to on Monday?

It’s his.

Download your copy today!

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Excerpt

“Hi.”

I glanced over at him, my lips curving. “Hi.”

“You ready?”

“To escape the madhouse? What do you think?”

“That I should put my foot down.”

I winked and clicked my belt into place. “Let’s go. Where are we going?”

Noah pulled away from the curb. “I was going to let you direct me. I haven’t been in town long, like I said, and I definitely haven’t been out for lunch.”

I leaned back in the seat. “Hmm. What do you want to eat?”

“You’re the one breaking out of jail. I’m happy to go wherever you want to.”

“Oh, no. I hate making decisions like this. Do you know how difficult it is to pick somewhere to eat?” I shifted my whole body so I could look at him. “Do you want Chinese? Thai? Steak? Korean? Pizza? Burgers? Caribbean? Mexican? Spanish? French? Italian?”

Noah’s gaze darted my way. “Do you have all those places in Creek Falls?”

“No, but that doesn’t make the decision any easier,” I replied. “Well? Burgers? Pizza? Mexican? Italian? Steak? Or Chinese?”

“I don’t—shit me, I feel like I’m being interrogated by the fucking Government.”

“You may as well be. Pick somewhere and I’ll tell you where to go.”

“I said you can pick.”

“I don’t care. I’ve been everywhere. They’re all good. You’re the new boy in town. Pick somewhere.”

“You’re demanding, do you know that?”

“Yes, Preston—oh, he’s my brother—regularly points out how demanding and difficult I am.” I paused. “If you really want me to pick, I will, but you can’t complain after.”

He turned the blinker on so we’d head in the direction of Main Street. “You just said they’re all good.”

“They are, but it’s not my fault if you feel like pizza and end up with a taco.”

“I can honestly say that I do not care what I eat for lunch as long as it’s edible.”

“Right. Then turn left, then right, and pull into the parking lot next to the liquor store.”

“I see you’re taking us to a reputable location.”

“Oh, no. The liquor store is a pit stop. It just happens to be on the way to the Mexican place I like.”

“I see. So you’re using me for liquor.”

“You’ve met my great-aunt. Damn straight I’m using you for liquor.”

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.

Connect with Emma

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

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Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

Review: Beard with Me by Penny Reid

Beard with Me by Penny Reid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My heart is broken. This is the origin story fans of this series have been patiently waiting for. We finally learn what pushed Billy and Scarlet/Claire apart. Fans of the series will tell you that Billy is the most enigmatic of the brothers and his relationship with Scarlet who we all know as Claire in present times is so frustrating. He keeps mostly to himself and doesn't let anyone in. Claire is friendly and caring unless it comes to Billy then she is cold. No one knows what happened between them, but you know something is there. This book takes place when they are teenagers, she is 14 and he is 16. I would have liked it a bit more had she been a bit older, that was really my only issue with this book. She is faced with far too much for such a young person. There were several more mature situations that while handled beautifully, would have in my opinion made a bit more sense if they both were a 2 years older. Her story is tragic from beginning to end. She leaves home to live on her own because she is tired of living under the rule of her father, notorious motorcycle gang leader Razor. She hides herself and her singing talents from everyone so word doesn't get back to him that she needs him.

I loved that we got to see all of the Winston's as youngsters, especially Cletus. This book is fairly somber, but Cletus gives it the much needed comic relief it needs at just the right moments. It gives you a glimpse of them prior to their own books when they are adults. This also gives you the side of Billy that we've only barely begun to see in the rest of the Winston books. We see the burden he carries for taking care and protecting his family and those he cares for. Mixed with that he is also just trying to be a teenage boy that has some fun and takes something for himself.

I adored this and could not put it down. I've been waiting for this story for years, and I can't wait for the next book Beard Necessities to come out in November so we can see how it ends. Despite being tragic, this has all of the witty banter I've come to expect from Penny Reid interwoven with moments of humor. It has so many characters that you can't help but love. If you haven't read the Winston Brothers series yet, this is a great place to start but you can really start with any of the books. This brought so much clarity to Billy and Claire's story, Claire and Ben's story, and a few other situations that came up throughout the series that have been mentioned here and there. This is one of those books that is a bit overwhelming, but in a good way.

I was provided an advanced reader copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.  This book was published on September 16, 2019.

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Review: Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart

Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was so funny! I read it one sitting. Reagan is the unfiltered friend that says whatever she is thinking whether it is inappropriate or not. Noah is the sweet, hunky fireman, who during a drunken episode on a dating app mistakenly sends Reagan a naughty picture. Reagan being Reagan, begins texting Noah, who unbeknownst to her just happens to be her dream guy a hot, tattooed firefighter with a chihuahua. After texting back and forth, Reagan decides she's going to ask Noah for more personal details when her life is upended by an apartment fire. While Reagan is ridiculous most of the time, she is a responsible caring person. She has to be rescued from the fire because she is taking care of one of her elderly neighbors. While she is at the hospital recovering, the firefighter who carried her to safety comes to check on her and it is none other than her text friend Noah.

Once they realize that they live in the same town, Noah and Reagan strike up a friendship full of witty banter and they continue their hilarious text conversations. They both admit that they are attracted to one another and things take off from there. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this!

This is a quick read, and have I mentioned it is funny? I loved Reagan and Noah. I also loved that Halley and Ava were big parts of the story. I'm really excited to read Ava's story next! I really love this series.

I was provided an ARC in exchange for an honest review.  This is out today September 24, 2019.  Happy release day!

Add the entire series to your TBR: http://bit.ly/KissMeSeries

This is available where books are sold, go grab a copy!

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Release Blitz: Kiss Me Tonight by Emma Hart

What do a wrong number text, a burning building, and a quirky florist have in common?
A hunky firefighter with an extra-large…hosepipe.

Kiss Me Tonight, an all-new hilarious standalone romance from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is available now!

In hindsight, I never should have opened that text message. The last thing I needed first thing on a Monday was a picture of some stranger’s, um, eggplant, in my inbox.
I also should have replaced the batteries in my fire alarm, because my Friday night did not need to end with my apartment building going up in flames.
But it’s fine. It’s fine. Everything is fine.
I’m only lying in a hospital bed with more split ends than I’ve ever had, almost all my Earthly possessions have turned to ash, and apparently, they don’t serve wine to patients in this place.
But like I said, it’s fine.
Until he walks in.
The guy who saved my life. My hero. Noah Jacobs.
And the universe is amusing itself at my expense, because the dirty photo I woke up to on Monday?
It’s his.

Download your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IYsOqw
AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2XwekGv
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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.
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She is a mother, wife, lover of wine, Pink Goddess, and valiant rescuer of wild baby hedgehogs.
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Emma prides herself on her realistic, snarky smut, with comebacks that would make a PMS-ing teenage girl proud.
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Yes, really. She's that sarcastic.

Connect with Emma
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks/

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmahartauthor/
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Website: https://www.emmahart.org/home

Review: Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen

Saving Fable by Scott Reintgen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was amazing! I loved this so much. I'm not a huge middle grade reader but when I was provided a copy of this via Netgalley because I read and enjoyed Reintgen's other YA sci-fi works, I jumped on a chance to read this. I have a young reader at home and this looked like a good option for him. I'm going to order him a copy and suggest it to his school librarian.

This follows Indira Story, a fantastic character, who may lose her way but she always finds it again and never gives up. She is resilient and you can't help but love her and cheer for her on her journey to become a hero. Indira is a character who is waiting to become a hero in a story. When we meet her she is hoping to be chosen to go to the famous city of Fable so an Author might pick her to be a hero or a character in a book. She makes her way to Protagonist Preparatory, a magical school, where she takes classes aligned to her skills as character. She also makes some interesting friends and gets adopted by The Penningtons. I have to say Mrs. Pennington is the sweetest motherly character. She gives the best advice, is always there for Indira and her son Patch, and she is always making something delicious to eat. Everytime she was on the page it felt like she was giving you a warm hug. I just loved her character so much! Indira is determined to get a hero role in a story and works very hard on her studies, but she learns from her advisor that feedback from her instructors isn't great. Disheartened by this news, Indira loses her motivation for about 5 minutes, but in true hero fashion she seeks good advice and goes on a quest to get her mojo back.
When she returns to school determined to prove her advisor wrong, strange things begin to happen. Indira knows something funny is going on in Fable and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.

This story was so fun to read. I loved that each character or type of character was an element of a book. I also loved all of the references to other popular novels. There was so much humor and light in this book that I was smiling or laughing most of the time I was reading it. I can't wait to read more in this world and get to see what adventure we get to go on next.

View all my reviews

Cover Reveal: BEYOND THE PALE by Jennifer Millikin

Today we are revealing the cover for an upcoming standalone title from Jennifer Millikin. BEYOND THE PALE releases October 15th, and you will not want to miss this love story! Preorder links coming soon. Be sure to add the book to your TBR pile now and follow Jennifer for exclusive updates about the book.

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Beyond the Pale by Jennifer Millikin

Releasing October 15 | Contemporary Romance

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Book Blurb:

My whole life I’ve known Finn Jeffries and Brady Sterling would be my undoing.
The three of us were inseparable, but growing up with two boys as your best friends comes with it’s own certain type of growing pains.
As a child, Finn was wild and free, and grew up to be a devilishly handsome man with a smirk that frustrated me as much as it did other things to me.
Brady was brave and loyal, and the kind of man he grew into didn't surprise me a bit: devoted and gallant, with a handsome, trustworthy face that made my heart beat faster.
We went our separate ways for college, but now it’s eight years later and a pact we made back then has brought us back to our hometown.
Back to the complicated situation we ran from.
Back to the love triangle we never really escaped.
I love them both, and it’s time for me to make a choice.
I’ve always known one of them would be my forever, I just never knew which one.
And I still don’t.

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AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Jennifer Millikin is a contemporary fiction author of five full-length novels and a contributor for Scottsdale Moms Blog. When she isn't writing she can be found cooking, hiking, or in downward dog.

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Tag Tuesday: The End of The Year Book Tag

Well, it has been quite a while since I've done a tag Tuesday. I usually get my inspiration from youtube and tags seem to have lost their popularity. I saw Ariel Bisset do this tag recently and I really liked it.

I have a ton of books on my TBR, but my focus for the end of the year will be on the ARCs I've received and finishing up the two reading challenges I'm working my way through.

·         Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

o   No, I tend to be a completionist and finish books when I start them.  I did DNF a book this year but I don’t plan on returning to it.  I did start reading Smart but Scattered last year and I pick it up every once in a while but still haven't finished it.  

·         Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

o   I don’t usually read books by season.  I kind of just read what I feel like reading.  Thrillers are great for fall as well as books with witches.  I do have a few of those lined up.

§  The Furies by Katie Lowe

§  Verity by Colleen Hoover

·         Is there a new release you're still waiting for?

o   Beard Necessities by Penny Reid due out November 4th.

§  I’ve been waiting for this book for years. This is book #6 in The Winston Brothers series and is probably the most awaited story for fans of the series.  The story follows a couple that has been side characters in the other books, and I was lucky enough to read an ARC of their origin story and I’m dying for this one.  I have to know how this heartbreaking story ends.

·         What are three books you want to read before the end of the year?

o   All of these check off a reading prompt for one of the challenges I’m doing.  Its looking like I overbooked myself for September and October with ARCs so I haven’t been reading many of the books on my TBR outside of those.

o   RedSister by Mark Lawrence

§  I’ve not only heard that this is an awesome book but it fulfills a reading challenge prompt that takes place at an abbey.  This is supposed to have assassin nuns and that is a trope I’m into.

o   Dragonsworn by Sherrilyn Kenyon

§  I love this series, but I keep putting off reading it because I was so let down by the last book.  I read an excerpt of the next book in the series and it is exactly what I expected from Kenyon’s writing but you need to read this one first.

o   Catharsis by Travis Bagwell

§  I don’t actually know what this one is about except it is a LitRPG book.  I don’t know much about LitRPG, but based on recommendations from fans of the genre this is a good one.  I grabbed it on sale from the kindle store earlier this year so we are going to give it a go.

·         Is there a book you think could still shock you and become your favorite book of the year?

o   This is a tough one.  It would probably be easier to answer what I expect to disappoint me.  There are so many things I hope that will be favorites.  I have a bunch of new to me author’s coming up in the Penny Reid Smartypants Romance universe, but I expect to really enjoy those.  The books I have on my challenge TBR lists are all things I really want to read. 

o   If I had to pick one I’m going to go with The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi.  I’ve really enjoyed his other YA cli-fi/dystopian books and I’m hoping this one is just as good.

·         Have you already started making reading plans for 2020?

o   I have a few ARCs that come out in early 2020 so if I don’t get to those by the end of this year I will get to them first thing in January.  I’m also looking forward to a few new releases in 2020.

o   I have participated in the Popsugar Reading Challenge for the last few years and the list of challenges usually comes out in late November or early December.  I start penciling in titles for the prompts as soon as the list comes out.  I also plan to keep up with Book Riot’s Read Harder yearly challenge.  It is always fun to join the discussion boards on goodreads and facebook to see what other people recommend and see if I actually read what I planned to.

o   These are the books I’m looking forward to in 2020

§  The Prized Girl by Amy K. Green due out in January 2020

§  Ashlords by Scott Reintgen due out in January 2020

§  The Borgia Confessions by Alyssa Palombo due out in February 2020

§  The King of Crows by Libba Bray due out in February 2020

§  Hollopox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend due out in February 2020

§  Return of the Thief by Megan Whalen Turner due out in August 2020

Release Blitz: Beard With Me by Penny Reid

“This is Penny Reid at her finest.” -- L.B. Dunbar, author

Beard With Me, an epic and breathtaking story from New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Penny Reid, is available now!

No one is better at surviving than Scarlet St. Claire and making the best out of circumstances beyond her control is Scarlet’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, she’d be the last person on earth, hermitting like a pro, singing along to her CD Walkman, and dancing like no one is watching.

Scarlet is clever, Scarlet is careful, and Scarlet is smart . . . except when it comes to Billy Winston.

No one is better at fighting than Billy Winston and raging against his circumstances—because nothing is beyond his control—is Billy’s specialty. In an apocalyptic situation, he’d be the first person on earth to lead others to safety, overcome catastrophe, or die trying.

Billy is fearless, Billy is disciplined, and Billy is honorable . . . except when it comes to Scarlet St. Claire.

‘Beard With Me’ is the origin story of Billy Winston and Scarlet St. Claire (aka Claire McClure) and is just the beginning of their epic love story.

Download your copy today!

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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