Monday, August 29, 2022

Review: Three Kisses, One Midnight: A Novel

Three Kisses, One Midnight: A Novel Three Kisses, One Midnight: A Novel by Roshani Chokshi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

This was a delightful YA romance following three friends as they discover love on Halloween night.  Each of the friends are as different as their feelings about magic and true love, but they complement each other so well.  Each of the friends gets their own interconnected novella that follows them throughout the night of the big Halloween party held at Onny's home.  Throughout the day and night the each have to come to terms with their feelings on love and magic.  

Onny is the romantic of the group.  She belives in all things mystical and magical.  She is into astrology, tarot, and believes in all of the lore and legend surrounding their town.  True on the other hand is a woman of science.  If she can't see it or prove it, it doesn't belong in her world.  Ash is the third member of their group, and he is artistic and a bit shy.  The three of them form "The Coven", which really has nothing ot do with witches or magic, unless you count Onny's love potion.  Onny is convinced that the three of them will find true love at her family's annual Halloween party, especially with the help of her grandmother's love potion.  Each of the friends has a unique and fun journey to find their person and face their feelings.

I thought this was a quick and fun read.  I love Halloween and thought this was  perfect cozy read as we begin to enter into fall.  It was really cute and the characters were really fun.  I loved the Mayor and the Teacher that act as almost guides for each of them on their journey to find love.  The grumpy sunshine duo were a nice addition to the story.  

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Thursday, August 25, 2022

Review: The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi

The Final Strife The Final Strife by Saara El-Arifi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC via Netgalley, however I opted to listen to the final production version of the audiobook.  All opinions expressed are my own.  The main narrator was excellent, and did a great job with the characters.  The secondary narrator, was a nice touch as it let the reader know that we were exiting the story proper and getting a history lesson or a journal entry that added to the story but was not taking place in the present.  

This is a solid debut from the author and I'm very much looking forward to where the next installment is going to take us.  The world building and plot were great, however I did find some flaws with this book.  The magic system and plot is really interesting and there is a fairly diverse cast.  My biggest issue was the length and pace.  The audiobook clocks in around 20 hours and the print book is over 600 pages.  The book is broken into 5 parts and the first 4 I found very slow with some parts being very repetitive.  We spend alot of time following the main characters doing the same thing (training, meeting with people to gather information, eating, etc) with the plot not advancing and no new information being divulged.  It isn't until part 5 that things really picked up as more information comes to light and things really started to come together.  The pace picks up so much it almost felt rushed.   

The main focus of the story is the overthrowing of the current caste system that is determined by the color of a person's blood.  Blood is heavily used in the magic system, and the current ruling body oppresses the lower class in horrid ways.  I was under the impression that this was YA, but it lends itself more toward adult or new adult when it comes to the violence and language.  I personally didn't mind, but as a parent I'd want to know.  There is violence, drug and alcohol use, and several intimate scenes though they are mostly closed door.  There are probably other triggers that I've forgotten to mention as well.
 
Our main character Sylah was raised to be part of a resistance that would overthrow the ruling class of red-blooded aristocracy.  She was positioned to enter the trials of strength and become the voice from within that would start a revolution and end the caste system currently in place.  When her entire family is brutally murdered, Sylah enters a deep depression and loses all hope and sight of the mission she was trained for.  Anoor on the other hand has been told she is useless, but despite her weaknesses in strength and combat, she is determined to win the trials.  Sylah ends up training Anoor in the combat elements in exchange for learning blood magic, something Sylah was unable to learn in her youth.  Their relationship starts off rough, but eventually grows into something much more.   There was a bit of a love triangle element to this that I could have done without.  I'm indifferent to the romance in the book, it was fine but it didn't add to the plot.  I didn't really feel the chemistry between any of characters, so I'd like to see more of that emotion develop on the page in book 2.

Despite my feeling that the book was a bit on the long side, I think the author has set things up for the next book to really develop the characters and explore the politics and magic at play.  The book leaves us with Anoor ready to turn the world on its side and Sylah on a mission to find answers to questions no one is allowed to ask.  I'm looking forward to finding out where things go next.  

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Thursday, August 18, 2022

Review: Fling

Fling Fling by Adriana Locke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC via the author, all opinions are my own.

This was awesome!  Ashley and Maddox are perfect together.  The friends-to-lovers trope works really well here because they've known each other since grade school so they fall into easy banter and there isn't an awkward insta-love situation happening because they've always had feelings for each other.  They have great chemistry and are comfortable around each other because of their long standing friendship, so when their relationship enters new territory things heat up quickly.

This follows Ashley in the aftermath of her broken engagement.  She is trying to put the pieces of her life back together, so she's moved back home where she has the support of her family and friends.  As part of the healing process she decides to go on her honeymoon because it is non-refundable, and she was really looking forward to it.  The problem is she doesn't want to go alone and no one in her inner circle is available on short notice.  The solution is that her two best friends decide to hold a contest to find her a travel buddy.  Maddox, who happens to be Ashley's long time friend volunteers as tribute and the attraction and feelings that have always existed between the two of them finally get a chance to flourish.  Their trip is filled with fun, romance, and some pretty spicy scenes.  When they get home they have to sort out their feelings and thoughts on relationships.

This reads as a standalone, but it is the second book in the Carmichael Family series.  Much like in the first book, which is about Moss, we get glimpses of the other brothers and their antics.  As with Adriana's other books the side characters are excellent.  Banks is hilarious and I'm looking forward to reading his book.  Jess' book is next and I'm looking forward to getting to read his story.   Ashley's friends are wonderful and I hope Sara and Becca get stories as well.

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Monday, August 15, 2022

BLOG TOUR: Fling by Adriana Locke

 

   


FLING by Adriana Locke 
  Release Date: August 15th Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance   

  Grab your suitcase and prepare for the time of your life in this swoony tale that’s as hot as the tropical destination itself. Fans of runaway brides, close-proximity, one-bed, and friends-to-lovers tropes will fall hopelessly in love with this fling-to-forever romance.   
  AVAILABLE NOW! FREE IN KU!!! 

  Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/FlingLocke

 

  Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/cqw2

 

  Blurb: 

CONTEST: WIN A DATE TO MY HONEYMOON   I realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are. My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste. I’m packed and ready to hit the beach. ButI can’t deny that it might be more interesting to honeymoon with someone. Since my track record of picking dates isn’t exactly golden, I’ve done something that I hope I don’t regret. In a moment of weakness—mixed with panic and fueled by margaritas—I agreed to let my friends choose someone to go with me. It’ll be a blind date / postnuptial vacation—without the nuptials. A few fun days in paradise with no expectations. No obligations. Before you say, “pick me for a free vacay!” a few things to consider … The perfect candidate will be single. He won’t talk too much on the plane. And he’ll be able to leave town quickly. He will also be okay with sharing a bed. It’s a honeymoon suite, after all. If you want to be considered, email Rebecca and Sara your application at the address below. (Get creative. There’s a free vacation on the line.) Wheels up next week! Godspeed, honeymooners.   Grab your suitcase and prepare for the time of your life in this swoony tale that’s as hot as the tropical destination itself. Fans of runaway brides, close-proximity, one-bed, and friends-to-lovers tropes will fall hopelessly in love with this fling-to-forever romance.   

  About the Author: 

  USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.   She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.


Connect w/Adriana: 
  Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/NewsletterAddy   

Friday, August 12, 2022

Release Blitz: Ten First Dates Anthology

 

Swoony heroes and feisty heroines galore!

Ten First Dates, a FREE romance anthology featuring ten brand-new prequels from ten of your favorite bestselling authors is now available!

He was the last person on earth she’d ever want to be stuck with for a weekend…
Their eyes met across the room and she knew…
They’d been friends forever but everything was about to change…
Once upon a time…

There are so many ways a great romance can start, and we’ve got TEN of them right here for you!

Ten ALL NEW, never-before-seen prequels from ten bestselling romance authors all in one place!
Find out how these swoony heroes and feisty heroines are first thrown together on the path to their happily ever after!

Enemies to lovers? Friends to lovers? Opposites attract? Small town? We’ve got it all!

TEN FIRST DATES features brand new stories from:
Ainsley Booth, Angela Denise, Erin McCarthy, Erin Nicholas, Julia Kent, Kaylee Ryan, Molly Mclain, Piper Rayne, Samantha Chase & Zoe York

Grab your FREE digital copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ayUjaA
Nook: https://bit.ly/10-First-Dates-BN
Google Play: https://bit.ly/10-First-Dates-GP
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3w2cblH
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3vVE5Qr

Connect with the Authors
Ainsley Booth
https://www.facebook.com/ainsleyboothwrites
Angela Denise
https://www.facebook.com/AngelaDeniseAuthor
Erin McCarthy
https://www.facebook.com/ErinMcCarthyBooks
Erin Nicholas
https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholasBooks
Julia Kent
https://www.facebook.com/jkentauthor
Kaylee Ryan
https://www.facebook.com/KayleeRyanAuthor
Molly McLain
https://www.facebook.com/mollymclainbooks
Piper Rayne
https://www.facebook.com/PiperRayne
Samantha Chase
https://www.facebook.com/SamanthaChaseFanClub
Zoe York
https://www.facebook.com/ZoeYorkWrites

Monday, August 8, 2022

Review: Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

Stay Awake Stay Awake by Megan Goldin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided a print and audio arc of this book via Netgalley.  I alternated between both formats as I was reading this book.  As always all opinions are my own.  

This follows two perspectives, main character Liv Reese and the other of Detective Darcy Halliday.  Liv wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea how she got there.  She has lost her purse and phone, and there are strangers living in her apartment.  She is completely disoriented and there is writing all over her hands indicating that she should "stay awake".  Detective Halliday is first on the scene of a murder that unbeknownst to her is somehow tied to Liv.  In the audiobook each perspective is portrayed by a different narrator, which I enjoyed.  You can tell when the chapters switch from Liv to Halliday.  Both narrators did a great job with their characters/chapters.  

It has been a long time since I've read a thriller that had me so engaged.  This started out slow for me, but once it got going I had a hard time putting it down.  I also did not see the twist coming.  That is so rare.  Who I thought was the bad guy, and who it really was were not even close.  The author does a really good job leaving several red herrings to mislead the reader.  

I will say at first I found it hard to empathize with Liv, when she finds out she has lost 2 years of her memory and she keeps insisting that people should be in a certain place or that things should be a certain way.  It was a bit repetitive, then I realized as the book went on that if I were in her shoes and couldn't remember anything and nothing in my life was the same, I'd probably be in a bit of a panicked state myself.  As we get to know Liv and what happened in the two years prior leading up to the present day, I slowly started to connect with her as she and the detectives slowly start to put the pieces together of what really happened.  I really liked Halliday.  She is no nonsense, willing to speak up when she has something to say, and willing to challenge the seasoned detectives to make sure they get the case correct.  I also felt like the author did a good job with her research into the life of a female veteran and detective.  

This does have a funky timeline that alternates between the present and the past.  I'm not usually a fan of disjointed timelines, but this is an example of a book that does it right.  This was done so well to put all the pieces together of Liv's missing memory and the events leading up to the murder.  The author gives you just enough without giving away too much until the final reveal. 

If you are looking for a good thriller, I highly recommend this one!  

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Fling by Adriana Locke Excerpt Reveal

 

  
  FLING by Adriana Locke

Release Date: August 15th Genre/Tropes: Contemporary Romance   
  Add to Goodreads: https://geni.us/cqw2   
  PREORDER IS AVAILABLE! 
  Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3881pl1 
  Amazon Universal: https://geni.us/FlingLocke


    

Excerpt: 

CONTEST: WIN A DATE TO MY HONEYMOON  

I realize that a social media post isn’t the usual way to secure a date to your honeymoon—for obvious reasons—but here we are.   My wedding was canceled. What’s not canceled is the nonrefundable, ten-thousand-dollar all-inclusive vacation at a luxury resort, and I’m not about to let it go to waste.   I’m packed and ready to hit the beach. But I can’t deny that it might be more interesting to honeymoon with someone.   Since my track record of picking dates isn’t exactly golden, I’ve done something that I hope I don’t regret. In a moment of weakness—mixed with panic and fueled by margaritas—I agreed to let my friends choose someone to go with me.   It’ll be a blind date / postnuptial vacation—without the nuptials. A few fun days in paradise with no expectations. No obligations.   Before you say, “pick me for a free vacay!”, a few things to consider …   The perfect candidate will be single. He won’t talk too much on the plane. And he’ll be able to leave town quickly.   He will also be okay with sharing a bed. It’s a honeymoon suite, after all.   If you want to be considered, email Rebecca and Sara your application at the address below. (Get creative. There’s a free vacation on the line.)   Wheels up next week!

 

Blurb: 

Subject: You up? This is definitely a feeling cute, might want to delete later situation. But isn’t every message sent at two in the morning a precursor to regret? By the way, I hope you read that subject line as the pun it was intended to be. Okay, cutting to the chase—neither of us has an interest in cultivating an emotional connection with each other, right? You have your reasons, and I have mine. But none of that keeps us from nearly crossing the line from professional to personal every freaking day. I mean, what was that almost kiss in the hallway this afternoon? Something has to give. So this is me, giving in. I can’t believe I’m suggesting this, but what if you and I had … a fling? Just a short-lived non-romance. No pretending it will ever be more. We’ll avoid flowers and flirting and get to the f—you know what I mean. That’s all either of us wants anyway. Think about it. Let me know. I’ll see you in the office in the morning. Oh! One more thing—If you’re not into this, don’t ever mention you saw this email. I’ll pretend I never saw it either. Okay. Bye.   

About the Author: 
USA Today and Washington Post bestselling author Adriana Locke lives and breathes books. After years of slightly obsessive relationships with the flawed bad boys created by other authors, Adriana has created her own.   She resides in the Midwest with her husband, sons, and two dogs. She spends a large amount of time playing with her kids, drinking coffee, and cooking. You can find her outside if the weather's nice and there's always a piece of candy in her pocket.


Connect w/Adriana:
  Newsletter Signup: http://bit.ly/NewsletterAddy  

Sunday, August 7, 2022

Review: Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty

Blood and Moonlight Blood and Moonlight by Erin Beaty
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own. I enjoyed the narrator and felt she did a good job with the characters and the overall narration.

This has a really interesting plot. I actually felt like there was too much going on here. There is a murder mystery, magic, and a romance. I felt like some of the plot points suffered for the sake of the others being included.

I think this will really appeal to the young adult reader. I think if you liked Stalking Jack the Ripper I think you will enjoy this. The pacing is good, the magic system isn't overly complex. The mystery aspect of the plot moves forward nicely, and it isn't overly filled with gore or graphic details, though there are some.

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