Blog Tour Review with Giveaway: Finding Mr. Better-Than-You by Shani Petroff

Book info:

Title:  Finding Mr. Better-Than-You
Author:  Shani Petroff
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: January 14th, 2020
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
Source:  E-galley from Xpresso Reviews which did not influence my opinion
My rating:   4 stars

Synopsis:

A heartbroken teen, with the help of her best friends, goes on a quest to find the perfect boyfriend, and in the end learns that some things are more important than boys in Shani Petroff’s fun YA contemporary novel Finding Mr. Better-Than-You.

Camryn Roth has it all planned out: a perfect senior year with her friends and then it’s off to Columbia with her boyfriend, Marc. But the first week of school, everything falls apart. Not only does she not have enough extracurriculars for her dream school, her relationship falls to pieces when Marc publically dumps her!

With the help of her two best friends, Camryn is determined to pull her life back together. Step one, more extracurriculars. Step two, get over Marc and find someone better.

Shani Petroff’s newest rom-com is a love letter to friendship: to those who help you find your true self, stand by you no matter what, and support your plans even when they know they’re doomed.

Praise for Shani Petroff:

“Fans of holiday movies, rom-coms, and ‘All I Want for Christmas Is You’ will enjoy My New Crush Gave to Me . . . Petroff’s festive story will have readers baking gingerbread cookies and buñuelos at any time of year.” —VOYA, on My New Crush Gave to Me

“A worthwhile read. Flirty and fun.” —Booklist, on Romeo and What’s Her Name

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My Review:

I was excited to try this one out.   It seemed like it would be pretty cute.  And really, it was cute.  It kept me turning pages and smiling, and shaking my head at the crazy things that happened to Camryn.  I loved when her friends decided to do a Bachelor style thing to find her a new guy.  I loved that we don't get the stereotypical characters, like mean girl cheerleaders.  And that even the "other woman" wasn't really necessarily an evil seductress that we have to hate.  Other than the story being really cute, I guess I didn't realize just how much of a "love story about friends" it was going to be.  Because about halfway through, I saw it going that way, and I was disappointed, because I get it, friends are more important than boys. But when I read what I think is going to be a romance, I want a good romance.  So it was not exactly the type of ending I was looking forward to.   But it's probably great for a YA book, and for young girls to read so they don't think they have to have a boy to be happy.

Author Bio:

Shani Petroff is a writer living in New York City. Please visit her website at www.ShaniPetroff.com.

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GIVEAWAY!

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Blog Tour Review: Spark (Web of Desire #1) by Aleatha Romig

From New York Times bestselling author Aleatha Romig comes a brand-new dark romance, Spark, set in the same dangerous world as Secrets and Twisted. You do not need to read the Web of Sin or Tangled Web trilogy to get caught up in this new and intriguing saga, Web of Desire.

Book info:

Title: Spark
Author:  Aleatha Romig

Series:  Web of Desire #1
Genre: Adult contemporary dark romance
Release Date:  January 13th, 2020
Source: E-galley from Wildfire Marketing PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars


Synopsis:

“From a little spark may burst a flame.” ~ Dante Alighieri

A simple ember to dried kindling can ignite a raging fire.

I’ve made my mark and proven my loyalty to a man, a city, and a way of life. That loyalty has provided me with all the spoils of success. Until now that hasn’t included a woman at my side.

What is it about this unobtainable beauty that brings my untapped desire to life?

Cracking open the stone and striking the flint is my doing. What follows is hers.

With something so intense will this spark lead to a blazing inferno? Will we make it out of the ashes before everything I hold dear is ravaged?

SPARK is book one of the WEB OF DESIRE trilogy that continues in FLAME and concludes in ASHES.

Have You Been Aleatha'd?

Get Your Copy Here:

Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | iBooks | Nook Kobo

 

My Review:

I was introduced to this author with the Consequences series, but have only read one other by her, that was more of a rom-com than her usual kind of dark romance. But this one grabbed me from the beginning. And even though I knew it was a series, and would probably have a cliffhanger, I can tell you that I did NOT see what was coming.  From the very beginning I wondered what in the world happened to split up Patrick and Madeline.  What would make her go to live, work, be "owned" by the horrible man that we know she works for.  As well as what would cause Patrick to go work for what we know must be an organized crime situation as well.  I guess it is maybe something we'd know if we'd read another series that I think this one branches off from.  Which I haven't read.  While this is definitely a dark romance, in a way, it's not anywhere near as dark, so far, as the first series I read by the author.  In this book our main couple are good people, well, to each other anyway, and so that makes it a bit of an easier read.  For me anyway.  Not that Consequences didn't suck me in and totally win me over to Tony, a total bad guy.  It wasn't just the cliffhanger that surprised me, but other events within the story that I didn't see coming, at least not the way they happened. I had other expectations and guesses as the story went along, and for the most part, I was not right about any of them, not really.  And I love that!  It kept me guessing and reading till the very end.  Of course now I'm left hanging and waiting for the next book!

 

Pre-Order Flame and Ashes Here!

About the Author:

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis. Aleatha has raised three children with her high school sweetheart and husband of over thirty years. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time a with her family and friends. Her other pastimes include reading and creating heroes/anti-heroes who haunt your dreams and bring your imagination to life!

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than half a million e-readers. Aleatha released the first of her series TALES FROM THE DARK SIDE, INSIDIOUS, in the fall of 2014. These stand alone thrillers continue Aleatha's twisted style with an increase in heat.

In the fall of 2015, Aleatha moved head first into the world of dark romantic suspense with the release of BETRAYAL, the first of her five novel INFIDELITY series that has taken the reading world by storm. She also began her traditional publishing career with Thomas and Mercer. Her books INTO THE LIGHT and AWAY FROM THE DARK were published through this mystery/thriller publisher in 2016.

In the spring of 2017, Aleatha released her first stand-alone, fun, and sexy romantic comedy with PLUS ONE, followed by the sweet stand-alone, ONE NIGHT.

Aleatha is a "Published Author's Network" member of the Romance Writers of America and PEN America. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Get Aleatha'd Here:

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Blog Tour Review with Giveaway: Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Book info:

Title: Jane Anonymous
Author:  Laurie Faria Stolarz
Genre: YA contemporary
Release Date:  January 7th, 2020
Publisher:  Wednesday Books
Source:  E-galley from FFBC Tours which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  4.5 stars


Synopsis:
Bestselling author Laurie Faria Stolarz returns with Jane Anonymous, a gripping tale of a seventeen-year-old girl’s kidnapping and her struggle to fit back into her life after she escapes.

Then, “Jane” was just your typical 17-year-old in a typical New England suburb getting ready to start her senior year. She had a part-time job she enjoyed, an awesome best friend, overbearing but loving parents, and a crush on a boy who was taking her to see her favorite band. She never would’ve imagined that in her town where nothing ever happens, a series of small coincidences would lead to a devastating turn of events that would forever change her life.

Now, it’s been three months since “Jane” escaped captivity and returned home. Three months of being that girl who was kidnapped, the girl who was held by a “monster.” Three months of writing down everything she remembered from those seven months locked up in that stark white room. But, what if everything you thought you knew―everything you thought you experienced―turned out to be a lie?

BOOK LINKS

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My Review:

This book was really intense.  I could barely put it down.  We got what happened through Jane's eyes, but in flashbacks mixed with "Now" entries into her diary or journal that she felt would help her with the therapy everyone said she needed.  I wondered if she had a bit of Stockholm Syndrome, if that was what the story was going to be about.  But instead it seems that she falls in love or finds a connection with a fellow prisoner named Mason.  Honestly, I had a feeling about the whole situation from really early on, and my hunch was correct.  However the way the story went kept me guessing and thinking I must be wrong.  Seeing how it all went for Jane after she got home and how hard it was just to even get back to normal in any little way was very interesting.  How her friends and those around her dealt with it was also intriguing and made me wonder how it would be in real life.  I did get that she had trouble working with different psychologists and therapists, until she finally found one that she was able to connect with.  I know that for my own depression and anxiety I didn't click with the first person I was sent to, so I think it is a very important bit for people to realize that getting help isn't as simple as just talking to any person.

I only docked a half a star because some things were left unexplained or unanswered for me that I wanted to know.  But it makes me feel like one of the people that Jane hated talking to if I ask those questions.

About the Author:

Laurie Faria Stolarz grew up in Salem, MA, attended Merrimack College, and received an MFA in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston.

Laurie Faria Stolarz is an American author of young adult fiction novels, best known for her Blue is for Nightmares series. Her works, which feature teenage protagonists, blend elements found in mystery and romance novels.

Stolarz found sales success with her first novel, Blue is for Nightmares, and followed it up with three more titles in the series, White is for Magic, Silver is for Secrets, and Red is for Remembrance, as well as a companion graphic novel, Black is for Beginnings. Stolarz is also the author of the Touch series (Deadly Little Secret, Deadly Little Lies, Deadly Little Games, Deadly Little Voices, and Deadly Little Lessons), as well as Bleed and Project 17. With more than two million books sold worldwide, Stolarz's titles have been named on various awards list.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website: http://www.lauriestolarz.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58846.Laurie_Faria_Stolarz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lauriestolarz

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Laurie-faria-Stolarz-104028522980753/

Tour Schedule:
https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2019/11/tour-schedule-jane-anonymous-by-laurie.html


Giveaway:
 

• Prize: Win (1) of (2) copies of JANE ANONYMOUS by Laurie Faria Stolarz (US/CAN Only)

• Starts: 7^th January 2020

• Ends: 21^st January 2020

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Blog Tour Review with Giveaway: You Too? - 25 Voices Share Their #MeToo Stories - Edited by Janet Gurtler

Book info:

Title: You Too?
Author:  Various Authors
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date:  January 7th, 2020
Publisher:  Inkyard Press
Source: E-galley from YA Bound Book Tours which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  4 stars


Synopsis: 
A timely and heartfelt collection of essays inspired by the #MeToo movement, edited by acclaimed young adult and middle-grade author Janet Gurtler. Featuring Beth Revis, Mackenzi Lee, Ellen Hopkins, Saundra Mitchell, Jennifer Brown, Cheryl Rainfield and many more.

When #MeToo went viral, Janet Gurtler was among the millions of people who began to reflect on her past experiences. Things she had reluctantly accepted—male classmates groping her at recess, harassment at work—came back to her in startling clarity. She needed teens to know what she had not: that no young person should be subject to sexual assault, or made to feel unsafe, less than or degraded.

You Too? was born out of that need. By turns thoughtful and explosive, these personal stories encompass a wide range of experiences and will resonate with every reader who has wondered, “Why is this happening to me?” or secretly felt that their own mistreatment or abuse is somehow their fault—it’s not. Candid and empowering, You Too? is written for teens, but also an essential resource for the adults in their lives—an urgent, compassionate call to listen and create change.

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Purchase Links:

IndieBound - Harlequin - Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Chapters
 

My Review:
Because I have my own #MeToo story, I was definitely interested in reading this book and being able to recommend it to others.  While I didn't completely finish the book, it's not because it wasn't worthwhile to read.  It's because after a while the stories started to depress me a bit.  Yes, I definitely connected with and felt so much about the stories and authors was true for me as well.  And I do think it is an important book to have and for others to read.  But for me I couldn't keep going because in the end, I just was getting more and more depressed. However I still will try to purchase it for my school library, because I think it is helpful to read and know that other people have dealt with situations that still today we don't always feel we can talk about or actually confront those who have done these things to us.  There was even something in one of the stories that was very much that thought, that she wondered if she had only spoken up sooner or even done more if she could have saved others who might have had to go through what she did. There was also in one story something that really stuck out to me because it is something I have struggled with as well.  There was a guy I who was a part of a group of friends I had from my part time job about 10 or so years ago. He said something that really stuck out to me, about how a girl only thinks a guy flirting is creepy when she is not attracted to him.  In the one story that made me think of this comment, the author talked about how her boss, a boy that was like 19 when she was still 16 or 17, who was her boyfriend, did treat her special at work because she flirted back with him and let him touch her.  Gave her extra time off, better jobs to do, etc.  She quit when they broke up because it was too hard to see him every day.  Her next job she found and was told shortly after that she'd only been hired because of her large chest.  She was also told by those same fellow female coworkers if she would just flirt back and play along with the much older male manager's flirting and advances, she would again get lots of special privileges like easy tasks, more weekend days off, and the like.  But with this much older man, it was creepier to her and unwanted.  And in the end, when she did not give in, she ended up losing her job, and the other women who did use those tactics to their advantage were not happy with her putting up the resistance and causing problems.

Another big topic that came across and really stuck with me was about how we are taught as women not to be rude or make a big deal out of things.  I currently work with a man who is about 20 years older than me, and he has always done things or said things that kind of are creepy in a sexually forward manner at times. But because it isn't anything major, no touching or any threats because he's not in a role of power to me, and other than those occasional comments he's really a pretty nice guy, I don't do anything.  Even though other girls, younger than me, making him at least 40 years older than them, have expressed similar feelings about it.  I should say something, I should, right?  But is it worth it?  That's the way our society works.  And I hate it.  But am I still a part of the problem not saying anything myself?  So those are the things that made me not finish the book for myself. Although I did read through a few of the stories of authors that I have read before and wanted to support them as well.  

I do highly recommend it.  Just know that it will be a hard read for a lot of it, but worth it, and these stories deserve to be heard.

About the Editor:

Janet Gurtler's young adult books have been chosen for the JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION and as BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS from the Canadian Children’s Book Center. Janet lives in Alberta, Canada with her husband, son, a chubby black Chihuahua named Bruce and a Golden Retriever named Betty White.

Website - http://www.janet-gurtler.com/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4147574.Janet_Gurtler

Twitter - https://twitter.com/janetgurtler

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/janet.gurtler

GIVEAWAY:

We are giving away two copies of YOU TOO, signed by each author, entries are automatically entered with a donation to RAINN on our YOUTOO Fundraising Page.  

https://fundraise.rainn.org/team/273355

 

Blog Tour Organized By:

YA Bound Book Tours

Blog Tour Review: Just Kidding (SWAT Generation 2.0 #1) by Lani Lynn Vale

Book info:

Title: Just Kidding
Author:  Lani Lynn Vale
Series: SWAT Generation 2.0 #1
Genre:  Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:  January 7th, 2020
Source: E-galley from Wildfire Marketing Solutions which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars


Synopsis: 
Let’s do a calendar, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.

Well, they—i.e. Kilgore Police Department’s public relations specialists—were wrong.

Now, every time Dax Tremaine walks around a corner, the women of Kilgore, Texas can’t help calling him Mr. January.

Mr. January, can you fix my flat tire? Mr. January, can you cuff me? Mr. January, can you sign my boob?

It goes from bad to worse when even on a SWAT call, the women won’t stay away.

***
It was the worst time of her life. Rowen Roberts had finally admitted to herself that the man she loved would never love her back. She was just fired from her job for violating client confidentiality, and to make matters worse, she’s held up at gunpoint in a convenience store where she only wanted some ice cream to help mask the pain.

The moment the gun is pressed to her forehead, she knows she has a decision to make. Follow the rules and maybe possibly live, or go down swinging where at least she can salvage just a little bit of her dignity.

And when Mr. January himself tells her to do what the gunman says, she’s had enough. Rowen has never really been a girl that does what she’s told. Mr. January won’t have to save her. She can dang well save herself.

 

Get Your Copy Here:  

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU | Apple | Nook | Kobo

 

My Review:

I have read other books by this author and really enjoyed them, and this one was no different!  I loved so much about the main character, Rowen, so much about her was just like me!  Her attitude towards alcohol, as well as how she felt about having things on her head like hats, wigs, etc.  I loved the different headings in each chapter as well, although at one point I did have to go Google what it suggested in one of them.  Which was hilarious, even if it wasn't completely true.  Rowen and Dax were a great couple.  You felt so much for her after what she'd been through, and you totally wanted to punch both her bully as well as Dax's high school ex-girlfriend.  I loved the whole watching the scary movie together, and while I prefer to watch on a tv, I could see how a laptop might be a fun comfy and somewhat sexy experience as well!  I know that I want to read more in this series as well as maybe go back for some of the ones I haven't read from the original SWAT books!

About the Author:

Lani Lynn Vale is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author of over thirty titles. She is married with three children, two dogs, to cats, a donkey, and a couple (a couple meaning over twenty) chickens. She hails from the Great State of Texas. When she's not writing, you can find her curled up in her favorite chair reading.

Connect with Lani Lynn Vale

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Blog Tour Review: Always Mine (Roommate Duet #5, Liam and Madelyn #1) by Kennedy Fox

Book info:

Title: Always Mine
Author:  Kennedy Fox
Series:  Roommate Duet #5, Liam and Madelyn #1
Genre:  Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:  January 7th, 2020
Source: E-galley from Wildfire Marketing Solutions which did not influence my review
My rating: 5  stars


Synopsis:
College parties, beer, and one-night stands—that was my life.

Now, I hunt down criminals, ethically or not, but if no one’s asking, then I’m not telling. Drinking and women are still included, though I can’t seem to forget the girl who almost gave me her virginity. She would’ve until I realized she was too young, and I wasn’t looking to get thrown into jail. 

In a twist of fate, we’re reunited, except she’s no longer underage but still equally off-limits.
After ignoring her relentless advances, she starts to wear me down. I only have so much willpower when she’s around, running her smart mouth and showing off her impeccable dance moves. 

Just when my restraint starts to crumble, my poor choices finally catch up with me, putting us both in danger. 
 
There’s no easy way to explain why I betrayed her, but I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if it means breaking her heart.

ALWAYS MINE is a slow-burn, intense romance wrapped up in a suspenseful beautiful love story. It's book 1 in the Liam and Madelyn duet and must be read first.

Get Your Copy HERE:

Amazon |  Apple | Kobo | Nook 

Google Play 

My Review:

I've loved all of the books in this series so far, so I was ready for this next duet.  I knew from the others that there would definitely be a major cliffhanger, and there was, but it so was not what I had guessed or seen coming as I read.  It was easy to figure out from the little hints and clues that Liam was going to end up with some kind of problem from gambling.  I did not see what happened though as what would be the way it went.  I love that there was a back story between Liam and Maddie that we didn't really know before this book.  It really made all the different events with them in the other books make so much more sense.  I totally was frustrated with Liam throughout the whole thing though because that whole "I'm not good enough for you, you deserve better, blah blah blah" thing irritates me to no end. Especially with how long Liam kept it up, even while still being into her and being such a good guy.  But I'm still loving the story and going to be very impatiently waiting for Always Yours.

Book info:

Title: Always Yours
Author:  Kennedy Fox
Series:  Roommate Duet #6, Liam and Madelyn #2
Genre: Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:  February 18th, 2020

Synopsis:
Rehearsals, leotards, and textbooks—that was my life. 

Dancing is all I’ve ever known, but when Liam’s problems turn everything upside down, I’m thrust into a world I know nothing about. Secrets and betrayal changed the man I’ve fallen for and he isn’t who I thought he was. Regardless, Liam is all I’ve ever wanted and though I’m struggling with my emotions, deep down I’d do anything for him. 


When Liam admitted his true feelings, things finally fell into place. Now they’re falling apart. Saving our relationship is his top priority, but keeping him alive is mine. Corruption and power are their game and Liam is nothing more than a pawn. Playing by the rules won’t end well, but I can’t let him fight alone this time. 



Our happily ever after is so close I can taste it, but then it quickly crashes and burns, threatening to destroy us. Giving up on the love of my life isn’t an option, but in the end I might not be able to save him. 


ALWAYS YOURS is a slow-burn, intense romance wrapped up in a suspenseful beautiful love story. It's book 2 in the Liam and Madelyn duet and must be read in order.

𝑨𝑳𝑾𝑨𝒀𝑺 𝒀𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑺 | Book 2

AmazonUS | AmazonWorldwide | AppleBooks | Kobo | Barnes and Noble | GooglePlay 

Add to your TBR

About the Author:

Brooke Cumberland and Lyra Parish are a duo of romance authors who teamed up under the USA Today pseudonym, Kennedy Fox. They share a love of Hallmark movies and overpriced coffee. When they aren’t bonding over romantic comedies, they like to brainstorm new book ideas. One day, they decided to collaborate under a pseudonym and have some fun creating new characters that’ll make you blush and your heart melt. If you enjoy romance stories with sexy, tattooed alpha males and smart, quirky, independent women, then a Kennedy Fox book is for you! They’re looking forward to bringing you many more stories to fall in love with!

Keep up with all their social media platforms for updates and info!

WEBSITE | NEWSLETTER | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

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