Blog Tour Review with Book Trailer: The King (A Wicked Series #3.6) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

We are beyond excited to be sharing this release from Jennifer L. Armentrout with you today! THE KING is part of the Wicked series and it is releasing as part of 1001 Dark Nights. It just went live! Check out an excerpt and book trailer from the title below. Click here to grab your copy now.

 

Purchase your copy of THE KING today!

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon CA | Amazon AU

Book info: 

Title:  The King
Author:  Jennifer L. Armentrout
Series:  A Wicked Trilogy #3.6
Genre:  New Adult paranormal romance
Release Date:  July 23rd, 2019
Publisher: 1001 Dark Nights
Source:  E-galley from InkSlinger PR which did  not influence my opinion
My rating:  5 stars

Synopsis:
From #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes the next installment in her Wicked series.

As Caden and Brighton's attraction grows despite the odds stacked against a happily ever after, they must work together to stop an Ancient fae from releasing the Queen, who wants nothing more than to see Caden become the evil Prince once feared by fae and mortals alike.

 **Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Add THE KING to your Goodreads TBR here!

 

My Review:

As her books usually do, the latest from Armentrout blew me away.  The lengths that the author lets her characters go to, their suffering, their emotions, their connections, their daring, these are the reasons that Armentrout wins me over with each new book.   The evil characters hold back no punches, and our main character stands up for what she wants, as well as holding her own when she must go up against the evil or even against her own friends who don't seem to believe in her the way they should.  I'd been waiting eagerly for this next installment after reading and loving the first one in this little mini-series, The Prince.  I really like Brighton, and it was so good to get her own book and see her go after her own revenge/vengeance for what happened to both her and her mother.  

 We learned a few things in this one, I won't give them away, but they have to do with not only when Caden, the King, saved her life, but also what happened when he tried his last trick to convince her to stop going after her revenge.  I don't know if Bri really figured it out yet, but it was left there as a clue for any reader to grasp onto and hold onto what it may lead to in the next novella, which, as always, I cannot wait for!   

BOOK TRAILER

 

“Jennifer L. Armentrout’s intoxicating new fantasy is her best yet!” New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter on Storm and Fury

“Dark, mysterious, and yet often hilarious, this riveting page-turner sparkles with innuendo and delivers a breathtaking romance; a stunning conclusion to the trilogy. “ Library Journal on Moonlight Scandals
 

“With this first title in her new Dark Elements series, powerhouse author Armentrout delivers another action-packed, believably narrated ride through a paranormal world as seen by a teen.”Booklist on White Hot Kiss

 

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About JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT:

# 1 New York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.    

Connect With Her: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter | Bookbub

 

Cover Reveal: The Kiss Me Series by Emma Hart

The Kiss Me Series, an all-new hilarious series of standalones from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is coming August 27th and we have the fresh and fun covers!

Kiss Me Not

Releasing August 27th 

Let me make this clear right here, right now: I, Halley Dawson, do not care that Preston Wright is kissing other women.

Not a lick. Not at all. Nuh-uh-freakin’-uh.

I do care that he’s doing it six feet away from me behind a gaudy velvet curtain—making him my competition in this year’s kissing contest.

Why do I care, you ask? Because I’ve had an unfortunate crush on the insufferable idiot since I was sixteen years old, but I also know it’s never going to happen.

He’s the Creek Falls bachelor to die for, and I’m the Creek Falls racoon lady who puts peanut butter sandwiches out for them every night.

I’m not going to let him break my four-year-long reign—no matter how many times he breaks the rules and slides the curtain across to do the one thing he’s not allowed to:

Kiss me.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wq22jD

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2VZW8QH

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

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

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

Kiss Me Tonight

Releasing September 24th 

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

A hunky firefighter with an extra-large…hosepipe.

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.

Pre-order your copy today!

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

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2XwekGv

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

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2IZe1M9

Kiss Me Again

Releasing October 22nd

WANTED: ROOMMATE. Must be tidy, polite, and absolutely not my brother’s hot as sin best friend.

I have no idea why I said yes.

Maybe I’d had one too many wines. Maybe I’d done it accidentally. Maybe I’d been sleep-texting.

One thing I know for sure is this: I absolutely do not want Ethan Hawkins in my apartment, up in my business, taking over my space.

Yet he’s here. Moving his stuff into my spare bedroom. Sending a wave of panty-melting, musky man-scent my way every time he walks past me.

Here’s the thing.

We don’t get along—at all. We never have, and I don’t think we’re going to start now that we’re under one roof.

There’s also that little issue where I’m kinda, sorta, totally in love with him…

Uh-oh.

Pre-order your copy today!

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

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2RLhuR3

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

Nook: http://bit.ly/3036OQZ

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Ji7gUH

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/

BookBub: http://bit.ly/2Dr0atq

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2Dq42ez

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2EBbZNe

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2D91d3T

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

Stay up to date with Emma by joining her mailing list: https://www.emmahart.org/newsletter

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

Blog Tour: All Roads Lead to You by Jennifer Probst

All Roads Lead to You 

by Jennifer Probst

Release Date: July 23, 2019

All Roads Lead to You, an all-new standalone contemporary romance by New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst.

Happily single, Harper Bishop trusts in only one passion—her rescue farm and healing her thoroughbred, Phoenix. Her dream is to lead him to the Triple Crown. But how unreachable is it without experience or help? A handsome new guest at her family’s B&B has what it takes to make it come true. And with his irresistible brogue, warm smile, and soothing touch, he’s a major distraction.

After a bitter betrayal, horse trainer Aidan O’Connor has fled Ireland for a vacation in New York’s Hudson Valley. When he sees the horse with the fighting spirit he’s inspired with a new goal: to train Phoenix to win. He’s also facing an unexpected new challenge: his feelings for Harper.

How can she dare to open her heart to a man who’ll only be there long enough to break it?

So Harper and Aiden agree: try to keep it professional, and focus only on Phoenix and the finish line. But along the way they could also learn a few lessons in love, trust, and taking chances. And as painful as it promises to be, saying goodbye.

Download your copy today or read FREE in Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2ENAauO

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

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

Excerpt:

Ignoring her tingling nipples and flip-flopping belly, she threw back her shoulders and rose to full height. “I clearly remember having this same conversation a few weeks ago,” she said, trying not to let her voice wobble. “We agreed to keep it strictly business.”  

“We did. But it’s getting harder for me not to touch you.”  

Her heart galloped in her chest. Sweat pricked her skin. She remained silent, tangled between her head and her heart.  

A rough laugh escaped his lips. “This would be easier on my ego if you’d admit you’re having the same problem.”  

She shook her head and pressed her fisted hands against her eyes. “You sure don’t know the art of subtlety, do you?”  

He shrugged. “No time for that shit. Well?”  

She let out a half laugh, half groan. “I think this is the strangest conversation I’ve had with a man.”  

“Are you hot for me, Harper?” His voice was all grit and gravel and sexy as hell.  

Lust speared through her, raw and hungry and demanding. “Yeah.”  

“Good. I’m obsessed with kissing you. So I have a proposal.”  

“Of course you do.”
  
“One kiss. Let’s try it out. Maybe it’ll bomb once we give ourselves permission,” he said.  

“I’m swooning from your romantic intentions.”  

His lips kicked up in a grin. She wanted to trace her finger over his mouth to see if it was as soft as it looked. “Sorry. What do you think?”  

“I think I’ve stepped into a new dimension. Tell me this, Irish. Do we want the kiss to bomb?”  

He nodded. Eased closer. “I think it would be for the best. Neither of us wants a complication in our solid business partnership. We have a long road ahead of us. Sex makes things messy.”  

Her brow shot up. Oh, he was good. Pretending to be all rational and cool while he stalked her like a graceful panther. Her blood grew thick and heavy, and the throbbing between her thighs raged. The real problem revolved around one simple, plain fact.  

She was dying to kiss Aidan O’Connor.  

Just once.  

The tiny voice inside her flared to life and whispered a warning.: One kiss will never be enough. Not from this man. Not with the way you already feel about him.  

God, she didn’t want to listen to reason right now.  

Harper tilted her head. “True. If the kiss fails, we can get back to work without all this bullshit. Move on and focus on the real relationship here.”  

“Phoenix,” he said.  

“Exactly. Can you promise one thing?”  

He took a few more steps. His scent wrapped around her like a silken cloud, spicy and clean and addicting. The leashed heat from his body practically ripped a purr from her throat. She curled her fingers, digging her nails into her palms to try and hold back from jumping into his arms.  

“What do you need me to promise, love?”  

A shiver worked down her spine. She imagined that lilting brogue whispering dirty commands in her ear while he thrust deep inside her. “If the kiss sucks, no hurt feelings. We move on and don’t talk about it. I can’t take any weirdness between us.”  

“Agreed. I hate weird.”  

He was right there, face close, inches from her body. The last time he was this close, he was angry. This time, his eyes crackled with hunger. His powerful thighs braced hers, and when he leaned in, his hard erection pressed against the seam of his jeans so she felt every glorious inch of promise. She licked her lips in anticipation, and slowly raised her arms to hook around his shoulders.  

“Just once,” she whispered in warning.  

He cupped her cheeks with rough, calloused palms. His amber gaze locked on hers. “Yes.”  

“We’ll get it out of our system and move on.”  

“Harper?”  

“Yeah?”  

“Shush.”  

His mouth closed over hers.

 

About Jennifer:

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She holds a masters in English Literature and lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York. Her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean. Her passions include horse racing, Scrabble, rescue dogs, Italian food, and wine—not necessarily in that order.

She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, spent 26 weeks on the New York Times. Her work has been translated in over a dozen countries, sold over a million copies, and was dubbed a “romance phenom” by Kirkus Reviews. She is also a proud three-time RITA finalist.

She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Connect with Jennifer:

Website: https://www.jenniferprobst.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferprobst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferprobst.authorpage/

Goodreads:  

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2965489.Jennifer_Probst?origin=

Instagram:

  https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferprobst/

YouTube: 

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbWMa2ZgsoCt3sWbU1zdpww/featured

Amazon Page: 

 https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B004V56P04/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1532703430&sr=8-2-ent&redirectedFromKindleDbs=true

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenniferprobst/

Sign up for her newsletter at www.jenniferprobst.com/newsletter for a chance to win a gift card each month and receive exclusive material and giveaways.

Blog Tour Review: Lies by Kylie Scott

Lies, a steamy, fast paced standalone filled with the perfect blend of heat and humor from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, is available now! 

Book info:

Title:  Lies
Author:  Kylie Scott
Genre:  Adult romantic suspense
Release Date:  July 21st, 2019
Source:  E-galley from Social Butterfly PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:   4.5 stars

Synopsis:

Betty Dawsey knows that breaking things off with Thom Lange is for the best. He’s nice, but boring, and their relationship has lost its spark. But steady and predictable Thom, suddenly doesn’t seem so steady and predictable when their condo explodes and she’s kidnapped by a couple of crazies claiming that Thom isn’t who he says he is.

Thom is having a hellish week. Not only is he hunting a double agent, but his fiancé dumped him, and thanks to his undercover life, she’s been kidnapped.

Turns out Thom is Operative Thom and he’s got more than a few secrets to share with Betty if he’s going to keep her alive. With both their lives on the line, their lackluster connection is suddenly replaced by an intense one. But in his line of work, feelings aren’t wanted or desired. Because feelings can be a lethal distraction.

My Review:

I could almost just say this is a Kylie Scott story, what's not to love, but I'm sure you want more than that.   To me, this book was like reading a funny action comedy movie.  But with Kylie Scott's hilarious dialogue and steamy sex scenes.  Finding out that Thom was who he was, and then learning that he'd  done stuff like keeping the sex mediocre while they were together because he'd wanted their relationship to seem "normal"?  Wow, if I was Betty I'd have been pissed too!  I felt that it was totally fair the way she kept him fighting for her.  And then they grew together in a really perfect way, taking the right amount of time.  There was a part at the end where I had some tears, but also had an inkling about what was really happening.  All of it though, was really good, and it was great to have another book from Kylie Scott to read!

Download your copy today!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Mpws0a

AppleBooks: https://apple.co/2Z7eEIE

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

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

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Z3ME8X

Amazon Print: https://amzn.to/2XzZz1O

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/31cAz3h

Excerpt:

“You’re going to break his heart.”  

“No, I’m not,” I say. “That’s sort of the whole point. If I really thought leaving him would break his heart, then I probably wouldn’t be leaving him in the first place.”  

My best friend, Jen, does not look convinced.  

Boxes fill a good half of the room. What a mess. Who knew you could accumulate so much junk in only twelve months? At least we weren’t together so long that I can’t remember who owns what. One year is about the sweet spot for this issue in relationships, apparently.  

“The fact of the matter is, we’re not in love. We have no business being engaged, let alone getting married.” I sigh. “Have you seen the packing tape?”  

“No. He’s just such a nice guy.”

“I’m not debating that.” I climb to my feet, then head up the stairs to the second bedroom. Thom’s unofficial workout room/home office. Not a room I normally go into. But it only takes a bit of rummaging to find what I’m looking for. Whatever else might be said about them, insurance assessors are organized. The bottom drawer of Thom’s desk has a neat stash of stationery. I grab a couple rolls of thick tape.  

“And leaving him this way…” Jen continues as I head back down.  

“How many times have I told him we need to talk? He’s always putting it off, saying it’s not a good time. And now he’s away again. I’ve been messaging him for the last week and he barely replies.”  

“You know he has to drop everything once a job comes up. I realize he’s not the most exciting guy, Betty, but—”  

“I know.” I smack down a line of tape with extra zest, sealing the lid of the last box. In this Operation Abandon Ship Posthaste, I know I’m definitely slightly the bad guy. But not totally. Say sixty/forty. Or maybe seventy/thirty. It’s hard to tell to what degree. “I do know all of that. But he’s always busy with work or away on some business trip. What am I supposed to do?”  

A sigh from Jen.  

“When you realize you’ve made such a monumental mistake, it’s hard to sit and wait to fix things. Nor is it fair on either of us to keep up the pretense.”  

“Guess so.”  

“And the fact that he’s yet again made no effort to prioritize our relationship and make a little time for me in his busy schedule is just further proof that I’ve made the right choice in ending this now before it gets any more complicated. End of rant.”  

Nothing from her.  

“Anyway, you’re supposed to be on my side. Stop questioning me.”  

“You wanted to get married and have children so badly.”  

“Yeah.” I sit back on my heels. “I blame it all on playing with Ken and Barbie’s dreamhouse when I was little. But it turns out that being in a relationship with the wrong person can be even lonelier than being alone.”  

Jen and I have been friends since sharing a room in college. We’ve witnessed the bulk of each other’s dating ups and downs. For some reason, I’m the type of girl who guys will go out with, but don’t tend to stick with. Apparently, I’m fuckable—just not girlfriend material. Maybe it’s my smart mouth. Maybe it’s the whole not fitting current societal expectations of beauty i.e. I’m fat. Maybe I was born under an unlucky star. I don’t know; it’s their loss. Like anyone, I have my faults, but all in all, I’m awesome. And I have a lot to give. Too often in the past few months, I’ve had to keep reminding myself of this fact.  

“There are just so many jerks out there,” Jen says. “I was happy that you’d found a good one.”  

“I think I’d prefer a jerk who was genuinely into me than a nice guy phoning it in. Honestly, I’d rather go adopt a dozen cats and settle into old age and isolation than be with someone who treats me as if I’m an afterthought.”  

She looks at me for a long moment, then nods slowly. “I’m sorry it didn’t work out.”

“Me too.”  

“Time to start filling up the cars. Boy, do you owe me.”  

I smile. “That I do.”  

Jen stands and stretches before picking up one of the boxes labeled kitchen. “I just didn’t want you to do something you’d regret, you know?”  

“I know. Thank you.”  

Alone in the two-bedroom condo, everything is silent. My parting letter sits waiting on the coffee table with his name written on the front. A slight bulge in the envelope betrays the shape of my engagement ring. It’s a sweet, simple ring. One small diamond perched on a band of yellow gold. My hand feels wrong without it. Naked. They say there are different love languages and you have to take the time to learn your partner’s needs. It’s like he and I never quite got there. Or maybe I’m just crappy at relationships.  

The bridal magazines I’d collected are in the trash. Perhaps I should have taken them into the florist shop where I work so someone could get some use out of them. But this feels more symbolic, more definite. My family are a couple of states away, and I have only a few of what I’d classify as good friends. Being an introvert makes it hard to meet people. A boyfriend, a husband, would mean I’m no longer alone. Someone cares about me and puts me first. At least part of the time. Only Thom doesn’t any of the time, so here we are.  

I tighten my ponytail of long dark hair. Then, in a rare display of dexterity that my yoga instructor would be proud of, I stack three boxes in my arms and head outside into the hot afternoon sun. Jen’s Honda Civic is parked at the curb, the trunk standing open as she moves things about inside. My old Subaru sits in the driveway waiting to be filled. Birds are singing and insects chirping. It’s your typical mild autumn day in California.  

That’s when the condo blows up behind me.

 

About Kylie Scott

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, 2014 & 2018, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.
 

Connect with Kylie Scott

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

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GngiQq

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KylieScottbooks  

Instagram: http://bit.ly/2EUrx11

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2Imusk3

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com.au/kyliescottbooks/

Book+Main Bites: http://bit.ly/2ETz5RQ

Website: https://kyliescott.com/

Lisa's Looking Foward To #24 - July 30th and August 1st 2019

Back to joining up with the Waiting on Wednesday Posts, and the Can't Wait Wednesday posts hosted by Wishful Endings.  This week there are three on my list, two for July 30th, and one for August 1st.

From my ARC list for July 30th:

This sounds like a lot of fun right now, a fun romance perfect for summer or just for what I'm doing these days!

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

Swipe right for love. Swipe left for disaster.

By day, Mel Strickland is an underemployed helpdesk tech at a startup incubator, Hatch, where she helps entitled brogrammers—"Hatchlings"—who can't even fix their own laptops, but are apparently the next wave of startup geniuses. And by night, she goes on bad dates with misbehaving dudes she's matched with on the ubiquitous dating app, Fluttr.

But after one dick pic too many, Mel has had it. Using her brilliant coding skills, she designs an app of her own, one that allows users to log harrassers and abusers in online dating space. It's called JerkAlert, and it goes viral overnight.

Mel is suddenly in way over her head. Worse still, her almost-boyfriend, the dreamy Alex Hernandez—the only non-douchey guy at Hatch—has no idea she's the brains behind the app. Soon, Mel is faced with a terrible choice: one that could destroy her career, love life, and friendships, or change her life forever.

Sound good?  Add to Goodreads HERE. 
 

With my love of Outlander, this just fits right in.  Seems like there are some good romance books coming out this week!

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

The timeless romance, soaring passion—and gorgeous men—of Scotland comes to modern-day America. And the rules of love will never be the same…


Isabel Buchanan is fiery, funny, and never at a loss for words. But she is struck speechless when her mother returns from a trip to Scotland with a six-foot-tall, very handsome souvenir. Izzy’s mother is so infatuated by the fellow that Izzy has to plan their annual Highland Games all by herself. Well, not completely by herself. The Highlander’s strapping young nephew has come looking for his uncle…


Alasdair Blackmoor has never seen a place as friendly as this small Georgia town—or a girl as brilliant and beguiling as Izzy. Instead of saving his uncle, who seems to be having a lovely time, Alasdair decides he’d rather help Izzy with the Highland Games. Show her how to dance like a Highlander. Drink like a Highlander. And maybe, just maybe, fall in love with a Highlander. But when the games are over, where do they go from here?

Sound good?  Add to Goodreads HERE.

From my ARC list for August 1st:

I'm a little surprised I didn't get an ARC of this one, as Sourcebooks usually sends me all their books it seems.  Or a lot of the time they do.  But it sounds like a creepy one! 

Here is the blurb from Goodreads:

The Blair Witch Project meets Imaginary Girls in this story of codependent sisterhood, the struggle to claim one’s own space, and the power of secrets

Sixteen-year-old Skye is done playing the knight in shining armor for her insufferable younger sister, Deirdre. Moving across the country seems like the perfect chance to start over.

In their isolated new neighborhood, Skye manages to fit in, but Deirdre withdraws from everyone, becoming fixated on the swampy woods behind their house and building monstrous sculptures out of sticks and bones.

Then Deirdre disappears.

And when something awful comes scratching at Skye's window in the middle of the night, claiming she's the only one who can save Deirdre, Skye knows she will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Sound good?  Add to Goodreads HERE. 

Final Thoughts:
Have you read any of these yet?  Are they on your TBR?  And hey, while you're here, you should go try to win some of my ARCs from Cleaning Up My TBR Post HERE. The US only giveaway is open till Friday at midnight, there are even some 2019 ARCs that can be one of your two choices.

Blog Blitz Review: When Polly Met Olly by Zoe May

Book info:

Title: When Polly Met Olly
Author:  Zoe May
Genre:  Adult romantic comedy
Release Date:  January 7th, 2019
Source:  E-copy from Rachel's Random Resources for review which did not influence my opinion in any way
My rating:  3 stars

Synopsis:

Polly and Olly were never supposed to meet…

Polly might spend her days searching for eligible matches for her elite list of clients at her New York dating agency, but her own love life is starting to go up in smoke.

Even worse, she can’t stop thinking about the very person she’s meant to be setting her latest client up with… surely it can’t get any worse!

But then Polly bumps into oh-so-handsome Olly, who heads up a rival agency, and realizes that perhaps all really is fair in love and dating war…

Perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Debbie Viggiano.

Purchase Links:

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/When-Polly-Met-Olly-fantastically-ebook/dp/B07F8N76KG/

US - https://www.amazon.com/When-Polly-Met-Olly-fantastically-ebook/dp/B07F8N76KG/

My Review:

This has a really cute start.  Now, it is totally a British story, because I had to look up what an aubergine emoji would be, it is in fact an eggplant emoji.  And throughout the story there were a lot of things that were totally British sayings or names for things. This was an issue for me because the book takes place in New York City, and most of the people are not British.  I feel like the story was good in a lot of ways though.  The way people behaved towards each other was pretty real.  The way they reacted to others was realistic in my opinion.  I liked that when we got some bad news about the love interest, it was actually true, for the most part, and Olly owned up to his part in it.  I enjoyed Polly's foray into the world of dating apps, even as she was using them to help other people find dates.  Like her, I really feel like I want to meet someone in real life.  Why can't that happen for me?  And also like her, I find that when I do get on an app, like Tinder, etc., I spend a lot of time swiping left and right, and it almost becomes like a video game in a way. So I really connected with her on that aspect.  The story was really witty and a very quick read, even if the true romance didn't really get started other than a crush until about halfway through.

About the Author:

Zoe May lives in Oxford and writes romantic comedies. Zoe has dreamt of being a novelist since she was a teenager. She spent her twenties living in London, where she worked in journalism and copywriting before writing her debut novel, Perfect Match. Having experienced the London dating scene first hand, Zoe could not resist writing a novel about dating, since it seems to supply endless amounts of weird and wonderful material!

Perfect Match was one of Apple's top-selling books of 2018. It was also shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association's Joan Hessayon Award, with judges describing it as 'a laugh out loud look at love and self-discovery - fresh and very funny'.

As well as writing, Zoe enjoys walking her dog, painting and, of course, reading.

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/zoe_writes

https://instagram.com/zoe_writes

https://www.facebook.com/zoemayauthor/

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Release Tour Review: Sightseeing in Manhattan (425 Madison #9) by C. Lesbirel

Hannah-Rae Dodd is fresh out of a bad relationship has some big decisions to make and if NYC is where she’s going to stay. Matt Miller’s passion for dance has the ability to make him forget about the troubles that await him off the stage. When chance circumstances bring them together, will dancing bring them something more than either expected? The ninth book in the addicting 425 Madison Avenue series, is now live. Read Sightseeing in Manhattan by C. Lesbirel today!

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited 

Book info:

Title:  Sightseeing in Manhattan
Author:  C. Lesbirel
Series:  425 Madison #9
Genre:  Adult contemporary romance
Release Date:  July 18th, 2019
Source:  E-galley from Forever Write PR which did not influence my opinion
My rating:  3 stars

Synopsis:

Hannah-Rae 

On stage at a Magic Mike theme night with the music blaring and her hands trailing the oily, well-defined abs of another man is where Hannah-Rae realizes that maybe she isn’t as heartbroken about her cheating ex as she had first thought. She had known she needed to make some big decisions about life before flying out to NYC, she just hadn’t expected her heart would be calling all the shots. 

Matt

He didn’t know why or how his passion for dance had come about. All he knew is that when he was on that stage throwing shapes down, he felt so alive in the moment that he almost forgot about the fact that his little sister was sick and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it. Almost.

When chance circumstances bring us together, will dancing bring us something more than either of us expected?

After all, 425 Madison Avenue is the perfect place to fall in love.

*Each story is completely standalone.

Excerpt

Copyright @ 2019 C. Lesbirel

Letting go with one of his hands, he slides his fingertips up my back and to the nape of my neck. Some of my hair tangles between his fingers and he squeezes gently, pulling me up toward him again to meet another waiting kiss.

He spins me back around and commands me to take hold of the wheel and not let go. I do as I’m told and cling to it, not even caring about the direction or thinking about anything other than how good his hands feel, now that they are both free to roam over my body. He traces them over my hips and spans my waist before tracing up to the curve of my breasts and cupping them each, over the top of my cardigan.

“I like this, pink suits you,” he whispers softly into my ear.

“I guessed it was pink from the feel of it. It’s light and soft, like cotton candy.”

“It’s cute. Sometimes you look cute. I thought that when I picked you up. Now you don’t look cute, though.”

“I don’t? Then how do I look now?”

“Breath taking.” He says the word so easily that it sounds natural and believable. Even if I don’t believe it myself, he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the entire city.

My long waves blow free in the evening breeze and it’s eerily quiet with the noise of the city in the distant background. “Your curves are the sexiest thing I’ve ever laid eyes on,” he murmurs as his hands come to rest on my waist, pinching gently as though trying to control himself. I’m not sure I want him to.

My Review:
It took me about a third of the book to really get into it, but overall this was a pretty sweet story.  I like that the two main characters were able to see past their issues in what I felt was a realistic way.  Really their back stories were pretty original and I liked that I felt like I was reading different characters compared to many other books.  It was a very quick read.  One of the main issues I had with it was something I always have an issue with, and that is when the author doesn’t use contractions and it makes it sound wrong, makes lines that characters say sound stilted and it doesn’t roll through my head as I read smoothly.  Other than that, as I said, the characters were really good, the friends and family completed the story as well.  I do wish maybe we’d had a few more that we knew from other stories possibly show up, but it was okay without them.  And I also really like how the title is a perfect play into the story and our main character.

Author Info:  

Clare Lesbirel is a lover of all things pink and fluffy with a huge obsession for Happy Ever After's. This includes most romance novels, country songs and Hallmark Movies. She lives in England where she spends most of her time reading or dreaming up new love stories. She first published with her best friend under the pen name, Autumn Ruby in 2018 and won a handful of indie author awards. It is the love and support of the friends she has made along the way that has led her to follow her dreams of publishing sweet, sexy stories that celebrate the relationships of the perfectly imperfect.

Clare loves to befriend those who are equally as obsessed with hot alpha’s as she is, so be sure to catch up with her via her Facebook page or Instagram.

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

Welcome to 425 Madison Avenue, the perfect place to fall in love. Nine delicious romances set in fast-paced and sexy NYC just waiting for you to read.

The series features stories from some of your favorite romance authors: Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Allie York, Aubree Valentine, Kay Gordon, Lauren Helms, Sylvia Kane, Katy Ames, and C. Lesbirel.

Join these authors as they come together, each with a standalone romance for you to enjoy.

Featuring some of readers' favorite tropes: second-chance romance, best friends sibling romance to a good ol' enemies to lovers romance. We've got you covered with a sports romance, a fake relationship and even an ugly duckling or two. Don't forget a brother's best friend and falling for your soul mate. Maybe a little love triangle as well. Each tale offers you something new, something different. After all, 425 Madison Avenue is the perfect place to fall in love.

For more information, visit the series website ➝ www.425madisonseries.com

Follow the series on Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/425MadisonSeries

Did you miss the first eight books in the series? You can read them here: 

Book #1 - https://rebrand.ly/MLC_425Madison 

Book #2 - https://rebrand.ly/LMLY_425Madison

Book #3 (My review) - https://rebrand.ly/JSR_425Madison

Book #4 (My review) - https://rebrand.ly/TFH_425Madison

Book #5 (My review) - https://rebrand.ly/BF_425Madison 

Book #6 (My review) - https://rebrand.ly/LUC_425Madison 

Book #7 - https://rebrand.ly/BFM_425Madison

Book #8 (My review) - https://rebrand.ly/AIL_425Madison

This release event is brought to you by Forever Write PR - 
Forever your source for all your writing needs. 
https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/