Cover Reveal for Amy Matayo's New Book: Before Time Runs Out!

 

Time travel romance?!  Yes, please!  I can't wait for March!

 

Graduate student Bree Sanders is failing the one class she needs to get her degree. So when her professor gives her an ultimatum—ace her dissertation or risk having to repeat her final semester—she knows she has to pull out all the stops. After scrambling for an idea, she decides to create her own Ghost Club, a club that blames ghosts for unsolved crimes, the same type of club originally founded two centuries ago by Charles Dickens. 

 

What she doesn’t expect is to find an original copy of one of Dickens’ early works, or to be transplanted into Dickens’ actual ghost club meeting, circa 1870, the instant she picks it up.

 

When Bree shows up in nineteenth-century England wearing cut-offs and an old t-shirt, her only option is to hide. The Cambridge of 1870 won’t look kindly on a woman dressed like her. So, when Theodore Keyes finds her tucked behind a bookcase at the Trinity College library and immediately demands to know where she came from, she knows he doesn’t belong here either. Turns out she’s right; the same book caused him to time-travel from 1947 almost three months ago and he’s been stuck in England since.

 

Together, the two vow to work side-by-side in their search for the lost book that will take them home. But as their feelings for one another deepen, Theo and Bree are caught between a desire to return to the lives they each left behind, and the knowledge that if they find the book, they won’t be able to leave together. 

 

In the end, they each must decide which sacrifice is worth making—the one that will cost them their hearts, or the one that could cost them their very existence.  

 * Amazon *

Electric Heartstrings (Fantasy Music Festival Romance #5) by Lisa Swinton

 

 

He can’t date his client. She can’t forget his kiss. They can’t stand to be together or apart. Something’s got to give.

It’s been a year since YouTube music star Aurora shared an unforgettable drunken kiss with her manager, Trevor. Each day is a little more torturous than the last since he won’t break his vow to not date his clients. Being with him at the Fantasy Music Festival in Kauai should feel like paradise, but Aurora’s at her breaking point. She’s willing to risk their professional and personal lives for the love of a lifetime.

Trevor’s losing his grip on keeping his promise. He can’t deny his connection to Aurora or how her killer smile makes his insides go crazy. Lately all he wants to do is wrap her in his arms and crush his lips to hers.

By the end of the festival, Aurora will have to fire Trevor unless he confesses his love. Her heart just can’t take the pain.

If you like fake relationships, a heroine willing to risk it all to get her man, and a hero who values commitment, then you’ll love Electric Heartstrings by award-winning author Lisa Swinton. 

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

If you are looking for a quick romantic fix, try this story!  It's short and sweet.  It took me about a half an hour to read so when I say short, I mean short.  Haha.  This author has written several of these short stories revolving around a reoccurring Fantasy Music Festival with this one being set in Hawaii.  (where I wish I was right now!)

Because this story is so short, you don't get much time to really know Aurora and Trevor but you have enough time to root for their romance to get a chance.  Aurora fakes a relationship to try to prod Trevor into revealing his feelings.  I wish I had more of this story.  It was over too fast for me.

Content:  kissing, mild peril

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

All's Fair in Love and Blood by Jennifer Peel

 

They are both out for blood, but could it end in love?

Scarlett Armstrong and Kane Hudson have a tangled past involving not only their families but their own failed love affair. Now, eight years later, to make things more complicated, they’re both in the running to become the next CEO of Scarlett’s family’s business, Armstrong Labs, a privately held blood plasma company. It all comes down to who presents the best business plan to the board of directors.

For Scarlett, it’s a matter of continuing her family’s legacy and hoping that her father will be proud of her once and for all. After all, she’s spent her entire life pushing her own dreams aside preparing for this role. And perhaps she would like a little sweet revenge against the man who stole her heart and never gave it back. Kane, on the other hand, is determined to reach his goal of becoming the CEO of a Fortune 500 company before his forty-fifth birthday and proving to Scarlett she’s meant to follow her own dreams.

But things don’t go according to plan for either Scarlett or Kane when they realize that perhaps they’re fighting for the wrong thing. With love and blood on the line, which one will come out on top?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

(said in my best sing-songy voice)  I've got a new book boyfriend!   I've got a new book boyfriend!

Yes, it's true and you will too once you read this book.  Kane.  K.A.N.E.  KANE!  Oh my goodness, this one is going to be hard to get over.  I have a Kane hangover.  And a book hangover.  Maybe an everything hangover?  I really want to go back and read this book again right now but I almost don't dare.  It just wouldn't be fair to other books.  Or my family.

Kane.  Why do I love him?  Let me count the ways.  Although, to be fair, there was a point in this book that I was very, very upset with him.  Very upset.  I got over it though.  I think what I loved most about Kane was that he really saw Scarlett.  From the very beginning, he saw her.  Kane is driven, smart and determined.  He has charisma and charm oozing from his pores.  He doesn't back down or shy away from Scarlett's moments.  He pushes her to recognize her dreams and work hard but to also enjoy herself along the way.  Kane is yummy.  And, except for the time I was upset with him, I adored him.  Well, okay.  I still adored him even when I was upset.  It happens.

Yes, I loved Scarlett too.  I loved her loyalty to her dad.  I loved how she loved and I loved how smart she was.  She was fantastic.

I think it goes without saying at this point but just for the sake of actually saying it, I loved this book.  It captured my emotions and my heart.  I was entertained and I always love to be entertained when I read.  Here's an example of something that made me laugh:

"Eva had even Spanxed my thighs.  Which was too bad, as they would have been clapping for me as I walked down the aisle and I could have used the encouragement."  hahahaha

This book will be counted as one of my favorites by this author.  It was exactly what I needed to read and hit all my sweet spots.  Love.

Content:  kissing, mild swearing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Round Up (Lost Creek Rodeo #1) by Rebecca Connolly, Sophia Summers, Heather B. Moore

 

Broken Heart? Check. Ranch retreat? Check. Handsome cowboy? ...Check.

The rules at Broken Hearts Ranch are pretty simple: no romance between staff and visitors. Ryan Prosper, rodeo has-been and ranch manager, hasn’t had a problem with that. His sister runs the therapy side of the place while he handles the ranch itself, and the balance has worked well. But when Talia James shows up for her turn at the retreat, things get a little more challenging.

Talia needs this therapeutic retreat badly, and hopes that it will be just what she needs to get unstuck after her tragic loss. The charming cowboy brother of her new therapist is a ray of sunshine she hadn’t anticipated, and spending time with him seems to do as much good as her sessions. But is her still broken heart ready for romance, and does she really have the heart to resist him?

Welcome to Lost Creek Rodeo!

Best friends at a small college in Texas, six cowboys rise to become pro-rodeo stars. Follow Ryan, Reid, Westin, Ford, Eric and Lars in these six swoony sports romances.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I think this is the third series that these three authors have written together.  Baseball first.  Then hockey.  Now cowboys.  It's some fun stuff!  I loved how a couple characters from those previous books made an appearance in this book.  The community and family is growing!

 Ryan Prosper must be the sweetest man ever.  He is kind, perceptive, and genuinely wants to support and help Talia.  He says and does the sweetest things.  That's my adjective for Ryan.  Sweet.  I loved how his own hurts and insecurities lessened as he helped Talia with hers.  There is strength and healing in sharing and helping.

You can't help but feel for Talia.  Her loss is great and overwhelming.  I can't even imagine.  It was so good to see her find some peace and healing and yes, love as she and sweet Ryan connect.

This was a good introduction book and set things up nicely for the books to follow.  I sure do love a good cowboy story!

Content:  mild swearing, kissing, mention of teenage pregnancy 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

The Secret of Dartwood Manor Launch Giveaway Blitz

 

Witches. Ghosts. An ancient secret. Enter a world of myth and magic through this contemporary fantasy reimagining of Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.

 

The small New England town of Tarryville, Maine is steeped in history, having been settled by the Dartwood and Farris families who fled Salem during the witch trials. The Dartwood sisters, Eden, Mariah, and Melissa, unexpectedly return home after their parents are found murdered. Upon their arrival, the girls are plagued by dreams in which dark spectral beings haunt them. When the hellish creatures seem to be more than just nightmares, another mystery begins to unravel as they discover that the circumstances around the murder of their parents may be far more menacing than they appear. Frantic for answers, they must untangle the mystery of their parents’ murders and reconstruct the pieces of an ancient secret. With the help of the young assistant curator of their family museum, Baden Correia, and an estranged friend from their past, Evan Farris, the orphaned Dartwood sisters must uncover the truth before the darkness haunting their family descends upon them as well.

To pre-order the book and learn more about the Launch Giveaway Blitz visit:

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Dartwood-Manor-Witchling-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B08RS7PTG1

https://natriptow.com/

Beauty Among Ruins by J'nell Ciesielski

 

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

* Goodreads * Amazon *

I'm always on the lookout for books by this author.  She excels at giving me characters who grow and develop throughout the book.  Lily was questionable to me in the beginning and I wasn't sure I was going to like her but it didn't take too long for me to change my mind.  I loved how hard Lily worked to bring light and sunshine to those who needed it.   I always knew I was going to like Alec even when he was growling, brooding and barking.  His sense of duty and loyalty were there from the beginning and are traits I always find attractive.

The story evolves as threats and mystery enter from the shadows.  It gave life to the book and helped with the forward momentum because things got a little slow here and there.

I enjoyed the Scottish setting and the large cast of secondary characters.  This book was a good one and provided an excellent distraction.  As always, I will be watching for future books from this author!

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, war time violence talked about.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Georgana's Secret by Arlem Hawks

 

A Regency romance on the high seas.

1811, HMS Deborah

Georgana Woodall dreams of freedom—freedom from her past and freedom from her secret. She has been living on her father’s ship for years, disguised as a cabin boy named “George.” But hiding her true self is becoming more difficult, and she yearns to break free of her life on the sea.

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the boy under his wing.

Georgana quickly loses her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care, but needing to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy, she is convinced nothing can come of her affection.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

It was so refreshing to read this regency, set on a ship on the high seas.  I loved the change in scenery and feel of the story.  The author did a great job in describing things so I could imagine in my mind what was happening, how it looked and even how it felt.  

Georgana is a character that pulls at your heartstrings.  She has endured so much and yet still remains loyal to her father and soft in all the ways that count.  Her longings touched me and I wished I were there to wrap her up in love.  I loved seeing her blossom under kindness.

Dominic is a kind man.  I wish there were more people like him.  He is observant and quick thinking and has a passion for the ocean and sailing.  It was so easy to like him.

I loved how the story progressed gently but picked up in intensity as things moved forward.  There was a battle, a violent storm and even some mutiny to liven things up.  It kept me engaged and interested all the way through.

This is the first time I've read a book by this author.  I look forward to reading more by her.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, bullying, death.  Kissing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author: 

ARLEM HAWKS began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications, with an emphasis in print journalism, and she lives in Arizona with her husband and three children.

The Accidental Text by Becky Monson

Wrong number. Right guy?

Once upon a time, Maggie Cooper lived for adventure. Jumping out of planes was child’s play. Now she can’t even work up the nerve to ask out her coworker. For a bit of self-therapy, she begins to text her recently deceased mother’s phone—the only problem is that the number has been reassigned and for weeks she’s been unknowingly texting a stranger her deepest thoughts and feelings. There have also been some not-so-deep texts, like the ones about her appreciation for her coworker’s butt.

When Chase Beckett, the unsuspecting stranger who has more in common with Maggie than he’d like to admit, texts back, Maggie is beyond mortified. But message after message and night after night, Maggie realizes that Chase’s wit, charm, and advice are exactly what the doctor ordered. Is it enough, though, to get her back up in the sky? And what about her heart? Can she risk taking a leap of faith for the man on the other end of her accidental texts?

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

 Woosh!  This book! 💗 It wasn't quite what I was expecting but I love to be happily surprised.  Author Becky Monson typically writes books full of humor, sarcasm and wit and while there was witty banter and some humor, this book definitely had subdued overtones.  Not in a bad way at all.  Maggie lost her mother and I could feel her struggle with sorrow and missing that vital piece of her life.  

I fell in love with Maggie.  Her raw emotion, her longing to keep connections with her mother, and her desire to find the bits of her that felt lost.  Maggie is kind and works hard to create harmony and peace in her family.  I loved her adventurous spirit that clearly came because of her mother.  I felt like throughout her story, I came to know her mother too.

This whole story came together so wonderfully for me.  From the beginning where that first text came in from Chase (Chase! 😍) to their first meeting and on to the end, I felt like the relationship between Maggie and Chase progressed naturally and it felt good around my heart.  I was so invested in Maggie and Chase, wanting the very best for them.  And by the very best, I might mean kissing and love.  👄💙  There were so many awesome moments in this book.  I loved it all.  ALL.

Here is a song that the author had in her head while writing this book.  It's beautiful and I love it so I thought I would share that too.

This book is on KU! 

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A Cowboy for Keeps (Colorado Cowboys, #1) by Jody Hedlund

 

Greta Nilsson's trip west to save her ailing little sister, Astrid, could not have gone more wrong. First, bandits hold up her stagecoach, stealing all her money. Then, upon arriving in Fairplay, Colorado, she learns the man she was betrothed to as a mail-order bride has died. Homeless, penniless, and jobless, Greta and her sister are worse off than when they started.

Wyatt McQuaid is struggling to get his new ranch up and running and is in town to purchase cattle when the mayor proposes the most unlikely of bargains. He'll invest in a herd of cattle for Wyatt's ranch if Wyatt agrees to help the town become more respectable by marrying and starting a family. And the mayor, who has promised to try to help Greta, has just the candidate in mind for Wyatt to marry.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Ooh, I'm so excited about this new series by author Jody Hedlund and after reading this book I'm even more excited!!  

I love a good cowboy story and Wyatt is the very vision of all I imagine a strong, rugged cowboy to be.  This story has a lot of different dynamics with a mail order bride, a sick little girl, bandits, secrets, and unfortunate events but all throughout is growing friendship and trust, healing and love.  It was such a good blend of emotions, engaging me from start to finish.

The epilogue gives a glimpse into Wyatt's family and set things up nicely for the next book.

Content:  mild peril, mild violence, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

The Off Limits Rule (It Happened in Nashville #1) by Sarah Adams

I have found rock bottom. It’s here, moving in with my older brother because I’m too broke to afford to live on my own. But that’s okay because we’ve always been close and I think I’m going to have fun living with him again.
That is until I meet Cooper…

Turns out, my brother has very strong opinions on the idea of me dating his best friend and is dead set against it. According to him, Cooper is everything I should stay away from: flirtatious, adventurous, non-committal, and freaking hot. (I added that last part because I feel like you need the whole picture.) My brother is right, though. I should stay away from Cooper James and his pretty blue eyes. He’s the opposite of what I need right now.

Nah—Who am I kidding? I’m going for him.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Yes, I am starting this new year off right by reading Sarah Adam's new book, The Off Limits Rule.  Seeing that ARC land in my inbox made me feel like one lucky girl.  I absolutely adored this book- loved it, devoured it.  It was so, SO good.  Book hangover good.  Sigh.  I want to go back and read it again right now.

I am drawn to books told in the first person.  Getting to know Lucy and Cooper was so fun.  Emotions were all over the place but the attraction between Lucy and Cooper was the one steady thing!  There were so many swoon worthy moments and so many humorous moments.  I love when a book entertains me while providing those needed moments of depth and growth.  And swoon.  There was loads of chemistry and tension in this one, friends.

Sarah Adams is one of my favorite authors.  I've loved every single one of her books.  This one should definitely go on the top of everyone's list.  This book might be my favorite and yes, I say that every time.  Carve out some uninterrupted time and read this book.

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited if you have that!

Content:  some innuendo, kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.