Thursday, August 31, 2023

COVER REVEAL: The Bookshop by the Loch by Julie Shackman!



Today, we're SUPER EXCITED to be sharing a COVER REVEAL with you via Rachel's Random Resources!  It's a release with a GORGEOUS cover, and a bookish storyline you don't want to miss, ready and waiting to give you spring vibes when it comes out next year! Got room on your calendar? You know you do! Ladies and gents, feast your eyes on today's big reveal...











The Bookshop by the Loch
by
Julie Shackman 
Publication Date: 29th February 2024


About the book...

Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends. So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.
 
Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.
 
Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

 
AMAZON UKUS 


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About the author...


 Julie Shackman is a former journalist from Scotland, who has always wanted to write feel-good romance. As well as being an author, Julie also writes verses and captions for greetings card companies. Julie admits to having an obsession with stationery and handbags. She is married, has two sons and a Romanian rescue pup, Cooper. The Bookshop by the Loch is Julie's tenth novel.

 






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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

RRR presents... Monster Max: This Time It's Sirius by Robin Bennett - REVIEW!


Ready for more spooky fun?
Well, this isn't it... but it IS fun with a healthy dose of paranormal that is just the right speed for the kiddos, or those that enjoy those stories too! πŸ˜‰ No, really! I'm Sirius! πŸ™ƒ Okay, so I'm not Sirius, but someone is in this tale and it's time you were introduced. Ladies and gents, today's Rachel's Random Resources tour guest and ebook of choice...


Monster Max: This Time It's Sirius
by
Robin Bennett


About the book...

Max can turn into a huge monster just by BURPING, and back again when he SNEEZES. Now Max and his best friend Peregrine realise that a dangerous pack of werewolves from Max’s home country of Krit are closing in on him and his family. But Max hasn’t told anyone about Sirius the tiny werewolf cub he found, smuggled home, and decided to keep...

Werewolf cubs are not just for Halloween



FIREFLY PRESS
AMAZON UK 
AMAZON US 



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Monster Max is back and still trying to follow his motto of doing good despite being a monster, from time to time at least. No, not doing good from time to time, being a monster from time to time. That's right! If you've never met our friend Max before (you're sorely missing out!), you don't know that he can change between a boy and a big orange-ish furry monster on a whim! He made a promise long ago (okay, two stories ago) to not abuse his strength/powers, and he's kept to it, but sometimes he's not given much of a choice. 

You see, the great fanged one back in Krit will stop at nothing to get Max and his mom back to their nearby, but secretly cloaked old home. Let's just say he has one big power trip, and considers it the duty of those he rules to follow his every order. His latest scheme could've landed this duo in serious hot water, but thanks to kindness shown on Max's part, the honesty of a new little fur friend, a tech savvy bestie, and a feisty little cat, things might just turn out better than you think! πŸ˜‰  I loved Max interacting with Sirius. It showed his kind heart under that big furry body, even if he was going against his parents orders to lend that helping hand.  It turned out all right in the end despite the lies told and decisions made without thought to consequence, but it also served as a reminder that sometimes to do the right thing, you have to step away from what you know. 

A great addition to the series, and a fun reading treat for fans of Middle Grade Fiction from the small to the tall! 







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About the author... 


When Robin grew up he thought he wanted to be a cavalry officer until everyone else realised that putting him in charge of a tank was a very bad idea. He then became an assistant gravedigger in London. After that he had a career frantically starting business- es (everything from dog-sitting to cigars, tuition to translation)... until finally settling down to write improbable stories to keep his children from killing each other on long car journeys. 




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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!


Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Rockstar Book Tours presents... FINCH HOUSE by Ciera Burch - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the FINCH HOUSE by Ciera Burch Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. This book was already on my radar with when this tour came a calling, so I simply knew I had to take part!  Check out my review post, make sure to enter the giveaway, and then click on over to the other sites participating in the tour for more bookish fun! 


Title: FINCH HOUSE

Author: Ciera Burch

Pub. Date: September 5, 2023

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 208

Find it: Goodreadshttps://books2read.com/FINCH-HOUSE

Encanto meets Coraline in this spooky middle grade story that deals with family ties, fear of change, and generational trauma as it follows a girl who must convince an old, haunted house to release its hold on her and her family.

Eleven-year-old Micah has no interest in moving out of her grandfather’s house. She loves living with Poppop and their shared hobby of driving around rich neighborhoods to find treasures in others’ trash. To avoid packing, Micah goes for a bike ride and ends up at Finch House, the decrepit Victorian that Poppop says is Off Limits. Except when she gets there, it’s all fixed up and there’s a boy named Theo in the front yard. Surely that means Finch House isn’t Off Limits anymore? But when Poppop finds her there, Micah is only met with his disappointment.

By the next day, Poppop is nowhere to be found. After searching everywhere, Micah’s instincts lead her back to Finch House. But once Theo invites her inside, Micah realizes she can’t leave. And that, with its strange whispers and deep-dark shadows, Finch House isn’t just a house…it’s alive.

Can Micah find a way to convince the house to let her go? Or will she be forced to stay in Finch House forever?

 


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This was one of the SPOOKIEST Middle Grade Fiction titles I've read...and that's only the beginning of all it captures between the pages!

I think the reason it hits harder than some is the basis in reality.  It stakes it's claim in the history of the house, builds on the story from once upon a time with connections to people, places, and issues that feel real, then feeds in a bit of otherworldliness that feels JUST RIGHT, or wrong depending on where you're at in the story, but it's a GOOD kind of wrong!  Micah was such a spunky character.  She had her own mind, and while not disrespectful, certainly didn't always listen to what she was told to do.  I get it...it's hard to tow the line when you don't know the WHY behind the reason, but more often than not, there's a good one hiding in plain sight, and that's something she learns the hard way...could've been harder though if not for her clear head, and new friend Theo.

  I was intrigued as she followed the pull of the house.  I was pulled in myself, especially with the little doors that didn't open (or DID they?!), and the mysterious room, the whispers that sound just so familiar, and the heartbreak in feeling like everything that was in reach just fell through our fingers.  She was trying so very hard to do the right thing, that the right thing ended up being wrong at the time, but right in the end.  There's a mystery about Finch House, and it's closer to home than she knows, but what she really discovers isn't the heart of Finch House at all.  What she really discovers is that mysteries are fine and dandy, but family, friends, and heartfelt promises mean a whole lot more than satisfying that little twinge of curiosity. 

So, whether you like a good mystery, a spooky ghosty story, or a heartfelt tale of family near and far just trying to stay connected across the miles (or time...just saying...), there's something here for you.  I might suggest that younger readers hold off on reading it at night because things that go bump may seem a little bit more haunted after reading this tale, but you do you!  




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About Ciera Burch:

Ciera Burch is a lifelong writer and ice cream aficionado. She has a B.A from American University and an MFA from Emerson College. Her fiction has appeared in American Literary Magazine, Underground, the art and literary journal of Georgia State University, Stork, and Blackbird. Her work was also chosen as the 2019 One City, One Story read for the Boston Book Festival.

When she’s not reading or baking, she can be found listening to true crime podcasts, eating ice cream, and advocating for diverse kids lit. While she is originally from New Jersey, she currently resides in Washington, D.C with her stuffed animals, plants, and far too many books.

Find her on Twitter @CieraBurch017 and on Instagram @cierasburch. She’d rather you not find her on Tumblr.

 

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

 

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~~~   GIVEAWAY   ~~~


1 winner will receive a finished copy of FINCH HOUSE, US Only.

Ends September 5th, midnight EST.





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Special thanks to Rockstar Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on this horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to celebrate its book birthday September 5th, 2023, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!  Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more...


Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/21/2023

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

8/21/2023

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Excerpt/IG Post

8/22/2023

@katherinebichler

TikTok Post

8/22/2023

Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

8/23/2023

@gsreadingspree

IG Review

8/23/2023

Gryffindorbookishnerd

IG Review

8/24/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

8/24/2023

pluvioreads

Review

8/25/2023

Jaime_of_gryffindor

IG Review

8/25/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

8/28/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

8/28/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

8/29/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

8/29/2023

popthebutterfly

Review/IG Post

8/30/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

8/30/2023

travelersguidetobooks

IG Review

8/31/2023

The Momma Spot

Review

8/31/2023

Pagesforpaige

IG Review

9/1/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

9/1/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!




DUKES AND SECRETS: Her Rake FiancΓ© by Mariah Stone - REVIEW!



Wishing a very HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to author Mariah Stone as the second release in the Dukes and Secrets series hits bookstore/virtual shelves!



by
Mariah Stone 


About the book...
Lord Richard Seaton will do anything to find his missing brother—even confront criminal lord Thorne Blackmore. Thorne’s price for information? Something Richard’s wounded heart vowed never to marriage. And not to one of the stunning debutantes chasing him but to Thorne’s bluestocking sister, Jane.

Shunned by the ton thanks to her scandalous brother, Miss Jane Grant runs a school that saves Whitechapel children from the gallows. Unwilling to abandon her students for marriage, a fake engagement is her only escape.
Jane offers to dig up the information Richard needs before the wedding. But they must keep their deal a secret or endanger Richard’s family and face Thorne’s wrath.

Braving society to convince the ton of their love, Richard protects Jane from judging matrons. And from elegant soirees to glamorous balls, Jane casts aside her gray dresses for vibrant silks and transforms into the lady she was born to be.

Soon, the reforming rake is falling under his blossoming wallflower’s spell…and into her bed.
But when Thorne learns of their deception, will Richard live to marry the fake fiancΓ© who has become his true love?



πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• 





Quick reaction... loved it! πŸ˜ƒ 

She was unabashedly herself, even though it got her nowhere in the ton. He was on a mission to avenge his family name and discover the whereabouts of his missing brother. At first glance, oil and water... but sometimes the seemingly opposite make the BEST matches there will ever be. 

They played off each other well, bringing out their best no matter how unintentional. His protective instincts revealed his true feelings long before his mind and heart were in agreement. Though she was no shrinking wallflower despite claiming the life of a spinster suited her fine, it was refreshing to see someone stand up on her behalf aside from her infamous brother. Their plan was full of holes from the start, especially when you're working behind the back of a notoriously shady yet powerful figure, but they were easily filled by the moments that swept them away. The ending was a perfect fit for the story that preceeded, leaving us hoping until the last moment for that HEA we so desired.

A great pick for Historical Romance fans and a wonderful addition to the series!



πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’• πŸ’•



About the author...


When time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. 





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Special thanks to author Mariah Stone for the eARC for review.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or her other works, feel free to click through the links above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!





Monday, August 28, 2023

RRR presents... DATING LITTLE MISS PERFECT by Cassandra O’Leary - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!


The dating world...
...we're all in it at some point in our lives, but some love it more than others.  The days of meeting new people face-to-face first are pretty much LONG gone, making way for the plethora of apps out there, so whether you like to swipe right, left, or send a like request, there's probably something for you.  Here's the hitch...how do you know what you're getting into?  I mean, you make a match, and seem to get on remarkably well, but what if the in person reality isn't all it's cracked up to be?  Or better still, what if it is?  πŸ˜‰  Ladies and gents, let's get between the epages of today's book of choice on tour with Rachel's Random Resources...



Dating Little Miss Perfect
by
Cassandra O’Leary


About the book....

On an anonymous online dating app, LittleMissPerfect meets HotAussie007 and it’s love at first click. In real life, a smart but spiky woman in STEM, research scientist, Dr Eden, meets a laid-back Aussie marketing manager, Finn, at the big pharma company where they both work in California. They're forced to compete for special projects funding, and both their jobs are on the line. 

Eden just wants to win at science and in life. It's not happening! She can't stand Finn's too-cool-for-school, nice guy act, or his delectable forearms that keep invading her space. While Finn is stupidly attracted to Eden, when she's not telling him off, he isn't free to pursue her. He's stuck in the worst position in his professional life, and doesn't see a clear way out. He can't tell her the whole truth about what's going on at work or in his personal life. . . or it could all blow up in his face. 

When they realise the truth about their online alter egos, dating is off the table. Can they ignore their inconvenient attraction, and work together to take down their unethical boss? Or will intense rivalry cause their IRL work lives and online love lives to collide and explode like a science experiment gone wrong? 

Note: Dating Little Miss Perfect is an updated take on You've Got Mail for lovers of online dating romcoms, with added science, cupcakes and old movie references! This new release from award-winning author Cassandra O'Leary is a stand-alone contemporary romance novel of approximately 97,000 words. 




Amazon US  UK
 KOBO | APPLE | B&N | GOOGLE PLAY




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Alright guys, so there are a myriad of Romance stories out there to fit any reader's tastes, but don't you just love the influx of smart cookie romances? I mean, it's great to see STEM type reads for the kiddos, but I think it's equally wonderful to see them in adult stories as well because HELLO, attractiveness of the mind doesn't stop with our growth spurts! It's okay to be smart, show off that brain, and still be our beautiful selves! We don't have to dumb ourselves down for anyone because the right ONE will see us for all we're truly worth. Just like this HotAussie007...

Seeing the online flirtation in action was hilarious, yet so true because more often than not, we let another side of ourselves loose when we're not face to face. I wouldn't say it's our true selves exactly, but it's certainly a much freer version, and while this duo had their misses, in the end, they are matched perfectly...the Aussie and LittleMissPerfect. What an online user name duo! Thing is, I figured out very early on who each one of them were, and while I wouldn't have said no to it being kept a secret, it didn't ruin the story or the character connections. It just made you a little more omnipresent. 

So if you like an opposites attract story with smart characters, secret storylines that unfold as the main tale progresses, and uber cute moments of flirtatious fun, this just might be the PERFECT story for you!




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About the author...


Cassandra O’Leary is an Aussie romance, romantic comedy and women’s fiction author, corporate communications escapee, avid reader, and film and TV fangirl. 

In 2015, Cassandra won the global We Heart New Talent contest run by HarperCollins UK and her debut novel, Girl on a Plane, was released in 2016. Cassandra was also a finalist in contests run by AusRom Today, Romance Writers of America and Romance Writers of Australia. She has indie published several titles including a romcom story collection, Hot In The City and standalone novel, Dating Little Miss Perfect. 

You'll find Cassandra in Melbourne, Australia, chasing her two high-energy mini ninjas and drinking excellent coffee with her superhero husband. 

She is a proud member of Romance Writers of Australia, the Australian Society of Authors and the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild. 







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~~~   GIVEAWAY   ~~~


YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...
... 1 of 3 ebook editions of Dating Little Miss Perfect
(Open Internationally)

Please note that the ebook will be distributed by BookFunnel.

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.





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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you, as well as the publisher for the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!


Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!



Sunday, August 27, 2023

RRR presents... The Law of Attraction by Laura Carter - REVIEW!


Back again with another Rachel's Random Resources tour, and this time, we're stirring up a little romcom fun with a new title or more via Boldwood Books! It takes two characters with very different views and experiences in life, throws them together, gives it a good stir, and TADA! You've a bookish culinary masterpiece ready to satisfy even the snarkiest of readers. Ladies and gents, don your aprons or your three piece suit as we welcome today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...



The Law of Attraction
 by 
Laura Carter
Boldwood Books 


About the book...

A Hotshot Manhattan Attorney.

Drew Harrington knows exactly who he is—a legal shark with a love ‘em and leave ‘em attitude that works just fine in his cutthroat world. He’s on the cusp of being named a partner in his firm, but only if he can prove to his colleagues that he has a more human side.

A Sweetheart of a British Patisserie Chef.

Becky Fletcher is running from her past, so the last thing she’s looking for is love. What she does want is a friendly face in a cold city. Her sunny outlook is perfect opposite to Drew’s hard exterior, but can she afford to let down her guard?

One fateful meeting at a bagel cart.
They sound like a match made in heaven—or is it a car crash?


 ---> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---



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This is one of those delicious little stories that you just want to curl up with and kick back. I mean seriously...I wish I had a week to read this one slowly from cover to cover in order to indulge in the humor tinged love and life story within. Did I take that long? Alas, no.... my schedule wouldn't allow that, but I did enjoy my time between the epages for the overall tale, but especially the characters!

Becky and Drew...
She's a transplant from merry old London, but whether running away from or towards something remains to be seen.  He's a high powered attorney, making his way through each day with nary a smile or laugh, as he works the high powered legal proceedings on his way to the top. Together, they probably would be happy, but apart drives both of their hearts to the brink. I loved them for who they were and how they were with each other. The feelings they shared were startling for each of them, but felt wonderfully right to the rest of us. Though secrets threaten to stall whatever may be growing been them, as long as there's hope, love will find a way. 

All in all, a great read for Romcom fans and the start to what sounds like a fabulous series!



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About the author...

Laura writes romance and women’s fiction with a romantic slant. Exploring everyday relationships and getting under the skin of her characters is her passion. 


Facebook  
Twitter 
Instagram  




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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you, as well as the publisher for the ecopy for review.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!



Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!