Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers: 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... THE STRANGER I WED by Harper St. George - REVIEW!

Tuesdays bring the GOOD STUFF as far as readers are concerned, and today is no different because we're celebrating a BOOK BIRTHDAY! That's right! It's the latest release from a well known author and a part of her The Doves of New York series, which, if this title is any indication, is gonna be one to watch! Ladies and gents, don your finery, and toss your cares of idle gossip to the wind, as we shine the spotlight on today's pub day celebrant...

The Stranger I Wed

Harper St. George

9780593441008

Berkley

About the book...

New to wealth and to London high society, American heiress Cora Dove discovers that with the right man, marriage might not be such an inconvenience after all. . . .

Cora Dove and her sisters’ questionable legitimacy has been the lifelong subject of New York’s gossipmongers and a continual stain on their father’s reputation. So when the girls each receive a generous, guilt-induced dowry from their dying grandmother, the sly Mr. Hathaway vows to release their funds only if Cora and her sisters can procure suitable husbands—far from New York. For Cora, England is a fresh start. She has no delusions of love, but a husband who will respect her independence? That’s an earl worth fighting for.

Enter: Leopold Brendon, Earl of Devonworth, a no-nonsense member of Parliament whose plan to pass a Public Health bill that would provide clean water to the working class requires the backing of a wealthy wife. He just never expected to crave Cora’s touch or yearn to hear her thoughts on his campaign—or to discover that his seemingly perfect bride protects so many secrets…

But secrets have a way of bubbling to the surface, and Devonworth has a few of his own. With their pasts laid bare and Cora’s budding passion for women’s rights taking a dangerous turn, they’ll learn the true cost of losing their heart to a stranger—and that love is worth any price.

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Can I just say that I can't wait to continue following the Dove sisters?

It was a pleasure meeting the trio, even their slightly eccentric mother, as they stepped their newly wardrobe-d selves amongst the ton. Despite circumstances creating this venture, they're making the best of it, and, as luck would have it, it seems Cora may make a better match than she ever anticipated! Arrangements are made, secrets are whispered, and sparks fly, but the final curtain call will leave you with stars in your eyes.

A great addition to the genre and a MUST READ for Historical Romance fans!

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About the author....

Photo © Harper St. George

Harper St. George was raised in the rural backwoods of Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. These were settings filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel, which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since. She lives in the Atlanta area with her family and loves to hear from readers. Learn more online at www.harperstgeorge.com.

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Special thanks to Yazmine at Penguin Random House for the eARC for review. (THANK YOU!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available TODAY, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy now.

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

RRR presents... A Duke of One's Own by Emma Orchard - REVIEW!

Ladies and gents, it's time to catch up with Rachel's Random Resources as we help shine the bookish spotlight on a new Historical Romance title ready and waiting for you! Word to the wise, it's a little more scandalous than usual, but don't judge a book by its spice alone.... for you must consider the story! Today's ebook of choice and blog tour guest is...

A Duke of One's Own

Emma Orchard

About the book...

Summer, 1816. A notorious rebel is about to meet her match...

Lady Georgiana Pendlebury is no stranger to breaking the rules of polite society. But when a so-called ‘friend’ invites her to a clandestine party, Georgiana is shocked to discover the event is more scandalous than even she could have imagined. So when a mysterious stranger offers help, she accepts, not realising their encounter will turn her life upside down.

Later that summer, Georgiana is invited to attend a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire. The gathering is a loosely veiled effort to arrange a marriage for the Duke of Northriding, who desperately needs an heir. Duke Gabriel Mauleverer has a terrible reputation as a rake, and Georgiana is happy to be a guest purely for the entertainment, but upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that the Duke is none other than the stranger who rescued her weeks earlier.

As the other ladies vie for the Duke’s attention, Georgiana is desperate to avoid their shocking secret getting out. But she finds herself caught, unable to avoid Gabriel’s gaze. Are they a threat to each other? Or could they be the answer to each other’s greatest desires?

---> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---

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Do you like your Historical Romance with a healthy dose of spice? Well then, you've come to the right pantry! 😉

I admit, I was actually surprised by the amount of said spice, but still found the story delightful. Georgiana is a character you can't help but love. I mean, who didn't want to spread their wings and get stung in the process at some point in their lives... am I right? Such are the results of her adventure into an unsupervised party with A LOT more going on than silly gossip flying! Flames are fed, desires played out, and futures tainted with the afterglow of the night... but not all is lost. Some things were held on to, and some acquaintances may prove to be more than anticipated in times to come. Let's just say that it often proves that we find what we need in lieu of what we want when we stop looking.

All in all, a fun romp through the time period, and a great addition to the genre. True, it's spicier than some I've read, but there's still the appropriately scandalous reaction to a bared ankle... and who can resist setting the ton all a twitter!

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About the author...

Emma Orchard is the author of several well-reviewed regency romance novels published by Allison & Busby. In her other life she is a literary agent. Her first book with Boldwood is a raunchy romp set in Regency London.

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 ebook 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!

Monday, April 22, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: Play with Me by Kat Chen, Illustrated by Lorraine Nam - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Kick your Monday off right with an AWARENESS TOUR starring a adorable Board Book perfect for little ones just learning the ways of playtime, friendship, and balancing time! KEEP READING for a peek inside, and then stay focused because author Kat Chen is sharing a very special GUEST POST with us today all about how Kids Change Everything that you won't want to miss! After all is said and done, be sure to enter the giveaway before you whisk off to the other sites participating in The Children's Book Review tour!

Play with Me

Kat Chen

Illustrated by

Lorraine Nam

9780593659717

Rise x Penguin Workshop

About the book...

This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

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*** GUEST POST ***

Kids Change Everything

...by Author Kat Chen

I was never a doting mother. I certainly loved my kids and did my best to provide a loving home for them. And, as far as I can tell, they’ve grown up to be happy, contributing members of society. But I had children because that’s what society—and most especially my mother—told me I should. I learned how to cook (badly), went to endless basketball and volleyball events, and drove car pool, all while breaking into the adult romance market as a novelist.

Yay me! Yay fulfilling career! And yay for healthy, happy children who grow up and move out.

And then my eldest daughter had my first grandchild.

It was a difficult pregnancy that resulted in a premature baby. Thankfully, Ellison is an unstoppable, vibrant, happy child as is her younger sister. And I’ve discovered that I really love my grandkids.

I mean really, really, really love them. Like I never did with my own children. Back then there was too much to do, too much responsibility, too much of everything for me to enjoy my kids. Now? I can play with the kids until I drop, and then drop them with their mother. Cue long nap, relaxing evening, and a full night of sleep.

Never had that as a mother. And I never had the drive to write books that help parents and kids interact. Overnight, I went from a novelist focused on how couples fall in love to someone who speaks in very simple sentences. Instead of devouring my favorite romance novels, I’m suddenly studying how picture books are created and how they fill very specific needs in a child’s growing awareness. Then I sit in my office and wonder how to write a story that makes kids smile.

Talk about a complete change of career! While my closest writer friends are expanding into film and television, I spend my time at the library reading dozens of picture books. I’ve gone low-tech, but I’m hooked. And studying picture books is how I fill my time away from my grandchildren who live many states away.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned in my studies.

Kids love questions. What cookie do you want? Do you like bananas? Do you see something special in the sky? Not only is this core to language development, it also gets them thinking about themselves and the world. It doesn’t have to be deep. In fact, at the beginning it should be very simple. What sock do you want? The green ones?
Picture books cover a wide variety of topics and not just simple things. In addition to fun stories about how life can go right or wrong, picture books include non-fiction, emotional development, gorgeous art, and fables both old and new. Wander through the kids section of your local library or book store. You’ll be surprised by what you see.
Novelty books aren’t just lift-the-flap books anymore. There are pop dots, finger puppets, counting beads, and of course all those electronic noise makers. It’s another way kids interact with what they’re reading. They have five senses, and kids want to use them all.
Play. Play. Play. Kids and adults learn the best when they play. Find the fun in the books. Even if it’s a serious book, the time with your child should be fun. Talk about what you see, what you read, and laugh about it. That’s the way to make books and your life happy.

Now you know my new philosophy in life. Play! Have fun! Because when I approach life as a kid, everything becomes a new toy. And a new career!

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About the author...

Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.

After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.

Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

About the illustrator...

Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.

She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.

Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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--- GIVEAWAY ---

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Play with Me and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Kat Chen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview with Kat Chen

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Star Girls Magical Tale

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 5, 2024

Book Zone Reviews

Book Review of Play with Me

Monday, April 8, 2024

Cover Lover Book Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

cefairy’s Treasure Chest

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog

Book Review of Play with Me

Thursday, April 11, 2024

One More Exclamation

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 12, 2024

Country Mamas with Kids

Book Review of Play with Me

Monday, April 15, 2024

Deliciously Savvy

Book Review of Play with Me

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

The Fairview Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Life is What it’s called

Author Interview with Kat Chen

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Froggy Read Teach

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 19, 2024

A Blue Box Full Of Books

Instagram and TikTok Post

Monday, April 22, 2024

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Guest Post

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Confessions of a Book Addict

Play with Me Book Spotlight

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

Sunday, April 21, 2024

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Finally Fitz by Marisa Kanter - REVIEW!

Today's WHAT'S THE BUZZ title is a Teen Fiction title coming to you THIS TUESDAY via Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and features a coming-of-age story with all the feels, all the confusion, and all the drama you can handle! Sound like your cup of tea? Well then, ladies and gents, prepare yourself as we dive between the pages of today's book of choice...

Finally Fitz

Marisa Kanter

9781665926072

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 23rd, 2024

About the book...

Ava “Fitz” Fitzgerald has worked hard to create the picture-perfect life she’s always wanted. She spent her junior year transforming her passion for sustainable fashion and upcycling into a viral online platform, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and spending every free second with her soon-to-graduate girlfriend, Danica. And this summer she plans to take it all to the next level by attending a prestigious summer fashion program in New York City and convincing Dani that they can survive a year of long distance.

But when Dani dumps her before classes even start, accusing Fitz of being more invested in growing her online persona than deepening their relationship, she’s left not only heartbroken, but also creatively blocked.

Fitz will do anything to win Dani back, even if that means taking a break from the platform that she’s worked so hard to build. But just as she decides to go all-in on a hiatus, a chance encounter reunites her with Levi Berkowitz, her childhood best friend that she hasn’t seen since elementary school. Levi is struggling with heartbreak of his own, and this cosmic coincidence sparks a new use for her social media savvy. Fitz offers to help Levi craft a fake relationship online to make his person jealous…if in return he can pretend to be her boyfriend in front of Dani to make her jealous. If all goes according to plan, by the end of the summer they’ll both be reunited with their perfect partners and get to rekindle their friendship in the process.

Sometimes even the most carefully designed plans can come apart at the seams, though. And when real history leads to not-so-fake feelings, Fitz will have to decide if she’s finally willing to let go of what she thought was picture-perfect and choose what might actually be right for her.

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The Big Apple.

New York City.

If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere...

...but what if when you get there...

...the apple is "sour" and things don't go your way...

...or at least the way you planned them...

Such is the sitch for our gal Levi. She's an upcycling prodigy in the making with a big insta following to boot. This summer was to be the trip of a lifetime, combining her fashion future with the girl of her dreams, and showing them both that what they have could last beyond the hallowed halls of high school. Only...the program is proving harder than Levi anticipated with the feedback becoming more fallout, and the moments she meant to capture to make memories are turning into some she might want to forget when Dani decides she's been more photographer than other half. What's a girl to do? Immerse herself in a fake relationship with her long lost (well, out of communication at least) bestie that just so happens to be in the big city (cue the meet-cute moment!), and someone that still has a piece of her heart as well. Oh the drama...but that's life, and when all is said and done, Levi will indeed be finally Fitz.

This is a story about life, friendships, relationships, and growing up. It's about finding yourself, your TRUE self, and learning to love it even more than you thought you could. It's about discovering the path you forged for yourself may not be the one best for you...and that's okay! Our teenage years are a time of change (heck, so is adulthood for that matter!), and rolling with the punches is easier said then done. All we can do is take one day at a time, and try not to over plan things so we can actually let life happen...sorta like the characters here. It's a great story with a varied cast of characters allowing readers to find themselves reflected somewhere in the narrative, while chasing that happily-ever-after.

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About the author...

Photograph by Sam Cheung

Marisa Kanter is a young adult author, amateur baker, and reality television enthusiast. She is the author of What I Like About You, As If on Cue, and Finally Fitz. Born and raised in the suburbs of Boston, her obsession with books led her to New York City, where she worked in the publishing industry to help books find their perfect readers. She currently lives in Los Angeles, writing love stories by day and crocheting her wardrobe by night. Follow her at MarisaKanter.com

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Special thanks to Thad and Alex at Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing for the chance to share this title with you and for the copy for review! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrates its BOOK BIRTHDAY April 23rd, 2024, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!

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

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Scare up some weekend fun with the... GRAVEYARD GIRLS: Scream for the Camera by Lisi Harrison, Illustrated by Daniel Kraus - REVIEW!

The days are getting longer, and the temperature is rising, but you can still scare up some spine tingly nights with the right read! So, are you game? Well then, let me introduce you to the Graveyard Girls. We first met them in 1-2-3-4, I Declare a Thumb War ... but now, their story continues...

Scream for the Camera

Graveyard Girls, Book 2

Lisi Harrison

Illustrated by

Daniel Kraus

9781454944560

Union Square Kids

About the book...

It’s been a month since the events of 1-2-3-4, I Declare a Thumb War, when the Graveyard Girls—Gemma, Whisper, Sophie, Frannie, and Zuzu—discovered Silas Hoke’s empty grave. A month, and no answers. That changes when messages from the other side start to creep up on the Graveyard Girls. Gemma’s good-luck charm. The skull in Whisper’s spilled milk. Sophie’s vanishing phone. Frannie’s theater curse. And Zuzu’s possessed Jōurnal. Who is trying to reach them . . . and why?

The good news: There might be one person with some answers. The bad news: She’s a mortician . . . with a deadly secret.

Speaking of bad news, straight-A Sophie is quickly sliding down the scale to becoming a B-flat friend. She is spending way more time hanging out with “Danger Me” and way less time with the Graveyard Girls and her schoolwork. Will her scary story be enough to win back her pals, or will her picture-perfect life become the ultimate photo bomb?

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I love the fact that this story picks up pretty much where we left off... long enough after the creepy spooky ending to give us a sense of calm, but not so far after that everything's changed. The girls are still together, besties at heart, but something is amiss, and if they don't figure it out sooner than later, change will be the least of their worries...in fact, it'd be welcome.

This series has some SERIOUS spookiness going on. After our introduction to Silas (~shudder~), I wasn't certain if the creepy factor would be turned down this time around. Quick word... it's not 😵‍💫 ... but neither is it turned up, leaving it enjoyable (with a light on) for Middle Grade fans and beyond. When the messages from beyond keep coming, and the potential for danger kept growing, they did what they did best, depend on the strength of their friendship, pull on their resources, and make it through the scary 😨 times to solve the mystery at hand. It's a tale to get drawn into, but not lost in because didn't you read my intro... SERIOUS SPOOKINESS! Keep a tether here, and let your imagination run wild to discover all the secrets within.

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About the author...

Lisi Harrison, the queen of teen comedy, has written 37 YA and middle-grade novels including Monster High and the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Clique, which has sold more than eight million copies. Lisi launched two new middle-grade series in 2021, Girl Stuff and The Pack. She lives in California. Visit her at lisiharrison.com.

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About the illustrator...

Daniel Kraus is a New York Times bestselling horror author and co-author of both Trollhunters and The Shape of Water with Guillermo del Toro. His work has been translated into more than twenty-five languages. Daniel lives in Illinois. Visit him at danielkraus.com.

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Special thanks to Jenny at Union Square and Co for the eARC for review. (THANKS!) For more information about this title, the author, illustrator, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, and I've got it on good authority that they're ANOTHER one coming later this FALL!

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

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

RRR presents... Summer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin - REVIEW!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

Today, we welcome back Rachel's Random Resources as we pack our bags and take a trip around the globe to a place where life takes on a slower pace, beauty surrounds, and dreams can come true. Sounds wonderful, right? Of course, it's not all sunshine and roses because there's a feisty little grandma working her own magic that's gonna prove to be a real handful, but lovable just the same. Ladies and gents, today's featured title and blog tour guest...

Summer at the Santorini Bookshop

Rebecca Raisin

HQ Digital

About the book...

A Greek island holiday. A fake-dating pact. A chance at true love?

After losing her job as a book scout, hopeless romantic Evie needs a fresh start. So when she hears that her eccentric grandmother has just taken on a small bookshop in Santorini, Evie jumps at the chance to visit her.

But life on the island is not as idyllic as it first seems. Gran has a tempestuous relationship with her landlord and he’s threatening to take the bookshop away from her. So when Gran asks Evie to fake a romance with her landlord’s Greek God of a grandson, Georgios, to keep the family on side, she reluctantly agrees.

As the sun sets on Evie’s Greek holiday, can she save the bookshop – and fake date her way to love?

AMAZON US | UK | AUS

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Honestly? This was the perfect reading escape. It combined my love of stories of characters who love books as much as I do with a beautiful destination and the potential for happily-ever-after's all around. Was there mischief afoot? Definitely. Were there plans kept under wraps on both sides? Most assuredly. Was there time taken to enjoy the sweeter things in life like books, dogs, and the company of others? You bet... and I couldn't have loved that aspect more if I tried.

Evie was a gem. Dealt a bad hand in the career department recently, she may have been down, but she wasn't out. Those unfortunate circumstances led her to Santorini, and the doorstep of her grandmother's bookish abode, on a mission to uncover what's really going on in her life, and to bring her home. The thing is, Gran has always been a free spirit and 8 husbands later, her ways haven't changed, nor are they about to, but that also means she may need a little help staying on this side of the law until she gets things squared away, so to speak. Evie is about to play a role in all of this that she never anticipated, but it also may turn out to be just what she needs to move to the next stage in her life.

A great read filled with memorable characters, and a story you won't soon forget. Whether you're traveling this summer or not, you won't want to miss this armchair adventure through life and love.

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About the author...

Rebecca Raisin writes heartwarming romance from her home in sunny Perth, Australia. Her heroines tend to be on the quirky side and her books are usually set in exotic locations so her readers can armchair travel any day of the week. The only downfall about writing about gorgeous heroes who have brains as well as brawn, is falling in love with them – just as well they’re fictional. Rebecca aims to write characters you can see yourself being friends with. People with big hearts who care about relationships and believe in true, once in a lifetime love. Her bestselling novel Rosie’s Travelling Tea Shop has been optioned for film with MRC studios and Frolic Media.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

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

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

RRR presents...The Suite Life by Portia MacIntosh - REVIEW!

Today's the day!

We're welcoming Rachel's Random Resources as they tour the latest release from author Portia MacIntosh and your next must read romcom! So pack your bags for Hawaii as we get ready to indulge in today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The Suite Life

Portia MacIntosh

Boldwood Books

About the book...

Gigi isn't looking for the one. Just someone...!

As she gears up for her sister’s destination wedding in Hawaii, the countdown is on for Gigi to find a date. Just someone to prove to her friends and family that she's ok, and to stop the pitying looks would be great!

Of course she can’t wait to be bridesmaid for her sister, but it’s just not ideal that the best man is also her ex… especially when he is bringing his hot new reality star girlfriend!

But when Gigi arrives at the hotel in Hawaii to find there has been a mix-up with her room, and she’s been upgraded to a suite, things start to look up. Not only is the room bigger than her entire flat, but the staff are waiting on her hand and foot, and she’s being treated like royalty!

Something isn’t quite right, but The Suite Life suits Gigi, and why shouldn’t she pamper herself while she mends her broken heart? It may even lead to her finding the perfect date after all…

A laugh-out-loud, friends to lovers, close proximity romantic comedy from million-copy bestseller Portia MacIntosh.

---> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---

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You've got to love a good romcom and author Portia MacIntosh brings us another story to find ourselves in, laugh out loud about, and fall in love with.

Gigi was a hoot and the lengths she'd go through to have that plus one and avoid the stares and unwanted conversations was... sadly not unbelievable! I mean really, what's so scary about a single female? Are they dangerous? Are they wild? Or are they perhaps just living life on their own terms, and if they happen to find the one along the way, happy for the diversion? But I digress, Gigi was having trouble moving on, unlike her despicable ex, and the support that a plus one without expectations provided was too enticing to pass up. Twists and turns and wrongfully matched attempts later, she finds herself on the tropical island with someone she never expected, and yet might be just the right fit for her.

You'll get caught up in the drama of it all, while chuckling at the missteps along the way (think our fun gal Gigi with a metal head!). There are definitely moments of clarity for many at this wedding celebration, and secrets that come to light, but by story's end, a wedding there will be, and perhaps, the chance for others in the near future. 😉

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About the author...

Portia MacIntosh is the bestselling author of over 20 romantic comedy novels.

From disastrous dates to destination weddings, Portia’s romcoms are the perfect way to escape from day to day life, visiting sunny beaches in the summer and snowy villages at Christmas time. Whether it’s southern Italy or the Yorkshire coast, Portia’s stories are the holiday you’re craving, conveniently packed in between the pages.

Formerly a journalist, Portia has left the city, swapping the music biz for the moors, to live the (not so) quiet life with her husband and her dog in Yorkshire.

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | NEWSLETTER | BOOKBUB

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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 ebook 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. Be sure to check out the rest of tour for more bookish fun!

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

AWARENESS TOUR: Milo and His Magic Skateboard by Kristina Tanso, Illustrated by Sofie Engstrom Von Alten - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Hello there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today, we welcome The Children's Book Review as we host a stop along their current AWARENESS TOUR featuring Milo...an incredibly cute little doggo that gets to do some traveling, and we get to come along for the ride! It really is an adorable story...couldn't help but give it a read through...but I digress, I'm not here for a review post. I'm here to bring you a special GUEST POST from the author herself all about the trip of a lifetime. Curious? Good because it's ready and waiting for you, so let's jump right in as we welcome today's blog tour guest...

Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Kristina Tanso

Illustrated by

Sofie Engstrom Von Alten

9781738414000

Life Unfiltered Books

About the book...

Join Milo – an adorable French Bulldog – as he embarks on his very first adventure! Simply by clapping his little paws together and jumping on his magic skateboard, Milo takes flight and explores Europe! This fun, heart-warming adventure will charm children and adults alike, while exploring different iconic places and cultures!

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾

~~~ GUEST POST ~~~

If you could Build a trip of a lifetime, where would you go and with who?

... with author Kristina Tanso

In the movie, Shall We Dance, Susan Sarandon’s character eloquently says, “We need a witness to our lives. … You're saying, ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness.’” While this stellar line was delivered in the context of a life partnership, it resonated deeply with me.

Growing up where relocation on a regular basis was par for the course, I always felt like I was dipping in and out of someone else’s experience—witnessing their beautiful lives, knowing that in a year’s time, or even less, I would’ve fallen deep into the crevices of their memories. The only witness to my participation in these little moments in time were my own words that filled journals, carried in a portmanteau that followed me from one place to the next. And, while I am grateful that I was able to see some incredible places, and learn about foreign cultures, I always felt like something was missing—and I didn’t quite know why…

This sentiment is the heart and soul of Milo’s story in Milo and His Magic Skateboard, where his character is lucky enough to have a magic skateboard that takes him wherever he wants to go. All he needs to do is think of the place he wants to visit the most, clap-clap-clap his paws, and there he is! Yet with each passing moment, the excitement and novelty fade. He cannot fully enjoy the beauty, history, food, and all the magical things that each place he visits offers, because he feels as though something is missing.

I wanted to subtly capture the emptiness one can feel—and that I have felt—amidst the most exciting of times and in the busiest of places. That phantom feeling of having someone next to you, whom you can turn to, to say, “wow”, to crack an inside joke, or share knowing laugh. Little big things that are constructed and conditioned by our social habits. And, so when I think of taking a trip of a lifetime, I immediately think of going somewhere with the people I love: life-long friends who share and bear witness to our lives. For me, those would be my closest girl friends with whom I’ve travelled with before, and share a similar travel style to.

Our trip of a lifetime looks like this: we get a camper van at the northern tip of South Island in New Zealand, where our first stop is Marlborough Sounds. We swim with dolphins and close the day out with a visit to the famed Cloudy Bay winery, for a sophisticated meal and delicious New Zealand wine. Then, we make our way towards Christchurch to hike Kaikoura Range, and scale its highest peak, Tapuae-O-Uenuku, which is Māori for “footprint of the rainbow.” From there, we cut across the island to Arthur’s Pass, and make our way down to Queenstown where we ditch our camper van for one of those stunning design lodges Queenstown is known for. We taste all of New Zealand’s culinary offerings and offset our indulgences with daily hikes on one of the many collection of trails available to us. The adrenaline junkies amongst us may decide to paraglide, or bungy jump of Kawarau Bridge. Of course, a trip to the South Island is not complete without visiting the stunning Fiordland National Park, where we are treated to the sights of incredible nature and wildlife… and if we are lucky enough, the ever-elusive kakapo bird, a ground-dwelling parrot, that looks like a fluffy, green chicken.

It’s of the utmost importance for me to give back, whenever I take a trip. So, throughout the journey, we will find ways to volunteer, whether it is working with children or doing something in the conservation space. And when it comes time to say goodbye to New Zealand, and to each other, we create space for gratitude. Gratitude for the fact that we shared a chapter of our lives together, filled with new stories, new inside jokes, and memories unique to us—reaffirming that this moment of our lives will not go un-noticed, because we have noticed it, and will carry it with us forever.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Tanso is an animal lover whose life changed the day she rescued Milo from the streets of Hong Kong in May 2019. Milo and His Magic Skateboard is inspired by the real-life adventures the duo have had since: prompted by Kristina’s affinity for travel, and Milo’s curious personality. Kristina is also the author of the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, Bad Things (2023); and is a producer on Searching/or Chinook, a documentary about the future survival of the last remaining Southern resident orcas, starring Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones).

An advocate for mental health and spiritual well-being, Kristina’s articles on the topic are regularly featured on Medium. Outside of writing, Kristina works at the University of Oxford, and serves as a guest professor at a university in Asia.

You can learn more about Kristina and her work at www.kristinatanso.com.

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~~~ GIVEAWAY ~~~

Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a signed hardcover copy of Milo and His Magic Skateboard and a customized sketch of Milo!

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Kristina Tanso. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, March 25, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

The Momma Spot

Book Review of Milo and His Magic Skateboard

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

My Reading Getaway

Author Interview with Kristina Tanso

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Pages for Paige