Posted in fiction, I spy, London, romance, Simple romance

I spy some Proper Romance Books

I spy some Proper Romance books. I have not read these but I do read this genre time to time.
I am a fan of the author Sarah M. Eden
but I haven’t read this one yet.

I might read all of these?
When will I have time??
So many books and yet little time!!

If I had to rate the covers, it would be in
the same order as I posted them!
Do you have a favorite?

London, 1866

Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, but spending so much of her life in secret is taking a toll on her soul―and her heart.

When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.

Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to hunting down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when red tape keeps him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart―the bold and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.

As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-six, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley Ellis, the young stable master, and a favorite among the staff at Windsong Manor. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

London, 1887

When newly graduated medical doctor Charlotte Duvall receives word that her father has died, she immediately leaves America and returns home to see to her family’s estate. Among her father’s possessions is a box of her late mother’s letters, which feels like a balm to Charlotte’s grief-stricken heart. But the letters contain some inconsistencies that suggest there was more to her mother’s death than Charlotte had been told. She turns to the one man she trusts more than anyone–her treasured friend and director of London’s police force, John Ellis.

John Ellis has harbored feelings for Charlotte ever since he first met her. Tucked into his heart are thoughts of her sharp mind, quick wit, and remarkable beauty. Though he has not yet found the courage to share his feelings with the young doctor, he is eager to help her in her hour of need.

Investigating the details of a death was not how Charlotte imagined she would find love, but as she and John work to unravel a dark web of secrets and lies, she finds herself relying on him more and more–and opening her heart to him in the process.

As the danger draws ever closer, John vows to do everything in his power to protect Charlotte from harm. But he fears protecting her heart might come at the cost of breaking his own.

Posted in dark, fantasy, fiction, new releases, teen, teens, young adult, Young Adult Fantasy

Stumbled upon

I somehow stumbled upon these beauties and I just had to share what they were.

I think I am going to add these to my to read pile.

No idea when I will get to these since my reading
level right now is maximized at E-Arc and Grad School.

Author: Brianna Joy Crump
Date: June 2024
Grade: 10-12
Age: 14 and up
Pages: 472
Publisher: Wattpad
Instagram

Fire at her fingertips. Watch the world burn.

When Monroe Benson was born with the power to summon fire from her fingertips, her family knew she had to stay hidden. But when Queen Viera calls for the Culling, an age-old tradition in Erydia where ten goddess-touched girls battle to the death in order to claim the crown, Monroe can no longer hide. She’s whisked away from her home, from her mother, from everything she’s ever known to fight alongside the other girls―each with their own power―for a throne she does not want.

Duty is his destiny. There’s no way out.

As the son of the queen and the next king, Cohen can’t question tradition. Not even when he’s being mysteriously poisoned. Not even when his sister goes missing and no one seems to care. The Culling makes choices for him―who will become his wife, who will rule by his side. And when rebellion rises, what little control Cohen has over his future is threatened.

Together they’ll stand. Together they’ll fall.

But Monroe sees a different Cohen than the rest of the world. She sees him as more than just the crown, more than just the next cruel ruler in a long line of cruel leaders. In turn, he sees her as more than just her powers. More than just a goddess-touched girl destined to lose her life. When a betrayal threatens both their relationship and the monarchy, Monroe and Cohen face a choice that will change their lives . . . forever.

Author: Brianna Joy Crump
Pages: 544
Age: 14 and up
Grade: 10 – 12
Publisher: Wattpad
Date: June 2024
Instagram

Once there were ten.
Ten goddess-touched girls were born. Each was blessed―or cursed―with a unique power that set them apart. As part of an ancient ritual called the Culling, they were supposed to fight to the death in the arena until only one survived. That girl would marry the prince and ascend to the throne. Now only four girls remain.

Power in her blood.
Monroe Benson is one of the lucky ones. With fire at her fingertips, she survived the arena and the intrigues of the palace. Now she’s turned her back on her destiny, choosing to throw in her lot with the rebellion seeking to overturn the Erydian rulers. Monroe has never wanted the throne. She knows that her future lies elsewhere, but first she’ll have to convince the rebels to believe her.

A traitorous heart.
Monroe thought Cohen was one of the few good things about the Culling. She believed that he would have made a good ruler, but that doesn’t mean that she wanted to sit beside him on the throne. And now, she finds herself drawn to a rebel leader. A man with secrets of his own. In the end, Monroe will have to trust in more than her power or even her heart if she’s to forge her own path and find her freedom.

Posted in currently reading, general life, life, update

Update in the land of reading

E-Arc Review coming soon on How to Help a Hungry Werewolf by Charlotte Stein which comes out October 2024. I just need a bit more time to process my thoughts, I did finish reading it. The review will be coming soon.

Next up to read is the E-ARC of Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley which drops August 2024. The beginning of this story has caught my attention



Then I have like 3 more E-Arcs waiting for me to read which I’m excited to do so. Along with doing this, I’m also in grad school, working, raising my two teens and so much more. So if my postings are not constant or on time, you know the reasons why!

Posted in Children, new releases, picture book

Picture Books Released today!

These picture books are released today – May 7, 2024!

Nothing welcomes spring like a wild onion dinner!

As the dirt warms and green sprouts poke up, a Cherokee girl joins her family in the hunt for green onions. Together, they pick enough to bring to a feast, which is cooked with love and shared by their community.

Idalisdayvhvga!

Let’s all eat!

Written with simple, sensory lyricism by Andrea Rogers (Cherokee) and featuring warm, vibrant art by Madelyn Goodnight (Chickasaw), this picture book celebrates the spring tradition of wild onion dinners—and the community and comfort that are shared when we gather.

After a long and fun day, Riley Andersen falls asleep for the night. But she isn’t the only one who needs her rest—her Emotions do, too! While Disgust is on night duty at the console, Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Fear finish their bedtime routines. Riley’s new Emotions Embarrassment, Envy, and Ennui are already feeling sleepy. Each one drops off into a deep slumber until all is peaceful in Headquarters.

But there’s one Emotion who’s still wide awake: Anxiety! Anxiety paces, worries, and just can’t seem to quiet her thoughts. Soon her restlessness wakes up everyone in Headquarters. Can the Emotions help their anxious friend get a good night’s sleep?

Tala wishes that she could dance the traditional Samoan dance, the taualuga, just like her Aunty Sina. But Tala’s legs are too bouncy, her arms are too stiff, and she doesn’t have Aunty’s ‘glow’ when she dances. When Tala prepares to perform at her Grandma’s birthday, she freezes on the stage. Will she find the strength and inspiration to help her dance?

Avani is having a wonderful time looking at all of her mother’s saris, but she soon realizes she’s made a big mess.

When her mom comes in, Avani expects a scolding, but instead, her mom sits down with her and tells her about the memories associated with each sari: memories of weddings and celebrations, memories of when and where the sari came from. And, in case of one very special sari, memories that were passed down from her parents and grandparents.

From breakbeat poet and playwright Idris Goodwin and celebrated artist Lorraine Nam comes a whimsical, irresistible rhyming read-aloud empowering kids to embrace their imagination. Perfect for fans of The Year We Learned to Fly and Boxitects.

It seems your home is just

walls, windows, and doors,

but take a closer look

it’s that and so much more!

One rainy day, a kid opens their closet to discover a teleportation chamber. In the adventure of make-believe that follows, we are invited to see our homes as more than places to live—they are vessels for creativity and joy.


Jack, Jill, and Rex are excited to play a game of Go and Get! The rules are simple: on the count of three, each player must go and get something that begins with a certain letter. While Jack’s and Jill’s picks always fit the bill (What starts with F? Frog! Fish!), Rex keeps getting it wrong (a duck?)—or does he? 

Posted in I spy, picture book

I spy Picture Books

I spy some new picture books…..check them out!

Riley made a paper airplane and couldn’t wait to let it soar. But just before the plane could take off—SQUAWK. An eagle swoops in and insists Riley’s plane could never fly. It’s much too small. So Riley makes it bigger! But just as this bigger paper airplane is ready to go, a parrot squawks that the plane is way too boring to fly. So Riley makes it fancier! Bird after bird offers advice, and Riley tries making the airplane faster longer, taller, and slimmer.

When the plane crashes to the ground after all these changes, Riley finally meets a more supportive friend . . . and rediscovers the joy and wonder of soaring.

Mouse liked having his own yard. There was never a stick out of place. There was room to stretch. Room to move. But when Pak-Rat moves in next door, Mouse realized two things:

One: A neighbor meant sharing the yard.

Two: It was going to be a problem.

You’ll cheer for both Mouse and Pak-Rat in this hilarious story about honest communication, boundaries, and yes—friendship!

Tasha is a girl who has trouble using her voice to speak in school or to even make a friend. Then her class visits a park, the best park ever. With the help of an encouraging park ranger, an understanding teacher, two new companions, and a tiny turtle, Tasha finds connection with others and her own voice.

From My Head to My Toes gently introduces young readers to the topics of consent and bodily autonomy in a positive way. Cheerful and informative, this story focuses on the powerful message of self-love. Aly’s inspiring words are paired with expert-vetted resources, giving adults the tools to begin having these essential conversations with kids from a young age.

It’s sleepy time for Lion and Penguin. Correction: it should be sleepy time for Lion and Penguin, but Lion’s eyes aren’t tired, and his ears would like a story. Penguin, however, is tired and nods off into sweet candy dreams—until a noise wakes him. “Oh, are you awake?” asks Lion sweetly, seated before a drum set. “Let’s have that story, then!” “Not now. It is time to close your eyes and dream dreams.” And so it goes, with an ever-more-disgruntled Penguin trying to nod off while an exuberant Lion innocently practices his drumming, bounces on his squeaky trampoline, and munches on his crunchy chips. Will Penguin need to resort to extreme measures to get his friend to sleep, or has the answer been there all along? Bob Shea’s signature wit, delivered only in dialogue, and Jarvis’s unassuming, retro art and knack for visual humor are sure to delight young readers—and their caregivers—whether at naptime, bedtime, or anytime.

Posted in contemporary, E-Arc, magic, review, romance

E-Arc : Prime Time Romance by Kate Robb

I received an E-Arc from Netgalley, publisher and author for an honest review!
Thank you!

Author: Kate Robb
Publisher : Dial Press Trade
Date: September 5, 2024
Pages: 336
Instagram
Website

Summary:
Newly divorced on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Brynn is sick of heartbreak. She thought she had found her happy ending, but now she’s now living with a roommate, Josh, to afford her mortgage and trying to adjust to her new single life. At least she’s got Carson’s Cove to binge, her beloved 2000s teenage soap. The show ended unexpectantly on a cliffhanger after five seasons, and the two main characters, Sloan and Spencer, never got to declare their love for one another. The show is still perfect in Brynn’s eyes; despite all the drama that goes down, things always have a way of working out in Carson’s Cove . . . unlike her own life.

So when a birthday cake surprisingly shows up on her and Josh’s doorstep, Brynn makes a wish for the one thing she always wanted (but failed to achieve herself): a happily-ever-after.

The next morning, she doesn’t wake up in her apartment. She’s in Carson’s Cove . . . and Josh is there too. Everyone seems to know them, except they’re not Brynn and Josh; they’re Sloan, the sweetheart of Carson’s Cove, and Fletch, the town’s bad boy. And to get home, they have to make Brynn’s wish come true by ensuring Sloan and Spencer, the hometown heartthrob, end up together at last. But as they spend more time together, Brynn and Josh realize that Carson’s Cove might not be as perfect as seen on tv . . . especially when they start developing feelings for each other in a plot twist nobody expected. Will they stick to the script, or will real love change the story forever?

Review:
Oh my gosh! I could not stop reading this story. I was hooked from page one til the end. Small town, stuck in magic, romance looms about and drama happens? All these themes pop up in this story which I adored!

The story does shift from Brynn and Josh point of view.

The author did it again! She made a magical story which had me wanting to know what was going to happen. I have read her previous book which was magical too!

There are easter eggs in this book from 90s/2000s era. I immediately knew what they were and was so excited to see these in this story. I am not giving it away. I will admit I squealed quite a few times. Loved it!

I really was invested in the main characters: Brynn and Josh and how they were going to interact with each other and the magic. Of course there is drama! There always is dram but does the drama win?

It was a heart felt story with finding what is real and knowing yourself. I think both Brynn and Josh realized on the things that mattered to them and what they really felt inside. I loved this. I loved how characters realize things just like us humans do in the real world.

There is a bit of spice which I think it was fit well with the story. I really thought it was the right touch to the story.

I am definitely picking up a physical book when this comes out later in 2024!