Category: Uncategorized

Cover Reveal: Love & Resistance by Kara H.L. Chen

BOOK DETAILS:

Love & Resistance
by Kara H.L. Chen
Published by: Quill Tree/Harper Collins
Publication date: July 4, 2023
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Olivia Chang is at her fourth school in seven years. Her self-imposed solitude is lonely but safe. At Plainstown High, however, Olivia’s usual plan of anonymity fails when the infamous Mitzi Clarke (influencer, queen bee, bully) makes a pointed racist comment in class. Olivia knows what she must do: let it go. But Olivia is tired of ignoring things just so she can survive. This time, she defends herself.

And that is the end of her invisible life.

Soon, Olivia discovers, and joins forces with, the Nerd Net: a secret society who has been thwarting Mitzi’s reign of terror for months. Together, they plan to unite the masses and create true change at Plainstown High.

But in order to succeed, Olivia must do something even more terrifying than lead a movement: trust other people. She might even make true friends along the way . . . if Mitzi doesn’t destroy her first.

From debut author Kara H.L. Chen comes a razor-sharp tale of love, resistance, and the enduring friendships that make it all worthwhile.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59772246-love-resistance

Pre-order: https://linktr.ee/hl_kara

AUTHOR BIO:

Kara H.L. Chen grew up near Cleveland, Ohio, where she once had to shovel snow off her car with a plastic trashcan. She now lives on the West Coast with her husband and daughters, and is learning how to use an Instapot. She has undergraduate degrees in English and economics, a J.D., and an MFA in fiction. She has used her economics degree exactly once, when she tried to make a joke about marginal costs and marginal returns. It did not go well.

Author links:

https://karahlchen.com/

https://www.instagram.com/hl_kara/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22046781.Kara_H_L_Chen

Hugh Bonneville Book Event: Playing Under the Piano

On November 16th, Montclair Literary Festival and Succeed2gether invited Hugh Bonneville to spend the evening with readers. He is the first Downton Abbey actor I get to meet. It was a great evening hearing about his career. He is as funny and charismatic as the characters he plays. Hoping to get a chance to start reading this book this year. https://succeed2gether.org/montclair-literary-festival/

Goodreads Blurb

Hugh Bonneville is one of Britain’s most accomplished actors, familiar to audiences worldwide for his roles in Notting Hill, the Paddington films, and Downton Abbey. From getting his big break as Third Shepherd in the school nativity play, to mistaking a Hollywood star for an estate agent, Hugh creates a brilliantly vivid picture of a career on stage and screen. What is it like working with Judi Dench and Julia Roberts, or playing Robert de Niro’s right leg, or not being Gary Oldman, twice? A wickedly funny storyteller, Hugh also writes with poignancy about his father’s dementia and of his mother, whose life in the secret service only emerged after her death. Whether telling stories of working with divas, Dames or a bear with a penchant for marmalade, this is a richly entertaining account of his life as an actor.

Cover Reveal: ClickMate by Tia Kelly

BOOK DETAILS:

ClickMate
by Tia Kelly
Publication date: January 24, 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Sports

Synopsis:

After a public and very messy divorce nearly drained his bank account, Cole Howard is too focused on trying to save his basketball career to even think about shooting his shot outside of the arena, especially with women like his uptight neighbor, Bella Barnes. Despite being beautiful and intelligent, she’s no stranger to drama, one thing he’s desperate to avoid.

His only escape is an online culinary covert persona he uses to share his passion for all things food with a stranger who’s only interested in what he can do in the kitchen and not on the court.

After having a problematic entanglement with a very famous and still married celebrity aired out on a nationally syndicated radio show, being unceremoniously fired, and moving in with her sister, Bellamy Barnes is too focused on trying to get her life back together to even think about getting herself entangled with another emotionally unavailable man. This especially includes men like her sister’s annoying neighbor, Cole Howard.

Despite being gorgeous and charming– though she wishes he would stop calling her Bella because he knows she hates it—he’s exactly the kind of rich, thinks-he’s-God’s-gift to women player (on and off the court) she’d spent her entire life avoiding.

Her only refuge is visually indulging in the culinary masterpieces cooked up by her online crush and confidante.

Cole and Bellamy have sworn off love IRL but on Beyoncé’s internet, cupid plays by a different set of rules.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62810300-clickmate

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BTWhMB

AUTHOR BIO:

Tia Kelly is the author of contemporary and women’s fiction. She is known for her candid way of capturing life, love, and relationships… one story at a time.

Author links:

https://www.tiawithapen.com/

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l0c3r1

https://www.instagram.com/tiawithapen/

https://twitter.com/tiawithapen

https://www.facebook.com/authortiakelly

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6906106.Tia_Kelly

Review: Terry’s Crew by Terry Crew

Goodreads Blurb

Young Terry Crews has a Big Dream Plan: He wants to become a MULTIHYPHENATE. That means he wants to be an artist. And a football player. And a musician. And maybe a NASA scientist, too! OK, maybe it’s ambitious, but his parents worked hard so he could go to a new school—Rock City Academy, a prestigious institution (read: rich kids go there) where he’s sure he can make his mark at the talent show. He plans an elaborate performance with his new friends, Rani, a passionate engineer, and Xander, a shy kid with a head like an encyclopedia.

Along the way, Terry’s plan is threatened by his grades, which slip below Mom-and-Dad-approved levels, as well as the schemes of the school’s football star, Rick, who won’t stop until Terry quits the talent show altogether. No matter what challenges he faces, though, Terry knows that he always has his crew to back him up. 

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

A fantastic comic novel that takes us back to when Terry was younger. Terry has not changed a bit, always looking for ways to make a difference, and cares about others. We get a glimpse into Terry’s childhood in this comic; he was bullied, but that never stopped him from dreaming big and achieving his goals. While he was scared of dealing with bullies, his big heart allowed him to convince those bullies that their actions were wrong. He never judged anyone but saw the good people have regardless of the life they lived.

Author Biography

Terry Alan Crews (born July 30, 1968) is an American actor and former American football player. He is best known for playing Julius on the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the NBC comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and for his appearances in Old Spice commercials, as well as films such as Friday After Next, Idiocracy, and The Expendables series. He is a host of America’s Got Talent.

Cover Reveal: Echo by Sybil Bartel

BOOK DETAILS:

Echo
by Sybil Bartel
(The Alpha Elite Series)
Publication date: January 19, 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

Navy SEAL.

Mercenary.

Ghost.

Joining the military wasn’t a choice, it was survival. The Navy was the last place they’d think to look for me. Hiding in plain sight, I lived in the shadow of deployments… until an off-the-books mission put me in the crosshairs of my past.

My cover blown, I walked away from the SEALs and sought refuge at the one place where I’d be more invisible than on the Teams—Alpha Elite Security. As a Black Ops government contractor, AES was the world’s leading provider of security solutions. High stakes, higher price tag, and complete anonymity. I fit right in.

But then I made a mistake. A single misstep and I was face to face with the only woman who could kill me faster than a bullet.

Code name: Echo.
Mission: Evade.

ECHO is a standalone book in the exciting Alpha Elite Series by USA Today Bestselling author, Sybil Bartel. Come meet Echo and the dominant, alpha heroes who work for AES!

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59521401-echo

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TVnDKj

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/echo-sybil-bartel/1140471756?ean=2940165719677

iBooks: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/echo/id1592924149

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/echo-95

AUTHOR BIO:

Sybil Bartel is a USA Today Bestselling author of unapologetic alpha heroes. Whether you’re reading her deliciously dominant mercenaries, bodyguards, or military heroes, all of her heart-stopping, page-turning romantic suspense novels have sexy-as-sin alpha heroes!

Sybil resides in South Florida and she is forever Oliver’s mom.

To find out more about Sybil Bartel or her books, please visit her at:
Website: http://sybilbartel.com/
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sybilbartelauthor
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1065006266850790/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sybil.bartel/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SybilBartel
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sybil-bartel
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRSE2T

Cover Reveal: Rhapsody of the Stars by Jannat Bhat

BOOK DETAILS:

Rhapsody Of The Stars
by Jannat Bhat
Publication date: December 10, 2022
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Music. Love. Obsession.

Sophia Kade’s one true desire was to make a name in the music industry. So, when her school announced hosting the Global Musical Icon Competition, a life-changing event for the winning pair, it was the perfect opportunity. The trouble was, that she needed a partner.

When the God of music, Kairo Knight arrives in town to take part in GMIC, she could ask him to help her out in becoming the next best thing, right? But it was out of the question when Kairo looked at her as if she was the worst thing to happen to humankind. Of course, with talent like his comes arrogance. So, she did what any youngster in her shoes would do.

She abducted him.

But the unexpected happened. She fell for him, and he betrayed her in the worst possible way. Who was this guy who hated the world which adored him?

People say music was his obsession until she came into his life. But after what he had done, she was out to destroy him.

Twists and turns, push and pull, and explosive chemistry make for one epic musical tale.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61310285-rhapsody-of-the-stars

Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3RsPD6Q

AUTHOR BIO:

Jannat loves to watch movies & tv shows about myths and legends surrounding romance from a certain perspective. She absolutely adores reading about sexy heroes and sassy heroines.
When she’s not writing, she will mostly be found daydreaming and snuggled up with her cat Sasha, whom she loves dearly.

Links : 
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16818977.Jannat_Bhat
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/jannatbhatauthor
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jannatbhat/
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Jannat-Bhat/e/B07NQQ5R6V
Twitter – https://mobile.twitter.com/jannatbhat

Cover Reveal: Ruled by Blood by Emma R. Dean

Book & Author Details:

Ruled by Blood
by Emma Dean
(A Syndicate of Blood and Chaos, #3)
Publication date: May 5, 2023
Genres: Adult, Mafia, Reverse Harem, Romance

Synopsis:

Description TBA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61255766-ruled-by-blood

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bToqK3

AUTHOR BIO:

Emma Dean is the autistic author of Draga Court and the Council of Paranormals. Juggling work, life, higher education, and a rambunctious toddler leaves little room for much else, but when she gets the chance she dives into a good book and likes to re-read the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop every year during Christmas.

Author links:

https://emmadeanromance.com/

https://www.instagram.com/emmadeanauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/EmmaDeanRose/

Book Signing Event With Terry Crews at Books & Greetings, NJ

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting Terry Crews. He was super sweet. I am currently reading his new book and I am enjoying it. This is telling his story of when he was growing up. Please see below to read more about the book.

Goodreads Blurb

Young Terry Crews has a Big Dream Plan: He wants to become a MULTIHYPHENATE. That means he wants to be an artist. And a football player. And a musician. And maybe a NASA scientist, too! OK, maybe it’s ambitious, but his parents worked hard so he could go to a new school—Rock City Academy, a prestigious institution (read: rich kids go there) where he’s sure he can make his mark at the talent show. He plans an elaborate performance with his new friends, Rani, a passionate engineer, and Xander, a shy kid with a head like an encyclopedia.

Along the way, Terry’s plan is threatened by his grades, which slip below Mom-and-Dad-approved levels, as well as the schemes of the school’s football star, Rick, who won’t stop until Terry quits the talent show altogether. No matter what challenges he faces, though, Terry knows that he always has his crew to back him up. 

Author Biography

Terry Alan Crews (born July 30, 1968) is an American actor and former American football player. He is best known for playing Julius on the UPN/CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris, Sergeant Terry Jeffords on the NBC comedy Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and for his appearances in Old Spice commercials, as well as films such as Friday After Next, Idiocracy, and The Expendables series. He is a host of America’s Got Talent.

Check out his boots.

Me telling him how much I love his boots.

I will post my review once I am done reading.

Downton Abbey Fans: Hugh Bonneville is Coming to Montclair, NJ

If you are a Downton Abbey fan like I am, then you don’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to meet Hugh while he speaks about his new book which he is also signing.

Here is all the information from Succeed2gether’s.

Join us for a night of entertainment with one of today’s best-loved British actors, Hugh Bonneville, whose credits include Downton Abbey, Notting Hill, and Paddington. 

Hugh will be live and in person talking about his memoir Playing Under the Piano: From Downton to Darkest Peru with CBS News senior national correspondent Jim Axelrod. 

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

7 p.m. In Person!

Tickets cost $35 and include a copy of the book Playing Under the Piano (value $29). Books will be signed at the event.

Here is the link to purchase your ticket https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTYwODQx

Cover Reveal: Blood and Chaos by Emma Dean

Book & Author Details:

Blood and Chaos
by Emma Dean
(A Syndicate of Blood and Chaos, #2)
Publication date: January 20, 2023
Genres: Adult, Mafia, Reverse Harem, Romance

Synopsis:

Two kingdoms: one of shadows, and one of blood.

Damien Chaos was a devil of his own making, and yet, somehow he found himself agreeing to a deal with Kira Cain instead of the other way around. She’d manipulated him into a position where the only solution was to do exactly as she wanted.

Shadow was his, but the cost was almost more than he could stand.

Kira Cain was going to be his wife, and the arranged marriage would put her at his side as his queen and equal.

The only problem was Damien couldn’t control her, and she already had Aeron and Kaito wrapped around her little finger. Things may not be going as planned, but there was no way he’d let anyone else f*cking touch her.

Dante would suffer for putting her in danger, and this time Damien wasn’t going to let it slide.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61255742-blood-and-chaos

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3O0D28X

AUTHOR BIO:

Emma Dean is the autistic author of Draga Court and the Council of Paranormals. Juggling work, life, higher education, and a rambunctious toddler leaves little room for much else, but when she gets the chance she dives into a good book and likes to re-read the Black Jewels series by Anne Bishop every year during Christmas.

Author links:

https://www.instagram.com/emmadeanauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/EmmaDeanRose/