Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! My parents are celebrating their 44th wedding anniversary. My mom and I decided to be twins. We both loved this top.
Delicious flan from Sangria’s in Congers, NY.
Happy Valentine’s Day đź’—
Tag: romance
Cover Reveal: Lush by Tinia Montford
BOOK DETAILS:
Lush
by Tinia Montford
Publication date: March 31, 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Synopsis:
Laurene King had it all: beauty, wealth, and a sexy secret affair with Reese Ashbourne— the brooding heir of her family’s sworn enemy.
But one reckless night shattered everything.
Tragedy struck. Laurene disappeared. And Reese was left with betrayal, unanswered questions, and scars he’ll never forget.
Now, Laurene is back, forced to return to the life she fled, but her homecoming comes with a cruel twist. Their families, teetering on the edge of ruin, have resurrected an old deal to save themselves: an Ashbourne and a King must marry—or lose everything.
Only this time, Reese is the groom. Not his brother.
Haunted by the past, Reese craves revenge as much as he still craves her. Trapped in a forced proximity neither can escape, their chemistry ignites—and so do their secrets.
But someone knows the truth about that night. The lies that tore them apart are unraveling, and the shadowy danger lurking in their luxurious world could destroy them both.
With their second chance at love and their families’ legacies hanging by a thread, Laurene and Reese must choose: bury the past or watch everything crumble to ashes.
The clock is ticking, and some truths are better left buried…
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223915711-lush
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/4aQPPa4
AUTHOR BIO:
Tinia (TUH-NIA) Montford is a Pisces who’s a sap for romance, especially when there’s (tons of) kissing. Loves eighties sitcoms and will consume anything with chocolate. She graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in English and Graphic Design. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiction.
You can find Tinia at www.tiniamontford.com or on social media: @tiniawritesbooks
Author links:
https://www.facebook.com/tiniawritesbooks
https://www.instagram.com/tiniawritesbooks/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21958554.Tinia_Montford
Review: A Mad Zombie Party by Gena Showalter
Goodreads Blurb
The battle rages on.
Ali Bell and Cole Holland’s crew of zombie slayers thought they’d won the war against Anima Industries, the evil company responsible for capturing and experimenting on zombies in an effort to discover the secret to immortality. In the last epic clash, the slayers lost many of their crew and closest friends. But Frosty, the ice man himself, has not recovered from one casualty in particular—the love of his life, Kat Parker.
On the path to self-annihilation, Frosty receives a message from beyond—Kat’s spirit returns, insisting he partner with rogue slayer Camilla Marks. Frosty will do anything for Kat. Except that. Camilla is the one who betrayed them all, leading to Kat’s death.
But when Anima rises from the grave to become a force the slayers may not have the strength to overcome, Frosty, Camilla and all the slayers will have to work together to survive. And one broken slayer will learn that sometimes, the line between hate and attraction is blurred…and the road to redemption isn’t through revenge, but in letting go of the past and grabbing hold of the future.
My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars
I was a little disappointed with the fourth book in this series. It took me some time to get through the book. I didn’t grasp the story until halfway through the book. The first three books grabbed my attention from the very beginning. When I heard this book was coming out, I was so excited, but after reading it, I’m not so sure I was as excited. I was very happy with the ending and that Anima hopefully won’t come back. Good always prevails evil.
Author Biography
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
Cover Reveal: Walk through Line by Paula Dombrowiak and Natalie Parker
BOOK DETAILS:
Walk the Line
by Natalie Parker & Paula Dombrowiak
(Blood & Bone Legacy, #1)
Publication date: April 22, 2025
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Synopsis:
It was supposed to be simple: Film the tour. Build my portfolio. And for Heavens sake, keep it in my pants.
Then I met Felix Krasinski.
The captivating and infuriatingly cocky frontman of Velvet Drift commands attention everywhere he goes—including mine. Am I proud of it? No. I’m supposed to be filming their perfromance, not fantasizing about his perfect abs. I’m determined to be taken seriously, and hooking up with the ridiculously hot rockstar is the fastest way to tank my credibility.
Felix is always in control, and I’m an impulsive rule-breaker. We don’t make sense. But we can’t seem to stay away from each other.
Because, between his uptight habits and annoyingly perfect jawline, there’s more to Felix than his stage presence and legendary last name. He’s protective, vulnerable, and gets me in a way no one else does.
But my career depends on keeping things professional, and his future hinges on staying laser-focused on his band’s success.
Every heated argument, every stolen kiss, makes me want to throw caution—and professionalism—to the wind.
One thing’s certain—this summer tour is about to get a lot more complicated than I bargained for.
Walk the Line is the first book in the Blood & Bone and Turn it Up second generation series crossover. Grab this new adult, angsty, forced proximity, steamy contemporary rockstar romance. Walk the Line can be read as a standalone.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/220299201-walk-the-line
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/3CDzfOf
AUTHOR BIO:
Paula Dombrowiak grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois but currently lives in Arizona. She is the author of Blood and Bone, her first adult romance novel which combines her love of music and imperfect relationships. Paula is a lifelong music junkie, whose wardrobe consists of band T-shirts and leggings which are perpetually covered in pet hair. She is a sucker for a redeemable villain, bad boys, and the tragically flawed. Music inspires her storytelling.
For more ways to learn about Paula and her books, check out her website: @www.pauladombrowiak.com
Natalie Parker resides in the Seattle area with her husband and two rugrats, but is originally a Michigan girl.
She always enjoyed writing and noticed she had a knack for it while earning her Psychology degree and has always been an avid reader, but never thought of becoming an author until one day there seemed to be a story to tell.
In her spare time, she enjoys reading, reading, reading to her kids, drinking coffee, reading, occasional yardwork, reading, listening to music, reading and writing.
Stay tuned for more to come for your favorite characters of the Turn it Up series!
Cover Reveal: My Grape Crush by Rowan Rossler
BOOK DETAILS:
My Grape Crush
by Rowan Rossler
Publication date: March 23, 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
Every woman with a pulse knows who Rhys Trenton is. Influencer sensation. Global icon. A serious piece of man candy living the celebrity dream in his palazzo on Corfu. In no legitimate universe should the golden path of my social media crush ever cross with mine.
Except it does.
I’m Dani Rialto—jobless and vulnerable after a failed workplace romance shattered my confidence. When a prestigious winery offers me a dream marketing gig, there’s just one tiny problem. The new spokesperson for their rosé is none other than the free-spirited Rhys. And he lands in my sleepy wine town for five weeks to do whatever this buttoned-up career girl says.
Listen, I can play it cool. But after an embarrassing start to our working relationship, it turns out more than grapes can thrive in the heat. As a surprisingly complex Rhys melts my inhibitions, his fame sparks unexpected chaos, forcing us both to challenge our guarded hearts, that, like the finest vintages, can only breathe when we open them up.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/216877719-my-grape-crush
AUTHOR BIO:
Rowan Rossler writes spicy romance tales and is an aficionado of all things Italian—coffee, cars, clothing, and men!
Join my VIP newsletter for giveaways, behind the scenes, and exclusive content: ➡ rowan rossler dot com vip club
Find me on Facebook for all things love, literary & beautiful men: ➡ handle: rowan rossler
Or Tik Tokers, you know who you are! ➡ handle: rowan rossler
A little about me: I am hopeless romantic on a mission to make the world a better place, one love story at a time. I have a soft spot for animals, love to laugh, and never met a glass of champagne I didn’t like.
Review: Enchanting the Highlander by Eliza Knight
Goodreads Blurb
Five new, enchanting, Scottish romance novellas by five bestselling authors!
PROTECTED BY THE LAIRD by Eliza Knight — When she needed a champion, he raised his sword…
VEXING THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear — Saving the king’s life has unforeseen consequences for one Highlander and a lady, the king’s ward…
DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair — A bride on the run doesn’t expect a kilted outlaw to come to her rescue…
TARTANS AND TRYSTS by Victoria Roberts — This Highland warrior is about to lose the battle to a lass who’s already won his heart…
HIS HIGHLAND ROSE by Willa Blair — He is the one man who can see her soul and show her who she truly is–his only love…
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
My review for TARTANS AND TRYSTS by Victoria Roberts. I loved the first book in this story and truly was happy to see that this continuation was entertaining . Doughall and Sorcha were the perfect characters for this twisting story. I couldn’t believe all the things that Sorcha’s father did just for him to be in power. When family turns against you, it’s very hard to get over it. I was happy that Sorcha went above her family in order to protect herself and to find her cousin safe. I was satisfied with the outcome of her father. Loved the romance between Doughall and Sorcha. This story has deceit, lies, death, romance, and the hot highlander defending his true love. Awesome highlander story.
Author Biography
Eliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast. Eliza also writes contemporary women’s fiction as Michelle Brandon.
Current Book Club Read
Goodreads Blurb
Arriving at the University of Edinburgh for her first term, Pen knows her divorced parents back in Canada are hiding something from her. She believes she’ll find the answer here in Scotland, where an old friend of her father’s—now a famous writer known as Lord Lennox—lives. When she is invited to spend the weekend at Lord Lennox’s centuries-old estate with his enveloping, fascinating family, Pen begins to unravel her parents’ secret, just as she’s falling in love for the first time . . .
As Pen experiences the sharp shock of adulthood, she comes to rely on herself for the first time in her life. A rich and rewarding novel of campus life, of sexual awakening, and ultimately, of the many ways women can become mothers in this world, The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus asks to what extent we need to look back in order to move forward.
Author Biography
Emma Knight is an author, journalist and entrepreneur. She has an MA in Journalism and an MSc. in International Development from Sciences Po in Paris. Emma’s writing about books, maternal health and more has appeared in Literary Hub, Vogue, The Globe and Mail, The Walrus and The New York Times. She is the creator and co-host of the culture podcast Fanfare. In 2014, Emma co-founded a now multi-award-winning organic beverage company called Greenhouse, where she is Head of Brand. She is the author of two bestselling cookbooks, How to Eat with One Hand (2021) and The Greenhouse Cookbook (2017). Emma lives in Toronto with her family. The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus is her first novel.
My review will be posted in a few weeks.
Review: Fifty Shades Darker by E.L. James
Goodreads Blurb
Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life. Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.
My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Love can change even the darkest man. I was not as happy with this second book. I felt like it dragged for a long time. It started to get very interesting halfway through the book. I was very happy with the outcome but could only imagine that the third book would have some sad moments. Christian and Anastasia were able to rekindle their love for each other. Christian worked very hard to forget the whole contract and try to make it a loving relationship. Cheers to a life full of happiness.
Review: Christmas in the Cove by Carol Ross
Goodreads Blurb
A DEA stealth mission has brought coast guard Lt. Commander Eli Pelletier home. But when he ends up aiding rescue swimmer Aubrey Wynn during her own harrowing mission, powerful emotions reignite between them. Except Aubrey doesn’t want Eli’s protection. She wants answers.
Twelve years ago, Eli broke up with Aubrey without telling her the real reason he was leaving Pacific Cove. How can he try for a second chance if he’s forced to deceive her again? Amid suspected drug trafficking and a sabotaged Christmas contest, Eli must find a way to regain Aubrey’s trust without compromising his career or endangering the woman he loves.
My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars
What a heartwarming novel that brings love together after so many years. This book had many genres all in one. It was a thriller, mystery, and romance. This book opens up with a search and rescue, which leaves the reader clenching for Aubrey’s safety. My favorite character was Aubrey because she is not scared of anything. I loved the togetherness between Aubrey and her family. The tension between Aubrey and her pass love Eli made this book come to life. Eli was her knight in shining armor plus her protector. They both cared for each other after all the years apart, and safety was a priority. I loved that this book had a lot of action with some mystery hints. I highly recommend this book.
Author Biography
USA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr
Cover Reveal: Lost and Found Cowboy by Jennie Marts
BOOK DETAILS:
Lost and Found Cowboy
by Jennie Marts
(Lassiter Ranch. #4)
Publication date: March 11, 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Synopsis:
He came to find a family. He never expected to find love.
After meeting the three half-brothers he never knew existed, cowboy Mack Lassiter decides to stay and try to build a new life in the small Colorado mountain town of Woodland Hills. But he didn’t expect to find another family in Lorna Gibbs, the sweet single mom and local coffee shop owner, whose strength and warmth instantly captivated him.
Lorna’s not looking for love—her heart had been trampled by the snake who’d walked out on her and their two kids, and now her only focus is on giving her son and infant daughter the stable life they all deserve. The last thing she needs is a man breezing into town and stirring up feelings she’s locked away for years. But Mack isn’t just any man—he’s steady, kind, and a little broken, just like her.
Mack didn’t come to town expecting to fall in love, but Lorna and her kids stir something deep inside him. As he starts to find a place in their lives, both Mack and Lorna must confront the scars of their past. As Mack grapples with fitting into a new family, Lorna must decide if she’s ready to open her heart and find the courage to let a new kind of love into her life.
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219366203-lost-and-found-cowboy
Pre-order: https://amzn.to/4j3a9sx
AUTHOR BIO:
Jennie Marts is the USA TODAY Best-selling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. Readers call her books “laugh out loud” funny and the “perfect mix of romance, humor, and steam.” Fic Central claimed one of her books was “the most fun I’ve had reading in years.”
She is living her own happily ever after in the mountains of Colorado with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet who loves to tweet to the oldies. She’s addicted to Diet Coke, adores Cheetos, and believes you can’t have too many books, shoes, or friends.
Her books range from western romance to cozy mysteries but they all have the charm and appeal of quirky small town life. She loves genre-mashups like adding romance to her Page Turners cozy mysteries and creating the hockey-playing cowboys in the Cowboys of Creedence. The same small town community comes to life with more animal antics in her latest Creedence Horse Rescue series. And her sassy heroines and hunky heroes carry over in her heartwarming, feel good romances from Hallmark Publishing. Take the Honey and Run is her newest cozy mystery in the A Bee Keeping Mystery series.
Jennie loves to hear from readers. Follow her on Facebook at Jennie Marts Books, Twitter at @JennieMarts, and at jenniemartswriter on Instagram. Visit her at www.jenniemarts.com and sign up for her newsletter to keep up with the latest news and releases.
Author links:
https://www.facebook.com/JennieMartsBooks/
https://www.instagram.com/jenniemartswriter/
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