Monday, July 31, 2023

It's Monday! What Are You Reading

 

 Hosted by The Book Date 

New week new books. I'm all over the place with my reading tastes at the moment. I've got a few review books to read as well as some on my Dusty TBR list. I've been on a manga kick recently. 

It was a great week I finished 6 might have missed one but I'll have to look. 

Finished 

Beards and Bikinis by Heather Lauren (Review to come
Eternal Mate by Sara Snow (Review

Moon Touched by Elizabeth Briggs (Review to come) 
Hate Tea Love You by Annie Charme (Review to come

A Business Proposal by Haehwa & Narak (Review)
Dragonrider Academy by A.J. Flowers (Review to come)

Currently reading list for the week. 
I'm not sure yet trying to finish off a few books before the end of the month. 


I'm buddy reading A Soul of Ash and Blood with my bestie. 

Still working on Beach Shots & Monster Knots by multiple author anthology (Goodreads)


What are you reading this week? 

Manga Monday!

 It's Manga Monday! 


I can't believe it's the last Monday of July the month has flown by. I did have a great month for manga. I'm behind on reviews no shocker there but I'm hoping to get caught up.

Read in July 


I read Honey Lemon by Mayu Murata (Review
A Business Proposal by Haehwa & Narak (Review
Takane & Hana by Yuki Shiwasu Vol 1 - 5 (Reviews to come



I'm almost done with Like a Butterfly by suu Morishita (Review to come)  
I'm hoping to finish off these before the end of the month. I've set some time aside to read them all reviews maybe over the next day but I should finish my little pile. 


I'm not sure what's on the list for the rest of the week. 



RELEASE BLITZ - The Great British Bachelor Chase by Lila Monroe




Title: The Great British Bachelor Chase
Series: Hollywood Bachelors #2
Author: Lila Monroe
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Tropes: Exes to Lovers, Grumpy/Sunshine
Release Date: July 31, 2023

BLURB
Fall for a new exes-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine rom-com from USA Today bestselling author, Lila Monroe! Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, Ali Hazelwood, and Emily Henry.

Fraser MacKenzie is handsome, Scottish… and the first man to ever break my heart. We had a whirlwind romance during my study-abroad in England, until it ended in an epic ghosting (his), and untold misery (mine). I haven’t laid eyes on his distractingly broad shoulders in ten years… Until I arrive back on British shores for my dream job consulting on a big new production of Pride & Prejudice, and find… that Fraser is working on the movie, too.

Or rather, he finds me. Naked in the communal shower. Clinging to a hand-towel and my dignity for dear life.

I have zero desire to go strolling back down memory lane with him, even if our burning chemistry would put Lizzie and Darcy to shame. But when I accidentally send our lead actor fleeing on a mysterious mission, Fraser and I have four days to track him down - before the entire movie falls apart.

Embarking on a madcap British road-trip with my ex is a recipe for disaster… and serious temptation. Fraser is more infuriating - and swoon-worthy — than ever, and soon, we’re not so much rekindling an old flame as setting the world (and my burning loins) on fire.

But can we overcome the ghostings of the past to find real love? And will we make it to our missing actor in time to save the movie - and my career?

Find out in the hot and hilarious new romance from Lila Monroe!

HOLLYWOOD BACHELORS:
1 The Hollywood Marriage Bargain
2 The Great British Bachelor Chase
3 The Treasure Hunt Hookup
4 The Tropical Romance Test
5 The Smalltown Seduction Plan

PRAISE FOR LILA:

"Romantic comedy at its best!" - Seraphim Books Reviews

"A fun and flirty feel-good story that put a smile on my face!" - Goodreads

“A funny rom-com that gives me all the laugh and fluff was exactly what I need. This quirky and heartwarming second-chance romance was fun, light and perfect to take me away from all the heaviness in life.- Goodreads

“Lila Monroe’s writing is a sure thing to put me in a good mood especially in the gray days… I smiled all the time while reading it and these characters made my day so much better.” - ItaPixie Reviews

"I love the humor in Ms. Monroe's stories! They are outrageously funny! Add to that the romance and off the charts steaminess and you get one helluva story!" - Bibliophile Chloe

"This is a great… new series. I enjoyed playful characters, the funny moments and the steamy romance! 5 Stars." Reading Keeps Me Sane Blog

“Lila Monroe is an author who knocks romantic comedy books out of the park. Her books are, sweet, spicy, romantic and so funny that you cannot help but fall in love with her characters and her stories.” - Goodreads


PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


ALSO AVAILABLE


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

COMING SOON


Releasing October 30
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU



Releasing February 12
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU


AUTHOR BIO
Combining her love of writing, sex and well-fitted suits, Lila Monroe wrote The Billionaire Bargain. Lila enjoys writing, as it gives her a flexible schedule to spend time with her kids and a wonderful excuse to avoid them. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, who strips out of his well-fitted suits nightly.

AUTHOR LINKS

RELEASE BOOST - Hot Chicken by LM Fox




Title: Hot Chicken
A Man of the Month
Christmas in July Series Novella
Author: LM Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Unrequited Love/Small Town Beach Romance
Release Date: July 31, 2023


BLURB

Matt

Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother
wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-eight.

But neither was Ellie Albright.

This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas
had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store
could make this holiday grump want to grovel?

Because this girl is all I can think about,
and I’m not wasting my chance this time.

Ellie

It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key.
However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing
on my wishlist.

Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush
turned firefighter who’s come back home.

July is tourist season for our little beach town.
The entire community enjoys a lift in sales
as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.

Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business
is a run-down gas station.

But I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.

This steamy novella is a return to hometown,
unrequited love, small-town beach romance
with a guaranteed HEA!

This is a standalone, but stars characters from Naughty & Nice,
A 2022 Man of the Month Club Sycamore Mountain series novella.



PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited


EXCERPT
Matt
I put my truck in park and hop out, walking toward the door with trepidation. I hope the food tastes better than this place looks.
A metal bell chimes overhead as I open the door. I’m surprised to find the inside is quite different than what greets you in the service area of this place. The area is bright with white linoleum floors and shiny gunmetal countertops. There’s a soda fountain and coffee stations to the left and the cashier’s check out to the right. A portly appearing older gentleman appears to be reading the newspaper, sitting on a stool behind the counter.
“Hi. Are you Elliot? I’m working with my brother this summer and he sent me to pick up lunch for his crew.”
“Ah, Harry your brother?” he asks around a toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, any brother of Harry’s is a friend of mine. I’m Jo.”
“Matt. Nice to meet you. Oh. Salty Jo is you?”
He grins, and I instantly have the feeling this man is a fixture in Candy Cane Key.
“I don’t recall this place from when I grew up here.”
“What’re you? Thirty?”
“Close. Twenty-eight.”
The bell chimes again, and I notice customers meandering around the place. No one seems the slightest bit concerned about the condition of the place. I’m sure they have to pass inspections with the health department, but I still can’t help being a tad concerned about eating lunch from a place like this.
“Well, we’ve been here as long as you’ve been on the planet, son. Although it probably looked a bit better back then. Time and multiple tropical storms have taken their toll on the place. After a while, it gets to feel silly sinking any more money into it. But your brother has come to our aid more than once for the important stuff.”
This makes me smile. My brother really is a good dude.
“Speaking of your brother, I guess we need to keep his boys fed.” Jo removes the toothpick that remains in place throughout our conversation and points toward his right. “Elliot’s over there. In the deli area.” A mischievous smirk curls the corner of his mouth.
What’s that about? “Thanks.”
“Nice to meet you, Matt. Hope to see you ‘round.”
I turn in the direction of the deli and feel my stomach grumble as I’m hit with the aroma of fried chicken. Now I live in a mountain town in North Carolina where home cooking is a staple. So for the scent of these gas station offerings before me to cause me to salivate says something.
Bending forward, I take in the options within the glass case. There are perfectly prepared pieces of chicken, both on and off the bone, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens, baked apples, and an assortment of pies. Hell, they even have banana pudding here. As my eyes travel to the back of the display area, I find I’m drooling for an entirely different reason. A set of shapely calves, thick thighs, and the hottest backside I’ve ever seen is bent over before me. This girl is leaning into the oven while her tiny cut-off shorts ride up her legs, causing my dick to twitch.
Hell, is she on the menu?
As if on cue, she stands to her full height. She’s probably about five foot five, with generous curves in all the right places. Those perky tits have to be at least a C cup, if not more. They are perfectly proportioned to her rounded hips and trim waste. Her thick auburn hair is pulled up in a messy bun, covered with a hair net. Yet, I can’t help picturing it tumbling down her back toward that fantastic ass. Shit. I don’t remember anyone in Candy Cane Key looking like this when I lived here. Well, maybe one girl, but she was just that. A girl. While this one is all woman.
I barely finish my thought before said stunner turns to face me. While I stand here with my mouth hanging open at the beauty wielding silver tongs before me, I’m met with the biggest green eyes I’ve ever seen. She simply gives me the once over as if this happens all the time. This curvy girl has my mouth watering when it suddenly hits me.
Wait. Do these guys come here for the hot chicken or the hot chick?


AUTHOR BIO

Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.

Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.

She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.

AUTHOR LINKS


RELEASE BOOST - Brooklyn Cupid by Lexi Ray




Title: Brooklyn Cupid
A Hidden Identity Roommate Romance
Author: Lexi Ray
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Hidden Identity/Roommates to Lovers
Release Date: July 25, 2023

BLURB

HE IS ABOUT TO SHOOT HIS DREAM GIRL...

Bounty hunting can be dangerous, but Jace Reed is used to danger and always follows the rules. Including the most important one—never get emotionally involved.

But everything goes haywire when the Brooklyn “it girl” interrupts his most important assignment.

Beautiful Lucy Moor may or may not hold the only clue to the target that Jace has been tracking for months. So becoming her roommate to get the intel from her should be easy… right?

SHE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE HIS LIFE...

Nothing is easy when Jace's simple organized life collides with hers.

His most important rule? Broken as soon as he moves in.

His self-control? Gone with the first taste of her lips.

His sanity? Shattered when he discovers her secret.

Turns out, his new roommate is not as innocent and sweet as she seems at first. And her secret is, oh, so spicy!

Jace never knew love. But now that he falls fast and hard, he is determined to claim it and keep it for himself.

If only he hadn’t brought the danger of his job right to her doorstep…



PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited


AUTHOR LINKS


Saturday, July 29, 2023

Manga Review: A Business Proposal

Title -  A Business Proposal 
Author - Haehwa & Narak
Series - A Business Proposal Vol 1 
Genre - Manga 
Format - Arc Kindle Copy
Published - May 23rd 2023
Buy it on (Amazon
Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis 

After being worked to the bone at her office job, getting introduced to her longtime crush’s new girlfriend, and dealing with her family’s debt hanging over her head, Hari Shin's life seems to have hit rock bottom. Luckily, her friend Youngseo has a business proposal for her: go to an arranged date in her stead and Hari will receive a hefty compensation. Things grow complicated, however, when it turns out that the other party is Hari’s new CEO—and he's dead-set on marrying whoever shows up to the date! 


Review


I received A Business Proposal in return for an honest review from the publisher. 

Hari Shin has been crushing off her long time best friend and when she is introduced to his new girlfriend she has to accept that it's not going to work out. Her friend Youngseo needs someone to take her place on a blind date her father set up. She offers Hari Shin an offer she can't pass up all she has to do is get the guy to not want to date her again and she get's paid to help her family. How could she pass up the chance to make some money and a night out. Only things go horribly wrong when the date is her boss. Good thing he doesn't recognize her. 

This one is so much fun poor Hari Shin can't seem to catch a break when what should have been easy money has quickly tossed her life upside down. I love the characters you can't help loving Hari Shin even our Steamy CEO Taemu Kang. Her's determined that a wife is the solution to all his problems and Hari Shin is going to be her. 

I devoured this one in just a little over and hour instantly hooked and I can't wait to get my hands on the rest of the series. The artwork is beautifully done and matches the equally beautiful story. I absolutely adore the story it's a perfect start to a fake marriage and happy ever after I suspect. This is my first by the authors but I've become a fan and I'm addicted to Hari Shin's story. I actually picked up a physical copy as it's in color and so beautiful. If you are a romance fan this is a must even if you are new to webtoons. This may just be my favorite webtoon of the year. 

Friday, July 28, 2023

Book Review: Eternal Mate

Title -  Eternal Mate 
Author - Sara Snow 
Series - Fallen Blood #6 
Genre - Paranormal Romance 
Format - Arc Kindle Review Copy 
Published - July 27th 2023

Buy it on (Amazon

Add to your shelf (Goodreads)

Synopsis 

The Final Chapter in the Fallen Blood series.

It took two days for us to root out the traitors in our midst.


After fleeing for their lives, Sariel and Aria are finally backed into a corner.

Amidst the chaos and death, their allies are left reeling and more secrets are unraveling. When it becomes clear everything is not as it seems, we must come up with a plan to save the world.


With the help of unlikely friends, they set out to right the wrongs of their society, cleaning up the messes left behind.


Review


I received Eternal Mate in return for an honest review from the author. 

Over the last year Aria and Sariel have encountered so much since they became fated mates over the last year but it's all coming to an end. They have lost so much from family, friends and the supernatural world has changed forever. Now the final battles are before them and it's going to take everything they have to win those. 

Wow this was an action packed emotional roller coaster for the final book and it kept me on the edge of my seat till the last page. I love Aria and Sariel they are just perfect and complement each other just right. I love all of the characters that we've encountered over the series each one is unique and enhances the story so much. Next to Aria I think my favorite would be Reese as the only human she's such a badass. 

I devoured Eternal Mate in just one afternoon it was hard to put down and I needed my happy ever after and for it all to work out. This book had me laughing, crying like a baby, screaming at the author, and cheering her on at the end. I was so upset over all the loss but in the end it just works better than I could have ever imagined. I love the romance between Aria and Sariel they both have pasts but they don't rush the mate bond and take the time to really fall in love it's so sweet, and I love the connection. 

I've loved all the books that I've read by Sara Snow but this one takes the cake it's the best she's written so far in my book. I love the concept of the hybrids it just works so well, and I love the idea that bonding they gain each others powers. That author has done another amazing job creating a beautiful story that captures the heart as well as the imagination. I'm so sad to see this series end because I'm not ready to say goodbye yet but at least I know it all turns out the way it's supposed to. I'm excited to see what the author will come up with next as she just raised the bar with the Fallen Blood series. If you love paranormal romance this is a must. I just loved it. 

Thursday, July 27, 2023

RELEASE BLITZ - Hot Chicken by LM Fox




Title: Hot Chicken
A Man of the Month
Christmas in July Series Novella
Author: LM Fox
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Unrequited Love/Small Town Beach Romance
Release Date: July 31, 2023

BLURB

Matt

Returning to my hometown to help care for my ailing mother
wasn’t on my radar at age twenty-eight.

But neither was Ellie Albright.

This small seaside town and its obsession with Christmas
had me packed and ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Who knew a trip to the corner convenience store
could make this holiday grump want to grovel?

Because this girl is all I can think about,
and I’m not wasting my chance this time.

Ellie

It’s Christmas in July in Candy Cane Key.
However, winning Best on the Beach is the only thing
on my wishlist.

Definitely not my blazing hot high school crush
turned firefighter who’s come back home.

July is tourist season for our little beach town.
The entire community enjoys a lift in sales
as travelers visit for sun, surf, and holiday silliness.

Yet it’s not as easy when your place of business
is a run-down gas station.

But I’m keeping my eye on the prize.
Not on Matthew Hightower.
That’s one gift even Santa can’t deliver.

This steamy novella is a return to hometown,
unrequited love, small-town beach romance
with a guaranteed HEA!

This is a standalone, but stars characters from Naughty & Nice,
A 2022 Man of the Month Club Sycamore Mountain series novella.



PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
Free in Kindle Unlimited

EXCERPT
Matt
I put my truck in park and hop out, walking toward the door with trepidation. I hope the food tastes better than this place looks.
A metal bell chimes overhead as I open the door. I’m surprised to find the inside is quite different than what greets you in the service area of this place. The area is bright with white linoleum floors and shiny gunmetal countertops. There’s a soda fountain and coffee stations to the left and the cashier’s check out to the right. A portly appearing older gentleman appears to be reading the newspaper, sitting on a stool behind the counter.
“Hi. Are you Elliot? I’m working with my brother this summer and he sent me to pick up lunch for his crew.”
“Ah, Harry your brother?” he asks around a toothpick dangling from the corner of his mouth.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, any brother of Harry’s is a friend of mine. I’m Jo.”
“Matt. Nice to meet you. Oh. Salty Jo is you?”
He grins, and I instantly have the feeling this man is a fixture in Candy Cane Key.
“I don’t recall this place from when I grew up here.”
“What’re you? Thirty?”
“Close. Twenty-eight.”
The bell chimes again, and I notice customers meandering around the place. No one seems the slightest bit concerned about the condition of the place. I’m sure they have to pass inspections with the health department, but I still can’t help being a tad concerned about eating lunch from a place like this.
“Well, we’ve been here as long as you’ve been on the planet, son. Although it probably looked a bit better back then. Time and multiple tropical storms have taken their toll on the place. After a while, it gets to feel silly sinking any more money into it. But your brother has come to our aid more than once for the important stuff.”
This makes me smile. My brother really is a good dude.
“Speaking of your brother, I guess we need to keep his boys fed.” Jo removes the toothpick that remains in place throughout our conversation and points toward his right. “Elliot’s over there. In the deli area.” A mischievous smirk curls the corner of his mouth.
What’s that about? “Thanks.”
“Nice to meet you, Matt. Hope to see you ‘round.”
I turn in the direction of the deli and feel my stomach grumble as I’m hit with the aroma of fried chicken. Now I live in a mountain town in North Carolina where home cooking is a staple. So for the scent of these gas station offerings before me to cause me to salivate says something.
Bending forward, I take in the options within the glass case. There are perfectly prepared pieces of chicken, both on and off the bone, macaroni and cheese, green beans, collard greens, baked apples, and an assortment of pies. Hell, they even have banana pudding here. As my eyes travel to the back of the display area, I find I’m drooling for an entirely different reason. A set of shapely calves, thick thighs, and the hottest backside I’ve ever seen is bent over before me. This girl is leaning into the oven while her tiny cut-off shorts ride up her legs, causing my dick to twitch.
Hell, is she on the menu?
As if on cue, she stands to her full height. She’s probably about five foot five, with generous curves in all the right places. Those perky tits have to be at least a C cup, if not more. They are perfectly proportioned to her rounded hips and trim waste. Her thick auburn hair is pulled up in a messy bun, covered with a hair net. Yet, I can’t help picturing it tumbling down her back toward that fantastic ass. Shit. I don’t remember anyone in Candy Cane Key looking like this when I lived here. Well, maybe one girl, but she was just that. A girl. While this one is all woman.
I barely finish my thought before said stunner turns to face me. While I stand here with my mouth hanging open at the beauty wielding silver tongs before me, I’m met with the biggest green eyes I’ve ever seen. She simply gives me the once over as if this happens all the time. This curvy girl has my mouth watering when it suddenly hits me.
Wait. Do these guys come here for the hot chicken or the hot chick?


AUTHOR BIO

Born and raised in Virginia, LM Fox currently lives in a suburb of Richmond with her husband, three kids, and a chocolate lab.

Her pastimes are traveling to new and favorite places, trying new foods, a swoony book with either a good cup of tea or coffee, margaritas on special occasions, and watching her kids participate in a variety of sports.

She has spent the majority of her adult life working in emergency medicine and her books are written in this setting. Her main characters are typically in the medical field, EMS, fire, and/or law enforcement. She enjoys writing angsty, contemporary romance starring headstrong, independent heroines you can’t help but love and the hot alpha men who fall hard for them.


AUTHOR LINKS