RELEASE BLITZ - Unharmed by A.K. Evans

Title: Unharmed

Series: Harper Security Ops #13

Author: A.K. Evans

Genre: Military Romantic Suspense

Tropes: Single Dad/Second Chance/Love After Loss

Release Date: February 6, 2024

BLURB

Banks Huntington has always been a family man. After his wife’s tragic death, he’s holding on tighter to the only thing he’s got left. His son.

Lamise Kelly walks into Harper Security Ops desperately hoping for a job. Working in a place filled with men who could see she remains unharmed is the perfect solution to all of her problems. Only, they’re not hiring.

For the first time in months, something stirs in Banks’ chest at the sight of Lamise. He wants to deny it, but he can’t. Refusing to let her walk away, Banks offers her a different kind of job.

Becoming a nanny wasn’t what she’d had in mind, but Lamise accepts the opportunity.

Following unimaginable losses, the pair attempt to get their lives back on track. But it isn’t long before they find themselves forming an unexpected bond.

Just as things heat up between them, a part of Lamise’s past she believed was gone forever returns.

Banks never expected a second chance. If he wants a shot at forever with Lamise, he’ll have no choice but to confront her past.

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Broken (Book 1) is FREE for today only!

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COMING SOON

Releasing April 2

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Releasing May 28

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AUTHOR BIO

A.K. Evans is a contemporary romance author of over forty published novels. While she enjoys writing a good romantic suspense novel, Andrea’s favorite books to write have been her extreme sports romances. That might have something to do with the fact that she, along with her husband and two sons, can’t get enough of extreme sports. 

Before becoming a writer, Andrea did a brief stint in the insurance and financial services industry and managed her husband’s performance automotive business. That love of extreme sports? She used to drive race cars! 

When Andrea isn’t writing, she can be found homeschooling her two sons, doing yoga, snowboarding, reading, or traveling with her family. She and her husband are currently taking road trips throughout the country to visit all 50 states with their boys.

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RELEASE BLITZ - Loved Enough by Kelly Elliott

Title: Loved Enough

Series: Love in Montana #5

Author: Kelly Elliott

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Friends to Lovers/Small Town

Western Romance

Release Date: February 6, 2024

BLURB

Even though they’d never dated, Lily Shaw always just assumed she’d eventually end up with Ben, the boy who’s been her bestie since they were toddlers. So she’s understandably shocked to learn he’s getting married—and having a child with his fiancée. Shocked…but not terribly upset. The truth is, she's been feeling butterflies every time she’s near a particular horse trainer on her parents’ ranch. Unfortunately, though attracted to Lily, Maverick’s decided he has nothing to offer her beyond a good time.

The Shaws are all about family, something Maverick Prescott admires. But despite his boss treating him like another son, and Maverick wanting the man’s daughter in the worst way, how can he start something he doesn’t think he can finish? He has nothing to offer Lily, not even his own heritage. Just a past filled with so much pain, he decided a long time ago he’s best off spending his life alone, tending to the rescue horses who are just as damaged as Maverick.

Lily, however, is a typical Shaw—stubborn as the day is long. Getting into Maverick’s bed is the easy part; getting into his heart is the real challenge. But maybe if he feels loved enough, he’ll be willing to give them a chance.

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COMING SOON

Releasing May 28

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AUTHOR BIO

Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women, and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Never Enough, Lost Love and Returning Home, to name a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, their two pups, Gunner and Ellie, too many cats to name, and a plethora of wild animals. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys gardening, reading and spending time with her family.

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Monster Romance

I'm a little bit obsessed with monster romance it's been one of my favorites tropes and I'm addicted to them. 

This week I'm reading my bookclub book for Probably Smut (here) one of my favorite subscription boxes. One is the original cover and the one with my cat Luna is the special printed cover from Probably Smut. 

Dark City Omega by Elizabeth Stephens 

(Amazon)(Goodreads) 

Synopsis 

“You know I’m going to get away from you eventually.”

“Over my dead body.”

“Yes,” she said, blinking at him like he was an idiot. “Exactly.”

Echo knew that being caught by a ruling Berserker would mean becoming his pawn, a play thing to be used for her powers. That wouldn’t be her fate.

She’d rather run lost through the woods forever, dangerous though they may be.

But there’s something even more sinister than beasts and Berserkers lurking in the woods. Something both undead and deadly.

She can’t fight it alone. She’ll have to turn to the Berserker who’s caught the trail of her scent and won’t let it go. He says she’s his. She says never. He says forever.

Bones, bonds and hearts will be broken. Some battles can’t be won.

Run, Omega, run.

* * * * * * * * * *

From the author of Lord of Population and Taken to Voraxia, step into a scorching, dark fantasy romance full of unforeseen twists, epic battles, omegas with magic and monsters who always get the girl. This is Gatamora.

Dark City Omega is a standalone, enemies to lovers, MF romance not suitable for young readers. Additional TWs and tropes can be found on Elizabeth's website.

Which cover do you like? 

 

Manga Monday

 

New week new stack of manga on my pile. 

I read the first two installments in The Ice Guy and The Cool Girl by Miyuki Tonogaya and I really enjoyed the story. The artwork is adorable it just fits the story so well. I can't wait for the next book to come out. 

Aren't these covers lovely. It's a very sweet romance. 

Grab it on (Amazon) Add to your TBR pile (Goodreads)

This week I'm going to finish 

When Will Ayumu Make His Move? By Soichiro Yamamoto

Grab it on (Amazon) Add to your TBR on (Goodreads)

I'm on the 10th volume and have 3 more to finish. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

  

 Hosted by The Book Date 

New Year! All new challenges with all new books to read. I had a great start to the new year! I hope to keep the momentum going. I've got a big stack of books on my TBR list and some review books too. 

I always love a new month but this year I seem to be chasing and can't seem to be caught up. I hope that it will get better. I started out January with a great month of reading but Februray I seem to be dragging. I'm hoping to catch up fingers crossed. 

Finished 

Drive Her Wild by J.L. Quick (Review) 

Shadows of the Dark Realm by Tyler Edwards (Review) 

Burnt Offerings by Laurell K Hamilton 

Blue Moon by Laurell K Hamilton 

Currently reading list for the week

I'm finishing up Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K Hamilton and up next I'll be starting Narcissus in Chains the next Anita Blake book. 

I'm reading Black Cake for Bookclub and should finish it this week. 

Unicorn's Instinct by Elva Birch is my current scavenger hunt reading for my Bachelor challenge. 

I've been meaning to get around to Neon Gods by Katee Robert but still haven't gotten around to it. 

My monster romance for the week is Dark City Omega it's my Probably Smut bookclub book. 

I've got a few more on my list if I can finish off this stack. 

What are you reading this week? 

RELEASE BLITZ - Difficult by R.L. Mathewson

Title: Difficult

Series: Neighbor From Hell Chronicles #2

Author: R.L. Mathewson

Genre: Contemporary YA Romance

Tropes: Coming of Age/High School

Friends to Lovers

Release Date: February 5, 2024

BLURB

Surviving high school was going to be hard enough, but surviving telling the one girl that he couldn’t live without how he felt was going to be one of the most difficult things that Sebastian Bradford was ever going to do.

From New York Times and USA Today’s bestselling author R.L. Mathewson comes the second novel in the Neighbor from Hell Chronicles that will bring it all back, leaving you unable to help but smile as you remember the first time that you fell in love.

For years, Sebastian has been lying to himself, doing whatever it took to convince himself that Mikey was just his best friend and the pain in the ass that he couldn’t stop thinking about and now…

He would do absolutely anything to stop screwing this up, but that probably wasn’t going to happen, not with his brother determined to help him. With every soul-crushing piece of advice his brother threw his way, Sebastian found himself thinking about everything that he had to lose if Mikey didn’t feel the same way and wondered if he was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.

The glaring was definitely starting to concern her, but Mikey had bigger problems to worry about than her best friend suddenly acting weird around her, like the teenage girl and her minions going out of their way to make her life a living hell. She couldn’t risk losing her scholarship, not when it meant that she would never be able to do the one thing that she loved more than anything again.

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AUTHOR BIO

New York Times Bestselling author, R.L. Mathewson was born in Massachusetts. She’s known for her humor, quick wit and ability to write relatable characters. She currently has several paranormal and contemporary romance series published including the Neighbor from Hell series.

Growing up, R.L. Mathewson was a painfully shy bookworm. After high school she attended college, worked as a bellhop, fast food cook, and a museum worker until she decided to take an EMT course. Working as an EMT helped her get over her shyness as well as left her with some fond memories and some rather disturbing ones that from time to time show up in one of her books.

Today, R.L. Mathewson is the single mother of two children that keep her on her toes. She has a bit of a romance novel addiction as well as a major hot chocolate addiction and on a perfect day, she combines the two.

If you’d like more information about this series or any other series by R.L. Mathewson, please visit www.Rlmathewson.com

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Book Review: Once Upon a Krampus

Title - Once Upon a Krampus 

Author - K.D. Fraser 

Genre - Monster Romance Fantasy 

Format - Kindle Unlimited 

Published - Dec 8th 2023

Buy it on (Amazon) 

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Synopsis

I was alone in the world, and alone in my house in the woods. My husband had passed, leaving me to tend to our dream home by myself.

Then one day he showed up. The tales were real. Krampus was real,. And he was in my home, sharing my meals, and my bed.

Review

I picked this one up because I'm a little bit obsessed with Krampus this winter. I ended up devouring it in less than 30minutes and loving every moment. I really enjoy that the Krampus isn't the monster I've always believed him to be. It's refreshing seeing the monsters in a new light and Krampus is a perfect example of just that. I really enjoyed the relationship between him and Elise they have this innocent sweet romance the I just loved. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked she's created a captivating steamy romance that captured my heart and soul. With engaging characters that I was able to connect with. I've already read the next story highly recommend if you enjoy monster romance. The author has a beautiful way of telling a story.

Book Review: Drive Her Wild

Title - Driver Her Wild

Author - J.L. Quick

Genre - Monster Romance Fantasy 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Published - Feb 1st 2024

Buy it on (Amazon) 

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Synopsis

Moving to Coal’s Lake to take over her uncle’s veterinary practice should be seamless.

That is, until Amaya runs into Jack. He’s a smug and cocky… but hot as sin and charming as hell.

Enough that if she’s not careful, she might not be able to pump the brakes with him.

Drive Her Wild is a deliciously spicy, enemies-to-lovers, meet cute with a splash of kink. It is part of the Fourteen Shades of Red limited edition Valentine’s Day romance collection.

Review

I received Driver Her Wild in return for an honest review. 

I really liked both Amaya and Jackson they start off as enemies who end up being lovers. They have this instant connection that's steamy and just works so well. This is a short steamy whirlwind romance that was exactly what I needed. The characters are easy to connect with it wasn't hard to connect with them which is nice. I highly recommend if you are craving a steamy romance. 

Currently

 

What's currently going on with me. 

I've been super active over on instagram but this week I faced a awful blow they can't seem to figure out why my account keeps getting a ban. Now my engagement is almost non existent which is heartbreaking. I'm kind of a bit of a vacation I guess till my account seems to work it's way out. Some days I can post others I can't. No one has any idea why my account is being wonky. So I'm going to embrace other forms for social media. 

 

It's been ages since I've had a update on my blog. Time to find my love of blogging again. 

This is me it's been a long time first of the year my first book of 2024 which I loved. I've since refreshed my hair color so it's now vibrant pink and teal. 

So I guess my first question is anyone even here anymore? 

I'm looking to post daily. my current foodie, projects, adventures, books that I'm reading and devouring and just my stuff I love. I would love to know that I'm not talking to myself but I'm doing this for me. Hopefully you'll join along for the ride. 

I'm still going to be posting on social media but I'm going to embrace my blog. It's been years since I was here and loved it like I used to. Can you believe this is the 12th year for the reading diaries?? Crazy. 

Anyway if you made it through my ted talk. I'll take lots of pictures for tomorrow. Lots of bookish, foodie, random stuff to come. 

Be sure to stop by 

ReadingDiaries on Insta (here) 

TartBarbie on Insta (here) New account so I would love you to help me grow. 

Tartbarbie on Tiktok (Here) 

Facebook (here)

 

Happy Release Day! Book Review: Captured by the Cupid

Title - Captured by the Cupid

Author - Emily Shore

Genre - Monster Romance Fantasy 

Format - Arc Review Copy 

Published - Feb 1st 2024

Buy it on (Amazon) 

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Synopsis

If you love Valentine’s Day, you will love this book.

If you hate Valentine’s Day, you will also love this book!

Captured by the Cupid is a dark romantasy standalone in the Roars and Romances series following the Amazon bestseller, Kidnapped by the Krampus. With a subtle Valentine's theme starring a broody bad boy gargoyle and the sweet and sassy girl who can capture his arrow—and maybe his heart—this spicy standalone can be read any time of the year!

ARADIA

"I didn’t expect you to be some sexy gargoyle monster.”

In the blink of an eye, I find myself in Purgatory, where I meet Eros, the God of Love. Not your cutesy Cupid, Eros is a very hot and very broody and very cursed gargoyle demon with a heart of stone. I fall hard for him and his tragic realm. But can he find love with this love-struck, curvy clairvoyant who sees auras, likes pranks, and is determined to be more than just a chapter in his love story?

I might love his multi-chocolate milkshake.

EROS

She is the butterfly who plays with the beast.

Psyche is lost to me. And now this glowing little mortal with her pink curls and thick curves like an aphrodisiac is complicating my quest to find my goddess wife. Her laughter echoes through my stone corridors, making my arrow hard while softening my stony heart. Will she be my new heartbreak like my missing Psyche? Or can she love the god and the gargoyle and break my curse?

Seems I've discovered her chocolate addiction.

With whimsical twists as unpredictable as a box of chocolates, Captured by the Cupid promises an arrow straight to your heart. So, swap out the candy and flowers with this slow-burn dark fantasy meets laugh-out-loud rom-com—complete with a serenading cinnamon roll sidekick, a tantalizing touch of trauma-healing, and a sizzling feast of Cupid kink.

~Captured by the Cupid is mainly MF but grows to include MFM under the possessive eye of Eros with some light MM.

Review

I received Captured By The Cupid in return for an honest review from the author. 

First up can we just admire how stunning that cover is!!! I'm so in love with it!!!! 

Aradia is just adorable she's the sweetest pink haired character ever and made me want to chop off my hair and do it light pink instead of it's bright pink color. She's going to be the inspiration for my next color change and haircut. Eros is just perfect he's swoon-worthy and now I can't see the god of love any other way. They are such a perfect complement to each other he's so broody and she's just sunshine. I loved Cres while Eros is amazing I feel like Cres is just on a whole different level of amazing. He's my favorite even though Aradia and Eros are my favorite couple hands down top tier all the way. 

I knew this one was going to be incredible just looking at the stunning cover but it blew my minds! The characters are phenomenal you just can't help loving them all and they are so easy to connect with. I love the dual pov it's refreshing to see both sides of the romance and see that they both have their worries and imperfections. I love when they just feel so real and this lovely duo is as real as it gets. They pulled at my heartstrings, made me laugh so hard I cried and I had tears of joy at the perfect ending. 

Captured By The Cupid is a captivating story that sparkles the imagination with chocolate milkshakes and romance. Emily Shore has outdone herself with a complex beautiful story that's perfect for Valentines day! I devoured this one in just one afternoon it was impossible to put down and was left in a book hangover for days. I'm already planning a re-read because I miss them already. Highly recommend if you love romance this one is a must. I can't wait to see what Emily Shore comes up with next because she's my one of my favorite authors I just love all her beautiful stories.