Book Review: Between Us by Shae Green

 Title:  Between Us

Author:  Shae Green

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publication Date:  November 19, 2024

Publisher:  Independently Published

Rating:  💣💣💣💣

About The Book

To make room for the present, they have to unpack the past.

It was easy for Alex and Antonio to commit to the unknown when the beautiful sand and waters of Miami surrounded them. Now that they’re back home, they’ve got to match their actions with their words. The problem is, Antonio is used to being as wide open as a bank vault, and has trouble balancing business and bliss. Then there’s Alex, who learns of a bombshell that makes her second guess everything, just when she’s resolved to keep looking forward.

Although the odds seem stacked against them, their affection for each other deepens, allowing for the vulnerability to fully embrace love.

But unbeknownst to them, danger lurks behind the anonymity of cyberspace, causing Alex and Antonio’s confidence to waver and resulting in a painful setback.

Is the promise of persistence enough to keep them together, or will old habits prove to truly die hard?


**Between Us is the second installment of a trilogy and is therefore NOT a standalone. Additionally, please note that it ends in a cliffhanger like Book 1!

My Thoughts

Wow.  This book took me on such a ride.  This is a continuation from book one, and although I'm not really a fan of cliffhangers, I could appreciate it while reading this book.  The reader is taken on a whirlwind of emotions when reading this book.  The story was well written and so enjoyable.  And I really enjoyed the Banter between Alex and Antonio.  This book kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end and I can't wait for the last and final book in this series.  

About the Author

Shae Green is a debut novelist from Philly who crafts romance with a touch of realism. Her stories are heart warming (and sometimes heart wrenching), but there’s always a happy ending. When Shae’s not working on her next release, she’s cuddling with her four-legged fur baby and yelling at the TV, indulging in the latest episode of some totally, non-scripted reality series.

Blog Tour And Review: Untethered by Angela jackson Brown

 

Title;  Untethered

Author:  Angela Jackson Brown 

Genre: African American Historical Fiction 

Publication Date:  December 3rd, 2024

Publisher:  Harper Muse

Rating :  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book 

Sometimes family is found in the most unlikely of places . . .

In the small college town of Troy, Alabama, amidst the backdrop of 1967, Katia Daniels lives a life steeped in responsibility. At the Pike County Group Home for Negro Boys, she pours her heart into nurturing the young lives under her care, harboring a longing for children of her own. Katia's romantic entanglement with an older man brings comfort but also stirs questions about the path she's chosen.

The weight of her family's history bears down on her; a twin brother is missing in action in the heart of the Vietnam War. Having lost her father to cancer, Katia took up the mantle of caretaker, ensuring her mother and brothers were looked after. Her sense of duty extends to the boys at the group home, creating a web of obligations that stretches her emotional bandwidth thin.

Amidst a power struggle at work with the board, Katia finds solace in the pages of romance novels and the soothing melodies of Nina Simone. When Seth Taylor, a familiar face from her high school days, reenters Katia's life, he brings with him a breeze of nostalgia and a reminder of a time when her dreams felt less tethered. As their friendship rekindles, Katia grapples with the idea of making choices for herself, even as the realization that she can no longer have children weighs heavily on her.

This novel is a poignant tale of a woman torn between the demands of her heart and the responsibilities she's shouldered for so long. Set against the backdrop of a changing South, this novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and self-discovery in a time of transformation and upheaval.

My Thoughts

Have you ever read a book, slept on it because you had a hard time outting into words how it affected you, and hours later, still having a difficult time?  Thats how I felt about this book.  I finished it around one thismorning, and was so captivated by the story and the characters, couldn't fall asleep until after 3 am.  This book was absolutely mesmerizing and amazing.  The character had such a hold on and still does.  As much as I've been through, it takes a lot to make me cry these days, but I was constantly heartbroken and spilling tears throughout this story.  This was not my first read, and it surley won't be my last.  I rarely do a top 10, because I read so much (although I do have a top list listed by genre ), but if I did, this would be one of the books.  

About The Author

Angela Jackson-Brown is an award-winning writer, poet and playwright. She is an Associate Professor at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she teaches in the creative writing program. She is also a member of the graduate faculty of the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University in Louisville, KY.

She is a graduate of Troy University, Auburn University and the Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing at Spalding University. She has published her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry in journals like The Louisville Journal and the Appalachian Review. She is the author of Drinking From a Bitter Cup, House Repairs, When Stars Rain Down, The Light Always Breaks, and an upcoming novel, Homeward.

Blog tour: I might Be In Trouble by Daniel Aleman

 

Title:  I Might Be In Trouble

Author:  Daniel Aleman

Genre:  Dark Humor

Publisher: Grand Central

Publication Date:  December 3rd, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥

About The Book

A suspenseful dark comedy about a struggling writer who wakes up to find his date from the night before dead—and must then decide how far he’s willing to go to spin the misadventure into his next big book.

A few years ago, David Alvarez had it all: a six-figure book deal, a loving boyfriend, and an exciting writing career. His debut novel was a resounding success, which made the publication of his second book—a total flop—all the more devastating. Now, David is single, lonely, and desperately trying to come up with the next great idea for his third manuscript, one that will redeem him in the eyes of readers, reviewers, the entire publishing world…and maybe even his ex-boyfriend.

But good ideas are hard to come by, and the mounting pressure of a near-empty bank account isn’t helping. When David connects with a sexy stranger on a dating app, he figures a wild night out in New York City may be just what he needs to find inspiration. Lucky for him, his date turns out to be handsome, confident, and wealthy, not to mention the perfect distraction from yet another evening staring at a blank screen.

After one of the best nights of his life, David wakes up hungover but giddy—only to find prince charming dead next to him in bed. Horrified, completely confused, and suddenly faced with the implausible-but-somehow-plausible idea that he may have actually killed his date, David calls the only person he can trust in a moment of crisis: his literary agent, Stacey.

Together, David and Stacey must untangle the events of the previous night, cover their tracks, and spin the entire misadventure into David’s career-defining novel—if only they can figure out what to do with the body first.

My Thoughts

This was a pretty interesting, not like the books I normally read.  David and Stacey had an interesting relationship, and to be honest, it was a perfect fit for them. I felt sorry for David many times.  NGL, I would definitely read the book David is working on.  I really enjoyed the book

About The Author

Daniel Aleman was born and raised in Mexico City. A graduate of McGill University, he is passionate about books, coffee, and Mexican food. After spending time in Montreal and the New York City area, he now lives in Toronto, where he is on a never-ending search for the best tacos in the city. You can connect with him on Twitter (@Dan_Aleman), Instagram (@danaleman) or at danielaleman.com

Blog Tour and Review: Heart Shaped Lies by Elizabeth Agyemang

 

Title:  Heart-Shaped Lies

Author:  Elizabeth Agyemang

Genre:  YA Thriller

Publisher:  Delacorte Press

Publication Date:  November 26, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

John Tucker Must Die meets A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder in this tongue-in-cheek mystery about three feuding exes of a social media prank star who are forced to work together to uncover the truth behind his death when his deactivated account resurfaces online with claims that one of them murdered him.

Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh have nothing in common—except they just found out that they’re all dating Tommy Harding, the internet's most famous teen prank star. 

KIARA is the girlfriend who the cameras know and love, the academic star who Tommy parades around in public to keep his image in check. 

PRISCILLA is Tommy's co-star. As a beauty influencer and an accomplice to Tommy’s notorious antics, she’s always known that the two of them could be the Internet’s power couple—if only he would confess to his girlfriend what really goes on during their 'rehearsals'.

And NEVAEH is the good girl, the pastor's daughter who'd never dream of dating a boy who’s already taken.

When a viral post from Tommy’s social media account exposes his cheating ways during their high school class trip to Florida’s biggest theme park, the girls are crushed—and furious. Tommy claims his account was hacked. Now, Kiara, Priscilla, and Nevaeh want him out of their lives. Forever. After all, Tommy doesn’t just hold their hearts—he holds their secrets, too.

But when Tommy's body is found the next morning, their so-called wish becomes a twisted reality. Because Tommy may be gone, but the internet is forever. And the girls are about to go from strangers to suspects….

My Thoughts

This was such a whirlwind of a ride.  TBH, I never felt sorry for Tommy, and this story felt like a revenge to any person (especially male) that has the same traits and personality as he does.   Amazingly written story that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.  I've never seen John Tucker must die, so I can't say whether it's likethat, but i will say i absolutely enjoyed this book.  It's geared towards YA audiences, but if you're an adult that enjoys thrillers, I think you'll enjoy this book.  

About The Author

Elizabeth Agyemang is an illustrator, printmaker, and storyteller. She writes about magic, history, folklore, love, and fairy tales, and draws from elements of her Ghanaian heritage and faith. Elizabeth graduated from Carnegie Mellon University where she studied Fine Arts and Professional Writing, and she now works in publishing. When she isn’t gushing over books or comics, she spends her time dissecting classic movies and playing video games. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @onceAddai and online at Elizabethagyemang.com.

Cover Reveal: 52 Weeks A Party Of One by Bianca Pensy Asa

 Hi, everyone.  This post is going to look a little different, because it's a cover reveal

Let me introduce you to..............

Now, I can only speak for myself, but it's very mysterious and has me wanting more about it

Here's the Blurb

Aisha isn’t known to hold her tongue, but that’s until she finds out her boyfriend and her best friend are having an affair on New Year’s Eve. This sends her packing. She leaves Denver and moves to Dallas to have the time and space to process the betrayal.

Spending time alone also spotlights other issues she has been trying to conceal: her broken relationship with her mother, her growing apart from her brother, and the impact of her late absentee father on her life.

Aisha is overwhelmed by everything, so instead of using her time away to “do the work,” she spends weeks putting it off and indulging in every possible distraction—until she hits a wall.

Aisha will have to either confront the ghosts from her past before the year ends or continue to pretend they aren’t there and let them haunt her until the very end.

Release date is April 23rd, 2025

Here is the pre order link as well as the ARC Application

Pre-order link: https://www.amazon.com/Weeks-Party-One-Bianca-Pensy-ebook/dp/B0DJTDQ6Z7?ref_=ast_author_dp

ARC Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYshLDdqjECQ7PXUNjDFKED_Li09D0bM1huVArmx8LHxYiJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Book Tour And Review: When we Were Widows by Annette Chavez Macias

 Title:  When We Were Widows

Author: Annette Chavez Macias

Genre:  Women's fiction 

Publisher:  Montlake

Publication Date:    November 1, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

In this heartfelt story about finding love in loss, three widows are forced under the same roof, where they’ll need to overcome grief, anger, and old secrets to put their family back together.

Since her husband’s death six months ago, Yesica Diaz-Taylor seems to be taking her grief in stride. Then an angry outburst at work shatters the illusion. Her mandated support group counseling doesn’t help much. Yesica has always kept her feelings close, so even when an unlikely friendship blossoms with the group’s facilitator, she still has reasons for holding back. She’s just not ready to share.

Ana Diaz has been widowed for five years and continues to live life exactly as she did with her late husband. When her house floods, she’s forced to shake things up. Although it was never part of her plan, Ana moves in with her eldest daughter, Yesica. But the new living arrangement tests their already strained relationship.

Shadowed by unresolved tensions, Yesica, Ana, and matriarch Mama Melda must learn to share a home, their heartbreak, and, once and for all, the haunting family secrets that have kept them apart.

My thoughts 

Wow.  I just finished it, and I have so many thoughts, some of them to be only shared with a journal or therapist.  This book was absolutely amazing.  It was heartfelt, emotional and from beginning to end pulled at your heartstrings.  Although my grandmother became a widow when I was a child, my mom became a widow about 7 years ago, and witnessing that with my own eyes and reading what Yesica and Ana experienced felt like at times, someone had peaked into our lives.  One thing that remains the constant anywhere is how being the oldest daughter is not for the faint at heart.  I especially enjoyed and appreciated how all of thr questions in my head while reading were all answered by the end.  This was absolutely one of the best books I've read this year.  

About the Author

Annette Chavez Macias writes stories about love, family, and following your dreams. She is proud of her Mexican American heritage, culture, and traditions, all of which can be found within the pages of her books. For readers wanting even more love stories and guaranteed happily ever afters, Annette also writes romance novels under the pen name Sabrina Sol. A Southern California native, Annette lives just outside Los Angeles with her husband, three children, and four dogs.

To learn more about Annette and her books, visit www.authorannette.com. Or follow her on Instagram at @authorannette.

Book Review: Last Christmas Crush by Mia Heintzelman

Title:  Last Christmas Crush

Author:  Mia Heintzelman

Genre:  Contemporary romance 

Publisher:  Tule Publishing

Publication Date:  October 17, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

My thoughts 

Sometimes I wait and let the story marinate  after finishing it before starting my review.  In this case, I couldn't.  This was such an absolutely amazing read.   It already has me in my Hallmark Holiday feels (Yes, I know it doesn't take much because I'm a Christmas Stan, but this book truly has me ready now for the Christmas holiday season).  To be honest, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars.  Loved the chemistry between Chiara and Jamieson, and Jamieson is truly that man (another book boyfriend to add to my roster).  Sometimes i like to include one of my favorite quotes from the story, but there were so many, I couldn’t or I'd tell the entire story.  Oh Holy Night is my absolute favorite christmas song. And after this book, I will never see the song the same, lol.  I can't wait for the next book in this series

About The Author 

Mia Heintzelman is a bestselling author of novels including Monopolove, The Friendship Contract, and The Accidental Crush. Her work has appeared on Book Riot, Romantically Inclined, and Readers Entertainment Radio. She writes fun, flirty, fiery romances about strong women and men with enough heart to fall for them. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Book tour and review: Gabi, a Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quentreo

 

Title:  Gabi, A girl in Pieces

Author;  Isabel quintero

Genre:  Ya

Publisher:  Cinco Puntos Press

Publication Date:  December 6, 2021

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

Gabi Hernandez chronicles her last year of high school in her diary: college applications, Cindy's pregnancy, Sebastian's coming out, the cute boys, her father's meth habit, and the food she craves. And best of all, the poetry that helps forge her identity.

July 24

My mother named me Gabriella, after my grandmother who, coincidentally, didn't want to meet me when I was born because my mother was unmarried, and therefore living in sin. My mom has told me the story many, many, MANY, times of how, when she confessed to my grandmother that she was pregnant with me, her mother beat her. BEAT HER! She was twenty-five. That story is the basis of my sexual education and has reiterated why it's important to wait until you're married to give it up. So now, every time I go out with a guy, my mom says, "Ojos abiertos, piernas cerradas." Eyes open, legs closed. That's as far as the birds and the bees talk has gone. And I don't mind it. I don't necessarily agree with that whole wait until you're married crap, though. I mean, this is America and the 21st century; not Mexico one hundred years ago. But, of course, I can't tell my mom that because she will think I'm bad. Or worse: trying to be White.

My thoughts

Wow.  Normally after finishing a book, I'm able to go right to the next one.  This book was so good and emotional, I'm going to have to wait til tomorrow to start the next one.  Growing up, I had a couple of similarities as Gabi.mainmy growing up chunky and having a parent harp on it growing up.  I was also blamed sometimes foe things my younger brothers did.  ( some of the perils of being the oldest daughter, I guess) .  But  Gabi was that girl.  She was truly a great young lady and is the type of friend many if us needed growing up.  I would like to know what happens to her in the future.  It read like I was watching a movie (like we had kinda in the 90"s bit much better).  This was such a eye opening and very enjoyable book

About the Author 

Isabel Quintero lives and writes in the Inland Empire of Southern California, where she was born and raised. She attend Cal State San Bernardino where she received her B.A. in English and M.A. in Composition, and is currently an adjunct faculty instructor at two community colleges and teaches English. For fun she reads and writes, watches comedy movies, and obsesses over television crime dramas. Gabi, A Girl in Pieces, from Cinco Puntos Press, is her first novel. She is working on a few projects at the moment, one of which is a fantasy story about a young girl who is on a quest to save her family and encounters legends and folklore. Isabel enjoys carne asada tacos, pepperoni pizza (thin crust only please), dark chocolate, poetry, folk music, and looking at cute animal pictures. Oh, and long walks on the beach

Blog tour and Review. Seen her Year by Bailyn Wing

 

Title:  Seen Her Year 

Author:  Bayliner Wing

Genre:  YA

 Publisher:  Gayau Productions

Publication Date: October 10, 2024

Rating:  💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

For fans of cute slow-burn romance of Kimi Ni Todoke and high school senior vibes of Prom Pact; a heartwarming story about two broken teenagers finding solace in each other as they survive a senior year full of high school romance, friendship drama, and a jealous ex.

Thoughtful-but-misunderstood Kayla Summers has always been the second choice; to her father, her former crush, and her childhood friend. Tired of feeling like a screwup, she’s given up on getting too close to people. However, on the last day of her junior year, she fails to comfort her crying friend and ends up overhearing a dramatic breakup of an old crush of hers. Another innocent mistake, but it might just be the best one she’s ever made. That’s if . . . she’s willing to be a choice again.

Emotionally-worn-out Aiden McLaren will never be good enough; not for his dad nor his cheating girlfriend. Bruised by one-sided efforts and unmeetable expectations, getting involved with another girl is the last thing this football jock needs. But when the very witness of his humiliation provides him the comfort and healing he didn’t know he needed, maybe this girl can be trusted. Still, he’s learned a few things. Good things never last . . . or so he keeps telling himself to escape another broken heart.

She’ll give and he’ll give to their newfound relationship, but to what extent will they take?

It’s senior year.
Anything can happen.

My Thoughts

It has been 30 years since the start of my high school senior year, so I'm sure it's pretty safe to say that although i dont remember what happened, I'm sure it didnt go like this.  This was a wild ride.  There were moments of laughter and angst, and I enjoyed every minute of this read.  I enjoyed the ride the author took us on with these characters and excited for the author's next book.

About the Author

Baylin Wing is an author of fantasy, contemporary, and romance genres. Touched by a variety of entertainment as a kid, she was inspired to create stories that provide a tangible experience to her audience—just as she was given. Baylin writes in hopes of sharing a safe space to heal, be understood, and feel represented. When not writing her next project, she’s drawing, reading, or consuming other masterpieces.

Links to Purchase

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Blackwell

Bookshop

Blog Tour and Review: Only For The Holidays by Abiola Bello

 

Title:  Only For The Holidays

Author:  Abiola Bello

Genre:  YA Romance

Publisher:  SoHo Teen

Publication Date:  October 8, 2024

About the Book

The Love Hypothesis meets The Holiday in this fake dating YA romance about a city girl and country boy’s lives colliding at Christmas

City girl Tia Solanké is dreading the festive season. She and her boyfriend are on a break and the last thing she wants is to spend Christmas away from London. Dragged to Saiyan Hedge Farm by her mother, Tia takes an instant dislike to the countryside estate. She falls in horse manure, is chased by sheep and the Wi-Fi sucks. How can she stalk her ex and concoct a foolproof plan to win him back from here?

Country boy Quincy Parker and his family run the farm, and this year they’ve been selected to host the biggest event in town—the Winter Ball. Preparations are underway, and Quincy is working around the clock to make it a success while recovering from his own devastating breakup. The only problem is, he’s told everyone he has a date to the ball, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

At first, Tia and Quincy don’t see eye to eye—until they realize they both have something to gain by pretending to be a couple. But when a snowstorm threatens to cancel the Winter Ball, their fake relationship is put to the test. Will Tia and Quincy be able to keep up appearances and save the day, or will real feelings get in the way?

My thoughts

I am one of those individuals that does not wait for Christmas season to begin to read themed stories.   So when I got the notice for this tour, I jumped at the chance to read this book (plus I absolutely loved the last book I read from them).  I enjoyed this book as much as the first one.  It had me laughing many times (and thankfully I wasn't eating when it did), and was such a heartwarming and beautiful story.   I think my favorite part was how Tia learned a lesson at a Young age that took many if us older women many years to learn ( and TBH, some of us still haven't taken it to heart at our big ages.) This author is two for two for me and I can't wait for their next book.  

About the Author

Abiola Bello was born and raised in Stoke Newington, North London. She is a Nigerian-British author and first began writing the Emily Knight saga at 12 years old.

Abiola received rave reviews for her debut middle-grade book series. Emily Knight I am, published by Hashtag Press which she has written under A. Bello. Emily Knight I am...Awakened was released in September 2017, published by Hashtag Press. It was nominated for the Carnegie Medal 2019, winner of London's Big Read 2019 and a finalist for 'Best Children's Book' for the People's Book Prize 2019.Emily Knight I am..Becoming, published by Hashtag Press is the third book in the award-winning series was released in September 2020 to strong reviews. Book 4 and the last in the series is due 2025.

The Very Merry Murder Club published by Farshore on October 28th 2021 is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch' and was featured in The Guardian's Children's and Teens Novel Roundup. It was Waterstones November Children's Book of the Month. The Super Sunny Murder Club was Blackwell's Book of the Month.

Her YA debut Love In Winter Wonderland is a number 1 bestseller, The Bookseller 'One to Watch,' an Amazon's Editor's Choice and was featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels and a Junior Library Guild Gold.

Only for the Holidays was a Waterstones Best Paperback of 2023 and featured as one of the Guardian's Best New Novels

Her latest YA book is The Love Dare.

Book Review: The Trail Often Crossed by Ambar Cordova

Title:  The Trail Often Crossed

Author:  Ambar Cordova

Genre:  Contemporary Romance

Publication Date:  September 10, 2024

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About The Book

In this spicy sports romance, a woman has to face her attraction to the new man in town, who happens to be her newest rival.

Everything she touches dies.

Roe has always been a trailblazer. From a very young age, she learned that life has its own twists and turns, and the only way of making it out the other side is on your own. When she starts motocross racing, she thinks her biggest challenge will be making it to nationals, until she meets her newest rival.

Everything he wants is out of reach.

Santiago grew up as the caregiver, the glue to his family, especially after the loss that changed his life. He is everyone’s rock but has always felt like something is missing. When Roe unexpectedly barges into his life, she blurs all his carefully constructed lines. But he can’t protect her if she keeps pushing him away.

Roe and Santiago might be rivals, but the undeniable spark between them is hard to ignore. Can they make it to the finish line with their hearts in one piece?

My Thoughts

Have you ever read a story, and the characters are different then what you're used to, and by the time you're finished with said story, you are looking for a person like that? Well, that was me once I finished this book. I've never been feral about heavily tattooed Male characters, but in this case, I was like, Whoa, where can I get one of those. This was such a delightful and entertaining story. After reading this book, I've just added another author to my autobuy pile. I especially enjoyed Roe, and loved how her character was written. I can't wait for the next book from this author. 

About the Author

Ambar is the author of small-town and multicultural romance that brings emotional twists to her readers.

Her debut novel The Truth Never Spoken, is book 1 in the Baker Oaks series: A small-town series based in Florida.

Ambar is a wife and mom who has been living in Florida since 2015, and who loves the small town where she currently lives in.

Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she embraces cultural differences and brings that to her books,

When she is not writing, she is enjoying time with her family, traveling, and reading.

Blog Tour. If I Loved You Less by Aamna Qures

 Title:  If I Loved You Less

Author: Aamna Qureshi

Genre:  Romance

Publication Date: July 17, 2024

Publisher : One More Chapter 

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

A joyful romantic comedy retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma!

I know what you’re thinking: poor little rich girl, she has everything, what else could she possibly need? Well, I’m looking for the great love of my life, thank you very much.

For Long Island native Humaira Mirza, it’s always been about love – and she has the matchmaking track record to prove it. Having successfully found ‘the one’ for both her aunt and her sister, the twenty-three-year-old is ready to claim a bit of romance for herself.

The perfect candidate? The gorgeous Rizwan Ali. But as Humaira employs her unique skills to obtain the perfect match with Rizwan, she’s forced to endure the disapproval of family friend Fawad Sheikh who she’s known forever. Fawad and Humaira have long traded barbs but as her romantic meddling leads to unintentional misadventures, she realises something shocking – is she starting to care what Fawad thinks?

My thoughts 

This was one of the cutest romances I've read in a while. I enjoyed reading about the main characters, and the antics they had to deal with from family and friends. It kept me laughing, entertained and rooting for love. Now I know a lot of people have said it's a retelling of a Jane Austin story, and TBH, I've never read a Jane Austin book ( although I've heard of her, they were not something that I wanted to read), so as far as that aspect, I can't say that it is or is not accurate, but what I will say is that I loved this story and couldn't put it down until I was completely done with it. This is definitely an author that I will look for future works from.  

About the Author 

Aamna Qureshi is a Pakistani, Muslim American who adores words. She grew up in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Through her writing, she wishes to inspire a love for the beautiful country and rich culture that informed much of her identity. When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her on IG @aamna_qureshi and Twitter @aamnaqureshi_ and at her website aamnaqureshi.com.

Blog tour and review: Meant to Be

 Tirle:  Meant To Be

Author:  Neha Chenani Khanagwal 

Genre:  Contemporary romance 

Publication Date: September 5th, 2024

Rating: 💥💥💥💥💥

About the Book

My father’s sixtieth birthday arrived, and I knew my life would never be the same!’

Kanika Goyal, a strong and sheltered girl, found herself in the darkest pit imaginable—father arrested for his shady business, hit with harsh judgements, dumped by her fiance over a text! Lost, distraught, and broken, she reached a point where starting afresh seemed like the only way forward. However, just when she believed she had everything under control, life threw her a curveball that made her question her very own existence. The only option presented to her was to marry him. Him? Never! Naa! She would rather skydive without a parachute than marry that slimeball.

‘I had been so blinded by my own insecurities that I failed to see the innocence behind her tears!’

Abhishek Sharma, the big shot who juggled being the COO of Singhania Enterprises and the CEO of Sharma Industries, was still haunted by his broken past. Trusting girls? That was a hard pass for him. She was a constant reminder of his heartbreak—an opportunist, a gold-digger, an attention seeker, until he finally realised he was letting his past cloud his judgement about her. All he needed was a simple ‘I’m sorry’ to clear the air.

But fate had other plans! That little apology spiralled into a twist that left him with no option but to marry her.

Marry her? Excuse me?! What?

What was meant to be a simple apology turned into contractual marriage! Destiny had made its presence known. It threw together two lost souls with shattered dreams, with a snap of its fingers.

Who knows?

Maybe their fates were intertwined long ago!

'Meant To Be' is the second book in the Intertwined Series and can be read as a standalone book.

Tropes: Brother's best friend, He falls harder, Desi romance vibes, Contract marriage, Billionaire, Grovel Romance, Hate To Love.

My Thoughts

Wow.  This was such an emotional and enjoyable read, with some mischief in between.  I was captivated by this story from beginning to end.  And surprisingly, as much as Abhishek's cockiness irked me at times, he and Kanika were and are perfect for each other.  I absolutely loved how this author crafted this story, and I can't wait to see how her career as an author grows.  

About the Author

A happily married woman and a proud mother to her son, Mrs. Neha Chenani Khanagwal works in the capacity of an Assistant Manager at a leading Public Sector Bank. Ever since she joined the corporate world, reading has been her go-to hobby. She especially enjoys the enchanting genres of romance and historical fiction. During the challenging period of the Covid lockdown, she discovered her passion for writing. It all started with jotting down her personal thoughts, which gradually transformed into anecdotes, short stories, and eventually full-fledged novels.

As someone who has always been surrounded by a joint family and wonderful friends, she loves incorporating these bonds into her books. She cherishes the little details and witty banter that make relationships so special and loves to sprinkle her stories with the same magic.

When she is away from the literary world, you might spot her exploring new places with her husband and son. And if that’s not the case, she might just be engrossed in the magical world of Marvels and Disneys, enjoying some quality time with her family.

Feel free to connect with her on Instagram, where you can find her at @nehachenanikhanagwal or follow her writing journey at @author_nck. She is always open to new connections and eager to share her passion for literature and life!