Sunday, January 29, 2023

Afro Bougie Blues tour

 Title: Afro-Bougie Blues 

Author: Lauren Wilson

Genre: Short Stories

Rating: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥


Synopsis:

Twelve stories - original, engaging, occasionally edgy.

Step into the world of Afro-Bougie Blues and walk in the shoes of different protagonists as they struggle to move through the world. Read how ordinary black women and men develop tenacity when they have to deal with the reality of their choices. Alexis finally finds love after seventeen years of a lonely existence, but life throws a curveball into her life. Watch as she overcomes the challenge despite her past still looming over her head. Walk with Rodney, a gulf war veteran who tries to drown the war memories with alcohol. See Bessie, overweight and stuck in life, make a decision that sets her on a journey that transforms her life in ways she never imagined. Thirteen-year -old Aisha wants answers to her complicated question about love. And this sets her father on the task of reflecting on what the word "love" really means. Listen to Lenore and her sisters recount stories from their father’s life after he succumbs to cancer.

From depression, abortion, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spousal abuse, addiction, and extramarital affairs to colorism. Each short story takes you on a rollercoaster of emotion as you experience different areas of life narrated from a first-person perspective.

Afro-Bougie Blues is about characters with stories that are relatable because it captures struggles people deal with in everyday life. The author’s captivating prose and incredible storytelling will plunge the reader into fascinating worlds and challenge them to take on new perspectives that in turn inspire, move and entertain.

A great read for anyone who wants to know how people with diverse problems face the toughness of the world they inhabit. How they move forward when the future is uncertain and fortunes change in the blink of an eye, challenging their reality and overcoming it.

“You will find yourself not wanting this book to end.”


My Review:

Wow,  I'm not normally a fan of short stories, because I'm usually left with wanting more, but I have to say I really enjoyed all of these stories.  Of course for several of them, including Her Questions and Transformation, I especially would like to read more about both of their lives.  All of the stories are about Black Women and Men, and some of the experiences we go through.  Each story will have you pondering and thinking.  They are deep and will take you on such an emotional rollercoaster ride.  

About the Author

Lauren Wilson has been writing poetry and prose off and on for over 40 years, beginning with a series of poems to commemorate a cousin who passed away at age 19. She finds inspiration for her stories from a muse, an inner voice that propels her to put thoughts and emotions into words. When she isn’t writing, she uses her engineering background to work as a safety consultant, assessing machines and robotics in preparation for sale to European companies. Lauren is married to Howard Wilson; they have one dog, Petey. Lauren and Howard also have five precious nieces who provide much fulfillment and joy. In her spare time, Lauren is working on a labor of love – a 5 story miniature apartment building, filled with African-American art. She has been a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. since 2004.

Saturday, January 21, 2023

New Release Blitz: The year of Cecily by Lisa Lin







The Year of Cecily
by Lisa Lin
(From Sunset Park, With Love, #1)
Publication date: January 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance




Synopsis:

This is the year of Cecily Chang.

San Francisco attorney Cecily Chang is ready to tackle the New Year head on, so she creates a list of resolutions guaranteed to reboot her life—right after her dutiful visit home to Sunset Park, Brooklyn, for the Lunar New Year. Cecily prepares to face her critical, meddling mother, nosy relatives, and the chaos and drama family togetherness brings. At least the food will be delicious. This holiday, Cecily vows to remain calm—as long as she doesn’t see him.

Jeffrey Lee deeply regrets how he ended things with Cecily ten years ago, but he felt it was best for her at the time. When he runs into her again during the New Year, he sees it as a sign. Now a successful screenwriter, Jeffrey is determined to win back Cecily’s heart.

But Cecily doesn’t believe in signs or second chances and embraces her new resolutions. This time, Jeffrey won’t give up—and he’s convinced he can write them a new Hollywood happy ending.







AUTHOR BIO:
Lisa has been an avid romance reader and fan since she read her first Nora Roberts novel at the age of 13 after wandering the aisles of her local bookstore. Lisa loves that romance has the power to inspire, and believes that HEAs are for everyone.

Lisa writes light contemporary romantic comedies with a liberal dash of snark and banter. She enjoys delving into the complexity of Asian and immigrant family experiences, and celebrates female friendships in her trademark dry, witty style. As an Asian-American author writing own voices Asian American stories, Lisa hopes that her books will show the diversity of the Asian-American experience, and the importance of every reader being able to see themselves represented on the page.

Having grown up in Pennsylvania and helping out at her parents’ restaurant, Lisa has never bothered to learn to cook. She has two liberal arts undergraduate degrees and a J.D, and in her former life she was an intern, then Legislative Assistant for a PA State Representative. She also worked as a paralegal at a boutique law firm. Lisa is a politics junkie (don’t get her started on the wonder that is The West Wing!), indulges in naps whenever possible, and believes Netflixing in her pajamas and ordering take out qualifies as the perfect weekend.
















 

Thursday, January 12, 2023

The Last Minute First Lady by Tinia Montiford Review/Blog Tour

 

The Last Minute First Lady

by Tinia Montford
Publication date: December 22nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

WHAT’S ONE ITSY, BITSY, LITTLE LIE?

Cassian Anders will be the youngest governor in Illinois history… If he wins.

That’s all everyone seems to talk about these days. Jolie Coldwell isn’t one of them. As a journalist, her priorities comprise digging up dirt on crooked politicians and local cover-ups. When her latest exposé on a congressman lands her in hot water, her days are reduced to covering the senior center’s casino night.

Unexpectedly, news breaks: the on-air investigative segment needs a replacement. This promotion advance could her career.

She needs a breaking story. She needs it now.

The road to office is ruthless compared to the courtroom. Without warning, Cassian Anders’ popularity rating falls, threatening his position on the ballot. He will do whatever it means to secure votes. Now, not only is he engaged, but he’s getting married to his non-existent fiancée…

He’s never relied on luck, but when a convenient but unorthodox wife falls into his lap? He makes her a deal.

He needs a wife. He needs it now.

Will Jolie and Cassian be able to fool the public long enough? Can she handle the public poking around in her past, one she would rather keep under wraps… Above all, can she be a model first lady or are they destined to be a scandal?






Purchase:


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 a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.

If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiction.

Author links:
http://tiniamontford.com/
https://www.pinterest.ca/tiniawritesbooks/_created/
https://www.facebook.com/tiniawritesbooks/
https://www.instagram.com/tiniawritesbooks/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21958554.Tinia_Montford


My Review.

It took me a while to get my feelings together after reading this book.  A political , marriage of convince, enemies to lovers romance that will keep you on an emotional roller coaster.  Jolie, an investigative reporter is on her last leg at the news room she works at.  Cassian is a politician running for governor, and inadvertently announces that he's getting married at a press conference with no fiance in sight.  Until Jolie overhears something, and they decide to pretend to get married and solve both of their problems.  

The author did her research or knows someone that lives here in Illinois, because At the beginning, a certain statement was nothing but the truth.  I loved Jolie's character from the beginning, Cassian, not so much.  He did grow on me eventually.  And I understood why he acted like he did, thankfully he had the right support system and he did grow and change.  I did also enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters.  This was a fast and enjoyable story.



Monday, November 14, 2022

Cover Reveal: The Last Minute First Lady by Tinia Montford

 



The Last Minute First Lady
Tinia Montford
Publication date: December 22nd 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

WHAT’S ONE ITSY, BITSY, LITTLE LIE?

Cassian Anders will be the youngest governor in Illinois history… If he wins.

That’s all everyone seems to talk about these days. Jolie Coldwell isn’t one of them. As a journalist, her priorities comprise digging up dirt on crooked politicians and local cover-ups. When her latest exposé on a congressman lands her in hot water, her days are reduced to covering the senior center’s casino night.

Unexpectedly, news breaks: the on-air investigative segment needs a replacement. This promotion advance could her career.

She needs a breaking story. She needs it now.

The road to office is ruthless compared to the courtroom. Without warning, Cassian Anders’ popularity rating falls, threatening his position on the ballot. He will do whatever it means to secure votes. Now, not only is he engaged, but he’s getting married to his non-existent fiancée…

He’s never relied on luck, but when a convenient but unorthodox wife falls into his lap? He makes her a deal.

He needs a wife. He needs it now.

Will Jolie and Cassian be able to fool the public long enough? Can she handle the public poking around in her past, one she would rather keep under wraps… Above all, can she be a model first lady or are they destined to be a scandal?

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order


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 a world traveler having climbed a volcano in Nicaragua, scaled Angkor Wat in the blistering sun, and roamed the Acropolis of Athens. Oh, she also dabbles in short stories occasionally.

If you can’t catch her writing, you can bet she’s overindulging on poke bowls, listening to the same four songs, or chilling with her adorbs doggie. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Fiction.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest



 

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Don't you forget about me by Niama Simone Release

Don’t You Forget About Me

by Naima Simone
(Love on the Radio, #2)
Publication date: November 1st 2022
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance



Synopsis:

Whoever said be careful what you wish for had a serious gift for understatement.

As one of the world’s hugest musicians I’d seen and had it all. Sold out tours. Awards. Fame. Money. Women… And I’d almost lost it all. Epically.

Now I’m back home. A broken, burned out, desperate rock star…and a single father. I returned to give my son a family, stability. To figure out my life. But coming home meant seeing her.

The woman who was once my everything. Who made life in this too small town bearable. Who I loved with my whole heart…my whole body. But long held secrets forced me to leave nine years ago. Forced me to abandon her. And she’s never forgiven me.

Still…

I’ve never forgotten her or the heat between us that burned so hot we damn near went up in flames with it. And I want it again. And again. Even knowing the past will only tear us apart once more…


Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61936178-don-t-you-forget-about-me


Purchase:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gS7ZA8


GIVEAWAY

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

  • Reader tote bag

  • $15 Amazon gift card

  • Signed print copies of  Ravaged, Don’t You Forget About Me, Black Sheep Bargain, With Love from Rose Bend (UK print copy with illustrated cover)

  • Reader socks


AUTHOR BIO:



Published since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”

She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.

Author links:
http://naimasimone.com/
https://twitter.com/Naima_Simone
https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y7o1t4
https://www.facebook.com/naimasimoneauthor
https://www.instagram.com/naimasimoneauthor/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3232449.Naima_Simone




 Don’t You Forget About Me Excerpt


I enter Hunt Auto’s breakroom, closing the door behind us. As soon as the lock engages, Lennon whirls around, and I shift my gaze from her infuriated glare to over her head. 

Just for a minute. 

Because Jesus… She’s f*cking gorgeous. 

My fingers itch to sink into those beautiful, thick curls, hold her steady while I desecrate that wide, lush mouth. The knit of her dress pays homage to every curve and dip of her body, molding to her high, firm breasts, the sensual flare of her hips, the thickness of her thighs. And fUck if I can’t feel the heels of her knee-high boots in my lower back. 

At twenty I’d barely had the opportunity to explore the searing sexuality and lust that had existed between us before I had to leave. Barely had my fill of that violets and musk scent that was more intoxicating than the best top-shelf alcohol. My stomach aches with hunger for a woman whose particular flavor is still as fresh, as potent to me as it was ten years ago. 

“What in the hell are you thinking?” she snaps, then flicks her gaze towards the closed door. She lowers her voice without losing any of the venom. “Do you know what you just did?”

“Yeah.” I drag my gaze from the wall and meet hers. Not daring to glance below her chin. No, f*ck that. Her nose. “I stopped you from driving while you were upset. And don’t try lying to me,” I interrupt when her lips part to do just that—lie. “You were upset. Still are. Don’t ask me to see you hurting and walk away, whether it’s my business or not. Don’t ask me to do it.”

“Why not?” She jerks her gaze back to me, and I go solid. “You do it so well. You’re a pro at it.”

I stare at her. At the tautness of the skin over her cheekbones. The darkness in her eyes. She’s a bomb set on emotional detonate, and the masochist that I am, I want all that shrapnel embedded in my skin. I want her to draw my blood. 

“Don’t stop now. Let it out, baby. You’re right. I left you. Didn’t look back. Didn’t give a f*ck,” I lie. 

“You don’t give a f*ck about anyone but yourself. You never did. You used me and then threw me away,” she rasps.

“Yeah, I did. Now what?” I keep shoving at her, even though guilt slides through me like filth. “You want me to apologize? To crawl on my knees and grovel? To beg?”

“Yes.” Her whisper echoes in the room as if she shouted it. “I want to see you hurt, sorry, suffering. Just like when you left me broken. You didn’t give a damn then so don’t pretend you do now. Nothing about you has changed, King. Not one thing. And I hate you for it. I hate you for not once looking back at the wreckage you left behind you. I hate you for going on with life and living it like I never mattered while I had to face reminders and memories of you every time I walked out my front door. I hate you…” Her voice hoarsens, and she crosses her arms over her chest, bowing her head. “I hate you because you gave another woman what you promised me. A family. Gunner could’ve been ours. Should’ve been ours. But you stole one more dream from me.”

F*ck. 

F*ck.

It doesn’t occur to me not to touch her. 

Eliminating the space between us, I pull her into my arms. 

“King, don’t…” Her whisper ends on a sob, and I tighten my hold on her, pressing my lips to her hair. 

“No. I can’t. There’s no way I can let you go right now.” I inhale her, take her so deep into my lungs, her scent burns me, marks me. Rubbing my mouth over her hair, I beg just like she wanted me to. “Let go, Len. Let go and allow me to be the one who carries you through it. Lean on me, baby. Just for a little while.”

Her fists ball into my shirt, stretching the material at my waist. She rolls her forehead against my chest, and her jagged breaths scorch me through my clothes. I slide a hand up her spine, cupping the back of her neck, squeezing it. 

As if that unlocks something inside her, her shoulders shake and seconds later, her cries rip through the room. She crushes her cheek against me, and her tears dampen my shirt and skin. Stroking her back with one hand, I cradle her head with the other, fingers tunneling under the bun to scratch her scalp. 

How long she sobs in my arms, I’m not certain. Minutes, hours. A lifetime. It’s not long enough. Curling my body over her, I brush my mouth over her ear. 

“I left, yes. But I did look back. So many damn times. And never, ever did I stop giving a f*ck,” I softly admit. 

Her breath shudders against my chest, and locking down a groan, I lift my hands to her face, tilting it back. Her eyes, moist with all the tears she’s shed, meet mine. Even with her face wet and swollen, she’s beautiful to me. 

“Liar,” she accuses, voice so rough, it’s nearly painful to hear. “You’re such a liar.”

Then she raises on her toes and crushes her mouth to mine. 





Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Book Blast and Review: The Archer by Shruti Swamy



Title: The Archer

Author: Shruti Swamy

Genre: Womens/ Coming of Age fiction

Rating: 💜💜💜





About the Book:

In this transfixing novel, a young woman comes of age in 1960s- and 1970s-era Bombay, a vanished world that is complex and indelibly rendered. Vidya’s childhood is marked by the shattering absence and then the bewildering reappearance of her mother and baby brother at the family home. Restless, observant, and longing for connection with her brilliant and increasingly troubled mother, Vidya navigates the stifling expectations of her life with a vivid imagination until one day she peeks into a classroom where girls are learning kathak, a dazzling, centuries-old dance form that requires the utmost discipline and focus. Her pursuit of artistic transcendence through kathak soon becomes the organizing principle of her life, even as she leaves home for college and falls in complicated love with her best friend. As the uncertain future looms, she must ultimately confront the tensions between romantic love, her art, and the legacy of her own imperfect mother.

Lyrical and deeply sensual, with writing as mesmerizing as kathak itself, Shruti Swamy’s 
The Archer is a bold portrait of a singular woman coming of age as an artist—navigating desire, duty, and the limits of the body. It is also an electrifying and utterly immersive story about the transformative power of art, and the possibilities that love can open when we’re ready.


My Review:

A coming of age story set in Bombay, where a young woman decides during her younger years that she wants to dance and not be a mother or wife in the 1960's and 70's.  Not only was that un heard of during that time in that area, as most of us know, life doesn't always go the way we imagine it when we're younger.  We don't really know what exact age she is at the beginning of the book, but she was probably a preteen, early teen, at about 1/3 of the way through the book, she is 17.  

The Cover is absolutely intriguing and beautiful, and that's what drew me to the book.  Some parts of the story was interesting, and some of it fell flat for me.  It was a struggle for me at the beginning of the book.  I did especially enjoy some of the cultural references in the story..  I did enjoy the main character and what she had to deal with.







“A saga as rich and gorgeous as Kathak itself.”

Library Journal


“As in her lauded debut collection, A House Is a Body, Swamy examines women’s ownership of their very selves. . . [and] challenges expectations and exposes the limitations of being female.”

Booklist


“[An] affecting debut novel. . . Swamy confidently evokes the time and place with spare, precise prose. This writer continues to demonstrate an impressive command of her craft.”

Publishers Weekly


“Alive with desire, Shruti Swamy's prismatic language glimmers with the force that drives her characters to dance, beating against the restrictions of body, society, tradition, sexuality, and the fallible self toward a liberatory devotion to life. A gorgeous, taut, deeply embodied reading experience, The Archer further establishes Swamy as a writer of thrilling talent.”

—Asako Serizawa, author of Inheritors


The Archer is a stunning novel, as intimate and visceral as an expertly executed dance. Swamy's arresting and immersive prose vibrates with attention, and does what the best writing does: it leaves me more alive in my own body, and renders the world around me richer—more layered—with meaning. Meditating on what it means to be an artist (and a woman), Swamy has created her own wondrous work of art—singular, unforgettable, and important.”

—Rachel Khong, author of Goodbye, Vitamin


“The Archer unfolds like an urgent dream, its heroine’s desire—for artistic transcendence, love, and liberation—its driving pulse. This novel, and the many keenly rendered moments within its pages (a swirl of bright fabric, the temperature of a lover’s skin, the abrupt chilling of a mood) lodged themselves in my consciousness long after. Shruti Swamy is one of the most gifted, excitingly unpredictable writers working today.”

—Mimi Lok, author of Last of Her Name


“Shruti's Swamy's The Archer combines exquisite prose with a kind of rare narrative propulsion. I found myself reading slower and slower, to make the sentences last even longer. By the end I was exhilarated and deeply moved. The Archer is a flat-out gorgeous piece of work.”

—Peter Orner, author of Maggie Brown & Others



Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Blog Tour and Review: The Adoption Suprise by Zoey Marie Jackson

The Adoption Surprise JustRead blog tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Adoption Surprise by Zoey Marie Jackson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Adoption Surprise
Title: The Adoption Surprise 
Author: Zoey Marie Jackson 
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired 
Release Date: February 22, 2022 
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Sweet/Clean) 

Separated at birth and determined to become a family. 

“She looks like me!” When her orphaned niece utters those words, Kelsey Harris is shocked—not only that Morgan has a long-lost twin but that the grieving five-year-old spoke at all. Overjoyed by Morgan and Mia’s instant connection, Kelsey and Zach Johnson, Mia’s widowed adoptive father, agree to be friends—and only friends. But can they ignore their growing feelings when the matchmaking sisters put their plan into action? From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | ChristianBook | BookBub

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Zoey Marie Jackson

Zoey Marie Jackson loves writing sweet romances. She is almost never without a book and reads across genres. Originally from Jamaica, West Indies, she has earned degrees from New York University, SUNY at Stony Brook, Teachers College Columbia University and Argosy University and has been an educator for over 20 years. Zoey loves interacting with her readers. You can connect with her at www.zoeymariejackson.com

CONNECT WITH ZOEY: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift card!

The Adoption Surprise JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 14, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on February 21, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.


My Review:

Although the premise is similar to the tv show Sister Sister, this book held it's own.   Everyone in the story for the most part had some type of trauma they had to overcome.  When both drop off their respective daughters at a daycare camp, they are shocked to realize that their daughters were twins separated at birth.  This story from beginning tugged at my heartstrings, and I felt a variety of emotions as I was reading this story.  Not to mention seeking therapy is an acceptable practice (With them being followers of Christ) and as well as the life lessons that are sprinkled throughout the story.  1I am patiently waiting for the next book from this author.