Welcome to the Blog Tour for Shadowcast by Crystal D. Grant, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Shadowcast
Series: The Gateway Trilogy
Author: Crystal D. Grant
Publisher: Quill and Flame Publishing
Release Date: September 20, 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance (Clean)
He has known nothing but darkness for years. Now it’s time to let it consume him. After witnessing the brutal death of his brother at the hands of the Steward Knights, Mason Grey turns to vengeance. Using his Gifts to read and control the minds of others, he climbs the ranks of the Dark Army, determined to earn the coveted Shadowstone-a powerful tool against the light-wielding Stewards. But when he is wounded in battle, he finds himself recovering in the home of a chatty peasant girl…without the use of his Gifts. Even worse, the girl mistakes him for one of the Stewards he despises. Seria Gayle longs to be seen as more than the town washerwoman. When she finds an injured Steward in the woods, she welcomes the chance to use her healing skills and hopes it will earn her some respect. But as she nurses the sullen stranger back to health, she discovers he is nothing like the knights she has long admired. When Mason’s true identity is revealed, Seria is devastated and humiliated. But she is offered a chance at redemption by the very prince that Mason hates. Now Mason struggles between two choices: accept the Shadowstone to avenge his brother or pursue this newfound light in the form of a peasant girl. With time running out and war looming, will Mason and Seria defy their own convictions for a chance at love or stand against one another like they’ve sworn to do?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop
*I received an e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
What a wild ride Shadowcast took me on! I’m not always a huge fantasy reader, but this story drew me in from the very first chapter and kept me hooked until the very end!
This is a story filled with hope, redemption, and the power of good versus evil. The characters are so well-developed and the plot just kept getting better and better. If you’re a fan of slow burn romances or enemies to lovers, I think you will enjoy this one a lot!
Another thing that felt refreshing about Shadowcast is that while it is definitely a romantasy, it is a closed-door, spice-free romance. This book would be a great alternative to fans of Fourth Wing who are looking for something similar with less graphic content. I also found the parallels between Lambient and God to be really interesting and beautiful.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. The ending of Shadowcast left me very eager for the sequel. If you enjoy fantasy, I think you will love this one!
About the Author
Crystal D. Grant is a daydreamer who adores freshly-baked cookies and anything with fur or feathers. During the day, she strives to instill a love of books and learning within her young students. As a hearing-impaired, home-school graduate, she found her voice in writing and has had multiple short stories and poems published. When she’s not reading or writing stories that sweep her away to another time and place, she watches classic movies and TV shows that do the same. Or she works on jigsaw puzzles. Crystal currently resides in smalltown Missouri, where she is always looking for space for another scented candle.
Connect with Crystal by visiting crystalgrantauthor.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will win a signed copy of Shadowcast, book swag, and exclusive color art from the book!
Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 18, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 25, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.
Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.
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Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Positively, Penelope by Pepper Basham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!
About the Book
Title: Positively, Penelope
Series: Skymar #2
Author: Pepper Basham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 1, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Told mostly through letters, texts, and email, this contemporary romance will charm its way into hearts as Penelope rescues a theater and discovers her true self in the process.
Penelope Edgewood is practically positive in every way, so when, fresh out of college, she is awarded a paid internship to help save a century-old theater on the island of Skymar, she jumps at the chance. After all, a crumbling theater needs the special touch of someone who reveres all things vintage and adores the stage.
Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems at Darling House Theatre. Finances are in shambles, the local theater group is disenchanted, and the two brothers, Matt and Alec Gray, can’t seem to see eye-to-eye about how to run their theatrical business. So, of course, it’s the perfect place for Penelope to shine her own personal brand of sunshine.
With a little help from GK, the person emailing her encouragement along the way, she puts all her heart into helping the Grays save Darling House. But between Matt’s ever-present skepticism, Alec’s tendency to treat Penelope a little too much like the “princess” she thinks she wants to be (until someone actually started treating her that way), a grandfather who is stuck in his grief, and a mysterious person stealing Penelope’s marketing ideas, she’s not sure her optimism is enough to make a happily-ever-after of her own story, let alone The Darling House’s.
Between an adorable little girl, a matchmaker, a sea monster or two, and a copious amount of musical references, can Penelope draw enough confidence from her faith, her family, and her adoration of all things Julie Andrews, to find the thief and save the theater . . . without getting her heart broken in the process?
PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | Christianbook | BookBub
*I received a free e-copy of this book. A big thank you to the publisher and JustRead Tours! All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Let me first start by saying, this was just such a fun read! From the plot, to the characters, to all the fun, pop culture references, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Going into this one, I did not realize Positively, Penelope was a sequel. So, I admit, I was a bit confused trying to figure out who all the characters were at first. Once I got that down, however, I really enjoyed this one. I do plan to read book one, Authentically, Izzy, which is about Penelope’s cousin, at some point to see if there was anything I missed out on. That being said, it was clear that this book, while a sequel, was still very much its own, independent story.
With most of the book written in texts and emails, I found the format to be so enjoyable and it really helped the characters come to life and feel personal to me. By the end of the novel, I truly felt like an old friend was writing to me about the details of their life. The characters are truly the best part of this novel! I loved how uplifting and positive Penelope was. I found little Iris to be so adorable as well and found Penelope sneaking princess things into her life to be so funny. I love the grumpy-sunshine trope that Matt and Penelope bring to this story. They are now one of my favorite couples who fall under that trope.
Overall, Positively, Penelope was such an endearing read. If you’re a fan of closed-door romances or are simply looking for a book that will boost your mood and make you smile, this is the book for you!
More Books in this Series
About the Author
Tour Giveaway
(1) winner will receive a print copy of Authentically, Izzy, $20 Amazon gift card, and a Peter Pan mug!
Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight July 26, 2023 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 2, 2023. 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.
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Title: The Nice Guy by Abi Sabina
Pages: 327
Genre: romance, contemporary
Publisher: self-published (Apr. 20th, 2023)
Summary
Here’s my advice: Never fall for your boss when he is a walking red flag.
After finding out that my boyfriend cheated on me, I packed my bags and moved to Sunshine Falls.
My uncle’s ready to retire, and he has always dreamed of me taking over his partnership at the animal clinic in town.
My surprise comes when he introduces me to my new partner, and it’s the cute guy I was talking to at the coffee shop.
It’s okay, though. I’m not looking for a relationship. My priorities are my career and starting over.
Ivan and I clash at every turn, and our transition is anything but smooth. Throw in the exotic animals that keep showing up, and I think we’re doomed.
The one thing we can agree on is to make my uncle proud.
When Ivan starts to open up to me, it’s difficult to ignore my feelings. Throw in turtle-shelled glasses, and I’m putty.
I’m tempted to break my rule, but I know the consequences that come with dating a co-worker, and I won’t go through that again.
*I received a free e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Abi Sabina has done it again! 👏🏼 After loving her previous book series, Meet Cute, I jumped at the chance to review her latest book. If you like sassy characters, animals, and sweet closed-door romances, you need to read The Nice Guy.
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Title: Meet Hate by Abi Sabina
Pages: 269
Genres: romance, contemporary
Publisher: self-published (Jan. 19th, 2023)
Summary
If there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I’ll do anything to prevent some suit from walking onto my family farm and buying it from us.
Hayes may think he can show up at our home, fling a contract in my face, and I’ll drop to my knees and thank him for saving the day, but he’s got it all wrong.
Even if it means Hayes has to spend more time on the farm, sleeping in the bedroom next to me, and almost getting a limb cut off.
When I learn that Hayes needs his job to care for his nephew, I see a different side to the grumpy businessman and understand his motives. He may be the enemy, but soon I can’t deny the chemistry that sizzles between us.
But his boss gives him an ultimatum to finalize the sale or get fired, and I make the greatest sacrifice of my life and sign the contract so he can raise his nephew right. Even if it means losing the man I love.
Meet Hate is an enemies-to-lovers rom-com with crackling chemistry full of laughs and heart set on a dairy farm. All the tension without the explicit bits. It’s the third book in the Meet Cute Series, but it can be read as a standalone.
*I received a free e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
After loving Abi Sabina’s other book, Meet Again, I was so excited to have the opportunity to read the latest addition to the Meet Cute series. I’m so happy to say that Meet Hate did not disappoint!
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Title: Confessions to a Stranger by Danielle Grandinetti]
Pages: 351
Genres: historical fiction, mystery, Christian fiction
Publisher: Hearth Spot Press (Mar. 14, 2023)
Summary
She’s lost her future. He’s sacrificed his. Now they have a chance to reclaim it—together.
Wisconsin, 1930—While fleeing for her life, Adaleigh Sirland’s rescue of a child introduces her to a family who provides her safe harbor. When her identity comes under threat of exposure, she must choose between running once more or helping the man who teaches her to hope again.
First mate David Martins is intrigued by the mysterious woman taken in by his grandmother, but she wrestles with a troubled past. When his estranged father is arrested for murder, can David put aside his own struggles in time to discern which secret threatens Adaleigh before it kills them both?
*I received a gifted e-copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own!*
Confessions to a Stranger was such an engaging and suspenseful read. When Adaleigh comes to Crow’s Nest she’s on the run for unknown reasons. She then meets David, a guy with family troubles of his own. I loved the connection they shared and the respect they had for each other. All the characters in this book are so well done and I truly felt a connection while reading. I really loved the “found family” vibe that much of David’s family gave to Adaleigh.
The mystery and suspense in this novel was so well done. There were some moments that had me on the edge of my seat and I could not stop reading until I found out what happened. Figuring out a murder, alongside the suspense of Adaleigh’s past left me hooked the entire read through.
This historical fiction novel has a little bit of everything. The mystery is intriguing. The romance is sweet. The coastal town setting is so perfect.
This is my first Danielle Grandinetti book but I definitely plan to read more of her books in the future. I love her writing style and cannot wait for the sequel! If you’re a fan of historical fiction and exciting mysteries, I definitely would recommend reading Confessions to A Stranger!
It’s Top Ten Tuesday – a weekly bookish list hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl! This week’s topic is:
SPRING TBR
Springtime always has me looking for beautiful and memorable reads. With flowers blooming outside it makes me want to read books with flowery writing and a storyline that really draws me in. I also love to read lighthearted romances that really make you feel like love is “in bloom.” And yes, I actually do think in puns like that. 😂
So, without further ado, here’s the top ten books that I want to read this spring:
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Title: The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
Pages: 304
Genres: YA, contemporary, romance, time travel
Publisher: Simon & Schuyler Books for Young Readers (Nov. 15th, 2022)
Summary
After living through a dumpster fire of a Valentine’s Day, Emilie Hornby escapes to her grandmother’s house for some comfort and a consolation pint of Ben & Jerry’s. She passes out on the couch, but when she wakes up, she’s back home in her own bed—and it’s Valentine’s Day all over again. And the next day? Another nightmare V-Day.
Emilie is stuck in some sort of time loop nightmare that she can’t wake up from as she re-watches her boyfriend, Josh, cheat on her day after day. In addition to Josh’s recurring infidelity, Emilie can’t get away from the enigmatic Nick, who she keeps running into—sometimes literally—in unfortunate ways.
How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?
I am such a sucker for time loop books and movies. Add in some romance and the fun of a holiday and I am absolutely sold! After seeing so much love for this one on Bookstagram, I decided I had no choice but to read it. The Do-Over ending up being even better than I expected!
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Title: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Genres: contemporary , romance
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press (Jul. 19th, 2022)
Summary
She’s got his back.
Hannah Brooks looks more like a kindergarten teacher than somebody who could kill you with a wine bottle opener. Or a ballpoint pen. Or a dinner napkin. But the truth is, she’s an Executive Protection Agent (aka “bodyguard”), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his middle-aged, corgi-breeding stalker.
He’s got her heart.
Jack Stapleton’s a household name—captured by paparazzi on beaches the world over, famous for, among other things, rising out of the waves in all manner of clingy board shorts and glistening like a Roman deity. But a few years back, in the wake of a family tragedy, he dropped from the public eye and went off the grid.
They’ve got a secret.
When Jack’s mom gets sick, he comes home to the family’s Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn’t want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. And so Hannah—against her will and her better judgment—finds herself pretending to be Jack’s girlfriend as a cover. Even though her ex, like a jerk, says no one will believe it.
What could possibly go wrong???
Hannah hardly believes it, herself. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it’s easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That’s the hardest thing she’s ever done.
Going into this book, I really didn’t have much knowledge of what it was about. A family friend recommended I read this book, and let me tell you, I’m so glad she did! The Bodyguard has all the ingredients necessary for the perfect rom-com!
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Title: Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
Pages: 552
Genres: romance, contemporary
Publisher: Bloom Books (Jan. 12th, 2022)
Summary
Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.
Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.
Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.
Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.
There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.
At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.
The synopsis for Things We Never Got Over is what drew me into this story. From evil twins and long-lost family, to a touch of mystery, and lots of romance, this book has a little bit of everything.
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Title: It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover
Pages: 323
Genres: romance, contemporary fiction
Publisher: Atria Books (Oct. 18th, 2022)
Summary
Lily and her ex-husband, Ryle, have just settled into a civil coparenting rhythm when she suddenly bumps into her first love, Atlas, again. After nearly two years separated, she is elated that for once, time is on their side, and she immediately says yes when Atlas asks her on a date.
But her excitement is quickly hampered by the knowledge that, though they are no longer married, Ryle is still very much a part of her life—and Atlas Corrigan is the one man he will hate being in his ex-wife and daughter’s life.
Switching between the perspectives of Lily and Atlas, It Starts with Us picks up right where the epilogue for the “gripping, pulse-pounding” (Sarah Pekkanen, author of Perfect Neighbors) bestselling phenomenon It Ends with Us left off. Revealing more about Atlas’s past and following Lily as she embraces a second chance at true love while navigating a jealous ex-husband, it proves that “no one delivers an emotional read like Colleen Hoover” (Anna Todd, New York Times bestselling author).
What can I say about It Starts with Us? I know a lot of people have a love-hate relationship with Colleen Hoover. I know she’s done some problematic things. I know a lot of people say this book was a cash grab because of her recent surge in popularity on BookTok. I know all these things might be true, but despite all that I just loved this book!
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the calico books 