Friday, June 20, 2025

What's in the (e)mail...plus a book giveaway

All (or most) of these books can be found on AmazonBarnes & NobleBookshop.orgAppleKobo, etc.


NG = NetGalley

Melissa:

Infidelity Rules by Joelle Babula from Get Red PR (NG)
Sheer by Vanessa Lawrence from Dutton (NG)
Bald-Faced Liar by Victoria Helen Stone from Lake Union (NG)
Backslide by Nora Dahlia from Gallery (NG)
One of Them by Kitty Zeldis from HarperCollins (print)
Charlie Quinn Lets Go
by Jamie Varon from Harlequin (NG)
What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes from Lake Union (NG)
The House on Mountain Laurel Lane by Eileen Goudge from Lake Union (NG)
Ten Thousand Light Years from Okay by Tracy Dobmeier & Wendy Katzman from Lake Union (NG)
Holiday in July by/from Juliet Madison (ebook)
The Soup Kitchen by A.K. Hill from Victory Editing (NG)
Good Hair Days
by Grace Helena Walz from HarperMuse (NG)
If You Leave by Margaret Hutton from Regal House (NG)
Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac from Simon & Schuster (NG)
So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder from Gallery (NG)
Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan from Random House (NG)
Sara:

Next Time Will Be Our Turn by Jesse Q. Sutanto from Berkley (NG)
Third Time Lucky by Aimee Brown from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)
Dirty Games by Evie Hunter from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)
Diana Says Yes by Jen Besser and Shana Feste from Random House (ebook)
We Loved to Run by Stephanie Reents from Random House (ebook)
Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy from BookSparks (NG)
Murder on an Italian Island by T.A. Williams from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)
Dealing with a Desperate Demon by Charlotte Stein from St. Martin's Press (NG)

Jami:
The Water Lies by Amy Meyerson from MB Communications (NG)
Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman from Gallery (NG)
Everyone in the Group Chat Dies by L.M. Chilton from Gallery  (NG)
One Killer Night by Trilina Pucci from Over the River PR (NG)
How the Hell Did I Not Know That? by Lucie Frost from Kaye Publicity (print)

Melissa S:
Christmas People by Iva-Marie Palmer from St. Martin's Press (print)
The Secret of Orange Blossom Cake by Rachel Linden from Berkley (print)

Allyson:
Pickle Perfect by Ilana Long from Berkley (NG)
Hot Desk by Laura Dickerman from Gallery (NG)

What could be in YOUR mail:

The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle. Thanks to Emi Battaglia PR, we have THREE copies to give away!

Rayna Dumont came to Amsterdam for a fresh start. She’s never been the type for a one-night stand, but this move is all about adventure, and Xander is handsome and successful and more than willing to go along for the ride. Until the morning after, when Rayna finds him dead, millions of dollars’ worth of diamonds missing from his safe.

Willow Prins is captivated by the news. Her husband is Xander’s former boss and heir to a diamond house, and the scandal strains their already-rocky marriage. As the house comes under scrutiny, Willow wonders how much of the blame she can place on Rayna. Soon, the two women are dragged into the dark underbelly of the diamond market, where they’ll have to uncover the truth to survive. Who killed Xander? Where are the missing diamonds? And who can you trust in a city thousands of miles from home? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Writing with authenticity and grace, Kimberly Belle provides a deliciously chilling look at the lives of two women - an expat in Amsterdam, and the woman who seems determined to ruin her. Twisty, glitzy and oh so fun!"
– Sarah Pekkanen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Belle is the queen of crafting badass yet vulnerable women you want to see rule the world. What a knockout.”
– Ashley Winstead, bestselling author of Midnight is the Darkest Hour

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 25th at midnight EST. 

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Book Review: Love on Tour

By Melissa Smoot

Who knew a broken heel and bad fall would result in falling in love?

Though she has her dream job—finding new songs for singers in the booming country music industry—music executive Christine Matthews lives an unexciting life. That is, until a broken shoe sends her sprawling on the street right in front of Nashville singing sensation Austin Garrett’s tour bus, and Austin himself comes to her aid.

When Austin recognizes Christine as the woman who pitched him his recent number one hit, he invites her to be his date at the CMT Awards that night. Just like that, Christine is catapulted from a life of solitude to the spotlight, with Austin’s fans assuming she’s his new romantic interest. Suddenly, Christine’s the subject of much speculation—and criticism. Some jealous fans think she’s not pretty or thin enough, and they begin to cyber-bully and body shame her.

But that’s not the only reason Christine thinks accepting Austin’s invitation to join him on tour and help him find another big hit might be a bad idea. She’s also developing feelings for his tour manager, Matt. And one of her online bullies has turned threatening, bringing up trauma from Christine’s past. Is the turmoil worth it? Or is her only real solution to walk away from all of it—even the man who might just be the love of her life? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Love on Tour far exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high already. It was a breath of fresh air to read a book with such a unique setting and storyline. I am a big country music fan, and I enjoy visiting Nashville, so this book was a fun read for me. I grew attached to the main character as well as her friends. It was heartwarming, and realistic, how much they cared for one another.

The added mystery and suspense were a pleasant surprise. I was appropriately creeped out but also intrigued. I had an idea who the antagonist in the story could be, but it was a fun journey to get to that point in the story. All in all, I really loved this one. The relationships and friendships are wholesome, yet relatable. This was a 10/10 for me.

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Thursday, June 19, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: Before Dorothy

Today we are excited to feature Hazel Gaynor's latest novel, Before Dorothy. This novel is based on The Wizard of Oz, but told through Auntie Em's perspective. (Similar to what Jillian Cantor did for The Great Gatsby in Beautiful Little Fools.) Melissa is so excited to read it and has it in her Kindle queue. Thanks to Berkley, we have one copy to give away!

Chicago, 1924: Emily and her new husband, Henry, yearn to leave the bustle of Chicago for the promise of their own American dream among the harsh beauty of the prairie. But leaving the city means leaving Emily’s beloved sister, Annie, who was once closer to her than anyone in the world.

Kansas, 1932: Emily and Henry have established their new home among the warmth of the farming community in Kansas. Aligned to the fickle fortunes of nature, their lives hold a precarious and hopeful purpose, until tragedy strikes and their orphaned niece, Dorothy, lands on their doorstep.

The wide-eyed child isn’t the only thing to disrupt Emily’s world. Drought and devastating dust storms threaten to destroy everything, and her much-loved home becomes a place of uncertainty and danger. When the past catches up with the present and old secrets are exposed, Emily fears she will lose the most cherished thing of all: Dorothy.

Bursting with courage and heart, Before Dorothy tells the story of the woman who raised a beloved heroine, and ponders the question: what is the true meaning of home? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"A story as glimmering as the Emerald City and as hopeful as Dorothy herself, Hazel Gaynor's latest is an important and enchanting addition to the canon of Oz."
—Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau

“In Technicolor prose, Hazel Gaynor gives new meaning to the familiar phrase 'there’s no place like home' in this stunning novel that imagines the real lives of Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, Dorothy, and Toto in the dust bowl of the Depression. Ingeniously done.”
—Kerri Maher, USA Today bestselling author of All You Have To Do Is Call

Credit: Fran Veale
Hazel Gaynor is an award-winning, New York Times, USA Today, Irish Times, and internationally bestselling author known for her deeply moving historical novels which explore the defining events of the 20th century. Her most recent novel, The Last Lifeboat, was a Times historical novel of the month, an Audie award winner, and was short-listed for the Irish Book Awards. Her work is published in twenty-seven territories to date. She lives in Ireland with her family. 

Visit Hazel online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram


How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 24th at midnight EST. 


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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Book Review: The Final Episode...plus an interview with Lori Roy

By Jami Denison

Most authors have a specialty of sorts, and for Florida-based writer Lori Roy, that specialty seems to be haunted southern women with complicated families in evocative settings. Originally from Kansas, Roy worked as an accountant for Hallmark before moving to Florida in the late 1990s and starting her writing career. Now living in St. Petersburg, Roy is married with two adult sons and spends her free time renovating her home, playing tennis and pickleball, kayaking, traipsing through swamps, and taking her dog to the dog park.  

Roy’s first book, Bent Road, won the Edgar Award for best debut novel in 2013; her third book, Let Me Die in His Footsteps, won the Edgar for best novel in 2016. Her work straddles the line between commercial and literary, with stunning prose and haunting description. 

Roy’s latest novel, The Final Episode, is her most commercial to date. Twenty years ago, nine-year-old Francie Farrow was snatched from her bed, and Paul Jones went to jail. Now the TV show Inspired by True Events is recreating the days that led up to Paul’s arrest, forcing his daughter Jenny to relive them as well. Will the show reveal what really happened to Francie? And is Jenny in danger as the truth comes out?

The book alternates between Jenny’s current adult life and detailed descriptions of the TV episodes. Jenny, on the cusp of turning 11 in the TV show, is haunted by Francie’s kidnapping. When 13-year-old Nora moves in nearby, Jenny and her friends Mandy and Tia become mesmerized by the older girl, especially when they learn that Nora was in the room when Francie was snatched. As the show unfolds, adult Jenny deals with the ramifications: Losing clients. An attempted break-in. Tension in her relationship with her boyfriend. She moves back in with her grandmother to the Big Cypress swamp where the events took place. As past and present converge, the tension builds to a surprising climax. 

Roy sat down to talk with Chick Lit Central about her inspirations for the story (remarks are edited and condensed for clarification):

Why did you decide to put this story in a swamp?  
Setting is generally the first thing that comes to mind when starting a book. I love a gritty setting that will be an obstacle to the characters, that’s overwhelming.  When you’re in a swamp, it overwhelms every sense. It triggers fear. The smell, the sight, every sound is magnified because it might be an alligator. 

Which swamps did you explore? 
Big Cypress a few times. Okefenokee in Georgia… My older son lives in Naples, so whenever we’re down there. Some don’t have names, and there’s the Corkscrew Swamp that is designed for tourists. When you’re in a swamp, you’re going through a number of different types of geography. There’s the swamp, then there’s the mounds, the Everglades—the open areas. There are different ranges of accessibility, of scares. How close am I to that one alligator? If you’re on a boardwalk, you don’t have that same kind of sizzle, that you constantly have to be on alert. 

Which podcasts or shows did you watch to research the book?  
The Jinx was one of the first ones that interested me, because you had things uncovered by the producers that law enforcement never had. And then the series ended up allegedly affecting law enforcement such that they ultimately arrested Robert Durst. So the idea of the interplay of those things is when I started to dig down into that show.  They find something that viewers would think, oh that’s so incriminating, he’s absolutely guilty, and the producers said that they provided that to law enforcement—they’re not obligated to; they don’t have to. But then law enforcement doesn’t do anything. Two years pass before he’s arrested. What is Robert Durst doing during those two years? That interplay between reality, and its real people, and what got dug up, and how they behaved, and how does law enforcement behave… what is it like when you are the subject of a show like this? The show Candy is another one I watched, and  I got on Google wondering where they are now. It turned out that one of the main guys seems to be living nearby. And that idea of, what is it like being that person, and everyone’s seeing it, and whether it’s true or not, people are watching it and thinking it’s true. Even when it says, this has been dramatized, it’s still in people’s minds. I did a lot of research trying to get behind the scenes, finding interviews with producers… how did they handle it when they got something that law enforcement didn’t have? Did you give it to them right away? That’s when it gets a little cagey: When did they give it to them? How much time transpired? Because of course they’re thinking about the show….  

How did you get into the mindset to write close third person POV for teen and pre-teen girls? 
A lot of it’s just harkening back to what it really feels like to be that age. I think about the people that I knew, and how we all processed the drama of those years differently … the mean girls who seem to thrive on that, how they’re very smart and cunning about manipulating that drama and seem to thrive on that drama—that’s another thing I find fascinating, you need to be very smart and very quick to do that. And the insecurities; everyone has them, but they show them and deal with them differently. Once you start to know who a character is, that helps drum up how they would act. There’s no trick but trying to write the character honestly. Sometimes it takes a while. It’s like trying to get them to come into tune, like tuning a radio… and once you land on it, it just clicks. When it doesn’t happen, keep looking, keep starting, keep coming at it a different way. Sometimes their dialogue, how they speak, helps with that. When it feels good, they start to come alive. Sometimes that takes a while, and then you go back and rework it. Sometimes it comes easily. My last book (Lake County) every one of them was there from the get-go. Couldn’t write it fast enough. This one came together pretty quickly too. Others, not so much. 

The dynamic among Nora, Jenny, Mandy and Tia feels very real and uncomfortable. Was it prompted by anything personal? 
It seems like when we were young, if you have two girls hanging out—maybe it’s the same for boys—but it seems to be okay. But you put three together, one of them becomes a target. Certainly not always… Nora’s a bit older, she’s very bright and does manipulate the drama. I personally think that would be an exhausting way to live… just that dynamic of thriving on making someone else hurt. Some people thrive on that… which is just a sad part of human nature, but it’s indisputable. 

Jenny believed that on her 11th birthday, she would be visited by her ancestor and told her life’s density. This reminded me of a similar plot point in Let Me Die in His Footsteps. Are there any superstitions that mean a lot to you? Is it a southern thing?  
Looking for ideas in the beginning, I learned that Claire Danes was descended from Salem witch Margaret Scott. (Editor’s note: This was revealed on the PBS show, Finding Your Roots.) For some reason, that just struck me—of course there are descendants. I started poking around—there are hundreds of thousands of people; there are Facebook groups. I started looking into the witch trials; how they ended. I fictionalized some of it for the drama, but some of it is also true. It’s an element of Southern gothic fiction, the superstition rolled into the history. It’s one of those things you sink into. I do as a writer, finding it really interesting. It started with the fact that Jenny is a descendant of the last Salem witch—a real person, Margaret Scott. 

Similarly, Jenny’s interest in orchids reminded me of the lavender in Let Me Die in His Footsteps… is there a special meaning in flowers for you? 
In southern gothic fiction in general, and in the swamp very specifically, one of the elements is that you have very rugged harsh images butted up against something beautiful. I enjoy that beauty that you’re searching for in this whole huge swamp. I’ve never seen a ghost orchid in person; they are so rare. It’s an essential swamp image, there’s something metaphysical about it. I wanted to put something beautiful in the middle of this scary and beautiful setting.  

Have you been influenced by other southern writers? 
Harper Lee, more than anyone else. To Kill a Mockingbird… that book mattered so much, beyond the story and the characters… the depth of that work, the thread count—that certainly inspired me. If I’m going to write a book, I have to feel, why do I have to write this book? There are hundreds of thousands of books out there. I don’t think I could get over that hurdle if I didn’t feel that it had something in it that mattered to me. 

You’ve set books in many places in Florida, but not St. Pete. Any plans for a book set in your hometown? 
It’s such a happy, vibrant, bustling place… that’s not my writing vibe! It doesn’t have that gritty feel. It doesn’t act upon its characters in a negative way. Maybe it’ll change one day if I stumble across a certain part of town! I love it here! I love living here! 

Thanks to Lori for chatting with us. Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Lori Roy:


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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: Work Nights

We're still celebrating Pride Month 🌈 and we have another novel that is now available: Work Nights by Erica Peplin! This sounds like a fun story and it has been receiving a lot of praise. We love the cover too. Thanks to Gallery, we have THREE copies to give away!

Jane Grabowski hauls herself to her nine to five office job at New York City’s most acclaimed newspaper to sit in stale air under severe florescent lights and mask her rage by sending emails with too many exclamation points.

Luckily, Jane has a reason to keep coming into the office: Madeline, the distractingly beautiful intern. Madeline has never dated a woman and is uncomfortable with labels but with carefully timed lunch breaks and painstakingly crafted texts, Jane works her way into her life. Meanwhile, Jane’s free-spirited artist roommate tries to keep her from falling for a straight girl by dragging Jane to gay bars and queer Shabbat dinners, where she meets the decidedly uncool and morally righteous musician, Addy.

Caught between Addy’s readiness to commit and Madeline’s alluring unpredictability, Jane is pulled down a slippery path of lies and deceit, leading to a plane ticket that threatens to take everything down in one fell swoop. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“A lowly media planner pursues friendship and love while trying to stay afloat at her magazine job in Peplin’s witty and emotionally raw debut… Devotees of The Devil Wears Prada will find much to love.” 
Publishers Weekly

“There’s not just depth, but true yearning in Work Nights, not to mention Peplin’s knack for character, incisive wit and narrative economy… Work Nights is set apart by the power of Peplin’s voice. Through Jane’s eyes, we see a world of 21st-century generational struggles— wealth inequality, the soul-draining effects of capitalism, the feeling that everything must be part of some hustle or another—filtered through humor and genuine heart… A singular effort by a bright new voice in fiction.” 
Booklist


Credit: Carson Baum
Erica Peplin is a writer from Detroit, Michigan, now based in Brooklyn. Her short stories and essays have appeared in Joyland, The Millions, McSweeney’s, The Village Voice, and more. From 2015 to 2016, she worked in the advertising department of The New York Times. Since then, she’s worked as a shipping clerk, a high school custodian, and a restaurant server. WORK NIGHTS is her debut novel. Find out more at her website and Instagram.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 22nd at midnight EST. 


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Monday, June 16, 2025

Book Review: Making Friends Can Be Murder

By Sara Steven

It feels like kismet when Sarah Jones, newly relocated to Minneapolis after abruptly calling off her engagement, gets invited to join a group of women who share her same very common name. For years Sarah has received all types of correspondence intended for different Sarah Joneses, but now it seems that this mistake has given her the opportunity for an instant community.

What starts as a low-stakes meet-up called “The Sarah Jones Project” soon turns sinister when another local Sarah Jones is found dead, under suspicious circumstances, at the base of the downtown Minneapolis bridge. After fielding numerous calls from concerned loved ones ruling out their Sarah as the victim, the surviving Sarahs decide to take matters into their own hands. Aided by the dead woman’s nanny, a newly commissioned (and very handsome and eligible) FBI agent, and a cloistered nun with a complicated past, the motley crew of unlikely friends are determined to get to the bottom of the murder of one of their own.

Between a budding romance and best friendship, Sarah feels like she’s in the right place at the right time, right up until the facts of the murder case begin stacking up too close to home. Can their team piece together where the deceptions lead before the killer silences someone else? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

From the very start, I loved the unique backdrop to this book! "The Sarah Jones Project" is such a clever idea, one I wish I could be part of–would they take a Sara who doesn’t have an “h” in her name? Sarah Jones, the fitness trainer, feels as though she’s found her special friend group through other women with the same name she has, which is a welcome reprieve given she’s new to town.

What starts out as a friend group turns into so much more–a sleuthing group. A possible murderous group. Sarah felt sure she could trust everyone, one Sarah Jones in particular who has become her newfound bestie, but it’s hard not to question everything with a Sarah Jones dead and another receiving threats to stave off the hunt to discover what really happened at the downtown Minneapolis bridge. 

One minute, I felt sure as to who killed Sarah Jones. But then again, with so many twists and turns, it’s hard to pinpoint what really happened and who is really the biggest suspect. Through it all, I loved reading the chat messages between all of the Sarahs, who identify with one another by their ages, as well as getting an inward view from fitness trainer Sarah, Sarah’s bestie (27) and even more from Sarah’s potential love interest who works for the FBI and even has the last name of Nightingale! Nightingale has a parallel storyline that ties in nicely with what is going on with the Sarahs, and the reader gets to learn more about him through his past and present experiences. Everything went well together, combining a mishmash of unusual characters to find out what really happened and solve the crime! Making Friends Can Be Murder was a definite five-star experience for me.

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.


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Friday, June 13, 2025

Book Review: Slow Burn Summer

By Allyson Bales

She’s playing the part of romance author, but has she found her own real life love story?

Talent agent Charlie Francisco has three problems: a divorce that ended his screenwriting career, a business he never planned to inherit, and a take-your-breath-away romance novel whose author wants nothing to do with its publication. The book is a surefire hit, if only his agency can find someone to “play” author on its summer book tour.

Enter Kate Elliott, a former soap actress who’s miraculously right for the part at the very moment her life seems to be going all wrong. Kate is still recovering from her own divorce and Charlie’s job offer is a lifeline. She agrees to the pretense for all interviews, signings, and appearances surrounding the novel’s publication. But she can’t know who really wrote the remarkable story—the one so beautiful it’s made her believe in love again.

When Kate and Charlie meet they’re all friction and sparks—the one thing they have in common is they’re determined to play their respective parts. But as the summer heat ups and the lies get bigger and bigger, can they stick to their lines . . . or will they go off-script? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Josie Silver has been a favorite author of mine since her release of One Day in December.  That book continues to live rent free in my head.  If you haven’t read One Day in December yet, read Slow Burn Summer first and then read that one!

Josie has such a heartfelt and warm writing style.  I don’t think she has written a leading lady that I haven’t immediately connected with and really loved. In Slow Burn Summer you get to meet Kate.  She is so vulnerable and real. What you see is what you get; she really wears her heart on her sleeve.  She acted when she was younger and then got married young and is now going through a divorce and needs a job.  She reaches out to an old agent and ends up meeting Charlie instead.  I think you are really going to love Charlie!  

Charlie offers Kate an opportunity to pose as a romance author and what ensues is incredibly entertaining and so much fun!  I do not want to give too much away but you get a T-Rex, a loyal book community, and a sister bond that will make your heart melt.  I also love the mystery aspect of the story and you will know what I am talking about when you start reading!

This is such a fun summer slow burn romance!  Definitely read this one if you love books about books, a leading lady that will make you feel seen, and some pretty funny banter!

Also, thanks to Penguin Random House Audio I was able to do an immersive read of this one and really, really enjoyed Anna Acton’s narration.  She really brought the story to life conveying the emotions of the characters beautifully!

Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Josie Silver:

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Thursday, June 12, 2025

Kaira Rouda has a lot to be happy about...plus a book giveaway

Credit: Candice Dartez
We're pleased to have Kaira Rouda back at CLC today. She's been here a bunch of times and we've enjoyed watching her go from contemporary fiction to psychological thrillers. Her latest thriller, Jill is Not Happy, is a wild ride! Melissa recently gave it five stars (see her review). Thanks to MeganBeatie Communications, we have one copy to give away!

Kaira Rouda is a USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author known for her gripping domestic suspense novels, including The Widow, The Next Wife, and Best Day Ever. Her work, translated into more than a dozen languages, has earned multiple accolades, including Amazon Editor’s Picks and a Silver Falchion Award. A passionate advocate for the writing community, she co-hosts the Killer Author Club and is active in several literary organizations. Beyond writing, Kaira is deeply involved in social causes and has received numerous awards for her service, including national recognition for creating the first emergency shelter for homeless families in Central Ohio. She lives in Southern California with her family.

Visit Kaira online:

Synopsis:
From the outside, Jill Tingley has it all. She’s married to her college sweetheart Jack and they’re living the dream in Southern California. Wealthy, popular and genetically blessed, theirs seems to be an enviable life, though they’ve grown distant in recent years. Newly empty nesting with their daughter Maggie away at college, Jill suggests a road trip to reconnect. 

But the ugly truth is that Jack would rather do anything else than drive to Utah with his wife. He’s only stayed in this marriage because of a terrible secret from their past that has bound them together all these years. Finally, Jack is finished with the charade of his marriage and plans to file for divorce as soon as they return, no matter the consequences. 

As it turns out, their shared dark history is only the tip of the iceberg Jill has been hiding. And so begins a cat-and-mouse game as a cunning wife—think Ripley in yoga pants—and a reluctant husband match wits and send each other to the edge—literally. All along, Jill tells herself that everything will be fine. She still loves Jack and knows they’re meant to be. She’ll do anything to keep him, just as she always has.

"A clever spin on the glue that keeps marriages together, I devoured this in one sitting."
― Kimberly Belle, USA Today and internationally bestselling author of The Paris Widow

"I love everything Kaira Rouda writes and Jill Is Not Happy is no exception. Jill isn’t just not happy, she’s creepy!"
― Robyn Harding, bestselling author of The Haters

"Nobody does twisty revenge like Kaira Rouda―and her trademark dark humor and deviously toxic characters are always deliciously entertaining."
― Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author

What is a favorite compliment you have received on your writing?
I couldn’t stop reading or your book kept me up too late! 

What is one thing you would tell the debut novelist version of yourself?
HERE, HOME, HOPE was my debut – and you guys were one of the first to review it way back when. Thank you! 
So, I’d say, keep going. Believe in yourself. This is the career of my dreams.

If Jill is Not Happy was made into a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?

The title song would be: "It Is What It Is" by Jamie Miller. The rest would be songs about relationships gone wrong. I’m hearing a lot of Paul Strom’s playlist (IYKYK) "Mack the Knife", "Come Away With Me", "Somebody that I Used to Know", "The Story of Us", "You Know I’m No Good", "Every Breath You Take".

What is the last book you read that you would recommend?

Just finished The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark. So good!

What is the last thing you had a good laugh about?
My puppy Rocky keeps me laughing daily. He’s the best!

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
Nicole Kidman, because, well, she’s Nicole Kidman

Thanks to Kaira for visiting with us and to MeganBeatie Communications for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 17th at midnight EST. 


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Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Book Review: Charity Trickett is Not So Glamorous

By Melissa Smoot

Hollywood, 1997. When Charity Trickett moves to LA to assist the director of the biggest blockbuster film of the year, she quickly realizes that Hollywood isn’t all red carpets and Rodeo Drive. But her determination to become a screenwriter and producer in this glamorous yet cutthroat industry cannot be stifled. Working harder than she ever has before, she impresses the top brass at Canopy Studios and inches herself closer to her dream. But her ambitions and tender heart are threatened by backstabbing coworkers, an evaporating bank account, love gone wrong, a mistake that could cost the studio hundreds of millions of dollars, and an FBI investigation that could land her in jail.

Surrounded by fame and money but unsure how to access either one, Charity’s grit and kindness steer her toward devoted friends and hopeful artists. If she can manage to stay out of trouble, maybe she can change bad to good. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

This was a great book. I enjoyed the 1990’s Hollywood setting and the behind-the-scenes peek into the world of film and glamour. The main character, Charity, is so loveable and relatable. I feel her pain in having a horrible boss (who is not actually her boss) and the feeling of being forced into doing what you are told (or else), even when you know it is not in your job description. I spent the entire book rooting for Charity and hoping that her nemesis, Saffron, would get what she deserves. 

In the end, the author did not give us the evil revenge on Saffron that she deserved, but instead lifted Charity up so high above her, that it was revenge enough. The genuine friendships that Charity made were heartwarming and gave the story such a wholesome feel, even if her friends are some of the most famous in Hollywood. I truly enjoyed all the characters and how they fit so perfectly into Charity’s world. This is an adorable and fun story, and I really loved it.

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase Charity Trickett here.

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Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Spotlight and Giveaway: Winging It with You

We're in the thick of Pride Month 🌈 and are pleased to celebrate the publication of Chip Pons's debut novel, Winging It with You! The story sounds like a lot of fun (especially since it starts off with mozzarella sticks...you can't go wrong there) and we're here for it. Thanks to Putnam, we have TWO copies to give away!

Catching flights . . . and feelings

Asher Bennett thought his relationship was just fine. Until he’s unceremoniously dumped at the Boston airport ahead of the world-wide travel competition reality show, The Epic Trek. Armed with only a ticket and righteous indignation, Asher finds the closest solace he can: a mimosa and mozzarella sticks combo at an airport TGI Fridays. Still, Asher is determined to find a new partner and luckily, right in front of him is a smooth-talking airline pilot ready for takeoff.

Theo Fernandez has been grounded. He’s the only pilot that has never taken a vacation and the edict has been passed down: prove you're prioritizing a work-life balance or say goodbye to your wings. As he struggles to bask in his new downtime, without reconnecting with his family, he stumbles upon the perfect opportunity. The handsome guy who "stole" his mozzarella sticks at his favorite terminal eatery has a sudden opening for a partner . . . on a nationally televised reality show.

Theo and Asher buckle up to fake date for the cameras, but as they do the undercurrents of attraction make them wonder if their on-screen chemistry hints at something bigger. Do they have the courage to leave behind their baggage, and wing it together for another chance at love? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Winging It with You is all about taking chances on the heart—and seeing them pay off in glorious technicolor. Asher and Theo’s chemistry is off the charts from their first moment on the page, and watching them trek through their unexpected love story was a pure delight." 
—Lana Ferguson, USA Today bestselling author of The Fake Mate

"Chip Pons writes with such heart and honesty—it’s impossible not to fall in love with his characters. His stories pulse with emotion, leaving you thinking about them long after you’ve turned the last page. Chip Pons is the fresh voice in romance we’ve needed!" 
—Sarah Adams, New York Times bestselling author of Beg, Borrow, or Steal

"I was immediately hooked by this fun and fresh take on fake dating. Winging It with You delivers on its super clever premise with a well-crafted story and engaging main characters who face big obstacles, both physical and emotional. If you’re looking for a sexy, entertaining rom-com, this is your next escape." 
—Sidney Karger, author of Best Men and The Bump

Credit: Chip Pons

Chip Pons grew up in a small lake town in Northern Michigan before eventually traveling the world as a photojournalist in the US Air Force, where he met and worked alongside his dream of a husband and better half. He’s spent his entire life swooning over the love stories filling up his shelves until one day, he was brave—or delusional—enough to write his own.

He currently lives in the heart of Washington, DC. and when he is not writing or chasing his pup, Margot, around, he can be found daydreaming of untold happily ever afters or on Bookstagram shouting about the books he loves. And snacking, like, all the time. (Bio courtesy of Chip's website.)

Visit Chip at his website and on Instagram.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 16th at midnight EST. 


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Monday, June 9, 2025

Book Review and Giveaway: Far and Away

Perfect strangers Lucy and Greta have agreed to a house swap—and boy, are they going to regret it.

Lucy’s hometown of Dallas has gone from home sweet home to vicious snake pit in the blink of an eye after her son makes a mistake he can’t undo. And Greta’s beloved flat in Berlin is suddenly up for grabs when her husband Otto takes a dream job in Texas without even telling her. In their rush to leave town, Lucy and Greta make a deal, pack their bags, and—thanks to martinis, desperation, and some very rusty German—have absolutely no idea what they’re getting themselves into.

Trading Southern charm and barbecue for European sophistication and schnitzel, the two women get a lot more than a change of scenery as they move into each other’s houses, neighborhoods, and lives. Greta and Lucy’s husbands are no help: Otto is winning over his colleagues, swimming laps in the backyard pool, and rooting for the Rangers, while Lucy’s husband is doing a six-month stretch out west, either in a NASA biosphere or in jail, depending on who you ask. Meanwhile, Greta’s daughter Emmi and Lucy’s son Jack get tossed into each other’s orbits, where they both discover secrets they can’t ignore.

When Greta’s biggest career achievement—the buzzworthy purchase of a Vermeer at auction—is thrown into question and Lucy’s past with a hot Viking named Bjørn invades her present, the two women need each other in ways they never could have imagined. Through jet lag, culture shock, suspiciously nice neighbors, and scandals that refuse to be left behind, Lucy and Greta will have to decide if they can ever go home again. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Allyson Bales:

Say hello to what I KNOW is going to be one of your favorite books of the year!  

Thanks to Simon Audio, I got to read this one primarily with my ears and it was such a treat.  I think this will definitely be one of my favorite audio books of the year.  It is primarily narrated by Patti Murin and Lisa Flanagan with smaller parts by Jennifer Jill Araya, Kevin R. Free, and Pete Simonelli.  A multi-cast narration always really brings the story to life for me but what I loved about this one even more were the narrators' Dallas twang and German accents!

Amy Poeppel is becoming a favorite author of mine!  I read The Sweet Spot a few years ago and immediately fell in love with her writing style.  With this story you get to meet Lucy and Greta.  Lucy is dealing with a high school scandal and Greta’s husband Otto is in need of a work change.  Both of them decide very impulsively to swap houses and what actually ensues is so much fun!  This story was a mix of the movies The Holiday and Love, Actually with characters that have so much personality and quirkiness!  I really missed them when I wasn’t reading and couldn’t wait to get back to them as soon as possible!

The story is a lighter read but there are so many storylines intermingling at once, so many laugh out loud and heartfelt moments, and characters that really feel like your best friends, that you are going to be so invested until the very end.  I don’t often re-read stories but I already want to re-listen to this and be back together with the characters! 

I really don’t want to give too much away but know that you get to visit sweltering Dallas and bustling Berlin, Germany.  There’s a spouse that is spending six months in New Mexico but everyone is saying he's on Mars.  There’s a math problem that really went awry and a teenager that drives WAY below the speed limit.  Like so slow it takes him over six hours for a two-hour trip!

I really could go on and on about this one! Please go read it and then reach out to me! I would love to talk about it more!

Melissa Amster:

I have enjoyed Amy Poeppel's novels ever since I checked out Limelight in 2018 (reviewed here). That was a top pick for me at the time. I'm pleased to share that another one of her novels has earned a spot on my top picks list this year: Far and Away. It's like The Holiday, but about parenthood and only slightly more chaotic. 😂 I loved every bit of it, including the quirky characters, armchair adventure, humor, and pets, just to name a few things. Of course, the synopsis had me at "Viking named Bjørn" because of Ghosts.

I felt so bad for Lucy with everything that happened from Jack making an error in judgment. I can't even imagine having to see my child's dreams get taken away because of a misunderstanding that got out of control. Then to add insult to injury, everyone was ostracizing Lucy and her family. And her husband was doing this Mars simulation so he wouldn't even take her calls and he had no idea what was happening. 

Greta seemed to have it slightly easier, but she walked into a messy situation...and house, not knowing what to expect. Her husband was living the dream in Texas and she was just trying to get by. I could understand how awkward she felt at times, and how homesick she truly was. I liked seeing her communication with Lucy and how they started to understand each other's situations after a while.

I loved all the narrative from the variety of characters and seeing them in so many locations throughout the story. I was picturing one of those toy planes going back and forth on a map. I have never been to Berlin, but Amy made it easy to picture everything there. There was so much livelihood throughout the story and I never knew what to expect from one chapter to the next. I wanted to live inside the book even longer!

It would have been nice to have translations for everything that was just written in German. Some context was available here and there, but if I were watching this as a movie and the subtitles were missing, I'd be totally confused.

I'm excited for everyone to read this soon, so I can enjoy it again vicariously through them. (I'm re-enjoying it just by writing this review.) It's such a refreshing and creative novel and I'm glad I got the opportunity to check it out!

(Trigger warning at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:
Lucy: Rachael Leigh Cook
Greta: Diane Kruger
Jack: Finn Wolfhard
Emmi: Lilly Krug
Irene: Caroline Lagerfelt
Adam: Dan Jeannotte
Otto: Til Schweiger (which is funny when you read the book...)

Thanks to Atria for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have one copy for a lucky reader!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

Giveaway ends June 15th at midnight EST. 

More by Amy Poeppel:

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TW: Bullying

Sunday, June 8, 2025

Book Review: Just Beachy

By Jami Denison

It’s beach season, and there’s no better beach read than a book that takes place at the beach. There’s something special when that book is set in the town where you’re vacationing; it’s even more special if you’re lucky enough to live in that beach town. Wendy Wax is a St. Petersburg, Florida native; her popular Ten Beach Road series is set on Pass-A-Grille (part of St. Pete Beach). I live in St. Petersburg and was married on Pass-A-Grille. Naturally, when she released her latest beach read, Just Beachy, I scooped it up. Just Beachy isn’t part of the Ten Beach Road series, but some of the series’ characters pop up. 

When actress Sydney Ryan’s police officer character is written off her show in an embarrassing way, she decides to leave Hollywood and join her grandmother on Treasure Island, Florida. Right away, there’s romance in the air for both women—Grand starts dating her neighbor Brian, and Sydney hooks up with police officer Luke, her old crush from grade school. But when someone breaks into Grand’s house, Sydney’s grandmother admits to involvement in an art scandal. Could Brian be involved? Can Sydney use her TV detective skills to find out the truth?

Despite its mystery spine, Just Beachy is written in a breezy, humorous tone that plays down conflict. Constantly stymied by people who think she’s her TV character, Sydney goes on embarrassing auditions and spends a lot of time helping Grand’s friend Myra open a bookstore on Pass-A-Grille. The relationship with Luke happens quickly, so it’s missing a lot of the tension and build-up that romance fans expect, while including several clinically descriptive sex scenes. The climax is unsurprising, and the denouement is almost a fairy tale.


For me, the highlight of Just Beachy was Wax’s frequent name-dropping of popular St. Petersburg spots—the Don Cesar Hotel; Paradise Grille and Hurricane’s on Pass-A-Grille; Larry’s Ice Cream shop on St. Pete Beach; Central Avenue; Gulf Boulevard.  As Wax mentions in her author’s note, the book takes place in an alternate timeline in which two hurricanes did not decimate this area. In the real world, Paradise Grille was closed for several months; thousands of homes along the beaches and in St. Petersburg flooded, and many businesses were destroyed. The Don reopened at the end of March. I was lucky enough that my home didn’t flood, but many of my immediate neighbors did, along with friends and my real estate brokerage.  

I can’t blame Wax for wanting to ignore the disaster, and I hope Just Beachy inspires people to visit the Gulf Beaches. There’s nothing better than spending the afternoon reading a book on St. Pete Beach, watching the sunset at Paradise Grille, eating a cheeseburger, and ringing the sunset bell. 

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Friday, June 6, 2025

Book Review: Roommating

By Melissa Amster

Sabrina is too busy with grad school and her job as a library page to think about dating. Until her elderly roommate Marcia invites her estranged grandson Adam to move into their two-bedroom apartment in Manhattan temporarily to “find himself.” Sabrina doesn’t mind sharing the small space with Adam if it helps Marcia repair her relationship with her grandson. But she’s not expecting to fall for him herself. Adam is not only gorgeous, he’s kind, funny, shares her love of reading, and clearly adores Marcia. After one too many accidental midnight rendezvous in the bathroom (him shirtless), the tension between them is hotter than ever. But they’re not the only ones feeling the heat. After Marcia has a health scare, her doctors advise that one of her younger roommates must go.

In a comical and sexy battle to prove who deserves to stay, the two pull out all the stops. All's fair in love and real estate, but in the end victory is not so sweet when winning the apartment could mean losing each other.  (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I always enjoy Meredith Schorr's novels and her latest, Roommating, is a real treat from beginning to end! It has everything I love in a rom-com, all bundled into a perfect package. Full of humor, Jewish joy,  a swoonworthy love interest, romance, steam, book references, pop culture, an adorable dog, etc. The NYC setting adds even more charm. 

I liked the unique concept of this story. I've never read a novel where a young woman shares an apartment with an older woman, and then the older woman's grandson suddenly reappears in her life and it makes things complicated for the young woman. Meredith made everything seem like a lot of fun! There was a lot of great banter between the characters and the story never slowed down. 

I found some aspects of the story relatable. I could understand and appreciate Sabrina's stress about money. I know she was trying hard to be independent and make ends meet, but that it got to a breaking point for her. I felt bad for her regarding her guilt over how she acted toward her grandma prior to her grandma's death. My heart also hurt for Marcia with being rejected by her son and having her grandson alienated from her. 

My only concern is that I wish the competition had gone on longer. In the grand scheme of things, it wasn't a big deal that it was cut short. The story still had a lot going for it even without the competition.

Fun side note: My mom's name is Marcia and she spells it the same way as the one in this book. (People used to call us asking for Mar-see-a, even though Marcia Brady spelled it the same way too.)

This one is a winner for me and it will be for you too! Be sure to add it to your summer TBR for a relaxing and entertaining escape read.

Movie casting suggestions:

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of the post.)

Thanks to Forever for the book in exchange for an honest review.


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TW: Homophobia (off page), death of parent (off page)