Check out a Q&A with one of the authors... Dear Hero by Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger (Interview) #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #DearHero #chatfiction @alyssawrote @HopeBolinger @iReadBookTours


Welcome! Check out an interview with one of the authors and enter the tour giveaway below...

Dear Hero
By Alyssa Roat & Hope Bolinger
YA Romance, Superheroes, Chat Fiction, Romcom
Paperback & eBook, 432 Pages
October 29, 2024 by Torchflame Books

Summary

There's an app for everything--even meeting a new nemesis.

Up-and-coming teen superhero Cortex is on top of the world—at least, until his villain dumps him. If he’s going to save his reputation, he needs a new villain to fight, and fast. Meanwhile, the villainous Vortex has once again gotten a little overeager and taken out a hero prematurely. Will any young hero be able to keep up with her? Maybe she should work on finding a steady relationship with an enemy she won’t kill in the first round.

Enter Meta-Match, a nemesis pairing site for heroes and villains. The two match right away, and after throwing punches at each other behind coffee shops, practicing their fight choreography, and hiring henchmen to do their bidding (mostly just getting them coffee), they realize they have a lot more in common than names that annoyingly rhyme. After all, they're still rising through the ranks in their respective circles, and their reputations need good press.

But not everything in the superhero world is as it seems. Can a hero really trust a villain to do the right thing? And can a villain trust a hero not to screw them over? As darkness from the past threatens them both, they may need each other for the fight to come—one with much higher stakes than their choreographed meet-ups on weekends.

Told entirely through texts, transcriptions, and direct messages, this darkly humorous chat fiction rom-com goes behind the scenes of the superworld.

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Interview with Alyssa Roat

Where do you get inspiration for your stories?

Inspiration for stories comes from everywhere, usually the most unexpected of places. Years ago, Hope and I created parody Twitter accounts for a supervillain and a superhero. We thought it would be funny to explore what a supervillain/hero might post if they had social media. As the lore for our parody characters grew, we thought it might be even funnier to write an entire book about them. And thus, Dear Hero was born.

Dear Hero is chat fiction. What does that mean?

Chat fiction includes books that are told in a chat format—in this case, it means Dear Hero is told entirely through texts, DMs, and transcriptions. It’s a modern form of the epistolary novel.

We wrote Dear Hero in this format to make it a quick, snappy, and accessible read. It’s great for reluctant teen readers, busy moms, or anyone who wants a quick and fun read full of humor.

Your book is set in Indiana and Arizona. What made you choose those places?

Hope and I went to college together in Indiana, and I grew up in Tucson, Arizona. A long-distance relationship for our hero and villain made sense for the chat fiction format, and so we picked two states that we knew well but also don’t get as much love in fiction as we think they should! We also had our protagonists travel to other fun places we’ve been like Garden of the Gods in Colorado, and even Las Vegas, because what’s more silly and over the top than a showdown in Vegas?

If you could be one character in your book, who would you be?

I would want to be our villain protagonist Vortex, or as she prefers to be called, V. She has pet sharks, a love for plushies, and she has top tier fighting skills as well as superpowers.

Give us one fun fact about you.

I don’t have pet sharks (sad) but I do have four black cats and an aquarium that houses a variety of freshwater friends such as frogs.

About the Authors


Alyssa Roat lives in the cornfields of Indiana, but she hopes to soon discover a portal to a fantasy world where she will run a bookshop for magical creatures. For now, she is an award-winning multi-published author and has worked in a wide variety of roles within the publishing industry as an editor, agent, writer, and publicist. She and her partner have four black cats who allegedly have never been fed in their lives and occasionally help her write by walking across the keyboard. Her name is a pun, which means you can learn more about her at www.alyssawrote.com or on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook as @alyssawrote.



Hope Bolinger is the author of more than 25 books, including the award-winning Blaze trilogy, and has contributed to many more. She has worked for various publishing companies, magazines, newspapers, and literary agencies and has edited the work of 300+ authors. She has won awards for her essays, poetry, children’s books, novels, and plays. She’s a theater nerd and spends too much time hiking and petting her fat cats, Freya and Odin. She can be found online @hopebolinger and @hopekbolinger.


Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Tour-Wide Giveaway

Author-signed copy of DEAR HERO by Alyssa Roat and Hope Bolinger (one winner) (USA only) (ends Nov 26)


What draws you to read this book? Have you read any others like it? What connected with you in the interview?

Check out a Q&A with the author... Operation Elite by C. R. Warnick (Interview) #bookx #yalit #yabooks #dystopian #scifi #operationelite


Welcome! I'm sharing an interview with the author today. Read on below...

Operation Elite
(Operation Elite #1)
By C. R. Warnick
Young Adult Dystopian Thriller, Sci-Fi
Paperback & eBook, 300 Pages
March 1, 2024

Summary

In near-future USA, a civil war between corrupt political extremes has split the nation in two. Growing up in a dystopian East ruled by a merciless powermonger, Angelina Dawn is taught to hate the anarchist radicals of the West and to prioritize order, loyalty, and obedience above all else. However, as she begins to uncover secret third-party networks and is taught the values of balance, freedom, and integrity, she begins to develop convictions and ambitions opposed to either extreme. As she enters adulthood, she is thrust into the dangers of war and must maintain the trust of both East and West while covertly striving to fight for balance and hope. However, her ambitions seem unachievable until she learns of a young, ruthless radical with powerful talents and weak convictions. Angelina must get to him and convince him to join her before she is found out as a traitor and before the nation destroys itself.

(Affiliate link included.)

Author Interview

Welcome to my blog today to tell us more about OPERATION ELITE!

How would you describe the main characters of OPERATION ELITE?

There are two main characters in the Operation Elite series. The first is Angelina Dawn who I would best describe as an idealistic and ambitious protagonist who struggles to accept her own limitations. The second is Ryan Jameson, a mysterious and darkly talented soldier, plagued by doubt, with drive but no direction.

What inspired the idea of a futuristic United States?

My futuristic US was first inspired by a dream I had in middle school. The dream was so vivid and captivating that I knew I had to turn it into a story to share.

What is your favorite part of the story?

My favorite part of Operation Elite is the ending. It's what the whole book is leading to, and it sets the stage for more drama and intensity in book two. And what can I say, I love cliffhangers.

What is your favorite part of writing in this genre?


My favorite part of writing dystopian thrillers is slowly building suspense and leading my readers to big climaxes and reveals. It's a skill I'm still learning, and my biggest hope is that I will someday be able to accomplish this as well as my favorite sci-fi author, Isaac Asimov.

What are you working on next?

I'm excited to share that book two of the Operation Elite series, called Operation Dohrnii, is in the works and set to hit the shelves next spring (hopefully beginning of March).

What is your favorite thing about this time of the year?

My favorite thing about this time of year is the excitement in the air. I find October to be one of my favorite months in which to write because the chill in the air seems to be carrying stories yet to be told and explored.

About the Author


C. R. Warnick always knew she would write. Having earned a master’s degree in psychology, she enjoys delving into the thoughts and emotions of characters in unusual and extraordinary circumstances. She currently lives and writes in Colorado.

Find the author here.

What's the last dystopian you've read? What appeals to you about this story or connected with you in the interview?

Can't Wait for... The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right by Suzanne Allain (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads @BerkleyRomance @BerkleyPub


Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally, they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I didn't read Mr. Malcolm's List, but did watch it and read this author's next book, The Ladies Rewrite the Rules, and enjoyed it. Her next release is my pick this week...

The Wrong Lady Meets Lord Right
By Suzanne Allain
Historical Romance, Romcom, Clean & Wholesome
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 272 Pages
December 3, 2024 by Berkley

Summary

When a young woman trades places with her noble cousin, their innocent ruse leads to true love in this sparkling new Regency-era romantic comedy of manners from the author of Mr. Malcolm’s List.

When Arabella Grant’s wicked aunt dies suddenly, both Arabella and her cousin Lady Isabelle cannot help but feel relieved. She’d made their lives miserable, and now Lady Issie is free to read to her heart’s content, and Bella is free from taunts about her ignoble birth.

Their newfound freedom is threatened, however, when Issie’s great-aunt commands her to travel to London for a come-out Issie has never wanted. Issie, who is in poor health, is convinced she’ll drop dead like her mother did if she drops into a curtsy before the queen. So when her great-aunt turns out to be nearsighted and can’t tell the noble Lady Isabelle from her commoner cousin Arabella, Issie convinces Bella to take her place. Bella can attend all the exclusive entertainments that her lower birth would typically exclude her from, and Issie can stay in bed, her nose in a book.

Bella agrees to the scheme for her cousin’s sake, but matters turn complicated when she meets the irresistible Lord Brooke. He begins courting her while under the impression she’s the rich and aristocratic Lady Isabelle, who, unlike Bella, is a suitable bride for an eligible young earl. And Bella, who is convinced that she has met “Lord Right,” worries what will happen when she reveals that he’s actually fallen for…the wrong lady.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

A sweet second-chance romance... A Rancher's Return by Jen Gilroy (Review) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #western @harlequinbooks @justreadtours


Welcome! Read my review of this sweet romance below...

A Rancher's Return
(The Montana Carters #4)
By Jen Gilroy
Contemporary Romance, Western, Clean & Wholesome
Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages
October 22, 2024 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

Home is…

Where their hearts never left

Molly Carter’s come back to her family’s ranch in High Valley, Montana, just long enough to take a breather before returning to her city life in Atlanta. But being home for the holidays is bittersweet, especially when she learns that Troy Clayton has returned to buy the Bitterroot Ranch. Once, they were sweethearts. Now, being face-to-face with the handsome rancher is making her reassess everything—including the feelings she still has for him. But following your dreams doesn’t always mean following your heart…especially when love comes a second time around.

The Montana Carters

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

The Montana Carters

Book 1: Montana Reunion
Book 2: A Family for the Rodeo Cowboy
Book 3: The Cowgirl Nanny
Book 4: A Rancher's Return


(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

A RANCHER'S RETURN is a good name for this story where a man comes back to his hometown after making something of himself and finds the girl he once loved is back home for a time as well. It's a story of second chances, family, and romance set in small-town Montana. Recommended to fans of the author and this line of heartwarming romances.

I liked both characters from the beginning as well as the family dynamics. The small-town setting added an extra layer of coziness as well as some fun moments. I like stories where there's a pre-established relationship between the two love interests as that lends a layer of genuineness to the story, so that definitely worked for me here. I liked the goofy side of both of these characters that created some entertainment. There was a sweet dog that I adored and some little kids as well. The romance was sweet with a bit of complexity that ended as expected.

There were also a few things that didn't work for me. Some reactions felt off to me or overdone, such as Molly;s and her family's reaction to Troy when something didn't turn out. Some other things, like Molly being so concerned about anyone knowing she liked Troy or was dating him, and in the same breath complaining about him not including her as she thought he should be, was contradictory and didn't sit well with me. There were some places that felt a bit slow too.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, this was a sweet and heartwarming romance that fans of the series and line of books will enjoy.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you read any of the other books in this series? What's the last western you read?

A delightful Regency romance... The Gentleman's Confession by Anneka R. Walker (Review) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #historicalromance #cleanromance #cleanreads #properromance @ShadowMountn @ProperRomance


I'm happy to be sharing my review of this newest Proper Romance from Anneka R. Walker and Shadow Mountain...

The Gentleman's Confession
(A Proper Romance/Matchmaking Mama's #3)
By Anneka R. Walker
Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 288 Pages
October 22, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Inexperienced in courtship and love, Jemma turns to her best friend, Miles, for guidance on how to win a man’s heart—not knowing that Miles has secretly loved her for years.

Brookeside, England, 1822

Jemma Fielding has always considered herself an independent woman, but to honor her beloved grandmother’s dying wish, she makes a promise that she will marry and fall in love. To fulfill her promise, she turns to the Matchmaking Mamas Society for assistance and is paired with the charming Mr. Bentley. Though he is everything Jemma could hope for in a match, she is clueless about how to win his heart. Desperate to make a good impression, she seeks guidance from her dearest friend, Miles Jackson, a humble rector with a talent for understanding matters of the heart.

However, Miles’s secret affection for Jemma has spanned years, and teaching her to love someone else threatens to betray his own heart. Despite his selfless nature, Miles fears he will never be more than a humble rector in her eyes.

Even as he gives Jemma lessons in love, Miles grapples with the challenge of convincing her that Mr. Bentley may be a perfect gentleman but he is not the perfect match for her. Will Miles’s advice in romance jeopardize their years of friendship, or will it reveal the attraction that has quietly blossomed between them, proving that this time, the Matchmaking Mamas may have made a mistake? Miles must decide if he’s brave enough to confess his feelings to Jemma before she is whisked away forever.

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

THE GENTLEMAN'S CONFESSION is a delightful Regency romance full of friendship, family, and humor. The comradery between a group of friends and then the two main characters were so fun and automatically brought deep relationships built over years of this group knowing each other. The heroine has plenty of spark with a less-than-traditional hero. Some moments of introspection and heartbreak bring a depth to the story, while the sweet romance and friendships inspire. Highly recommended to fans of the genre!

I laughed so much during this story while equally swooning. Jemma definitely is in denial while Miles is very aware and trying to get through to her. This story is a case of someone making choices based on what they think is best for someone else, and with what is best for themselves being the last consideration. I enjoyed the group of friends and the family dynamics, but Jemma and Miles definitely are the focal point as they should be. Of course I had a bit of frustration with Jemma, but she eventually figures things out, and some other frustrations with the characters not seeing things a bit clearer sooner. There is a bit of silliness, but all in good fun. I knew how the story would eventually end, but not all the twists and turns to get there. The humor and emotional drive towards the end were especially entertaining.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was such a fun read! So much humor, friendship, and swoon-worthy romance, with loveable characters and a sweet small-town country setting. Highly recommended to regency romance readers and fans of the Proper Romance line!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Have you read the other books in the series or other recent Regency romances?

Read an excerpt from this sweet romance... Marrying the Mechanic by Shanna Hatfield (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads @xpressotours


Welcome! Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Marrying the Mechanic:
A Small-Town Clean Romance
(Summer Creek #7)
By Shanna Hatfield
Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome
Paperback & eBook, 409 Pages
October 24, 2024

Summary

A heartwarming journey of love, growth, and the bonds that tie hearts together even when life leads down unexpected paths.

Mechanic Jace Easton grapples with the sudden changes happening around him. His younger sister, Tassie, has always relied on him, but now she’s off traipsing around the globe with the prince of her dreams. As Tassie prepares to step into her future, Jace is confronted with the harsh truth that she has matured, and so has her best friend, Deena. The deepening attraction he feels for Deena—a pull that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore—leaves him further unsettled and struggling to accept his new reality.

Deena Durant may earn her living welding farm equipment, but her true passion lies in crafting metal sculptures. Alongside her artistic dreams, she clings to the hope that Jace might eventually see her as more than his sister’s friend. Until then, she conceals her feelings and does her best to encourage him as everything familiar shifts into unchartered territory.

When Jace and Deena work together to help Tassie’s dreams come true, will they discover their own path to true love?

Marrying the Mechanic is a celebration of unexpected love, personal growth, and the power of relationships in a wholesome, small-town romance.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

“Have you talked to Tassie recently?” Deena asked as they headed out of town.

“Last Sunday. She and the prince were on their way to dinner with one of his brothers.” Jace glanced over at Deena, who seemed to get prettier by the minute. “Why? Have you heard from her?”

“Just a few texts and photos. She sent one yesterday of her and Eli with two of his grown nephews. They were heading to Paris for a festival.”

Jace felt a prick of annoyance that Tassie kept Deena more updated on her travel plans than she did him. Then again, he couldn’t blame his sister. Most of their communication started and ended with him asking when she was coming home and reminders to be careful and safe and to not trust strangers.

He probably sounded like a lame recording set to repeat.

No wonder Tassie only called him once a week and rarely sent a text. It was his own fault for acting overbearing and no doubt coming off as angry, even if he was. Tassie wasn’t the one who’d stirred his ire. Most of that ferocity was directed at himself, with a substantial portion attributed to the stupid prince with the charming smile who had turned everything in Jace’s world upside down.

Well, maybe not everything.

Deena was her own kind of surprise. Jace had yet to decide if the changes in her were of the good or bad variety.

A touch drew his gaze to where Deena’s hand rested on his forearm. He debated shaking it off or covering those long fingers with his own dirty paw. Instead of following either inclination, he focused on her sunglasses even though all he could distinguish was a reflection of himself.

With his face red from the heat and too much time in the sun, compounded by his current embarrassment, it was a vision he didn’t really need to see.

“Don’t beat yourself up if Tassie is doing her own thing,” Deena said with a note of encouragement in her smooth voice. “This is what she’s always wanted. What’s she’s dreamed about her entire life. All we need to do is be happy for her. Right?”

“Right,” Jace said, although he’d rather offer a dozen reasons why Tassie was going to eventually come home with a broken heart. Her experiences with Eli were going to make it that much harder to live in Summer Creek when this … whatever was going on with his sister and the prince, came to an end.

Deena’s eyebrow lifted above her sunglasses again, as though she knew exactly what he was thinking. She refrained from commenting, though, and pulled a U-turn in the road, stopping behind his service rig.

“Want me to wait for you to make sure you get it running?” she asked.

“No. I won’t keep you longer than I already have, but thank you for the ride both ways. I appreciate it.”

“No problem, Jace. Call if you can’t get it to start, and I’ll come get you.”

He would rather chew glass than call Deena for help in his current frame of mind, but he swallowed down the refusal and nodded at her. “Thanks. Have fun at the baby shower.”

“I intend to. Bye, Jace.”

He hopped out, lifted the tools and creeper from the back, then let Cleo deliver a sloppy lick to his cheek. It was the closest he’d come to a kiss for a long, long time.


About the Author


USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bookbub | Newsletter

Tour-Wide Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read any of this author's other books? Did the excerpt make you want to read more?


Read an excerpt from this holiday romcom... Let's Not & Sleigh We Did by J.P. Sterling (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #romcom #cleanreads #holidayreads @xpressotours


Welcome! Read an excerpt from this holiday romcom sure to give you some laughs and warm your heart below. There's a giveaway to enter too!

Let's Not & Sleigh We Did
(Christmas Shenanigans)
By J.P. Sterling
Contemporary Holiday Romance, Romcom
eBook, 190 Pages
October 25, 2024

Summary

Oh, oh, the mistletoe, hung where I did NOT see.
My brother’s friend waits for me and gets down on one knee—What is happening?


Somebody stop it, please!
Oh, those dreamy blue eyes batting at me, and all the words he dares to say.
This is bad.
Like really, really bad.
We’re now planning a wedding day.
But it’s all for a good reason, not love.
Oh, cough, cough, let’s not bust out the L-word.
It’s purely business.
It is a solid plan until it isn’t.
So maybe I love him, but we agreed not to do that . . . whoops!

Let’s Not and Sleigh We Did is a fake marriage of convenience, brother’s best friend, just-kisses-but-all-the-swoons romcom. Oh, yeah, there’s a fluffy cow too!

(Affiliate link included. Also available in KU.)

Excerpt

A ring.

Not just any ring, a rose gold band.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, a little harshly, the ring pulsating in my peripheral vision.

“We talked about this, remember?” Luke’s voice drops, rasping.

“We talked about marriage.” I tilt my head to one side, as if I’m physically dividing this argument in half., “But not this, and not in front of them.”

“You’re being modest.” He laughs, tossing a look back at his parents. “I thought it would be nice to share this moment with them.”

“You did?” my voice squeaks, as I’m totally blindsided and wishing I had at least a heads- up. The arrangement had sounded so much more business casual than what’s going on right now. A proposal on one knee is not business casual. This is my heart in my throat, and I’m about to throw up. “Where did you get a ring?” I hiss.

“I bought it today.”

“Today?” I grapple for my throat, praying something gives before I pass out.

“Yeah, today when I was thinking about you.”

Doing a hard pause on the word, you, he’s still holding the ring awkwardly in his hand. I frantically search his face for signs of a prank, but he doesn’t have an ounce of humor curved into a smile.

He’s one-hundred-percent serious.

Quakes rumble against my rib cage. This is an act. I’m clearly about to blow our cover as I’m acting so confused, but this whole thing is blowing my mind. “This is happening so fast.”

“It’s okay. Better than okay.” He takes my hand in his, holding it in front of him. “Ten years ago, you kissed me on a dare. You didn’t know it at the time, but I was already falling in love with you. You were my first kiss, but I knew in that moment, I wanted you to be my last.”

I blink. Everything about his proposal sounds genuine.

My gaze floats to his mom; her hands clasp together in front of her, but her gaze is piercing in my direction. Luke’s dad has a that’s-my-boy grin laced on his lips.

And Luke!

Luke’s winning an Oscar for his acting. His gaze dials right into mine, like it’s boring a trail through my eyes right to my heart. I can’t even tell it’s a fake proposal, and I one-thousand- percent know it’s fake.

It is fake . . . right?


About the Author

J.P. Sterling grew up watching old reruns of Lucille Ball and Mary Tyler Moore and fell in love with wholesome entertainment and slapstick comedy. She loves leaning into the over-the-top humor and full circle moments, especially if it means the underdog gets to shine.

Aside from writing, she's also a wife and homeschooling mom, a holistic dietitian, a former college professor and lover of all things dark chocolate.

*No swears. Just kisses. No Blasphemies.*

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Blitz Giveaway

1st prize - $20 Amazon card (INT)
2nd prize & 3rd prize: eBook and a swag pack (US only)


Ends Oct 31, 2024

Have you read any holiday books yet? Do you normally read them during the holiday season? Do you have any favorites?


A new diverse short story anthology... On the Block, Edited by Ellen Oh (Mood Board) #newbooks #bookx #ontheblock #ellenoh #middlegrade #diversebooks #childrensfiction #kidlit #shortstories @tbrbeyondtours


I met Ellen Oh at the Tucson Book Festival earlier this year on a panel with two other authors. She is so fun! She's one reason I decided to join this tour to feature this anthology. I'll be reviewing it soon, but I can already tell you it's a five-star read. Find out more about it and check out my mood board below...

On the Block:
Stories From Home
Edited by Ellen Oh
Middle Grade Fiction, Children's Fiction, Short Stories
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 208 Pages
October 22, 2024 by Crown Books for Young Readers

Summary

From We Need Diverse Books, the organization behind Flying Lessons & Other Stories, comes an inspiring middle-grade anthology that follows the loosely interconnected lives of multigenerational immigrant families, the residents at the Entrada apartment building. Edited by Ellen Oh, a founding member of WNDB.

"The beauty of their shared home does not come from any single person, but instead from the sum of their experiences" -Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature


12 Families. 12 Cultures. 1 Building.

Welcome to the Entrada, home to these everyday Americans, including
- the new kid on the block, who is both homesick and curious
- a Popsicle-bridge builder, a ghost hunter, and a lion dancer
- their families, friends, and neighbors from all around the world!

Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this anthology features award-winning authors Tracey Baptiste, David Bowles, Adrianna Cuevas, Sayantani DasGupta, Debbi Michiko Florence, Adam Gidwitz, Erin Entrada Kelly, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Andrea Wang, and Jasmine Warga. These inspiring stories celebrate family, friendship, culture, and American immigrant life today.

(Affiliate links included.)

Mood Board


About the Editor


Ellen Oh is a former adjunct college instructor and lawyer with an insatiable curiosity for ancient Asian history. She loves K-pop, K-dramas, and eating good food that someone else cooks for her. She is fueled by Diet Coke and Krispy Kreme donuts are her kryptonite. Ellen is a founding member of We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing diversity in children’s literature. Originally from New York City, Ellen lives in Rockville, Maryland, with her husband, three children, two dogs, and has yet to satisfy her quest for a decent bagel.


Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read other short story anthologies or any of Ellen Oh's books? What are your thoughts on this one?

Can't Wait for... The Muse of Maiden Lane by Mimi Matthews (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #themuseofmaidenlane #mimimatthews


Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

This series has been so fun! It's about a group of women riders who make their own luck and fall in love in different ways set in Victorian England. Book four that's coming out next month is my pick this week...

The Muse of Maiden Lane
(Belles of London #4)
By Mimi Matthews
Historical Romance
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 384 Pages
November 19, 2024 by Berkley

Summary

A silver-haired equestrienne and a charismatic artist turn a scandalous bargain into a vibrant portrait of love.

Stella Hobhouse is a brilliant rider, stalwart friend, skilled sketch artist—and completely overlooked. Her outmodish gray hair makes her invisible to London society. Combined with her brother’s pious restrictions and her dwindling inheritance, Stella is on the verge of a lifetime marooned in Derbyshire as a spinster. Unless she does something drastic…like posing for a daring new style of portrait by the only man who’s ever really seen her.

Aspiring painter Edward “Teddy” Hayes knows true beauty when he sees it. He would never ask Stella to risk her reputation as an artist’s model but in the five years since a virulent bout of scarlet fever left him partially paralyzed, Teddy has learned to heed good fortune when he finds it. He’ll do anything to persuade his muse to pose for him, even if he must offer her a marriage of convenience.

After all, though Teddy has yearned to trace Stella’s luminous beauty on canvas since their chance meeting, her heart is what he truly aches to capture….

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Will you be reading this one?

A new YA paranormal romance graphic novel... The Sweetness Between Us by Sarah Winifred Searle (Spotlight) #newbooks #bookx #graphicnovel #thesweetnessbetweenus #sarahwinifred #yalit #yabooks @tbrbeyondtours


Welcome to my tour stop! I'm sharing this new graphic novel today. Read on below...

The Sweetness Between Us
By Sarah Winifred Searle
Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+
Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 240 Pages
October 22, 2024 by First Second

Summary

From the creator of The Greatest Thing, a new YA graphic novel about a boy with a chronic illness and a newly turned vampire finding what they need in one another, perfect for fans of Vampire Academy.

Perley and Amandine are both starting their Junior year late. Perley was diagnosed with diabetes over the summer and has to worry about what this means, both for him and for his family’s finances. Amandine is part of a venerated family of vampires, but was turned much sooner than expected after a car accident nearly killed her. When their worlds collide as they make up the time they missed, their fast friendship quickly turns into something more. Amandine sipping Perley’s blood holds benefits for the both of them, but it also sets them on a path that could spiral out of control. Will they be able to get their lives back to normal? Or will both have to figure out new ways for their “normal” to look?

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Sarah Searle originally hails from spooky New England but currently lives in sunny Perth, Australia. She writes and draws comics, best known for vulnerable memoir and compassionate fiction. Her first graphic novel Sincerely Harriet, a quiet middle grade tale about a girl who discovers the power of storytelling while learning to manage chronic illness, debuted from Graphic Universe in May 2019.


Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Does this sound like a graphic novel you'd like? Have you read any books where a character is diabetic?

An absolute pure delight to read... Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly (Review) #newbooks #murderinhighbury #anemmaknightleymystery #vanessakelly #cozymystery #regencymystery #austenesquefiction #janeausten #jaff #bookx #austenprosepr @KensingtonBooks @austenprose


Welcome to my tour stop for this Austen inspired historical mystery! Read my 5-star review below...

Murder in Highbury
(An Emma Knightley Mystery #1)
By Vanessa Kelly
Historical Cozy Mystery, Austenesque
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 400 Pages
October 22, 2024 by Kensington Books

Summary

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Brimming with all the wit and charm one can expect from a visit to Jane Austen’s world, Murder in Highbury presents Austen’s beloved and interfering character Emma with a murder. When Emma puts her clever wits to use to discover the murderer who hides among them, danger and humor mingle to provide us with mystery, delight, and a clever new sleuth. Author Vanessa Kelly writes with an experienced touch and clear fondness for her well-beloved characters, giving us the sequel we formerly could merely long for and imagine.”— Christina Dodd, New York Times bestselling author

“Fans of Jane Austen will love this lively pastiche featuring one of her most beloved characters as a clever sleuth.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will be delighted to see many familiar characters return from Austen’s novel, from the shy Harriet Martin to the rakish Frank Churchill. Emma herself makes a convincing sleuth with her inclination for discovering the truth about people and their relationships.
Charming and witty with a well-paced murder to solve, this series starter is sure to delight both Austen fans and mystery lovers.”— Library Journal

“…a well-executed mystery plot. The real draw, however, is the way Kelly effortlessly transforms Emma into a successful gumshoe by exploiting the same qualities Austen gave her heroine. Readers will be charmed.”— Publishers Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

MURDER IN HIGHBURY is a story set in the world of Austen's Emma taking place not too long after the end of the novel. The author did a fantastic job portraying these characters so that they match perfectly with the original. And, just like the original, the characters have their own distinct voices and personalities. The story is subtly emotionally driven as facts unfold and the investigation carries on. Emma lovers will enjoy getting a good glimpse of married life for her and Knightley as well as the other beloved characters in Highbury. The perfect read for Austen fans and highly recommended to historical cozy mystery readers!

Read if you like:
- Austen's Emma
- Cozy historical mysteries
- Small-town settings
- Swoon-worthy romance that isn't the main focus of the story
- Delightful, fully fleshed characters
- Engaging, evenly paced stories
- A bit of snark and humor
- Clean reads

This author is new to me, but I love all things Austen so I was hopeful this would be a fun read. I found in the first few pages I was smiling because I knew this would be a fabulous read (and it is!). If you're a fan of Emma, then you'll love this story! The characters come alive and I felt completely immersed as I experienced life and events with them. I could literally hear their voices, especially when Knightley used "Emma..." in his way when he knows she's going to do something he thinks she shouldn't. Mr. Elton is his usual superfluous and conceited self. Miss Bates is a bit hysterical (with reason). Mrs. Weston is an expected staid and wise friend. Harriet is consistently a bit flighty and impulsive but has a good heart. My favorite were the nuances, humor and love between George and Emma, of course. It was sheer delight!

The plot is a cozy mystery. It was steadily paced, but I was never bored. I was engaged from beginning to end as this was so excellently written. It gets a bit thicker as the story goes and there is an emotional undercurrent you can feel slowly grow in intensity as the end comes closer. The mystery is also very much that. You won't know exactly what is going on (there are some hints here and there, but nothing concrete) and who the villain is until it's pretty much upon you. With Knightley (and Emma) on the case, it has to come to a good and satisfying resolution. How could you expect anything else?

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved every single minute of this book! I'm very curious to see what the next mystery is that Emma tackles and where this series goes. I hope it continues to give readers a look at Emma's and Knightley's lives for us fans. An absolute pure delight to read!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Find the author here.


Do you like the sound of Austen's Emma shifting from matchmaker to amateur sleuth? What appeals most to you about this story? Who is your favorite Austen character?

A humorous coming of age story... I Was Told There Would Be Romance by Marie Arnold (Review) #newbooks #bookx #IWasToldThereWouldBeRomance #MarieArnold #yalit #yabooks


This book sold me on the title and cover, so I was happy to sign up to review. Read that review below...

I Was Told There Would Be Romance
By Marie Arnold
Young Adult Contemporary Romance, Romcom
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 224 Pages
October 15, 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary

For fans of Never Have I Ever and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before comes a hilarious and heartfelt novel about a young Haitian girl navigating high school, friendship, and crushes.

Fifteen-year-old Fancy Augustine is a Haitian American girl with simple desires. She’d like to trade in her floppy, oversize boobs for cute, perky ones. She’d love a boyfriend. And she’s desperate for an invite to the biggest event of the school year: Imani Park’s birthday party. When Fancy learns her BFF, Tilly, has received a coveted invite and has a secret boyfriend, she is (understandably) devastated and wholeheartedly determined to do whatever it takes to get her own happily ever after.

So what if she makes a deal with the devil (Imani) that guarantees her an invite—but only if she can bring a boyfriend? And what’s so bad about letting her crush, Rahim, believe that she can create a voodoo potion for him in exchange for him posing as her boyfriend? And, yeah, maybe she’s destroying her friendship with Tilly and falling hopelessly behind in her schoolwork, but Fancy knows it’ll all be worth it in the end. Plus, it’s not like Fancy’s parents would really make good on their threats of sending her back to Haiti...right?

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE ROMANCE is a humorous coming of age story about a girl who is trying to find her place in high school. The heroine is full of humor and snark, a heart full of dreams, and some mistakes to make as she tries to figure out what is important to her and who she wants to be. A great read for those who want a relatable main character, lots of laughs, a few tears, and some swoon!

Read if you like:
- Girls full of personality, snark, with their own nerdy interests
- Genuine, relatable and likable characters
- Strong family relationships
- Important friendships that are a bit rocky
- Swoon-worthy romance that isn't the main focus
- Coming-of-age stories

These characters were real, easy to relate to and lovable, while the story was entertaining, heartfelt and fun. I so loved Fancy! Her humor, sarcasm, snark, and warm heart. I loved her obsession with books and the NY library being her favorite place on earth! I loved her relationship with Tilly and that Tilly was into miniature spooky houses. Rahim initially appeared superficial or one dimensional (although isn't that how almost everyone can appear until we know them?), but he ended up being a genuine guy who was complex with his own life problems. There were some characters that were the usual high school stereotypes, but the main characters were well fleshed out. I loved the friendships and family relationships in this book as well. Fancy did have her disappointing moments, and I did get a bit frustrated with her with the trainwreck she created, but she got her second chance and showed up. Luckily those in her life also equally showed up and let her redeem herself. And I loved the swoon-worthy ending.

There were some legit realizations in this book. Like Fancy placing a coveted party so high on her list and then needing to decide how important it really was. Figuring out boys, friendship, family and school. Life always throws so much to juggle. This was one piece of wisdom that I thought was pretty poignant:
"What happens when you keep telling the world you're perfect? Does the world force you to prove it every day? Isn't it exhausting?"

In the end, was it what I wished for? This story made me cringe, smile, laugh, swoon, empathize, and warmed my heart. It was an adorably fun read with a main character who was perfectly flawed. Definitely a book to pick up for YA contemporary romance readers!

Content: Some mild swearing, bullying, some religious references that may offend some.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through TBR & Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Marie Arnold was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and came to America at the age of seven. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York alongside her extended family. She attended Columbia College in Chicago, where her main focus was creative writing. As Lola StVil, she is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling indie author. Over two million readers have downloaded her Young Adult fantasy series GUARDIANS. She currently has 3 projects under development at Disney Junior and Disney Plus, one of which is an animated show based on her middle grade novel The Year I Flew Away.

Photo credit: Vanie Poyey

Find the author on Goodreads.

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.


Have you read any of this author's other books? Have you read any other books with Haitian characters?