An exclusive interview with the author... Love Between the Pages by Natasha D. Frazier (Interview & #Giveaway) #LoveBetweenthePages #NatashaDFrazier #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanromance #christianromance @justreadtours

Love Between the Pages JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours! Read on for an exclusive interview with the author and to enter the tour giveaway ...

Love Between the Pages
Love Between the Pages
By Natasha D. Frazier
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & eBook, 265 Pages
September 8, 2025 by Encouraging Works

Summary

Book lovers? Yes 

Best friends? Till the end! 

Focused on their careers? Who isn't? 

In love with each other? Well, let’s not rush things... 

Lisa Atkinson has finally achieved her dream—running her family’s beloved bookstore, Between the Lines. With a supportive circle of family and friends, including her best friend Jayden, life seems perfect. But before she settles into her new role, a crushing tax debt threatens to snatch her dream away. Desperate to save her bookstore, Lisa cooks up an ambitious grand re-opening event to raise the funds she needs. Little does she know, the key to her success is hiding in plain sight—her best friend Jayden, who moonlights as the elusive bestselling author, Justin Love. 

Jayden Reynolds is on the brink of a major career milestone, becoming a partner at his accounting firm. Exciting news, right? Except, he’s grappling with uncertainty about his future as he secretly basks in the success of his romantic debut novel that has readers swooning. As he navigates the wild world of love and ambition, he’s also realizing that he wants more than just friendship with Lisa—the woman who has held his heart far longer than he can remember. 

As Lisa and Jayden’s bond deepens amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and pressure, their playful banter takes a turn toward something more. Will they navigate their way through the chaos and finally embrace the sparks flying between them? It’s a delightful journey from best friends to lovers, filled with humor, heart, and a dash of shenanigans!

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Interview

What inspired you to write a friends-to-more story?

When I started this story about five years ago, I wanted to write the friends-to-more trope simply because I hadn’t done it. Most of my stories are second chance romances and I thought it’d be nice to do something different. I put the story down for a while to focus on other projects. While writing Batch of Love, Lisa’s story solidified. She had to have a friends-to-more story based on her relationship with Jayden. I’m happy she got the ending (or beginning, depending on how one views it) she deserved.

Would you tell us more about the main characters from Love Between the Pages?

Of course. Lisa Atkinson is an HR Consultant-turned-bookstore owner. She accepts ownership after her mom retires. Every action she takes throughout the story is to prove to herself and the community that she can be a successful business owner. A lover of books and love, she is a certified romantic who hasn’t been involved in a long-term relationship in quite some time. Could it be because her best friend, Jayden, has always met her needs?

Jayden Reynolds is a Certified Public Accountant on the road to partnership in his firm, except now that he is presented with the opportunity, he questions his purpose in life and whether he really wants to continue on this path. He is pushed even more to make tough choices when the book he secretly published is successful. He’s about ready to confess his love for Lisa, but wants everything to be perfect so that their relationship has the best chance at success.

Which character do you most relate to and why?

I can relate to both Lisa and Jayden equally. I’m not sure I can choose for this story. In Love Between the Pages, Jayden is a CPA who also enjoys writing. I am also a CPA who loves writing. And like Jayden, I spent a few years working in public accounting, so I have firsthand experience of what that’s like. Early in my career, I thought working to become partner would be my career goal, but that quickly changed the night I had to work until 3:30 a.m. only to return at 8:30 a.m. the next morning. Lisa and I both share a love for all things books. And like Lisa, I’m going to do whatever is within my power to solve a problem before involving anyone else.

What did you find most rewarding about writing this story?

Love Between The Pages is a celebration of book clubs, indie bookstores and readers. This story is my way to honor the book community.

Do you have a favorite bookstore and what makes it your favorite?

Yes! LitJava in Pearland, TX. The owners, Dewana and Angie, are very supportive of indie authors and it shows in every event the ladies host and throughout their store.

And of course, the Brown sugar oatmilk shaken espresso is LOVE! So delicious. I only wished I lived closer so that I could visit more often.

What was a book that made you cry, a book that made you laugh and a book that made you swoon?

I can’t say that I’ve read any book that made me cry. The last series I read that made me laugh was the Honey Hill series by Joy Avery. The last book I read that made me swoon was Mel Walker’s Kiss You Back.

What’s something you enjoy doing when you’re not reading or writing?

Working out! I’m a certified Les Mills Bodypump and Bodybalance instructor. I teach Pump 3x week.

What are you working on next?

I have several projects in the works. There will be a 3rd story to close out this series of related books that features Jessie, Ginger’s assistant, in Batch of Love. The Four Kings series should start rolling out next year as well.

Related Books

About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Connect with Natasha by visiting natashafrazier.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Schedule

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

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a Love Between the Pages book box which contains an autographed copy of the book and curated book themed swag!

(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card!

Love Between the Pages JustRead Tours blog giveaway

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight September 8, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 15, 2025. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

Do you have a favorite bookstore that you'd like to give a shoutout to? What did you like about the interview? Is there anything you can relate to?

Read an excerpt from this new sweet Hockey romance... Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #GoalieandtheGirlNextDoor #LoveinMapleFalls #ElsieWoods #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #cleanromance @XpressoTours


Happy release to this new sweet Hockey romance! Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Goalie and the Girl Next Door
(Love in Maple Falls)
By Elsie Woods
Adult Contemporary Romance, Sports
Paperback & eBook, 292 Pages
September 10, 2025 by Puppy Love Books

Summary

My life was perfect except for the occasional goat emergency. Then a charming French goalie with dimples turned my life upside down. Rude.

Marcy
I came to Maple Falls to rebuild my life with nothing but four pencil skirts and a broken heart, courtesy of my hockey-playing ex. I like numbers because they don’t lie, and I like my quiet ranch life because it’s predictable.

Enter Clément Rivière—the devastatingly charming French goalie who shows up shirtless to help with barn work, whispers sweet French nothings to our goat, and looks at me like I’m the only woman in the world. But I’m not the only one falling for his act—half the town’s women are already under his spell, and I refuse to be just another conquest.

Clément
I traded Paris for small-town Washington to chase my big league dreams and restore a historic house that’s trying to kill me daily. What I didn’t expect was the town’s brilliant, beautiful accountant who treats me like I’m a tax audit waiting to happen.

Marcy Fontaine sees right through my act and makes me want things I never knew were missing. But she’s been burned by a hockey player before, and I’m running out of time to prove I’m different. There’s a ticking time bomb inside me, and my career is on the line.

If I can’t stay, we’ll both have to decide if love is worth the risk—or if some dreams are too good to be true.

***

Goalie and the Girl Next Door is a grumpy-sunshine, wounded hero, fish-out-of-water hockey romcom in the Love in Maple Falls series. Add some goat whispering, sunrise kisses, and a guaranteed happily ever after sweeter than maple cupcakes and you have this sweet romance with all the heart and no spice.

Welcome back to Maple Falls—the small town where hockey players fall in love! This is a multi-author series of seven full-length books that could be read as standalones, but we think you’ll enjoy them best in order.

Fake-Off with Fate by Whitney Dineen
Offside and Off-Limits by Kate O’Keeffe
Checking Mr. Wrong by Anne Kemp
Skating and Fake Dating by Ellie Hall
Goalie and the Girl Next Door by Elsie Woods
Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin
The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington

(Affiliate link included. Available in KindleUnlimited.)

Excerpt

I’m about to lay into my workplace nemesis who has insulted my attention to detail when a voice fills the meeting room. The voice is loud, joyful, and deeply French.

“Bonjour, bureaucratic friends!”

Phillip nearly jumps out of his loafers and my hand jerks reflexively, and the documents I’m holding scatter like leaves in a windstorm.

A tall man with sun-kissed skin, messy curls, and a hockey duffel slung over one shoulder strides in. He’s grinning like the world’s been personally generous to him this morning, and I’m too stunned to do anything but stare.

“I’m looking for Mayor Thompkins,” he says. “It’s about a building permit.”

He moves smooth, confident, annoyingly magnetic. His jeans cling in a way that is definitely not accidental, and the forest green Henley shirt he’s wearing looks like it was made for slow, appreciative glances. Not that I’m giving him one.

There’s an ease to him, that particular breed of European polish that turns heads even when it shouldn’t.

My better judgment crosses its arms, but my pulse, traitorous thing, doesn’t listen.

When I get over my momentary freeze-up, I drop to my knees, scrambling to recover the paperwork. The Frenchman crouches to help me, entirely unbothered.

“Wow,” he says, flashing a smile as he picks up a page. “Do all town meetings start with this much paper throwing? Because I’m in.”

I don’t know who this guy thinks he is, but he’s holding the town’s most sensitive finances in one very large, very tanned hand.

I snatch the paper from him and say the first thing that comes to mind. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

He winks, and I’d like to smack that smug grin right off his perfectly chiseled face. “I get that a lot.”

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links. Available in KindleUnlimited.)

About the Author

Elsie Woods is an author of giggly romantic comedy with a big dose of furry friends. While born in Canada, she abandoned cold winters for southern France with her golden retriever and unicycling French hubby. When not writing, she can be found sipping tiny coffees by the Mediterranean, hiking with her hubby and dog, or munching on the most delicious cheese in the world.

Don’t forget to try her free novella available on Amazon: Faking Christmas Love at the Doggy Spa!

Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Facebook

Blitz Giveaway

Goalie and the Girl Next Door Blitz


Have you read any of the books in this series or the previous series set in Maple Falls? Have you read any books where the leading man is French?

Can't Wait for... The Crimson Throne by Sara Raasch and Beth Revis (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheCrimsonThrone #SaraRaasch #BethRevis #yalit #yabooks #fantasy @SourcebooksFire


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've read books by those of these authors for years. I missed their last joint effort but definitely plan on reviewing this one with its fae element, especially as I have an advanced copy. It's my pick this week...

The Crimson Throne
(Spy and Guardian #1)
By Sara Raasch and Beth Revis
YA Historical Fantasy
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 368 Pages
October 7, 2025 by Sourcebooks Fire

Summary

Powerless meets Reign in this new historical romantasy from the New York Times bestselling authors of Night of the Witch.

Samson Calthorpe's curse has isolated him from everyone he has ever cared about. So, when the opportunity arises to break the curse, he grabs it. All he has to do for his freedom is risk his life and become a royal spy, using every bit of the skills and resolve he's picked up on the streets of London to infiltrate the court of the Scottish Queen and uncover a plot to assassinate Queen Elizabeth.

For years, Alyth Graham has been protecting Mary Queen of Scots from threats both physical and magical, including the Queen's own husband, Lord Darnley. Alyth is more than meets the eye though, the child of a fae prince and a human mother, she is among the most powerful protectors in Scotland: guardians sworn to defend against the Red Caps, a bloodthirsty fae clan . . . that Lord Darnley is in league with to overtake Scotland.

As Alyth and Samson circle each other in the volatile and glamorous Scottish court, both seek to uncover threats to their own countries. They have one unifying link: their shared hatred and suspicion of Lord Darnley…and their undeniable pull towards each other. Using secret codes, hidden messages, and a little bit of magic, Alyth and Samson unravel a plot centuries in the making. Lord Darnley is only a pawn, and in this game, the queen takes all.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

Check out a Q&A with the author... Canyon of Deceit by DiAnn Mills (Interview) #CanyonofDeceit #DiAnnMills #suspense #christfic #newbooks #bookx @Crazy4Fiction


Happy release to this author's newest! Check out an author Q&A from the publisher below...

Canyon of Deceit
By DiAnn Mills
Christian Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages
September 9, 2025 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

A rescue team searches for a missing young girl and suspects all is not as it seems in this high-stakes romantic suspense novel from the author of Lethal Standoff and Facing the Enemy.

When wilderness survival expert Therese Palmer receives a frantic phone call from former colleague Professor Rurik Ivanov, she is shocked by the news that his young daughter, Alina, is missing—and that Rurik wants Therese’s help finding her. She’s sure Rurik hasn’t given her the whole story . . . especially since he refuses to report the kidnapping to the police. Yet with a child’s life hanging in the balance, Therese can’t turn down this mission. She knows the clock is ticking and she can’t do this alone.

Therese reaches out to Texas Ranger Blane Gardner, whom she met seven months ago during one of her training courses in wilderness survival skills. Blane’s specialized training and background with the Crisis Negotiation Unit make him uniquely prepared for this search-and-rescue mission. He agrees to help Therese and to accept Rurik’s terms to keep Alina’s disappearance quiet, and as the two begin working together, Therese is determined the spark growing between them won’t distract from their mission to save Alina.

Traversing deep into the desert of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Alina’s last known location, Therese and Blane struggle to separate truth from lies within the mix of intel they’re receiving. As they close in on answers that suggest the involvement of Russian organized crime and a high-profile international assassination attempt, they must fight to rescue Alina before she becomes an innocent casualty of a much bigger plot—no matter the risk to their own lives.

- A thrilling Christian contemporary novel with themes of courage and resilience from award–winning author DiAnn Mills
- Perfect for fans of clean, action-packed romantic suspense
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Interview

What inspired this story?

I love adventure. The idea of a woman who specialized in wilderness survival techniques appealed to my curiosity and imagination. What kind of woman chose that type of career? What motivated her? Where did she learn the skills and knowledge?

My hero rose from an appreciation of those who risk their lives to keep us safe. In this case, a Texas Ranger who served also as a negotiator.

How would a partnership between a survival expert and a negotiator complement each other, and how would they disagree.

What messages or themes do you focus on in this book?

The power of love can overcome lies, deceit, and betrayal.

What do you hope that readers learn from Canyon of Deceit?

God changes hearts and instills courage for His people to step into the unknown. Sometimes the unknown is physical danger, and sometimes it’s an affair of the heart, but always for unselfish motives.

Who is your favorite character in the book and why?

That’s a tough question, like asking me who my favorite child or grandchild is. I’d say Alina, an innocent child caught up in a power play. She had no choice in the matter of her mother’s death, her father’s remarriage, her stepmother’s rejection, or her kidnapping. Yet, she showed a strength that would carry her into adulthood.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process? What advice would you offer young writers?

All of the process is challenging, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I’m not challenged with character, plot, emotion, setting, and dialogue, then my writing suffers. My goal is to entertain, inspire, and encourage readers, and if that doesn’t happen, then I fail the reader, myself, and God.

I encourage writers to:
· Pray for guidance.
· Read every day: the books in their genre and bestsellers in all genres. Use those books as textbooks. Highlight and underline.
· Study the craft and marketing and promotion every day.
· Write every day.
· Repeat

About the Author



Bestselling author DiAnn Mills is known for her gripping romantic suspense novels where readers can Expect An Adventure. With multiple Christy Awards and numerous bestsellers, her stories captivate readers with their depth and intensity. A passionate storyteller and dedicated mentor, DiAnn is also a coffee connoisseur and proud grandmother living in Houston, Texas.

Find the author here.


What's a recent suspense you read? What did you enjoy about this interview?

Check out a Q&A with the author... The Women of Oak Ridge by Michelle Shocklee (Interview) #TheWomenofOakRidge #MichlleShocklee #histfic #wwiifiction #christfic #newbooks #bookx @Crazy4Fiction


I'm sharing a Q&A with the author from the publisher today for this new release. Read on below...

The Women of Oak Ridge
By Michelle Shocklee
Historical Fiction, Christian, Split-Time
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages
September 9, 2025 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

In the hills of Tennessee, two women work at a Manhattan Project site during World War II and uncover truths that irrevocably change their lives in this captivating new story from award-winning Southern fiction author Michelle Shocklee.

1944. Maebelle Willett arrives in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, eager to begin her new government job and send money home to her impoverished family. She knows little about the work she will be doing, but she’s told it will help America win the war. Not all is what it seems, however. Though Oak Ridge employees are forbidden from discussing their jobs, Mae’s roommate begins sharing disturbing information, then disappears without a trace. Mae desperately attempts to find her but instead comes face-to-face with a life-altering revelation—one that comes at significant cost.

1979. Laurel Willett is a graduate student in Boston when she learns about the history of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where thousands unknowingly worked on the atomic bomb. Intrigued because she knows her Aunt Mae was employed there, Laurel decides to spend the summer with her aunt, hoping to add a family connection to her thesis research. But Mae adamantly refuses to talk about her time in the Secret City. Mae’s friends, however, offer to share their experiences, propelling Laurel on her path to uncovering the truth about a missing woman. As Laurel works to put the pieces together, the hidden pain and guilt Mae has tried so hard to bury comes to light . . . with potentially disastrous consequences.

- Standalone Southern historical fiction great for fans of Lisa Wingate, Donna Everhart, and Lynn Austin
- A compelling dual-timeline novel set during WWII and the 1970s about the weight of secrets and the power of forgiveness
- Includes discussion questions for book groups

(Affiliate links included.)

Author Interview

What inspired this story?

I grew up in Santa Fe, NM, not far from Los Alamos, the site where the first atomic bombs were made. Despite being familiar with the history of the Manhattan Project in New Mexico, including the Trinity test, I was unaware of the role the small town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee played in it all.

Several years ago a reader approached me at a book signing in East Tennessee and mentioned that her mother once worked in Oak Ridge. I didn’t know why she told me this, but I didn’t have an opportunity to ask before she left. Curious, I later looked up the history of Oak Ridge and was astounded by what I read. “How did I not know this?” I asked myself.

That question ignited the desire to write a story set in Oak Ridge, a government “secret city” like Los Alamos. The people of Oak Ridge, including thousands of women, were instrumental in the making of Little Boy, the first atomic bomb used during wartime. The Women of Oak Ridge is my attempt to share their story.

What messages or themes do you focus on in this book?

As we go through life, we’re faced with decisions every single day. Sometimes they’re small and mundane. Other times they’re big and life-changing. Still other decisions fall into the category of right versus wrong. Honorable versus shameful. It’s those decisions that, if we make the wrong choice, become deep, heavy, dark secrets in our hearts. Secrets we would rather take to our grave than have come into the light.

The Women of Oak Ridge reminds us that the decisions we make and the secrets we carry have lasting repercussions. Mae’s choices, and ultimately her regrets over them, give a clear message that it’s always best to do what is right and good, even when it’s hard. Even when it’s scary.

How does faith play a role in this story?

The theme verse for The Women of Oak Ridge comes from John 8:36: “If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” The main character, Mae, is stuck in the past. She can’t truly live in the present, nor can she dream about the future. She’s done things—terrible things, in her opinion—that prevent her from accepting the grace and freedom found only in Jesus Christ. She can’t believe that God could ever forgive her.

We can all relate to this view of ourselves at different times in our lives. We don’t believe God’s love and grace is for us because of the things we’ve done. Jesus, however, says the exact opposite. He offers full and complete freedom. Freedom from guilt, pain, and past mistakes. Freedom from sin.

In The Women of Oak Ridge, Mae struggles with believing Jesus’ promise of freedom is meant for her. She feels she doesn’t deserve it, and she’s right. None of us deserve the freedom and grace found in Jesus Christ, but that doesn’t stop him from offering it to us. The question then becomes, will we accept it?

What do you hope that readers learn from The Women of Oak Ridge?

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I hope readers learn something about the Manhattan Project they might not have known before reading the story. Although the topic of atomic weapons is still debated today, the vast majority of people who participated in the Project in the 1940s, especially the thousands of workers in Oak Ridge, had no idea their work would result in a terrible weapon that would be used against Japan. They simply wanted to do their part in bringing the war to an end. Their stories, however, are important and should be told. We can’t change history, but we can learn from it.

What do you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process? What advice would you offer young writers?

Creating believable stories and characters is always a challenge. That’s where research comes in. Research breathes life into my books. Because I write historical fiction, it’s imperative I know how people spoke, dressed, behaved, etc., for the time period I’m writing in. As an example, some of the research involved in writing The Women of Oak Ridge came from watching dozens of video interviews of women and men who worked on the Manhattan Project. Personal stories provide invaluable details. Photographs are another excellent resource I use for every book I write. Because some of the settings no longer exist, or don’t exist as they did years ago, I study photographs in order to help recreate historical places.

My advice to young writers is, don’t skimp on research. No matter what genre you write, research will always breathe life into the story and the characters.

About the Author


Michelle Shocklee is the author of several historical novels, including All We Thought We Knew; Count the Nights by Stars, a Christianity Today fiction book award winner; and Under the Tulip Tree, a Christy and Selah Awards finalist. Her work has been featured in numerous Chicken Soup for the Soul books, magazines, and blogs. She is married to her college sweetheart and is the proud mother of two grown sons and two lovely daughters-in-law. She makes her home in Tennessee, not far from the historical sites she writes about.


Find the author here.


Have you read a split-time novel recently? What resonated with you in the author's interview?

Can't Wait for... Sense and Suitability by Pepper Basham (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #SenseandSuitability #PepperBasham #historicalromance #romancebooks #cleanreads @pepperbasham @TNZFiction


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.

Pepper Basham has become a go-to author for witty romances with lots of heart. Her upcoming release has an Austen twist and since I'm an Austen fan, I can't wait to see how she weaves it all together! It's my pick this week...

Sense and Suitability
By Pepper Basham
Historical Romantic Comedy, Clean & Wholesome
Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages
October 14, 2025 by Thomas Nelson

Summary

In this clean Regency romance, a woman with a scandalous past (and an even more scandalous secret) swears off love--until the man who broke her heart needs her help. What could possibly go wrong? Perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James looking for a low-spice, witty Regency romance, "Sense and Suitability is a sweet, second-chance Regency romance with an Austenesque flair." (USA TODAY bestselling author, Mimi Matthews)

After two failed social seasons, her family may think the third time will be a charm, but Emmeline Lockhart just wants to survive with her dignity (and singleness) intact. She thought she'd found her perfect match in Simon Reeves--charming, handsome, a veritable hero from a novel--until he vanished from her life without so much as a "farewell" or "my deepest regrets" (or even a vague apology scribbled on the back of a calling card). Lesson learned: never fall for a man known for his charm.

Fortunately, and unlike many of the other eligible young ladies of the ton, Emmeline has no need for a husband--because she's already found success in her scandalous (and very anonymous) profession as an author. Why bother with matrimony when she can make her own fortune and write men exactly the way she wants them?

But fate--or the misfortune of Simon's reckless patriarchs--has other plans. Simon's once-proud estate is in shambles, his family fortune has been gambled away, and the younger impressionable siblings in his care are running wild across his estate (and possibly across all of England). Simon is in desperate need of a wealthy, prestigious bride . . . and a friend.

Emmeline may not fit the role of heiress, but she can certainly be a friend. Just a friend. She'll help him find a suitable match, ensure his reputation remains intact, and keep things strictly platonic--no matter how dangerously appealing his new-and-improved sincerity and regret may be.

There's just one small problem: the undeniable chemistry that still smolders between them. Can Emme play matchmaker for the man she's still in love with without losing her heart all over again? And is it possible that some love stories--especially the messy, inconvenient, impossible ones--are worthy of a rewrite?

Filled with lively banter, adorable children, a frog named Blast, and swoony kisses, Sense and Suitability is the sweet Regency romance you've been looking for. Basham brings her signature humor to the Regency era where social strictures keep the tension tight in this second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

Read an excerpt from this sweet romance... Kissing the Texas Ranger by Cari Lynn Webb (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #KissingtheTexasRanger #CariLynnWebb #HarlequinRomance #romancebooks #cleanreads @justreadtours

Kissing the Texas Ranger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Kissing the Texas Ranger
Kissing the Texas Ranger
(A Three Springs Texas Romance #1)
By Cari Lynn Webb
Sweet Contemporary Romance
Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages
August 26, 2025 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

To solve the case… 

He'll steal her heart 

Special Ranger Bodie Hopson arrives in Three Springs, Texas, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a bison herd belonging to the strong-willed farmer Sarah Rickelle. Posing as a new ranch hand, Bodie suspects she's an insurance fraudster, but then quickly realizes she's more of an ally than a criminal. As they join forces to track down the thief, their growing attraction makes it difficult to stay professional. But when the case takes a dangerous turn, Bodie faces a life-changing decision: follow his law enforcement career or fight for the woman who’s stolen his heart.

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

How had he gotten here?

Stuck inside a sterile veterinarian exam room with two undeniably cute piglets and the
most enchanting cowgirl Bodie had ever come across.

He should hightail it away from there and leg it straight out of town.

He was precariously close to being in over his head. Something he had never been
during his long career in law enforcement. Bodie would have laughed at this nonsense,
but he was too busy getting his focus straight and his head back in the game.

“It’s not working,” Sarah whispered.

The anguish in her quiet words and alarm on her face had Bodie shoving away from the
wall where he’d taken up his post and squeezing in beside her on the exam room floor.

“I’m following the instructions. He won’t eat.” A hitch snagged her words, releasing
another wave of worry. She stammered, “If he doesn’t eat, he’ll…”

“That’s not happening,” Bodie cut in. Not on his watch and not to his sweet-natured
farmer, who he kept conveniently forgetting was also his potential suspect. Bodie carefully scooped up the piglet and arranged the black-and-white tuxedo pig on his lap.

“Let’s take it from the top.”

Other Books in the Series

Her Cowboy Wedding Date

A Proposal for Her Cowboy

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb

Cari Lynn Webb lives in Florida with her husband. She's been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent's 70 year marriage and her parent's marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn't always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers.

Connect with Cari Lynn Webb by visiting carilynnwebb.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Schedule

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

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(2) winners will each receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card and print copies of 2 Backlist Books of winner's choice between the following titles: The Rancher's Secret Crush, A Proposal for Her Cowboy and A Cowgirl's Christmas Reunion (or may substitute with ebook(s) of any other Cari Lynn Webb title).

Kissing the Texas Ranger blog tour giveaway JustRead

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight August 26, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on September 2, 2025. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

Did the excerpt make you want to find out what happens next? Have you read any of the other books in this series?

Can't Wait for... The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheAustenAffair #MadelineBell #romancebooks


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'm pretty much a sucker for anything Austen related and this one sounds like it's going to be a riot. It's my pick this week...

The Austen Affair
By Madeline Bell
Romance, Time Travel
Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages
September 16,  2025 by St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut

Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It's not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.

A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.

A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?

A sweet, small-town and best-friends romance... Meant for Me by Betsy St. Amant (Review) #newwbooks #bookx #MeantforMe #MagnoliaBay #BetsyStAmant #romancebooks #christianromance #cleanreads

Meant for Me
(Magnolia Bay #3)
By Betsy St. Amant
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & eBook, 330 Pages
August 11, 2025 by Sunrise Publishing

Summary

He was her best friend. Still is. But when her beloved beignet shop burns down, he’ll have to be more if she hopes to start over. But will friendship survive the dangers of a marriage of convenience?

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad...but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family. But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

(Affiliate links included. Free on KindleUnlimited.)

My Review

MEANT FOR ME is a small-town romance about a guy who pretends to be a bit rough around the edges in order to protect his heart and his best friend who agrees to a marriage-of-convenience to support him as he raises a teenage daughter he didn't know about. It's about friendship, family, learning to trust and believe in yourself, and love. Fans of the genre and this series will love getting to see how this happily-ever-after story turns out!

Read this book if you like:
- ‎Small-town settings with unique characters and charm
- ‎Rough-around-the-edges guys with soft hearts
- ‎Best-friend romances
- ‎Strong friend groups
- ‎Marriages of convenience
- Stories about family, both found and blood
- ‎Themes of worthiness and trust

I enjoyed visiting this small coastal town again and diving into Linc's and Zoey's story. I got to know them both a bit in the last book and knew that they were going to end up together, but I wasn't sure how that would come about. I love best-friends romances because there is already this solid relationship that is becoming something stronger and sweeter. That definitely was the case here. I loved how frank and honest these two were with each other. I also appreciated that the author didn't let them just easily fall in love and everything go smoothly. They had some roadblocks and had to adjust to a different view of their relationship as well as the surprise of a teenage daughter with her own baggage. I also couldn't help falling in love with that daughter and how both Linc and Zoey had to learn to trust in God, each other, and believe they were worthy of a happy ending. There were cameos from previous characters and it was fun to have all the other small-town townspeople chime in and support this small family. There's just something about this type of community that seems to make a story heartfelt.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a sweet and fun read with plenty of feels! I'm looking forward to falling in love with more characters and other places to visit (if we're not coming back here) with this author.

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

You can read my review of the second book in this series here. Have you read any of the books in this series or by this author?

A fun YA full of heart and horror movies... My Fair Monster by Adrienne Rivera (Review) #newbooks #bookx #MyFairMonster #AdrienneRivera #yalit #yabooks #yaromance #readersgonnaread


Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review below...

My Fair Monster
By Adrienne Rivera
YA Contemporary, Romance
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 384 Pages
August 19, 2025 by Page Street YA 

Summary

As the reigning Miss Teen Indiana, seventeen-year-old Corie Nielson has looks, charm, and her family’s formalwear boutique’s sponsorship. But her real dream is to use that success to become a horror movie scream queen. Except for one small Corie is struggling with ADHD without even realizing it. After missing yet another pageant commitment puts her on shaky ground with her coach, Corie wonders how she can possibly live up to everyone’s expectations, including her own.

When a regional horror host announces a monster costume contest where first place gets a guest appearance on the show featuring the winner’s choice movie and cash prize, Corie knows she’s found a way to prove what she’s capable of. All she has to do is convince a grumpy special effects makeup artist, Everett Robbins, to partner up and turn her into a pageant-worthy monster. But when the contest distracts her from her pageant obligations, Corie must decide which matters pageants—and her promises to her family—or achieving her horror movie dreams?

(Affiliate links included.)

My Review

MY FAIR MONSTER is one of those books with unique characters and a unique story. It's character development driven with plenty of side characters to bring the story to life. There's also quite a bit of horror movie nostalgia, perfect for fans, but also entertaining for nonfans (like me). Most of all, this story has a lot of family and friend dynamics and is full of so much heart that brought all the feels. Definitely recommended to YA fans!

This is the first time I've read a book so full of pageantry and horror movie references. It made for such a fun read with how the author weaved that all into the plot. I also loved all the costuming and makeup! It was amazing and I would have loved actual illustrations of all of Everett's creations (this would make for such a fun special edition with artwork and pictures). I liked how Corie's character and her relationship with Everett slowly developed. There were some rough moments and some where each character didn't act their best. But that just all allowed room for these characters to grow and figure out what they really wanted. I loved Corie's great-grandma and their relationship. I also loved that there were some good representations in this book from Corie's neurodivergence to different types of families and relationships. The romance was also very sweet and didn't overtake the story. There were some real moments. Some rather heavy, others light and happy. It made for a read that I could escape in and enjoy, but also feel all the emotions.

I think this would have been a 4.5 or 5 star read for me except for a few things. One of them was the way Corie's aunt treated her and that there was never an actual conversation or acknowledgment of just how traumatizing and wrong it was for Corie to be so fully judged and seen in such a negative way. The pageantry environment was also glossed over a bit, although its issues were raised somewhat by Corie's cousin. I also wanted Everett's dads to be a bit more present. They're almost completely off page until towards the end of the book. I also struggled just a bit liking Corie in the beginning, but she does develop quite a bit over the course of this book. I would have liked more discussion about her struggles and diagnosis, since that felt skipped over to me. 

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed diving into this world of horror movies and makeup artistry. The characters were endearing and the story made me laugh, cry, feel frustrated and swoon. I also appreciated that it was unique, so I didn't feel like I was reading something I'd read a million times before. This one stands on its own.

Content: Some swearing (some s-words) and crude language.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Toppling Stack Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author


Adrienne Rivera is a YA author from in Indiana. She has an MFA in fiction from Southern Illinois University. With her first book, she has finally achieved her dream of melding her love of romcoms, horror, and baked potatoes.

Adrienne spends much of her time catering to the whims of an assortment of cats and one bossy yorkiepoo. Her hobbies include board games, cozy video games, and rarely finishing a TV series she starts. You can often find her crying over before and after photos of rescue animals.

She is represented by Natascha Morris at The Tobias Literary Agency. Her first novel, MY FAIR MONSTER, is available August 19th, 2025.


Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any other books like this? Ones with makeup artists or lots of horror movie mentions?

Can't Wait for... A Dark and Deadly Journey by Julia Kelly (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ADarkandDeadlyJourney #EvelyneRedfern #JuliaKelly #histfic #mystery


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 love historical mystery with a touch of romance and I've been meaning to dive into this series for a while. This is the third book and I plan on reading the first two in time for this one. Have you read any of this author's books or any of the books in this series?

A Dark and Deadly Journey
(Evelyne Redfern #3)
By Julia Kelly
Historical Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 304 Pages
September 23, 2025 by Minotaur Books

Summary

Evelyne Redfern returns in A Dark and Deadly Journey, the next book in international bestselling author Julia Kelly’s captivating historical mystery series.

After being sidelined for a pesky gunshot wound, typist-turned-field agent Evelyne Redfern is ready for her next assignment with Britain’s secretive Special Investigations Unit. When a British Intelligence informant in Portugal mysteriously disappears just after hinting that he has vital information about German plans that could tip the balance of World War Two, Evelyne and her dashingly irksome partner, David Poole, are sent headed to Lisbon to find him.

Once they land, Evelyne and David aren't even able to leave the airport, before she discovers one of their fellow aeroplane passengers murdered and uncovers a diary with a clear link between the victim and their missing informant. With their mission in jeopardy before it can truly begin, Evelyne and David fight to keep their cover intact as they descend deeper into the shadows that surround Lisbon’s glittering collection of wealthy expats and dangerous spies. This case will test Evelyne and David’s training, charm, and wit―and their growing attraction for one another.

(Affiliate links included.)


Will you be reading this one?