Can't Wait for... Kill the Beast by Serra Swift (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #KilltheBeast #SerraSwift #folklore #fairytale #fantasy

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.

What grabbed me first when I saw this was the title, which feels like it would be a Beauty and the Beast retelling (I've pretty much read all the twists and retellings from my favorite fairy tale), and then I read the synopsis which mentions The Witcher (we watched edited since it's a bit too mature for the family, but I love the show) and T. Kingfisher (an amazing author who I love!) so that sold me. It's my pick this week...

Kill the Beast

By Serra Swift

Adult Fantasy, Folklore, Fairy Tale

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 320 Pages

October 14, 2025 by Tor Books

Summary

The Witcher meets Howl’s Moving Castle in this debut original faerie tale of revenge, redemption, and friendship―for fans of T. Kingfisher, Naomi Novik, and cozy fantasy with a dash of gritty adventure.

The night Lyssa Cadogan's brother was murdered by a faerie-made monster known as the Beast, she made him a promise: she would find a way to destroy the immortal creature and avenge his death. For thirteen years, she has been hunting faeries and the abominations they created. But in all that time, the one Beast she is most desperate to find has never resurfaced.

Until she meets Alderic Casimir de Laurent, a melodramatic dandy with a coin purse bigger than his brain. Somehow, he has found the monster’s lair, and―even more surprising―retrieved one of its claws. A claw Lyssa needs in order to forge a sword that can kill the Beast.

Alderic is ill-equipped for a hunt and almost guaranteed to get himself killed. But as the two of them search for the rest of the materials that will be the Beast's undoing, Alderic reveals hidden depths: dark secrets that he guards as carefully as Lyssa guards hers. Before long, and against Lyssa's better judgment, an unlikely friendship begins to bloom―one that will either lead to the culmination of Lyssa's quest for vengeance, or spell doom for them both.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

The last book in this sweet hockey romance... The Icing on the Cake by Grace Worthington (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #TheIceingontheCake #LoveinMapleFalls #GraceWorthington #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #cleanromance @XpressoTours

Welcome! I'm sharing about the last book in this series with an excerpt and giveaway...

The Icing on the Cake

(Love in Maple Falls)

By Grace Worthington

Adult Contemporary Romance, Sports

Paperback & eBook, 260 Pages

September 24, 2025 

Summary

Rule #1: Never fall for a hockey player. So why does my dating coach—who also happens to play hockey—make me want to break every rule I’ve set?

Neesha
It starts with one conversation with a stranger…and suddenly, everything changes.
He won’t tell me what he does for a living, and maybe that should be a red flag. But after the hardest year of my life, my new neighbor feels like a lifeline—calm, capable, and always there when I need him.
When he offers to be my dating coach, I tell myself it’s harmless. That he just wants to help.
But behind that cinnamon roll smile, he’s hiding something—and I’m starting to fall for him anyway.
I told myself we were just friends.
So why am I dreaming about kissing the one man I swore I’d never fall for?

Lucian
Keeping my hockey identity secret was supposed to be temporary—just long enough to figure out my next move with the girl next door.
There’s just one problem: she’s sworn off hockey players for good.
She asked me to help her fall for someone else and be her dating coach.
But I’m the one falling now.
And when she finds out who I really am, I might lose the only woman who’s ever made me want something more than the game.
I stopped pretending it was a fake date a long time ago.
But when our fun leads to feelings? That’s the icing on the cake.

Tropes in The Icing on the Cake

• Cinnamon roll hero
• Secret identity
• Neighbor romance
• Stars Hollow/Gilmore Girls vibe
• Cupcake baker heroine
• Handy hero who fixes things
• Forced proximity
• Practice dating / fake dating

The Icing on the Cake is a slow-burn, secret-identity hockey romance featuring a cinnamon roll hero who falls hard for the sweet cupcake baker next door.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

“You need practice dating. I could help.” He shrugs. “No pressure. No commitment. Just proving it’s possible to have a good time with a friend.”

A friend—someone safe and harmless to my heart.

I stare at him. “You’re joking, right?”

“I wouldn’t joke about this. We could even go to a public place together if that makes you feel safer.”

Most guys would be focused on convincing me they’re fun or interesting, but Lucian’s defense is that he’s trustworthy.

And that’s my issue.

“Think about it,” he begins, not pressuring me at all. “You already know where I live. And with me, what you see is what you get—even when I’m sweaty and covered in sawdust—so there’s nowhere to go but up.”

I can’t tell him that seeing him sweaty and covered in sawdust was actually incredibly attractive.

I blink, stunned that he’s actually serious about this proposal. “Does this mean you’re my dating coach?”

“If you want me to be,” he says, studying my face. “Though I have to ask what exactly you think you need to practice—because from where I’m standing, you seem to have the basics covered.”

I let out a nervous laugh. “Are you kidding? I can barely string two coherent sentences together. Case in point: ‘Hi-ho ’was my greeting to you. No one wants to date the Seven Dwarfs.”

He tilts his head, considering this. “I don’t know. Snow White seemed pretty happy with them. And for the record, your ‘Hi-ho ’was actually kind of cute.”

“Well, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to make conversation that doesn’t revolve around cupcake orders,” I admit. “Besides, you probably have women lining up to go out with you.”

“Not really,” he says quietly, before looking back at me. “You want to know what dating a good man looks like? I could show you.”

My pulse skips a beat. “Show me how?”

“Well, we’re alone. We’ve got time now.” He pauses. “What if I gave you a quick demonstration, just so you know what to expect?”

Something flutters in my stomach. “A demonstration?”

“Just the basics. How a guy should treat you, what good conversation feels like, how to read the signals. Think of it as a preview of coming attractions.”

This is definitely not what my friends had in mind when they said to flirt with Lucian.

Or maybe it is.

“Okay,” I say before I think better of it. “Show me.”

He catches my gaze while my heart dives off a cliff.

“If this were a date,” he says, “the first thing I’d do is make sure you felt comfortable. That starts with eye contact.”

His gaze remains on mine, never wavering. “Most people are afraid to really look at someone, but eye contact is everything. It shows you’re present, that you’re interested in the person, not just waiting for your turn to talk.”

I find myself caught in his impossibly blue eyes, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

“Then, if the moment feels right…” He reaches toward me, his fingers brushing mine. “Small touches. Like this.”

I almost can’t breathe as he gently takes one of my hands.

“Most people rush through moments like these,” he says, his voice low. “But the small touches matter. They tell you everything.”

“Like what?”

“Like whether someone’s patient or impulsive.” His thumb starts stroking slowly over my skin. “Or whether they’re paying attention to how you respond.”

I swallow hard, failing to hide that I’m totally entranced by this.

“What else?” I ask, not even caring if this is real or not. I’m here to practice—to master the art of whatever this is between us.

He moves closer still. “Proximity,” he murmurs. “Letting someone into your space. Reading their response. And not moving away.”

He’s closer than ever now, and for one wild moment, I see him differently—not like someone I’m practicing with, but someone I’d actually want this to be real with.

“And then?” I ask, my voice barely audible.

His eyes graze down my face for just a second. The corner of his mouth quirks up. “And then…you always leave them wanting more.”

Other Books in the Series

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

About the Author

Grace Worthington eats, breathes, and geeks out over sweet romcoms. So it’s no surprise that she believes that laughter and love are a cure-all for pretty much everything in life. After a short stint working in musical theatre (where she was often cast in comedic roles), she instills her books with witty banter, lovable characters, and a story that moves your heart and soul. Her inspiration includes quaint towns by the beach, romantic comedy movies from the '80s & '90s, and the crazy shenanigans of her family. Snag a free sweet romcom at graceworthington.com

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram

Blitz Giveaway

The Icing on the Cake Blitz

—

Have you read a sports romance recently? Do you have a favorite?

Can't Wait for... The Heart of Bennet Hollow by Joanne Bischof DeWitt (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #TheHeartofBennetHollow #JoanneBischof @Crazy4Fiction

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 enjoyed this author's books previously and also love pretty much any Austen retelling or spin-off, so this one should be a book I thoroughly enjoy. Plus it's set in the Appalachia, which will only make this a more immersive and lovely experience. It's my pick this week...

The Heart of Bennet Hollow

By Joanne Bischof DeWitt

Historical Romance, Christian, Retelling

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

October 7, 2025 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

An Appalachian farmer’s daughter and a wealthy businessman find a surprising love but must reckon with what divides them in this retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by the award-winning author of The Lady and the Lionheart.

New River, Virginia. 1904. Lizbeth Bennet longs to preserve her family’s farm, securing a future for her and her sisters, a difficult task in their Appalachian coal mining town. Money is scarce, and Lizbeth is determined to find a way without giving up treasured pieces of her family’s legacy. But when the mine is put up for sale, it’s clear change is approaching. A contingent of coal barons descends on the town to investigate whether the mine is worth their investment, among them a young man rumored to be a very rich, eligible bachelor.

William Drake arrives focused on business and keeping his distance from the townspeople, especially those living on land entangled with the mine, including a farmer by the name of Bennet. As William digs through legal issues, his struggle to weigh the potential financial gain against what is right for the community grows more complicated when he meets one of the Bennet daughters.

Despite an awkward first meeting, Lizbeth and William continue to cross paths, and soon Lizbeth questions her first impression of the man she believed to be proud and indifferent. But just as their friendship begins to evolve, a revelation shakes Lizbeth’s tenuous trust, and she learns all may not be as it seems. To determine what is true, and step toward a love she’s barely dared dream of, Lizbeth must confront her own prejudices . . . and decide whether the future she’s always imagined is the one her heart truly wants most after all.

- An inspirational historical romance retelling of Pride and Prejudice for fans of Julie Klassen, Sally Britton, and Sarah E. Ladd
- A clever, clean love story
- Southern historical fiction in the vein of Michelle Shocklee and Pepper Basham
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

The conclusion to this unique YA sci-fi... Augmented by Candace Kade (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #Augmented #thehybrid #candacekade #yalit #yabooks #scifi @enclavebooks @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

Augmented

(The Hybrid #3)

By Candace Kade

YA Science Fiction, Dystopian

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 368 Pages

September 16, 2025 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Lee Urban must win to survive.

After being sentenced to the banned list, half of the Asian Federation believes Lee Urban is a ticking time bomb that could end the world as they know it. They’re willing to do anything to erase her existence and silence her voice before she can take a stand.

There’s only one way to fight back: enroll in the Race to the Clouds. Winning the competition would garner global media attention and give Urban the coverage she needs to dismantle the enhancement programs. Unfortunately, it also happens to be the deadliest event of the year.

With less time to train than her rivals, Urban and her team must find a way to best the competition. But as enemies close in, riots erupt, and her homeland teeters on the brink of civil war, one thing is certain— she’s running out of time. Not just for herself, but for every Natural she represents.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

AUGMENTED is the conclusion to this unique YA science-fiction where people are pitted against each other by their enhancements or lack of them, in other words, naturals versus enhanced. This third installment has society at the forefront of all out war with the main character at a pivotal place to sway opinion as she enters another dangerous competition. Fans of the genre and this series should enjoy this exciting conclusion!

It took me a bit to start to remember what happened in the previous books. It came eventually as this story starts moving forward. I would have liked a bit more recap into this world and who everyone was than what the author wrote. Once things got going though, pieces started falling into place as Urban reconnects with her family and then enters a deadly race in order to gain the traction she needs. It's pretty much a mix of slight breaks between nonstop moments from there.

I found the whole idea of this high-tech society where basically social media give different factions and people the following they need to drive violence, peace or change. You could say it's on scale with how social media impacts our world now except a bit more intense. I also found the whole enhancements situation and Urban being her own unique type interesting. The author did a great job in working all of that out and making this world make sense. It's definitely an immersive story with plenty of suspense and tension while being character driven. I liked seeing Urban continue to grow into herself and her work with another set of characters to accomplish something together.

There were a few rough places here and there. Some places that could have had better dialogue or smoother sequences. I also felt like there was more drama and things that happened that didn't make sense to me. I would have liked to have been pulled in more to the story and felt more compelled to join Urban's cause.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall intriguing story with an immersive world and a likable character. Definitely a series to read if you enjoy dystopians with plenty of sci-fi aspects.

Content: Some violence, but clean.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link and my review.)

About the Author

Candace Kade is a recovering over-achiever who spends her time dreaming up stories typically involving tech, psychology, culture, and/or swords. She’s a certified Krav Maga assistant instructor and loves writing action-packed martial art scenes. A third culture kid, she considers Chengdu and OKC to be her homes.

When she’s not exploring new countries, she enjoys hiking in national parks, moving (again!), teaching her husband Mandarin, and keeping two baby humans alive. She can be bribed with boba tea, fluffy puppies, and breakfast tacos.

More from Candace

Have you ever broken a cherished possession?

I have. It was my porcelain mug that I bought while traveling through Ireland. The trip was so special and that cup always brought me happy memories as I sipped tea from it.

My husband tried to fix it for me, but the mug is not the same. It now sits tucked in the back of our cupboards too broken to be used but too precious to be throw away.

Being broken doesn’t mean something—or someone—loses purpose.

In kintsugi, the Japanese art form that involves intentionally breaking tea ware, the fragments left over are pieced back together with golden filling. The final result is more beautiful than the original unblemished version ever could be.

The brokenness enhances the tea ware’s beauty.

In my novel Augmented, I wanted to draw a comparison between brokenness and beauty. Just like kintsugi takes broken pottery and turns it into something beautiful, my protagonist Urban faces her own transformation. She is hopeless and feels like she can’t pick up the shattered pieces of her life. But as she tries out for the world’s most deadly race, she learns that being broken doesn’t mean what she thinks it does.

The things that happen to us have a purpose. If we let the Creator finish His masterpiece (us) He’ll use the fragmented pieces of our lives to make a beautiful finished work of art.

Urban feels the same way, believing her brokenness defines her. But through trial and grace, she discovers what it means to be made new.

No one is too broken to be saved or redeemed.

I wrote this book for anyone who’s ever felt lost, hopeless, or broken. We can do all things through Him who gives us strength.

Tour Schedule

The Lofty Pages, September 20

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 21

Wishful Endings, September 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, September 24 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, September 25

Artistic Nobody, September 26 (Author Interview)

Guild Master, September 27 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, September 27

Lily’s Corner, September 28

Tell Tale Book Reviews, September 28

Fiction Book Lover, September 29 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, September 30

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, October 1 (Author Interview)

A Reader’s Brain, October 2 (Spotlight)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 3

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Candace is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

ENTER HERE

Have you read any of the books in this series or a similar dystopian where people have different enhancements?

Another new sweet hockey romance... Soulmates and Slapshots by Melissa Baldwin (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #SoulmatesandSlapshots #LoveinMapleFalls #MelissaBaldwin #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #cleanreads #cleanromance @XpressoTours

This new sweet hockey romance released earlier in the week and I'm sharing in celebrating it's release! Read an excerpt and enter a giveaway below...

Soulmates and Slapshots

(Love in Maple Falls)

By Melissa Baldwin

Adult Contemporary Romance, Sports

Paperback & eBook, 200 Pages

September 17, 2025

Summary

I’m escaping the city. He’s chasing a fresh start. In a town full of surprises, love might be the biggest one.

Fiona

I’m a city girl turned temporary small-town resident—yes, I know, cliché. But after my life in Manhattan unraveled, I needed a reset. So when my aunt invited me to Maple Falls, I didn’t hesitate.

The slower pace is exactly what my burned-out brain needs. I’ve even made a few friends—including Weston Smith, a new player for the Ice Breakers hockey team who shows up when I need him most.

A local crisis draws me in, and suddenly I’m more involved than I ever planned. Maybe it’s the fresh air, or maybe it’s Weston. I came here planning to leave… but now, I’m not so sure.

Weston

Maple Falls is my fresh start—new team, new town, and a chance to prove myself. I didn’t expect to get wrapped up in this community so fast—or to fall for a certain city girl.

Fiona is bold and energetic, and I’m drawn to her more every day. When she’s pulled into a town-wide crisis, I don’t hesitate to help.

Maple Falls isn’t just where I play hockey—it’s starting to feel like the place where my future truly begins.

***
Soulmates and Slapshots is part of the Love in Maple Falls sweet hockey romcom multi-author series. In this slow burn, soulmate romance, a charming city girl meets a nice guy who falls first. Set in a small town with all the chemistry, but none of the 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.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

“Hi. Are you lost?” I ask.

Wow. That sounded like the worst pickup line ever, and I immediately regret saying it.

Before I can excuse myself, she turns around and gives me a curious look.

“No. At least I don’t think so,” she says. “Is Maple Falls even big enough to get lost in?”

I laugh. “That’s a good question.”

Why did I even say that? I’ve only been in town a short time, so I wouldn’t be able to help if she needed it.

“Honestly, I’m trying to decide what to do next,” she says. “I’m not used to having so much free time on my hands.”

“I wouldn’t know,” I admit. “What’s free time?”

She gives me a casual smile. “So what recommendations can you give a Maple Falls visitor?”

I knew it. She didn’t seem like a local.

I raise my eyebrows. “Well, I probably won’t be much help since I just arrived in town myself.”

She smiles. “Ah, another new person. That’s a relief because I’m assuming everyone else in this town already knows each other.”

“Most likely,” I agree. “But you’re not the only newbie, so don’t worry.”

“What brought you to Maple Falls, Washington?” she asks.

“Work,” I reply. This is the truth. I just leave out the hockey part, and I’m not sure why.

She flashes a slight smile. “That’s a good reason.”

I’m trying not to stare, but this woman is stunning. So flawless it can’t be ignored. And it’s obvious she has a confidence and openness that instantly draws people in.

“And while we’re on the subject, what made you come to this booming metropolis?” I ask, before she catches me staring.

A flash of amusement spreads across her face. “I’m visiting my aunt, and I actually left a booming metropolis to come here.”

“Really? Where?”

“New York.”

Now it all makes sense—she has a city girl vibe. She’s confident, polished, and a little bit mysterious.

“Ah, the city that never sleeps. It’s a great place,” I say. “One of my favorites for sure.”

She nods slowly. “It is. But there’s something special about this little town too.”

“I agree,” I say. “I moved here from Tennessee. Not quite as fast-paced as New York, but more thrilling than Maple Falls.”

She lifts an eyebrow. “I don’t know…I’ve heard Maple Falls isn’t as sleepy as people think.”

“Really?” I ask, leaning in a little.

She lowers her voice dramatically, even though the only other people nearby are across the street. “I heard there might be a town scandal happening right now.”

“Ooh, now that’s interesting.”

“Yes, it is,” she says with a playful smirk. “And they even have their own professional hockey team.”

I laugh. “Yes, I’m familiar with the Ice Breakers.”

She tilts her head, narrowing her eyes at me with curiosity. “Hockey fan?”

I shrug, unable to hide the grin pulling at my lips. “More than a fan. I play on the team.”

Her eyes widen. “Wait—seriously?”

“Weston Smith, defense,” I say, offering my hand. I’m not sure why I added my player position, but it doesn’t matter now. Maybe she likes hockey?

She takes my hand and grins. “Fiona Hale. And wait until I tell my aunt. She’s going to lose her mind when she hears this—she’s a die-hard fangirl of your team.”

I chuckle. “We love our fans. I’m sure I’ll meet her sooner or later.”

She studies me for a moment, clearly still processing. “So, you’re a hockey player.”

Other Books in the Series

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

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Melissa Baldwin always dreamed of sharing her stories with the world. She brought this vision to life, becoming an award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty romantic comedies and cozy mysteries. Melissa is also a wife, mother, new empty-nester, and travel advisor.

Her books feature charming, ambitious, and real women, whom she considers part of her tribe. Although she rarely takes a day off, when she's not writing, she enjoys quality time with her family, traveling, attempting yoga poses, and booking Disney vacations. Melissa still uses a paper planner, and her guilty pleasures include Beverly Hills 90210 reruns and General Hospital.

Visit authormelissabaldwin.com to sign up for her newsletter.

Fans of Melissa's books, join her Reader Tribe on Facebook

Website | Goodreads | Facebook |  Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Reader Tribe

Blitz Giveaway

Soulmates and Slapshots Blitz

I've been reading through this series. Have you read any of them or other hockey romance books?

Can't Wait for... A Curious Kind of Magic by Mara Rutherford (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ACuriousKindofMagic #MaraRutherford #yalit #yabooks #fantasy

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.

This book sounds like a lovely escape into a curious shop and a bit of magic perfect for this time of year. I'm hoping I'll love it! It's my pick this week...

A Curious Kind of Magic

By Mara Rutherford

YA Fantasy

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 368 Pages

October 21, 2025 by Wednesday Books

Summary

"If anyone's looking for me, I live in this book now." - Laini Taylor, New York Times bestselling author of Strange the Dreamer and Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Howl's Moving Castle meets Little Thieves in this cozy fantasy about the teenage owner of a (mostly fake) magical curiosity shop and a girl cursed to turn everything she touches into magic.

Everyone in Ardmuir knows that Willow Stokes is a charlatan, including Willow herself. Her father’s shoppe hasn’t sold anything magical in decades, and it’s only hanging on by the skin of the fake dragon’s teeth Willow sells as charms, along with “enchanted” ostrich eggs, taxidermied chimeras, and talismans made of fools’ gold.

Until outlander Brianna Hargrave appears and turns Willow’s fakes into exactly what they’re purported to be. But try as Willow might to enlist Bri’s help, she wants nothing to do with Willow and her curiosities.

Because Brianna is harboring a secret of her own: everything she touches turns to magic, and the consequences have chased her all the way to Ardmuir. All she wants to do is find a particular missing grimoire, which contains a spell that can finally put an end to her curse.

Desperate to keep her father's shoppe, Willow proposes a bargain that could save them both. Together with the frustratingly handsome printer's assistant, the girls will uncover a plot that goes far deeper than either could have imagined. But when Willow is forced to participate in an ambitious collector's quest for the rarest magical object in the world―a quest that risks almost-certain death―she learns that not all treasure is for sale, and that true magic is closer than she ever could have imagined.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

Will you be reading this one?

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

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

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.)

Goodreads | Buy from the Author | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop

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 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!

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

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.)

Goodreads | Amazon

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

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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?