The conclusion to this YA Regency romance series... Rebel Heiress by Amalie Howard (Review) #RebelHeiress #TheDiamonds #AmalieHoward #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #cleanreads

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

Rebel Heiress

(The Diamonds #3)

By Amalie Howard

YA Historical Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 384 Pages

May 19, 2026 by Joy Revolution

Summary

A young heiress must disguise herself to attend a prestigious, all-male university, where she unexpectedly falls for her handsome tutor, in this swoony historical romance by the USA Today bestselling author of Queen Bee.

Lady Rosalin Chen has a secret—she isn’t as vapid as she pretends to be. In fact, she’s a computing genius and smarter than most of her peers in the ton, including her own cousin, Ansel. It’s a secret she’s kept for years, not that hiding her intelligence has done her any favors in the marriage department.

In fact, after several dismal social seasons in London, she’s practically considered a spinster. With little to lose, she decides to set her sights on getting a proper education rather than finding a husband. Disguised as Ansel, who truly could be her twin, she attends Cambridge University while he galivants around Europe on a secret Grand Tour.

There Rosalin crosses quills with the Trinity College’s mathematics prodigy and her tutor Tarik St. Clair. For the first time in her life, Rosalin is genuinely intrigued by a boy. His mind seems to be as sharp as hers. Unfortunately, as a commoner, Tarik doesn’t fit her parents’ expectations. But what if he could? What if she concocted one more audacious plan that could raise his station and finally take her off the market? She just has to hope that her lies don’t catch up to her.

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My Review

REBEL HEIRESS is a story about a girl who impersonates her male cousin in order to attend college, set in historical England when women weren't allowed into higher education. What ensues is a rather humorous muddle, especially when she falls for her tutor. Full of friendship, family, a young woman coming into her own, and sweet romance. Recommended to fans of the genre.

The premise for this story sounded so fun, and it was! I couldn't help but laugh or smile at a few of the situations the heroine found herself in. Rosalin "Roz" had a bit of a time not exposing herself. She was an intelligent young woman who just wanted to learn like her cousin was at college. She embroiled her ladies' maid in the scheme in order to pull it off. She also made some friends along the way and developed quite a crush on her tutor. The scheme got a bit out of hand, of course, which created some tension and risk. I enjoyed the friendships in this story. Not only those at the school, but also those Roz has with her cousin and her friends. The romance was sweet with plenty of sparks. There were a lot of references to what she was learning as well as the women at the time who made names for themselves in the math/science/astronomy arenas, which was interesting. I also liked the diversity of the characters. We can never have too much of that! The first half of the story was my favorite, through to when Roz starts meeting with Tarik as herself.

I did want some things to be more realistic to the time period and have characters react accordingly. There were parts where that was basically skipped over or not addressed. There was too much name dropping. I also didn't read the other books in the series and there were a few things that could have been either taken out or developed better with previous main characters that were present in this story. The romance seemed to take the story over towards the end and then go on and on. I personally didn't need the ending, especially as this is YA. I think since the author was sad to finish the series, she tried to extend the story to tie the entire series up.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an escape to Regency England. Delightful characters, an entertaining plot, and sweet romance made this a fun read! I'm curious about the previous books in the series and will pick those up as well as check out what Howard publishes next.

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

Other Books in the Series

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About the Author

AMALIE HOWARD is a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling novelist. Always Be My Duchess was one of Cosmopolitan’s 30 Best Romance Books of 2022 and The Beast of Beswick was one of Oprah Daily’s 24 Best Historical Romance Novels to Read. She is also the author of several award-winning young adult novels. A Caribbean-born AAPI writer, her books have been featured in The Hollywood Reporter, Entertainment Weekly, and Seventeen Magazine. When she’s not writing, she can usually be found reading, being the president of her one-woman Harley Davidson motorcycle club, or power-napping. She lives in Colorado with her family.

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Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any other YA Regency books that you enjoyed and would recommend?

Can't Wait for... Scent of Hope by Susan May Warren (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #ScentofHope #CalloftheWild #SusanMayWarren

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 a huge fan of this author, especially loving her Christiansen Family series and her recent indie series. This is the second book in her newest traditionally published series and I'm excited to jump back into the action! It's my pick this week...

Scent of Hope

(Call of the Wild #2)

By Susan May Warren

Christian Romantic Suspense

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

June 2, 2026 by Revell

Summary

Two broken hearts. One deadly mission. And just one avalanche dog standing between them and a killer.

Harley Tatum made a vow to never return to Copper Mountain, Alaska, where a drug dealer destroyed her family and the man she loved walked away. But when that same criminal escapes and justice calls her name, she has no choice but to face everything she buried.

Jericho Bowie remembers things differently. She left him. And he's spent years wondering why. Now Harley needs his search-and-rescue dog, Orlando, to track a fugitive through treacherous mountain terrain--and Jericho refuses to let her go alone. Not again.

But as they push deep into the frozen wilderness, the hunter becomes the hunted. Old feelings resurface at the worst possible time, and survival depends on two people who don't know if they can trust each other--or their own hearts.

Susan May Warren packs action and heart-pounding suspense from the rugged wilderness of Alaska into a nonstop adventure where the greatest danger might be opening your heart again.

This gripping suspense is filled with pulse-pounding action, second-chance romance, and a heroic K9 rescue dog from Alaska, sure to thrill fans of Lynette Eason, Dani Pettrey, and Natalie Walters.

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Will you be reading this one?

Some humorous romantic suspense in historical Texas... Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy (Review & #Giveaway) #CalicoCanyon #PetticoatsandCowboys #MaryConnealy #newbooks #bookx #christianfiction #romancebooks #suspense @Celebrate_Lit

This is a series that has been republished with new covers, so they're stories you might have read previously. If you haven't, it's the perfect time to jump into this series. The Husband Tree is my favorite from the series. Find my review of this book and the tour giveaway below...

Calico Canyon

(Petticoats & Cowboys #2)

By Mary Connealy

Christian Historical Romance, Suspense, Western

Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

April 24, 2026 by Wild Hearts Books

Summary

From beloved author Mary Connealy comes a delightful Western adventure brimming with danger, laughter, and unexpected romance—a tale of a runaway teacher, a bewildered widower, and five rambunctious boys who need a mother whether they want one or not. Perfect for fans of Tracie Peterson and Karen Witemeyer.

Grace Calhoun never imagined teaching school in Texas would lead to marriage—especially not to the infuriating Daniel Reeves.

When Grace flees her adoptive father's cruelty by hiding in a stranger's wagon, the town parson insists on an immediate wedding, leaving Grace trapped in marriage to a stubborn widower with five unruly sons—the very boys who made her teaching job impossible.

Daniel Reeves has no intention of risking his heart—or another wife—to childbirth.

Still grieving the loss of his first wife, Daniel wants nothing to do with the prim schoolmarm forced into his family. He'll build her a house and provide for her needs, but he'll keep his distance. His sons need a mother, but he refuses to fall in love again.

Snowed in together for a long Texas winter, walls begin to crumble.

As Grace discovers the courage she thought she'd lost, she transforms from a frightened woman on the run to a fierce protector of her new family. The boys who once tormented her become the children of her heart. And the husband who swore to keep his distance? He's finding it harder each day to resist his spirited wife.

But when Grace's dangerous past catches up to her, she must choose between running again or standing firm in the faith that brought her to Calico Canyon—even if it costs her everything.

A tender tale of found family, healing love, and the faithfulness of God in the midst of life's unexpected turns.

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My Review

CALICO CANYON is a riot of a story with the crazy Reeves boys and a sweet young teacher thrown in the mix. The small-town community adds extra charm. There are plenty of childhood antics and roughhousing. This is also a marriage-of-convenience story, or maybe more of a forced marriage story, so definitely for fans of the trope. The faith element is fairly strong, along with plenty of sparks, danger, and some hilarious moments while the two main characters try to figure how to make their marriage and family work.

I didn't realize at first that this was a republished book and that the whole (previous two separate series) was being re-released. I love the new covers and it's always fun to revisit some Connealy books. 

This is one crazy story! The Reeves family is made up from a single dad and five young boys. The boys are made up of one set of twins and one of triplets and they're a very rambunctious bunch. Then this sweet young teacher is thrown in when she runs for her life. When she's found with the family by the parson, they're immediately married. They all start off not liking each other, but eventually grow closer. I felt the romance was mostly attraction and could have used a lot more depth. The boys antics were over the top, but added most of the hilarity to this story. They were also sweet young boys who needed a mom and are adorable. I liked the other side character plots that were weaved into the main story. The faith aspect of this story was strong and I would have liked it worked in a bit better. Some of it didn't feel natural to what was going on, and it can be a fine line to not come off preachy. The characters could have also been developed more. They felt a bit one dimensional. Beyond those things, this was a fun story, with a sweet romance, some inspirational moments where characters developed trust in God, with humor and some danger.

In the end, was it what I wished for? It was fun to revisit this series, especially with the new covers that definitely give it a nice refresh. This was a humorous, romantic, suspenseful and uplifting story. Christian romance readers and fans of the author should enjoy this one!

Content: Some violence and abuse (including of children).
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

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About the Author

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist.

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two-time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.

Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero. Visit her website or find her at Petticoats & Pistols!

More from the Author

I think of Calico Canyon as my husband’s life growing up.

He is sixth of seven sons. A family of all boys.

His mom, my mother-in-law, was the coolest lady I’ve ever known. That woman could handle everything and never be other than sweet and generous and so funny. She’s gone now but for all the years she was in my life, I’d say she was my best friend.

All those boys! She was the living embodiment of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff.

Those brothers…they are the inspiration for this book but my mother-in-law read it and said, her boys were so much better behaved than those boys in Calico Canyon, and she’s right about that…no boys could be worse than the Reeves boys.

This book is the embodiment of the forced marriage. Two people caught in a completely innocent compromising situation. Nothing will do but immediate marriage after Grace spends the night with Daniel.

But there were five boys in that cave with us!

Not gonna save you, Grace.

Grace is a school marm and those boys have been a torment to her ever since they’d shown up at school. Now, due to Grace needing to hide from her abusive, adoptive father, who has tracked her down to this tiny town in Texas, she’d ended up under a tarp over Daniel’s wagon. He takes her home and she has no choice but to stay quiet under that tarp until it’s too late to take her back.

The wedding scene from Calico Canyon was, for many years, what I considered the funniest thing I’d ever written. Very hard work to get that scene right. Grace is confused when she’s found with Daniel by the parson. Oh, good. Someone who will give me a ride back to town.

The parson is saying the vows. Grace is happy to take a ride. The parson’s wife is urging the parson to hurry. Daniel is trying to put a stop to it. The boys are all horrified to see their hated teacher.

Mayhem ensues.

It was a lot of fun to get right. Lots of moving parts in that scene.

And then a blizzard snows the gap that leads into their canyon shut and they have to spend the winter trying not to kill each other. And of course, falling in love.

I hope you enjoy Calico Canyon. The fumbling, clueless cowboy. The innocent, befuddled school marm. The unruly boys who don’t see why she can’t cook and why she won’t go home.

The danger, circling the outside of their canyon, waiting for the gap to open so he can avenge himself on the daughter that send him to prison.

Tour Schedule

Texas Book-aholic, May 5

For Him and My Family, May 6

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 7

Simple Harvest Reads, May 8 (Guest Review from Donna)

Jeanette’s Thoughts , May 9

Fruitfully Planted, May 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, May 10

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 11

Vicky Sluiter, May 12

Sydney Schmied, May 13

Book Looks by Lisa, May 14

Wishful Endings, May 15

Labor Not in Vain , May 16

Mary Hake, May 16

Cover Lover Book Review, May 17

Holly’s Book Corner, May 18

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

ENTER HERE

Are you a Mary Connealy fan? Had you previously read this series?

Can't Wait for... Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #SeektheTraitorsSon #VeronicaRoth #dystopian #fantasy #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.

It's been a bit since I've dived into the Veronica Roth book or a dystopian and this one sounds like it'll definitely be a page-turner. It's my pick this week...

Seek the Traitor's Son

(The Burning Empire #1)

By Veronica Roth

Romantic Dystopian Fantasy

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 432 Pages

May 12, 2026 by Tor Books

Summary

DELUXE EDITION―a beautiful hardcover edition featuring a map, designed endpapers and black sprayed edges.

An epic, romantic dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

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Will you be reading this one?

A humorous paranormal romance... You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker by Gwenyth Reitz (Spotlight) #YoureDeadtoMeReedWalker #GwenythReitz #newbooks #bookx #yabooks #yalit #paranormal #romancebooks

Welcome to my tour stop! Read about this new release and find a link to follow the tour below...

You're Dead to Me, Reed Walker

By Gwenyth Reitz

Young Adult Paranormal Romance, Romcom

Hardcover & eBook, 352 Pages

May 12, 2026 by Roaring Book Press

Summary

A swoonworthy YA supernatural romcom where two academic rivals are trapped as ghosts to haunt the same house.

They'd kill each other...if they weren't already dead.

Tessa Sinclair is a winner. Winner of spelling bees, science fairs, and scholarships. So when she finds herself unexpectedly dead after a graduation party in an abandoned mansion, she's none too pleased. What's worse, her Harvard-bound, Mr. Perfect academic rival, Reed Walker, is there too―deceased, smug, and annoying as hell.

Being a ghost is hard enough, but it's a thousand times worse having to haunt the same house as your nemesis. But as Tessa and Reed retreat to RIP in their respective corners of the mansion, a mystery unfurls about the exact cause of their deaths.

Though they'd rather die (again) than work together, they'll need to overcome their differences to hunt down a murderer on the loose. And should they happen to fall for each other along the way...Who ever said you can't find love after death?

(Affiliate links included.)

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About the Author

Gwenyth Reitz was born in Sri Lanka, and has since lived and worked in California, Washington, Alaska, Montana, Japan, and Mongolia. When not intrepidly exploring she writes genre-blending YA stories with swoony romance, mystery, humor, and heart. Gwenyth now lives in NYC with her husband and two daughters, where she can often be found scribbling late into the night on her rooftop like the caffeine-obsessed night-owl she is.

As a theater maker with an MFA in Interdisciplinary Art, Gwenyth works for Lincoln Center Theater teaching acting and directing teens. For fun, she likes to sing Hamilton karaoke, maybe not well, but with gusto. Her debut novel, YOU’RE DEAD TO ME, REED WALKER, comes out in the Spring of 2026 with Macmillan’s Roaring Brook Press, followed by an untitled second novel in 2027. Gwenyth is represented by Dr. Uwe Stender of Triada US Literary Agency. You can find her on socials @GwenythReitz

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any other books where the characters die towards the beginning of the story? What appeals to you about this one?

A sweet summer read... Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights by Celeste Dador (Review) #StarsStripesandSummerNights #CelesteDador #newbooks #bookx #yabooks #yalit #romancebooks

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and find the link to the tour schedule below...

Stars, Stripes & Summer Nights

By Celeste Dador

Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 320 Pages

May 12, 2026 by Delacorte Romance

Summary

A swoony, patriotic romance with Gilmore Girls charm—follow First Daughter Abby as she dives into a summer of surprises, small-town magic, and sparks with the boy who shakes up her world.

What if the person who turns your world upside down is exactly who you're meant to find?

All First Daughter Abby Alzona wanted was one normal night. But one impulsive pizza order later, she’s front-page news—and officially exiled to a Wi-Fi-free country inn for the summer, along with her little sister Elle.

The inn belongs to Gabriel Calabrese’s family: he’s sarcastic, camera-obsessed, and definitely not dazzled by presidential perks (also, kind of the reason for the whole pizza fiasco). But Abby’s determined to make the most of her time away from the White House—with a summer bucket list full of things real teens get to do. Pool parties. Picnics. Maybe even a first kiss.

As she and Elle dive into small-town life, Abby starts to see what makes Gabriel tick. And maybe, just maybe, she’s falling for him. . . .

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

STARS, STRIPES & SUMMER NIGHTS is a story about a girl who wants to experience a normal teenage summer, or at least as close as she can get with her security detail following her everywhere. It's about all the firsts: first brain freeze, first rebellion, first party, first hike, first sneaking out and first kiss. There's a lovely family dynamic, some new friendships, a little drama, and first love. YA contemporary romance fans may enjoy this one.

This was a sweet story. I had two favorite things about it. First was that I just adored Abby's family! I loved that her parents were involved and loving. I thought it was cool that her dad was a former astronaut and still a pilot even thought that aspect isn't talked about too much and her mom is the president of the US. I also loved Abby's and Elle's relationship. The second was Gabe. I loved him! He was a fun leading man with some depth and easy charm. I liked how he challenged Abby and was a perfect counter to her more planned life. The story itself is cute. It meanders along as Abby tries to fulfill her bucket list of firsts. Nothing too crazy with all the uncertainties of facing things you've never done before, especially figuring out if a guy likes you.

I did have a few issues with the story. I found it very unplausible that almost all of the new things Abby did she hadn't already experienced as an incoming senior in high school. You'd really have to live in a bubble in today's social media and online ordering age to have had so many things you've never experienced. Maybe if she'd been homeschooled it would have been more plausible? I also didn't love Abby. It's always hard to love a book when you don't love the MC. My other issue is that I wanted a lot more depth to the characters and story. I felt like it was more surface level and the characters were a bit one dimensional, except maybe Gabe and Elle. They seemed fairly realistic.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an overall sweet, quick read. Maybe a fun addition to read around Independence Day or for light reading on the beach. I'm curious to see what this author tackles next.

Content: A few instances of mild swearing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Toppling Stacks Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Celeste “C.C.” Dador (“da-door”) writes cozy rom coms with festive flair! As a former wedding planner’s assistant, Celeste’s all about swoon-worthy details and making sure her readers are having their best day.

She was a reality TV finalist on America’s Next Great Author, and has been chosen for several competitive author mentorships —proof that caffeine and stubborn optimism really do pay off. She loves meeting writers because who else gets excited about fictional people and excessive caffeine – and is a regional leader with SCBWI, a kidlit creator community.

Celeste lives and works in the Washington D.C. area with her family, where they enjoy exploring historic sites in search of ghost stories, good snacks, and a decent parking spot. Like most of her main characters, Celeste is proudly Filipino-American.

Her favorite words of advice: “Find something only you can say” and “If you have to choose between a werewolf or a vampire – always choose the vampire.”

For her Adult romances, she writes under the pen name C.C. Dador.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any books where a character was part of the presidential family? What appeals to you about this book?

Briana’s Top Five Tips on Not Falling in Love with Your Best Friend... The Hometown Cop's Forever Family by Tara Randel (Guest Post & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #TheHometownCopsForeverFamily #TaraRandel #Harlequin #romancebooks #cleanreads @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read a fun guest post from the author and enter the giveaway below...

The Hometown Cop's Forever Family

(A Golden, Georgia Romance #3)

By Tara Randel

Wholesome Contemporary Romance

Paperback & eBook, 336 Pages

April 28, 2026 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Summary

Solving crimes  

And falling in love! 

Charming, small-town Golden, Georgia, has everything Briana Connelly needs—her four-year-old daughter, her family, and her job as a police officer. When her former best friend, Jackson Walker, returns suddenly and is made her partner at work, she’s forced to face the events that drove them apart. With a mysterious theft to investigate, spending time with Jax is unavoidable…and easier than she’d like. Especially when his effortless warmth wins over her precious daughter. As a deeper connection grows between them, he starts to feel like a part of Briana’s little family. But if overcoming the past means admitting their true feelings—that might be the biggest risk of all.  

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop | BookBub

Briana’s Top Five Tips on Not Falling in Love with Your Best Friend

By Tara Randel

Where do I start? Probably at the beginning.

Jax and I were best friends growing up. We got into mischief together, spent the majority of our days together, knew each other’s secrets and saw each other at our best and worst. When he decided to go into the military, he asked me to go with him, but I stayed behind in Golden. My mom had just gone through a divorce and being the oldest child, I wanted to be there for her. In return, I lost my best friend.

Now, he’s back in Golden and my new partner at the Golden PD. Who thought that was a good idea? That would be my boss. So now that Jax has been home for a while and I see him every day, what are my tips on not falling in love with your best friend?

#1. Place all your memories in a mental lockbox. It seems like every time I turn around, Jax and I are recounting old times. Which is sweet, but I try not to recall those special times we shared because it draws me closer to him. I’m supposed to be keeping a clear head about Jax being my friend only, right? Talking about how we learned to drive, the time we went to prom together or the location of our secret meetup spot makes me want new memories with him, which is a no-no if I want to stay in the friend zone.

#2. Forget that Jax knows me better than anyone. Right now, we work because we’re partners on the job, but in our social time? He knows that I love potato chips, that I read romance novels and how my father bailing on our family affected me emotionally. It’s tough keeping my shields up when he knows the real me. Maybe I should treat him like a new friend who doesn’t know a thing.

#3. Put a limit on sharing new sides of each other. We spent many years apart, so there is a gap in our friendship. He wasn’t there when I adopted my daughter, Cami, or got hired onto the Golden PD. On the flip side, I didn’t know about his years in the military or the places where he was stationed. The more I learn about Jax, the more it makes me want to know even more and I’m not supposed to be noticing him.

#4. Try not to make the fact that Jax is back in town awkward for everyone. We live in a small town where everyone is in everyone else’s business. Our families live here and they remember the years when Jax and I were friends. And when we’re out in the community, we can’t ignore small talk which usually leads back to when we were younger. Folks expect us to pick up where we left off, but too many years have gone by. So, we do our jobs and pretend that we don’t miss the friendship we once shared.

#5. As hard as you try, ignore those pesky feelings that creep up on you. No matter how many times I remind myself that Jax is my friend, I want more. Family. Connection. And most of all, love. Can Jax be my best friend and the love of my life?

I hope you read The Hometown Cop’s Forever Family to discover if I followed my own tips.

Other Books in the Series

About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.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

(1) winner will receive a prize bundle which includes a $25 Amazon Gift Card, bookish tote bag, booklover's keychain, bookmark and 2 autographed books by the author!

(1) winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight May 4, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on May 11, 2026. 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

Which tip of Briana's did you like the most? Have you read other books by this author or from this line?

Can't Wait for... Riptide by Chad Robichaux (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #Riptide #ChadRobichaux #suspense #thriller

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.

It's been a bit since I've read a good military suspense. This is the second book in this series and I still need to read the first one but I'm hoping to do that this month. It's my pick this week...

Riptide

(Silent Horizons #2)

By Chad Robichaux

Military Suspense, Thriller, Christian

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages

May 12, 2026 by Tyndale Fiction

Summary

A shadow war rages. Only one man can drag it into the light.

Still haunted by his former teammate’s betrayal and the unveiling of a conspiracy that runs deeper than he imagined, Foster Quinn is once more thrust back into the world he thought he left behind. In the sweltering heat off the coast of Key West, a mission to seize a billionaire’s yacht ends in a chilling revelation: America’s enemies aren’t just beyond our borders―they might be sitting in Congress.

When a powerful Texas businessman recruits Foster to investigate the political malfeasance behind the death of his son, Foster is pulled into a web of corruption that leads him from a luxury megayacht in the Caribbean to a tech mogul’s grand estate in the Pacific Northwest. As he hunts down the men pulling the strings, Foster must resist the temptation in his search for justice to be swept away by revenge. He’ll need all his training and resilience to unravel a plot driven by greed and masked by patriotism. Especially when the war becomes personal, and he realizes it’s coming to his own turf.

The sequel to the USA Today bestseller Silent Horizons, Riptide is an exhilarating, ripped-from-the-headlines thriller that blurs the line between duty and revenge―and leaves no one above suspicion.

- From former Force Recon Marine Chad Robichaux and retired Navy fighter pilot Jack Stewart, who bring real-world expertise from their experiences in the Armed Forces to their writing
- A high-stakes suspense novel for fans of Jack Carr, Mark Greaney, and Brad Taylor
- Filled with fast-paced action and international intrigue, and interwoven with themes of military brotherhood, sacrifice, courage, and loyalty
- Second book in the Silent Horizons series

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

A romantic escape to take to the beach... Our Secret Summer by R.S. Grey (Review) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #OurSecretSummer #RSGrey #TopplingStacksTours

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

Our Secret Summer

By R.S. Grey

Contemporary Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 352 Pages

May 5, 2026 by Requited

Summary

This SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION is available while supplies last—featuring gorgeous sprayed edges.

Escape to Ibiza in this sparkling summertime romance about a young woman determined to complete her late sister’s bucket list, from USA Today bestselling author R. S. Grey, perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Abby Jimenez.

At twenty-six, Isabel De Vere already has her whole life mapped out. With a degree from a good school and a closet full of blazers, she is climbing the corporate ladder in her family business, knowing everything will fall into place from there. But Isabel’s paint-by-numbers life falls apart when her vivacious and beloved sister dies, leaving behind an unfinished bucket list.

Isabel escapes to Ibiza for the summer where she becomes free spirited Elle, working at a club by night, checking off items on the bucket list by day. Surfing? Check. Dance till dawn? Check. Get a tattoo? Check. Fall in love? Working on it.

Enter millionaire club owner Cristiano Moreno Winthrop…Isabel’s boss. Handsome face permanently marred by his scowl, she can’t quite manage to stay away from him. And soon, between late night talks and afternoons on his yacht, Isabel discovers there’s more under the surface than she expected…and she might have found the way to finish this bucket list after all.

Equal parts swoony destination romance and a celebration of life after loss, this sun-soaked story is a perfect summertime getaway.

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My Review

OUR SECRET SUMMER is definitely an escape romance that would be great to take to the beach or to feel like you're on vacation even from home. The setting in Ibiza is full of island activities, a bit of the night club scene, and getting to live some of the rich life. You'll find family, friendship, and romance filled with some great side characters. Then there's the main romance between an endearing heroine and alpha hero with plenty of sizzle. This is a book to pick up if you're looking for a spicy romance that will take you on an island escape.

This was a very fun read, especially if you're into the rich, deadly attractive, alpha male who is also overly protective and caring so that he's equally sweet. I'm not necessarily into that, but the heroine was a good complement in her genuine, down-to-earth personality and her desire to fulfill her sister's bucket list. Her story added great depth, which made this not just a fluffy romance but allowed for some good character development and some aspects that will deeply resonate with readers. There is also some humorous battle of wills and give and take between the two love interests, with banter galore. There wasn't anything too unrealistic or that didn't work for me in the plot or the characters' interactions. It's a fairly mainstream story, but with good characters and solid heart. Add in this glorious island setting that felt like the best of summer and you've got an enjoyable read from beginning to end. It's one still makes me sigh with a smile weeks after finishing it.

There were a few things I would have liked cleaned up a bit, but those who read spicy reads won't have any issues since this is actually less detail than a lot of books in this genre. And the girls working in the night club wearing revealing outfits being objectified was something I really didn't like.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an entertaining summer romance with spice, great characters and an ideal setting. There was plenty of complexity in the characters and plot, as well as a lot of heart. Definitely recommended to fans of the genre!

Content: Some swearing, innuendo, body objectifying, and open door love scenes.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Toppling Stacks Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

R.S. Grey is the USA Today bestselling author of over thirty novels, including seven #1 bestselling romantic comedies. She lives in Texas with her husband, two daughters, and dog.

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Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any of this author's other books or other escape romances?

The next installment in this YA Christian Steampunk... Perplexity by Chawna Schroeder (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #Perplexity #TheSceptreandtheStylus #ChawnaSchroeder #christian #yalit #fantasy #steampunk #yabooks @celebrate_lit

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

Perplexity

(The Sceptre & the Stylus #2)

By Chawna Schroeder

Young Adult Steampunk, Christian Fantasy

Hardcover & eBook, 352 Pages

April 7, 2026 by Enclave Escape

Summary

Assemble the clues, dismantle the danger.

Yosarai Patican never wanted to finish her schooling in the Indeli capital, but after several months, she is finally finding her footing . . . until her world is shattered by the unthinkable. Facing loss after loss, she struggles to adjust to a new position and new responsibilities, including the repayment of a massive debt. A debt more easily managed if she can qualify for the elite politico sphere on the upcoming placement exam. Some, however, would do anything to prevent Yosarai from earning one of the coveted positions.

Meanwhile, in the northern realm of Egdon, Crown Prince Xander faces an increasingly hostile Parliament. Not only are they questioning the necessity of the monarchy, but they are also demanding an accounting of some mysterious expenditures by the former king. Unless Xander can unearth a reasonable explanation, his coronation may be more than postponed. It may be cancelled―permanently.

As old rivalries escalate and hidden threats emerge, both Xander and Yosi must choose their paths wisely, before evil eliminates everyone in its way.

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My Review

PERPLEXITY is the second book in this Christian steampunk series, and takes readers on a journey to other lands in this fantasy world. Equal parts story and character driven, the plot thickens as the heroine and prince continue to be challenged and face danger as they try to figure out who their adversary is. Fans of the genre and series will enjoy finding out what happens next leading up to the final book. 

I enjoyed the first book in this series and was curious how the story would continue. I liked both Xander and Yosi. They're very likable and I loved the friendships and family dynamics. There was some humor and a bit of romance as well amidst the danger and a bit of action. I also liked travelling to a couple of other lands and learning more about this fantasy world. I really enjoyed the second half of the story. I felt like things finally started to move. Xander is starting to puzzle some things together. At the same time, Yosi faces some really hard things while she also finds some pieces of the puzzle from her end. They finally figure some things out, but then the book just stops. 

I felt like this book fell prey to the second book syndrome or middle book slump. There were things that happened, but nothing that necessarily progressed the story until towards the end. The first half didn't hold my attention and felt a bit like filler. There were also some things that happened that didn't feel realistic to me, such as a prince's personal guard easily being overcome by two men. There were several other things that also didn't work for me. I didn't love the religious passages that disrupted the story and weren't explained in this book (maybe they were in the first, but I can't remember), nor did the heroine have access to her mom's book so I'm not sure where the passages were coming from. A lot of it wasn't necessary to the story, feeling like just a transition from book one to the conclusion in book three. I'm not sure there really is enough left of the story to make a whole other book for book three. I think this series could have been a duology and would be better as such.

In the end, was it what I wished for? Overall, the story progressed, although very slowly. A lot of things didn't work for me or engage me until the second half. I'm hoping book three will have a lot more weight to it and finish this series up nicely.

Content: 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 my review.)

About the Author

Chawna Schroeder loves exploring the wonder of God through the intersection of imagination and faith. When she isn’t reading or writing, she may be found practicing piano, reading biblical Greek or Hebrew, preparing for the Bible study she teaches, or working on one of her handwork projects while enjoying a movie.

More from the Author: Cracking the Cover Code

“Don’t judge a book by its cover.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all said it.

We’ve all done it.

We try not to, but the reality is that a book’s cover does influence us. Things pleasing to the eye attract us. Our interest is piqued by the mysterious. Color palettes and designs offer clues about the type of story within. Whether we’re buying online, browsing a bookstore, or selecting our next read from our shelves, the cover often sways our decision.

Thus, covers are designed to draw the interest of those who would most enjoy the story, and Perplexity is no different. So, is this novel for you? Perhaps taking a closer look at cover’s design will answer the question.

The first thing you might notice about Perplexity’s cover is it colors, especially if you’re familiar with Illuminary, which is book one in this series. Whereas Illuminary was bold and vibrant to reflect its India-inspired culture, Perplexity obviously has a much cooler and muted color palette. This reflects the wintry season of this story, both physically and emotionally. The snowflake motif emphasizes this.

This should tell you immediately that if you’re wishing for an upbeat comedy, this isn’t it. You probably need to find a much different cover (and book) than this one. But if you’re looking for a thoughtful read, dealing with slightly heavier topics, Perplexity might be worth a second look.

Now alongside the snowflakes, you might notice a bunch of gears. Those reveal inventions and technology are important to the setting of Perplexity. Gears are also a popular cover motif for books in the steampunk genre. Their subtle use in the design therefore implies a light steampunk element—a world with a Victorian vibe and steam-powered technology.

So are you not a fan of the Victorian era? Do you prefer to read about the real, contemporary world? Perplexity probably shouldn’t be your next read. But if you’re a fan of Jules Verne or fiction that mixes the fantastical with the historical, Perplexity might be your cup of tea.

The third major element of the cover are the odd objects tucked throughout the art work, like a hidden-object picture: An automobile, a pocket watch, a beaded bracelet, an envelope, a carousel horse, a crow, a key. Seven items, which seem completely random and unrelated. Yet they were carefully selected for the cover from a myriad of objects. What does it all mean? Ah, that is the hint of the puzzles the characters must unravel and the mysteries they must solve.

Not a puzzle fan? Hate trying to solve riddles? Then it’s time for you to search elsewhere for a book. But if you love escape rooms, National Treasure, and Amazing Race, your brain might just love unlocking all Perplexity has to offer.

So there. We’ve cracked the code of Perplexity’s cover, a code that tells us of a thoughtful story with a light Victorian/steampunk vibe and puzzles galore. Now it’s time for you decide: Does that sound like a story worth cracking into?

Tour Schedule

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, April 21

For the Love of Literature, April 22 (Spotlight)

Book Looks by Lisa, April 22

The Bookish Ledger, April 23 (Spotlight)

Simple Harvest Reads, April 24 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 25 (Spotlight)

Artistic Nobody, April 26 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, April 27 (Spotlight)

Guild Master, April 28 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, April 29

Tell Tale Book Reviews, April 30

Fiction Book Lover, May 1 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, May 1

Stories By Gina, May 2 (Spotlight)

Vicky Sluiter, May 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 4

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chawna is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and hardcover 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

Did you read the first book in this series? Does the series sound like something you'd enjoy? Do you have any other Steampunk series you'd recommend?