Blog Tour: The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley

 

August 28, 2025 by Second Sky

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I will disguise myself as the vampire’s bride.

I will win over his family.

And then I will murder every last one of them.

All my life I’ve been training to take revenge on the vampire who killed my parents. But Raziel Nostrom is a prince of the city’s most powerful mafia clan—completely untouchable.

When I learn that Raziel is marrying a woman he’s never seen before, I know my chance has finally come…

I will disguise myself as Raziel’s sacrificial bride. I will gain access to his vicious and beautiful family. And I will murder every last bloodsucking one of them.

Raziel is just as ruthless and deadly as I expected, but I had no idea how magnetic he would be up close, with an intoxicating smile and ruby-red eyes that seem to look right into my soul. There’s a dangerous tension between us that I’m struggling to ignore.

I have to strike fast. Every second I wait brings new danger to my life—and my heart. But as I sharpen my blades and prepare to take my revenge at last, I need to face the truth…

I’m falling in love with Raziel Nostrom.

The first book in a spicy vampire romantasy series perfect for fans of true enemies-to-lovers romance and marriages of convenience tropes. Readers who could not get enough of The Serpent and the Wings of Night and Haunting Adeline will love The Serpent’s Bride.

MY REVIEW:

The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book from the start.
Nadi is going to pose as the bride of Raziel, since he never saw her it was easy. Him and his family need to die for killing her family years ago. But he also has to kill his bride after they are married as it is part of a sacrifice. These 2 spending time that they had together was a spicy sometimes and sometimes had me laughing.. I did have a feeling how the book was going to end.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the copy to review.

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As an USA Today Bestselling Author and award-winning designer, Kat has always been a storyteller. She delights in spinning stories of the sweetest nightmares to delight her readers with her unique twist of fantasy, horror, and romance. With ten years in script-writing for performances on both the stage and for tourism, she has always been writing in one form or another.

Also on her list of skills are artistic direction, scenic painting and props, special effects, and electronics. A graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Design, she has a passion for unique, creative, and unconventional experiences. In her spare time, she builds animatronics and takes trapeze classes.

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Audiobook review: The Surrender by Jodi Ellen Malpas

 

publication September 2, 2025

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He’s a tantalizing man of mystery. To solve him she could risk everything in a scorching romance by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the This Man series and The Invitation.

A pawn in a man’s callous game, Amelia Lazenby is trying to heal after being betrayed by the wealthy and scorchingly sexy Jude Harrison. Now he’s saying all the right things, whispering apologies as sincere as his kisses, and refusing to let her walk away. It’s hard for Amelia to resist a force as strong as Jude. Before long, he’s making her pulse pound, her head spin, and giving her the rapture she craves.

But once she surrenders, Amelia can’t help but fear she’s risking her heart all over again. This time, maybe even more. Jude is every bit as mysterious and possessive as she remembers. His ex-lover is back to wreak havoc on their lives. And Amelia’s own ex has returned from the past, knowing more about Jude than Amelia can imagine. As the secrets and shocking revelations keep coming, Amelia must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to stay with the man she loves and above all else…can’t resist.

MY REVIEW:

The Surrender by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amelia and Jude have a volatile relationship. She finds out things were not what she thought when they met, Then she has an ex that just won't leave her alone. Her father does not treat her as an adult and she has a job she loves but working with a man she is competing with who is out for her blood. No matter how hard Amelia tries to stay away from Jude he just won't leave her alone. He is in love with her and she loves him but is love enough for these 2?
I love the friendship she has with her brother and how her 2 best friends are always there for her. Her parents needed to mind their own business.
Jude also has a woman from his past that keeps making this relationship hard and she is a horrible person.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance publishing for the audiobook to review. I enjoyed the voice of the narrator.

View all my reviews

Jodi Ellen Malpas

Bornin Northampton, The United Kingdom

Website

http://www.jodiellenmalpas.co.uk/

Twitter

JodiEllenMalpas

Genre

Romance, Historical Fiction, Fiction

#1 New York Times & Sunday Times Bestselling Author Jodi Ellen Malpas was born and raised in England, where she lives with her husband, her boys, and Theo the Doberman.

Writing powerful love stories with fierce, memorable characters is her passion – a passion that has taken her on an amazing journey into the world of romantic fiction. Her work is now published in more than twenty-six languages across the world.

Jodi's next release: The Invitation. Check it out on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/...

Audiobook review: The Cinnamon Spiced Inn by Harper Graham

 

August 28, 2025 by Bookouture

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Love is the sweetest spice of all.

A fiery, coffee-loving city girl. A laid-back handyman with irresistible hazel eyes. Is this a recipe for disaster? Find out in this totally cozy and unputdownable enemies-to-lovers romance in the small town of your dreams! Gilmore Girls + spice + everything autumn = 🔥

Self-confessed coffee addict and food writer Madison has convinced herself she belongs in NYC. But then she’s called back to the small town of Maple Falls to save her childhood home, The Cinnamon Spice Inn. She’s NOT looking forward to seeing her ex, Zach—now a sexy bearded handyman who knows exactly how to push her buttons. But she won’t let anything distract her from the inn’s relaunch… right?

Zach is frustrated in more ways than one when his latest job brings him face-to-face with the girl who got away. He’s already agreed to renovate her family’s inn and he’s nothing if not a man of his word. But the last thing he wants is to work side-by-side with that stubborn, infuriating—fine, totally gorgeous—red-head.

Sparks fly as they prepare for the big Halloween opening. Will Madison save The Cinnamon Spice Inn and have a second chance at love, or will it all go up in flames?

Grab your favourite spiced latte and settle in with this steamy romance, packed with small-town charm, scorching chemistry, and the perfect HEA. If you love Laurie Gilmore, Emily Henry, cozy autumn vibes and plenty of spice, this is perfect for you!

MY REVIEW:

The Cinnamon Spice Inn by Harper Graham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A small town romance. second chance romance. I enjoyed the audiobook that I got to review from NetGalley. The narrator was pleasant to listen to. It was like a Hallmark movie in Autumn and Halloween. But with a little spice.
I wanted to be there and tasting all the foods and drinks that they talked about. Also to smell everything.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour: The Last Haunting by Dawn Merriman

 

published August 22, 2025

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My mother’s spirit is trapped. To set her free, I must find her killer before it’s too late…

I’m Rylan Flynn. I hunt for ghosts and restless spirits, and solve the mysteries that make them haunt the living.

When I witness a fatal car crash, the police are quick to conclude that it’s an accident. Only Detective Ford Pierce is not convinced—could the healthy victim really have died at the wheel from a heart attack?

For once, I’m happy to let Ford investigate alone. Years ago, my mother was murdered in our home. Now, with her ghost begging me to find the killer, I will not be distracted from solving her cold case once and for all.

The evil spirit Roland is back, terrorizing the town. And when a brutal murder is uncovered, it’s clear he isn’t acting alone.

Are all the sinister events in Ashby more connected than they appeared at first glance?

As Ford and I edge closer to answers, it becomes clear that someone, or something, wants to keep their deadly secrets buried. Can I unmask this ruthless murderer before I become the next victim?

The exhilarating finale of a paranormal mystery series packed with heart-stopping twists, The Last Haunting is perfect for fans of Heather Graham, Wendy Wang, and Noelle W. Ihli.

MY REVIEW:

The Last Haunting by Dawn Merriman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked this series but this was the last book and felt hurried and unfinished. We still didn't get closure on one of the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and @secondsky for the ebook to review.

View all my reviews

Dawn Merriman writes creepy small town murder mysteries from her small farm in northeast Indiana where she lives with her husband and college-age children. You can often find her with muck boots on her feet and a story in her head. She enjoys animals, auctions, snorkelling and archaeology.
Dawn Merriman grew up a small-town farm girl, on a small-time pig farm in Indiana. She spent her young adulthood sitting on her bedroom floor scribbling stories in notebooks. She won the "Northeast Indiana Young Writers" award as a sophomore in high school.
She has published over 20 mystery and thriller novels, most set in small towns in Indiana.


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Audiobook Review: The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

 

 publication August 26, 2025

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In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

MY REVIEW:

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received this audio from NetGalley to review.
It is a historical romance set in 1880 and 1890's.
In 1880 a baby is stolen from a prominent family in New York. They assumed one of their help did it but had no proof so they fired him.
20 years later a young woman is heard singing in the streets, by the son , of the man who was fired. He sees a resemblance to the mother of the baby and since he is a swindler he is going to use this to get the money for the reward. He didn't plan on falling in love with her.
Leo was the kind of person who stole for his family. So he decides to be Josie's manager.
I enjoyed both of these characters even if he was a thief. The narrators did a great job on this book.

View all my reviews

Joanna Shupe

Bornin The United States

Website

http://www.joannashupe.com/

Twitter

JoannaShupe

Genre

Romance, Historical Fiction

Want a free Gilded Age read? Sign up for Joanna's newsletter and receive a link for The Knickerbocker Bride. You'll also be the first to hear about new books and discounts!

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USA Today bestselling author JOANNA SHUPE has always loved history, ever since she saw her first Schoolhouse Rock cartoon. Since 2015, her books have appeared on numerous yearly “best of” lists, including Publishers Weekly, The Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Kobo, and BookPage.

She currently lives in New Jersey with her two spirited daughters and a dashing husband.

audiobook review: The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin

 

Expected publication August 26, 2025

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A captivating new historical novel from Madeline Martin, set in Victorian London about a forbidden book club, dangerous secrets, and the women who dare to break free.

You are cordially invited to the Secret Book Society…

London, 1895: Trapped by oppressive marriages and societal expectations, three women receive a mysterious invitation to an afternoon tea at the home of the reclusive Lady Duxbury. Beneath the genteel facade of the gathering lies a secret book club—a sanctuary where they can discover freedom, sisterhood, and the courage to rewrite their stories.

Eleanor Clarke, a devoted mother suffocating under the tyranny of her husband. Rose Wharton, a transplanted American dollar princess struggling to fit the mold of an aristocratic wife. Lavinia Cavendish, an artistic young woman haunted by a dangerous family secret. All are drawn to the enigmatic Lady Duxbury, a thrice-widowed countess whose husbands’ untimely deaths have sparked whispers of murder.

As the women form deep, heartwarming friendships, they uncover secrets about their marriages, their pasts, and the risks they face. Their courage is their only weapon in the oppressive world that has kept them silent, but when secrets are deadly, one misstep could cost them everything.

MY REVIEW:

The Secret Book Society by Madeline Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received the audiobook to review through NetGalley.
It is 1895 in London and women were not supposed to read books because it makes them think and men don't like that.
Lady Duxbury sends invites to women for a secret book club and she helps them get their lives back.
I enjoyed the narrator and her voice was calming.
I am glad that I live in a time where women can do what they want and not have to worry about being sent to an asylum for their ways of thinking.

View all my reviews

Madeline Martin

Bornin The United States

Website

http://www.MadelineMartin.com

Twitter

MadelineMMartin

Genre

Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance

Madeline Martin is a New York Times, USA Today, Publisher's Weekly, and international bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance with books that have been translated into over twenty-five different languages.

She lives in sunny Florida with her two daughters (known collectively as the minions), two incredibly spoiled cats and a man so wonderful he's been dubbed Mr. Awesome. She is a die-hard history lover who will happily lose herself in research any day. When she's not writing, researching or 'moming', you can find her spending time with her family at Disney or sneaking a couple spoonfuls of Nutella while laughing over cat videos. She also loves research and travel, attributing her fascination with history to having spent most of her childhood as an Army brat in Germany.

Check out her website for book club visits, reader guides for her historical fiction, upcoming events, book news and more: https://madelinemartin.com

Blos Tour: Bloodlust Shadows by Luanne Bennett

 

Book: Bloodlust Shadows

Author: Luanne Bennett

Pub Day: August 8th 2025

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I’m Charley Underwood—welcome to the Stag. Keep your fangs to yourself and don’t forget to tip your bartender.

In Crimson, vampires, wolves, and humans live side by side. And I try to keep them from tearing each other apart.

After taking down a bloodsucking mobster and a rogue witch, I thought I’d catch a break. Maybe even a few days to fix up my bar and spend some quality time with Samuel, my vampire boyfriend.

But I should have known better—after all, this is Crimson.

An old enemy is out for blood, stalking us and leaving terrifying warnings. And this vampire likes to play with his victims, always staying one step ahead. Soon the whole town is caught in his games.

Customers start showing up beaten and bruised, unable to explain what happened. There are rumors of addictions and poisoned blood…

When Samuel disappears, it’s clear this opponent is smarter and more twisted than any I’ve faced before.

And he won’t stop until he’s taken everything from me.

An absolutely thrilling and totally unputdownable urban fantasy adventure, the Charley Underwood series is perfect for fans of Kim Richardson, Charlaine Harris, and Patricia Briggs.

MY REVIEW:

Bloodlust Shadows: A gripping and utterly addictive urban fantasy by Luanne Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been enjoying this series and getting to know Charley and her friends.
This time the blood they get from vampires, to help human sickness, is tainted and Charley needs to find out why. She is also dating a vampire and then he goes missing so she is on the hunt to find him.
Urban fantasy with some romance. Vampires, witches and wolves living among humans makes this series interesting and wanting to continue on with the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Second sky for the ebook to review.

View all my reviews

Luanne Bennett

Goodreads Author

BornThe United States

Website

http://www.luannebennett.com

Twitter

luanne_bennett

Genre

Fantasy, Paranormal

Luanne Bennett is an author of fantasy and the supernatural. Born in Chicago, she lives in Georgia these days where she writes full time and doesn’t miss a thing about the cubicles and conference rooms of her old life. When she isn’t writing or dreaming up new stories, she’s usually cooking or tending a herd of felines and basset hounds. Look for book three of the Katie Bishop series coming this spring!

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