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COVER REVEAL: Much Ado About Dukes (Never a Wallflower, #2) by Eva Devon

I enjoyed the first book in this series, The Spinster and the Rake, so I’m looking forward to the second book!  Check out the gorgeous cover below ♥.

Much Ado About Dukes
Eva Devon
(Never a Wallflower, #2)
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: January 25th 2022
Genres: Historical Romance, Romance

The matchmakers’ playbook goes out the window in this bold Regency romance that’s Emma meets 10 Things I Hate About You from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon.

Each book in the Never a Wallflower series is STANDALONE:
* The Spinster and the Rake
* Much Ado About Dukes

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

 

About Eva Devon:

Sign up now for chances at free books, fun stuff, secret book info and more at evadevonromance.com

USATODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, Eva Devon, was raised on literary fiction, but quite accidentally and thankfully, she was introduced to romance one Christmas by Johanna Lindsey’s Mallory novella, The Present. A romance addict was born. She devoured every single Lindsey novel within a few months and moved on to contemporary and paranormal with gusto. Now, she loves to write her own roguish dukes, alpha males and the heroines who tame them. She loves to hear from her readers. So please pen her a note! evadevonauthor@gmail.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

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BOOK REVIEW: The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren

BOOK REVIEW: The Soulmate Equation by Christina LaurenThe Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Single mom Jess Davis is a data and statistics wizard, but no amount of number crunching can convince her to step back into the dating world. After all, her father was never around, her hard-partying mother disappeared when she was six, and her ex decided he wasn’t “father material” before her daughter was even born. Jess holds her loved ones close but working constantly to stay afloat is hard...and lonely.

But then Jess hears about GeneticAlly, a buzzy new DNA-based matchmaking company that’s predicted to change dating forever. Finding a soulmate through DNA? The reliability of numbers: This Jess understands.

At least she thought she did, until her test shows an unheard-of 98 percent compatibility with another subject in the database: GeneticAlly’s founder, Dr. River Peña. This is one number she can’t wrap her head around, because she already knows Dr. Peña. The stuck-up, stubborn man is without a doubt not her soulmate. But GeneticAlly has a proposition: Get ‘to know him and we’ll pay you. Jess—who is barely making ends meet—is in no position to turn it down, despite her skepticism about the project and her dislike for River. As the pair are dragged from one event to the next as the “Diamond” pairing that could launch GeneticAlly’s valuation sky-high, Jess begins to realize that there might be more to the scientist—and the science behind a soulmate—than she thought.

Review:

The Soulmate Equation is a book that romance readers should not miss!  If you love moments that give you butterflies, characters that feel like your friends and a story that plays out like a movie, then definitely add this one to your tbr!  This story swept me away and easily landed on my favorites list!

He reached up, running a hand through his hair. “Biological compatibility is independent of whether or not we like each other.”
A horrified laugh ripped out of her. “Is that the company slogan or your best pickup line?”

I loved Jess Davis right away.  She was a single mom who was barely struggling to stay afloat.  Thankfully her life was filled with caring grandparents, an inquisitive and sweet daughter and a romance writing bestie that was like a sister to her.  After submitting her test on a whim, to a dating company called GeneticAlly that matched people through their DNA, Jess found herself in uncharted waters.

Do you actually believe our result could be real? That we could be soulmates? she wanted to ask, but the words felt too enormous to push past her lips.

Jess’s results came back with an unheard 98% match with the founder Dr. River Peña.  River was a guy she saw in passing at the local coffee shop.  He was handsome but he definitely gave off cold vibes.  There was no way they could be that compatible!  But when GeneticAlly made Jess a monetary proposition she couldn’t afford to pass, she pushed her pride aside and started spending more time with River.

Fizzy’s voice glimmered with wonder: “What did you do to him?”
“We did not—”
“He’s smil—”
“I know,” Jess snapped. “It’s weird. Shut up.”
She did not shut up: “When you two actually—”
Leaning in, Jess hissed: “Shhh!”

While Jess had a huge heart, was responsible, focused and logical, River was such an unknown.  He came across as such a cold asshole, albeit a smart one since he was the founder and top scientist at GeneticAlly.  So those that love guys who have a gruff, brooding exterior, you’re going to fall hard for River!  He was dark, mysterious and when he showed that he could have a conversation lol and that there was a heart in there, I was obsessed!

“I’d suspect most people comment on your eyes,” he said quietly, running a fingertip across her collarbone. “That startling, bright blue.”
Surely he could feel her heart scaling her windpipe. He didn’t seem to remember there was anyone else in the room.
“But I prefer your mouth.”
“You do?” Jess managed.
“I do,” he said, and bent, kissing her forehead. “You don’t give those smiles away for free.”

Jess and River had a connection and chemistry that came so easily.  Sparks flared when they were just talking to even when they were at public events for his company *fans face*.  Their build up was deliciously seductive and their interactions were smile and laugh inducing.  The steamy scenes weren’t overly descriptive, but still a lot of fun.  But in the back of Jess’ mind she knew that River had a lot of money to make if their relationship bloomed and that she had a daughter to think about and protect.

Unraveled and bare, Jess knew in her bones that he was her ninety-eight.
“I wanted to see you.”

Jess is easily one of my favorite heroines and River is definitely being added to my book boyfriend list!  And I have to say, I’m not one for books with kids, which is funny since I have two of my own that I love lol.  But Juno, Jess’s daughter, was one of my favorite side characters ever.  Watching her and River interact, OH MY HEART!  I fell for him even harder.

“I want to be here to bring you coffee. I want to take you out to dinner and order the same food and hear you recite the odds that we would have met. I want to hate-attend fancy social events together.” Jess laughed, a surprised burst of sound, and his tone softened. “I want you to call me for help—without an apology already on the tip of your tongue. I want to feel like I can kiss you again by your car at the end of the night.” He swallowed. “I want you in my bed.”

The Soulmate Equation captured my heart so easily!  With characters that shined so brightly and a story-line that was a ton of fun, I’ve already read this book twice so far.  Seriously lol.  I wanted to go through the laughter, sighing, heartfelt moments and tears all over again and it was just as fabulous the second time around!

“You have to admit you don’t look at Dr. River Peña and think, ‘Now, there’s a romantic soul.’ ”
“No,” Fizz conceded, “but I do look at him and think, ‘I bet he’s got a fantastic penis.’ Did you see the size of his hands? He could carry me by the head, like a basketball.”
A throat cleared, and they looked up to find River Peña standing not two feet away. “Well, you two sure didn’t waste any time.”
Jess’s stomach fell through the floor, and the words creaked out of her: “Oh shit.”
“Did you hear what I just said?” Fizzy asked.
He let out a slow, controlled exhale. He’d totally heard. “Hear what?” he managed, finally.
Fizzy stood, pulling Jess up with her. “Excellent.” She gave River a dainty curtsy. “Take us away.”

PS I loved Jess’ bestie Fizzy!  She was absolutely hilarious and had such a way with words.  I loved how she was such a good friend and supported and cheered Jess on.  And the fact that she wrote down things, to use in her stories, that played out between Jess and River had me laughing so hard!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Broken Skies by Theresa Kay

I first read Broken Skies almost 4 years ago and I still continue to think about it today. The characters and their story are permanently etched into my heart. So you’ll definitely want to check out my 5 Star Review below and enter a fabulous giveaway! Enjoy♥

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Broken Skies by Theresa KayBroken Skies (Broken Skies #1)
by Theresa Kay
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jax will do anything to save her twin . . . even team up with a teenage alien left behind by the same ship that took her brother.

She agrees to help the alien get back home, and in return, he agrees to sneak her into the alien city to find her sibling.

Too bad it's not that simple.

Jax soon finds that she's drawn to the alien boy with bright green hair and jewel-like scales on his back and he's equally affected by her, the courageous redhead with haunted eyes. But she doesn't know the alien's true motives, and he has no idea that she is much more than she seems.

Worse, the connection forming between them has unknown consequences.

The humans and the aliens are both hiding deadly secrets and the forbidden bond linking the two teens threatens to reveal everything. What started as an uneasy alliance and a seemingly straightforward rescue mission could spark an inter-species war.

The Broken Skies series is a completed series filled with action, adventure, aliens, and romance. Perfect for fans of the Lux series, Under Different Stars, and The Fifth Wave.

Review:

Broken Skies gripped me to the core and was truly outstanding. The story continually built and became more intricate, causing me to become obsessed with this book. It’s all I can think about. Seriously. The pages were scattered with hardships and butterfly inducing moments that were breathtaking. I never wanted this book to end.

“It’s going to be okay,” he says.
But I know it’s not. I don’t know if anything is ever going to be okay again.

After the war left 10% of the population alive, the aliens, known as the E’rikon, arrived to share Earth. They kept to themselves, until a group of them kidnapped Jax’s brother, Jace. In the commotion, a teenage E’rikon was left behind with no way to navigate home. In a desperate attempt to get her brother back, Jax agreed to help navigate Lir to his city in exchange for getting inside to find her brother. What started out as a simple journey, escalated into something that kept me on the edge of my seat!

The fingers of one hand curl into claws, perfect for ripping and tearing. I won’t go quietly. Icy fear has no place in my body now. Instead, I’m filled with fire, burning me from the inside out and just waiting to be released.

I already knew I loved Jax the first few pages into Broken Skies. She was resourceful, savvy and I loved that she was the one responsible for taking care of them for their journey. Whenever she opened her mouth and fumbled over some words or would start blabbering, she made me laugh, smile and truly care for her. But at the same point, she was somewhat broken. She had hardships from her past that she struggled with, and I desperately wanted her to overcome them.

“You are everything I was taught humans were not.”

Lir was charming, sarcastic and I fell head over heals in love with him. He was gentle, sweet, sincere, sexy and smart. I honestly could not get enough of him! And of course I still felt that way about him, even after he kept secrets from Jax. Although, they were wonderful secrets that added so much depth. Ohhhhh, Lir was everything I love in a male character.

Lir stands and reaches a hand out to me. I eye it for a moment before accepting it and allowing him to pull me to my feet. Trust has to start somewhere, I guess.

Jax and Lir were unforgettable characters. And when they were together, their relationship was sweet, slow and natural. Nothing was rushed. Nothing was forced. It was so much fun to watch them evolve. Sigh, I am still on a book high. This book was so much fun and I’m dying until I can read the second book. But until then, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. You must discover this world, characters and story! I look forward to reading the rest of Theresa Kay’s books, because her storytelling has enraptured me!

***ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review***

 

**Broken Skies Is Currently On Sale for Only .99 cents!!**

Amazon

Reading Order & Links:
Amazon (click on covers)

Broken Skies #1
Reviews:

Jen

Fractured Suns #2
Reviews:

Jen

Shattered Stars #3
Reviews:
Jen

 

About Theresa Kay:
Theresa Kay writes stories that feature flawed young adult and new adult characters in science fiction, urban fantasy, or paranormal worlds, all with a touch of romance thrown in for good measure. She’s constantly lost in one fictional universe or another and is a self-proclaimed “fangirl” who loves being sucked into new books, movies, or TV shows. Living in the mountains of central Virginia with her husband and two kids, she works as a paralegal by day and spends her free time reading tons of books, binging Avengers movies, anime, and Doctor Who, or playing Tomb Raider and Assassin’s Creed.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 

Monthly Wrap-Up: July & August

During our Monthly Wrap-Up, we’ll take a look at what has happened around here in the last month. That’ll include what’s happened in my life, what we’ve read, any other posts we may have had, and our most popular Instagram posts..

*We linked this post to the November Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up Link-Up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction*

 

Jen’s Life:

✮ Last month we went to Southern California to visit family and spend our days at the beach. I was not ready to come back home to the smoke, it was such a wonderful reprieve! We got to surf, boogie board, kayak, look for ocean creatures in the tide-pools and hang out with family and friends. It was a blast and I’m counting down till we get to go back down there in October!
✮ My boys started 5th and 3rd grade and it’s just been a crazy school year. The majority of their recesses have been inside, because of the smoke from Caldor Fire, since it’s so very close to us. Our air quality constantly goes over 500, ash keeps falling and our skies are orange or red, but we’re still safe! Right now we’re hoping and praying that the firefighters can save as much of our area as they can and that everyone stays safe!

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What We Read:

5 Stars:
Grace and Glory (The Harbinger #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
The Perfect Play (Southern U O’Brien Brothers #2) by Cookie O’Gorman
Waylaid (True North #8) by Sarina Bowen
OUR VIOLENT ENDS (These Violent Delights #2) by Chloe Gong
All of Us Villains (All of Us Villains #1) by Amanda Foody
Starlight (Speakeasy Taproom #7) by Christine DePetrillo
Stargazer (Speakeasy Taproom #8) by Wendy S. Marcus

4.5 Stars:
Wildflower (Speakeasy Taproom #5) by Mae Wood
Stronghold (Vino & Veritas #14) by Ana Ashley
Forever Starts Now by Stefanie London


4 Stars:
Arsenic and Adobo (Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery #1) by Mia P. Manansala
Showstopper (Vino & Veritas #17) by Regina Kyle
Attraction (Hypothesis #1) by Penny Reid

 

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Our Favorite Books of the Month:
 

Jen’s Choice – Grace and Glory by Jennifer L. Armentrout & The Perfect Play by Cookie O’Gorman
I’m sorry but I refuse to choose between a Paranormal and a Contemporary.  I loved them both with my whole heart!  Grace and Glory was a stunning conclusion to The Harbinger Series!  With tears, laughter, friendship and love splashed across the pages, this book was such a huge win!  If you’re a fan of Jennifer L Armentrout or paranormal stories then you definitely need this series in your life!  And The Perfect Play was an instant favorite!  Cookie’s books always make me laugh and smile, and again this one was such a huge hit!  If you’re looking for a romance story that is swoon worthy and will make you fall in love, then look no further, this is your book!

 

✩✮✩

 

Arielle’s Choice – Waylaid (True North #8) by Sarina Bowen
I knew I needed a book about Rickie from the first time we laid eyes on him in Heartland. He was such an enigma to me and I knew that if we were to get a glimpse into what him, him that I would consume it in a day (I did).


 
 
 
 

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Chelsea’s Choice – OUR VIOLENT ENDS (These Violent Delights #2) by Chloe Gong
Gong restored my faith in books. She restored my faith in how I can be addicted and pine and hope for a certain path to be taken and for the author to write certain things, it not go my way (I am veryyyy picky with my romance and enemies to lovers and peril), and STILL love how it goes. Not one thing felt forced. Not one moment blemished by rushing and trying to fit everything in. It all felt real, it felt natural. That is the mark of a true author. THAT is how you create forever fans. THAT is how you CRUSH the YA world.

 
 

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Instagram:

We thought it would be fun to share our most popular posts for August. And they were….

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Star-Crossed Book Blog (@starcrossedbookblog)

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Star-Crossed Book Blog (@starcrossedbookblog)

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Star-Crossed Book Blog (@starcrossedbookblog)

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Star-Crossed Book Blog (@starcrossedbookblog)

 

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So this was our July & August….did you read any of the same books that we did? Or share the same favorite book as us? If not, then what was your favorite book? Or have you read any of the books I just added to my TBR?

Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful July & August. And cheers to September being fabulous for all of us!

 

BOOK REVIEW: Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom #9) by Stephanie Rose

BOOK REVIEW: Safeguard (Speakeasy Taproom #9) by Stephanie RoseSafeguard (Speakeasy Taproom #7)
by Stephanie Rose
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jilted. Living in a glorified closet. The world’s worst bar waitress. I just need to keep a roof over my head and make tuition payments until I can finish graduate school. Then my real life will start. But right now, long nights at the Speakeasy have me burning the candle at both ends and the wax melting all over my fingers.

When a bar manager offers me a job taking care of his adorable five-year-old daughter, it seems like the perfect solution. I get a quiet place to study. Matteo gets a reliable sitter.

There should be no complications. Except that I like my new boss a little too much. His gorgeous dark eyes humble me, and the long talks we share fill me up inside. I can’t possibly fall for him.

But the undeniable pull between us leads to a scorching kiss I can’t ignore or forget, and suddenly I’ve fallen for them both, father and daughter.

And now three hearts are at stake.

Review

From the very SECOND that single-dad Matteo was mentioned in Touchstone I KNEW that I needed this story. I’m so glad it was the last one in the series because I really felt it rounded everything out perfectly. Everything about this book was beyond what I could have hoped for.

Matteo himself? Perfect.

Matteo’s relationship with his daughter, Lauren? Perfect.

Melanie and how seamlessly she transitioned into their lives? PERFECT.

I have come to realize that there are certain tropes or situations in romances that I cannot handle. One of those is what I dub “the pointless miscommunication.” Although miscommunications are a HUGE part of romances and relationships in general, there is a line I draw when it’s just thrown into the plot to bring about a point of drama. Heck, even when it does make sense, I’m just not often in the mood for that anymore. I was worried I was going to see that here actually when a certain character came back to town but it was a non-issue and I rejoiced.

Even though I haven’t read a ton of books where there’s a single parent with a kid/kids, I just assume that things are bound to get messy because honestly, how couldn’t they?! Introducing a partner to kids can be a huge point of contention, especially if they are old enough to know what is going on. With Lauren, the situation was unique because she had never known her mom and Matteo was such a great dad/parent, that there wasn’t even really a hole there for her. That being said, I don’t think that was fully the reason that she was okay with Melanie so fast. No, I think that’s all on Melanie being the kind and special person she was. I loved every single one of their interactions and honestly just tearing up thinking about those two getting married and becoming a family and maybe even giving Lauren some siblings some day *cries*. HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ENTIRE SERIES!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review!&hearts

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