Sunday, June 15, 2025

Blog Tour, Review & Playlist: Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston

 


Title: Titan of the Stars
Author: E.K. Johnston
Release Date: 
May 27, 2025

Titanic meets Aliens in this tense YA science fiction horror series by #1 New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston.

Celeste knows every inch of this ship. She's proud of her work as apprentice engineer. And as the maiden voyage of the Titan launches, she's optimistic for the promises of this new journey from Earth to Mars — this new life.

Dominic arrives at his suite where his valet is busy unpacking his things. His chest is tight, already feeling anxious inside his dad's precious new ship. Once it launches, he's trapped, inside the ship and inside the life his father has chosen for him — a life that will leave his dreams of art school behind. 

Discovered under melted ice caps, ancient aliens have been brought onto the Titan as well, and stored in display cases for the entertainment of the passengers . . . until an act of sabotage releases them into the ship, with zero discrimination for class, decks or human life . . .












Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher/author. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own. 

Titanic meets Aliens? Yes, please! The ultimate horror story for me is a science fiction tale that takes place on a spaceship. I don't know why this particular micro-trope is my jam but when I read the synopsis for this book I knew I had to partake of this book. 

I really enjoyed E.K. Johnston's writing style. I was immediately drawn into her narrative. It was so smooth and easy to read. This was my first book by this author and I was very impressed with how her writing won me over and felt like such a perfect fit for me. I love the entire concept and premise of this story. I adore science fiction horror and this entire plot was like the sweetest candy that I was eating up. The execution of the plot was a mixed bag for me simply because this book felt way too short. The sequence of events happens so quickly that there isn't much buildup. The plot itself was crafted very well but I feel like there should have been more time for the characters to get to know each other before chaos ensued. The world-building had a combination of showing and telling. There were things about this world that were spelled out to the reader and other things we learn from seeing through the eyes of the characters. 

I found these characters very relatable. I was able to step into their shoes easily. Their personalities were brought to life quite well. I would have loved a bit more build-up and a bit more time to get to know them better but overall I was pleased with the characters. 

POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD! The romance in this book is mild. It felt more like the catching of feelings or a crush as opposed to a full-blown romance. I think that the main characters complimented each other well and made a great match. The "romance" felt a bit too instalovey for my taste, if I am being honest. I don't prefer instalove and I normally avoid it at all costs because I can never find an instalove romance believable. This "romance" had that vibe because the events take place over an extremely short period of time and I need more time for the characters to get to know each other and interact for me to be convinced of the romance. I could feel the beginnings of a pull between them but I think calling it a romance is a stretch. 

Overall, this was a satisfying story with relatable characters and a riveting plot but could use some lengthening to strengthen some aspects of the story. I was able to predict the plot twist at the end of the book but it was still enjoyable nonetheless. The ending sort of leaves off on a cliffhanger which surprised me since this book is marketed as a standalone to the best of my knowledge. I honestly don't know how the author could leave things how she did without a follow-up. Even without a future sequel, the story had an interesting ending that leaves things up to interpretation. So bravo to E.K. Johnston for making me worry my little head over that ending. If you enjoy books set on a spaceship with some horror elements then this book will fit the bill. If the author does potentially decide to continue this story I will definitely pick it up and I look forward to trying more books from this author.





For those of you who cannot use the widget here is the link to my playlist on Spotify.



E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.

Her books range from contemporary fantasy to fairy-tale reimaginings, from hopeful sci-fi to quiet epics, and from small town Ontario to a galaxy far, far away. She has no plans to rein anything in.




Follow the tour below!
➡️ TOUR SCHEDULE ⬅️


 

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Cover Reveal: I Could Be Yours by Helena Hunting

  



Title: I Could Be Yours
Author: Helena Hunting
Release Date: 
July 10, 2025

Cover Designer: Hang Le

https://www.instagram.com/byhangle/


Illustrations by Rosie’s Fables

https://www.instagram.com/rosiesfables/



The best man ghosted me six years ago after kissing me, and now I have to do every wedding event under the sun with him. 

Nate Stiles is the definition of serious. Furrowed brow? Check. Rain cloud personality? Double check. 

I shouldn’t be thinking about the fact that our kiss was the best one of my life right now. I should be planning the bachelorette party of the millennium. 

I shouldn’t be wondering when Nate became such a good dancer after we got roped into salsa lessons with the happy couple. I should be mentally ticking off boxes on my bridal checklists.

I shouldn’t be wondering what it would be like if I didn’t hate Nate Stiles. I should be holding strong against a man who doesn’t believe in love. 

My name is Essie Lovelock. I am a reformed love obsessed fairytale fanatic and I’m determined to be the best maid of honor my best friend could ever have.

And I am absolutely not going to fall for the best man.


💕☀️ Paperback Preorders + Bookplate & NSFW Art!☀️💕

Novel Grounds https://geni.us/ICBYNovelGrounds

Flutter https://geni.us/ICBYFlutter

Hopeless Romantic → https://geni.us/ICBYHopelessRomantic





NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Helena Hunting lives outside of Toronto with her amazing family and her adorable, emotional cat, who thinks the best place to sleep is her keyboard. Helena writes everything from emotional contemporary romance to romantic comedies that will have you laughing until you cry.





Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Book Tour & Review: Till Summer Do Us Part by Meghan Quinn

 



Title: Till Summer Do Us Part
Author: Meghan Quinn
Release Date: June 3, 2025



"I got what I wanted. I became buddy-buddy with my boss in an instant. But the cost will be hefty…finding a husband by tomorrow." 

Scottie Price just started a new job, and it's a real sausage fest. She's the only woman on a team filled with Brads and Chads. Expecting a bachelor pad atmosphere, she is quickly corrected when she finds out everyone is happily married.

In an effort to impress her boss, Scottie mentions her nonexistent husband in a company meeting. But eagle-eyed Chad points out her lack of wedding ring. Panicked, Scottie creates a story about her unhappy marriage. Unfortunately for Scottie, her boss has a solution―a one-on-one session with the best marriage counselor in the Northeast, who happens to be her boss's husband.

With no way out of her lie, Scottie agrees to see him. Frantic, she calls in help from her best friend who sets her up with his brother, an improv-obsessed millionaire.

Enter Wilder Wells. More than happy to take on the job, he teaches Scottie the main rule of improv: always say yes. But the rule backfires during the session when Wilder signs them up for an eight-day summer marriage camp with all of Scottie's co-workers where she'll have to share a cabin with her way-too-handsome fake husband.




Grab your copy today!








Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher/author. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own. 

This book is the perfect adult summer read! A story with an adult summer camp setting with a fake marriage trope? I was all in!

Meghan Quinn in unmatched when it comes to romantic comedies. Her trademark humor keeps me coming back to her books again and again. I can always count on busting out laughing every time I read one of her books and it is the best feeling. Quinn's writing style is so accessible and easy to connect with. It's like sitting down with a friend and hearing them tell you their story. It's just so relatable. The plot in this book was so amusing and executed beautifully. All the "improv" had me on the edge of my seat because I had no clue what was going to come out of the mouths of these characters. All of the exciting and amusing situations had me locked in. The world-building was very immersive. I definitely got the summer camp vibes while reading this. 

These characters were top notch! I felt an instant connection with them. I was hopelessly invested in their narratives from the very start. These characters were so relatable and had incredible character growth. They really captured my heart. "Sanders" was truly an amusing and eccentric character. I enjoyed Scottie and Wilder's friend group and I am so excited to get to know them better in the future. (Hopefully!) 

This romance was so well-crafted. Scottie and Wilder were stuck playing out a fake marriage plot and all the while they were getting to know each other and falling in love. I loved their easy way with each other that was so organic. They each helped each other with their  issues and were frankly perfect for one another. 

The audiobook narration for this book is excellent. All three voice actors embodied their characters perfectly. 

Overall, this was the perfect summer read! Ideal for the beach, pool, a vacation, a road trip, a camping trip...whatever summer activity you get up to. This book has character that will win you over instantly, excellent character development, an exciting plot, and a super hot romance with all the feels! Meghan Quinn really outdid herself with this one. I can't wait for her next adventure!












New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, wife, adoptive mother, and peanut butter lover. Author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance, Meghan Quinn brings readers the perfect combination of heart, humor, and heat in every book.

Never miss another NEW RELEASE, text READ to 474747.




Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Review: Spark the Flames (Secret of the Syphon #1) by Ivy Asher

 

TITLE: Spark the Flames
SERIES: Secret of the Syphon #1
AUTHOR: Ivy Asher
PUBLISHER: Ivy Asher
PUBLISHED: March 21, 2025
PAGES: 502
GENRES: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Romantasy, Urban High Fantasy, Romance
SOURCE: Kindle Unlimited
✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe.

I learned that the hard way when my kith and kindred were slaughtered right before my eyes.

Everyone thinks the wyverns and the sorcai did it, but I know the truth.

I’ve been hiding from The Horde ever since, existing under their radar, surviving.

And then one day, they find me…he finds me. Aeson Noctis, the king’s second son and my new captor.

Aeson thinks he can force me back to Paragon City. He thinks he can use me and claim my power for his own.

But the dragons should’ve been more careful about who they let inside their city. I’m not some weak little pawn. I’m here looking for answers.

I’m here looking for revenge.

When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe. I know because I am one, and now I’m going to make The Horde pay for what they’ve done.

They thought they killed all the Syphons.

They thought they hunted down every one.

They thought wrong.





Ya'll, I thank my lucky stars that I decided to pick up this book because it knocked me on my ass in the best of ways. I swear, this book is going to be the next big thing. I was totally obsessed while reading this.

While there are many series by this author that I have been excited to read, this is the first one that I have picked up. I felt very connected to Asher's writing style. It was fluid and inviting and packed a huge punch. The plot of this book was very well-crafted. I was interested and engaged from start to finish. I was a total slave to this author's narration. The world-building was immense but presented in a way that wasn't overwhelming. The story takes place in what seems to be an entirely speculative fantasy world with different fantasy races and the like but there is also very advanced technology and urban settings. At times, it almost feels like a genre blend of urban fantasy and science fiction. It was very well done and I was totally immersed in this world.  

I was a goner for these characters from the get-go. Ever was my favorite type of badass heroine. She was capable, strong, determined, and she didn't let anyone push her around. I loved her attitude and how she felt so genuine. Even though she had lots of secrets that she was hiding she was a sort of "what you see is what you get" kind of gal. Aeson was dreamy. Tall, dark, and handsome with a seriously sexy edge to him. I really wish that the author had included his perspective throughout the entire book instead of the one POV that we get at the very end. He felt very mysterious and I couldn't tell what his motivations were. In the end, I liked him a lot but I still feel uncertain of a lot of things regarding him. All of the side characters were fantastic. Especially the members of Aeson's wing. I adored them and all their bantering. There was a great found family vibe trying to grow in this book and I loved it. Ever is still wary of everyone in the Horde but I think that the found family vibes will only get stronger once more is revealed. 

The romance was sort of a slow burn in this one. The enemies-to-lovers and captive tropes were executed fabulously. There was so much tension between Aeson and Ever and their banter was perfect. That's all I'm going to say about them because I don't want to spoil anything for anyone but these two were such a delight. 

Overall, this book kickstarted my heart and dazzled me completely. I was so enamored with this addictive story and I have no doubt that these character will be running amok in my mind until the release of the second book. The world-building has so many fun elements and the characters are so well-crafted. They will get under your skin in no time flat. The plot had me completely hooked and I love all of the original creativity the author worked into this story. My advice is to run as fast as you can to put this on your TBR or better yet to pick this one up. I guarantee that you won't regret it. I seriously think that this book is going to blow up and be the next big thing. With the author's unique ideas paired with exciting executions of favorite tropes and fantasy themes, how could it not? Time shall tell but I have every faith in this story. 


This book is a new favorite for me! It jumped out at me and immediately won me over. What was the last book to consume your every thought? What was your last new bookish obsession? Leave me all your recs!




 

Layout graphics by Fangirl Faction Template by Ipietoon Cute Blog Design