Special Feature: The Friday Night Club by Sofia Lindberg, Alyson Richmond, and MJ Rose

This is the second book this week that I have had on my blog that features a collaboration of three authors. I think collaborations are a fun way to incorporate very different writing styles and visions to work toward a common plot. I think it gives readers a glimpse of something different and allows for the authors to make something truly unique and give readers the feel they are reading very different characters. It can also be a big challenge for authors.

Culminating three different styles can come with its own set of challenges but considering all of these authors are tried and tested in their own individual books, I think this is going to be an interesting mashup! I have read a ton of MJ Rose’s novels over the years and always love escaping into her elegant prose and rich stories. Alyson Richmond has been another solid author for me who writes great historical novels that I have found pleasure in reading. Sofia Lindberg is a new to me author so I can’t speak to her ability but it sound like she is a popular Scandinavian author in her own right!

I am super excited to share this book with all of you guys. I couldn’t fit it into my review schedule but the book sound compelling with an interesting storyline, one that toggles between the past and present which is one of my favorite literary devices. Part of the story is set in Sweden and I think that’s going to be a new and fun location to take readers. This book is out now, keep reading to get all the details and pick up a copy of this book today!

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Special Feature/Excerpt: Funny Guy by Emma Barry

Who doesn’t love a modern rom-com. This friends to lovers romance that has as fun little comedic twist in that the main love interest is a stand up comedian! I have only been to a couple of standup comedy shows but I always wonder if the comedian is as funny in person as they are on the stage. Or if they are as charismatic as they appear on stage. I thought this book sounded really interesting for that very reason!

Author Emma Barry has written a number of romances that have developed quite a fan following and I was super excited to see what this book has in store for readers considering I haven’t read anything by her before. Friends to lovers isn’t my favorite romance troupe but after reading this summary and except I could easily be convinced to give it a go!

If you are a romance fan with a bit of a comedy twist then I think you are going to enjoy this book. I have a lovely excerpt to share with you guys today and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have! This book is out now so be sure to pick up a copy today! It’s already getting some great reviews and since it’s on the short side, I think it will be a quick and easy by the beach read for you!

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Review: The Castle Keepers by Aimee Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan

Over the years I have enjoyed each of these authors on an independent basis. I love all of their respective books individually and I was so thrilled to see that these three powerhouse writers were teaming up to write a collaborative novel! Obviously no one had to twist my arm to get me to review this one, it was an absolute no brainer!

Sometimes collaborative novels can be difficult. I have only really seen a couple of writing teams successful with it. It can be hard blending different writing styles let alone character visions. I believe this is the first collaboration for these three authors as well which can sometimes bring its own set of challenges but I had so much confidence in these three authors that I knew I was going to read something special!

All three authors are so strong and have written such great novels prior to this do if you read this book and enjoy it, then you should certainly check out their own individual books as they are all so wonderful. But if you are looking for a book that feels a little more ‘saga ish’ and sweeping, this is a multigenerational novel with lots to enjoy, devour and unpack! I really really loved my time with the characters and plots!

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Special Feature: Summer Reading by Jenn McKinlay

Bring on all the summer books! I spent Mother’s Day at the beach where it was over 90 degrees (highly unusual for Oregon!) and I sat there reading a book set in the French Revolution and all I could think about was—-where are all my good beach reads at??? As soon as that sun comes out and we start spending more time at the coast, I start really looking for books that are going to be light and relaxing plus set on the beach is a bonus!

One of the first authors I thought of was Jenn McKinlay! I read her book Wait for It last year that was set in Arizona, she writes great destination novels and I saw that this book was coming out soon and I couldn’t wait to share it with you guys! Her other book Paris is Always a Good Idea was another travel based book that I really enjoyed so naturally I saw this one and had to add it to my TBR list for later this summer! This book is set in Martha’s Vineyard and I am super excited to share a bit about this one with you guys today!

If you love beach reads and romances that are enjoyable, relaxing and well written with a travel flair I think you will really enjoy McKinlay’s books! I couldn’t fit this one in presently but you better believe I am going to toss this one in my summer beach bag and read it on my next trip to the coast! This book is out now so don’t wait to snag yourself a copy! Lots of early readers have been loving this one and if her other books are any indicator, this one is going to be a hit with fans as well!

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Review: Who Cries for the Lost (Sebastian St Cyr #18) by C.S. Harris

Over the years I have jumped around in the Sebastian St Cyr series, until I finally decided about a year ago to go back and read all the books in order. Some of the books can be read out of order, others not. This book has some carry over from the last book so I would say this is probably not the one to start with if you are new to the series. I have loved this series and I am so glad to see that it’s going strong. If you love historical mysteries but want something with a bit more grit, this is an excellent option.

Every spring I look forward to a new Sebastian St Cyr book. The mysteries are smart, fast paced and enjoyable. I rarely find myself bored with the characters or plot, though some books I like more than others, overall the series is solid. I really like how not fluffy this series is too. The author doesn’t back down from discussing the conditions of the poor in London during this historical time and she also isn’t afraid of discussing some of the more grizzly murders.

If you haven’t yet discovered this series, it’s an absolute must. I have recommended it to many of my friends and family over the last few months. I read all of the books in the series in a matter of a few weeks. They are quick reads that will leave you feeling satisfied and like you just read something intelligent and well researched. Now that I am done with this book, it has a Napoleonic Wars flair and I felt compelled to read more books about France and the Revolution. I love that this book managed to grab my interest in other areas of history too!

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