Tag: Romance

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller

I first discovered Diana Biller when her first novel, The Widow of Rose House, was released back in 2019. I absolutely loved it and thought Biller had an elegant prose that sucked me into the story right away. Plus the romance was sensual, sweet and a little spicy. It was a wonderful mix and I just recall how much that debut has stood out to me over the years. I often recommend it to friends and family, so naturally when I saw this new release, I had to jump on it!

This is Biller’s fourth novel and while I have missed the other two (though they are on my book shelf currently!) I didn’t want to miss this one! I loved the cover, it caught my eye and drew me in. It is colorful and really eye catching and while I hate judging a book by it’s cover, this one made it hard to resist! Knowing that Biller has written such quality historical romances before made me even more excited for this than the cover though. If you haven’t read her books, you are missing out!

Not only did the cover and the author appeal to me, but the description of this book spoke to me. I loved that this book promised to take us to the glittering world of Vienna and indeed a world of intrigue and spies. If you are looking for a historical romance to escape with this spring, that will leave you feeling like you read something ‘new’ and ‘different’ then I think this book fits the bill. It was a pleasure to read this book and another that I will be sharing with family and friends!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Midnight Duet by Jen Comfort

Growing up, I was a massive Phantom of the Opera fan. In fact as I write this review, I am currently listening to the soundtrack. I love the whole forbidden romance set to music. It’s truly one of my favorite soundtracks and stories of all time. So whenever I see something come up that is a Phantom retelling or something similar I have a hard time passing up on it. That’s how this one landed on my TBR and review pile! I couldn’t resist a retelling though as the weeks passed between review acceptance and time to actually read it, I had sort of forgotten it. I had it on my calendar but I was reading other things that got me 100% sidetracked on my normal review schedule.

Lucky for me, I always try and build in time for things like this on my review calendar. Reviews for publishers are a big part of my blog but I also have books that I just want to read so I always make sure I build in time for things like that. The time came to pick this one up and just in time for my vacation! I needed something that was going to hold my interest on a five hour plane ride so I was looking forward to this one immensely since I knew it was a Phantom retelling!

The other thing that drew me to this one was the author is from Portland. I live about an hour south of Portland and I am always excited to read more local authors. I haven’t read anything by this author before but it looks like she has another contempo romance novel that received good rating last year. It would seem she has a flare for quirky romances and I am totally here for that! It basically didn’t take much convincing to get me to review this one, I couldn’t wait to be entertained on my flight with this book!

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Special Feature: The Love Wager (Mr Wrong Number #2) by Lynn Painter

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Love Wager (Mr Wrong Number #2) by Lynn Painter

Who doesn’t love a Phoenix from the ashes story? I thought this new romance sounded interesting with the main character hits rock bottom the come back and reinvent herself as a full blown adult! New hair, new wardrobe, new apartment—-the whole nine yards! This book will no doubt appeal to the mid 20s-mid 30s demographic. When I was that age, I wanted nothing more than to reinvent myself as this sophisticated adult who at least looked like they had their shit together! So I think readers will connect with this main character for that very reason.

But this book isn’t just about a Phoenix rising from the ashes—it’s also has a fake dating romance that I think readers will enjoy. I love the fake dating troupe and I am looking forward to seeing how this one unfolds. It’s already out and getting high marks from readers so if fake dating romances are your thing then you will not want to miss this one! Also the summary mentions that taco dates happen and I am absolutely here for anything with tacos and dating!

While I couldn’t fit this one in for review, I am looking forward to checking it out a little later this year. I love a good contempo romance with a strong heroine at the helm and I think this book promises to do just that. Author Lynn Painter has quite a few rom-coms under her belt and this book is second in the Mr Wrong Number series, though you don’t have to read the books in order to enjoy this one as it takes place in the universe not a continuation of characters. Painter is known for her steam contempo romances so if that is your thing then I think this book will be right up your alley!

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Cover Reveal: A Winter by the Sea (On Devonshire Shores #2) by Julie Klassen

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Cover Reveal: A Winter by the Sea (On Devonshire Shores #2) by Julie Klassen

As many of you know, I have been a big Julie Klassen fan over the years. Recently I read the first book in the On Devonshire Shores series and really enjoyed it. Today I am thrilled to reveal the cover for the second book in this series! It is an absolute beauty! I am super excited to check this one out. It’s releasing in December of 2023 so we have a while to wait. But why not stare and admire this lovely cover until then!

Check out all the details below and use this time to read the first book in the series while you wait for this one to come out! If you know Julie Klassen you will know you cannot go wrong with one of her books! They are all so great!

BOOK DESCRIPTION

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

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Special Feature/Excerpt: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature/Excerpt: The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

Who doesn’t love a historical fiction, Cinderella retelling set on the Emerald Isle?! I haven’t been reading a ton of historical fiction lately which makes me sad, but this book caught my eyer as an option! I love Cinderella and It thought the plot sounded really interesting as well as having a hint of romance which made me even more excited to check this one out. Plus the Emerald Isle? YES PLEASE! I need some escapism during these long cold winter months even if it’s equally as rainy and dreary there, I love dreaming about my next escape destination.

While I couldn’t fit this one on my review schedule for this month, I think this might be a good option if you are looking for a new spring read that had some sweet, clean romance, with the promise of a HEA. I know that a lot of people have been reading this one lately for the tour and really enjoying it so if you are thinking about picking this one up, be sure to check out the other stops on the tour to see what other readers are saying about it!

This book contains some Gaelic words which I think adds to the authenticity of the story, and it sounds like author Jennifer Deibel put a lot of historical research into the story. Early readers are saying the books has some great Gothic elements as well as interesting and smart characters which makes me even more excited to check this one out. If you are a fan off historical fiction, then you are not going to want to miss this one. Because to keep reading to find out what readers are saying and to see other stops on the tour!

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