Mar 24, 2023 | Blog, Excerpt Reveal, Giveaway, Mona Shroff
No Rings Attached by Monaa Shroff is a forced proximity, fake relationship, second chance romance in the third installment of her Once Upon a Marriage series. Sangeeta Parikh is moments away from saying “I Do” and realizes that she can’t say those two simple words. With their friends and family gathered together she does the unthinkable, she runs. A wedding planner fleeing her own wedding wasn’t in the plans. While she’s not sure if her family will understand and if her career will survive, she takes off with nothing but the clothes she’s wearing.
Sangeeta unintentionally finds herself in a predicament that quickly gives birth to a plan when her race to freedom reunites her with someone from her past. A plan that will change everything she thought she knew about love and marriage. This delightful plot twist takes us inside the family chaos, and all around shenanigans as everyone attempts to find the bride and figure out what happened.
Sonny Pandya walked away from his family hotel business and opened up his own restaurant. If he stayed, his vision of cooking and sharing his love of food would be controlled by someone else. Despite the differeing opinions he still dreams of working with his family, having their acceptance, and leaving a memorable mark in the world for his family, their hotels, and their legacy.
Sometimes the best plan is to have no plan, be spontaneous, and follow your heart. If a “fixer” and a “planner” can survive a fake marriage, they may discover that maybe there is something real layered in there too. A solid marriage has love, and a foundation built on trust and friendship. A partnership with someone you can’t live without and who makes your life better.
Sangeeta and Sunny will discover that love doesn’t care about plans, schedules, goals, or the weather. Love is messy, takes work, and like the stars, some days shine bright and for others, the nights are cloudy with occasional peeks of sunshine. In the end, it’s learning to listen, be flexible, and not always have a plan because you never know what you’ll miss unless you take a chance.
Mona writes her stories with depth, heart, and infuses a blend of culture while emersing the reader into the book from the first page until the last, OMG. AMAZING. Mona’s take on the classic runaway bride trope, was unique, refreshing and exciting, and full of all the feels. Usually the story focuses on the bride and groom, this …. the family gets involved and that makes it way better. I loved the chemistry between Sonny and Sangeeta, their story and the shenanigans that ensue. Oh, and I was totally craving all kinds of food and fun during and after ;).
While this is the third installment in the Once Upon A Marriage series, it can be read as a standalone. However, if you enjoy staying connected with characters for as long as possible, start at the beginning for a satisfying and delightful bookcation. This sweet romance has behind closed doors with enough sweetness to put a pink blush on your cheeks, and leave your heart full of joy. Warm, sensual, and delicious. Characters might hold hands or kiss. A warm embrace and possible mention of moving forward in an intimate nature could be mentioned.
I receved an advance reader copy from Harlequin and Mona Shroff for a fair and honest review. Enjoy this excerpt and then enter the giveaway for a chance to win your own paperback copy, US residents only.
Sonny stared at her for a moment before leading her back to the stairs to his apartment.
He opened the door and let her in. “You can take the bed–“
“I’m fine on the sofa, thank you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He nearly scoffed
“I’m not. “You and I allowed ourselves to be baited into me staying here. This ridiculous situation is something I did to myself. You’re…stuck in the middle. I’m not kicking you out of your bed. I’ll sleep on your sofa, and I’ll be out of your life in the morning. My foot feels better–.”
“Let’s change that dressing.” He motioned to the sofa. “Then I’ll get you some sheets and a pillow.”
“Okay.” She considered it a win for her since her dressing needed to be changed by him regardless of where she slept. She sat on the sofa while Sonny knelt and changed the dressing, adding more haldi paste. He had a pleasant amount of scruff on his chin and thick hair that was tousled from the day. He smelled of spices. She inhaled deeply.
“This is healing nicely.” He said.
She sat up straight as if she’d been caught doing something wrong. What was the matter with her? Or maybe the bigger question was, Why did he smell so good?
GIVEAWAY CLOSED
** CONGRATULATIONS SUSAN C. You’re the winner of a paperback copy of No Rings Attached***
ONE LUCKY US READER WILL WILL A PAPERBACK COPY OF NO RINGS ATTACHED
CONTEST OPEN FROM 3/24-3/27 at 11:59 PM EST
Open to US resident only. One Winner will be randomly selected and notified. If winner doesn’t claim their prize within 24 hours a new winner will be drawn.
To enter let us know …. What is your perfect first date?
Extra entries -comment on my Instagram post here.
** For all giveaway rules read here.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
Mona was born in New Jersey and grew up in Bucks County, in the suburbs of
Philadelphia. She graduated from Neshaminy High School in the 80’s. Growing
up, she was a quiet kid and had few friends but she valued the quality of each of
her friends, not the quantity.
She attended the University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in
Biopsychology. Mona continued her education at the Pennsylvania College of
Optometry, graduating with her Doctorate in Optometry.
Mona married her first (and only!) love, Deven, at the age of 25. Deven was a
dentist in the army and they spent the next nine years travelling to different parts
of the world and country while raising two young children.
Mona always loved to write, but did not get serious about it until 2011. She
entered a contest where she had to start a short story with the words “Heads we
get married, tails we break up.” She ended up losing the contest but she really
loved the whole process of creating a plot, developing characters and putting a
thought down on paper. Her first novel, Then, Now, Always, is a romance novel
based on that prompt. Her second novel, Then There Was You, released in
January of 2021. She is currently working on a third, with her fourth novel right
behind it!
When she’s not writing or examining eyes, she loves to bake. One of her ‘claims
to fame’ is an appearance on the “Today” show in 2012 as a semi-finalist in the
‘Quest for the Best Homemade Birthday Cake’ Contest.
She and her husband are currently empty nesters and reside in Maryland with
their rescue dog, Nala.
Mar 23, 2023 | Blog, Harper Kincaid, March 2023
A Midsummer Night’s Scheme, the second installment in Harper Kincaid’s Bookbinder series is a compelling, addictive, and delicious cozy mystery that hooked me from the very first page. Quinn Victoria Caine finds herself entwined in another murder, and this one is a level up from the last. A horrific way to die (and one that makes me shudder) especially when it happens in the middle of a crowded street. With a town on edge, no one is safe. Can Quinn help solve the crime before anyone else becomes a victim?
Once again Sister Daria, Detective Aiden Harrington, their friends, and family are back for more fun and adventure. These familiar folk weave in and out as Quinn avoids mischief while sleuthing to help solve the murder of Chad Frivole. By the looks of the crowd as the scene unfolds a few might have a reason for seeking revenge, but this death seems a bit personal. Every sleuth needs a trusty sidekick and RBG—‘Ruff Barker’ Ginsburg, her German Shephard is back too, as well as a few new non-human surprises. In addition to all the local residents who make Vienna so charming, there are a handful of new faces the jury is still out on, do we love or hate ’em ;)? The character arcs are proficient and well crafted, the Shakespearean epigraphs allow fluidity from chapter to chapter adding a welcomed layer of insight and dimension to this story.
Harper Kincaid was born to write cozy mystery and I love how she takes us on a journey connecting the relatable issues of religious differences, relationships, pop nostalgia, and family expectations in a clever way, and how those impact each character while trying to solve yet another murder. There is plenty of wit, charm, and banter embedded in the layers of wild twists and turns in the plot until the very last page.
For those readers who are new to cozy mystery please note that the sex scenes, swear words, and violent gore is off the page. What about the romance stuff? There is often a light a romantic element, and if you’re lucky those characters might hold hands on the page or perhaps a quick soft kiss that you might miss if you blink. What will happen to Quinn, the city of Vienna and the rest of those characters the we are fond of? Harper Kincaid keeps you on the edge of your seat as we try to figure out who did the crime, and who finds their happy-ever-after or happy-for-now along the way. Afterall, what would a cozy mystery be without finding someone to share this adventure with? I am excited to read more about the mishap in Vienna, Virginia and can’t wait to see who the next victim is, careful… it might be someone you know ;).
While this is the second installment in the Bookbinder series, it can be read as a standalone. However, I recommend reading this in order so you can fully enjoy the characters and the town of Vienna. Whichever book(s) you decide to dive into, they each have their own unique charm and include recipes to make some of the dishes that are mentioned in the stories. I can’t wait to hear which one(s) you make.
I received an advance reader copy from Crooked Lane books and Harper Kincaid via Netgalley for an honest and fair review.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
To find out more about Harper Kincaid check out her website HERE.
Mar 16, 2023 | Blog, Coffee With, Dirty Dozen, Erin Langston, March 2023
Rae: Welcome to the blog. I’ve got a Latte with Almond Coconut Milk and a drizzle of chocolate and caramel in my mug. What’s in your cuppa?
Erin: I’m sadly very predictable with my morning beverage of choice: coffee with an obscene amount of milk.
Rae: Congratulations on your debut novel Forever Your Rogue. I have to know, did you have any input in designing the cover? Those colors are stunning 🙂 While I will select books to read based on the book cover or snippets about an upcoming release, I’m a book cover lover so this was a must read on all accounts.
Erin: I have to give a huge shoutout to my cover designer, Erin Dameron-Hill. I indie published Forever Your Rogue, so I was able to have a lot of input on the cover,
but she was the one who brought it to life. I told Erin I wanted something that evoked the joyful, dreamy, summery vibes of the novel, and above all, I wanted a smiling clinch cover. She delivered in the best possible way. All of the gorgeous pinks and purples were her idea. When I saw the cover mock-up, I almost fell out of my chair! It completely blew me away.
Rae: You mention in your bio that a portion of this book was written in the pre-school pickup line, how would you describe your writing rituals?
Erin: Haha, yes! It definitely seemed like my notes app got an awful lot of use when I was waiting for those school doors to open at 2:30 pm. My best “writing” usually happens when I’m nowhere near a computer. Running errands, cleaning my house, driving my kids–it often seems like my brain has the most space to think when I’m absorbed in another task entirely. But to be fair, the actual writing took place in regular, boring locations: at my desk, with my laptop. I do have a fulltime job, so I write first thing in the morning, before my kids get going for the day, as well as late in the evening, after they go to bed. I worked on this book in the margins of my day.
Rae: Do you prefer pen and paper, or type away at the keys?
Erin: All typing! I don’t draft anything by hand. Although I do use voice notes quite a bit, so I’ll dictate scenes and then go back and clean them up.
Rae: With so many different eras in historical romance, when was the moment you knew you wanted to write Regency Romance?
Erin: Most of the historical romances I read take place in the Regency, so it felt really natural to set my book in this time period. I didn’t even consider anything else at this juncture.
Rae: I find that reading is best when I have a beverage and a snack, do you feel the same when writing?
Erin: I tend to be so caught up in what I’m doing that I neither snack nor sip–I have to reheat my coffee about five times every morning because I keep letting it grow cold!
Rae: How extensive is your research before beginning a new story in a series?
Erin: I can only speak for Rogue because it’s my first novel, but I did research extensively before I started outlining and drafting. I needed to really interrogate the legal status of mothers in this time period, and I read a lot of scholarly journal articles and legal proceedings regarding child custody in England in the early 1800s. At the outset, I had a vague sense of what I wanted to do with this book, but I revised my story ideas heavily as I researched. It was important to me that Cora’s dilemma was authentically rooted in the reality of her time period.
Rae: I was drawn into the story of a widow who will do anything to make sure her children stay in her care while she is dealing with the aftermath of a few legal matters. What was the most challenging aspect of this story to craft?
Erin: By far, the hardest part for me was figuring out how to draw Cora into the romantic arc of the story. I had created a character that was facing constant, pressing fears for her small children–possibly the highest external stakes I could have given her. What would motivate a woman like her to be swept up in the arms of a man (even one as charming as Nate Travers)? It took me a really long time to crack into her interior and realize the extent of her yearning and loneliness, and how that layered onto Nate’s own character arc. After I figured that out, it was just a matter of letting Nate take over (wink).
Rae: Where did you find inspiration for this story?
Erin: I mention some of this in my author’s note, but the inspiration for the novel came from research I stumbled upon in the very early stages of this project. It was a legal case from 1804 about a mother trying to regain custody of her infant, who had been taken away from her by her estranged husband. The court upheld the precedent that fathers alone had legal rights to the children of a marriage. That in and of itself was heartbreaking but not shocking–but what really got to me was that this complete authority extended even after a father’s death. A mother was not automatically considered her children’s legal guardian, unless her late husband had named her in his will. Even though the law was really stringent on these matters, some women in the early 1800s still petitioned to keep their children with them. And I wanted to write a story about a fiercely determined woman and the man who falls in love with her doing whatever it takes to keep (and make) a family together.
Rae: What was your biggest obstacle while writing this book?
Erin: For me, the biggest obstacle was getting started. I had carried Cora’s character in my heart for a really long time…but I never felt like I had the wherewithal to see it through. This is not only the first novel I’ve published…it’s the first novel I’ve written. So I had a lot of imposter syndrome and doubts around being able to do this. But it got to the point where I couldn’t not tell the story. Once I got out of my head and started putting words on the page, I felt a huge sense of relief. And I am really fortunate that my husband was one hundred percent behind me and helped make space this last year for me to write. I never would have been able to do this without his support.
Rae: When you have time to refuel and read for inspiration or pleasure, what is your go to genre and how do you select those books?
Erin: I won’t lie, I had very little time to read for pleasure this year. Almost all of my “down” time was spent on writing Rogue! But lately I’ve been reading more contemporary romances–it’s helpful to read outside of my genre right now (it feels less like “work” or research). I also adore suspense and psychological thrillers…about as far from my writing life as possible! And I find books the same way many of us do…usually by asking my friends and family for their recommendations.
Rae: What is next on the horizon?
Erin: Right now, I’m giving myself some time to rest and reset. Writing and then indie publishing this novel took up a lot of my head- and heart-space, and I want to return that attention to my family. But I’m very moved by individual characters, so I imagine my next project will happen the same way Rogue did–by seeing who speaks to me and what story they want me to tell. I have a number of beloved characters we met in Forever Your Rogue, and I hope to spend time with some of them again!
Rae: Thank you so much for hanging out with me today. Readers, if you missed my review and exclusive excerpt of Forever Your Rogue click the link below.
- What is your must read book and why? Anne of Green Gables. The whole series, really, but the nostalgia factor of the first book is unmatched.
- If I visit your hometown, where am I going and what’s the best place to grab a bite? We live in a really small town, but there are so many great local places! Our favorite is a local bakery and pizzeria that makes the best woodfired pizzas and craft cocktails, and they do absolutely divine things with seasonal produce. There is not much I wouldn’t do for their roasted carrots with whipped labneh.
- What is one thing readers would be surprised to know about you? I’m such a perfectionist that I was a nervous wreck to take my driver’s test. It’s become this legendary family joke that the summer I was 17, I basically lived at the DMV…it took me five (yes, FIVE) tries to get my driver’s license. I was so anxious that I made every tiny mistake you can think of. Luckily (not to jinx myself!) once I actually managed to pass my test, I never had any issues!
- What is your guilty pleasure? An ice-cold gin and tonic, the porch swing, and my husband on bedtime duty with the kids! Nothing guilty about it–just pure pleasure.
- What are you afraid of? I suffer from horrible stage fright when I know I have to do any kind of public speaking. I’m always completely fine once I actually get going…but the lead-up is brutal for me.
- Tats or No Tats? If tats, how many and what did you choose for your first one? No tats!
- Binge watcher or weekly viewer? Which show(s)? A bit of a mix, but I tend to binge a little bit more (likely because we get behind and then have a lot of episodes to catch up on). We tore through White Lotus recently, and we love Only Murders in the Building and The Great. I’ve been faithfully watching Grey’s Anatomy, for better or worse, since I was in high school. It’s my second-longest relationship, haha.
- If you could pick a book you’ve read and make it into a movie, which book would it be (besides yours 🙂 )? I would love to see more diverse historical romances get adaptations. I have not read this book yet (I’m eagerly anticipating the release on April 4, 2023!) but from everything I’ve seen and heard about the worldbuilding and characters in Liana De la Rosa’s forthcoming Luna Sisters series, I think something like this would be incredible to see on screen. Mexican heiresses taking Victorian London by storm? Give it to me!
- What is the one thing you can’t live without? My phone. It’s a sickness!
- What’s the one career that gives you the shudders? I come from a family of teachers, and my mom and sisters are all so creative and patient. One of my sisters is a middle school English teacher, and she does it brilliantly. But I would never, ever trade places with her in a million years. I truly don’t know how she does it!
- If I opened up your handbag/bag/briefcase, what item would I be shocked to see? You would probably be shocked to not see my wallet, because I notoriously forget it in the diaper bag all the time, haha.
- What app on your phone/ipad gets the most use? Spotify! I love listening to music and podcasts during my workday. I’ve been blasting the Forever Your Rogue playlist all winter!
Erin Langston is a historical romance author who crafts Regencies with heart, heat, and humor. A librarian by trade, Erin lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children. When not working, writing, or mom-ing, she can be found outside, drinking wine, buried in a book, or attempting to home-improve. A not-insignificant portion of her first novel was plotted in the preschool pickup line.
Mar 14, 2023 | 2023, Blog, Erin Langston, Exclusive Excerpt, March 2023
Forever Your Rogue by Erin Langston is a breathtaking debut novel with an evocative and vibrant book cover that captures the essence of this page-turning adventure. Erins attention to detail, both in character and story arc, provide a refreshing, seamless and cleverly crafted adventure you don’t want to end. If you’re looking for a second chance, slow burn that is a captivating and compelling romance, this might be for you.
Lady Cora Dane is exhausted, her husband is still torturing her from his grave. Why would he leave their children’s guardianship with her meddling ex-in-laws? Did he really detest her that much? I can’t imagine a world where a parent isn’t guaranteed the right to guardianship.
If Cora can devise a plan that shows stability for her and the children, she can get rid of those pesky and annoying in-laws.When Cora asks Nate for help, it sounds pretty simple. What happens when the plan doesn’t include falling in love, all over again? Will her heart survive?
Nathaniel Travers never imagined the one woman who once captured his heart would be asking him for help. Years ago, Cora helped Nate wiggle out of a tough predicament and avoid ruin. Now, the tables are turned and this time it’s Cora asking for help. Will Nate agree to her fake arrangement? Nate never imagined he’d have a family or children, will he sacrifice his wild rogue ways? Will he risk a broken heart or will he finally admit his feelings?
Would you risk everything for a second chance at love? Or, would you guard your true feelings while secretly helping, all to repay a kindness? Sometimes even the best laid plans unexpectedly take us on a grand adventure. Nate will have a chance to overcome his reputation and prove he’s not the young rogue, instead capable and worthy of family and stability. Family expectations and obligations threaten to take away what matters most to Cora, she will have to trust unconditionally, and defy society expectations.
From the moment I read the first paragraph I was hooked and tuned the world out as I finished this in one sitting. The twists and turns on this emotional journey of self discovery, defying family obligations, and overcoming adveristy were enjoyable and satisfying. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly find an overwhelming desire to write letters to someone special, visit a library, or have a dram of whiskey. 😉 This scorchin’ read may lead to an unexpected need to turn on the A/C. So steamy the pages might ignite. May include a dash of Erotic elements or elude to further exploration of desire and need.
I hope you’ll join me on the blog later this week when I sit down for Coffee With Erin and we chat about coffee, books, and a whole lot more! I received and advance readers copy from the author for a fair and honest review.
Nate slowed, fishing for the hastily-scrawled address in his pocket. He had arrived with—he checked the watch he hadn’t even noticed Barnes fastening; really,
he man did deserve a raise—two minutes to spare.
He angled his hat and readied his dimples, surveying the wide brick edifice before him. Lush flower boxes, an elegant sweep of steps, a row of tidy windows overlooking Park Street…
And a slim silhouette, framed in the front window, staring straight at him.
Nate blinked, all at once utterly and completely poleaxed.
Jesus Christ.
Even through the glare of the window, she was almost exactly as he remembered her. The entire effect was eerie, disconcerting.
Cora, with her maddening tumble of hair never pinned quite as neatly as it should be.
Cora, with her full mouth pressed in a disapproving line.
Cora, with her unfailingly expressive eyes…skewering him with unobliterated disgust.
Grievous, Nate realized, his stomach sinking. His lack of response had been a grievous lapse of judgment.
Nevertheless, for a singular, brilliant moment, five years evaporated. Nate was two-and-twenty again, loafing about Fordham House, flirting shamelessly with the beguiling Cora Sinclair, working for the moment she would reward him with her irreverent smile.
But her mouth wasn’t budging now.
And, Nate remembered for the countless time, she wasn’t Cora Sinclair.
She was Lady Dane.
Ten feet between them, in the middle of Park Street, in the middle of Mayfair.
Ten feet and five years.
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Associates Program. Should you decide to click on the provided link(s) and purchase the featured book(s) and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small commission.
If you use our links, thank you in advance for your continued support of my 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐫-𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐬 & 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬.
Erin Langston is a historical romance author who crafts Regencies with heart, heat, and humor. A librarian by trade, Erin lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children. When not working, writing, or mom-ing, she can be found outside, drinking wine, buried in a book, or attempting to home-improve. A not-insignificant portion of her first novel was plotted in the preschool pickup line.
Mar 8, 2023 | 2023, Blog, Christi Barth, March 2023
Destination: Swan Cove, Maine Departure: March 20, 2023
Temperature: Spicy #RomCom
Itinerary: A scientist will take you on a tour of the town. You’ll discover what makes this small town loveable and worthy of a visit.
You rediscover your passion for art and indulge your love of great food while enjoying fabulous conversation sprinkled with witty flirty banter.
Pack accordingly- you never know when the temperature will get a bit hot. ;).
Enjoy your trip!
