Bookmarked for Love ~ Review

Bookmarked for Love

Checking Out Love #3

By Sarah Monzon

Okay full disclosure here, when I'm not reading books for enjoyment or to post my opinion about them or writing them, I work in a library and have for many years. So, I had to read Bookmarked for Love when given the opportunity, because Hello? Library! Publisher! Wanna-be-published Writers! I am so in.

This was such a cute idea a publishing heir who needs help making the children's imprint viable and a children's librarian on a mission to save the library's children's department working together to help one another out. Well, as this book is a Rom-Com you know what's going to happen in the end or have a really good chance of having a rough idea. But it's the getting of here to there that will have you turning the pages. 

But it isn't all fun as the stress of trying to get his dad to slow down and step back starts to get to Julien King. It's up to Martha Aldridge to help Julien see stress and fear are turning him into someone he doesn't want to be. But how to get him to listen is the issue with time a major factor in Julien succeeding and for Martha to get the money the library so desperately needs.

Delightful blend of humor, levity, honesty, and romance and perfect for your Summer TBR.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Can a jeopardized children's library program 

spark a partnership that saves their careers 

but costs them their hearts?

When children's librarian Martha Aldridge learns about budget cuts that will not only put her out of a job but also shut down the library's children's programs, she's determined to raise the funds needed to save both. The good news is, she knows just who to ask for a large donation on the library's behalf. The bad news? She swore she'd never step foot in his office again.

Julien King has been groomed to one day run his family's publishing empire, and now he must prove he's ready to take the helm by turning around the company's languishing children's imprint. That wouldn't be a problem, except he doesn't know the first thing about children's literature. So when Martha waltzes into his office, he sees an opportunity and makes her an offer she can't refuse. He'll give her the money she needs for the library in exchange for her help in acquiring a bestselling manuscript that will resurrect the dying imprint. The longer they're forced to work together, however, the more they come to realize their jobs may not be the only thing on the line.

"With a uniquely heartfelt message, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud moments, Sarah Monzon's novel is a delight!"--MELISSA FERGUSON, bestselling author on An Overdue Match

"This charming rom-com won me over from page one."--BECCA KINZER, award-winning author on Hearts in Circulation

In her charming rom-com style, Sarah Monzon delivers a bookish novel brimming with forced proximity, workplace romance, a curvy and plus-size heroine, the silver fox trope, and middle-age romance. For fans of Pepper Basham, Courtney Walsh, and Becky Wade.

A Filling of Fables and Firelight ~ Release Day and Review

A Filling of Fables and Firelight 

Enchanting Confections

By Sarah Beran 

Rana Schehera has very strong opinions about the new Sultan and they are not favorable. When she is given the opportunity to be the seamstress for the upcoming "Queen Contest" she can't say no.

But Kamaran is nothing like Rana suspected. In fact, he has moments where he is very ordinary. And he feels that no matter what he does he will forever be viewed as a failure. He knows what he lacks and feels that he is a disappointment to his late father. 

Kamaran mistakes Rana for one of the "queen" contestants and Rana regrets that she did not enter the contest when given the chance. But at the time she didn't realize just who the Sultan was. The repartee between the two is fun as they influence each other to be better. Rana isn't impressed by titles and Kamaran is not impressed by "wannabe queens' who throw themselves at him--sounds like a perfect match.

This was a sweet, yet sensitive story that has all the potential for love or heartbreak. The question is what will be the outcome? I loved this story especially the animal antics--I mean who wouldn't want a pet Fennec fox or a tiger? Highly recommend. 

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations. All thoughts I expressed are my own.

Available for purchase at https://books2read.com/fillingff

A slice of bridal competition
A dusting of mistaken identity
And a whisk of love that might be nothing more than a fable.

Rana Schehera is fully content with her simple life. Newly employed as a seamstress under one of the most sought-after tailors in El Huram, she’s paid enough for her beautiful creations to both provide for her aging grandmother and keep a steady supply of her favorite sweets. That simple life is threatened, however, when the new Sultan decides to select his bride the traditional way—through competition—and Rana is one of the lucky seamstresses chosen to attend the competitors. Still, it should all be fairly straightforward…until the Sultan mistakes her for one of the princesses he’s meant to be courting and inexplicably keeps coming back.

Kamaran knew the throne was inevitable, but he wasn’t prepared for it to be his so soon. Now, reeling from loss and weighed down by the crown he never wanted and the responsibilities he never cared for, his council of viziers has added insult to injury by arranging for him to select a bride. His plan is simple: Go through the motions, eliminate a prospect each week, and hope that by the end, the last one standing will be at least tolerable. What he didn’t plan for was the pragmatic princess with an obsession for needlework and stories that capture his imagination.

With each evening that passes, Rana begins to see that Kamaran is more than the fickle, irresponsible Sultan he pretends to be, and she wants to be the one to fill the empty spaces in his heart. But as the end of the competition draws near, it becomes all too clear that the story she’s weaving may never have a happy ending.

A Filling of Fables and Firelight, a retelling of 1,001 Nights, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes such as Mistaken Identity, Commoner x Royalty, and Forbidden Love. It is part of The Enchanting Confections series, a collection of clean and cozy stories guaranteed to delight your sweet tooth.

A Pint of Peaches and Poison ~ Review

A Pint of Peaches and Poison
Enchanted Confections

By Anabell Raven

Nykita was promised in marriage 100 years ago! No, she is not that old. But what's worse she is promised to a Mer-Fae Prince and fae are not to be trusted, ever. And especially if the said prince smiles too much and is way too nice for the whole pre-arranged marriage thing He must disguising his true purpose.

Warrick wants to have a marriage like his parents and hopes with time he will - he just needs earn her trust and get past the I'm-going-to-kill-you-first stage of their marriage. And deal with a rebellion that could destroy everything-the island, the alliance with his people, his marriage-everything.

This book was a fun twist on The Little Mermaid with peaches fire-breathing lizards, and expectations. Don't come in expecting an update to Anderson's original tale or an adaptation of what Disney presented, no, this is a tale as unique as the cover that graces its pages. And don't be surprised if you develop a hankering for peaches while you are reading.

                                            

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

1 Pinch of Poison.

1 Dash of Daring.

1 Fragile Alliance (and the lies that might set it on fire).

Their marriage was arranged a century ago, but she’ll do everything she can to stop it now.

Nykita spent years fighting her scheduled arranged marriage, and now that the day has finally arrived, she will take whatever measures she must to avoid binding herself to the ocean fae’s prince.

Warrick is determined to build a successful marriage with the human princess, but he did not expect to find her little kingdom on the verge of collapsing on itself.

Warrick and Nykita need to see past each others’ crisp edges and expose their own tender vulnerabilities if they hope to stop a rebellion and save the alliance between their people. It’s a good thing they have a fire chicken to help.

How will Warrick respond to life on land, reluctant rebels, and a princess who doesn’t eat sugar? What will Nykita do when she discovers she has worse enemies than the man she married? Find out in this delightful tale of magic, tension, and no-spice romantasy!

A Pint of Peaches and Poison, a wildly reimagined, reverse-gender Little Mermaid retelling, is a standalone novella, full of magic, betrayals, redemption, and delicious fruits. It is part of the Enchanting Confections series, a collection of cozy stories with no-spice romance guaranteed to delight your sweet tooth.

Order this Little Mermaid retelling at https://books2read.com/pintpp

Read, Write, Rendezvous ~ Spies, Lies, & Alibis Book Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog Tour that brings 

Rendezvous 2026 to you, hosted, sponsored, and organized by 

JustRead Publicity Tours!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis

By Natalie Walters

Narrated by Andrew Eiden
   and Dominique Salvacion

Cybil Langford and Ben Bradley haven't seen each other in years, but now they keep running into each other in the middle of their assignments. Assignments that involve ruthless crime bosses, Russian oligarchs, brutal killers, and secrets that keep them both wondering what the other is doing. Both suspect the other of having changed for the worst or being deceived by the people they are working for.

Cybil has worked to be more than her upbringing, to get above the debts attached to her name. She isn't a spy, not in the traditional sense, but her current situation finds her in deeper than she's ever been before. Ben's presence is an unexpected complication she doesn't expect or need. But she can't deny that she is still attracted to him.

Ben is in it deep, determined to bring down the man the FBI has been after. But when Cybil is drawn into the investigation, he feels he has to protect her from a life she doesn't know she's fallen into. But Cybil is different than he remembered but still able to distract him.

There are moments that are humorous - Cybil seems to be accident prone. But not everything is snappy repartee and laughable moments, there are moments that are serious and intensely serious. It is the perfect balance for an enjoyable read and I enjoyed it also as an audiobook - which adds an additional touch to the story, added depth. 

BTW Ben's grandmother is a hoot and thankfully, absolutely nothing like my own was. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Thank you to Libro.fm for the audiobook review (ALC) copy of Spies, Lies, & Alibi's 

 

About the Book:

They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope. Perfect for fans of Ally Carter, Spies, Lies, and Alibis is an unputdownable binge-fest, full of laughs, heart, and mischief.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

Available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes Noble, and Christian Books

About the Author:

Natalie Walters is a bestselling and award-winning author who loves thrilling adventure, quick-witted characters, fun banter, and romantic tension with all the sizzling chemistry. Fighting the bad guys with her words, her stories blend humor, suspense, heart, and hope—served with a side of danger. She writes Sweet and Stabby suspense for readers who crave plot twists, emotional stakes, and just enough mischief to make you wonder if that shovel in the trunk is for gardening… or something else.

Bringing Rendezvous '26 to You!

Rendezvous: reader and writer gathering November 7, 2026 
Holiday Inn Nashville Airport

Readers and Writers will gather at the fourth annual Read Write Rendezvous, organized and sponsored by JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC, on November 7, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT at the Holiday Inn Nashville Airport. Rendezvous celebrates Christian fiction and sweet reads, featuring corporate worship, speaker sessions, author panels, small-group discussions, games, giveaways, a pop-up bookshop, and book signings. This event aims to sweeten reading and storytelling experiences with fellowship and encouragement. Over forty featured authors are participating, including The Christy Award Hall of Fame and bestselling author Tamera Alexander who will deliver the keynote address. USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author Lisa Phillips will lead worship. We will announce several more authors in the coming weeks! We prayerfully honor the legacy of the Christian Fiction Readers Retreat through each Rendezvous event, and this year we are especially celebrating the very first CFRR which was held 10 years ago in Nashville. Rendezvous is open only to registered attendees. Want to extend your reader getaway? The Christy Award Gala and Art of Writing conference will be held at a nearby venue on November 6.

Learn more about the 2026 Rendezvous

If you're unable to attend Rendezvous this year, we don't want you to miss out on getting to know our authors and their books. Our bloggers are bringing Rendezvous to you by spotlighting several of the participating authors this week. Follow along to grow your TBR list to astronomical proportions!  

Check out recent releases by these participating authors in the JustRead Amazon Storefront.

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Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 gift card 

(winner’s choice of Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook, or Baker Book House)!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 15, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 22, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!