#BookReview ~ Avery Flynn is taking us #BackToThe80s with Airhead ~ #TheHartigans #RomCom #GenX

About the Book:

The night in 1982 that changed everything…

There is no way I can resist avenging my sister's broken heart by filling her cheating boyfriend's bitchin' DeLorean with extra buttered movie popcorn, a half-melted Snickers, and the contents of one shaken can of Tab.

There's only one six-foot-six-inch problem. It's not The Creep's car. It's Frank "The Airhead" Hartigan’s. Now he wants me to drive him to Harbor City to make up for trashing his ride.

On the outside, I'm all gag me with a spoon, but on the inside? Yeah, not so much. The truth is I haven't stopped thinking about him since that night at Marino's Bar when he rocked my world to the max—something that can't happen again.

Frank Hartigan isn't a guy you fall for if you want to keep your heart in one piece. Waterbury is littered with the broken hearts of the women who forgot that, and I am not about to join their ranks.

Fine. I'll drive him around town, but that's it.

No kisses.

No getting hot and bothered.

No toe-curling anything.

And no matter what happens tonight, my heart—and my panties—will for sure remain untouched.

My Review:

 Airhead is such a phenomenal story. I had an absolute blast reliving my middle school and high school years through this book. Born in the 70s, raised in the 80s, and graduating high school in the 90s, I'm familiar with everything Avery threaded through the pages of Airhead. The slang, the style, the popular brands, the music, the movies, you name it and Avery unlocks it from the recesses of your minds.

I was excited to read Frank and Katie's origin story. Resistant throughout the beginning of the book I kept telling her (in my head, of course) that Me Thinks Katie Doth Protest Too Much. Turns out, I was right, she does. She also goes through the story convincing herself (not very well, I might add) that Frank isn't the right guy for her. But, your heart wants what your heart wants and sometimes it overrides the ridiculousness of the sensible part of your body - the brain. 

I love Katie and Frank - and not just because of this book. I've loved them throughout The Hartigan's series. This book though, makes me love them even more. 

Airhead is a cute and fun romcom. The book is perfectly paced and well-written with wonderful character development and a familiar setting. I devoured Airhead. In fact, I devour everything written by Avery Flynn. She is a wonderful storyteller with unique characters, themes, and settings. Her stories pull you in and keep you thoroughly engaged and entertained. I enjoyed going back to the 80s.

Oh, and by the way, I still have and use my original Caboodle from 1987. It was a Christmas present to me and it still has the original purple gift ribbon tied to the handle. I love my Caboodle and will seriously cry when/if it falls apart. #GenX

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Book Details:

Title: Airhead

Author: Avery Flynn

Cover Artist: Olivia Girgis (https://www.oliviagirgis.com/)

Tagline: A Hartigans Totally '80s Hot RomCom

Tropes and Genres: Firefighter Hero, Cocky Flirt, Sexy Shenanigans, Sassy Heroine, Family Meddling, Anything For You, She's The One Who Got Away, He Falls First, She's Off Limits

ISBN: 978-0-9985320-2-8

ASIN: B0DWTR243Q

Purchase Links:

Avery's Website: https://averyflynn.com/books/airhead/

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QkUV5a

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/airhead-avery-flynn/1146979121?ean=2940184685014

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/airhead-5

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/airhead/id6741836204

Fable: https://fable.co/book/x-9780998532028

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/227905862-airhead

 

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#BookReview ~ Beverlee Beaz meets Lowree Louise, the Blue Burmese by Regan W. H. Macaulay ~ Children's Picture Book, Fantasy, Adventure ~ @mirrorworldpub @ReganWHMacaulay

Mirror World Publishing and Sapphyria's Book Promotions present the 1-week book tour for Beverlee Beaz meets Lowree Louise, the Blue Burmese by Regan W. H. Macaulay

About Beverlee Beaz meets Lowree Louise, the Blue Burmese:

Beverlee Beaz, the brown Burmese, longs to share her creative adventures with someone special. When she meets her new sister, Lowree Louise, the blue Burmese, she knows she has found a true friend with whom to play imagination games…if only she can teach the little kitty how.

Join Beverlee in her latest tale as she mentors her sister in the ways of imagination.

Genre: Children's Picture Book, Fantasy, Adventure

Page Count: 53 pages

My Review:

Beverlee Beaz, the Brown Burmese gets a sister! Her excitement lifts off the pages of this new story. Beverlee is still a very imaginative cat and she wants to share her adventures. When Lowree Louise, the Blue Burmese joins the family, Beverlee is excited to take her on adventures throughout the areas around her home. Lowree Louise needs a bit of training in the art of imagination, but Beverlee uses patience and other methods for getting Lowree Louise's creative juices flowing.

Children will love Beverlee and Lowree as they romp through areas filled with flora and fauna pretending each plant or animal is something else, including magical creatures. The pages are illustrated with vibrant, fun pictures. The author and illustrator have done an excellent job bringing Beverlee and Lowree, and their adventures, to life.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Follow the tour for exclusive excerpts, reviews, and spotlights.

https://saphsbookpromotions.blogspot.com/2025/02/book-tour-schedule-beverlee-beaz-meets.html

Purchase Links:

Mirror World Publishing:
https://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com/product/beverlee-beaz-meets-lowree-louise-the-blue-burmese/122

Amazon: 

https://amzn.to/3QDtHXA

Barnes & Noble:

BARNES & NOBLE: 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beverlee-beaz-meets-lowree-louise-the-blue-burmese-regan-w-h-macaulay/1146857423

Meet the Author:



Regan W. H. Macaulay is a multi-award-winning author of novels, short stories, children’s literature, and scripts. Writing is her passion, but she’s also a producer and director of theatre, film, and television. She is an animal enthusiast as well, which led her to become a Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist. Other picture storybooks include Beverlee Beaz the Brown Burmese, Chloe the Unfeathered Parrot, Sloth the Lazy Dragon, Dog Band, Libby the Lobivia Jajoiana, Tamara Turtle’s Life So Far, Merry Myrrh the Christmas Bat, and Mixter Twizzle’s Breakfast. She is also the author of middle grade novel series Peter Little Wing. Her Trilogy of Horrifically Half-baked Ham, which includes Space Zombies! (based on her film), They Suck, and Horror at Terror Creek, is a hilarious homage to B-movies and horror comedy for adult readers. Check out Regan’s feature film, Space Zombies: 13 Months of Brain-Spinning Mayhem!, available on Amazon Prime and DVD.

Meet the Artist:



Wei Lu is an illustrator and graphic designer. She has loved books, cartoons, and fantasy stories since she was a kid. She grew up in China before studying at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design. After moving to Toronto, she worked as a graphic designer for three years, but her passion for drawing kept growing. After she illustrated her first book for a children's book author, she realized working with authors to make their characters and stories come alive brought her so much joy and fulfillment. Now she is a freelance illustrator working with authors from Canada and the US to create more great stories for children.

Connect:

Author Website:

https://www.reganwhmacaulay.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/regan.macaulay/

Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/reganw.h.macaulay/

TikTok: 

https://www.tiktok.com/@reganmacaulay

Linkedin: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/regan-macaulay-18989a34/

Amazon Profile: 

https://amzn.to/41wILMB

Publisher Website:
http://www.mirrorworldpublishing.com

 

#BookReview ~ Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories behind the Brands (American Palate) by Jon Milan and Gail Offen #PureMichigan #Michigander #Faygo #Koegels #Jiffy #Kelloggs #Vernors #NonFiction

 

Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ The History Press
Publish Date: November 12, 2024
Paperback: ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1467153052
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1467153058

Amazon
Goodreads

About the Book:

Michigan is home to an amazing array of food and drink brands, each with a fascinating story behind it.

Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals like Kellogg’s and Post changed how the world eats, and Gerber first made baby food commercially available. But the Wolverine State is bursting with many other notable edibles, such as Faygo, American Spoon, Jiffy, Sanders and Vernors. Better Made uses Michigan potatoes for its chips. Fudge, pasties and anything made with cherries are also local standards. Others are gone but not forgotten, like Awrey’s and Twin Pines.

Authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan explore the history and stories behind all of these and many, many more.

My Review:

As a Michigander, I love to read about the history of our state. Classic Michigan Food and Drinks is a wonderful book about the famous yummies that were, or still are, made in Michigan. I was born and raised in Michigan, still residing in the center of the Lower Peninsula and there are a few brands that I wasn't familiar with in this book. I love the historical factor and the bridge to the present represented in Classic Michigan Food and Drinks. I'm happy to include the paperback I received as a review copy on my bookshelf.

And have you really lived if you haven't tried a Faygo at least once?!

My Rating:

Amazon
Goodreads

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Hard As It Gets (A Hard Ink Novel, Book 1) by Laura Kaye #RomanticSuspense #MilitaryRomance #Romance @laurakayeauthor

 

Book Details:

Publisher: ‎ Avon 

Publish Date: November 26, 2013

Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062267884

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062267887

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Tall, dark, and lethal...

Trouble just walked into Nicholas Rixey's tattoo parlor. Becca Merritt is warm, sexy, wholesome--pure temptation to a very jaded Nick. He's left his military life behind to become co-owner of Hard Ink Tattoo, but Becca is his ex-commander's daughter. Loyalty won't let him turn her away. Lust has plenty to do with it too.

With her brother presumed kidnapped, Becca needs Nick. She just wasn't expecting to want him so much. As their investigation turns into all-out war with an organized crime ring, only Nick can protect her. And only Becca can heal the scars no one else sees.

Desire is the easy part. Love is as hard as it gets. Good thing Nick is always up for a challenge...

My Review:

Hard As It Gets is the first book in the Hard Ink series. The series features 5 former army buddies who left the military under less than favorable circumstances. When the daughter of his former commander pops into Hard Ink unexpectedly, Nick is a brick wall. Hard and unmovable, despite the despair in Becca's eyes at the disappearance of her brother. Unwilling to assist, Becca leaves, heartbroken and unsure where to go next. The police aren't getting involved and she's all alone. Until she's not. 

Nick and Becca make a great team as they spend their days together, trying to unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of Charlie. When evidence and events point to one of the largest organized crime ring in the state, Nick knows he needs help. The problem? Will those he calls on be willing to put his radio silence aside to aid him in taking down the crime ring? Well, here's to trying.

I was completely drawn into Hard As It Gets. The story was well-written, the characters delightful, and the setting vivid. Becca and Nick are a perfect pairing. There's a bit of roughness when they first meet, but they continue to be drawn together. Close proximity accounts for some of the attraction, but not all of it as they rush to figure out what happened to Charlie. 

I purchased my review copy at a garage sale.

My Rating:

Amazon

Goodreads

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Cooking Up A Valentine's Proposal by Daisy Flynn #CleanRomance #Romance #HEA

 

Cooking Up A Valentine's Proposal by Daisy Flynn

ASIN: ‎ B0CT78P326
Publication Date: ‎ January 23, 2024
Print Length: ‎ 74 pages

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

About the Book:

I just turned forty, my bakery and apartment are in flames, and my best friend is on vacation.

In comes the cavalry.

My best friend’s off-limits brother, Augustine.

A master chef, with his own Gold Star restaurant.

Not only does he give my daughter and I a place to stay,

But he has a dream kitchen I can use until the bakery is remodeled.

And the chance to create his Gold Star restaurant’s private-label signature desserts.

But when I fake a marriage to scare off his gold-digging ex,

Will he see the love behind the lie?

Or will it ruin our chance at love?

I found a true knight in shining armor, and then I lost him.

But I won’t give up.

I’ve got a happily-ever-after recipe to win the challenge, and to heal his broken heart for good.

This is a Clean Romance story with no explicit romance scenes or language, and some references to a belief in God. It’s a stand alone story with its own happily-ever-after ending.

My Review:

Cooking Up A Valentine’s Proposal is a cute romance novella. When Jane’s bakery catches fire, she and her daughter Rita call Jane’s bestie Natalie. Soon-to-be-mom Natalie and her hubby are out of town on a last-chance mini-vacation before their baby arrives. Natalie calls in a favor to her brother, Augustine, who gladly takes in Jane and Rita.

Augustine and Jane aren’t strangers but they don’t really know each other. They are acquaintances through Natalie. He’s used to living alone and she’s used to a small apartment with her daughter. All that changes when Augustine’s house goes from 1 occupant to 3.

There are definitely sparks between Augustine and Jane. Not the explosive, fireworks kind, but a shared interest. They get along well, are able to live in the same space, and both are kind, caring, compassionate people. Their romance just hit the ignite button too quickly.

I try not to judge these types of romance too harshly. When I met my husband, we moved in together after less than two months of knowing each other. I just don’t feel deep emotions bubble up between Augustine and Jane. I wish there was more of a recognizable connection. Nevertheless, Cooking Ua A Valentine’s Proposal is a sweet, clean romance, quick to read, without complicated characters.

I was provided a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Review:

#BookReview ~ Lean On Me by Beth Moran

Lean On Me

Beth Moran

From No. 1 bestselling author Beth Moran comes a story about family, friendship and community.

About the Book:  

As Faith tries on her future mother-in-law’s wedding dress in preparation for her own wedding, her tears are not of joy. The hideous frock is nicknamed ‘The Ghost Web’ by Faith’s best friend Marilyn, who can’t understand why Faith would even consider wearing it. But there’s a lot Marilyn doesn’t know about Faith – not the least of which is that Faith is just the latest of the names she has called herself.

Faith and her brother Sam survived a traumatic childhood which included having to change their names to hide from the past, but surviving has left scars. Faith’s generous fiancé Perry doesn’t just promise to be a partner, he offers freedom and security, and enough kindness to keep Faith squashing down any doubts on what ‘being in love’ really means.

It’s not until she meets an extraordinary group of women at the Grace Chapel choir, that things start to become crystal clear. As choir-leader extraordinaire, the indomitable Hester, holds a mirror up to her ragtag group of singers, all with their own burdens and insecurities, and teaches them to see how magnificent they are, so Faith can dare to dream of a future where she and Sam can stop running and she might even be ready to accept the love that she deserves.

Number 1 bestselling author Beth Moran is back with her trademark ingredients of wisdom and warmth, heartbreak and hearts soaring. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Philippa Ashley and Jenny Colgan.

My Review:

Lean On Me is novel packed full of trauma, secrets, addiction, and survival. The novel is also packed full of hope, friendship, and healing. Faith and Sam are running from their horrific past. Their names may have changed but they are still haunted by murder, abuse, and addiction. Fortunately, Faith finds hope for a better life for both of them in her fiancé, Perry, and in her new friends at the Grace Chapel Choir. 

I enjoyed Lean On Me. The author wrote a realistic book with plenty of emotion on both ends of the spectrum. Their is sadness and despair, but also love and hope. The setting and world-building were well-crafted and wonderfully described. The characters were complex and fully developed. 

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/48PmnyF

Viisit the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethmoranauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethcmoran

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethmoranauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/BethMoranNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/beth-moran

#BookReview ~ The Graveyard Killings by Wes Markin - The Yorkshire Murders, Book 4) ~ #CrimeThriller

The Graveyard Killings

About the Book:

A decades old case....

When the body of a young girl is found exhumed from her grave, DCI Emma Gardner knows there’s more to this grisly find than just misadventure. Penny Maiden was killed in a hit and run accident forty years ago, and her killer was never found…Could someone be trying to right an old wrong?

A DI on the rails...

Determined to bring a dangerous gang of drug dealers to justice, DI Paul Riddick is trying hard to play by the rules. After his previous reckless actions, he knows this is his last chance to stay in the job he loves. But when his private life takes an unexpected turn, Riddick begins to lose control again.

Emma needs Paul to help her with her case, especially when more bodies are found in the same graveyard. But hurt badly by Riddick once before, Emma's not sure she can trust him again.

But as Paul’s behaviour begins to spiral even more, Emma worries she may have left it far too late to save her old friend Riddick from his own destruction...

My Review:

The Graveyard Killings if the fourth book in The Yorkshire Murders. I have not read the previous books but I felt this book worked well as a standalone. There were some things I didn't understand but that's my fault for starting a series in book four and not at book one. I'm not one to penalize an author because I failed to do my research.

Bouncing between 1980 and 2023, The Graveyard Killings intertwines. The body of a young hit-and-run victim is exhumed and placed on a nearby grave. In the grave of the recently exhumed is the body of someone else. CDI Emma Gardner finds that she needs the help of self-destructive DI Paul Riddick. DI Paul Riddick is trying, and failing, to color between the lines, in his attempt to bring down a gang of drug dealers. As Emma and Paul dance around their connection, pieces of the puzzle connecting their cases together become evident. 

This book had me on the edge of my seat. The first flashback to 1980 evoked strong emotions, especially at the very end before switching to 2023. The Graveyard Killings is a suspenseful crime thriller with two seemingly separate cases - a cold case and a drug case - with unexpected ties. There are so many twists, turns, and shocking events. The author did a magnificent job weaving everything together and then systematically unraveling it all in a dramatic and exciting fashion.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

https://amzn.to/3P5gIgK

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Visit the Author:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WesMarkinAuthor

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BookBub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/wes-markin