Blog Tour: Mad Girls of New York

 

About the Book:

Maya Rodale brings to life the true story of the infamous Nellie Bly: a daring female journalist who, in the 1800s, paved the way for women to enter the newsroom. Bly quickly became known for revealing New York City’s injustices by practicing “stunt journalism,” or going undercover and taking extreme risks to expose a story. The first in an all-new series inspired by Bly’s investigative escapades, THE MAD GIRLS OF NEW YORK (Berkley Trade Paperback; on sale April 26, 2022) follows Bly on one of her first stunt assignments: going undercover as a madwoman at a deplorable New York insane asylum.

Rodale relied upon Bly’s book, Ten Days in a Madhouse, which offers a compilation of Bly’s articles and her first-hand narratives about her experiences at Blackwell’s, to inform the writing of the novel. Rodale’s keen storytelling brings Bly to life as a vibrant, modern, and relatable young woman who is trying to make a name and a career for herself in New York City. Historical fiction fans are in for a treat, as are Rodale’s returning romance readers, who will swoon over the romantic chemistry between Nellie and her instant career nemesis Sam Colton.

“There were all kinds of madness, she supposed, and hers was daring to dream.”

About the Author:

Maya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.

My Thoughts:

I'm currently reading this book right now and loving it! I'm 1/3 of the way through and it's amazing. I'm a big Maya Rodale fan. I can't wait to learn more about Nellie Bly and I'm so happy this is the first in a series! 

Book List: The Gilded Age

 

I've become hooked on The Gilded Age - which takes place in New York (mostly). It's the struggle between new money and old money in society. And which rules you can break.

It's currently on HBO

If you like the Gilded Age, try these books:

The Classic:

Romance:

Joanna Shupe and Maya Rodale both have series in the Gilded Age.

Heiress Hunt by Joanna Shupe 

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

The Rogue of Fifth Avenue by Joanna Shupe 

Another romance series:

Cozy Series:

Working Class:

Americans in England:

Are you a fan of the show?

Book Lists: Duke Books

Yesterday, I reviewed the Duke Heist and I thought about all the duke books I enjoyed.

So I created a list.

Here are a few - many of these are part of a series, but not necessarily the first in a series. And maybe of these are by my favorite historical romance authors. 

Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart by Sarah MacLean

Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

It's Hard Out Here for a Duke by Maya Rodale 

When You Give a Duke a Diamond by Shana Galen 

I Married the Duke by Katherine Ashe 

Not Pictured: 

How the Duke was Won by Lenora Bell

What a Difference a Duke Makes by Lenora Bell

Duchess by Design by Maya Rodale

No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean

How the Dukes Stole Christmas by Tessa Dare, Sarah MacLean, Sophie Jordan, and Joanna Shupe 

Duke in Shining Armor by Loretta Chase 

My American Duchess by Eloisa James

Two contemporary reads:

Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole

Duke, Actually by Jenny Holiday 

Have you read any of these?

Top Ten Tuesday: Under the Tree

 This week's topic is books we wish Santa would leave under the tree for us! We've been awfully good readers this year!

My biggest ARC wishes for 2022 books with covers (so far)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any of these on your list to read?

Top Ten Tuesday: Sequels

 This week's topic is all about books we wish has a sequel. There's nothing like spending more time with favorite characters and getting to know new characters in the same world.

Straight Sequels:

I heard a rumor, if this does well, more could be coming. Fingers Crossed!

I had a hard time saying Goodbye to these Characters - wouldn't find a companion novel

So many of these DC origin story graphic novels only have one volume. But I would like more books! 

Books That Are Sequels That Need More:

 

There were still some questions left unanswered. I want more.

On a related note, I'm still dying for more Heist Society Books by this author too

This family is fantastic! 

Did the third book ever get published? I can't find it!

I loved these ladies helping ladies and I want SO many more of them!

Book List: What to read after watching Bridgerton

I really did enjoy the Bridgerton adaptation.

I loved the scenery (Bath) and the fashion!

Take a look at this blog post with behind the scenes photos.

It would be amazing to be on this set - perhaps as a guest at a ball?

Eloise is my favorite! I loved her so much. I can't wait to see more of her.

And I'm hoping they make all eight seasons. (And it looks like they are! What great news.)

63 million households can't be wrong.

Or course, romance readers are not surprised by this. We've been here all along. There's a reason romance book publishing is a billion dollar industry. (No, that's not a typo it really is Billion)

If you're new to the romance world, welcome.

I talk about romance books often on this blog - both teen and adult.

I love the friendships in romance.

I love the strong feminist main characters.

And the clever banter.

Here are just a few recommendations:

Secrets of a Summer Night:

This is the first in the Lisa Kleypas series. Four wallflowers become friends and find love. It's delightful. And there's a spin-off series.

Nine Rules to Break While Romancing a Rake:

This is Sarah MacLean's first adult romance - her books are often connected by characters.

You can't go wrong with her books.

I talk about her books often!

Duchess Deal:

Tessa Dare used to be a librarian. Now she makes me laugh with her strong feminist characters.

Reviews here.

Earls Just Want to Have Fun:

This book made me laugh so much. I loved  the banter and the descriptions. 

Such a great read.

A Lady's Guide to Improper Behavior:

The title grabbed me at first. I read this ages ago and never realized it was book 2.

Lady Bridget's Diary:

This is the start of a four book set that happens simultaneously between siblings. 

It's a nod to Pride and Prejudice and also Bridget Jones's Diary. I love all the books in the series and after reading it, the author has since become a favorite of mine. 

 

Fresh Fiction Reviews (3)

I've been reading some fun books for Fresh Fiction and wanted to share them with you:

Just one of the Guys

Readers will be swept away by Khai and Esme's story.

"An unlikely super team..."

"One part rom-com, one part smashing the patriarchy, and one party coding..."

"Brains vs. Beauty in the Gilded Age!"

After you read this one, you might find yourself purchasing Red Lipstick. I know I did...