Our Book Club Dines Out on Stanley Tucci. A Recap Served Hot (and with a Side of Controversy!)

I know, I know. My ability to remain consistent with my posting ebbs and flows. Believe me when I say that it is not my intention. I truly had the best of intentions, but this year, my health has been kicking me in the butt and growing older is no joke. But... you're not here for that.

I’m trying something a little different with this new series, so bear with me! Many of you know Deanna's World for its focus on the publishing industry, writing insights, and book-related topics. Lately, I’ve felt the itch to stretch my writing chops in a new direction and bring some fresh variety to what you find here – something purely for the enjoyment of it.

I’m a member of a wonderfully spirited local book club that gathers monthly at a book cafe in town. We choose a book, and the next month, we unpack it with gusto. The conversations are… well, you’re about to find out!

So, to share a slice of that enjoyment and offer a different flavor of writing from my corner, consider this your invitation. Here’s a look at our (not so) recent, rather animated, discussion that's only slightly exaggerated…

The 6% Rule | A Data-Driven Case for Why Reader Loyalty Can't Be Faked

There’s a question I get asked in my inbox at least once a week: a reader, staring at their overflowing Kindle library with a mix of excitement and dread, wondering how on earth they’re supposed to choose what to read next. I smile every time because I get it. I really do. My own Kindle library had become a digital swamp of good intentions. It was a chaotic collection of books downloaded on a whim from a BookTok video, a "must-read" recommendation in a reader group, or an ad that was just too tempting to ignore.

New ARCs from Deanna's World for you | Romantic Suspense, Steamy Contemporary Romance, Scottish Romantasy

Hello, team!

It’s been a busy month for ARC submissions. While we've received a lot of books, I am, as always, very selective about what I pass on to you. I make it a priority to ensure that every book I offer aligns with the genres and tastes you've shared with me. It’s a process that takes time, but it's my core commitment to you. You’ve entrusted me with your reading time by joining this team, and I want to make sure every book we offer is a potential new favorite, not a chore.

On that front, I'm so excited to offer a new one from a Deanna's World author, Emma Hartlight. This is Knox's book, and I know it has been highly requested! Your wish is Emma's command, and I can assure you that Em has worked hard on this one. The early-early reviews have been very positive. And I can confirm that this time, no cats were accidentally left in cars during the editing process (my bad!)—a detail that, thankfully, our eagle-eyed typo hunter team caught. (If you're very eagle-eyed and think you'd like to join that team, you can click here.)

In addition to Emma's book, we also have a new steamy contemporary romance and a fantastic find for our fantasy lovers. This one is a Scottish romantasy that blends fae and fantasy romance, and I think it will tick a lot of boxes for many of you. Please note, it does have some heavy themes, so be sure to check the trigger warnings in the book's listing.

If you are an author and would like to submit your book for review consideration, click here.

What Deanna Read #111: October 2025

I'm not sure if it's possible, but I think October might have been an even sadder effort than September. I haven't counted yet, but I think that's the case. I hope the count proved me wrong but the brain was not braining last month and I finally found out why. I hope this means the second half of November and December means I'll be reading more for fun despite work being bonkers.

Here's what I read in the last month.