“Republic of Ruin” Review

Hello Friends!

If you are following me on my Instagram account you may have already seen my quick review of this book. Yet, I wanted to post a bigger one on my blog.

“Republic of Ruin“, written by L. Blaise Hues, is a YA Dystopian novel, the first book in the Legacy of Debris Series, that will be published on February 2nd 2021, by Aethon Books.

I want to thank L. Blaise Hues for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Forget life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness… Surviving is a feat in and of itself.

Seventeen-year-old Ellie Hudson immerses herself in the few things the Supply Wars haven’t destroyed—her ranch work and secret baseball games with her best friend.

But her power-hungry stepmother is leading a group of domestic terrorists in an effort to start another Civil War and frame Ellie as the instigator.

Ellie’s lost her father, her home, and her country, but nothing can rob her of her need to preserve the American dream…or what’s left of it.

Don’t miss Book 1 in a post-apocalyptic survival series with a dark, fairy-tale spin. It’s a home-run read for fans of The Maze Runner, The Lunar Chronicles, and The Selection Series.

Preorder Link: Amazon

Don’t forget to add the book to your TBR on Goodreads: Republic of Ruin.

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About the Author

Lara Blaise Hues as been writing young adult fiction for over a decade. Inspired by the dozens of places she has been privileged to call home and her incredibly vivid dreams and relentless imagination, she mingles fantasy with the constant string of nearly-fictitious events of life. 

She is happily married to a Foreign Area Officer for the United States Army and together, with their two daughters, they move around the world. Lara has lived in Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Idaho, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas, California, Brasilia, Brazil, and Maryland; in that order. She speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

Lara writes the sort of books she likes to read; young adult fiction in everything from science fiction to dystopian to fairy-tale retellings. She delivers strong, smart, and audaciously honest characters who have no qualms about making themselves vulnerable to readers. 

Her interest in cultures, people, and languages guided her to BYU-Hawaii, where she majored in Cultural Anthropology and earned a TESOL certificate. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing from National University. 

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

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My Review

“Republic of Ruins” is not only my introduction to L. Blaise Hues, it was also my attempt to read more dystopian novel. And what a lovely way to keep going deeper into the genre, than with this novel.

The book has this fairytale retelling element to it that I absolutely love. I haven’t read many novels that are retellings, but I enjoyed the elements added by the author, which made the story unique and just perfect.

In this first novel we are introduced to a lot of amazing characters. Firstly, to Ellie, the stepmother and stepsisters, and of course to Ellie’s BFF – Johnny. Then, as we enter more into this post-apocalyptic world, we learn more about this new society, and meet new characters. Like Jack (I know he prefers his full name, but I love Jack more) and the bad guys in the story.

Although it was just the beginning of the series, I already feel a connection with the characters, thanks to the brilliance of the author in crafting realistic characters. For example, I loved that Jack wasn’t a caveman/alpha/macho type of male character. He was kind and charming, and I could see a lot of his emotions, which is something I appreciated.

Then there were the bad guys. They surprised me, although I knew one of them from the very beginning, the reasoning being the acts and all the planning was fantastic and exciting.

And lets not forget… Baseball! Not that I know much about the sport, I can appreciate the love the characters have. It’s an added element of connection between them, and also a pillar in Ellie’s life. Plus, how many books can say they are retelling, post-apocalyptic dystopian stories WITH a sport as an important feature? If that just doesn’t immediately catches your attention, I have no idea what you are doing.

The book is filled with action. In my notes to the author, when I acted like a fangirl sending lots of messages, I referenced the first Alien movie while trying to describe ho much my heart was beating at certain key points. I wasn’t sitting, so no “at the edge of my seat” reference. But my heart certainly was beating fast, I almost feared it would jump out of my chest (like that alien creature in the movie… get the reference now?).

I was mentally screaming at the characters. I was excited. I was sighing. I was falling in love. I needed to hug Ellie. And I mind blown.

Overall, I loved the book and 100% recommend it. It had action. It had danger. It had a good page of the storytelling. Can’t wait to start the second book and see here this world is going to develop. Because L. Blaise Hues has created a fantastic world building and society that with everything that has happened, I wonder what’s in store for the next book.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

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“Let Me Love You” Review

Hello Friends!

It’s day 19 of 2020 V.2. That’s how I’m seeing it. Specially in Portugal with the amount of cases that just keep going up. Restrictions have been established again. (Although schools are still open.) Confinement is already up and running.

And for those that are in the same situation, you know books are the best way to escape and go on an adventure.

That been said, today I have a review of a book that is part of a series and world whose author you may recognize, since I have reviewed her previous books.

“Let Me Love You“, written by Lasairiona E. McMaster, a romance novel, the second book in the Jeremy Lewis Series, published on 17th December 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lasairiona E. McMaster for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Jilted by the only woman he’s ever loved, Jeremy Lewis is a man on a mission to be a renowned player – both on and off the ice. Who needs monogamy anyway?

But when he falls during a game, Jeremy finds himself laid-up with a potentially career-ending injury and his support network, suddenly gone. His best friend, AJ, is busy in a new relationship, his teammates are pursuing their own dreams of hockey stardom, and Jeremy is left frustrated, broken and alone.

Will their friendship survive AJ’s new relationship? Are Jeremy’s feelings for Chelsea truly a thing of the past? And can he persevere through his recovery to get back on the ice?

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Potential Trigger Warning: medical injury/grief/loss

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About the Author

Lasairiona McMaster writes sassy, classy and badassy women and strong, yet vulnerable men. She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.

She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs. When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl. She loves to make friends out of strangers.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Instagram

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My Review

I have been following the author’s work since I read her first novel. And her writing keeps improving and marveling me.

I always loved Jeremy since he made the appearance in Lisa’s books. And in this second book we continue to follow him and his journey. Loved his interactions with the characters, by reading is POV, his thoughts, I found myself learning more and more about him with each chapter and each moment.

The ending did not surprise me. Okay, let me explain. If Lasairiona E.McMaster is going to follow the same structure for Jeremy’s series, that she did for Lisa and AJ’s, the other characters in this McMaster’s universe, then we still have one more book to come. That been said, I was half expecting a cliffhanger that would devour my soul and make me beg for the next book.

Now, I don’t want to give out to much and end up spoiling the experience of the story. So, let me just say that I enjoyed the tension, the emotional rollercoaster, the interactions between characters, the attraction, the humor…

Overall, I enjoyed the story and I can’t wait for book 3.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Review or basic promo/spotlight posts.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Lost Sentinel” Audiobook Review

Hello Friends!

If you enjoy Audiobooks, this post is definitely for you.

“The Lost Sentinel“, written by Suzanne Rogerson, is the first book in the Silent Sea Chronicles, a YA/Adult Fantasy series. This book was published on 16th June 2017 and the audiobook was published on 22nd September 2020. It was a duration of 13.8 hrs.

You can read my review of the book here: “The Lost Sentinel” Review.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Suzanne Rogerson for the Audible Codes of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Synopsis

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel.

The Assembly controls Kalaya. Originally set up to govern, they now persecute those with magic and exile them to the Turrak Mountains.

Tei, a tailor’s daughter, has always hidden her magic, but when her father’s old friend visits and warns them to flee to the mountains, she must leave her old life behind. On the journey, an attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He entrusts her into the care of the exiles and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles search for their new Sentinel who is the only person capable of restoring the fading magic. But mysterious Masked Riders are hunting the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

Against mounting odds it will take friendship, heartache, and sacrifice for the exiles to succeed, but is Tei willing to risk everything to save the island magic? 

If you like character-based fantasy, then you’ll love The Lost Sentinel – book one in the Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy.

Purchase Link: Audible | Amazon Audiobook

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About The Author

Suzanne lives in Middlesex, England with her husband, two children and a crazy puppy.

Her writing journey began at the age of twelve when she completed her first novel. She discovered the fantasy genre in her late teens and has never looked back. Giving up work to raise a family gave Suzanne the impetus to take her attempts at novel writing beyond the first draft, and she is lucky enough to have a husband who supports her dream – even if he does occasionally hint that she might think about getting a proper job one day.

Now an author of four novels including the completed Silent Sea Chronicles trilogy Suzanne hopes the dreaded ‘W’ word will never rear its ugly head again!

She loves gardening and has a Hebe (shrub) fetish. She enjoys cooking with ingredients from the garden and regularly feeds unsuspecting guests vegetable-based cakes.

Suzanne collects books, is interested in history and enjoys wandering around castles and old ruins whilst being immersed in the past. She likes to combine her love of nature and photography on family walks, but most of all she loves to escape with a great film, binge watch TV shows, or soak in a hot bubble bath with an ice cream and a book.

Social Media Links – Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon author page | Bookbub

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About the Narrator

My name is George. Seoras, if you speak Gaelic. Born in the United States, German on my father’s side, a native of Bamberg, and a Stewart on my mother’s side from a wee parish outside Stirling. I am a keen learner, eager to travel the world around me, and an instructor of English with years of experience teaching in the US, Turkey, and Japan. In audiobook narration, I have discovered a perfect opportunity to perform and play with languages, dialects, characters, cultures. Essentially, my voice is my livelihood, and my spirit longs to explore.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Audible

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My Review

I had the chance to read this book previously, so the story wasn’t surprising. If you are looking for a review on the plot, check my previous review of the book. Since I enjoy audiobooks, I wanted to hear this one and hopefully have a different experience of the story.

This is a fantasy novel full of action, that follows multiple POV, and listening to the story was just as I expected. It was exciting and it gave an added connection to the characters.

The narrator’s voice was one that did not bore me, actually it was a good combination to the storytelling of Suzanne Rogerson. It was the accent, it gave the narrative such an extra beauty, and it transported me to the world that the author created, with such ease.

Personally, I always recommend people to read and listen to the book. Not at the same time, but do them both because it allows a reader to explore the world and the characters in a different way. That was partly the reason why I listened to this audiobook. And it was worthy of my time.

Overall, I loved the narrator, George Ellington, he was a perfect pick for the tone in this fantasy novel.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews, guest posts, extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“His Unlikely Duchess” Review

Hello Friends!

With the weekend arriving and quarantine at our doors, what’s best than reading a historical romance.

“His Unlikely Duchess“, written by Amanda McCabe, is a historical romance, book one in The Dollar Duchesses Series published on 29th December 2020 by Harlequin Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Amanda McCabe for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Money can buy her marriage

But will it lead to love?

Miss Lily Wilkins hopes her American money will compensate for her lack of etiquette, as she needs a prestigious marriage to save her sisters’ prospects. Raised to believe wealth was her greatest attribute, she’s stunned when her unconventional ways catch the eye of the notorious Duke of Lennox. He’s far from the safe, sensible match she’d planned on—but Lily might just discover he’s the one she needs!

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Amanda wrote her first romance at the age of sixteen–a vast historical epic starring all her friends as the characters, written secretly during algebra class (and her parents wondered why math was not her strongest subject…)

 She’s never since used algebra, but her books have been nominated for many awards, including the RITA Award, the Romantic Times BOOKReviews Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Booksellers Best, the National Readers Choice Award, and the Holt Medallion.  She lives in Santa Fe with a Poodle, a cat, a wonderful husband, and a very and far too many books and royal memorabilia collections. 

 When not writing or reading, she loves taking dance classes, collecting cheesy travel souvenirs, and watching the Food Network–even though she doesn’t cook.

Social Media Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

My Review

This book is the first one in the series and I have to say if the future book are as amazing as this one was, I will be a happy reader.

I love Historical Romances and this was quite unique story. The background of the characters was that made it intriguing and I loved the way the narrative opened their lives to the reader. Also loved plot, something that was interesting as well.

We follow Miss Lily Wilkins and Duke of Lennox, as their romance begins. Absolutely loved their interactions and the build up. Slow and steady pace, which grabbed my attention. Romance, drama, family, insecurity… Absolutely what a Historical Romance would want.

Overall, I enjoyed it and I will keep my eyes open for the future books, to see what the author as reserved for us.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews, guest posts, extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“When the Children Come” Review

Hello Friends!

With how our lives are at the moment, we all need an escape. No matter the genre, books are always an escape. And this one is a Sci-Fi.

Who hasn’t thought that they were living in a sci-if story just because of the events that have been unfolding? I know I did! And if you enjoy sci-fi, check this book out.

“When the Children Come“, written by Barry Kirwan, is a Science Fiction novel, the first book in the Series, published on 8th January 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Barry Kirwan for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Nathan, emotionally scarred after three tours in Afghanistan, lives alone in Manhattan until New Year’s Eve, when he meets Lara. The next morning, he notices something strange is going on – a terrified kid is being pursued by his father, and a girl, Sally, pleads with Nathan to hide her from her parents. There is no internet, no television, no phone coverage. 

Nathan, Lara and Sally flee along the East Coast, encountering madmen, terrorists, the armed forces, and other children frightened for their lives. The only thing Nathan knows for sure is that he must not fall asleep…

“A fantastic and original premise…flashes of Stephen King and MR Carey.” Tom Witcomb

“A nicely taut thriller, with a Lee Child feel to its staccato writing and strong action sequences, and a high concept stretching the novel into true science fiction territory.” Amanda Rutter 

“Not just a page-turner – all in all a fabulous novel, which I was sad to finish.” Loulou Brown

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

Content Warning: Children are being killed (no graphic violence; this happens ‘off-stage’) some reference to use of children as suicide bombers in Afghanistan

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About the Author

I was born in Farnborough and grew up watching the Red Arrow jet fighters paint the sky at airshows. I didn’t get into writing until years later when I arrived in Paris, where I penned The Eden Paradox series (four books) over a period of ten years. My SF influences were Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Frank Herbert, and Orson Scott Card, but also David Brin who writes about smart aliens. Iain Banks and Alistair Reynolds remain major influences, as well as Neal Asher, Peter F Hamilton and Jack McDevitt.

My main SF premise is that if we do ever meet aliens, they’ll probably be far more intelligent than we are, and with very different values and ideas of how the galaxy works. As a psychologist by training, that interests me in terms of how to think outside our own (human) frame of reference.

When I’m not writing, I’m either working (my day job), which is preventing mid-air collisions, reading, or doing yoga or tai chi. When I’m on holiday I’m usually diving, looking for sharks. Most times I find them, or rather, they find me. 

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook

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My Review

I don’t usually read Sci-Fi. Not because I don’t like it, but because I haven’t taken the chance and time to do it. It’s a genre that I’m very curious about and that I hope I can explore more. The reason why I jumped to the opportunity to read this book.

“When the Children Come” is the first novel in a brand new series. Not only is this my introduction not just to the author’s writing and book, but also to a specific world he created for the series. When I first read the synopsis, I was intrigued. Who were the characters? Why were the children being pursued? What’s Nathan’s role in all of this? Why and What… those were the main words in my mind at that time, as well as while reading.

I found myself turning page after page, trying to learn more, loosing myself in the story and this version of the world. It was a rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts, in a balanced storytelling that makes me want to continuing reading the series.

It’s hard for me to talk about specific things I enjoyed, since I fear it may give spoilers. I can say I love the characters. Loved Nathan and loved Sally. I loved the interactions and the grows. I loved the way I empathize with them.

The plot was great. I’m very curious to see how the story will go next. And I loved that it was fast paced, full of action, and it was interesting. I never got bored.

Overall, although I’m no sci-fi expert, I do think this is an awesome book. For a start of a series it was amazing and, as I previous said, I can’t wait for more.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews and limited guest posts, extracts or Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Cover Reveal: “Amor à Primeira Assinatura”

Olá amigos!

Hoje venho partilhar convosco a capa de um novo livro que sairá este ano, em Fevereiro.

“Amor à Primeira Assinatura“, escrito por Leonor Ferrão, é uma comédia romântica, um conto, que a partir de dia 1 de Fevereiro estará em pre-order e a 13 de Fevereiro será publicado o livro.

Prontos para a capa?

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Sinopse

“Tinha sido tão cuidadosa. (…) No entanto, ali estava ele, qual D. Sebastião a voltar num dia de nevoeiro sem que ninguém o esperasse.”

Teresa alcançou o seu maior sonho: publicar um livro, e não podia estar a ter mais sucesso! No entanto, a sua carreira e a sua vida entram numa montanha-russa de acontecimentos e emoções quando Simão, o rapaz que lhe partiu o coração, reaparece na sua vida, com uma única intenção: difamar o seu nome e o seu livro. Mas será mesmo essa a sua verdadeira intenção?

Uma comédia romântica sobre um amor interminável e as peripécias que sempre parecem tentar impedir a felicidade.

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Para ficarem a par de todas as novidades, fiquem atentos às páginas de social media da autora, Leonor Ferrão.

Facebook | Instagram

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“The Heiress’s Pregnancy Surprise” Review

Hello Friends!

What do you do on a cold day? You read a romance novel, that’s what you do! A book that you can cozy up with in the middle of blankets, in front of the fireplace, in bed with a cup of your hot beverage of choice.

If this is something that you approve and would like to do, I have a review today of a book that may be just what you need.

“The Heiress’s Pregnancy Surprise“, written by Donna Alward, is a romance novel, the second book in the Heirs to an Empire Series, published on 7th January 2021 by Mills and Boon (True Love line) in UK and Harlequin Romance in the US.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Donna Alward for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A VIP assignment…
an unexpected consequence!

Ex-SAS officer Jacob Wolfe’s latest job, as aristocrat Charlotte Pemberton’s bodyguard, is pushing him to his limits. Never one to step over the line, he’s determined to ignore their intense connection. Until a single dance leads to a forbidden kiss… and Jacob is tempted to break all his rules. But their resulting night together has an unexpected consequence…

Purchase Link: Amazon UK| Amazon US

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About the Author

copyright Marti Corn Photography

While bestselling author Donna Alward was busy studying Austen, Eliot and Shakespeare, she was also losing herself in the breathtaking stories created by romance novelists like LaVyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught.  Several years after completing her degree she decided to write a romance of her own and it was true love! Five years and ten manuscripts later she sold her first book and launched a new career. While her heartwarming stories of love, hope, and homecoming have been translated into several languages, hit bestseller lists and won awards, her very favorite thing is when she hears from happy readers.

Donna lives on Canada’s east coast. When she’s not writing she enjoys reading (of course!), knitting, gardening, cooking…and is a Masterpiece Theater addict.

Social Media Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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My Review

You know what I absolutely love about romances? The happy ever after. Okay, not all romances have it, and sometimes it’s a matter of perspective. Still I loved the books that in the end I’m happy and relaxed. This book did that.

We have a bodyguard and an heiress. What could go wrong? Well, nothing! I mean, in terms of the amazing way Donna Alward wrote the story and the characters. Nothing wrong there. Now, again, a matter of perspective for the characters. A lot of surprises for them in this story, that some would see as wrong things happening or not going according to plan. For a reader though… fun and lovely!

Speaking of characters… Jacob and Charlotte, love the names. Also… Loved their interactions, the way it wasn’t just about the attraction. There was friendship and a building up of their relationship, which I appreciate. There were aspects that made me connect with them, from their thoughts and attitudes, to their personalities that made them feel real and relatable in some ways.

Overall, I loved the story and I may check Donna Alward’s other books because I enjoyed the way she told the story and the characters she presented. I want to see what other tales of romance she has for us.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews and limited guest posts, extracts or Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess” Review

Hello Friends!

For a cold winter day, I always recommend a good cozy romance. And today I bring you a review of one.

“A Waltz with the Outspoken Governess“, written by Catherine Tinley, is a historical romance, published on 29th December 2020 by Harlequin Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Catherine Tinley for the eCopy of this book and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

A quiet governess…

An unruly heart

Sir Nicholas Denny is desperate to find a governess to care for his boisterous nieces and nephews. Demure vicar’s daughter Mary Smith seems ideal—at first. All too soon Nicholas discovers a different side to her… She’s a beautiful, vivacious woman, even if she infuriates him with her strong opinions! When he waltzes with Mary at a party he knows he’s in trouble—the spark between them is so tempting, but she challenges everything he thought he wanted in a wife!

Purchase Link: Amazon UK | Amazon US | Kobo | Book Depository | Bertrand | Wook | Harlequin

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About the Author

Catherine Tinley is an award winning author who writes witty, heartwarming, Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, NHS management, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, and dog and can be reached at http://www.catherinetinley.com, as well as http://www.facebook.com/CatherineTinleyWriter and @CatherineTinley on twitter.

Social Media Links: Facebook | Twitter |Website | Instagram

My Review

I no longer know I’m always surprised by being surprised when reading a historical romance. The authors in the genre never stop amaze me with their ideas and the characters the build and introduce to us. Catherine Tinley is one of those authors. Do I love her books? Yes, I do. Did I love this book? Of course!

Mary and Nicholas. Beautiful names. Fantastic character. They were well written. Mary was a very good character that made me cheer for her, plus she’s just amazing, smart and full of determination. Nicholas… What can I say? The men in historical romances always end up wining my heart, and Catherine knows how to do that with each book she writes.

I loved the fun interactions between the characters. I loved the way their relationship was built and the development of their feelings for one another during the storyline. Plus, there were a couple of funny moments in the mix, as well as some sigh provoking ones.

I don’t want to talk a lot about the plot because I don’t want to spoil anything. I just want to let you know that it had a good pace, a good balance of scenes and the tone of the narrative. It was a good escape for a winter stay at out.

Overall, I absolutely loved it. Who doesn’t love strong main characters?

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

“Editing Your Novel’s Structure” Review

Hello Friends!

First review of the year! New year! New opportunities! New stories to write and what a perfect book to start the year with.

“Editing Your Novel’s Structure“, written by Bethany A Tucker, is a nonfiction, published on 26th December 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Bethany A Tucker for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

Before it’s time to check for commas and iron out passive voice, fiction writers need to know that their story is strong. Are your beta readers not finishing? Do they have multiple, conflicting complaints? When you ask them questions about how they experience your story, do they give lukewarm responses? Or have you not even asked anyone to read your story, wondering if it’s ready?

If any of the above is true, you may need to refine the structure of your story. What is structure you ask?  Structure is what holds a story together. Does the character arc entrance the reader? Is the world building comprehensive and believable? These questions and more have to be answered by all of us as we turn our drafts into books. 

In this concise handbook, complete with checklists for each section, let a veteran writer walk you through the process of self-assessing your novel, from characters to pacing with lots of compassion and a dash of humor. In easy to follow directions and using adaptable strategies, she shows you how to check yourself for plot holes, settle timeline confusion, and snap character arcs into place. 

Use this handbook for quick help and quick self-editing checklists on:

– Characters and Character Arcs.
– Plot.
– Backstory.
– Point of View.
– A detailed explanation of nearly free self-editing tools and how to apply them to your book to find your own structural problems.
– Beginnings and Ends.
– Editing for sensitive and specialized subject matter.
– Helpful tips on choosing beta readers, when to seek an editor, and a sample questionnaire to give to your first readers. 

Grab your copy of Edit Your Novel’s Structure today! Now is the time to finish that draft and get your story out into the world.

Purchase Links: Amazon UK | Amazon US

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About the Author

Bethany Tucker is an author and editor located near Seattle, U.S.A. Story has always been a part of her life. With over twenty years of writing and teaching experience, she’s more than ready to take your hand and pull back the curtain on writing craft and mindset. Last year she edited over a million words for aspiring authors. Her YA fantasy series Adelaide is published wide under the pen name Mustang Rabbit and her dark epic fantasy is releasing in 2021 under Ciara Darren. You can find more about her services for authors at TheArtandScienceofWords.com. 

Social Media Links: Editing Website | Author Website

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My Review

Some may know, but in can you don’t, I’m not just a reader and reviewer, but also a writer. And one of my new year’s resolutions was to read more nonfiction books about writing and editing. This one I may have read before the year ended, but it just solidified my thought about exploring more the craft of writing.

As someone that is going to edit the books that she finished in 2020, it’s helpful since it’s targeting that part of the process. And I will go back to it, specially for the checklist and to make my own based on what I have learn.

It’s quite well organized and that’s good because if you want to focus on editing about the setting and world building, you know where to find the information needed. So you don’t need to read the book in it’s entirety. You can read sections as it’s relevant for your situation.

Another thing that I will like to point out is that the fact that it talks about structure and not grammar or phrasing and things in that topic, it can be useful no matter the language you write in. From my perspective, a Portuguese writer, that’s what I look forward in a book about the craft of writing.

Overall, I liked it and I will be using it as a resource material while editing my stories.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour with their Reviews, Guest Posts, Extracts and Q&As.

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess

Promo Post: “Republic of Ruin” by L. Blaise Hues

Hello Friends!

I hope you are ready for the weekend and that this week was kind to everyone. And if not, many hugs, I know things will get better.

Meanwhile, let me introduce you to an amazing author and her upcoming book.

“Republic of Ruin“, written by L. Blaise Hues, is a YA Dystopian novel, the first book in the Legacy of Debris Series, that will be published on February 2nd 2021, by Aethon Books.

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Synopsis

Forget life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness… Surviving is a feat in and of itself.

Seventeen-year-old Ellie Hudson immerses herself in the few things the Supply Wars haven’t destroyed—her ranch work and secret baseball games with her best friend.

But her power-hungry stepmother is leading a group of domestic terrorists in an effort to start another Civil War and frame Ellie as the instigator.

Ellie’s lost her father, her home, and her country, but nothing can rob her of her need to preserve the American dream…or what’s left of it.

Don’t miss Book 1 in a post-apocalyptic survival series with a dark, fairy-tale spin. It’s a home-run read for fans of The Maze Runner, The Lunar Chronicles, and The Selection Series.

Preorder Link: Amazon

Don’t forget to add the book to your TBR on Goodreads: Republic of Ruin.

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About the Author

Lara Blaise Hues as been writing young adult fiction for over a decade. Inspired by the dozens of places she has been privileged to call home and her incredibly vivid dreams and relentless imagination, she mingles fantasy with the constant string of nearly-fictitious events of life. 

She is happily married to a Foreign Area Officer for the United States Army and together, with their two daughters, they move around the world. Lara has lived in Utah, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Idaho, Arizona, Kentucky, Texas, California, Brasilia, Brazil, and Maryland; in that order. She speaks English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. 

Lara writes the sort of books she likes to read; young adult fiction in everything from science fiction to dystopian to fairy-tale retellings. She delivers strong, smart, and audaciously honest characters who have no qualms about making themselves vulnerable to readers. 

Her interest in cultures, people, and languages guided her to BYU-Hawaii, where she majored in Cultural Anthropology and earned a TESOL certificate. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing from National University. 

Social Media Links: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

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Don’t forget to comment, don’t be stranger. If you have any book recommendation you can leave a message using the form on my Contact Me page.

If you are an author or publisher and want me to do a review of a book please check out my Request Review page to learn more about the reviewing policies.

I always welcome new books to add to my list and I’m always excited to do reviews and read books. And I’m open to debate and exchange opinions, so let’s talk.

Also, if you would like to join me as a guest on my blog, check out the Guests Post page to know more and contact me so we can start planing your visit.

Love,

Jess