“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall” Review

Hello Friends!

I feel like I have be reading a lot of Historicals and Thrillers in the past few months, more than other genres. And I’m quite liking it, specially since I have been trying to stay away from paranormal because of the book I’m editing. I still am reading that genre, just not as much.

Anyway, today’s review is a historical romance, from a publisher I like, from an author I’m being introduced to.

“The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall“, written by Lotte R. James, is a Historical Romance in the gothic romance subgenre, that will be published on 22nd July 2021, by Mills & Boon.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Lotte R. James for the eCopy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Synopsis

She arrived as a housekeeper

Will she leave as a countess?

To some, Thornhallow Hall might be tarnished by tales of vengeance and ghosts, but to new housekeeper Rebecca Merrickson it represents independence and peace from her tumultuous past. Until the estate’s owner, William Reid, the disappeared earl, unexpectedly returns… After clashing with him over the changes she’s made to the house, Rebecca slowly unearths the memories that haunt brooding Liam—and her defiance gives way to a shockingly improper attraction to her master!

Purchase Links: Amazon

Potential Trigger Warnings: Mention of suicide, Mention of emotional parental abuse, Threat of sexual assault, Some mild violence, Mention of mental health problems.

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About the Author

Lotte James trained as an actor and theatre director, but spent most of her life working day jobs crunching numbers whilst dreaming up stories of love and adventure. She’s thrilled to finally be writing those stories, and when she’s not scribbling on tiny pieces of paper, she can usually be found wandering the countryside for inspiration, or nestling with coffee and a book.

Social Media Links: Twitter

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My Review

I have read many historical romances and I have always enjoy them. This one was just as amazing. The novel has put in the subgenre Gothic Romance, and I haven’t explored that subgenre much compared to others, it doesn’t really matter. It was exciting, and it had the elements I love in historical romances.

In this story we follow Rebecca, the new housekeeper at Thornhallow Hall, and William, the earl and owner of the estate. I just loved them. I felt connected to them, I was curious about their lives, their past, and their dreams. And from the very beginning I wanted to know more about them. Memories, uncovering the background of Liam and Rebecca… It all grab my attention.

The circumstances that made them interact, fall in love… It made sense, it was exciting, it had a good pace and flow. Seeing them grow and open up, it helped with connecting with the characters, which is always a plus. With the housekeeper and earl roles, the romance was lovely and emotional. And since it was in a historical setting, it added the context of certain themes of the story and the characters’ life.

Overall, I enjoyed the stor. I liked that there was some drama, romance, secrets and a dark past, it’s just what I like in any book, specially in Historical Romances. The cultural and social elements that make the story unique and take us on this time-trip, is always an welcome read. It was fascinating.

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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, Q&As and Limited guest 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

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“The Lazarus Child” Review

Hello Friends!

I was supposed to post this review on the 28th, and I apology for my delay (it’s the early morning 29th).

“The Lazarus Child“, written by Jay Raven, this is the third book in the Blood Riders series, a paranormal novel, a dark fantasy vampire book with a gothic horror feel, published on January 28th 2021.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jay Raven 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

To save his missing daughter a distraught slayer must venture deep into the heart of darkness

Legendary vampire hunter Anton Yoska is on the edge, tormented by the rumour that the precious child he once thought dead is still alive and lost in a world of monsters.

One creature alone knows for sure what happened to Gretchen, but Terek Modjeski won’t divulge his secret – revelling in the twisted power over his long-time foe.

Despairing and drinking heavily, Anton stumbles from near disaster to near disaster as he puts his team in jeopardy, testing their friendship and loyalty to snapping point.

Only one diabolical solution is possible – to confront Terek in his maximum security cell and force the bloodsucker to end his game of cat and mouse. But making the cunning infernal talk will mean employing brutal methods that go against every code Anton has ever lived by, forcing him to become as much of a demon as the leeches he hunts.

Face to face with the evil, taunting vampire, the desperate slayer takes a decision that will change his destiny forever – sending him hurtling into danger to confront a terrifying truth about his lost child that risks not only his sanity but the future of mankind.

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

Author Content Warning: strong adult themes  – violence and some “mostly off-screen” sexual violence

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Author Bio

Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

Social Media Links – Facebook  | Twitter | Website

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My Review

I love vampire stories. It’s a particular subgenre and mythology that I’m fascinated about.

Jay Raven keep surprising me with the route this series is taking. Book after book I loved it even more. He took me on a journey through the darkness and left me want more.

I love the dynamic of the vampires in the book. I love the characters, I love the fact that we are following a vampire hunter, which really is unique in all Vampire Stories world. It’s another side of the same coin and get so pumped thinking about the whole concept of the series.

Anton is a character that keeps developing and reading about his struggles and his interactions with society, and specially the vampires, is such an emotional rollercoaster. He has depth in his personality. I felt connected with him and I could understand him and his reasoning, thanks to the author’s craftsmanship.

Loved the flow of the story and the different points of view. And it was a page turner. Couldn’t put it down and read most of it at night. Which was quite interesting for my dreams afterwards.

Overall, and since I don’t want to spoil anything, let me just say that when I read Jay Raven’s vampire – vampire hunter story I get this new boost of energy and love of the subgenre.

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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, Q&As and Extracts.

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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

“Daylight’s Deadly Kiss” Review

Hello Friends!

I hope you are doing well this past few days. It’s been raining here in my hometown, so Nala (cat) and I have been saying in bed and not even venturing going to other rooms in the house. Plus I have been writing a lot.

Today, though, I had to go get some gorceries and now that I’m back, I wanted to share a review with you all.

“Daylight’s Deadly Kiss“, written by Jay Raven, this is the second book in the Blood Riders series, a paranormal novel, a dark fantasy vampire book with a gothic horror feel, published on 3rd April 2020.

I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Jay Raven 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

In 19th century Europe the most deadly vampire-killing weapon ever devised is up for grabs – and both the Undead and the living will stop at nothing to possess it…   

It’s a legend, a fairy story parents tell frightened children to make them sleep. Basium Lucis – Daylight’s Kiss – the fabled compound that recreates sunlight in a bottle, and incinerates bloodsucking monsters on contact.

Vampire hunter Anton Yoska doesn’t believe in its existence or the whispered rumours of its creation by Leonardo Da Vinci 250 years before.

But when a mysterious Hungarian arts dealer claims to have uncovered the long-lost formula, Anton’s cynicism is shaken to the core as he is tasked to procure the pyrotechnic marvel for the Vatican’s centuries-old battle with the vampire sect known as the Brethren.

In a desperate race to beat nosferatu forces intent on destroying the wonder weapon, and cold-blooded gangsters who desire the Alchemist’s most prized invention for their own aggrandisement and riches, Anton is caught in a maelstrom of double dealing and lies..

Traps loom at every turn, and nothing is what it appears, but acquiring the Basium Lucis is the least of the his problems  – for the ferocious Modjeski vampire family want retribution for his slaughter of their clan chief a year before. And old flame and rival slayer, Nadia, has her own devious plans to thwart Anton’s quest.

As time runs out and predators circle, the beleaguered hunter realises he’s been tricked into a suicide mission. But Anton Yoska won’t go down without a fight – and he doesn’t care who he takes to Hell with him.

Purchase Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK

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Author Bio

Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

If you would like to be informed of new releases, enjoy free short stories and access exclusive giveways and competitions, please subscribe to Jay’s monthly newsletter on his website at http://www.jayraven.com

Social Media Links – Facebook  | Twitter | Website

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My Review

First of all, I would like to say that I have read the first book and loved it, so when I saw the opportunity to read and review this book, I was very excited. I love vampire stories, I’m currently working on one, if that’s any clue of my love for this topic.

It always amazes me the amount of versions that exist around the story of vampires, from the POV of the vampires itself, or the one that hunt them, it all brings diversity and a new take on the legend.

With book one, Crimson Siege, I loved how Jay Raven took the them and made it his own, and with this novel, he continues to go deeper into the world he created, taking us with him. And we, once again, follow Anton Yoska, a vampire hunter.

I will try to now say much since I don’t want to give any spoilers, plus I recommend you all to read book one and them book two, so you can fully understand the main character and his background story.

I loved the new element added to this world, with the Daylight’s Kiss, and Leonard Da Vinci’s formula. That just made the story richer in my opinion. And since Anton is the one procuring it, it got me so curious about that would happen next. Because, let’s be honest, it’s a century old battle between vampires and the Vatican, both parts want to have it. One to destroy it, the other to use it. Anything can happen and I loved that.

Overall, I loved that this book was as awesome as the first one. It had it’s fair amount of excitement, action, horror, vampires, and a war that come with lies and uncertainty. Like I said previously, I do recommend you to read the previous novel, that why you can understand the character’s background and why certain things happen.

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Don’t forget to check out all the other bloggers that given their contribute in this Blog Tour, from reviews to 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