My Book Reviews

Category: Romance

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Children’s Fiction genre.

Stranger Love by Autumn Miller

Stranger Love by Autumn Miller

Release: November 28th 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Miller Publishing
Source: Lovebook Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle __

__

Rose

They say you’ll have the time of your life at university, but it was the handsome stranger in a local bar who gave me mine.Our connection was instantaneous, our conversation littered with inappropriate teasing. And his kiss. Blew. My. Mind. Going home with him was never in doubt.

The next day, he promised to call, but I never heard from him again. Trying not to feel rejected, I decided to look at my one night stand as an experience fitting of college life. The unexpected baby wasn’t part of the deal though. I wasn’t down for that particular experience. I’m a final year student and the timing is awful. But despite delivering babies for a living, Callum’s not happy about the pregnancy, making accusations and assumptions every time we meet. He treats me as if I’m his enemy, and if he’s not careful he’ll make me one, pushing me away for good.

Callum

The green-eyed girl from the bar is standing in my hospital, looking at an ultrasound scan in her hands. I hoped to see her again, to relive our incredible night, but not like this. Not with my world exploding, my worst fears realised. I’ve knocked up a stranger. When I confront her about the baby, things go from bad to worse. I’m unable to say a thing right, upsetting Rose every chance I get.

But despite being blindsided by the news, I want to be involved in the pregnancy. After all, I’m an obstetrician, and babies and women’s bodies are my speciality. And even though I’ve never felt possessive about a woman before, it’s not long before strong, protective tendencies build inside me.

I can’t stay away from her. She’s carrying my child. I’m going to be a father. That connection we had months ago, reignites. We get closer. Too close. And I have no idea where we go from here.

About the Author:

Autumn Miller lives in Norfolk, England. She studied French and German at university in London, and ended up in marketing, rarely needing to practise her language skills. As part of her degree she lived in Karlsruhe, Germany for a year, where she travelled extensively.

With family from Europe, and having spent many a summer holiday on the continent, languages and travel are topics that will often come up in her books, especially now she’s forgotten how to speak French and German. With that in mind, she focusses on interesting, diverse characters who take centre stage in her romance stories instead.

Amazon | Goodreads

Stranger Love Review:

“Stranger Love” is a charming romance with strong characters, drama, and steaminess that will treat fans of the genre.

This book was very entertaining and much better than I had hoped. Initially, I was skeptical because I thought the book would contain mostly steamy scenes with a predictable plot. The story feels fresh, and the main characters are also engaging. The author’s strength is in writing the character’s emotions. I loved Rose and Callum and how we got a shifting perspective of the events between chapters. What’s beautiful about the tale is how the author gives equal importance to both characters without making it a book all about Rose.

As much as I loved Rose, Callum was my favorite. The author portrayed their emotions realistically through various phases to adjust to the pregnancy. You see him overcome his feelings and build trust for Rose. Some of my favorite moments of theirs are when Callum saves Rose from a panic attack or when they travel to Paris. Once you start reading the book, you will get glued to the storyline and the cast.

Moreover, the author also spices the story by bringing drama from family and friends. The family members are not easy to deal with, and it was interesting to see how their dynamics changed. I particularly liked the scenes when Callum meets Rose’s friends and feels more protective towards her. Similarly, even characters like John and Helena spice the story with their drama. On a side note, I also adored Evie and Imogen and hoped they were more prominent.

Overall, “Stranger Love” is a lovely romance that the author wrote splendidly and is worth picking up for romance fans.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Stranger Love by Autumn Miller Blog Tour hosted by Lovebook Tours.

January 22, 2022
Salaam with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg

Salaam with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg

Release: January 4th 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Underlined
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

__

__

This heartfelt and humorous YA contemporary follows Dua, who spends the month of Ramadan making unexpected discoveries about family, faith, and first love.

Squeezing herself into a house in Queens with her cousins is not how Dua envisions her trip to New York City. But here she is, spending the holy month of Ramadan with extended family she hasn’t seen in years.

Dua struggles to find her place in the conservative household. And finds difficult to connect with her aloof, engaged-to-be-married cousin, Mahnoor. And fasting the whole day was itself tiring enough. She must also battle her hormones whenever she sees Hassan, the cute drummer in a Muslim band. Besides , he has a habit of showing up at her most awkward moments.

After just a month, Dua surprises herself to find that she’s learning a lot more than she bargained for about her faith, relationships, her place in the world and cute drummers. . . .

About the Author:

Sara Sharaf Beg got inspiration from her own experiences as a Pakistani American Muslim while writing Salaam, with Love, her debut novel. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and Northwestern University, Sara was a freelance writer before becoming a mental health counselor.

She lives in Texas with her husband, where she likes to cook , binge Bollywood movies. And plays video games when she’s not writing or reading.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Salaam with Love Review:

“Salaam, with Love” is an adorable young adult, contemporary romance that also touches on the Muslim culture during the time of Ramadan and is a fun read.

The highlight of the story was the main character, Dua. I enjoyed how she grows in the story. From her decision in the MSA (Muslim Student Association) to her bond with Mahnoor and feelings for Hassan, Dua goes through a lot, and I enjoyed her journey. The author portrayed Dua nicely and progressed her feelings well. Similarly, Mahnoor is also adorable, and I liked how she bonds with Dua.

The author beautifully touches on how important family and faith are, as Dua experiences the meaning of Ramadan. Similarly, the author also adds a touch of humor when Dua’s father talks to her about Hassan. It was also interesting to see how the author touched on Islamophobia and people’s perception of being Muslim. As I am not a Muslim, I also liked learning about the various terms, like surahs and the Arabic text, along with assorted pop culture references like Sami Yusuf. The timeline spans during the Holy Month of Ramadan, and it was nice to see the various traditions the family followed to prepare for Eid.

Moreover, I liked the budding romance between Dua and Hassan. Their scenes together have a touch of innocence and were so sweet to read. I enjoyed Hassan’s fondness for music, and it emanated in the storyline. Similarly, the author also adds family drama to the tale, making you feel part of your family.

Overall, “Salaam, with Love” stands out because of its theme, yet it has all the correct elements of adorable young adult romance.

January 13, 2022
The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

Release: January 11th 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Berkley
Source: Penguin Random House
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

__

__

Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.

Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she’s worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she’ll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London’s attention she’ll need a habit-maker who’s not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.

Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful. He inches his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row’s infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.

But pushing boundaries comes at a cost .And not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most. Either make their mark or following their hearts?

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Also,these include Fair as a Star, a Library Journal Best Romance of 2020; Gentleman Jim, a Kirkus Best Indie Romance of 2020; and The Work of Art, winner of the 2020 HOLT Medallion. Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus. And her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine.

In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Siren of Sussex Review:

Click to view on Instagram

The first thing that struck me was the enchanting way in which the author told the story. Right from the get-go, you fall in love with the main characters. Yes, the story is predictable at times, especially if you are a fan of the genre. Yet, both the main leads are so charming and lovable that you will immediately adore them and root for them to come together. Evelyn is a lovely equestrienne who needs to provide for her sisters. Meanwhile, Ahmad, who doesn’t feel like he fits in, requires to provide for Mira.

My heart also went towards Ahmad for feeling out of place and society treating him, especially as a man of color. The author makes the storyline heartfelt and meaningful because of the hardships both the characters ensure. Additionally, the author also describes the fashion and equestrian elements in detail. I loved reading about the various methods in which Ahmad did his business. There are surprising twists that I did not expect, and the story gets interesting, particularly when Stephen enters the picture.

Ahmed and Evelyne sizzle the screens from the get-go. Some moments that stood out for me were when Ahmed tells her to trust him entirely or when Ahmad proposes to be her dressmaker for the entire season. The author adds the right level of angst, where the two are yearning for each other, but circumstances prevent them from doing so. As the story progresses, you find out that the stakes are high for Evelyn, and she only has one shot of making her plan work. Even the supporting characters like Stella, Anne, and Julia are memorable.

Overall, I felt “The Siren of Sussex” was a wonderful historical romance and a fantastic start to the “Belles of London” series.

Blog Blitz

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews Blog Blitz hosted by Penguin Random House.

January 12, 2022
HUNTRESS PREY by Selene Kallan

HUNTRESS PREY : Bonded by Blood and Magic 1
by Selene Kallan

Release: December 14, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Paperback, eBook
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

__

__

VALENTINE
After almost three centuries of running from my past, I should be used to loneliness. Being a mythological monster isn’t compatible with relationships. But the craving for company grows stronger every day, turning routine into an endless nightmare and making me wish for an end to my immortality.
The explosive encounter with a beautiful, lethal fae who knows what I am and how to destroy me reminded me of that proverb: be careful what you wish for.

AXEL
I thought fate could not surprise me after almost six hundred years. And then there she is—the echo of the brave young woman I’ve heard legends about. Only she isn’t human anymore, but a vampire, the greatest enemy of my species. After a fight that could have killed us both, and an uneasy truce, I am left with burning curiosity and so is she.
But will curiosity be enough to quench her thirst for my blood and my impulse to kill her before she strikes?

The first installment of the Bonded by Blood and Magic series.

About the Author:

Selene Kallan is a fantasy author who daydreams about her imaginary worlds most of the time. Her obsession with vampires, and all things supernatural, has made her an avid reader. She loves writing, discovering new metal bands, and watching superhero movies.

She is also feeling a little crazy while writing about herself in third person, but apparently, this is the way to go.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

HUNTRESS PREY Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Huntress Prey” is a sizzling supernatural romance with dynamic characters and was a fun book to read.

Firstly, let me start by how much I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters. You can practically see the sparks between Valentine and Axel even though they don’t get along well with each other. The two shine in the story; for instance, Valentine is holding back from biting him and adjusting to his teaching methods. The author writes they bond in such a way that you see the raw animal magnetism between them, yet a spark of sweetness and innocence. I liked how the author toggled the chapters between their perspectives, making the story feel personal.

Moreover, I thought Valentine was a complex character because of her feelings for Axel and people like Maya. Similarly, even Axel shares a complex bond with Alanna, and I enjoyed reaching the two’s dynamics with the other cast. I particularly liked Alanna as she had an air of mystery and interesting healing powers. Some of the memorable moments were when Lily is about to shift or when Johan attacks Valentine. Johan was attractive as the villain, and the author also adds some exciting action elements. The author also ends the story with a thrilling cliffhanger that makes you feel like picking up the next book and continuing reading.

The only minor criticism I have of the story is that it felt lengthy at times, as the author reiterates the feelings between the two characters. It would have been nice if the author had added more action elements to the tale.

Overall, I thought “Huntress Prey” is a lovely start to the “Bonded by Blood and Magic” series and look forward to reading its continuation.

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the HUNTRESS PREY : Bonded by Blood and Magic 1
by Selene Kallan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Two Chicks On Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-10-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-10-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-12-2022
BookHounds-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-12-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-13-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-13-2022
More Books Please blog-Review-1-14-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Review-1-14-2022

Week Two:
Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog-Review-1-17-2021
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-17-2021
See Sadie Read-Review-1-18-2021
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-1-18-2021
@Locked_in_a_library-Review-1-19-2021
@meetcuteromancebooks-Review-1-19-2021
Prison Wife Reviews-Review-1-20-2021
What’s Beyond Forks?-Review-1-20-2021
Fire and Ice-Review-1-21-2021
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-1-21-2021

January 12, 2022
Darkest Mate by Alexis Calder

Darkest Mate by Alexis Calder

Release: December 21, 2021
Format: Paperback, eBook
Publisher: Alexis Calder
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

__

__

Weakness means death. Or worse.

After I was abandoned as a child, I was taken in by the Shadow Pack. A group of ruthless, lawless, shifters who have only one rule: never let anyone see your weakness.

In exchange for them keeping me alive, I owe them. The leader of the Shadows is as handsome as he is ruthless. And he’s offered to wipe my debt in exchange for marriage. He’d offer protection, but it would cost me my freedom.

Survival in the Shadows depends on back alley deals and shady alliances. It’s become a way of life that I stopped questioning years ago. When a routine burglary goes wrong, I find myself captured by the one family I never should have crossed.

The Umbra family owns this city. They make us Shadow wolves look like the good guys. They should have killed me for my crimes, but there’s a tiny problem… It turns out Madoc Umbra is my fated mate.

Instead of killing me, I’m a prisoner. The rest of the family doesn’t know of our bond and I intend to keep it that way. Madoc’s brothers want to end my life; he wants to break the bond. I just want to get the heck out.

As long as I don’t let them see any weakness, I might have a chance of making it out of here alive.

Darkest Mate is a full-length paranormal romance. 17+ for dark content, steamy scenes, and language. This is book one in a trilogy and is not a standalone. Mind the cliff.

About the Author:

Alexis Calder writes sassy heroines and sexy heroes with a sprinkle of sarcasm. She lives in the Rockies and drinks far too much coffee and just the right amount of wine.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Darkest Mate Review

Click to view on Instagram

I recently read “Wolf Marked” by the author and thought the author did an equally admirable job writing “Darkest Mate.” Right into the tale, we get an idea bout the Shadow and the Umbra clan and how ruthless they are. The author amps the action and thrills from the first chapter as Ivy fights with Dax and meets the Dark Wolf. I enjoyed the fantasy elements and the concepts like the Alpha Challenge.

Ivy is lovely in the lead. Even though she was not the strong character I expected her to be, I liked how the author portrayed her, especially what she goes through with Holden and her mission. The author has a beautiful talent for writing fantasy romance, and I liked the chemistry between the characters. Some memorable parts were when Ivy shifts and has an experience with Dax under the moon or when Dax saves her when someone tries to drug her. The author also wrote the supporting characters well, and I had a passionate dislike for Stacey. The author also wrote the supporting characters well, and I loved the friendship between Ivy and Kate. Frankly, I thought this was a fun and decent start to the series.

However, the only criticism I have of the story is how the story felt a bit cliched at times. For instance, I’m not a fan of instant romances, and while I enjoyed the chemistry between Ivy and the Dark Wolf, it felt predictable. Also, I felt a lot happens towards the climax when Ivy goes under the mission and Madoc enters the picture. The book would have been perfect had the pacing been spaced out.

Overall, “Darkest Mate” is a fun start to the series, and I look forward to reading its continuation.

Giveaway:

1 Winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Darkest Mate by Alexis Calder Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-3/-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-3-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt/IG Post-1-4-2022
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-1-4-2022
BookHounds YA-Excerpt-1-5-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Review-1-5-2022
Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog-Review-1-6-2022
GivernyReads-Review/IG Post-1-6-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-1-7-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review/IG Post-1-7-2022

Week Two:
The Girl Who Reads-Review/IG Post-1-10-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt/IG Post-1-10-2022
Bri’s Book Nook-Review-1-11-2022
The Reading Devil-Review-1-11-2022
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-1-12-2022
What’s Beyond Forks?-Review-1-12-2022
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-1-13-2022
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review/IG Post-1-13-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-1-14-2022

January 10, 2022
The Romance Novel Formula by A.K. Leigh

The Romance Novel Formula by A.K. Leigh

Release: December 7, 2021
Format: Paperback, eBook
Publisher: A.K. Leigh
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

__

__

Is there a secret formula for writing a successful romance novel?

The Romance Novel Formula is backed by research and professional expertise. And it provides everything you need to take you from idea to first draft of your breakout romance novel.

Join best selling romance author and academic researcher, Alicia Leigh, as you discover:
How to take your love interests on the “lovers’ journey” inclusive of ALL types of romantic relationships.
A unique five-act structure to make your story easy to write and manage.
The specific story “beats” exclusive to the romance genre
The story and character necessary to classify your book as romance.
How to avoid stereotypes by focusing on archetypes.
Popular romance tropes.
Essential writing techniques.
Advice on dialogue.
The most common writing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Goal, motivation, and conflict.
Fear, need, and flaw
Much more

The Romance Novel Formula is complete with checklists and over 30 writing exercises. And it is the new essential romance writing guide for aspiring and experienced writers, plotters and professional researchers.

About the Author:

A.K. Leigh is an eternal dreamer and romantic, trauma survivor, writing teacher, and identical triplet. Her multi-genre fiction transports readers into a world of mysteries, suspense, crime, the supernatural, and time travel. And all these are entwined with a heart pumping HEA romance. Her non-fiction titles take readers on journeys to strengthen self-love, heighten creativity, and increase imagination.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

The Romance Novel Formula Review:

Click to view on Instagram

If you have aspirations to write a great romance novel but don’t know how to start, you should get “The Romance Novel Formula.”

This book is the first one I have ever read that guides the reader on how to go about writing a romance novel. While the book targets romance, many key strategies apply to any genre. The author does a fantastic job organizing and categorizing the book. As such, it comes across as the perfect guide. As soon as you pick it up, you have no trouble following the directions and steps the author mentions.

She gives the fundamentals of a romance novel, with examples of modern and classic tales. She then proceeds to describe the characters, tone, atmosphere, setting, tropes, and dialogues (to name a few). I liked this book’s simplistic and interactive the author makes each chapter. She fills the chapters with exercises and examples that give you clear visibility of what to do.

Moreover, I enjoyed how the author also provides insight into what the audience looks for in a story. And how, one has to see the story from various angles. This include the mistakes people usually make, and things to avoid. Even though I am not aspiring to be a romance novelist, I would love to use this book as a benchmark to experiment on a first draft and see success.

Overall, “The Romance Novel Formula ” is an excellent guidebook to get if you want to write a romance novel. I hope the author provides such insights even for other genres to help aspiring authors (not romance enthusiasts) write their stories.

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE ROMANCE NOVEL FORMULA, International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Romance Novel Formula by A.K. Leigh Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Mythical Books-Excerpt-12-6-2021
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-12-7-2021
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt/IG Post-12-8-2021
BookHounds YA-Excerpt/IG Post-12-9-2021
The Girl Who Reads-Review/IG Post-12-10-2021

Week Two:
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Spotlight/IG Post-12-13-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-12-14-2021
perusewithcoffee-Review-12-15-2021
@coffeesipsandreads-Review-12-16-2021
Lisa Loves Literature-Review/IG Post-12-17-2021

December 17, 2021
Hope and Sanctuary by Neet Neilson

Hope and Sanctuary by Neet Neilson

Release:15th November 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Dark Edge Press
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

__

__

Hope rescues intensive farming animals from slaughter among many others in her growing animal sanctuary, but finds herself struggling to make ends meet. Then, compounded by frequent flooding, a constant drain on her resources, as well as the risk it poses to her animals, Hope puts out a desperate plea on national television for help.

Grant Marshall comes to her rescue, but there’s a catch. He’s a farmer – and Hope loathes farmers.

Grant offers Hope everything she could ever desire for her sanctuary, leaving her with a dilemma – does she go against her morals and beliefs to accept his charity or will she accept his challenge that he can convince her that he is a compassionate man – in more ways than one?

About the Author:

Neet has been a big fan of romance novels since she was a teen, borrowing books from her mother’s bookcase. Her love of reading laid the foundation for an interest in writing short stories, poems, songs, screenplays, stage plays and novels. Moreover, her background in nursing, lecturing and research has been invaluable when establishing a sound knowledge base for her writing, while her emotions are the driving force behind her work. And her love for animals is her greatest passion.

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Hope and Sanctuary Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Hope and Sanctuary” is a lovely contemporary romance of two people who deal with their feelings for lust, love, and compassion.

The highlight of the story is the two characters. I enjoyed reading about Hope and Grant as individuals. Grant, in particular, was memorable because it was interesting to see how he self reflects his feelings for Hope between love and lust. Some notable moments in the tale were when the two of them first meet and Hope’s history with Fraser. Also, the author makes the story steamy with some explicit romance steams that would heat the pages.

Interestingly, the tale is how the author adds topics like intensive farming and veganism into the storyline, which gives it depth. I loved the details of the animal sanctuary and Hope’s love for the animals.

Moreover, I loved how complex the author makes the storyline as we get more characters. Hope wonders what is going on between Grant and Taylor, whereas Grant wonders how Pete fits into Hope’s. I thought these characters spiced up the story and added more drama.

Perhaps the only minor criticism I have of the tale is how short it was. The book is less than 200 pages, and much happens in each chapter. I loved the drama between the characters but thought the author could have spent more time detailing the characters. Moreover, it took a while for me to believe in the romance between the two because initially, Grant only looked at Hope with lust.

Apart from that, “Hope and Sanctuary” is an entertaining romance novel with drama, adventure, and steamy romance with two strong leads.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Hope and Sanctuary by Neet Neilson Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

December 17, 2021
Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson

Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson

Release: October 1, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Literary Wanderlust
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

__

__

Can she keep the secrets of her past to rescue a girl tormented by a ghost?

In 1920s Los Angeles, Letitia Hawking reads the veil between life and death. A scrying bowl allows her to experience the final moments of the deceased. She brings closure to grief-stricken war widows and mourning families.
For Letitia, it is a penance. She knows no such peace.

For Alasdair Driscoll, it may be the only way to save his niece, Finola, from her growing night terrors. But when Letitia sees a shadowy figure attached to the household, it rouses old fears of her unspeakable past in England.

When a man comes to her about his missing daughter, the third girl to go missing in as many months, Letitia can’t help him when she can’t see who’s taken them.

As a darkness haunts Letitia’s vision, she may not be given a choice in helping the determined Mr Driscoll, or stop herself falling in love with him. But to do so risks a part of herself she locked away, and to release it may cost Letitia her sanity and her heart.

About the Author:

E.J. Dawson both credits and blames her mother-by reading The Lord of the Rings aloud to E.J. twice-for her complete absorption with the world of fiction. Growing up in a haunted mansion sandwiched between an abandoned mine and an endless pine plantation should have been all the fuel E.J.’s imagination needed.

But her parents filled her life with stories: about themselves, their lives, and the ones they had found through the pages of books.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Behind the Veil Review:

“Behind the Veil” is a beautifully constructed gothic tale surrounding a medium with a haunted past, and I could not put it down.

This book felt special as soon as I picked it up. I loved Letitia from the get-go and found her intriguing because of her special powers. The author describes her powers so grippingly that I was fascinated by the character. Moreover, I also liked how Letitia responds to Driscoll’s behavior. Even though he is thoughtful and treats her with respect, it was interesting to see how Letitia doesn’t fall for his charms and generosity. However, the author portrays her feelings for Driscoll beautifully, especially when you see how tormented she is over Daniel. I also liked the little moments, like the relationship Letitia has with her Imogen.

What’s lovely about the tale is how the author beautifully blends a little of everything. The story is gothic, mysterious, suspenseful, romantic, all interwoven in a historical backdrop. A few noteworthy moments in the tale are when she meets Driscoll the first time, the unsettling feeling Letitia gets when she studies the house before meeting Finola, or when she meets Detective Andrews. As the story progresses, you get personally invested in the characters and wonder how Letitia could solve the mystery when combating her demons. The author also writes all the supporting characters you strongly feel towards them, like Mrs. Quinn, Mr. Wdwards, and Mr. Barkley. Moreover, the ending was epic as we see a fight of good vs. evil.

Overall, if you love movies like “The Conjuring” series, you will love reading “Behind the Veil.” I hope the author continues to write many such stories in this genre.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of BEHIND THE VEIL & Swag, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Behind the Veil by E.J. Dawson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
BookHounds YA-Guest Post-11-8/-2021
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt-11-8-2021
My Fictional Oasis-Review-11-9-2021
Don’t Judge, Read-Guest Post-11-9-2021
@enjoingbooksagain-Review-11-10-2021
Review Thick And Thin-Review-11-10-2021
The Momma Spot-Excerpt-11-11-2021
Nat Reads-Review-11-11-2021
100 Pages A Day-Review-11-12-2021
Lifestyle of Me-Review-11-12-2021

Week Two:
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews -Review-11-15-2021
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review-11-15-2021
The Book Review Crew-Review-11-16-2021
The Girl Who Reads-Review-11-16-2021
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-11-17-2021
Sparetimereader -Review-11-17-2021
Once Upon a Twilight -Review-11-18-2021
Jazzy Book Reviews-Review-11-18-2021
BookBriefs-Review-11-19-2021
OneMoreExclamation-Review-11-19-2021

December 8, 2021
My Name is Mary Magdalene by J.C. Miller
My Name is Mary Magdalene by J.C. Miller

Release: December 7, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Jess, Mo’ Books LLC
Source: RABT Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

__

__

Stepping away from her comfort zone, author JC Miller orchestrates a written tapestry chronicling the fragile state of a woman on the edge of insanity.

Plagued by a lifelong curse of mental illness, Mary Magdalene finds herself spending her golden years in a mental asylum. Her once zealous life becomes minimized to an endless routine of over-stimulating antipsychotic drugs. That is until Salmone Abrams, a hidden jewel from her past, resurfaces and helps her remember who she once was—The Queen of Harlem. Madame Mary Mags.

Inspired by her jazz playlist, JC Miller’s current novella, My Name is Mary Magdalene, shakes the family tree while exploring the often-stigmatized topic of mental health. This fictional spin on the biblical account of Mary Magdalene and her seven demons travels from the late 1940s into the mid-1990s as Mary recalls the battles that tore her life apart. Fear, Lust, Entitlement, Greed, Misery, Dependency, Guilt—emotional baggage that once achingly held her down propels her to victory.

About the Author:

JC Miller lives in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with her husband, children, and floppy-eared Bassador pup.

Raised by a single mother in the Bronx, JC pulls from early experiences to showcase the soul of urban survival through faith-based novels. She also dedicates much of her time uplifting women via her blog and creating content with partner and friend, MR Spain, through their publishing company, Jess, Mo’ Books LLC.

On her days off, you can find JC whipping up her famous Red Velvet cake and listening to songs from her impressive vinyl record collection.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | GoodReads

My Name is Mary Magdalene Review:

“My Name is Mary Magdalene” is a compelling tale about one woman’s turbulent life and how she builds the courage to fight through.

The book is a quick read but so effective. Stories revolving around institutions and asylums intrigue me because I always wonder how the characters wound up there. The author grabbed my attention right from the beginning as we find mary in an institution, possibly suffering from Schizophrenia and manic depression. The scenes where the author describes her life there gave me goosebumps. I was glued to the seat when Sal entered the picture, and Mary recollects the events that led her there.

The author does a beautiful job of toggling between the past and the present. I got engrossed in learning about Mary’s parents and the awful Mr. Lackey. Mary goes on a wild journey from her romance with Richard and fights with Lottie to getting in trouble in New York in a life of drugs and alcohol. The story is dramatic and filled with surprises, and there were never dull moments.

I thought the author portrayed the characters wonderfully. Whether Mary, Sal, Tiny, or Martita, all the characters brought something of value to the tale. Sal was my favorite character because he lifted Mary’s spirits and gave her courage. Moreover, I liked how the author incorporated the classic gospel tale of “Mary Magdalene” and the seven vices in this fictional tale, as Mary faces greed, lust, misery, etc.

Overall, I thought the author did a great job executing “My Name is Mary Magdalene.” It’s an excellent book covering Faith, romance, and mental health issues. I look forward to reading some of her other books as well.

Book Blitz:

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the My Name is Mary Magdalene J.C. Miller Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours.
December 8, 2021
Death In The Last Reel by Paula Harmon

Death In The Last Reel by Paula Harmon

Release:15 Nov. 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: January Press
Source: Zooloos Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

__

__

1911: After the violent murder of three policemen in the line of duty, tensions between London constabulary and Whitechapel anarchists simmer. Meanwhile accusations of espionage further weaken relations between Germany and Britain. Can Margaret Demeray and Fox find out who is behind a threat to the capital before it’s too late?

Amidst violence in the East End, Dr Margaret Demeray starts to gain recognition for her pathology work. However a personal decision puts her career at the hospital under threat. To explore alternative options, she tries working with another female doctor in Glassmakers Lane. But in that street, a new moving-picture studio is the only thing of any interest. Due boredom, Margaret takes an obsessive interest in the natural death of a young woman in a town far away.

Meanwhile intelligence agent Fox is trying to establish links of anarchist gangs to a major threat to London . When his mission fails, he asks Margaret to help find out about the false intelligence that led him in the wrong direction. She can’t wait to assist.

But enquiries in wealthy Hampstead and then assaults in poverty stricken Whitechapel lead unexpectedly back to Glassmakers Lane.

Margaret and Fox need to work together. But both of them are independent, private and stubborn, and have yet to negotiate the terms of their relationship.

How can Margaret persuade Fox to stop protecting her so that she can ask the questions he can’t? And even if she does, how can they discover is behind the threat to London when it’s not entirely clear what the threat actually is?

About the Author:

Paula Harmon was born in North London to parents of English, Scottish and Irish descent. To add a Welsh connection, her father relocated the family every two years from country town to country town moving slowly westwards until they settled in South Wales when Paula was eight.

She later graduated from Chichester University before making her home in Gloucestershire and then Dorset where she has lived since 2005. She is a civil servant, married with two adult children. Paula has several writing projects underway and wonders where the housework fairies are, because the house is a mess and she can’t think why.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Death In The Last Reel Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Death In The Last Reel” is what I would turn to as an intelligent historical mystery romance. I loved how intricate the author made the plot. This book had everything for a gripping thriller, from infiltrating anarchist cells to investigating murders and searching for spies.

Personally, it took some time for me to get into the plot. The author dives right into the story, where were meet the characters already in action. However, after a few pages, and especially after the shocking death of one of the characters, the story was in full swing. I loved how the author brought the life of the British Intelligence and spies into this historical fiction and found it refreshing from the run-of-the-mill books you have out there.

Margaret is excellent in the role and was the highlight for me. Moreover, she has to deal with people who do not take her seriously as a doctor because she is a woman. Right from the getgo, you know that Margaret and Fox have beautiful chemistry. The author portrays Margaret’s emotions realistically as she wonders what trouble Fox would get into during the investigations. The author balanced the character well, where she is emotional with Fox but logical with the analysis. On a side note, I also liked her relationship with Dr. Jordan.

Some notable moments of the story that stood out for me were finding the letter from Charles or learning Norah’s story. As the story progresses, the author introduces us to more characters and reveals a bigger picture. I loved how larger than life the story felt as Margaret and Fox traveled to Switzerland to investigate the murder.

Overall, “Death In The Last Reel” is a gripping historical mystery spy thriller with romance and intrigue, and I enjoyed reading it!

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Death In The Last Reel by Paula Harmon Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

December 8, 2021