Tag Archives: Contributor Reviews

New Year in Kentbury (Kentbury Tales 7) by Claudia Burgoa-review

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New Year in Kentbury (Kentbury Tales 7) by Claudia Burgoa-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 8, 2025

I can’t believe I’m calling Kentbury home. When I first arrived, I wasn’t planning on staying, but I’ve found my place here with Damian Harris. Our arrangement started off as some no-strings-attached fun, but somewhere between midnight kisses and secret touches, my heart got involved.

Now it’s almost New Year’s Eve, and I’m done being invisible. I’ve discovered how to love in Kentbury, learned who I really am—and I refuse to keep hiding behind locked doors. Damian may be tied to his powerful family name, but if he wants me by his side, he has to face the truth of who we are together.

If he won’t stand with me in the open, then I’ll have to ring in the new year on my own—because I can’t keep being his secret anymore.

••••

REVIEW:The final installment in the Kentbury series; New Year in Kentbury is a small town holiday romance that wraps up the series so well. This is a novella, so a shorter story, but nonetheless moving. It is also a MM romance, if that’s not your thing, kindly move on.

What do you get with a stressed out, dying under the pressure family heir? Damian Harris that’s what. As heir to the founding family legacy, Damian is expected to be the perfect person, take on the responsibility of the business and lead the family into the future. Frankly, he’s in over his head and doesn’t know what to do sometimes. When Paul McFolley moved to the small town from the “big city,” they became business partners and worked closely together, a spark begins to ignite, surprising both men. You see Damian has a secret, one that he isn’t ready to share with anyone, especially his family…..Yet.

Damian is such a complicated soul, and I felt for him in the small glance into his story that we received. He has spent so much of his life angry and tired, torn between what he wants and what his family expects of him. When Paul comes to town, their connection is passionate and emotional, you can tell how much they each mean to each other. However, Damian still has his demons and refuses to come out to his family, breaking poor Paul’s heart. When the anger, pain and heartbreak (and his fathers pestering) finally boil over, Damian confesses, opens his private life, his emotions, his worries, his anger. All of it. Now he is out in the open and scared out of his mind, but also hopeful. Maybe he can finally start living the life that he wants with the person he loves.

What a journey it has been in the tiny town of Kentbury. Through it all Ms.Claudia has given us everything we could have wanted and more. I’m sad to see the series end, but I will definitely be visiting again!

Previous reviews
Love in Kentbury
Summer in Kentbury

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

FOLLOW: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Amazon Author / Instagram

 

 

Claudia is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. 

She writes alluring, thrilling stories about complicated women and the men who take their breaths away. Her books are the perfect blend of steamy and heartfelt, filled with emotional characters and explosive chemistry. Her writing takes readers to new heights, providing a variety of tears, laughs, and shocking moments that leave fans on the edge of their seats.

She lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband, her youngest two children, and three fluffy dogs.

When Claudia is not writing, you can find her reading, knitting, or just hanging out with her family. At nights, she likes to binge watch shows or movies with her equally geeky husband.

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Hera’s Scream (American Noir Trilogy 2) by Shaun Griffin-review

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Hera’s Scream (American Noir Trilogy 2) by Shaun Griffin-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 4, 2024

You reap what you sow—the old proverb will prove no less true for Anastasiya, self-styled vampire Goddess. She allowed Faith, the young woman turned vampire, to live. But as Faith’s powers continue to evolve Anastasiya must decide—is the girl a potential ally or a rival to her position of power?

As Anastasiya contemplates her next move she is unaware of a deadlier threat. Goran, professional assassin and brother to Dragan, the man she killed, is out for revenge. His hunt will lead him to Anastasiya and her acolytes. Will they survive the deadly retribution he has planned?

Throw into the mix a corrupt biologist on the trail of the alien vampire virus, two FBI agents moonlighting as guns for hire, a cop investigating the suspicious death of his friend, and you have the ingredients for an explosive showdown.

••••

REVIEW:⚠️ TRIGGER WARNINGS ⚠️ Please be advised to read the triggers before reading the book.

Book one needs to be read before book two, as it continues from where book one left us.

Anastasiya isn’t our heroine in this story, she isn’t even really a nice character. A vampire who doesn’t sparkle or give off nice vibes. A killer when she feeds, and doesn’t care about the humans she feeds from! But she does care about the vampires being found out and exterminated! It’s her fault that Faith is killing and exposing herself and the vampires to the humans, she really should have ended her when she had the chance. (She turned Faith into the vampire)

And now that Faith is becoming even stronger than Anastasiya herself, she’s worried that Faith will want her position of top vampire!

Faith herself is still struggling with both being a vampire and obtaining strengths and other powers. All she wanted was to be left alone, but being hunted by humans/vampires and her “maker”, Faith is now turning the tables on the hunters! She’s making her own followers.

We also have Goran, a professional assassin out to 💀 Anastasiya, she took his brother from him, and now he seeks revenge! And I have to admit he’s come close a few times. But if he does come face to face with Anastasiya, what exactly does he have planned?

I liked this book a lot better than the first. It answered a lot of questions from the first book, and sets up book three nicely.

And the ending?!?! Well….. Nope…. 🤐

A little more SciFi than Noir I felt. But still really well written.

If you like your vampires that don’t have redeeming qualities, if you want a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, then I highly recommend both book one and two. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait long for the third one.

Click HERE for Julie’s review of book one HERA’S CURSE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Once Upon a Midnight Dream by Collette Cameron-review

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Once Upon a Midnight Dream (Chronicles of the Westbrook Brides 10) by Collette Cameron -review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2025

His forgotten past might shatter her future…

Captain Layton Westbrook has lost everything—his identity, his past, and the life he once knew. Left battered and near death after a violent attack, he awakens in a quiet countryside school, his mind a blank slate. Haunted by fragmented memories and a single vow never to trust again, Layton finds himself drawn to the serene presence of the woman who saved him. But shadows from his past are closing in, and danger may strike before he can uncover the truth.

Lillibet Granger has dedicated her life to Kelston Hall Children’s School, nurturing orphans with the love she never knew. As the illegitimate daughter of a viscount’s sister, her position is precarious, but her compassion and quiet strength have earned her respect. When she finds an injured man on the school grounds, her instincts urge caution, but his vulnerability stirs something deeper. Yet Lilly knows better than to dream of love—a plain, practical woman like her has no place in a hero’s world.

As Layton’s memories begin to surface, so do threats that could destroy everything Lilly holds dear. The future of her beloved school hangs by a thread, and Layton’s hidden identity could be the key to saving it—or the cause of its downfall. In a world where trust is fragile and love demands the ultimate risk, will they defy the odds and seize a second chance at happiness? Or will the secrets they hold tear them apart forever?

•••••••

REVIEW: Waking up with no memory Captain Layton Westbrook vows to regain his memory and seek revenge on those who left his broken and bruised! He seeks the truth, and until that day, he vows never to trust a single soul, but he doesn’t count on falling for his beguiling rescuer…..

Lillibet Granger runs an orphanage, it’s where she has been for most of her life! Becoming headmistress seemed like her life’s work. Happy to help the children who come to the orphanage, Lillibet gives them love and guidance that she never had.

It’s the 10th book in this series, no need to read previous books to enjoy this one. This is a sweet/clean romance. What it lacks in romance it more than makes up for in story, the action/mystery and suspense will have you wanting to read until the dramatic conclusion.

A really well written story, the characters at first seem a little stilted and stiff, but once we get past the first chapter they begin to warm to one another. And the story began its twists and turns.

But there is a secret that once discovered could end this budding romance! As his memory begins to return, could our hero be the savior or the ruination of Kelston Hall Children’s School?

Can the final Westbrook find love in this quiet little school? Or will his past shatter the dreams both characters have for one another?

There are scenes that will stay with me for a while, including the orchard scene and the epilogue.

It’s a book I’ll happily recommend time and again.

The life/laughter/pain and joy throughout this book kept me spellbound.

Previous reviews

The Wallflowers’s Midnight Waltz
Memories Made at Midnight

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance by Julie Johnstone-review

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The Highlander Burns for Vengeance (Return of the Highlanders) by Julie Johnstone-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 30, 2024

Divided by treachery, bound by an edict, they must decide their to love or to hate.

After years of captivity, Graeme Stewart has returned home with a burning desire for vengeance, and it’s all directed at the Campbell clan. They attacked his home, killed his parents, and imprisoned him for eighteen long years. So when the king demands Graeme handfast with his enemy’s sister to end the warring of their clans, he intends to use her to get the revenge he yearns for. But Maisie’s courage and character surprise him at every turn, conjuring admiration and stirring desire. Now, with revenge within his grasp, he must make a choice before it’s too either cling to the malice that kept him alive or release it for the chance at love.

The vengeful and unreasonable Highlander intends to destroy her family, and Maisie Campbell is bound to him for a year and a day. She hates everything about Graeme, except the way he kisses, which is a force that nearly brings her to her knees. But lust does not a marriage make, and the man is hell-bent on proving her brother a traitor and herself treacherous, so she sets out to prove otherwise. Yet, as questions of her brother’s character arise in her own mind and Graeme displays an honorable, fiercely protective nature, Maisie faces a seek a truth that will doom the brother she adores or remain blindly loyal to those she’s always held dear and lose the man she has come to love with all her heart.

••••

REVIEW: Revenge/passion/deceit and loyalty all in one book? sign me up.

Graeme Stewart returns home after being held captive for many years! He’s seeking revenge against the ones who held him! But fate has a different plan…..

Being commanded by the King to marry (handfast) his bitter enemies sister to retain peace between his clan and the Campbell’s has Graeme firstly refusing, then realising he can access the clan through his bride, he can use to her get his revenge. Bitterly he agrees…..

Maisie has no option but to tie herself to the bully Graeme Stewart, thank goodness it’s not forever. It’s going to be a hellish year, but Maisie is a Scot of her word. But if he’s expecting a meek and mild woman, he’s surely mistaken.

Both are extremely hostile towards one another, distrust is easier to maintain than trust. Both are seeking the truth, but what happens when Graeme’s truth muddies Maisie’s? She’s sure her brother is a just and good man, he’s the leader of their clan. But doubts begin to creep in…..

I love this series. I’ve read the previous two books (but not necessary to enjoy this book.) The characters are brought to life with this author, as is her descriptions of the scenery and feelings these two have towards one another. I really like how fact and fiction are woven together to create something so compelling, that I didn’t stop reading until the last page was done.

This book’s full of intrigue and mystery, and a few twists. We see Graeme’s love for his nursemaid/nanny (she was captured with him) we learn of his distrust and immense dislike for the Campbell clan. And we begin to put pieces together of what really happened on the day Graeme was taken prisoner….

Maisie is a great character, she’s no wallflower, she knows her own mind and speaks it. But she’s only a woman, and they were used to broker deals, and form alliances.

Graeme is part of a clan that as children were separated to keep them safe. Their parents were murdered and the children were scattered to keep them safe. So technically Graeme doesn’t know his clan, it’s only what his beloved Eppie has told him through the years. But he’s loyal and he will have his revenge!

Other characters we see are added to the story, and there are a few you need to keep your eyes on 🤐

As time passes distrust turns to trust, and the characters begin to like one another, love isn’t far away, but how can they put aside their differences and doubts to be with one another? Can Graeme really trust a Campbell? And if Maisie finds out her clan had something to do with her husband’s imprisonment, can she turn her back on them?

Another fantastic story from this author. I’m not going to spoil the rest of the book.

But I think you’re going to love this book if you’re a fan of historical romance. If you like your book full of action and suspense then this one I highly recommend.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
Secrets of a Highlander’s Heart
Tangled Up with the Highlander

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

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LORD APPLEBY’S GORGEOUS IMPOSTER by Cerise Deland-review

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LORD APPLEBY’S GORGEOUS IMPOSTER (Scarlett Affairs 3) by Cerise Deland-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27,2024

He’s the last man Viv wants to see.
Vivienne de Massé goes to Paris impersonating her oldest sister, the infamous Drury Lane actress, Charmaine Massey. Viv has a reason…and a plan to avenge the capture and death of their other sister during the Terror. Only one man can stop her.

Tate Cantrell is the only man who sees right through her.
Tate Cantrell bursts into her dressing room one night in Paris and calls Viv’s bluff. He reminds Viv she plays a role—and a dangerous game she cannot win alone.

He declares she needs him. She always has. Indeed, he’s spent the last decade helping the émigré Massé family—and falling in love with charming Viv. Now the Earl of Appleby, Tate works as a spy for Scarlett Hawthorne’s network on the Continent. He alone has the means and the connections to help her….if she’ll let him.

Haunted by their past, they’re desperate to save their future together… If they can survive those who would destroy them.

•••••

REVIEW:Book three in this series. I’ve read and loved the previous books. There is a connection (the men this the last two books are known by Tate.) But it doesn’t mean you have to read them in order.

This book takes place at the end of the French Revolution, but at the beginning of Napoleon’s renewed war on Britain! It’s dangerous time being in France, families lose lives and loved ones in this period.

The prologue was gripping, this was set just a little earlier (in the French Revolution period!)

Tate has known this family for a long time, he helped Vivienne’s family escape, and took them to his home in England. With Vivienne he definitely wore his heart on his sleeve, and was absolutely terrified and scared that something would happen to her, so he takes it upon himself to find and bring her back!

Vivienne was born in France, but fled to England to escape the terror. Now she’s back to get her revenge! Vivienne, I felt was really tenacious in her search for the truth of that horrible night. And I admired her spirit and courage when she decides to return to France and find her sister.

This book was well written and really well researched, it has a few discrepancies (but that’s the authors take on it and has to write a few things differently.)

Both Tate and Vivienne have feelings for one another, but circumstances have kept them apart. But now he’s got her in his sights, there is nothing stopping him from claiming her, well, except for her! She is consumed with finding justice for her sister.

It’s a fast paced adventure, with lots of intrigue and suspense.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

Lord Ashley’s Beautiful Alibi
Lord Ramsay’s Redheaded Ruin

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

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The One (Spade Hotel 5) by Marni Mann-review tour

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The One (Spade Hotel 5) by Marni Mann-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3y28jp2

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 27, 2024

They call me insensitive.
They call me uncaring.
I’m a raging alphahole ninety-nine percent of the time.

But no one really knows Rhett Cole at all.

Memories are my currency.
Regret is my drink of choice.
I’m not the guy who didn’t care.
I’m the guy who only cared about her.

Lainey Taylor.

My reason.
My why.
My one.
The woman I’ve been in love with since my freshman year of high school.

A love so strong that I had her name inked on my body when I was eighteen.
She was my fairy tale.
My happily ever after.

Until I ruined … everything.
Until she looked me in the face and told me she never wanted to see me again.

That’s the day my life lost all meaning.
Fifteen years later, she’s back, and my dead heart begins to beat again.
Every story has a villain.
I’ve held that title for too long.

When the truth is revealed …
Will I win back the one?

••••

REVIEW:If you’re looking to finish out the 2024 year with a ugly cry book, you have come to the right place for it. The One by Marni Mann is book five in the Spade Hotel series. It is definitely recommended to read the series in order, there are many details and characters that are present that I think are important when reading the newest installment. However, the books can be read as standalone if you really want to.

It is FINALLY Rhett’s turn. So much of this series shows Rhett as the cold, heartless, villain, never willing to do anything for anyone, always looking out for himself. Well now we have the other side to that story, and what a story it is. To tell that story we have to go back fifteen years ago.

Rhett and Lainey are high school sweethearts, they are young, they are naive, and they are so, so in love. When the unthinkable happens, and tears our two love birds apart, Lainey gets lost in her grief and leaves, off to get lost in the world, severing all contact with Rhett. The pair unravel without each other, it is heartbreaking to see.

Fast forward to the present, Rhett is a grumpy, cold, complicated man who prefers his own company over any other. While Lainey is living with more and more grief everyday. This couple is the definition of living without part of your soul. Their story revolves around their separation, the heartbreak and grief that came from that, the trauma they endured and the loneliness they both have suffered. Rhett’s guilt and Laney’s grief are without a doubt some of the strongest emotions I have experienced from a book before.

When these two finally come back together for the first time in nearly two decades, the tension is palpable. Rhett has to lean into his vulnerability and really show Lainey what he is feeling, and Lainey has to let down her shields that she had spent so long holding up.

I really have to give Marni credit for her ability to write such intense and deep rooted characters, Rhett and Lainey are an amazing combination of pain, hope, forgiveness and passion.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews

The Playboy
The Rebel
The Sinner
The Heartbreaker

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest/ Amazon Author/ Bookbub/ TikTok/ News Letter Sign Up

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris) by Blair M Shadows-review & interview

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Crystal Iris (Crystal Iris 1) by Blair M  Shadows -review and interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 1, 2024

Get ready to lose yourself in a world where art and magic intertwine with a blistering hot romance.

Crystal Iris: Book I is the beginning of a tantalizing magical romance series brimming with mystery, modern conflicts, and a love story that will leave you aching for more. A sexy, addictive mystical fantasy with a strong female lead, swoon-worthy book boyfriends, and plenty of spice—perfect for fans of books featured on BookTok.

Professor Iris De Loughery’s life changes on the night of her thirtieth birthday. The gift she receives from her distant father defies reality as she knows it, launching her on a journey of self-discovery alongside a dive into the spectral unknown. Shaken by her relationships, the Harvard art history professor’s struggles intensify when she meets Hoyt, another prism possessor. Controlling her feelings will be her first challenge in this wicked spicy series.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW:

“Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one.” – Stella Adler”

I love the cover. Definitely in my discreet era 😜

I wasn’t to enamoured by the blurb if I’m honest. And maybe I should have gone in blind. Sometime you are pleasantly surprised.

“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.” – Robert Hughes”

But the book, the book had a few issues, but I couldn’t put it down until the last page was done. It was a little slow in places, and a few discrepancies, but it didn’t take away from the drama and storytelling.

I also liked the little quotes at the beginning of each chapter, I’m not a big lover of history (although I do read historical romance 😉) but I found the snippets the author gave us really fascinating, I felt it added something extra to the story. The MFC is a history professor, so it was a good idea that she could actually tell us a little a little it.)

“One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.” – Leonardo da Vinci”

MFC is an older character (which I always like, love isn’t just for the young you know 😉) and with an established career and life already. But life isn’t always played out the way you plan it……

Iris is given a gift from an absent father (we get to find out more through the book.) At first Iris wants nothing to with her father or the gift, but curiosity wins out…..

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” – Paul Strand”

What I liked was this book didn’t info dump on you, it gave it in easy segments, so that it didn’t overwhelm or confuse the reader. (I don’t need confusing thanks 😉)

Hoyt is also a prism holder. And that’s what connects them at first. The friendship grows and venues something more….

But we also have mystery and drama. And that’s the bit I loved. It keeps you wondering how this will turn out

There are so many questions that need answering in the book …..

What’s a prism? What’s its purpose? How does it involve Iris and Hoyt?

And do her mother’s letters hold more clues or questions?

You will have to read the book to find out if my questions are answered.

And the ending!! What a way to leave it open for the next book (which i hope is soon 🤞)

SO if you ignore the blurb and dive straight in I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Plenty of intrigue and mystery. A puzzle that needs solving (I did guess a few things pretty quick, but others completely surprised me.) it says a spicy romance, and then someone describes it as a slow burn 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ll leave that for you to decide.

Copy supplied for review

🦋 Reviewed by Julie

TRC: .Hi Blair and welcome to The Reading Cafe. Congratulations on the release of Crystal Iris. We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Blair: I’m a mom first and foremost, and a nostalgic at heart. I love researching and reading about history and art. Having lived in a few exciting places and traveled extensively for work, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the world.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing? 

Blair: My background is in film and TV, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be involved in telling stories. Coming from a creative family, I was always encouraged to pursue this path.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing this story?

Blair: I wish I could say the path has been smooth, but I’ve had to battle self-doubt on a daily basis—something that’s probably common when writing a debut novel. Publishing is an entirely different beast, one I’m still navigating. My mantra has always been: ‘One day at a time.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of   CRYSTAL IRIS?

Blair: Crystal Iris is a story about love—primarily self-love. It weaves in magical elements, spice, betrayals, and art, but at its core, it’s about discovering who we truly are when faced with life’s challenges.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning CRYSTAL IRIS

BLAIR: I started writing Crystal Iris about seven years ago, and the research has been my favorite part. I loved diving deeper into art history, which was my minor in college.

TRC: Is CRYSTAL IRIS part of a series? A stand alone?

Blair: It’s the first book of a series.

TRC: Do you have plans for a series/ or story for any of the secondary characters?

Blair: All the characters play an important role in the overall story, but as of now, there isn’t a specific book planned for any of them.

TRC: Do you have any interest in writing, or have you ever written for another genre?

Blair: I can see myself writing something in the horror genre.

TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines .How do you keep the fantasy  story line believable? Where do you think some author’s fail?

Blair: Since Crystal Iris isn’t high fantasy, I was careful about how I introduced magical elements, especially since the story is set in the real world. I wanted to bring in the supernatural gradually, building on it with each book. I think it could lose its impact if those elements were revealed too quickly or out of context.”

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Blair: Yes, packaging matters in all products, and books are no exception.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Blair: In my case, the characters make their own choices—I’m just along for the ride.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen?  Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Blair: I think when the character drives the story, it’s much easier to connect with their emotions. When an author tries to restrain the narrative, things can feel forced.

TRC:Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Blair: I need complete silence when writing, but I love listening to music while going for walks and thinking about the story. I see my characters as real people—they have hobbies, tastes in food, and, of course, their own music preferences. There’s a playlist on Spotify for Crystal Iris Book One, in case anyone’s curious about the music vibes.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Blair: People often think being an author must be very relaxing, but I’ve found the opposite to be true.

TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

Blair: I’m a bit of a neat freak—things only bring me stress if they’re not in the way I think they should be.

TRC: Who or what influenced your path towards a young adult, paranormal story line.

Blair: I write what I want to read; I’m basically my own audience.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Blair: Crystal Iris book two.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Blair: Thank you so much for this opportunity, I really appreciate the support.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food- Italian

Favorite Dessert– Ice cream

Favorite TV Show -Lost

Last Movie You Saw- Home alone (my son’s first time)

Dark or Milk Chocolate– Milk chocolate 

Secret Celebrity Crush -Justin Timberlake 

Last Vacation –Destination Rio, Brazil summer 2024

Do you have any pets? -Not currently 

Last book you read -Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Carl Newport

TRC: Thank you Blair for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best.

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Wrong Twin (Hockey Romance) by Roxanne Tully-review

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Wrong Twin (Hockey Romance) by Roxanne Tully-review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Re-release Date December 5, 2024

August

When my pro-hockey-playing twin brother tanks at the season opener and drops off the grid—I’m left picking up the pieces. And his hockey stick.
I haven’t played since high school. These days I’m more about hedge funds and suits than pucks and bunnies. But I’m far from rusty.
Then she shows up. Harper Maxwell—smart, driven, gorgeous— here looking to even the score after my brother humiliated her on prom night. Troy never deserved her, not for the minute and a half they dated and certainly not now.
When she mistakes me for him and kisses me like she’s been waiting her whole life to do it, I don’t stop her. In fact, there’s not much I have but respect when she locks me in the men’s room and takes off with my clothes.

Harper

Grumpy, gorgeous and green eyes that stare at me like I’m the only girl in the room, my ex is nothing like the arrogant narcissist I remember. What I see is a guy whose diction is as sharp as his speed across the ice. Who’s bulging biceps, chiseled jaw and crooked smile make me forget I’m here for revenge. He’s protective and impulsive in a way that makes my skin sizzle.

It’s like I’ve got the wrong guy.
Or maybe—the wrong twin.

•••••

REVIEW: What a perfect title for this book! The Wrong Twin is a standalone, sports romance with the added kick of a misidentity.

Harper Maxwell wants one thing. Revenge. Revenge for the heartbreak, the tears and the pain that Troy caused. Troy, the guy she thought loved her, the one that she trusted, the one that she thought would never leave her.Little does she know her revenge is going to take a different turn that the one she thinks. That turn takes the form of August. Troy’s twin brother. The twin brother that might just mean more to her than her own revenge.

August and Harper are two of the most interesting main characters I have read before. Their past brings chaos, tension and jealousy to their relationship, not to mention passion and forgiveness. For such a short book, I really enjoyed the banter between the main leads as well as the fast paced plot. For a sports romance, I expected a little more sports, but otherwise, I am very happy with the book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sarah

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Roxanne writes contemporary romance with strong realistic heroines and a healthy dose of angst. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, baking and traveling with her real-life male hero.

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