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[readwithmiaa]

Fervency Love

By Scarlett H. Lovers

Page Count : 504 pages

Blurb:

Love can warm you up or burn you.

Abigail grew up believing that she wasn’t enough. She has built a wall of indifference around herself over the years, but when fate unexpectedly brings Connor into her life, that barrier begins to crumble.

From the beginning, Connor appears to be the opposite of Abigail. His daily life is filled with friends, drugs, and parties. But one look is enough to spark something between the two, and he quickly becomes the most important person in the world to her. Their every meeting is filled with passion, creating a volcano ready to erupt at any moment.

Despite their young age, feelings and desire overcome them. Both are unaware of how much pain and sacrifice it will cost to maintain their relationship. Will they prove strong enough to survive the storms on the horizon?

“I loved you a lot earlier than I admitted, even to myself. I loved you from the very first moment I saw you. I feel the taste of life with you. I started really breathing only when I met you. I've never felt so alive before.”

Review:

"𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒘𝒍 𝒐𝒖𝒕. 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔."

This book was completely different from how I was expecting it to be, I certainly didn’t think I would get so emotionally involved with the characters or care so much about them anyways. But the story seemed to get better and better as it went along, it was obvious that there was something between Ve and Gail from the start and after getting closer together, things really start to get interesting, and you’ll be tearing at the pages trying to find out what happens, it'll make you feel like you're inside their heads.

"𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒏��𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒂 𝒃𝒊𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒚𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒂𝒏𝒈—𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒊𝒔𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒘𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒍, 𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔."

They went through many ups and downs in their relationship. Regardless of the mayhem and drama they are very much in love. These two characters have a fierce attraction and a thriving relationship like no other that I have read. I can feel the steam coming off the pages.

"𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒚𝒔. 𝑯𝒆’𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆."

Their feelings were really well shown, all their fears, insecurities, anger and love. This story has so many ups and downs it's an emotional roller coaster! There were definitely moments filled with angst and unspoken feelings between the two characters that really helped make the plot that much more interesting. The author never described things for too long or too little, this was great because I just really wanted to go on with the story.

"𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒂 𝒔𝒖𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒏𝒐 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒃𝒆𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒆. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒚. 𝑪𝒓𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒂𝒅𝒎𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒕, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑶𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇."

The author has done a wonderful job of creating multi-layered characters, who are flawed and still lovable. In fact this is one of those books that compels you to read it no matter what. The intensity of this novel is almost palpable that will give readers a tangible experience to carry long after the last page. It just might be possible that this book should come with a warning label, readers be prepared to be absorbed for the duration of this novel nothing else will get accomplished until you are done with this book.

Will they overcome everything and become a couple or will they hate each other and continue to go on different paths?!!

Rating : 5/5

[readwithmiaa]

Until I Have Healed You

By Azalea Valaine

Page count : 559

Blurb:

"The truth is that of all created things, I am most fond of you."

The ruler of the Primordial Godhead – Theos’ D’Or, is the creator of the universe. He is life itself. He has one desire – a mate he has been waiting for since he set time into motion.

Haera Raehn is a battered, rogue werewolf, with a past that has left the snow of her province stained with her blood. She has one goal – stay on guard; stay safe.

The Third Member of the Primordial Godhead, Kheos Dhamma, is the roiling, burning scourge of destiny that mortals fear and despise. He has one job – to ensure the success of the love of the gods.

Theos and Kheos have been at each others’ throats for eternity. When Kheos’ angry indifference suddenly melts into worried concern about Haera’s safety, Theos can’t tell if it’s a new attempt to take his throne, or a genuine attempt to help. By the time he discerns his brother’s true intentions, it may be too late.

Review:

✨Gods. Gods. Gods✨

"𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒇 𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒚𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔, 𝑯𝒂𝒆𝒓𝒂.”

Wow, I’m a little in awe of this book, simply Breathtaking. I absolutely love all the side-characters, they’re amazing that I can read several chapters solely on them. The world and storyline were so mesmerizing and intriguing, I literally read the whole book in one night, I couldn’t bear to put it down.

"𝑰 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅𝒔– 𝑰’𝒅 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝑯𝒂𝒆𝒓𝒂.”

This book is equally dark, sensual, unsettling and a little twisted with its elements. The language is beautiful, every word matters. And love! Well, it really pushes all the boundaries, it transcends time and space. The intense slow burn romance between Theos and Haera is truly amazing.

“𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕.”

I can only imagine what Azalea has in store for the furthering and deepening of this fantastic world she has created, I'm more excited for the side characters especially Kheos and Rheos. I have come to the conclusion that nothing I write will ever give this book the justice that it truly deserves. Azalea has written such an amazing story that I am left utterly speechless, the characters!!!!! Her characters are so vivid, I can visualize every one of them without even trying. Thaos is definitely in my top 5 favorites.

“𝑯𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕, 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆.”

Also somewhere along the way, the book turns itself on end and becomes something entirely new and completely its own unique masterpiece. I am seriously in love with this book now. I have no doubt that the next book in the series will be even better, and I am going to lose it a little each day waiting for it to be released!

Rating : 5/5

[readwithmiaa]

𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐞

By Ava Harrison

Blurb:

From USA Today bestselling author Ava Harrison comes a new standalone hockey romance.

My dad abandoned me as a baby.

My mom just kicked me out.

Oh, and I can’t stand hockey.

It’s shocking how many drunken secrets Dane Sinclair fleeces from me the night we meet.

It’s supposed to be a one-night stand.

No numbers.

No strings attached.

A release we both desperately need.

Neither of us expect to come face-to-face again on my first day working for the Redville Saints.

Dane thinks I targeted him.

That I seduced him, knowing he’s their star enforcer.

Despite his suspicions, he can’t stay away from me.

I’m his dirty little secret.

His coach’s off-limits daughter.

The whole world thinks he’s a Saint.

It’s about to find out behind the squeaky clean exterior is just another sinner.

Review:

“𝑨𝒏𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑰 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖.”

I loved Dane and Josie and the way they could just let go of their own problems with each other. The way they interacted with each other and with others felt very real. I could almost imagine myself there and watching them interact with people in these situations, having their conversations. And the secondary character, Well let me just say I think I'm a little in love with Aiden and Hudson. I want to know more about their side of stories too.

“𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑰 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇.”

The characters are very well developed and easy to build a connection with, even if at times you want to grab them by their throat and shake some sense into them. This book is definitely one of those stories that will make you angry, upset, or just want to throw the book across the room. Mostly it is because the author manages to make you care about the characters so much that you can't stand to see them go through the emotional turmoil.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : 5/5

Thanks to Hambright PR for the copy of this book.

[readwithmiaa]

Happily Never After

By Madison Score

Blurb:

Things are looking up for Claire Hartley. After thwarting yet another attempted murder, she’s enjoying the quiet life as a dog mom to Rosie, girlfriend to grumpy filmmaker Luke, and planner of epic marriage proposals.

If she can manage to pull off this wildly elaborate Hollywood proposal, her dreams of creating bicoastal happily ever afters will finally come true. So what if her trauma-induced sleepwalking—and sleepsnacking—hasn’t gone away yet? That doesn’t mean anything, right? She’s fine. Everything is fine.

Except it’s not. There’s a teeny, tiny possibility that she didn’t put every member of the sinister, murdery organization behind bars. At least, that’s what Claire’s burned-down warehouse and a swimming pool full of blood lead her to believe.

The FBI isn’t turning up any leads, and when the threats escalate to target people she loves, Claire is forced to put on her amateur sleuth trench coat one last time.

The stakes have never been higher.

Can she turn the tables on the bad guys or will she—or someone incredibly close to her—be the final victim?

Review:

It took me a minute to get completely sucked into this story, but when I did, I flew through it.

A first read by me from this author, Madison Score. All I can say is wow! This book is well written and everything blends it in so well. This is a page turner for sure. It kept me in suspense and full of so many surprises that I never saw coming. I loved how the author brought up the previous scenarios and how this affected the main characters of the book.

I probably could have read it in one sitting, but adulting kept getting in the way. I loved the pace of the book. The characters are distinct and realistic. Claire and Luke's relationship flows well in this book. Several of the minor characters really brought the scenes to life and kept the story flowing when I might have been tempted to put it down. But I was glad I kept with it and let the story play out in its entirety.

Rating : 4/5

Thank you to Hambright PR for providing me a copy of this book.

[readwithmiaa]

𝐀 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬

By Willow Winters

Blurb:

Nothing could hide her from me.

The darkness is everywhere and it moves about in the mortal realm….

And then there’s her. Bright and so easily seen.

Mine.

She calls to me like I prayed to the Gods she would.

I should feel guilt for what I’m going to do. What I must do.

She doesn’t remember, but I do. She belongs to me.

I will claim her and bring her to the underworld as mine.

At all costs… nothing will keep me from what belongs to me.

Review:

I requested this arc copy through Hambright without realizing it's a prequel to Willow's upcoming book "His in the dark". This is my first Willow Winters book and I'm not disappointed. Thoroughly enjoyed it right from the start. 

Her writing style was easy to read and sucked me into the story. With a few well-placed words the author managed to paint a picture in my head and let me watch the book like a movie, a thriller suspense movie. 

I enjoyed reading this book immensely and was pretty excited for the next book in the series, where we see the characters again.There's a raw darkness in this story but it's beautiful. 

I devoured this book in one sitting and can't wait for the next book. If you like Greek mythology definitely give this a shot. 

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 : 4/5 

Thanks to Hambright PR for providing me a copy of this book 📚

[readwithmiaa]

𝐋𝐮𝐯 (𝐔𝐧) 𝐀𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝

By N. M. Patel

Pages : 512

Blurb:

Luv (un)Arranged is a Steamy, Desi Arranged Marriage contemporary romance, packed with before-marriage courting, the magical engagement period, and living with the in-laws after marriage. Just like a Bollywood Masala movie, it's full of Romance, Dancing, and a very, chaotic Indian Family.

Kriti Pandya

The eldest daughter of the Pandya family. I have three nonnegotiable conditions for marriage:

I will continue working after marriage, even after having children.

I won’t sleep with my husband for the first six months.

I will have full control over the money I earn.

After being rejected and ridiculed by countless men for my "unreasonable" demands, I meet him.

Aakar Mishra, the eldest son of the Mishra family.

The first man who not only agrees to my conditions but also believes they’re perfectly reasonable.

The man who bends the unwritten rules of arranged marriage to truly get to know me.

The man who takes me on dates and long drives.

The man who lives in a joint family of fourteen.

The man who expects me to move in with his large family and make it my own after marriage.

Yikes.

Coming from a small nuclear family, I’m worried I won’t be a good daughter-in-law. But more than that, I’m downright terrified of losing myself in the process.

And what happens when family secrets start to emerge, forcing me to choose between being a good wife—or a good daughter-in-law?

Will this arranged marriage bring us the love we’ve always longed for?

Review:

This book was so, so, so good. Perfect. I love Aakar right from the beginning and I didn't expect that kind of steamy scene between Kriti and Aakar, it was extraordinary. Kriti is smart and spirited, and the relationship between them develops so sweetly and naturally. Aakar and Kriti got married then it all went well until there was a secret or two in their joint family, and the secrets created some misunderstandings between them.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔, 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒖𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒕𝒉 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓. 𝑯𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒂 𝒉𝒖𝒔𝒃𝒂𝒏𝒅. "

When their relationship progressed it became so emotional and left me breathless. It's also quite touching and there are some unexpected turns in the story that add to the closeness of the characters. Moreover, both of them were so funny I giggled a lot while reading.

"𝑰𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑲𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊. 𝑶𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝑲𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊."

While this story has quite a few intense physical scenes, the relationship between the two is so obviously so much more than that. That is the best part about this story, the growing respect for each other.

I really enjoyed every page in that book. It was so exciting, romantic, and I couldn't stop reading it. I liked Kriti's pure heart, her love, and the fact that she will put up with all the things just to stay with Aakar, how she understands everything. There was so much chemistry between them. And this book has to have one of the best grovel scenes I have ever read. What are you waiting for??? Seriously, go and read this book!!

"𝑯𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑰𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔."

The ending! Awww. Don't even ask how big that grin on my face was. The whole family came together for her!!!! That's the best thing ever.

Rating : 10/10

About The Author:

N.M. Patel is a passionate author who writes romance novels inspired by her love of Bollywood movies. Her books are filled with humor, steam, and plenty of love, featuring strong heroines and swoon-worthy heroes. Get ready to be transported into a world of desi culture, unforgettable characters, and a romantic escape that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Thanks to Swipe the book PR for having me on this tour📍

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We're thrilled to reveal the cover for 52 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐬 𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐧𝐞 by Bianca Pensy Aba with Colored Pages BT.

This visually stunning cover perfectly captures the essence of the story and will leave you eager to dive into its pages.

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛:

Aisha isn’t known to hold her tongue, but that’s until she finds out her boyfriend and her best friend are having an affair on New Year’s Eve. This sends her packing. She leaves Denver and moves to Dallas to have the time and space to process the betrayal.

Spending time alone also spotlights other issues she has been trying to conceal: her broken relationship with her mother, her growing apart from her brother, and the impact of her late absentee father on her life.

Aisha is overwhelmed by everything, so instead of using her time away to “do the work,” she spends weeks putting it off and indulging in every possible distraction—until she hits a wall.

Aisha will have to either confront the ghosts from her past before the year ends or continue to pretend they aren’t there and let them haunt her until the very end.

About The Author:

BIANCA PENSY ABA was born on May 27, 1993, in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She lived in her native country until she turned eighteen. She graduated from Graceland University in 2017. She was a college athlete who played sports most of her life. Her second love was basketball. Her first was writing. 

She is the author of ACROSS BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR and 52 WEEKS A PARTY OF ONE. She lives in Allen, Texas, where she enjoys picnicking, reading, hiking, watching terrible dating shows, sipping a glass of wine on her balcony, and doing whatever else she is in the mood for.

Pre-order link: https://www.amazon.com/Weeks-Party-One-Bianca-Pensy-ebook/dp/B0DJTDQ6Z7?ref_=ast_author_dp

ARC Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYshLDdqjECQ7PXUNjDFKED_Li09D0bM1huVArmx8LHxYiJA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Thanks to coloredpagesbt for having me on Cover reveal tour! 

#52WeeksaPartyofOnetour #CoverReveal #coloredpagesbooktours

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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐠𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

By Michael Thomas Perone

Pub. Date: October 14, 2024

Publisher: Wheatmark

Formats:  Paperback, eBook

Pages: 251

𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐛:

A small town becomes obsessed with television—to the point of madness.

A cheerful innocent confronts the harsh reality of the world and is forever changed by the experience.

A struggling author begins receiving strange messages on the paper he uses to write.

A bullied, brilliant teen is put through the wringer of his high school and comes out the other side insane.

A detective of the future discovers he may be investigating his own untimely demise—and that of the world’s.

These and one more dark fable await you from the imaginative mind of the award-winning author Michael Thomas Perone. Part fractured fairy tales, part nightmare fuel, The Electric God and Other Shorts follows characters who struggle to remain sane in an insane world and features stories that will keep you up at night, wondering what might be lurking in the shadows.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

“𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒑𝒐𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓.”

It's a collection of short stories that deals with darkness. I got a disturbing yet great reading experience as it explores horror themes intermixed with ordinary. It definitely blurs the line between reality and imaginary, as the characters often find themselves in illogical situations. I appreciate the author for blending the supernatural things in reality so well. Without giving away the entire plot, I'll explain my favorites among them.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒌. 𝑰𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒂𝒕𝒆."

The story revolves around Bill who finds himself in a strange scenario as he faces a baby with supernatural power.

"𝑻𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎, 𝒂 𝒑𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒆𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔."

The story deals with Jonathan, a writer who's immersing himself in writing, as he finds a mysterious message, it takes him back to his childhood and the deep bond he shares with the writing process, highlighting the differences of modern equips.

"𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒕, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒖𝒛𝒛𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆."

The story follows Nick as he ends up in an abandoned house after experiencing some strange events. His memories from his high school days, his past facing his deepest fears of being an outcast.

“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍. 𝑹𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒐𝒘𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒔. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒓𝒐𝒌𝒆𝒏 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔—𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒖𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍.”

“𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒍𝒚, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒖𝒛𝒛 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒑 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒘 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍.”

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Michael Thomas Perone is an award-winning author who has written for The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore City Paper, Long Island Voice (a spinoff of The Village Voice), and The Island Ear (now titled Long Island Press), among others. Online, he has written for Yahoo!, WhatCulture!, and other websites that don’t end with an exclamation mark.

His debut novel, the action-adventure Danger Peak, was the recipient of multiple awards, including The Fall 2022 BookFest Award in the category of Young Adult – Action and Adventure. His follow-up, the coming-of-age/sci-fi mindbender Déjà View, won First Place at the Spring 2024 BookFest Awards in the category of Young Adult – Literary and Coming of Age. It was also a finalist of The Eric Hoffer Book Award. He currently works as a Senior Editor and lives on Long Island with his wife and two daughters.

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𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫

By Kat Bammer

The story revolves around Emilia who got kidnapped and captivated by a powerful mafia family, Gabriele Falcone. He is a ruthless & dangerous man. But as the story moves forward, they tend to spend more time together. It works as a bridge for them to connect and they develop a forbidden attraction between them. This makes Emilia torn as her growing feelings for Gabriele heighten every day, while he struggles with his demons and also the demands of his family.

The author's writing style is engaging and makes the readers hook till the last page. It definitely draws you in and lets you enjoy the whole different Mafia world. The characters are very well developed. There's an undeniable chemistry between Emilia and Gabrielle, as both their characters are a bit complex with some compelling story lines

Rating : 4/5

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Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of the book, Running Mates - Emily Locker

Hello and Welcome everyone!

Today, we have the honour of hosting an author interview with Emily Locker. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!

1. Please tell us about yourself.

I recently returned to Washington D.C. where I live with my husband and two young sons. When I am not writing or chasing after my "lively" boys, I work as a psychotherapist in private practice. Running Mates is my first published novel, after many past (failed) attempts at getting a novel published in the past. I wrote Running Mates mostly late at night, fueled by chocolate and espresso.

2. Your recent book Running Mates likely touches on both political and personal dynamics. How did you balance these two aspects in your narrative?

I have seen so many cases in my psychotherapy practice of friends and families facing real strife, and at times estrangement, due to differing views on politics and current events. I think that in today’s society, especially with social media, politics can feel personal in a profound way. People’s very identities are entwined with their political beliefs and ethos. It can feel like an attack on self when a loved one disagrees with how you see the world.

3. Were any of your characters inspired by real people or experiences?

In my son’s DC nursery school we had president Obama’s old speech writer and Mike Pence’s old speech writer in the same class! It was inspiring watching, despite their obvious political differences, these two parents getting along so well by the end of the year through shared community and experiences (e.g,. kid birthday parties and parent outings).

4. What challenges did you face in balancing the political backdrop with the more personal, romantic elements?

My biggest challenge was trying to make sure Anna and Gabe remained likable and relatable while holding views that 50 percent of the country vehemently disagree with. Also, it was tricky to have such a passionate character like Anna, with her particular family background, reconcile her feelings for Gabe. That Gabe was so dreamy made this easier. It was hard to be mad at him for long!

5. Without giving away spoilers, what was the most challenging scene to write?

The ending! Writing an ending of a book is so complicated, tying up loose ends in a way that feels cinematic and satisfying can be a challenge.

6. Did you experience any writer’s block during the process? If so, how did you overcome it?

I overcame it by skipping to a scene I was really excited to write—like romantic scenes between Gabe and Anna—even if it was out of order with the story.

7. What are you most proud of about Running Mates?

I am most proud of the Anna and Gabe relationship. I really wanted a fun, flirty, passionate relationship and I think (at least I hope!) I managed that.

8. Are you working on any new projects? Can you share anything about what’s next?

Yes! I am halfway through the first draft of my next novel which takes place on a vacation island (kind of like Martha’s Vineyard) and deals with life-ling friendships changing. And of course there is plenty of romance!

9. If Running Mates were to be adapted into a film or TV series, who would you cast as the main characters?

Oh, this would be a dream come true! I’d love some young, yet-to-be discovered actors who are charming, dynamic and full of chemistry. Running Mates would launch their careers.

10. What challenges did you face while getting Running Mates published?

A lot of people were wary that a romantic comedy with politics could be palatable to an audience looking for a beach read. So convincing people that Anna and Gabe could charm anyone was the hardest part.

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Rogue Wanderers

The Black OPS Series#2

Author: M.H.Cali

Illustrated: Liana Kangas

Page count: 553

Blurb:

In this epic conclusion to The Black Ops Series, can Oliver and Mila’s intense newfound connection withstand the clash that is inexorably coming their way?

As what they share looks to be both fragile and unbreakable at once, their worlds get turned upside down in multiple facets, and the universe seems set on testing them.

Their lives as they knew them might very well be put in jeopardy by their common enemies, but also by decisions of their own making.

In the midst of this showdown of epic proportions, they have no choice but to pick a side and take a stand.

But when old habits run deep, is playing it safe the right thing to do?

Is it even possible to reinvent oneself?

More importantly, is it worth it to do so?

Answering those questions will seal their fates… as well as the country’s.

Review:

"𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉, 𝑰 𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕. 𝑫𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆"

This book is full of love, friendships, intense romance, bad guys, polt twists, mysteries, explosions, strong characters, sadness, pain, loss, growth, revelations and passionate relationships. The author's writing style is so effortless, that makes you feel like you are right in the head of the main character.

Oliver and Mila are two brilliant characters, and are beautiful together. Each of their pasts is shocking and it hits readers to the core, but it just adds to the beauty of it all. Oliver and Mila find each other and the love they share and the bond they form is tight, there are several romantic lines with some very intimate scenes and great chemistry between Mila and Oliver. There is no stupidity from the characters, and the drama in the background compliments the character development of the story rather than complicates it.

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆?

𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒍𝒚 "𝑨𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔"

As Oliver gets to know the truth, he's truly devastated. Oliver, a hot, determined, strong, faithful friend, remarkable lover faces a revelation that's supposed to make him hate Mila and this kept me on my toes and wondering what would happen next. There is mayhem, mishaps, and stubbornness in Rogue Wanderers.

A guy like Oliver is always a fantasy, he once states that he's having a very dark past and it's not easy for Mila to love him with all his dark parts but for me, I could look past all his imperfections and fall in love with him.

"𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓, 𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒂 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚.

𝑵𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈.

𝑯𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒈𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝑱𝒆𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒅𝒆𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅𝒏'𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕"

The final chapter ends happily, I am so glad I picked this series.

Rating: 5/5

About Author:

M.H. Cali writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.

If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.

Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!

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Furtive Rebels

The Black OPS Series #1

Author : M.H.Cali

Illustrator: Liana Kangas

Page count: 422

Blurb:

Oliver Anderson is a former black-ops operative turned Private Investigator who mostly helps people on the wrong side of the law get away with shady deals.

He doesn’t seem to care much about following rules anymore. His soul has been tainted by an imperfect system he now hates.

That is until Agent Mila Jenkins gets sent undercover to look into his practice and singular way of dealing with things, just as one of the biggest criminal master plans the country has ever seen is slowly unfolding.

In a world ruled by chaos and deception, enemies lurk in the shadows, the line between right and wrong gets blurrier at each passing second, and trust doesn’t come easy.

In the midst of such adversity, Oliver and Mila’s beliefs will soon be tested.

For better or worse, he is mayhem, she is turbulence.

Will it be their demise? Or will it make them stand stronger?

One thing is for they’ll have to face their truths and all it entails whether they’re ready for it or not.

Review:

"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒇𝒂𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒅𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆"

Furtive Rebels is wild, fast, and absolute page-turner. Oliver and Mila were a great couple, and the secondary characters were the book's best part. This was quite a ride where Mila, having lost her mother, learns to let her walls down enough to let Oliver into her life and with someone who reads her mind in and out, makes her believe in almost everything. She's tough and insightful and courageous and able to strike that balance in everything.

"𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒚𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇. 𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒊𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒖𝒔. 𝑰'𝒎 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 '𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒅. 𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒅𝒓𝒖𝒈 𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅"

There is lots of action, romance and banter in the beginning between the two of them, intense banter (Iykyk) and it was great to follow their relationship blooming with each other. Oliver and Mila got attracted to each other right from their first meet but they took their time to explore each other's mind that makes it a slow-burning romance, but with that heightened intensity between them makes it worth it. The chemistry between Mila and Oliver causes sparks to fly and the result is a highly entertaining romance with suspense and thrills going behind.

I mean, how can you not love a book that explores a smart, independent, sassy heroine and her extraordinary hero with a dark past having playboy history but for her he'll do anything to get into a relationship with name tags, getting together? I cannot possibly gush enough. This book was too good to describe, and had me flipping pages like mad, grinning endlessly and laughing and squeezing out-loud more times than I could count!

Liana Kanga added extra depth to the book by curating a freaking good character sketches.

Having said all of that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story!

Rating : 5/5

Highly Recommended

About Author:

.H. Cali writes character-driven romances, romantic suspenses and thrillers books as well as the occasional comic or graphic novel.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes she builds. If you ever read any of her works, you’ll notice that she loves writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to her quiet moments are just as important than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about harmony in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's her motto.

If she manages to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then she succeeded.

Make sure to follow her on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/m-h-cali for all sales and preorders alerts!

[readwithmiaa]

Title : He Spoke After 10 Years

Author : Apurva Mathur

Pages : 260

Publisher : Notion Press

Blurb:

Mumbai. 2021. An ordinary man gets bludgeoned to death at the peak of Covid. R.D. Burman CD was found near the body.

Two years later, during the men’s cricket world cup, a seasoned cop is frustrated with unexpected and extraordinary pressure to solve the cold case.

Neel Mantri, a child prodigy with scars of childhood trauma and a sleuth in making, gets to assiston the case. He pulls a thread and a whole saga of events unfold and the case turns out to be justa tip of the iceberg.

The genius young detective Neel Mantri is tested in every way as the danger looms on his own life.

Will the killer strike again…?

Is it murder or justice….?

Will his first case be his last…..?

Review:

The writing is excellent, the pace is good, the mystery is fascinating, and the characters are all interesting.

The pacing is perfectly set, neither too slow nor too fast but it won't leave you in the middle, you can't put this book down till you finish it.

The author drew me in with the depth of his characters. The found family element and the trio friendship and a tragic past what else do you need?

I love the concept of how they are all interconnected with each other, supporting everything.

All in all, it was a pleasurable journey, and I would most definitely read it as a series if the author decides to make it as one. You feel like you know them all what they look like, how they act.

The characters were easy to fall in love with (Neel especially) and follow, along with the story. The author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the character's actions felt so real.

It's a cosy book to read and escape into a story, into another land, and someone else's problems.

Once the mystery of what happened is solved you are left with a team of characters so life-like that you are genuinely invested in what is going to happen to them in the future and, of course, what future mysteries are going to befall them.

The ending is both bittersweet and happy. I hope that you will go and read this book, the storyline will stay with you for a long time as it will me.

Rating : 10/10

About Author:

Just like every other boy growing up in late 80s-early 90s, Apurva grew up fond of murder mysteries and the detectives solving them. According to him, it started with Hardy Boys, then came Sherlock Holmes and eventually graduated to more complex Scandinavian crime fiction by Nesbo, Menkell etc and gripping thrillers by Baldacci, Child etc.

Life took him to IIT Bombay and after graduating, he worked as an educational consultant for over a decade and half nursing the love for books and reading a book a week all this while. But eventually during the pandemic, my inner sleuth and a penchant for storytelling made me write this riveting mystery novel - He Spoke After Ten Years

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Exclusive Special Q/A session with Author Monica Sahu

Hello and Welcome everyone! Today, we have the honour of hosting a special author interview with the talented Monica Sahu. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!

1) 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.

Born in the golden age of cable television and houseful theaters, I have always been enchanted by the power of storytelling. From listening to plays on the radio to running back home after school to watch my favorite cartoon, there was no shortage of enthusiasm when it came to embracing the world is entertainment. So, after I decided to leave my corporate job and do something different, creating content and eventually, writing books made sense to me. I always wanted to leave a lasting impact on the World. Storytelling gives me a beautiful platform to not just inspire but also empower people who are looking for someone like us to pave the way.

2) 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬? 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 

 I started writing from a very young age but did not think of, or rather act on publishing a book until 2019. That's when I found my current Publisher and started working on my first book, a thriller short story. So far, I have written three books and numerous online stories. I'm deeply inspired by horror and thriller genre and my exceptionally supportive readers believe that I bring a good mix of both into many of my stories.

3) 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐨 𝐟𝐚𝐫? 

Three Books:

A FAMILY OF STRANGERS (family drama thriller)

THE STRANGE REALITY (psychological horror thriller)

KISS ME WITH YOUR DOE EYES (thriller romcom)

4) 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨. 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐝? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?

I write online fics when I have an idea worth working on, even if it might not be something that mainstream publishing would usually print. Wattpad for me is a place for creative expression and spontaneous storytelling. I'm glad that my online stories have made many readers feel represented, celebrated and empowered!

5) 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞? 

I have throughly enjoyed working on all of my books. My first book is special to me since it brought me to a whole new World full of amazing new people who I can share my creativity with. My second book is special because it is my absolute favorite genre. I will forever cherish the sleepless nights that helped bring that story to life. My third book helped me explore some new ideas and narrative tool and I'm glad it is being loved by both thriller and romance readers.

6) 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬? 

There's someone who has inspired many characters in many of my stories, both online and in my books. Who, you wonder? Let's keep it a secret, for now!

7) 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞? 

Advaya (one of my favourite words in Sanskrit which means Unique, With No Duplicate)

8) 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠? 

Travel, Swim, Watch Movies, Meet New People.

9) 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲, "𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐨𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬" 

KISS ME WITH YOUR DOE EYES is a narration on the long term effects of bullying and how different people deal with trauma, wrapped in a sweet romcom with some giggles. It was my aim to present this story in a way that does not feel too heavy, unlike my other two books that deep dive into social issues without the safety net of humor. While my other two books are meant to be emotionally raw, I wanted my third book to feel like a hug. Hopefully, it keeps reaching many who need a comforting story like this!

10) 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰? 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬? 

I'm always working on stories that are worth sharing with my World. And I'm extremely grateful for all the amazing readers who are so supportive and encouraging. I'll keep writing books and online stories that you and I can enjoy and benefit from. Cheers to unconventional tales of triumph.

[readwithmiaa]

Author Interview - Theresa Van Spankeren

Exclusive Q/A session with the Author of my favorite fantasy series, Theresa Van Spankeren

Hello and Welcome everyone! 

Today, we have the honor of hosting my favorite author interview with Theresa Van Spankeren. Thank you for joining us, and let's dive into this enriching author interview together!

1) Tell me about yourself. 

My name is Theresa Van Spankeren and I live in the suburbs of Chicago with my husband. My day job is at an IT helpdesk for fast food restaurants. I have had an unusual career path which includes working for a tool store and grading standardized tests. I enjoy getting out in nature, but am a bit of a homebody.

2) When did you start writing books? Who inspired you?

I have been writing since I was little, but I completed my first actual book when I was a senior in high school. It’s hard to say who exactly inspired me - I can attribute a love of reading to my parents and grandparents on both sides. However, when it comes to writing - maybe my mom’s short stories were some inspiration? I just remember starting to write a few years after learning to read. Maybe it was the authors themselves that were the inspiration.

3) How many books did you published so far?

I have 5 books published so far in the series: Lost Soul, Pursuit into Darkness, Between Darkness & Light, Fallen Soul, and Soul Redeemed.

4) Do you have a favourite character in your stories? 

I can’t say I have a single favorite. There’s a few who have become favorites in the years I have been writing them. Julia and Samuel are favorites for sure - and I can’t count out Matthew. Lane is a unique and fun character to write about - a new favorite, for sure!

5) What makes you write about a book filled with vampires? 

I have been fascinated by vampire lore since I read Christopher Pike’s “The Last Vampire/Thirst” series, and my dad introduced me to Fred Saberhagen’s Dracula series. Since then I have read a large variety of vampire stories, each with their own unique worldbuilding and types of vampires. I find vampires to be an interesting metaphor or parallel for the troubles and transformations that occur in real life. It’s a way to explore good and evil - and sometimes that big murky gray area in a different way.

6) As a reader and as a research student I always chose to indulge myself in books that worth my time. I completed five of your books in a short span of time as I can envision the story in my mind as a movie. How did you create such a story? How do you handle writer’s block?

Parts of the first book were based off of X-Files fanfiction I started in high school and a dream. Ideas and plot points come to me, but I don’t put fingers to keyboard (or still at times, a pen to paper) until I can envision certain parts in my head - much like a movie. I allow my characters to lead the way and I try to capture their thoughts and emotions as realistically as possible - even if they are not the narrator of the story.

As for writers block . . . I have a few techniques for this. One is to listen to music - often instrumental - to capture the mood of the scene. Sometimes this can jumpstart ideas or development. I also turn to fellow writers and/or friends familiar with the story to bounce ideas off of. I use them as a sounding board. Occasionally, I just have to relax and let my mind wander. I have solved writer’s block by swimming or just taking a hike.

7) What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?

I enjoy swimming and hiking. I also love playing The Legend of Zelda and have probably dedicated more hours than I should to playing! Reading is something I’ve always enjoyed. My husband enjoys hiking as well, and we also like to investigate reported local haunted spots.

8) What's the hardest thing about writing for you?

There’s times where I am unsure where exactly the plot is going and I find myself stuck at times. One of my weaknesses that I’ve gotten better at is describing the surroundings better. Otherwise, the hardest part about writing isn’t the writing. It is the marketing - getting the word out to readers.

9) Are you working on anything new? What would you like to tell your readers?

Yes, I am about to release a side story of the War of Destiny series called “An Ember of Hope” that is from Matthew’s POV. It takes place between books 2 & 3 of the main series and chronicles much of his adventures with the Medici family. It brings insight into the later books as well. It is on pre-order now for 99 cents and is set to release on Aug 9th. The normal price will be $1.99 after the release.

I have also started writing Book 6 of the main series. We are headed towards the final books of the series. The main story will be wrapping up at book 7 or 8 depending on length. There’s a few more side book ideas that I plan to explore, but I don’t have full details yet.

10) What themes or messages do you hope readers take away from your work?

I know my books are darker in nature, but I hope that readers take away the theme that there’s always hope, even in the darkest of situations when there seems to be no way out. I hope they see a little of themselves in the various characters they can identify with - characters that are courageous, that don’t see their own worth, ones that are proud of who they are (most of the time), who are witty. None of my characters are perfect, and they struggle and make mistakes despite their immortal status, and yet they still strive for what they believe is right. I believe people can relate to that.

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Book Title: 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝

By Pax Sinclair

𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:

I’m a former Army Ranger, an Afghan vet that’s faced my share of battles, but nothing in my training has prepared me for the road trip I’m about to take alone with Riley, the daughter of my best buddy.

Josh and I grew up in a Vermont small town. We joined the Army after high school and we busted our asses to become Rangers. I’ll never forget the night he died on a mission in Afghanistan, leaving behind his young daughter Riley and his wife, Laci.

Years later, when Laci died, it became my duty to fulfill her final wish, to drive her daughter from New Mexico to Vermont to Josh’s mother, the only family Riley has left. While I take Riley to her grandmother, I’m to tell her about a father she doesn’t know and the harder memories of how Josh and Laci’s lives intertwined with mine.

Riley is a 20-year-old smoking hot beauty with sass, determination, and she won’t back down, especially from me. And yeah, she’s my type. Damn, she's more than just a temptation, she’s my best buddy's daughter. I know where my duty lies, so this brown-eyed girl is off limits.

I have to be honest with myself; there's no point in sugarcoating this situation. What could that princess see in a 40-year-old soldier still battling his own demons? Being in close quarters on a long road trip with her will be challenging enough, but staying true to my loyalty to Josh and protecting his daughter, even from my own feelings, will be the real test. I can do it. I can be a hard ass and complete the mission, but damn, she’s beautiful.

𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:

The story deals with loss, grief, forgiveness, friendship, and an age- gap forbidden all-consuming love. 

Riley is a great character, so strong after all she's been through a lot but determined to live. She was smart, funny, but a risk taker. When Riley meets Stephens, sparks fly. The romance is top notch in the beginning when they both don't know each other. 

Later when Bank came to know that Riley's Josh kid and he's supposed to take her to Josh's mother house in Vermont,everything changes. He denies the fact that he wants her. He totally turns her down. But how long can he hold out? The harder they protest the better it is when they fall. 

Those first few chapters were slow but the interaction between Riley and Banks left me with an open jaw and I was sold. I just had to find out what would happen next. Lots of things happen and it is a good lengthy book. There are nice steamy scenes, humour and a great group of secondary characters, especially Max Stephens and Riley's grandmother and Creed (Riley's Ex boyfriend). The brotherhood between Josh and Banks Stephens explained well. 

This story takes us far past the exciting beginning of Stephens relationship with Riley's parents. I loved their story. There is also an incident that happens toward 3/4 of the way in the book that had me sobbing and going through the emotions with the characters. 

From the extremely hot scenes, to the great portrayal of military men and the women who love them, it was perfect. The writing is phenomenal. I was completely captivated with each introduction of the individual characters.  

Their relationship is not without its ups and downs, being far from perfect, but I loved it. They both seemed so right in their stubborn steadfastness to what they wanted and needed, and even when they were at odds you wanted them to win, to make it work. I found the last half of the book excruciating, it broke my heart more than once, leaving me with ugly cries and in despair. 

The characters pull you in and eventually drag you along with them whether you want to go or not. I could not put this book down and had to finish it in one reading. Who needs to sleep when you have characters keeping you awake?

I loved the chemistry between Banks and Riley. Their bantering throughout the road trip was really funny and they were so good together. When they finally got together in all ways it was off the charts. But I also love the other relationships in this book. 

I loved the humor & the emotions within, I loved the characters and most of all, I loved the letters. Great secondary characters and I would read their stories if Pax chooses to write about them. Definitely one of the best books I've read so far this year.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 : 10/10

 

𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫:

Pax Sinclair is a contemporary romance novelist who explores the wild world of love and passion. Her novels feature biracial women in interracial relationships, guaranteed to keep you turning pages until the very end.

Prepare to meet a tantalizing cast of characters, from sizzling tech billionaires to swoon-worthy firefighters, hunky men in kilts, and even a hot Army Ranger.

Lose yourself in a steamy rollercoaster ride of emotions and crazy twists, leading to an oh-so-satisfying conclusion.

[readwithmiaa]

The Serpent Woman

Author : SZ Estavillo

Page count — 346

Summary:

The exciting sequel to The Serpent's Bridge...

A serial killer is on the loose. With her insidious tattoo and venomous killer strike, they’re calling her the serpent woman.

Two of the best in their field, LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario and FBI Supervising Special Agent Blake Huxley are forced to work together yet again, despite their strained romantic history and a baby on the way. Together on a nationwide hunt, they must find this serpent woman before she strikes again.

But, as the cat-and-mouse chase evolves, Nazario and Huxley begin to realize that their killer is on a mission of vigilante justice and they must struggle with the question of who really deserves their justice: The killer, or her victims?

Review:

This book picks up where the first one left off, and it sets a fast pace. Again centered around crime, the book unravels piece by piece the mystery that is, the circumstances that caused the crime in the first place. It kept me thoroughly hooked, and I actually did have a hard time putting it down.

The character development is so good especially Ananya Nazario and Huxley's and delivers perfect emotions.

While there were a few situations which made me suspend my disbelief, I found the premise interesting and I had a hard time putting the book down.

This book is definitely a page turner that is not only an intriguing mystery, but has wonderfully developed characters and makes the reader stop and think about morality and what it really entails.

Von Schlange' s strange yet strongest character that made this book turn everything upside down. I could go on for ages highlighting all the great things in this book - I have absolutely nothing negative to say or complain about, and it was wonderful to read a book with proper plot and twist.

The twists and turns of the story were exactly what was needed for this amazing book.

Thanks to the author for creating this wonderful mystery thriller.

Rating : 5/5

About the Author:

SZ Estavillo has been passionate about writing since childhood, with a defining moment in second grade when her teacher predicted, "You’re going to be a writer someday." Her biracial heritage, being half-Korean and half-Puerto Rican, deeply influences her book themes.

As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, SZ works tirelessly to amplify the voices of underrepresented and marginalized communities within the publishing industry.

Balancing her roles as a devoted mother and an enthusiastic digital marketer, SZ brings her professional expertise into her personal passion, amassing over 85,000 followers on social media.

She uses her platform to inspire and uplift the writing community with motivational and positive content. Along with her two children and two senior dogs, she enjoys the simple pleasures of family sushi outings in their Los Angeles home.