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Bad Liar: A Dark Romance Anthology – Book Tour with Romance Me with Books

Blog Tours May 3, 2024 Leave a comment

It has a gorgeous cover, doesn't it? Plus, it's a dark romance anthology! Multiple explicit dark stories for you to enjoy. I will warn you though, it is more "dark erotica" than simply "explicit dark romance". Nevertheless, if that's your thing, how about we explore more of it together?

I'm a Book Tour Stop for Romance me with Books.

Scroll and find interesting links–and if you reach the end, you're in for a little treat (an excerpt from the book)!

Here are the anthology's trigger warnings: sexually explicit scenes – profanity – mention of child, physical, and sexual abuse – death – fire – slut shaming

Want the blurb? See the image right below :)!

If you wish to learn more about the book, its authors, and the book tour, please head to the Book Tour page.

You can also add the book to your Goodreads shelves, and purchase it on Amazon.

Excerpt from Bad Liar: A Dark Romance Anthology

My gut has been twisted all day.

First, I watched as she sobbed alone in a graveyard. Only a heartless monster wouldn’t feel anything as she sat there in the cold. But I am a monster, my choices in life have forever cemented my place there.

I knew she would go back to the bookstore after. It’s always been her safe place, her home away from home. She’s spent hours in the little nook reading to children or helping somebody find what they didn’t know they wanted. She’s captivating in her love of books, and it draws people to her. It drew me to her.

But I wasn’t ready for the things I saw when she got to the store. My heart, or the place where my heart would be, sank when I saw a little boy run to her. The way he wrapped around her, left no doubt that he is her son.

She’s a mother. The thought was still echoing in my head as I watched her embrace some guy. There was love between them, easy enough to see from across the street.

Now she’s alone, walking down the street towards her bank. How do I know this? Because I know her. Probably better than the guy who tucked her hair behind her ear. Just the thought has my jaw tightening. Where is this guy now as she walks down the street alone?

I stick to the shadows. There’s no reason for her to know that I’m here. Truthfully, I could have gone home already. But I won’t leave until she makes her deposit and is safely in her car. My phone vibrates in my pocket, I know who it is without looking at the screen.

“You didn’t tell me about her kid.” I snap into the phone. Avoiding unneeded pleasantries.

“God damn it, Sawyer.” Dalton’s voice is horse and clipped in my ear. “You shouldn’t be there, and her life now isn’t something I’m required to tell you about.”

“I should have been told,” I snarl back.

I glance up to see if she’s made it to the bank, but she’s gone. I end my call without a word and look around trying to find where she could be. There’s an ally right before the bank. What if somebody grabbed her?

Leaving my place in the shadow of a building I move to the alley. My pace quickening with my pulse. Just then she comes out of the bakery in front of me. There’s no time to react, so I turn my back to her. Praying she doesn’t pay attention.

I hear her breath hitch, “Adam?” She says it just above a whisper, but with all the hope of a woman lost.

“Sorry, my name is Sawyer.” I don’t turn around, not even to speak over my shoulder. Instead, I pull the collar of my coat closer to my face.

“Sorry, my mistake.” The hope in her voice crumbles.

I start walking back in the direction I came. It’s time to go. Maybe Dalton was right, I shouldn’t be here. But I had to see her for myself.

How to Decorate Your Kindle eReader

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across many Instagram reels and Youtube videos (such as this one by ItsRissa and that one from asmr rifa) about ladies who'd decorated their Kindles. How amazed I was! While I did like my pale pink flap case, I thought it lacked images and theme. And here was the solution!

So, how about we decorate your Kindle eReader together?

Materials

This project doesn't require many tools nor materials, but it does need for you to make a certain purchase (a transparent case).

Here's the stuff you'll need:

A transparent case for your kindle (I bought a purple-flapped with the back transparent by Moko because I want the front to be protected as well)
Images (from a fandom like mine from the Grishaverse by Leigh Bardugo, or thematic like nature, preferably something literature-related since it's for a Kindle eReader)
A sticker machine (like mine, which is a Xyron Create-A-Sticker Mini) or glue
Various cute stickers
Thin carton of your style
Pair of scissors

The Steps

First, I looked up images (pictures, illustrations, collages) I liked on Pinterest. Two of my stickers are made by Casthavian, No Mourners No Funerals and Na Rasrusha'ya E'ya Razrushost (which is a favorite of mine!) Then, I printed and cut them.

If you've got a sticker machine like I do, just pass them through the process right now. If you don't, we'll use glue a bit later.

I recommend trying out different compositions with the images on the carton before applying the glue or turning them into stickers.

Now, with our images printed and cut, we take the pair of scissors and the thin carton you chose to your liking.

Next, we do a superpositioned fitting of the cardboard into the case, then we cut according to said dimensions so it fits inside. As you can see, I cut the thin carton according to the size of the Kindle case (I left a bit of room so you could see what I did), approximately to the correct size. You can use a ruler if you want to be more precise than me.

Once that's done, that's where the glue comes in and you stick your images in a pattern that suits your taste. If you have the stickers made with the machine, you just use those.

Lastly, you add small stickers you like such as stars, plants, cats… And you insert the carton into the case, then put your Kindle on it. Et voilà!

Summary of the steps:

1- Look up images you like on Pinterest and other such sites

2- Print the images and cut them

3- Try out different compositions with the images over the transparent case

4- Superposition the carton to the Kindle case and cut according to its dimensions

5- Make the stickers with the Sticker machine

6- Stick your images

7- Use your cute stickers

8- Insert the thematic carton in the case, face towards the plastic case.

9- Put your Kindle on it

10- YAY! 😀 You've got yourself a decorated Kindle case to your liking!

The Result

Now, you should have a sweet (or fire!)-looking Kindle eReader! Mine is Grishaverse-themed with pairings, characters, quotes, and colours I like.

You can also see it in the background of my Crooked Kingdom (by Leigh Bardugo) bookstagram. I think it came out quite pretty and exactly like I wanted for a thematic case!

What's yours? What theme or book did you choose to display?

Tell me how it went. Did you have trouble decorating your Kindle or was it a breeze?

See you next post, lovelies!

How to Choose Your Next Read: Mood Reader Edition

chit-chatting with Cat, Reader Edition, Writing (Routine, Tips, and Discussions) March 1, 2024 Leave a comment

As a mood reader myself, these are methods and techniques I experimented and found success with. I recommend using this article like a method bank because the same method won't always work. It hasn't for me because each "reading slump" brought by the end of the previous book is different and unique related to the story, characters, and the emotions and feelings it left me. So, I have to use either this one or that one at some time, and another time I have to try the other two again.

But the good news is that there's always one method that works—the trick is finding the right one at the right time for us, mood readers.

What I noticed is that this state of indecision and generalized bleariness towards each and every book seems to stem from boredom and routine.

So, let's explore my favourite methods to stave off that state and win over it!

Ready?

Okay, scroll!

Go with the Season

Okay, this one sounds like a given, but have you reeaaally tried it? I mean, not only with the holidays it includes, but the season and moods themselves. If so, a bit of reviewing the pros of this technique will help! If not, get ready to find a few new ideas.

Your Favorite Genre

Here's my favorite one: choose a book of your favorite genre which either fits the mood, the ambiance, or the holidays of that season.

For example, I was in October (Fall), and I loooove fantasy! I wanted something Halloween-like (holidays), yet familiar and cozy. So, I went with Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas by Shea Ernshaw (you can see my bookstagram and read my review here), knowing Nightmare Before Christmas is my favorite Halloween movie (it's a tradition!), it's not that scary, and it fit all the boxes for the season all while being in my favorite genre.

Something You Love

Now, I mentioned this tip with the previous paragraph, but it's: choose a topic you love (like a TV show, or a book series), and try to find a book that is either set during the season in question OR that has the ambiance and vibes. Some will do special season books, or one of them is set during winter and that's what you're looking for, for example.

For me, it was during the month of December, and as a big Doctor Who fan, I wanted to read something about that TV show, yet I wanted to feel Christmastime and winter.

I looked up Doctor Who books and I stumbled upon Doctor Who: The Twelve Doctors of Christmas, and it was an instant purchase!

It did checked my favorite topic and seasonal boxes. The stories are warm and wintery, and perfect for Doctor Who fans!

Venture Out of Your Comfort Zone

This one is an old trick, but it is tough for a reason: it works. Not always, but it helps shake the routine and boredom.

For this one, I have two different methods: trying an unfamiliar genre and looking for a different trope.

Try An Unfamiliar Genre

More often than not, we read what we love most and what we're familiar with. For example, I'm all about fantasy and romance, as well as documentaries. But, if I wanna shake up my world and try a different genre, I will choose a memoir, or a travel book written by someone who went to that country. See?

The first travel memoir—or memoir, for that matter—I ever read was Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes because it's about Italy. Enough said. No, but, truth is, I love the Italian culture and I speak Italian as a self-taught language since I was 14 years old. So, it was meaningful to me. And, thanks to this book, I found another genre to read sometimes: memoirs.

So, if you read mostly fiction, try a non-fiction by a researcher, or a writer you like, a memoir by a celebrity of some kind, something other than fiction.

If you read non-fiction instead, try a light novel, or a poetry book. Something that can grip you instead of always giving you information to feed on (which is awesome, I love that too, but you know, to shake things up a bit ;)).

Look for a Different Trope

A trope is a certain pattern that comes back so often it's common. For example, in Romance books I always go to enemies-to-lovers, but once in a while, if you're like me, try a friends-to-lovers, perhaps? Ok, not the same stakes, but that's what we're looking for here. These are both tropes, but since I'm quite the enemies-to-lovers gal, changing it up to friends-to-lovers will shake up my perspective and routine.

Another example is how I love morally grey characters (*cue April Jay's bookish song, Morally Grey*), then when I'm looking for a different trope, I'll try a goody-two-shoes.

I know, I know, these examples can seem rather daunting, but that's the point with getting out of your comfort zone!

Establish the Mood You Want with:

Put On A Playlist

Playlists are a great way to establish mood and ambiance, whether it's for reading, writing, cooking, and other any fun activities. Some prefer a classical playlist, others a moody one, and some others a lyrical playlist…

Here are a few suggestions, feel free to try them out to find the mood you're looking for:

Dark Academia Classical

Sometimes lyrics are too overwhelming and confusing as you read, but others will enjoy it. As for classical music, it's mostly great for thrillers and fantasy, I found from experience, or deep drama readings like the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo, or dark romance.

Did you know there are also playlists compiled by the authors themselves for specific books or series?

Why not try and find one (if it exists) for the book you're about to read?

For example, the If I Stay playlist by the author Gayle Forman.

The Splintered Series playlist by the author A. G. Howard (my favorite Alice in Wonderland retelling).

Oftentimes the authors will leave a link to their playlists on their website, or do a manual search in your music app.

Brew Your Favorite Beverage

An essential in my opinion is a beverage. But not any beverage; it must be your favorite, or at least held in the same esteem.

For example, I am a coffee gal, but mostly iced coffee. I'm all about iced coffee; from Tim Horton's, Starbucks, from my home Nespresso, and more. I need that iced coffee, and what better way to drink it than to pair it with a book for a perfect mood?

Exactly what I thought: there is no better way than that!

If you're not a coffee gal or lad, how about some tea? You can use a little tea infuser with tea herbs, or you can use a tea bag. Either way, as long as it's a taste you love to sip and smell.

And how about brewing your own coffee if you like that? This could get you into an enthusiastic mood with the smell and the movements, right before an interesting read!

Whichever drink you prefer, make sure to pair one of your favorites with a book. It never fails to delight!

Settle in a Pleasant Setting

Settings are as important in real life as in stories. For example, would the Shadow and Bone trilogy be the same without a Russian-inspired Ravka? Nope. How about Harry Potter without Hogwarts? Not the same feel at all.

Well, same goes for you!

Do you have a comfy chair? I call mine my "potato chair", because then I can become a potato on it and not move except for turning the pages and drinking my favorite iced coffee.

Perhaps it's a cozy or favorite room in your house or apartment? Go there!

If you prefer the calm and quiet of the library, or the cozy bustle of the coffee shop, why not spice things up by reading in these locations? I can lose myself for hours in a book in both the library and a coffee shop. Or if it's new to you, how about changing the pace of your reading and trying these places out?

In order for the reading to be more enticing and immersive, find yourself a pleasant spot.

Put On Comfy or Thematic Clothes

Clothes are often overlooked as a means to create mood. But sometimes, it can be the missing element!

If you want a cozy, calm and soothing reading experience, how about slipping on comfy clothes? Those baggy pants, or how about these leggings you bought last month? A big shirt or a tight tank top. Whatever your comfy is, make sure to aim for it. Clothes can put us in certain moods, and comfy is the one we're going for here for reading experience.

However, if you want to shake things up and be ready for the adventure at hand, let's say you're about to read a fantasy novel, how about putting on a Harry Potter shirt or scarf? If you have a shirt from Game of Thrones, it works, too! As long as it fits the topic/genre you're going to read, there's no trouble.

How about sexy underwear or cute pyjamas full of kisses or hearts for a romance book?

I mean, why not? It's all about the right mood!

Change the Routine–Make it Special!

Remember when I mentioned how it's all about routine? Yeah, exactly, so let's make it special! Because, routine is good for daily life, but it can become tiresome, even in reading for we go to our favorite genres, things we like, but it sometimes loses that sparkle. You know the one! That sparkle that gets us giddy before a read, like we're an enthused two year-old before a new toy.

That one, yeah!

How do we find it back? Here we go!

Enjoy yourself!

You know how routines can become… well, routinely. Boring. Tiresome. Same old, same old. This happens with our reading, too! When our "want" changes to "must" because we've been meaning to read that book for so long, or perhaps we have a bookstagram or review coming up… But thing is, "I must read" is no fun, it's routine–reading's become a chore. Yikes! The horror! We love reading mostly for escapism (except those unique ones who don't and I can't relate, but hey, welcome to the party!), so when it stops being escapism… No, that's too terrifying to consider.

So, the trick is to subtly change the "I must read my book" to "I WANT to read my book".

Start by changing the word in your thoughts and in conversations with people. That'll help. Then, try to view it as some me-time, to relax, to reappropriate your pleasure of reading.

Don't let it be tiresome–make it awesome!

These Are Not Just Words

No, I did not make a mistake. Books are NOT just words. The ever so practical will tell me : "Of course not, there is glue, paper, ink…." Yes, alright, but dear fellow, that's not what I mean, so sit down.

What I mean is books are much more than words. There are mental images, stories, knowledge… and the best of all: they give us friends! Come on, don't tell me you never loved a book character so much as to think of them outside of your reading time, and some of us go as far as purchasing items about them and writing fanfics, making fanvids, and more.

These friends we find in the pages of books are our friends and no one else's. Why? Because every one reads a bit differently, so every one has their own versions of said characters. And that makes it unique, because books contain more than words–they contain friends we yearn to discover and develop a friendship with in the first read, or reconnect with through a second or third reading.

The Ultimate .gif Database

And that, my dears, is beautiful.

Magic is what it is, I think.

Magic of the heart, and mind, and soul… Magic of the story!

So, keep that in mind to enthuse yourself about your read, ok? 😉

Friendship: Lessons from "Harry Potter"

Dance, Laugh–It's an Adventure!

Last but the funniest is please please please make it fun. Sometimes, to go back to my "tiresome routine" point, we can lose ourselves in the daily grind. But, reading is no simple feat (psychologically and emotionally). We immerse ourselves into these worlds or into that knowledge. At least, make it some kind of privileged time! A party, if that's what it takes.

For me, I do love to dance and laugh on music to psych me up before sitting down with a book. Perhaps you'd like to play a game to have a good mood before reading, or read jokes.

Geez, you're going on an adventure to discover and befriend people (fiction) or learn tons (non-fiction) on how the world or people work!

Don't make it something casual or too ordinary–reconnect with its fantastic nature! Put a movie in the background, or listen to classical music while reading.

Whatever you do, remember: reading is an adventure.

So act like it's one!

Round 3: Holiday Adventure - Monks - Nerd Fitness Rebellion

I hope you enjoyed this article and found it useful. Don't forget to try out these tricks any time you get stuck as a mood reader (which happens, let's be honest, every day!).

See you next post, lovelies!

Screenwriting Analysis Series: Wednesday – Introduction

chit-chatting with Cat, Screenwriting Analysis January 29, 2024 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

I'm back with an update on my Screenwriting Analysis Series! A lot of things happened in my personal life, most quite hectic and bad, and in the midst of all that I had to move out from my place. So, unfortunately, I lost the IT: Chapter One script I had analyzed up to its half. I'm still looking for it in my boxes and anywhere I can think of because I don't want to lose that progress.

However, I don't want to keep you waiting any longer. After watching the whole of the Wednesday series and loving it like there's no tomorrow, I chose to analyse the first episode of that show. Plus, the fact that the Addams family are tied to three of my happiest memories says a lot. Hence I decided to analyse the pilot's script first so we'd both have something to analyze and learn from. 🙂

Fortunately, it was easy enough to find now thanks to The Script Lab, which made the pilot script, Wednesday's Child Is Full of Woe, available on their website for free.

As you can see, I already started analyzing Wednesday's pilot. 🙂 It's going well and it's a real pleasure to do.

So, loves, I'll see you soon with the analysis of the pilot script! And as soon as I find the script of IT: Chapter One, it'll be next on the list, promise!

Stay tuned!

What You Are Looking For Is In The Library: A Book Review

Book Reviews December 27, 2023 Leave a comment

By Michiko Aoyama

Goodreads (Add it to your shelves!)

StoryGraph

LibraryThing

Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Magical Realism

Pages: 304

ISBN: 9781335005625

ASIN: B0BT82YGGF

Audio ASIN: B0C78VF5RX

Format: Hardcover, eBook (Kindle, Kobo, Nook), Audiobook (Audible, Kobo, B&N Audiobooks)

Publication date: September 5, 2023

Publisher: Hanover Square Press

Type: Book, Japanese Literature, Short Story Collection

Translated: Yes (From Japanese to English)

Original Title: お探し物は図書室まで

** I received a physical ARC in exchange for an honest review. No compensation has been given and I write this book review willingly. A big thanks to HCC Frenzy and Hanover Square Press! **

Introduction

When I participated in Frenzy Presents: Fall Preview 2023 by Harper Collins Canada, What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama caught my eye. Thankfully, we could request it—and so, of course, I did!

Speaking Japanese myself and loving their culture, as well as being a sucker for comfort and meaningful fiction reads all related to libraries and books, this book was one I couldn’t wait to read.

Not only was I NOT disappointed, I was also quite surprised in the best ways possible. This short story collection is deep, poignant, cozy, and worth the time spent reading for the sheer pleasure and comfort it brings as well as how unique it is.

Want to know what I think of it in detail? Keep reading! 😀

読書は趣味です.

– Reading is my hobby.

(Pronunciation in romaji: Dokusho wa shumi desu.)

The Positive Points

This book about reading and libraries is so sweet and comfy; it revolves around finding one’s place and happiness in the world. How to belong when you feel like you don’t. Truth is I was looking forward to resume reading this book every morning during a difficultly emotional week. It was part of a few good things of those days. Which, I find, quite sweet considering the themes of this book as being cozy, comfy, and finding one’s happiness and place in the world. This story is genuinely soft, warm, charming, meaningful, and satisfying. This book feels like a perfect read for autumn and winter (which I’m in now) with a hot cocoa or coffee, a blanket, sitting in your favorite spot! It’s cozy like autumn and winter; not an “easy read” like summer vibes. Both are great, but this one is special, in my opinion.

Moreover, this book is so real and genuine with thoughts and feelings of all sorts, including some we deem as negative or shameful. It's like a small sliding door into our inner worlds and private thoughts.

Also, I love love love that it’s just so Japanese in an easygoing, natural way. The food, the customs (bowing while saying goodbye), the behaviors, etc. (like the Hatori ward; Japan is divided in wards within prefectures), and Japanese words here and there written in romaji, are wonderful. I know the author is Japanese, but it could still be overexplained or not seem so natural, yet she writes in a compelling, flowing manner. You can’t help but go with the flow and just find it familiar and wonderful at the same time.

The author includes Japanese brands despite the presence of similar American brands—in the 4th story, there is the Croquis sketchbook mentioned. She could have used a “Canson sketchbook”, which is highly popular, but I loved that she went with the Japanese one. Everything in this cozy book is Japanese. So lovely! I wondered why she had said “Croquis sketchbook” as here we only say “sketchbook” for anglophones or “carnet de croquis” (notice de “croquis”? it’s French!), so I was confused as why she’d used the word “croquis” as there is no French in here book… I had a hunch it was for a brand, so I looked it up and indeed, it’s a popular sketchbook brand! The Croquis series is made by Maruman.

The Negative Points

Truth is you can’t like all main characters in the stories. And it’s okay; but they’re all so widely different, they’re believable. And obviously, there will be one you will like less than the others. For me, it was the fourth main character. However, it’s not a negative point per se as it means it’s well-written, but just know you might read one with a bit of groaning.

You know when you read through a series with multipov and you get to a chapter told by the character you just don’t like? Yeah, like that.

In the end, the 4th story is the one I liked least. Not because of the writing or the story itself, but because of the main character, Hiroya. That guy is soooooo annoying and stupid; Hiroya got under my skin, he grated on my nerves so bad. But it’s a good thing he did! Why? Because it shows the author is talented; otherwise, he would have just been bland, but no, she wrote him so well and consistently miserable and not very smart, that he annoyed me greatly. Kudos to the author for her skill!

The fifth story is satisfactory and works as a closure in many ways. Throughout the short stories, we meet a diverse cast of secondary characters and then we meet them again in the next story or the one after. And each time we meet one of them again, they provide us with an answer to one of the question their presence had raised in the story we first met them. Because yes, their impact or background or even future raises questions—you can’t help wondering about them as to why, how, what for, etc.—and it’s nice to get their answers peppered throughout the stories but with other main characters. The nicest touch though is how all the main questions—you’ll see for yourself ;)—are answered in the very last story. It brings the whole book to a good, satisfactory closure. Also, I think the age and meaning sought by the last character brings it to a closure too in its own way, since the first MC was a young adult, and the last one a retired man. It’s as though the book is structured as a overarching story instead of very separate short stories. In many ways, they all intertwine and affect the other, like in real life. It is beautiful, and I had never seen a short story collection be written in such a way: with a narrative arc in each, an overarching story, and side characters you meet and meet again through a different character’s eyes throughout the stories. And, bonus points for the answers you get gradually!

In Conclusion

Thanks to this short story collection being so comfy, sweet, about reading and libraries, and finding one’s place and happiness in the world throughout our lifetime, I give What you are looking for is in the library by Michiko Aoyama a solid rating of 5 out of 5 stars!!!

In addition to having a good time, I also found a new Japanese author to read! This is her first book translated into English, but I love it so much, I will definitely pick up her other books in Japanese!

If you want to learn more about the author, you can visit her page on Harper Collins website, you can also follow him on Amazon author page and Goodreads. You can also add What you are looking for is in the library to your bookshelves on Goodreads and LibraryThing.

How I Use Plottr to Outline My Stories

App & Software Reviews, chit-chatting with Cat, Tips May 5, 2023 Leave a comment

Please note some of these links are affiliate links. If you buy the product, I will receive some percentage of the sale but at NO additional cost to you. I only vouch for products I either LOVE or USE in my own life. Thank you.

Introduction

In 2019, I was lucky enough to be one of the first people who knew about Plottr. I was there in 2021 for their big update. And to this day, I still use the software Plottr to outline my stories and series.

What is Plottr?

Plottr is a subscription-based software (now app as well) that allows you to outline both novels and series, as well as to keep track of your characters’ timelines and items, locations, and much more.

You can check it out here.

How do I Use It?

Well, first of all, I found a “trick” to outline any type of stories I want. Screenplay? Sure! Comic book? No problem! Novels? Absolutely!

But how?

Let me tell you something first: When I started using Plottr, I had trouble making sense of how to actually outline the whole book and the characters’ timelines in something cohesive and intuitive directly into the software. But at the same time, I was deep into studying the Save the Cat method for both my screenwriting (Daphné and Philip) and other stories.

You can see where I’m going with this, huh?

So, one day, I figured “Why not?” and began creating “Chapters” with the beats’ names—this way I knew where to head to and which beat to hit next. Then, I created scenes to expand the chapters. I got through a lot of my Rise of a Heroine story like this!

Nowadays, you can purchase the Save the Cat method in Plottr as an add-on. While I do have it, I prefer creating my own. It suits me better and I can tweak it like I want; however, theirs is an excellent resource and/or starting point to customize your own.

I am now outlining the whole series of Rise of a Heroine (you can add covers to the books in your series in Plottr! Neat!), a comic book, and a novella.

Anything is possible!

As long as it’s for plotting and outlining. Otherwise, you might be at the wrong place…

In Conclusion

Plottr is definitely one of my top softwares to work with as an author/writer—and it was right from the start. Sometimes, it just needs a bit of customization to really grasp the tool, but once you do, you’ll get a-plotting with Plottr in no time!

Don’t forget to check it out here for more info: Plottr

See you next post, lovelies!

The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali: KU Book Tour & Book Review with Romance me with Books

Blog Tours, Book Reviews March 15, 2023 Leave a comment

Hello, folks!

So, I'm a Book Tour Stop for Romance me with Books for The Way It Would Become by Amena Jamali! Yay!

Truth be told, I thought an Epic Fantasy Romance was so enticing that I had to jump in the bandwagon.

Here we are! Enjoy my book review, and don't forget to visit the author's book tour page!

Goodreads (Add it to your shelves!)

Also, please note that all the tropes mentioned on this next graphic are true (and that is a big winning point for me!):

THE BOOK REVIEW

* I received an e-copy for free and I write this review willingly, without any compensation whatsoever. Thank you the Amena Jamali and Romance me with Books! *

This book is honestly SOOOOO my type!

It’s really, really captivating and immersive. The author’s language is astounding and just… The characters’ and locations’ names have an Arabic consonance, which I find quite pretty and different in fantasy. Given that the author is of Middle Eastern origins, it does fit, and I am glad she took that path of diversity.

As for her preface, I love that she admits this is a story of tragedy, but also of human resilience and how we must acknowledge and face truth—this way, prosperity and happiness will come. It’s beautiful, and true, in my opinion. She mentions The Way It Would Become is the first of five prequels to her seven-volume series already published. I’m all ears! (or eyes for reading, because this is not an audiobook in my case, but never mind!)

Mostly, it’s amazing and fun because the women in this book are not only warriors but leaders, too… which is surprising in most fantasy-based stories because it does follow a different path than the traditional medieval of the genre. I’m loving it so much! Plus, they have powers based off the land they live on—mind-blowing!

Furthermore, the main characters’ romance is soooo sweet!!! The guy, Naman (the king), is in love with his wife so bad and he wishes for her to feel at home in his kingdom. Meanwhile, she supports and defends him wholeheartedly, but she doesn’t seem to be in love with him. However, the simple fact that he is deeply fond of her, and she is extremely loyal to him is adooooooooooooorable! This dynamic is certainly one I find fascinating, and it’s so rarely used in fiction; and when it is, it is not often with loyalty or genuine care of the other person. So fascinating and engaging!

Lastly, I have stumbled upon no negative point in this story, which makes it all the more absorbing.

Frankly, I will read her whole series! It is captivating and different.

Because it makes me feel in a whole other world of wonders and strength (both power- and character-wise), I give The Way It Would Become a rating of 5 out of 5. This is one of the best fantasy stories I’ve read in a long time, so you can be certain I’m on my way to purchase her published series and will be on the lookout for this one’s upcoming releases.

Mafia Pawn by A Riebold – 📚 Romance me with Books – Book Blitz 📚

Blog Tours January 3, 2023 Leave a comment

Mafia Pawn

A Riebold / @ariebold.author

Available Now!

Download here: https://amzn.to/3jGvtKj

Blurb

Natalia De Luca is freshly 18 when she is forced to marry Matteo Moretti, a man 20 years older than her. It's all a game and she is just a pawn to the men around her. So she marries a man that doesn't seem to even try to act like he wants her around at first, pushing her closer to his best friend, Lorenzo, who has his own secrets.

Will Matteo start to treat her as his equal and not just someone to carry his heir? And what happens when she gets kidnapped by his enemy just to be used as another pawn in their games? Can Matteo get her back before too much damage is done? And treat her as his wife and not just a roommate.

'“Can you gag your bitch when you fuck her late at night? She ruined my sleep.”

Lorenzo laughs as Matteo leaps to his feet, making his chair fall back onto the floor behind him. He crosses the room to me with his hand around my throat before I have time to regret what I said.'

Please make sure to read the triggers. It also includes grape

Don't forget to download Mafia Pawn by A Riebold here (available now!)

The Portraitist by Susanne Dunlap & the Author Behind the True Story of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard

Blog Tours, Book Reviews, chit-chatting with Cat September 25, 2022 Leave a comment

Want to read the true story of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard's fight to take her rightful place in the competitive art world of eighteenth-century Paris?

Read on, friend, read on!

What about the whole blurb?

With a beautiful rival who’s better connected and better trained than she is, Adélaïde faces an uphill battle. Her love affair with her young instructor in oil painting gives rise to suspicions that he touches up her work, and her decision to make much-needed money by executing erotic pastels threatens to create as many problems as it solves. Meanwhile, her rival goes from strength to strength, becoming Marie Antoinette’s official portraitist and gaining entrance to the elite Académie Royale at the same time as Adélaïde.

When at last Adélaïde earns her own royal appointment and receives a massive commission from a member of the royal family, the timing couldn’t be worse: it’s 1789, and with the fall of the Bastille her world is turned upside down by political chaos and revolution. With danger around every corner in her beloved Paris, she must find a way to adjust to the new order, carving out a life and a career all over again—and stay alive in the process.

Published on August 30th, 2022 by She Writes Press

Now, thanks to Books Forward and Susanne Dunlap, I was offered a free e-copy of The Portraitist for a review (coming soon!) and the opportunity to shout out about this book depicting a true story of an artist woman (please see this very article).

But who's behind this great story and research?

Here's Susanne Dunlap:

Not only is she a wonderful author, she's quite savvy and passionate in her field. She published her first at 50 years old (amazing! dreams and talents are worth following!), and she's now an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach in fiction and nonfiction (impressive!). I particularly love how she first fell in love with historical fiction: I first by reading T.H. White’s The Once and Future King! I mean, already I was intrigued that Miss Dunlap had found and told a woman artist's tale mostly unknown to the general public, but now I gotta admit I feel a certain kinship with her. Arthurian legends, historical fiction, feminism, and all that good stuff? OMG, sign me up!

16 Historical Novels That Make History So Much Fun

Want to know more about The Portraitist?

You can visit the Goodreads page

the Amazon page

and the official page on the author's website

(there's even a Book Club Guide on there, woohoo!)

Please, take a look at Susanne Dunlap's bio (it's worth a read, it's impressive!), and at her blog and courses. Ah, finally a historical research course worthy of the name…!!!!

Wow GIFs | GIFDB.com

You can bet I'll take that course when I can fund it!

Don't forget to add The Portraitist: A Novel of Adelaide Labille-Guiard to your Goodreads bookshelves, or any other bookshelves for that matter, and visit Dunlap's site as well as my dear Books Forward!

Then, stay tuned for my upcoming review! 🙂

Happy reading, loves!

Blog Tour – Daring Duplicity by Edale Lane with Other Worlds Ink (Mystery, Historical, Steampunk, FF, Sapphic Romance)

Blog Tours March 21, 2022 Leave a comment

Hello hello!

Mystery, mystery… when you hold us, make it history. (A small fun line I just invented. :3 Cute, right? I thought it fitted this story.)

So, when I saw a Sherlock Holmes-style Lady… who's a lesbian… in a steampunk context… I mean, I'm a pretty strong-minded woman, but even I have my weaknesses. ^.^

Here we go! Hope you enjoy perusing and discovering this delicacy!

Perhaps you'll find clues to solve my upcoming review next week? 😉

Author Name: Edale Lane

Publishing Company: Past and Prologue Press

Release Date: Wednesday, January 19 2022

Format: Paperback, eBook

Is This Book Romance?: No

ISBN: 9798401818300

Price: $4.99 (ebook); $14.99 (paperback)

Story Type: Novel

Word Count: 79,025

Cover Artist: Enggar Adirasa

Genres: historical, mystery, steampunk, slow-burn romance, Victorian London, action-adventure

Pairings: FF (while not primarily a romance, it does contain a slow-burn romance with FF pairing)

LGBTQ+ Identities: lesbian

Tropes: finding Ms Right, friends to lovers, thrown together by a dangerous situation

Is This Part of a Series?: Yes

Series Title: The Wellington Mysteries

Position (Number) in Series: First

Necessary to Read Previous Books: No

Other Books in Series Available for Review?: Yes

Info for Other Books in Series:

Prequel – Arson & Lace

Where you can purchase Daring Duplicity:

Amazon

Goodreads

Book Blurb

Solving mysteries is her business. Finding love is her dream. Will combining the two get her killed?

Victorian Era England. Stetson revels in being unconventional. So when society shies away from her independent nature, the bold woman creates an imaginary boss and opens her own detective agency. And her keen observational skills, convincing disguises, and Holmesian methods quickly bring in a string of tough-to-crack cases.

Struggling to squeeze a personal life in around a series of hazardous investigations, Stetson worries she'll never find a woman of like-passions. But with her heart set on true love despite the risk, she carries on hunting for the perfect relationship.

Will her clever escapades lead to death… or delight?

Daring Duplicity: The Wellington Mysteries, Vol. 1, Adventures of a Lesbian Victorian Detective is a collection of five sequential novellas, each encompassing its own exciting mystery while furthering the story of Stetson’s life in London. If you enjoy crime dramas, Victorian era fiction, or a sweet lesbian romance, then you’ll love award-winning author Edale Lane’s Daring Duplicity. Order yours today!

Now, isn't that just intriguing? Elementary, my dear Miss Stetson. Read on for an excerpt, an exclusive interview, and a delightful surprise…!

Will you solve this Mysterious Excerpt?

Jewel gripped her own gloved hands and scanned the room anxiously. "It is a matter of the utmost discretion," she began in a tone much more demanding than she had intended. "It is of a personal nature, you see," she continued more gently and forced a polite smile. "May I speak with Mr. Wellington in private?"

Miss Goody responded with a pleasant smile of her own. "I'm afraid that will not be possible. Mr. X is extremely successful in foiling criminals because of his anonymity. In fact, no one has ever seen him but me. All correspondence between the investigator and the clients goes through his assistant—me. So how this works is, you tell me the specifics, I talk to him, and he gives me a list of questions to ask, and so forth. I assure you, anything you say to me will be kept in the strictest of confidence, just as if you were conversing with the detective himself."

"I see." The assistant paused for a moment before continuing and her attention fell on Miss Goody for the first time, being specifically drawn to ample breasts squeezed into her buttoned waist coat. It required conscious effort for Jewel to raise her gaze, but doing so she became captivated by two warm, caring cognac eyes. "Very well, then. I am being blackmailed, and the nature of the information being held over me makes it impossible to go to Scotland Yard, or a constable, or even my father, for the money. I receive an allowance, not enough to meet the foul villain's demands, but sufficient to cover your agency's fees and expenses I'm sure."

"I see," she replied with a soft expression of compassion. "Was the man you were seen with married, or simply from the wrong side of the tracks?"

"Well," Jewel stammered, cleared her throat, and fixed her gaze on a painting on the wall. "Not exactly. And he has a photograph."

Miss Goody sighed and leaned forward, her palms on the desk top. "Now, Lady Jewel Ashton, if we are to find this blackmailer and save your reputation, you cannot hold anything back. How can Mr. Wellington help you if you won't tell us the whole story?"

"It is not my reputation I am concerned with," she admitted, a hint of real fear trembling in her voice. "My whole family could be ruined, utterly ruined, and destroy my father's political career. We would be forced to retreat to our estate in the countryside. I cannot allow shame to come upon my family for one moment's indiscretion."

Miss Goody met her eyes. "I assure you if you provide Mr. X all the information he needs, he can find this scoundrel, take back the photo and the plates, and give him every reason to keep his deceitful mouth closed on the matter."

Jewel held her gaze for a long moment, and believing her sincerity, made a decision—the only one she could really make. She opened her reticule and withdrew a tan envelope. "Someone left this in my carriage while I was shopping. My driver said he didn't see or hear a thing." She placed the parcel on the desk within Miss Goody's reach and held her breath.

*~*~*

Stetson opened the envelope and spilled its contents out onto the desk. Inside was a note and a photograph, not of Jewel kissing a married man, but another young woman! For an instant, time stood still. A flush rose in Jewel's cheeks while Stetson's mouth absently fell agape as she stared dumbfounded at the image. Stetson's mind raced almost as fast as her heart. Could it be that this beautiful gem who walked in this morning has the same inclination as myself? Could there actually be other women who love women, that I am not a singular oddity? She not only had these thoughts, but acted on them! She had never met another like-minded woman—not to mention one whose looks could stop a locomotive in its tracks like Jewel Ashton.

She was roused from her musings when she heard a desperate voice from across the desk. "So now you see the urgency and delicacy of the matter."

She quickly shoved the note and the photograph back into the envelope and replied with sincerity. "Do not be distressed, Lady Jewel Ashton. We will take care of this with great expediency. I shall show these to the detective and he will know just what to do. Wait here. I'll return anon."

Stetson stepped into the room behind her, leaned against the closed door, and let out a deep sigh. With eyes shut and hugging herself, she took a moment to process the warm thrill that rose from her loins. Reveling in the euphoric rush, she wanted to believe the impossible–that maybe her dreams could come true. Mayhap there was a chance, ever so slight, that she, too, could act on her passions. Her breathing became ragged as she imagined kissing Jewel, and being kissed in return. Her heart pounded in excitement. Until reality stuck its ugly head into her dream reminding her there was a case to solve. Stetson moaned softly in aggravation and opened her eyes to glance around her inner sanctum.

Within the confines of Mr. Wellington's lair were all the implements one would need to be a successful private investigator. On the wall to the left was an array of weapons, including both an umbrella and walking cane hiding swords in their handles, an umbrella with a singleshot rifle barrel and a trigger in the handle, several knives, guns, and gadgets. A glass-doored cabinet contained other curiosities such as a wristwatch that concealed a tiny explosive, a unique copper and brass miniature camera with flash attachment, a mirror attached to a long folding pole for seeing around corners or over walls, telescopic opera glasses, and a voice recording device. There was a table holding an array of wigs in vast colors and styles for both men and women, false beards and moustaches, along with an exhaustive selection of hats. Hanging from hooks on another wall were various costumes for the well-to-do business people, and the poor, male and female alike. There was a large vanity with a mirror and cases of cosmetics and face powder as one might see backstage of a theatre. Yes, the windowless room had all the trappings to outfit a man of mystery save one—there was no Xavier Wellington… only Stetson.

Now how about deciphering this Exclusive Interview?

Are you a full-time or part-time writer? How does that affect your writing?

Hurray! I finally retired from truck driving to become a full-time author. It is fabulous! The affect it has had so far is that I have far more time to write; therefore, I am getting new books out faster. With all the Covid restrictions, I’m still not able to do in-person events as I would like, because most bookstores and venues in British Colombia are still not having them.

What was one of the most surprising things you’ve learned in writing your books?

Answering this question for Daring Duplicity, I discovered in my research that women were barred from playing in British orchestras until 1913, when Queen's Hall Orchestra in London hired the first six women violinists.

What advice do you wish you’d had before releasing your first story?

Never, ever pay anyone to publish your work; no vanity presses, no pay-to-print, none of it. They make all their money from author’s fees, none from sales of our books (which they really do not care about.)

How do you combine all the different worlds of your life in your works?

At my age, I have enjoyed a myriad of experiences to include in my novels, which include (but are not limited to) being a student, a musician, a teacher, a small business owner, a single parent, a joyful grandparent, death of a spouse, loss of parents, a dysfunctional relationship with an unstable person, falling in love, living in poverty, living in plenty—all of which inform how I write my characters and the factors that impact their lives.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

While several of my previous novels feature plot twists and surprises, this is my first mystery cross-genre. Therefore, coming up with crimes and how Stetson deals with them has been the challenge. I want to give the readers enough clues they might guess the outcome of the investigation while still keeping them guessing. Because Stetson uses Holmesian methods, my brain has to be twice as sharp as in any of my prior novels.

What inspired you to write this particular story?

I enjoy reading books set in Regency and Victorian England and I love a good mystery. Wedding the two in a series of my own was inevitable. I wanted my main character to have a unique name and backstory, something that would give her the right blend of biology and environment to equip her to become an ace detective. I chose the sequential novella format, because I wrote the first story several years ago and always wanted to take it further. Daring Duplicity proved to be the vehicle to build on the original novella and birth a new series.

Miss Stetson Goody, are you happy with where your writer left you at the end?

This writer loves to throw me into dangerous situations where my life is constantly on the line. She expects me to be all things to all people, and excels at thrusting me into an awkward or embarrassing position. At least she understands why I don’t have time to clean my flat. Perilous predicaments aside, I admit she does, at least, understand the true longing of my heart. Without my writer, I may never have found the love of my life… now if I can just keep her!

Tell me one thing hardly anyone knows about you.

When I was pregnant with my second child, my feet grew a whole shoe size.

Tell me about a unique or quirky habit of yours.

I get easily distracted when I am cleaning. Rather than a systematic approach that I use when researching or writing, I am all over the place, hopping from job to job: a little wiping counters, some sweeping, a load of laundry, a bit of straightening, back to the unfinished counter… a constant string of cleaning tangents!

What action would your name be if it were a verb?

Fly.

What’s your favorite line from any movie?

Samwise, from The Return of the King: “Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can’t carry it for you… but I can carry you!”

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I believe in attraction at first sight, but I think actual love takes longer.

What are you working on now, and when can we expect it?

Walks with Spirits is an epic lesbian historical-fantasy romance with a spiritual theme set way back in time in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest. Expected release in April 2022.

The Surprise: Giveaway

The author, Miss Edale Lane, is kindly giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour. Don't miss your chance to participate!

The Author: Edale Lane

Edale Lane is an award-winning author (Rainbow Awards, Imaginarium Awards, Lesfic Bard Awards) who is realizing her dream of being a full-time writer. She is the alter-ego of author Melodie Romeo, (Tribute in Blood, Terror in Time, and others) who founded Past and Prologue Press. Both identities are qualified to write historical fiction by virtue of an MA in History and 24 years spent as a teacher, along with skill and dedication regarding research. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Edale (or Melodie) is also a musician who loves animals, gardening, and nature. After driving an 18-wheeler cross-country for eight years, she now lives with her partner in beautiful Chilliwack, B.C. Canada.

Author Website

Author Facebook (Personal)

Author Facebook (Author Page)

Twitter

Instagram

Goodreads

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com)

Author QueeRomance Ink

Author Amazon

Make sure not to miss the rest of the blog tour by Other Worlds Ink!

Next stops: Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author (tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22) & Never Too Late (tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22)!