Tirza Schaefer's Blog, page 4
July 22, 2024
22 is a Master Number!
We all lead busy lives, single, with a partner, being a parent or not, we tend to forget to romance ourselves. Yup, that's a thing, even when you have a loving, romantic partner. Romancing yourself is making yourself feel good, pleasuring yourself, giving yourself joy and the feeling of being sexy. And that is first and foremost an inside job. But it also means taking action.
As a single woman, I like to dress especially nicely some days, use certain lotions on my skin, take time to pleasure myself and flirt in front of the mirror. Yes, you can totally flirt with yourself. Pretend you're the female lead in your favourite romance novel, for example. Take sexy selfies, cook food and set the table with candles, decorate the plate, like you'd get in a posh restaurant, etc.
You can also do magic spells for self-love and pleasure if that's your jam. Dance around the house naked and bask in the moonlight, soaking in that beautiful, powerful feminine energy, run a feather over your skin, bathe in rose petals and don't be too stingy to buy yourself that new pleasure toy!
What do you like to do to give yourself pleasure and feel sexy, in or out of the bedroom? Hit the reply button and let me know!
Here is another exciting edition of my free summer reads promotions! As always, click on the promo banners below and download to your heart's content!
If you've not looked at the previous blog or newsletter, or forgotten to download books from the promos featured there, there is a button further down that you can click that will take you to all currently live promos I am running, all in one place for your convenience!
Free Steamy Romance
Free Romance Downloads
You can always check for all live promos that I am currently running with many other wonderful authors and lots of free steamy books here:
To follow me on social media, click on the banners below.
Romance
Spiritual
July 15, 2024
School Is Over!
It's been quite the school year for us. I'm a 2/3 emptynester, the youngest, Tyler, still lives at home. She turns 17 next week (my other two are my son Tajun, 25, and my daughter Tarjani, almost 22) and we'll be celebrating with friends and family. I always love celebrating my children's birthdays, even when, in case of my two older children, it isn't or wasn't always possible to do so in person.
Like any mother, I love my children and am proud of who they are becoming (or have become) as persons, forging their own paths in life. And that includes celebrating the stages and little and great victories along the way.
For example, this past school year has been hard on my youngest, because due to lockdown and having some teachers that were not always present or are less able in teaching, she had some deficits that were hard on her. A lot of studying and tuition took up a lot of her time and it was stressful. But she persevered and made it through. Such a young Warrior Goddess! And now, at least, one subject she struggled with is done. She got proficiency in Spanish and doesn't need to continue it any longer.
Her first Spanish tuition teacher said all her students from our school were coming in from the same teacher. That'll tell you. And my child is actually really good at languages. She was the only student who was awarded native speaker level in English from the University of Cambridge, UK, a year ago. For those of you who don't know, we are German and live in Germany (I used to live in the UK for a decade where I went to university, amongst other things). Studying Spanish with her private tuition teacher raised her three grades in one year. So kudos to both teacher and - most of all - Tyler!
And now, we've got holidays and a lot of rest and fun outings are planned around my own busy schedule. Because my courses don't stop, of course. My work as a double-entrepreneur doesn't stop, either. But I have one great advantage: I get to do and to study and to share with others what I love most. And that makes such a huge difference! Doing things that make your heart sing is so important and to care for yourself in-between should also always be a non-negotiable. Like bubble baths, relaxation (and meditation, if you're so inclined) and doing fun things just because they bring you joy.
One thing I love to do every so often is to grab a book, sit in one of my favourite cafés (or outside when the weather is good), and read. Spicy reads are even more delicious when someone else makes your coffee and serves it, or a cold ice cream with all the trimmings... I love that. And I'll do more of it with my youngest child who also loves to read and write for fun. I'll read my romance books and she reads her YA fantasy. And when we're not out and about, we love to relax at home in the garden (see below.)
Do you have a favourite spot where you like to read? Or a special place to treat yourself and read? Send me an email to authortirzaschaefer@gmail.com and let me know!
As promised in my last mail, I've got more new free books coming. And here is another edition for you to fill up your e-reader with even more amazing books by many authors you may not know yet.
Time to change that! Read to your heart's content and look forward to more coming soon! Just click on the images below and enjoy!
If you've not looked at the previous blog or forgotten to download books from the promos featured there, there is a button further down that you can click that will take you to all currently live promos I am running, all in one place for your convenience!
Free Romance Reads
Romance Freebies
You can always check for all live promos that I am currently running with many other wonderful authors and lots of free steamy books here:
To follow me on social media, click on the banners below.
Romance
Spiritual
July 8, 2024
In the Hello and in the Goodbye by Melissa Whitney
IN THE HELLO AND IN THE GOODBYE is Melissa Whitney's debut novel, a book with disability representation written by a disabled author.
This book is the definition of "lovely"! Not in a superficial way, but really deep down. I fell in love with the MCs, Colm and Evie, from the very first scene in the coffee shop and it only deepened. The supportive cast is wonderful, each person has a distinct individuality and there are so many layers to each relationship between all the characters that it never gets boring to explore their inner worlds.
The author manages to make the characters leap off the page, the world building has small details strewn in at just the right places to place the reader right in the middle of it without ever running the risk of "environmental overload" and the storyline, alternating between the past and present, is never confusing and links perfectly with each other.
Evie and Colm couldn't be more different in their personalities - and yet, they fit so perfectly, you'd think they're yin and yang personified. And where I usually have only exasperated eyerolls for mature characters miscommunicating because very often it feels way too juvenile for their age, Whitney pulls it off on a level that is both age-appropriate and so relatable that all it does is to pull at your heartstrings and root for the couple even more fiercely than you already have. Both Colm and Evie have rich inner worlds, memories, feelings and their own subjective interpretation of events and each other flow in naturally with external events, adding a rich deep layer to the narrative that only enhances the enjoyment of the book.
I will say one thing and this is that I knew, going in, that this was the author's debut novel and I absolutely did not expect such a book. It went above and beyond all my expectations by several miles and all I could think of throughout is how much I loved it. Story, characters and the positive and sensitive way in which the author portrays Colm, a person with ASD, really touched me so deeply. It is really well-researched and written with such deep empathy and understanding. And then there is Colm's beloved Evie, who is as much of a chatterbox as he is a mono-syllabic communicator. But they both adore and love each other deeply for the exact traits that make them different to each other. This appreciation is deep and genuine and carries them through all the difficulties to a happily ever after.
I cannot praise this book enough and am so excited to listen to the second book by the author. If you love to read books by and support authors with disabilities and love to read books with disability representation, then this should absolutely go on the very top of your TBR!
And if you listen to the audio version like I did, you will surely enjoy the narrator's performance, too.
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Melissa WhitneyIn the Hello and in the Goodbye
The Home Series
Finding Home (Home Series, Book 1)
Melissa Whitney
With a name like Melissa Whitney, she had two choices; become a Real Housewife or a romance writer. Lucky for us, Andy Cohen hasn’t called yet!
Melissa Whitney hails from Western New York but resides in Southern California with her sports-obsessed husband and rescue pugs. With a master’s in social work from the University of Buffalo (UB), Melissa’s career has focused on people. What’s romance but the exploration of people? The transition from healthcare to romance author was a logical one (at least for Melissa).
When not in search of the perfect scone at a local bakery, Melissa writes contemporary romances that, much like the perfect cup of tea, are steamy, warm the heart, and nourish the soul. As a legally blind woman married to an autistic man, Melissa’s stories explore themes of disability, mental health, trauma, and family through a steamy, comedic, and sometimes heartbreaking lens. Life is not always a romcom nor a drama, neither are Melissa’s stories.
On April 2, 2024, Melissa’s debut novel In the Hello and in the Goodbye was released to rave reviews. The contemporary romance debuted in the top ten for new releases and top 100 for overall sales for Disability Fiction and Fiction on People with Disabilities on Amazon.
Free Hot Summer Reads!
What is better than to stuff your e-reader with lots of steamy romance and enjoy some lazy time in the sun (or shade) and just indulge yourself in reading to your heart's content? Nothing much, right?
Well, I hear you! And because I want to gift you an unforgettable summer, I have some teamed up some other amazing authors and am bringing you lots of free book promos this summer, so you can download hundreds of books all for free! Yay!!!
Click on the images below and start browsing! I bet you already can't stop salivating! Lol!
Sensual Whispers - Free Steamy Romance
Contemporary Romance Bookfair - Free
FREE Hot & Spicy Romance
Besides writing, Tarot cards are one of my big passions. You might not know that I also run a spiritual business as Goddess Facilitator and I am also an intuitive Tarot reader and teacher with an internationally accredited diploma. The reason I am bringing this up here is because my amazing friend Laura, in bookish circles also known as "The Magic Book Corner" and I (with both my romance author and my spiritual account) are doing a collaboration on Instagram around the Tarot, books that have Tarot cards in them, and the meaning of the cards themselves.
These posts, carousels and reels are then cross-posted across all three of our accounts. I is great fun to bring the bookish and the woo-woo world together and see where they overlap. So if you want to check it out and join in the fun, you can follow us here:
You can always check for all live promos that I am currently running with many other wonderful authors and lots of free steamy books here:
To follow me on social media, click on the banners below.
Romance
Spiritual
October 25, 2023
The Joker by Nikki J Summers
THE JOKER is Book 3 in the SOLDIERS OF ANARCHY series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
I’ve listened to this book on audio because the narrators are just so good! Faye Adele and Shane East are just brilliant and as I’ve listened to the previous books already, I knew I was in for eargasms.
It’s been a hot minute since I listened – twice in a row! After the first time, I burst into tears, simply because it was over. I couldn’t let go yet and so I listened again. The Joker (as all the author’s books) is an incredible story with deep, dark characters that move you to the core. It took me a while to be able to write about it. Because it’s that good. Because it went so deep. Because it will be a part of me forever. Because I had to digest it first. The things I felt were intense in the best sense. To me, Summer’s books are the perfect blend of true love and darkness. Heart and hate go hand in hand. There is no dark between the two lovers, but there is plenty of dark inside and outside of them.
I will not include any spoilers but what makes this book stand out in the series (and also the Rebels of Sandland series) is the darkness in the FMC’s character. Then again, no other woman but Shelley is a match for Colton. It had to be a character like hers because not only does she reflect the darkness in him, but she also tickles his hunter’s instinct, as well as the protective one. – Not that she needs it. Until she does.
This book has scenes and sentences that pulled so hard on my heartstrings that I had to rewind several times over to listen again and again. The depth of the characters, the trauma and the parts that start to heal as they are brought out into an open vulnerability that is deeply touching, all of this makes The Joker a great book that will forever live in my personal Hall of Fame!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
October 24, 2023
The Reaper by Nikki J Summers
THE REAPER is Book 2 in the SOLDIERS OF ANARCHY series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
This book is simply epic. The characters, however dark or sweet - or indeed both - come alive and practically leap off the page, or in case of the audiobook, leap at you through the voices of the brilliant narrators, and create the most vivid scenes in your mind.
The story has some unforeseen twists and what I love especially is that, although it's a dark romance, women and children are never hurt but protected by the gang of vigilante assassins, The Soldiets of Anarchy. Their women are adored, worshipped and fiercely protected, their rights to make free, autonomous decisions are never questioned and always respected.
I loved the story of Devin and Leah, his dark but in so many ways honourable character and her understanding, acceptance and love of all his many facets. She herself stands out as a person who is sweet, kind and compassionate but, at the same time, also has her own shadows. Therefore, none of the characters are anywhere near one-dimensional.
The story itself is beautifully written, full of suspense, some violence and also very sweet and endearing moments. The promise Leah made as a child to her mother at the funeral moved me to tears. literally.
I'm already a great fan of this author and this third book I read/listened to of hers didn't disappoint but, rather, reinforced my great love for her work. Just epic!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
October 23, 2023
The Psycho by Nikki J Summers
THE PSYCHO is Book 1 in the SOLDIERS OF ANARCHY series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
Love it is probably not doing it justice. I've read the book before and totally fell in love with Adam and his romance with Olivia. Adam is the kind of guy you'll definitely want on your side and never on the opposing team. He's dark, sexy AF and he is obsessed with Olivia. So he stalks her. And she let's him while texting him and giving him attitude. But he loves exactly that.
This book is definitely on my favourites-of-all-times list and I've fallen even harder listening to the audio now. Shane East's voice as Adam is so HOT! And Faye Adele as Liv is a perfect match for him.
I'm just dreading the end every time because it's giving me the worst book hangover. But it's so worth it! Get it, read, listen and get obsessed!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
October 21, 2023
Fractured Minds by Nikki J Summers
FRACTURED MINDS is Book 3 in the REBELS OF SANDLAND series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
Again, the author doesn't disappoint. Summers does it again. This book is upset of the Rebels of Sandland series but we also meet the dark side of our beloved Soldiers of Anarchy series.
The book features Finn, falling in love with Effy. They know each other since school days, are part of the same group of friends but couldn't be anymore different. The way mostly silent Finn eventually opens up to Effy, with his much compassion she loves and cares for him, touched my heart deeply. There is a lot of dark but it's never too much,too overwhelming.
And there are lighter scenes, too. My favourite one of those is definitely when shy Finn, frozen in fear, finds herself sitting between Effy's parents on the couch drinking a beer and discovers that not all families have to be traumatizing and dysfunctional. It made me laugh so much!
The narrators are absolutely amazing. The way they bring story and characters to life is a feast for the senses.
Once again, time and money well spent and the perfect audiobook to unwind after a crazy busy week. The boys let off the steam for you! And the tender moments, the lotalty between the friends, and the love in their family of hearts is so moving. I can't wait for the next installment!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
October 20, 2023
Tortured Souls by Nikki J Summers
TORTURED SOULS is Book 2 in the REBELS OF SANDLAND series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
Well researched, despair, grief and hope, lastly healing, Tortured Souls is a book that perfectly balanced on the thin line between despair and hope. The story starts with a tragedy, making you think that nothing can be salvaged from the ruins of the lives it impacts. But when unlikely new friendships are formed, old loyalties and genuine kindness carry the main characters (as well as many of the supporting cast) through to start healing.
The narrators do an amazing job, as always, to bring the characters and action to live, while the author's superb writing carries the reader on sure foot through the turbulence of intense emotions, love, redemption and true friendship. She manages to convincingly turn sworn enemies to be closer than you would ever have expected and villains who are left standing alone in their lonely grapple for influence and power.
I was so deeply moved by the narrative that I shed tears more than once, I laughed, and at times felt, as if my heart was flowing over to bursting point.
Tortured Souls isn't the first of the author's books I've read, or better, listened to. And it won't be the last, either!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
October 19, 2023
Renegade Hearts by Nikki J Summers
RENEGADE HEARTS is Book 1 in the REBELS OF SANDLAND series by Nikki J Summers. It is a New Adult standalone. (But you really want to read the entire series in sequence to be sure to get the most out of it and TOTALLY RECOMMEND the audiobooks, narrated by Shane East and Faye Adele!)
I absolutely loved this book! Let me tell you the background to this. I read The Psycho. I got it on audio. I fell in love with the characters all over again. I was dying for the next audio to come out and the day it got released, I got it. Same narrators, same author, and I am not disappointed. It's absolutely brilliant!
And even though I am more akin in age to the parents in this story and have three children of my own in that generation, I could really relate to the characters from my own life experience and I found Emily and Ryan both wonderful. Their friends make great additions to the plot and the parents, well, I loved to hate Emily's and loved Ryan's dad. Such a lovely man!
The story itself has all the elements of a great love story and doesn't go short on surprising twists, either. It's a slowburn but considering what happens and that Emily doesn't have any experience as yet, it is definitely the best way to write this and perfectly fitting. I wouldn't have liked it any other way for those two. Still, the book doesn't lack longing and passion that are all too palpable and once the two young adults get going, the steam is there full-on. Absolutely well-deserved five stars! Can't wait for the next one!
Please heed those trigger warnings!
Books by Nikki J SummersFollow Nikki J Summers on Social MediaA mazon
Nikki J SummersNikki J Summers is a British author who was born and raised in Birmingham, the home of the Peaky Blinders. She currently lives in Staffordshire with her husband, two children, a cavapoo called Poppy, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Blaize. She writes U.K. based new adult and dark romance stories about morally grey heroes who would burn the world to save their heroine. Those heroines usually save themselves, but the heroes are always by their side holding the matches. Much like her soldiers, she wears many masks; schoolteacher, romance writer, wife, mother, daughter, sister... the list is endless, but she loves wearing every single one of them. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her curled up with a good book or bingeing a Netflix box set. She loves to hear from readers, so please feel free to reach out.
