Natalina Reis's Blog, page 2

Heartless Hunter – Book Review

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great story with such relevant themes for today’s world. Extremes of anything are bad and there is no such thing as “all bad”” or “all good”.
Excellent writing, awesome plot, a true enemies-to-lovers romance with low spice but high (slow burn) sexual tension, a rollercoaster of emotions and quite a few surprises.
I was a little leery about the love triangle (not a true one since she was in love with only one of the guys), but it did work very well in the end.
I love me a tortured hero so Gideon was just up my alley even though I wanted to slap him many times for being so (understandably) inflexible on his beliefs about witches.
Many questions went unanswered and the cliffhanger at the end killed me… but the second one is out so I don’t have to wait long.
Hoping the second one comes with a satisfying resolution to what the first book set out for the readers and that one person in particular gets her comeuppance.
Highly recommend.

*I listened to the audio book and the narrator was excellent and really brought those characters to life for me*

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Whispers Under Ground – Book Review

Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rivers of London series hasn’t disappointed me yet. Its mixture of mystery, magic, and humor, perfectly balanced, is just up my alley. It even has hints of romance here and there. What else can a reader ask for?
In book 3, I was very happy to find that Lesley is back as a fully-functional partner and friend as well as a magician-in-training under the very British, very old-fashioned tutelage of Nightingale. I have high hopes for her full-recovery at some point down the line in the series.
Their adventure down in the maze of London sewers and subway tunnels is both thrilling and hilarious.
A hugely successful feature of this series is the so-called supporting and guest cast. In this particular installment Zach, the Fae-halfling and the God-fearing but rule-breaking FBI agent are great additions.
I have the next book already purchased and I highly recommend this series for anyone who loves a good urban fantasy.
As a footnote, the narrator continues to do an amazing job and adding yet another layer of humor and magic to this fabulous story.

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Devious Desires- Release Blitz

RELEASE BLITZ DEVIOUS DESIRESSNOW TWINS DUET BOOK 2 PART OF THE DARK LEOPARDS M.C. WORLD AUTHOR: Maria VickersCOVER DESIGNER: Maria VickersGenre: MC, PNR, Romance, SuspenseTROPES: MC, Enemies to lovers, Found Family, Overprotective Alpha, Shifter, Paranormal, Romance Siam hasn’t had the easiest of lives, but compared to her brother Snow, she’s lived like a princess. She will do anything she can to protect him, including sacrificing herself if necessary. When she discovers her mate is the enemy of her brother, she may have to decide who is more important: her family or her love.

Fang is balancing on a very dangerous line, and his own secrets could be his undoing. He has to protect Siam, but he isn’t sure how to do that without possibly sacrificing himself. War is coming, and Fang will need to pick a side.

Danger is lurking around every corner, declaring war against the Dark Leopards MC. Will Siam and Fang fight against each other or embrace their destiny to become mates? Who will be left standing in the end.

ONLY 99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME!https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0DYNS41XP*available in KU

My skin itched. Something was happening. Something I could not control, and I didn’t like it one bit. Pinky had gone radio silent and so had his brother. I’d tried calling Rye every hour for the last five hours, and nothing.

Then there was Enrique’s mood. He said something about losing a pair of eyes, but I had no idea what he meant by that. On one hand, I wanted to chalk it up to crazy ramblings, which was something he often did, but on the other, even crazy people spoke the truth. It didn’t sit well with me. None of it did. It felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

And my gut told me Siam was about to find herself in the middle of a war zone. Dark Leopards versus Enrique. I would do whatever it took to keep her safe and protect her. I would not allow anyone to sink their claws into her. At the same time, I felt like I was fighting an enemy with blinders on. I couldn’t see my foe coming, and I didn’t know which direction they were coming from. All I could do was jump in with both feet and hope we both survived this.

“Fang!” I had to control the urge to jump when I heard Enrique bellow.

“Yes, sir?” I answered quickly. With the mood he’d been in, I did not want to poke the beast. Not right now. My time would come, but for now, I would wait.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08SW5JC61 SNOW

As a young boy, abandoned by my parents and ripped apart from my twin sister, I learned early on that the world was full of evil and hate. I survived by living between the light and darkness, using my shifter abilities to stay alive…until one mistake should have cost me my life. Instead, it became my salvation and gave me a family and band of brothers who had my back no matter what. The Dark Leopards MC was not a gang to be trifled with, and many gave us a wide birth, and as the Sergeant At Arms, I ensured that’s the way it stayed. But someone was trying to encroach on our territory and begin a war.

I suspect the woman I saved, the woman whom I discover is my mate, is tied to it all somehow. I just have to figure out the puzzle before it’s too late.

VERITY

I was only trying to help a friend. The last thing I ever thought is that my friend would try to kidnap me, but thankfully someone or something saved me. Rushing to meet my roommate, Siam, I got another shock when the gang responsible for my brother’s death are her friends. I didn’t care if her brother had mesmerizing eyes or if I had a hard time not thinking about him. He was the enemy!

But even as my enemy, he may be my only chance to stay alive and learn the truth. And if Snow is the one protecting me in and out of bed, I wouldn’t complain too much.

Maria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Hunny. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. She believes that life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.

Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.

https://linktr.ee/mvickers.author

Writing Is Resistance

 I recently attended a virtual writer’s retreat and was fortunate enough to attend a presentation titled “Writing is Resistance” and for me, this was well worth the price of the whole retreat.

It had been a while since I was fired up about my stories and my characters. It felt like an eternity since I felt proud of my writing. So this presentation hit all the right spots.

Writing IS resistance.

My books might not be at the level of Atwood’s “Handmaid” or Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” . Or more recently, Collin’s “Hunger Games” or Yarros’s “Fourth Wing”, but I write about what’s right even if that means swimming against the tide.

I write about justice and courage under fire. About characters who have been wronged but rise up to beat all odds and be vindicated. I write about characters who do not hesitate to stand up and fight for what’s right.

Writing has always been my voice, the way a quiet introvert who was taught never to interrupt, never to impose, could be heard. I just had never thought of it as resistance, a way to get back at the system that failed me and others, to voice my opinion and my ideas.

That presentation made me realize I too am a rebel of sorts, that this wallflower can be seen and heard. That maybe my stories can make somebody think and maybe, just maybe be willing to change what’s wrong.

I’d like to thank Audrey Hughey for organizing the 2025 Virtual Spring Writer’s Retreat and the fabulous Taryn Noelle Kloeden for the inspiring presentation.

Iron Flame – Book Review

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The story of the fragile, bookish girl who nobody believes can survive the harshest of situations and who turns out to be the reluctant savior of, well, everybody, has been told many times. Some times in beautiful, exciting ways, sometimes not so much.

Rebecca Yarros tells that same story beautifully and powerfully. And with dragons!

There are many parallels with other awesome stories I have read in my now-longish life. Hunger Games come to mind. There are no dragons there or venin, but both Katniss and Violet share the same passion for uncovering the truth behind the lies of the few who will repress and control the rest. They both share their love for friends and family, unwavering loyalty to those they love, and willingness to do what’s right even when their own lives are at risk.

Iron Flame is a great story, wonderfully told. I can’t wait to read the third in the series (which I already purchased) and hope it keeps going strong.

On the downside, Yarros tends to be a little too wordy at times and I found myself skimming some scenes and then having to go back and reread them, afraid I might have missed something important. In some cases the details were so “detailed” it distracted me from the story.

Despite this, Iron Flame fully deserves the five stars. Highly recommend it.

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Lost & Stolen Gods-Release Blitz

 

Title: Lost & Stolen Gods

Author: Debbie Cassidy

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance

Cover Designer: Covers by Juan

Publication Date: April 4, 2025

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Blurb: 

Gods aren’t born, they’re made.

I should have died the same night that a monster murdered my grandmother, but I was saved, stolen from my world, and thrown into a realm ravaged by an endless war between ancient gods called Asura.

I’m told that I’m a demigod, that there are others like me, brought to this world to replenish their dwindling numbers. They want us to prove we’re worthy of ascension and fight alongside them.

But I don’t give a damn about their war. All I want is vengeance on the monster that killed my only family. A monster from their world. And if the only way to kill it is to become a god, then I’m all in.

But the path of ascension is paved with dangerous tests, culminating in a lethal trial called the labyrinth of gods. 

Only an ancient fire elemental has the power to help me survive it. 

His wicked mouth sets my pulse racing, and his dark threats turn my blood to ice. Charismatic and terrifying, he attracts and repels me in equal measure, and I have no doubt he’d snap my neck in a heartbeat if freed from the magical bonds that compel him to aid me.

 

He hopes to be my undoing, and if I’m not careful I may not make it to the labyrinth alive. 

To claim the vengeance that I desire I’ll need to protect my body and shield my mind, but most of all I’ll need to guard my heart.

Enter an Otherworldly realm filled with gods, monsters, and mystical beings. Opposites attract and love and conflict collide, in this forced proximity romance.

NOW LIVE!

Debbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head – in a totally non psychotic way of course. She writes Urban Fantasy, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.

Author Links:

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Bookbub | Tiktok | Newsletter | Reader Group | Website

NOW LIVE!

Tress of The Emerald Sea – Book Review

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had no idea what to expect from this book. I had never read a Sanderson book and had heard amazing things about him. I also knew that this particular title was not Sanderson’s usual fare.

I really enjoyed it for the most part. It did remind me a lot of The Prince’s Bride, a movie (not so much the book, I’m afraid) I absolutely adore. Quirky, nonsensical, funny, and totally “out there”. My kind of humor.

I thought it went on a bit too long, but other than that, I truly enjoyed it. After reading quite a few very serious and heavy fantasies, this was the perfect palate cleanser. Tress was a great character and so was the Rat and the rest of the crew.

And the funniest and best one-liners ever! I wish I had thought of writing them down.

View all my reviews

Cursed Magic Release Blitz

 

Title: Cursed Magic

Author: Jen L. Grey

Genre: Urban Fantasy, PNR

Publication Date: Mar. 27th, 20225

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Cursed Magic by Jen L. Grey

Surviving was just the beginning. Now, the real nightmare begins.

Betrayed by the man who was meant to stand beside me, I watched my pack fall in a bloodbath of treachery. My sister and I barely escaped—but in the chaos, we were separated.

Pulled from the river, I was saved—begrudgingly—by Ryker, a ruthless and powerful pack leader with secrets of his own. A man I don’t trust and can’t seem to escape. The pull between us is undeniable, but after everything, I refuse to let another wolf break me.

When we finally rescue my sister, shadows close in—shadows only I can see. Our survival seems impossible—until Ryker makes the ultimate sacrifice, stepping in front of a blade meant for my sister.

Now, the war is escalating. The attacks grow more relentless, and the deeper we dig, the darker the truth becomes—the very man who rejected me isn’t just after Ryker’s pack and mine. He’s hunting wolves and vampires alike.

I’ve spent my life running from Fate. From the bond pulling me toward Ryker. But the more we fight side by side, the more something inside me begins to awaken. Something powerful. Something I don’t understand.

And if I don’t figure out what it is soon, the next time the shadows strike—they won’t just take my life.

They’ll take my soul.

Cursed Magic  is a dark and addictive paranormal romance packed with fated mates, enemies-to-lovers tension, lethal secrets, slow burn romance, and a heroine who refuses to surrender.  One-click now and step into the shadows.

NOW LIVE!

USA Today Bestselling Author

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies, even as a little girl. When I was a toddler, my parents would read stories to me over and over. I would hear them so often that I had the books memorized and could recite the story word by word.

My favorite genres are fantasy, paranormal, and contemporary romance. So of course that’s what I’m inclined to write.

​I have a husband, two young daughters, and a mini Australian Shepherd. I’ve lived in Tennessee the majority of my life and love the state.

I’m extremely addicted to caffeine and enjoy drinking coffee and lattes.

​Author Links:

Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Reader Group

Twitter | Bookbub | Instagram | Website | Tiktok

NOW LIVE!  

Devious Desires – Cover Reveal

COVER REVEAL DEVIOUS DESIRESSNOW TWINS DUET BOOK 2 PART OF THE DARK LEOPARDS M.C. WORLD AUTHOR: Maria VickersDESIGNER: Maria VickersRELEASE DATE: April 4, 2025Genre: MC, PNR, Romance, SuspenseTROPES: MC, Enemies to lovers, Found Family, Overprotective Alpha, Shifter, Paranormal, Romance Siam hasn’t had the easiest of lives, but compared to her brother Snow, she’s lived like a princess. She will do anything she can to protect him, including sacrificing herself if necessary. When she discovers her mate is the enemy of her brother, she may have to decide who is more important: her family or her love.

Fang is balancing on a very dangerous line, and his own secrets could be his undoing. He has to protect Siam, but he isn’t sure how to do that without possibly sacrificing himself. War is coming, and Fang will need to pick a side.

Danger is lurking around every corner, declaring war against the Dark Leopards MC. Will Siam and Fang fight against each other or embrace their destiny to become mates? Who will be left standing in the end.

PREORDER TODAY FOR 99 CENTS!https://bookgoodies.com/a/B0DYNS41XP(price will increase after release)

“Siam, are you listening to me?” Robert Willis, the person my parents kept pushing at me, asked.

“Huh?” I’d been caught daydreaming or whatever again. The guy was the most boring human in the known universe. Brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin, dressed in a white button-up shirt, khaki Dockers, and brown shoes. Thinking about it, I doubted he owned anything that wasn’t brown, white, black, or blue. Such a plethora of choices. Bleh! “I apologize, Robert. I have a Spanish test tomorrow and was trying to recall what to review.”

“If you need help with Spanish, I can tutor you.”

Smiling coyly, I patted his chest. “I’m okay. Tests just make me nervous.” It was well known that I was a straight-A student and had the highest grade out of all the Spanish classes in our school. I was fluent in Russian, Spanish, German, Italian, and French—a fact I kept to myself because I wasn’t sure about the reaction I would get. I walked a very tight line in my new life, and I didn’t want to tip the scales. I had to bide my time and strike when I was ready. Not a moment sooner, and I could not allow anyone to interfere.

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t mind helping you. It would allow me to review as well.” Ah, there it was. It wasn’t that he wanted to assist me, but he needed my help. I shouldn’t have been surprised; everyone had an angle, and humans seemed to play them more than shifters.

“Oh, well, if you think it would help you too, then sure. You can come over, and we can study after we are done here.” I had been forced to go shopping with him to pick out his tux and my dress for homecoming. Yay me!

So far, I had found fault with every dress. Too tight. Too loose. Too much sparkle. Not enough sparkle. Too many flowers. I detested flower prints, and of course, Robert picked out that particular dress. He was convinced that he would not be able to pick out his tux until I picked my dress. I wasn’t sure how that worked since he could just get basic black, but who was I to judge his fashion choices. Not like he truly cared about fashion or clothes, which brought me back to why couldn’t he just get a basic black tux?

I was at the point when I was about to just pick the one that bothered me the least when I smelled it. Something sweet and alluring. It wasn’t my brother Dimitri, but it was something else, something more. Mate! My animal called out to me. Mate? I was only sixteen. But it had to be. The smell drew me in.

https://bookgoodies.com/a/B08SW5JC61 SNOW

As a young boy, abandoned by my parents and ripped apart from my twin sister, I learned early on that the world was full of evil and hate. I survived by living between the light and darkness, using my shifter abilities to stay alive…until one mistake should have cost me my life. Instead, it became my salvation and gave me a family and band of brothers who had my back no matter what. The Dark Leopards MC was not a gang to be trifled with, and many gave us a wide birth, and as the Sergeant At Arms, I ensured that’s the way it stayed. But someone was trying to encroach on our territory and begin a war.

I suspect the woman I saved, the woman whom I discover is my mate, is tied to it all somehow. I just have to figure out the puzzle before it’s too late.

VERITY

I was only trying to help a friend. The last thing I ever thought is that my friend would try to kidnap me, but thankfully someone or something saved me. Rushing to meet my roommate, Siam, I got another shock when the gang responsible for my brother’s death are her friends. I didn’t care if her brother had mesmerizing eyes or if I had a hard time not thinking about him. He was the enemy!

But even as my enemy, he may be my only chance to stay alive and learn the truth. And if Snow is the one protecting me in and out of bed, I wouldn’t complain too much.

Maria Vickers is a bestselling and award-winning author who currently resides in St. Louis, MO with her pug, Hunny. She has always had a passion for writing and after she became disabled in 2010, she decided to use writing as her escape. She believes that life is about what you make of it, you have to live it to the fullest no matter the circumstances.

Getting sick changed her life forever, but it also opened doors for her that she thought would always be out of reach.

https://linktr.ee/mvickers.author

 

Moon Over Soho – Review

Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in this urban fantasy series is just as excellent as the first.
I love the main characters’ growth, getting to know Peter’s parents better, and welcoming back Leslie (even if it’s a broken version of her. I have high hopes for her).
One of the best features of this series is the humor (sarcasm, I guess I should call it) with which the main character–our reluctant wizard, Peter–tells his story.
Once again I listened to it on audiobook and the narrator didn’t disappoint.
Definitely reading the next in the series. Highly recommend.

View all my reviews