Natalina Reis's Blog, page 21
April 11, 2020
Life Rocking Events
This whole Corona virus crisis (or WWIII as I call it) got me thinking. This is not the first time something huge rocks my boring, everyday life. I’m over a half-century old and when I look back I come to realize there has been some truly scary moments in my life that involved me and many other people around me. So I decided to make a list and hope to write about each one individually (in separate posts), with hopes of not boring you too much, dear reader.
Arsenal (armory) Explosion in Barcarena, Portugal-November 1967Lisbon earthquake of 1969Carnation Revolution of 1975 (25 de Abril)September 11Covid 19, 2020
[image error]
The first three were all in my native Portugal when I was still a young child (five, seven, and eleven respectively) but left vivid memories, which have followed me my whole life. So much so I have recently decided to research them and find out how much of what I remembered was factual and how much came out of the wild imagination of my child-self. The other two are no strangers to you, of course.
So I leave you today with a simple question; besides Covid-19 which pretty much has affected every single person on earth one way or another, which major event in the world has left long lasting and life-rocking memories in your life?
[image error]Photo by Aidan Nguyen on Pexels.com
April 10, 2020
Thicker Than Water – A Review
Thicker Than Water by Becca Seymour
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ms. Seymour has delivered again. Her jump from contemporary romance to fantasy has more than worked; it rocked! I’m a fantasy/PNR freak and Thicker Than Water kept me turning pages to find out what’s next. The action never stops and the mystery is intriguing, but for me the best part were the characters; they were well developed, likable, and their chemistry came across loud and clear. I was a bit worried I would lose interest because I am not a fan of “tough” guys, but these two guys had just the right amount of sweetness underneath all that testosterone to make me fall in love with both of them. Well down, Ms. Seymour. Can’t wait for the next one (there will be another, right?).
April 2, 2020
Way of the Wolf: Endeavour – New Release
Way of the Wolf: Endeavour
(The Wulvers Series Book 3)
With Cathwulf settled by Roarke’s side as Alpha Female, once more, I’m left to uncover my own place within our pack.
Finding love in working beside the pack doctor, I’ve thrown myself into learning from the healers that came before me.
It’s kept me busy, but it’s hard to focus when my eyes are constantly drawn to the male who once fought to be Cathwulf’s mate.
Quillan has an aura that sparks all of my defensive instincts and yet, I can’t seem to stop wanting him to notice me…and I know he’s been keeping close.
The truth behind the reason he follows my every step, however, is far more dangerous than I could ever imagine. A reason that could have all the progress I’ve made crumble, and me right along with it when my past returns to haunt me.
Buy Links:
Amazon US
Amazon CA
Amazon UK
Amazon AU
[image error]
About the Author
Rebecca is an Author, musician and singer/song writer based in Alyth, Scotland. She focuses her energy on her creative passions and uses her Highland roots to influence all aspects of her life.
Rebecca comes from a family of musicians and spent much of her childhood absorbing the sounds of traditional music while touring Scotland. Rebecca also has a keen interest in her genealogy as she descends from the county’s travelling folk, a culture steeped in history and stories.
A proud Scottish person with a rich family heritage, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her loved ones, travelling her beautiful native homeland and performing with friends.
[image error]
Social Links:
Instagram & Wattpad: @Scottish_writer
March 29, 2020
Gobbelino London – Review
Gobbelino London & a Scourge of Pleasantries by Kim M. Watt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I fell in love with Ms. Watt’s cozies so as soon as I saw this new series I had to read it. It’s very different in tone and content but the humor, the sense of absurdity is still alive and well in Gobbelino London’s story. I laughed all through the book (the butler toward the end had me in giggles) and Gobbelino came across so real it was spooky. Yes, real cats don’t talk (at least in front of us) but the author wrote a perfectly believable feline as anyone who has ever been around cats will recognize. The whole story reminded me of Jasper Fjorde’s stories (which I love) with all the zany characters and situations. Ms. Watt you have a dazzling imagination. Please, keep writing these fabulous (and extremely well written) stories.
March 26, 2020
Something More- New Release
By Marianne Rice
[image error]
Blurb:
Mia Parker needs to reassess her wild lifestyle, get back to her lost passion for writing and drawing. At a quiet beach, she gathers inspiration, finding it in a stranger with mischievous dark chocolate eyes and a quirky passion for marine life. But the more time they spend together the more stoic and mysterious he becomes.
FBI agent Ryan Thorne shut everyone out of his life after a devastating loss six years ago. Safeguarding his emotions and feelings, limiting his interaction with people is the only way he can keep those around him safe. Being unreachable, unlikeable is his MO until Mia gets under
his skin. Her snark, her sass, and her persistent nature have Ryan doing things he swore he’d never do again. Like laugh… and open his heart. He finds he likes it, and her, a little too much.
But loving her will put her in danger. It’s a cost too high. A risk he’s not willing to take. The only way to keep her safe is to walk away…but his heart marches to a beat of its own.
Buy Link- Amazon (Available in KU)
[image error]Marianne Rice
Marianne Rice is the author of more than nineteen small-town romance novels set in rural New England towns. She loves high heels, reading romance, scarfing down dark chocolate, gulping wine, and Chris Hemsworth. Oh, and her husband and three children. You can follow her all over social media, and keep up to tabs with her latest releases on her website
[image error]
Excerpt
Love. How could she be in love when she barely knew the man? Two months was not long enough to fall so hard and make her insides feel like they had been ripped into a million pieces.
Remembering how quickly her friends fell, maybe it was long enough. But they’d spent time with their husbands—their then love interests for days, weeks. They’d gone out on dates.
Heck, Lily even got Ty to go to the drive-in. He hated watching movies with people, but their first time out he went to a double-feature.
Grace spent a lot of time at Brady’s house helping take care of his mother, and Ben flew across the country for Alexis. What had Ryan done for Mia? What had she done for him?
They had just sex and then went on their merry way.
She blinked away the tears and noticed the books on the shelf across from her. Okay, so Ryan sent her two small gifts. Two perfectly perfect gifts that meant more to her than flowers or jewelry.
He may know her well, but she didn’t know him, which didn’t explain why she hurt so much. When her tears had dried, she dragged herself to another shower and went to bed. It didn’t matter that it was only seven-thirty.
There was no point staying up when all she wanted to do was close her eyes and either forget she ever met Agent Ryan Thorne, or dream about him for the rest of her life.
Social Media Links
Facebook
Bookbub
Amazon
Website
Instagram
Ricecakes (Reader Group)
Twitter
Goodreads
[image error]
March 22, 2020
The Light in the Darkness
I’ve always been that irritating person who tries to dig up a silver-lining out of everything, even dire situations like the one the world is in right now. As I get older it’s getting more difficult, I must admit, but not impossible.
As terrible and difficult as things are right now as the microscopic monster called Covid-19 makes its way through a whole civilization, there are amazing things sprouting of this darkness. We all have seen it online, on the news, people performing awesome acts of empathy, kindness, and generosity. But I’m talking in more global terms.
As I see it, before this virus, the world was drowning in negativity, hate, spite, lack of understanding and empathy, anger. It seemed as the whole world was turning against itself. No lack of pointing fingers, calling names, finding fault in the smallest, most negligent things possible. I’ve always been a pacifist who does not identify with any particular political party or philosophy. I believe that both sides have their good and bad points. I also know that sometimes fighting for what is right can get a little messy.
However, some of the most famous and successful social “changers” in the history of the world were pacifists, people who believed in the power of love and getting things done without violence or hate. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Ghandi, Susan B. Anthony to only name a few.
With this pandemic, the world seems to be teaching us a lesson that was quickly being forgotten of lately; that we are all in this together, that we are all a great big family and that we are all connected. That we all must stand up for the survival of the whole. That we are all pieces of the same puzzle.
[image error]
We will survive this and come out on the other side battered and bruised, but better in other ways. This crisis is reminding us of things we have forgotten, is making us slow down and smell (metaphorically) the roses. It’s making us appreciate things we take for granted, like the internet, phones, books, TV, or the elusive toilet paper (just kidding). It’s making us spend more time with our pets and loved ones. My husband, for example, who is an extreme extrovert has been using all that energy and need for action to do projects around the house (okay, maybe that’s not always a good thing, lol). I have actually cooked a whole meal for the first time in months.
And you know what they say, necessity is the mother of invention. People are getting super creative about accomplishing things they had to cancel because of the social-distancing need. The world will be a different place once we beat this monster, but it will still be alive and thriving and, I’m hoping, better.
I would love to hear about how you are adapting to this crisis and/or about wonderful things you have seen coming out of the darkness.
March 20, 2020
Riding the Stress
In these uncertain times, I wanted to check on all my readers and remind them that, as much as it seems that way, you’re not alone. We’re all together in this that we like it or not, and I for one think we should use this difficult time to get closer to each other instead of the opposite. I’m obviously not talking about physical closeness, but we can be close without it. If nothing else, this terrible pandamic is proving to all of us that we live in a small world and that we are all humans; that race, sexual orientation, religion, fashion sense (just kidding) do not matter AT ALL. The human race is a big family and as such we will have our spats, but when it comes down to it, we should love each other and live peacefully side by side because, let’s face it, we NEED each other.
[image error]
I have been doing yoga daily and it has helped me sleep better and relax. I also have been doing the two other things I love the most; writing and reading. Here’s a list of simple things you can do to get your mind out of this crisis and keep healthy.
1. Read a book (I’m sure you’re already doing that. May I suggest a nifty romance writer called Natalina Reis? LOL.)
2.Take a hike (just make sure to stay away from others. Wave and smile a lot. People around here have been extra nice).
3. Meditate. You can use any meditation music, nature music/sounds. I personally love Tibetan Bowls because their vibrations are very soothing and healing. Click here for a wonderful YouTube video you can use to meditate.)
4. Write. You don’t have to be a writer. Journaling has been a proven therapy used for decades. Grab an old notebook and a pen and write your thoughts, lists of words, doodles, whatever. It works.
5. Listen to Music. No need to explain. Listen to the kind of music that makes you happy.
6. Practice Yoga. If you’ve never done it there are tons of beginner yoga classes fro FREE on YouTube. This is an excellent one to help with anxiety and stress.You don’t have to be flexible, it’s more about being still and in peace with the world.
7. Take a bath (or a long hot shower). Enough said. Read a book while you’re at it (not in the shower).
8. Cuddle a pet. If you’re lucky enough to have a pet, nothing more relaxing that cuddling with that furball. My doggie passed a few years ago and my cat would probably scratch my eyes out if I tried to cuddle it, but if you have a pet, take advantage of their unconditional love.
9. Take a virtual tour. Like art? Visit the Louvre. Like animals? Visit the zoo. Like fish and the oceans? Visit an Aquarium. Like farms? Visit one.
10. Go to a movie (lots of new movies streaming on Amazon and Vudu) without leaving the house. I’m watching Emma tonight.
[image error]
In other news, all of the signings I was supposed to attend in March and April have been now cancelled. I will be running some giveaways in both my Readers’ Group and my Author’s Page in the next few weeks so check it out. Join us for some silly fun. I will also be having a takeover at Itsy Bitsy Book Bits Party Room at 6:30 PM this Saturday. Join me for a bit of fun.
[image error]
I’m always available to answer your questions or even if you just want to talk. Send me an email and I will be glad to respond.
Well, stay safe and healthy and please don’t hog the toilet paper, lol. We’re running out in my house and I’m not going to lie; I’m in a bit of a panic, lol. I live with three men who do not know how to be thrifty when it comes to this. We’ll survive 
March 19, 2020
Insatiable-New Release
Available now!!
[image error]
Insatiable
By: Mila Waters
I thirsted for revenge. Left alone to die, I withered almost to nothing before making a deal. I was granted an eternity to exact my revenge, to feed my hunger which threatened to consume me.
He arrived with a hunger of his own. I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. I wanted him like no other and my desires soon took control. This is my story, the one I must tell before I die. Those who love me need to know the truth.
I am Agata and I am a siren.
March 17, 2020
Claimed by Temptation-New Release
Title: Claimed by Temptation: A Paranormal Romance Limited Edition Collection
Authors: Ariel Marie, Jessica Cage, Mercer Norris, Selene Drake, Erin St. Charles, Delizhia Jenkins, LeeSha McCoy, Nikki Clarke, Jade Royal, Kiarra M. Taylor, and Siren Allen
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release Date: March 17, 2020
Are you ready for the fascinating world of paranormal and fantasy romance?
Claimed by Temptation is a limited edition collection of tales designed to quench your thirst for the supernatural. You’ll want to sink your teeth into these stories of your favorite mystical creatures.
From alpha shifters to powerful witches to magical djinn, there is something for everyone.
The stories in the compilation are exclusive and can’t be found anywhere else. Don’t wait, this box set will only be available for a limited time before it is gone forever!
Note: This collection contains material for mature readers (18+ and older) only.
HOSTED BY:
March 8, 2020
Aiden’s Seaside Paradise
Aiden in Of Magic & Scales owns a coffee shop called Bicas R Us in a beach town in Portugal. Even though he’s not Portuguese and he hasn’t lived there that long, he feels right at home in the small coastal town of Carcavelos. After all he has everything he most treasures in life: lots of coffee, lots of sun and ocean, and many shirtless surfers heading to the beach. Aiden
is not the only one who feels at home there; this writer does too. There’s a very good reason for it; I was born and grew up in that area and spent most of my springs and summers (and some winter days too) on that same beach Aiden so loves to lounge on.
My family and friends, most of whom still reside in Portugal, have been asking me for years, “When are you going to write a story set in Portugal?” Well, twelve books later I finally did it. I’m not sure why I hadn’t done it before since I wrote books set in several of my favorite places in the world. Lavender Fields and Dark Feathers are set in Maine where I spent a few
lovely summers, Fictional-ish is set in the same Scottish town I lived in for four years, and Infinite Blue and Her Real Man are set in small local towns I know well and visit often. Maybe I was reluctant to write about my own native country because I was afraid I wouldn’t give it the recognition it deserves. Whatever the reason, I am so happy I finally inserted my own homeland into one of my stories.
It was the most fun I’ve had writing a book and a lot of that was due to the fact I was revisiting all these wonderful places, the sensations of walking along the beach on a windy day, or sitting in a coffee shop esplanade with a bica (espresso) and a pastel de nata (custard pie). Or strolling through the magical grounds of Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra and the mysterious and
otherworldly Convento dos Capuchos.
My hope is that readers will feel the joy I felt while writing it and that they too, in truly bibliophile fashion, can experience the sights, sounds, and tastes (Portuguese people take food very seriously) of my wonderful tiny country by the sea.
*Previously published in Hot Tree Publishing Blog*
