Natalina Reis's Blog, page 21
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!
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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*
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*
March 3, 2020
Crown of Midnight – Review
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another great story by Ms. Maas. Love the characters, their relationships (even though it just about killed me and I can’t imagine where this is going), their world… can’t wait to start the next book. The only thing that didn’t sit too well with me–and it could be I actually missed the clues–without giving away the surprise at the end is, when did Celena figured it out? Foreshadowing for this fact was nowhere in the story. Considering it was told in first person, I thought there should have been some subtle hints here and there. But in the end who cares? Great story, awesome characters as usual.
February 29, 2020
Of Magic & Scales- New Release
Author: Natalina Reis
Title: Of Magic & Scales
Series: Of Magic & Scales, book 1
Genre: Gay Paranormal Romance
Release Date: February 29, 2020
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Designer: BookSmith Design
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LKonRB
All other links: books2read.com/OfMagicandScales
With a serial killer on the loose, the baffling mystery of Aiden’s past, and their tenuous budding romance, Aiden and Fouchard tread through a world of magic and myth on padded shoes, terrified to stir up something neither can control or defeat.
Aiden Mercer’s life now centers around lounging on the sunny beaches of his adopted country with a beer in one hand and a coffee in the other while admiring the local male population. After a rough life as a respected detective in DC, playing it cool shouldn’t be too hard, right? With the magical community on his case and dead bodies piling up around town, the responsibility of finding their killer seems fated to fall on him and deny him of his easy living.
Then there is Naël.
Cantankerous merman Naël Fouchard’s life is focused on bringing up and protecting his little sister. When DNA found at the scene of the murders mark him as the prime suspect, Naël seeks out the help of Aiden, whose reputation as a detective grossly belies his lazy lifestyle and apparent lack of ambition.
The chemistry between the strong, stoic Naël and the easygoing Aiden is undeniable, no matter how many walls Aiden builds.
If this unlikely pair can’t come to terms with their feelings for each other long enough to catch the killer, their emotional turmoil might yet allow the murderer to kill them instead.
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2LKonRB
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2AIkVAC
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2oLK4aS
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/30EB30o
iTunes: https://apple.co/2Vfwad1
Nook: http://bit.ly/2M8WOjG
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2ImR2Kb
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Author of We Will Always Have the Closet, Desert Jewel, and Loved You Always, Natalina wrote her first romance in collaboration with her best friend at the age of 13. Since then she has ventured into other genres, but romance is first and foremost in almost everything she writes.
After earning a degree in tourism and foreign languages, she worked as a tourist guide in her native Portugal for a short time before moving to the United States. She lived in three continents and a few islands, and her knack for languages and linguistics led her to a master’s degree in education. She lives in Virginia where she has taught English as a Second Language to elementary school children for more years than she cares to admit.
Natalina doesn’t believe you can have too many books or too much coffee. Art and dance make her happy and she is pretty sure she could survive on lobster and bananas alone. When she is not writing or stressing over lesson plans, she shares her life with her husband and two adult sons.
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February 21, 2020
The Darkest Star – Review
The Darkest Star by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Another winner from Ms, Armentrout’s pen. It was easy to connect with the characters and fall in love with Livie and Luc and their relationship. The action was consistent and the romance oh-so promising. Some of the plot was pretty standard for YA sci-fi and so a bit predictable, but the author made up for it with some awesome and totally unexpected surprises. Am I going to read the next book in the series? Absolutely. A couple questions were smartly thrown into the arena without any answers as yet. Well done!
View all my reviews
February 13, 2020
Things Chinese Period Drama Taught Me
I have been watching a lot of Chinese period dramas. Most of them dig into Chinese mythology and I absolutely love them. Some are better than others, but I was lucky enough to watch three excellent ones in a row. I’ve been thinking about what makes them so addictive and if I could use that “formula” in my own romances. These are a few things they all seem to do and that hook the audience very effectively.
They all (or most of them) start with a light mood–the main characters may be children or maybe they are very happy and free of worries. This sets the audience into a sense of security and true zen. In other words put your audience (readers) at ease before you hit them over the head with something they didn’t expect.They draw in the audience by offering lavish and yet, simple settings with clean, ethereal lines. In a book this could translate to rich vivid descriptions that don’t overwhelm but call to all senses.They make their main characters suffer and then reward them with a happy ending. Translation, keep your readers guessing, and maybe even crying a bit, as long as you give them a satisfying end.Finally, make the audience wait until the last possible minute before revealing the happy ending. In one of my favorite shows the audience is led to believe, literally until the last thirty seconds of the series, that the main characters are going to live a very lonely, sad life. Just when the audience has accepted this terrible fate, something happens that totally changes everything–in a good way.And of course, it doesn’t hurt to have beautiful (inside and out) likable people as the main characters. There is definitely an emphasis on kind characters, people who are unselfish and do good things for others without expecting anything in return. There is always an underdog who wins at the end.
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Can I use this formula for my books? I think I already do, probably the reason I am so attracted to these shows. I always have some kind of rebel or outcast who comes victorious in the end. I also tend to make my characters suffer one way or another, before they achieve emotional nirvana. And my settings–especially those in my fantasy books–are, I hope, described in a vivid, sensory way that makes readers feel they are side by side with my characters and not looking in from the outside.
So readers, a question for you; what makes a story that extra special for you (in any genre)? What makes you turn the pages without any wish to stop?
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