Natalina Reis's Blog, page 23
December 30, 2019
Death of Civil Discourse
I should write a disclaimer beforehand since this is about a controversial subject. My post has nothing to do with race or religion and I feel that racism is indeed an evil that still prevails and, unfortunately, probably always will to some extent. I also want to point out that I am Lilly white (more of a pasty beige), an immigrant (who has been a US citizen now for a long time) for whom English is a second language (as attested by my misuse of prepositions) and also what people love to call a bleeding heart (I believe in being charitable even with those who probably don’t deserve it and that people can and do change as they get older). Now that is out of the way, let’s talk about the death of tolerance, civil discourse, and giving people the benefit of the doubt. Oh yeah, and also the lack of understanding that words can and do hurt a lot and can indeed destroy lives and relationships.
These past years, besides the mess brought on by politics, has seen a surge of intolerance that bothers me to no end. I am old. I still remember when I was trying to figure out what career to follow and had very few options open to me as a woman. I was sexually harassed and even assaulted many times (not raped thankfully) from the age of thirteen until I left my country as an adult. I was in South Africa during the apartheid. I lived in what was then Zaire and witnessed all kinds of injustices committed by humans against fellow humans of every color, shape or form. When I first moved to the US I was shocked by the almost palpable racial bigotry in the area where I lived back then. But things have changed, they have evolved and, for the most part, gotten a lot better. Are we where we should be yet? Not really, but there has been a lot of progress in the right direction.
Suddenly though we seem to have taken a few steps backwards. Under the guise of being inclusive we, as a society, have began excluding people for all kinds of reasons. I don’t like your ideas so I’m going to call you a few names and unfriend you. Oh wait, I’ll go further and will tweet about how horrible you are because you have different ideas from me. But, hold on, I’ll do even better; I will damage your career and life because I think you are a despicable person who supports a politician I hate and/or because you said or did something twenty years ago that could be construed as racist or biased nowadays.
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Come on, people, we are better than this. We are all humans and, as such, imperfect. We all make mistakes and even those of us who think have no prejudices, I have news for you; you do. We all do. You can’t escape it, we learn it unconsciously from those around us or from events in our lives that shaped the way we think. The old proverb, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, is good advice for all of us because let’s face it, we all live in glass houses. Jesus had the same idea when he said, let him who is without sin cast the first stone.
I have witnessed friends and family members cutting themselves off each other’s lives because of different opinions about some issues. I’m not going to lie; I disagree with many things friends and relatives think or do, sometimes enough to make me angry. However, I can’t forget that these are good people, imperfect but basically good. I’ll give you an example that made me very angry at the time. Not angry enough to cut myself off completely from my friend, but enough to put a bit of space between us for a while. My son is gay and this friend of mine, who is a wonderful, loving woman, posted somethings inspired by the teachings in her church that labeled my son and all other queers as sinners who needed to repent and change their ways. I was angry, I was disappointed in her because I respect her and I know she has a heart of gold and is always willing to do whatever it takes to help those in need. So I gave ourselves a little space. No words of anger, no unfriending. After some time, anger faded to a manageable level and I’m so glad I can still call her my friend. I know we will never agree on some things, but that doesn’t make her or me a bad person.
Obviously there are extreme cases. I’m not talking about people who post nothing but hate and indiscriminate bigotry or who incite violence. I decided to write this post because of the upheaval going on right now in the romance world. I don’t have all the facts and I am probably too ignorant of certain legalities to be able to judge things clearly but I can’t help but notice that most parties involved in this mess have let their anger (justified or not) tint their words and actions. In today’s world, words stick around forever thanks to social media (which I love and hate in equal parts) where people seem to think they can say whatever they want with impunity, forgetting all along that they are often hurting others.
I will end my ramblings here. Take this for what it is, a vent from someone who is so tired of the fights and strife brought on by differences of opinions, different perspectives, looking at things so closely and through tinted lenses that you are almost certain to find fault in everything.
Can we hit the pause button for a while and spend some time admiring the world around us, this magical planet we live in and the amazing and diverse creatures that populate it? Can we just agree to disagree on a few things? I’m not suggesting you shouldn’t stand up for your beliefs, I’m just saying let’s do it in a civil, empathetic, courteous way. Anger and meanness does nothing but create more anger.
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December 9, 2019
Credence- Blog Tour
Title: Credence
Author: Skye McNeil
Series: The Mobster Files, book 3
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 23, 2019
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Designer: BookSmith Design
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/319YoYU
All other links: books2read.com/credence
Alliances are tested in the final installment in Cameron and Joci’s love story when mobsters and lawyers collide.
Cameron Shearer’s life as a police officer is put on hold when the Del Rossi mob demands restitution. One last job with the mob then he’s done for good. Too bad for him his ex-girlfriend—and sister of his mafia boss—isn’t on the same page. Thrown into a life of heists, arrests, and his past, Cameron must walk the line of good and evil.
When Cameron is forced back to his mobster ways, Joci must face a potential future without him. Juggling two law firms, a family, and the mob is harder than she could’ve prepared for. Just when she thinks life falls into place, something disrupts their future.
Will history repeat itself or will their love find credence?
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/319YoYU
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2kquVtN
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2m0MIrD
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2lZlAJB
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1466576003
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2EOZFLO
With one smooth move, he unclasped her bra and grinned. “Counselor, I do believe you’re losing articles of clothes.”
Playing along, she sat up and unbuckled his belt. She couldn’t deny how his body came alive with the promise of more. It was something she’d never get sick of. “Me? Nah, I think you’re mistaken, officer. You on the other hand may need to watch yourself or I’ll book you for indecent exposure.”
Cameron smirked and tugged her shirt and bra off, flinging both toward the television. His eyes hungrily took in her naked torso. “Now that is a crime I’m willing to do time for.” He leaned up and licked her nipple. “So long as you’re in jail with me, that is.”
Gasping, she clasped her hands around his neck and arched toward him. “And what exactly would we do in that jail cell?”
He paused and met her gaze. His voice lowered and he placed purposeful kisses on her chest and neck. “Fuck you until the walls fall down around us.” He captured her lips. “Then do it all over again.”
Shivers ran down Joci’s spine at his words. “Promise?”
A determined grin covered his face. “Cross my heart.”
* * * * *
The Mobster Files Series
Appointed by Fate
(book 1)
FREE
for a limited time
books2read.com/fate
Exonerated with Love
(book 2)
books2read.com/exonerated
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram
Skye McNeil began writing at the age of seventeen and has been lost in a love affair ever since. During the day, she moonlights as a paralegal at a law firm favouring criminal law.
Skye enjoys writing romantic comedies and cozy mysteries novels that leave readers wanting more and falling in love over and over. She writes contemporary and historical novels ranging from sweet and sassy to steamy and sultry.
Her constant writing companions are two cats and two dogs. When she’s not writing, Skye enjoys spending time with family, photography, volleyball, traveling, and curling up with a cup of coffee and reading.
Sign up for Skye’s newsletter HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 25, 2019
Credence – New Release
Title: Credence
Author: Skye McNeil
Series: The Mobster Files, book 3
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Release Date: November 23, 2019
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing
Cover Designer: BookSmith Design
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/319YoYU
All other links: books2read.com/credence
Alliances are tested in the final installment in Cameron and Joci’s love story when mobsters and lawyers collide.
Cameron Shearer’s life as a police officer is put on hold when the Del Rossi mob demands restitution. One last job with the mob then he’s done for good. Too bad for him his ex-girlfriend—and sister of his mafia boss—isn’t on the same page. Thrown into a life of heists, arrests, and his past, Cameron must walk the line of good and evil.
When Cameron is forced back to his mobster ways, Joci must face a potential future without him. Juggling two law firms, a family, and the mob is harder than she could’ve prepared for. Just when she thinks life falls into place, something disrupts their future.
Will history repeat itself or will their love find credence?
Available now!
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/319YoYU
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2kquVtN
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2m0MIrD
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2lZlAJB
iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1466576003
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2EOZFLO
* * * * *
The Mobster Files Series Appointed by Fate
(book 1)
FREE
for a limited time
books2read.com/fate
Exonerated with Love
(book 2)
books2read.com/exonerated
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram
Skye McNeil began writing at the age of seventeen and has been lost in a love affair ever since. During the day, she moonlights as a paralegal at a law firm favouring criminal law.
Skye enjoys writing romantic comedies and cozy mysteries novels that leave readers wanting more and falling in love over and over. She writes contemporary and historical novels ranging from sweet and sassy to steamy and sultry.
Her constant writing companions are two cats and two dogs. When she’s not writing, Skye enjoys spending time with family, photography, volleyball, traveling, and curling up with a cup of coffee and reading.
Sign up for Skye’s newsletter HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
November 24, 2019
Serpent & Dove – Review
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was such a great surprise. I am always very skeptic about books that appear everywhere online. Being an author I know how publishers send these beautiful hardcover books to reviewers and bloggers in exchange for a bit of publicity, so I take the hype with a bit of salt. But the blurb was intriguing so I decided to give it a chance. I bought both the hardcover and the audio book and absolutely loved it. Love stories where the lines between good and bad are not that well defined and where the characters are flawed in in need of a change. Both Reid and Lou were such characters, but there were so many other amazing side kicks such as Ansel, Coco, Madame LeBlanc, and even the annoyingly cocky Bo. Another aspect that resonated with me was the mixture of fiction with some things that ring too close to the truth historically. A magical book about the transformative power of love. Highly recommend it.
November 23, 2019
Becoming Us – New Release
Catch up with Kirkby residents Scott and Davis!
A uthor: Becca Seymour
Book: Becoming Us
Genre: M/M Romance
Cover Designer: Booksmith Design
books2read.com/becomingus
Catch up with Kirkby residents Scott and Davis as they navigate through the ups and downs of fatherhood, relationships, and juggling… balls.
In two years, it’s clear love can last, just as it can grow.
Davis’s business remains successful, Scott’s clinic is going strong, and Libby is happy and content.
But that doesn’t mean real life is always perfect, nor does it mean fatherhood isn’t as exhausting as it is wonderful.
Needing a break from their daily routines, Davis and Scott head away for a weekend of uninhibited fun. With lots of laughter and dancing, Davis has never seen Scott so relaxed and comfortable in public.
And he’s not quite sure how to handle that.
Worried that life in Kirkby is holding Scott back, Davis nearly makes the biggest mistake of his life.
But Scott has other ideas. He doesn’t need saving. What he needs is his man to step up and fight for their family and their future.
And he has just the plan to do it.
A True-Blue novella. I’ve Got You MUST be read prior to reading this story.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2OsoanI
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2o8llgZ
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2ViDRPP
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2VjS132
iTunes: https://apple.co/35dVXaj
Nook: http://bit.ly/2nrOQKi
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2m7YDo0
Limited Time “Wide” Availability – Moving to KU Dec 1st!
Swoon-worthy low-angst contemporary M/M romances
books2read.com/letmeshowyou
books2read.com/ivegotyou
BookBub | Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | AllAuthor | QueeRomance Ink | Amazon
Becca Seymour lives and breathes all things book related. Usually with at least three books being read and two WiPs being written at the same time, life is merrily hectic. She tends to do nothing by halves so happily seeks the craziness and busyness life offers.
Living on her small property in Queensland with her human family as well as her animal family of cows, chooks, and dogs, Becca appreciates the beauty of the world around her and is a believer that love truly is love.
$40 Amazon Gift Card (or country $$ equivalent)
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ea80a6ed404/?
November 10, 2019
Tendrils of Passion – New Release
by Carrie Dalby
New Release
Secrets, lust, and demons–all in a day’s work when you live with the Mellings.
Fall has come to the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, bringing chilling winds of change to Seacliff Cottage.
Settled into her employment as Mrs. Melling’s companion, Magdalene has accepted the proposal of the Mellings’ chauffeur Douglas Campbell, and is happily anticipating their new life together. That is until temptation reappears with Alexander Melling’s return the day after her wedding.
As if triggered by Magdalene’s tumultuous emotions, demonic activity flares once more. Those within the walls of Seacliff Cottage must battle against their own passions as nefarious possessions call forth the longings they’ve fought to keep hidden.
Can Father Claudio De Fiore cleanse the house from the storm of evil ravaging it? Or will exposed secrets crumble the very foundation the manor was built upon?
BUY LINKS
About the Author
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Carrie Dalby, a California native, has lived in Mobile, Alabama, since 1996. She’s published several non-fiction articles in national and international magazines, served two terms as president of Mobile Writers Guild, worked as the Mobile area Local Liaison for SCBWI from 2012-2017, volunteers with Metro Mobile Literacy Council’s annual Young Author events whenever possible, and helps coordinate the annual Mobile Literary Festival.. When Carrie’s not reading, writing, browsing bookstores/libraries, or homeschooling, she can often be found knitting or attending concerts.
Carrie’s two young adult novels are Fortitude (historical) and Corroded (contemporary). Fortitude is listed as a “Best History Book for kids” with Grateful American Foundation for its historical accuracy and being an engaging read for fifth through tenth graders.
Her current project is a historical Southern Gothic family saga for adults, The Possession Chronicles. The first book in the series, Perilous Confessions, released in January 2019 from Bienvenue Press.
Social Links
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November 9, 2019
Pure Dumb Luck-Review
Pure Dumb Luck by Dahlia Donovan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As usual Donovan created two lovable (however clueless) main characters that you can’t help but love to pieces. The writing is flawless and the whole story is imbued in the kind of humor I came to expect from this writer. I did cringe a little about these guys’ nutritional (or lack thereof) choices and worried about the future state of their health, lol.
I loved their relationship, how they helped each other face the world, and their suspiciously growing and one-track-minded to-do checklist. An easy, sexy, and funny read.
October 31, 2019
It Ends With Us- Review
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
***possible spoiler ahead***
Excellent story, great writing, lots of heart. I’m not sure when I will read another one of Colleen’s books because it took so much of me emotionally to read this one. I loved that it’s written from a side of abuse no one seems to see. The victim is always thought of as weak when in fact it’s really not that simple. And the abuser is not always a monster. I hated that I fell in love with Ryle, and just like Lily I couldn’t get myself to hate him. Not completely. This ambivalent side of domestic abuse was masterfully dealt with by Colleen Hoover by placing the reader in a similar emotional position when it came to Ryle’s and Lily’s relationship. And thank you Ms. Hoover for giving me a happy ending. I would have been destroyed if that wasn’t the case.
October 24, 2019
Romancing Our Readers Giveaway
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If you love reading paranormal romance as much as our authors love writing it, then this is the giveaway for you!
Unfortunately, because of shipping costs, this giveaway is ONLY open for US residents.
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Participating Authors:
Aidy Award | Annie Anderson | Brandy Dorsch | Cecilia Lane | DJ Bryce | Elena Gray | Heather Young-Nichols | Joanna Mazurkiewicz | Joely Sue Burkhart | Kristen Strassel | Lexi James | Lisa Edmonds | Mikayla Symonett | Natalina Reis | Ovidia Pike | Sarah Zolton Arthur | Terri A. Wilson | Tina Glasneck
Because we believe reading should be an experience, we’ve created the perfect prize pack designed for comfort and relaxation.
The Prize Pack:
Chesapeake Bay Candle
2 – 18″ Pillow Stuffers
Fuzzy Socks: If you can read this bring me chocolate.
Yeti Mug
Lake Champlain Chocolates
Chai Tea Latte
Throw blanket with two matching pillow covers
Bath Bombs (6 Pack)
ARV: $200.00
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Enter to win!
Enter here
October 21, 2019
Mistletoe Mishap – New Release
by Tracy Krimmer
Release Date: October 21, 2019
Price: $2.99
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About Tracy Krimmer:
Tracy Krimmer loves coffee, popcorn, Drew Barrymore, and the movie Saving Silverman. She enjoys reading great books (of course) and writing realistic characters for you to enjoy. When she listens to music she prefers the 80s and 90s music she grew up on. In a typical day you’ll find her writing at one of her favorite spots–on the couch, at the kitchen table, or at her favorite hometown coffee shop.
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Where to find Tracy:
Twitter Facebook Instagram Newsletter
Bookbub Pinterest YouTube Facebook Reader Group
Blurb :
What was meant to be a fling turns into a love they both thought they’d never have or deserved….
Alexis Paige did not make a habit of drunkenly booking travel for herself on the internet. But after the worst breakup ever, she’s going wherever the wind, and her widowed dad, urges her to go. Now Alexis is on a plane to Colorado and Mistletoe Manor. The guy seated next to her is easy on the eyes, and oddly charming, but he’s also obnoxious. She’s relieved she never has to see Grayson Wells again. She’s had enough of indecipherable men.
Until she walks into Mistletoe Manor. Grayson’s aunt runs the rustic bed and breakfast, and it’s his annual holiday spot. He knows the town well and wants to show Alexis all it has to offer. She’s leery, especially of a guy like Grayson who’s a little too smooth, but she can’t find a reason to say no. One kiss under the famed mistletoe and it’s almost too easy to say yes. She tells herself that Grayson is a fling, but it hurts to say goodbye only a few short weeks later. Darn that mistletoe…
Back at home, Alexis finds everything shifting—career, her childhood home on the market, and oh yeah, her dad’s marital status. She’s thrilled her father has found love, but it’s too much at once, especially when she’s still missing her mom and feeling like her romantic life is doomed. When her dad announces the nuptials will take place at Mistletoe Manor, she fears the trip will just make her sad over what might have been. But when Grayson turns up and puts it all on the line, will Alexis give in to love or will she regret that mistletoe kiss?
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Vendor links:
Amazon
Apple Books
Nook
Kobo
Mistletoe Mishap -Excerpt
Alexis hit the Unfriend button. Why did she have her assistant as a friend online anyway? Come to think of it, she still had herself connected to Jonah. She searched for his name and clicked on it.
He hadn’t posted for months, which was like him. He used the social network intermittently. His last post was the two of them on vacation over Easter. Alexis had much shorter hair, and her eyes were wide and glowing. She remembered this day as though it had just happened. She had been so in love. Alexis took the time to study his face. Did he show any signs back then that he didn’t want to be with her? His face beamed with a smile so big his eyes were slits. His arms covered her like a blanket. Everything about that picture said he loved her.
Liar.
She clicked the unfriend button on his profile as well. What about all the pictures of them together she posted on her profile page? She clicked over to her photos. There were so many. At least a hundred. Alexis loved taking photos of the two of them together. If she wanted to take them off her page, she’d have to sit and delete every single picture one by one.
Who had time for such a rigorous process? She probably did, seeing as she didn’t have a job anymore. But she wasn’t going to spend her time doing that.
“I’m deleting my account.”
“Why?”
Alexis shrugged halfheartedly. “Why not? I don’t need to be on here. I’m too old for this crap. Social media? No, thank you.” She found her profile settings and clicked into the deactivation area. She had two choices, deactivate and she could come back another time, or delete permanently.
She clicked “Permanently delete account” and confirmed she wanted to do this. With a sigh, she flopped back onto the couch and let her head fall back.
She kind of wished she could suspend her life.
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