Sydney Winward's Blog, page 22
April 18, 2020
Book Review of Pirate’s Prey by Colleen O’Connell
My Review
He took what he pleased and he pleased what he took.
Who doesn’t love a good pirate story? I enjoyed Shane’s confidence and fierceness. I loved Maura’s stubborn spirit. Being on the wrong side of the law never seemed so good. That ending! Wow! My heart was in my stomach the entire time. It was so intense and detailed. I couldn’t help but love Shane.
The cover is gorgeous. The characters enjoyable. I never knew what was going to happen next, especially as Mansbry and Shane kept trying to best each other. I definitely recommend this book if you love a good pirate romance.
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Favorite Quote
Opening her eyes again, she found that she had drifted a distance from the ship. Reluctantly, she swam back toward the ship to the ladder. Staring at the ladder rung, she bit her lip. Where was her gown? Had it fallen into the water? She scanned the area. How would she get past the crew to the cabin with only her chemise on? Glancing upward, her stomach plunged. Staring down at her was most of the crew. Among their faces, she caught sight of Shane’s, a dark scowl etching his brow.
“If you’re finished with your swim, Maura, we are about to sail.” He was incensed.
Blurb
Shane Christian scorns danger as the notorious pirate, Falcon. Feared and respected for his realm over the sea, his exploits are only surpassed by his devilish charm. No battle waged or venture dared is as great as the ploy he devises to protect Maura Brent – a spirited beauty whose willful nature captures his heart. His strategy to thwart the law risks exposure and potential introduction to the hangman’s noose. If he succeeds in safeguarding their love, will he live long enough to treasure the victory?
Maura Brent agrees to a contrived marriage with a manipulative English land baron in exchange for sparing her father imprisonment. A chance encounter with Shane Christian sets the course for a voyage of discovery awakening her passion, broadening her knowledge and strengthening her resolve to guard Shane’s identity from his nemesis. Determined to dissolve her marriage to remain with Shane, has her decision ensured his demise?
April 16, 2020
Book Review of An Agent for Liana
My Review
Now this was something different that I haven’t read quite like it before. Very entertaining and had me laughing throughout the story. I love the interactions between Liana and Dale. They are sweet and playful. The cover is gorgeous, the characters entertaining. Although I have only read this book in the series, I think the other books would be a lot of fun!
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Favorite Quote
“Here are the celebratory wedding cakes.”Pearl walked in from the kitchen with a tray holding several tiny, plated cakes. “Some are chocolate and the others lemon.” She extended the tray between Archie and Marianne then moved around the table.
“Those look delicious, Pearl, but I do not think I could eat another bite.” Liana pressed a hand to her middle.
Unable to resist, Dale leaned close and dropped his voice so only she could hear. “Possibly, you need to loosen your corset.”
Blurb
Loner Dale Claybourne spent the last five years as a dedicated and decorated Pinkerton agent. Confident in his abilities, he’s not afraid to face down thieves, swindlers and even murderers. But he quells at the mandate of having to train a female agent and, even worse, to marry her before receiving his next assignment.
Gregarious Liana LaFontaine served as a seamstress for the Denver Pinkerton Agency. Now she yearns for a taste of the adventurous life of being an agent. Her ability to speak several languages and her ease with getting people to talk are her strongest assets.
Impulsive by nature, Liana jumps into situations she doesn’t have the experience to handle. Dale fights his growing admiration for this French beauty while keeping close to guard her safety. At odds over almost everything, the pair has to solve the mystery of who is stealing from a Virginia City saloon—a task made even harder because of the wild attraction that shouldn’t be present in a marriage of convenience.
April 15, 2020
Author Spotlight: Helen C. Johannes
Thanks for being on my blog today, Helen! I recently finished reading Lord of Druemarwin, and I would love to delve deeper into the story directly from your mind as the author.
Who was your favorite character to write in Lord of Druemarwin?
I knew Naed very well as he was a major character in book 1, THE PRINCE OF VALFEYRIDGE, and I’ve always loved him. But I have to say Raell’s scenes were the most fun. She’s a dynamic, always going forward character, full of passion and impulses. Where his heart and head are in constant conflict, she’s all heart-driven. I especially loved writing her verbal duels with his mother. Raell is the proverbial Princess-and-the-Pea, always having to prove herself to Naed’s family and folk.
How did you come up with all the names?
My second language (albeit rusty these days) is German, and I have a deep fascination for
anything UK medieval, such as Welsh and Gaelic. I draw on those influences while
choosing/inventing character and place names. Other creations come from serendipitous
mistakes in typing. For instance, the Adanak city Vinvinnysee actually grew from hitting ‘y’ instead of ‘c’ in Cincinnati. (One never knows where inspiration may strike.)
From beginning to end, did you have to delete any scenes?
Only one short scene in the villain’s point of view. It gave away a surprise that worked better coming later in my hero’s point of view. However, I cut several thousand words overall in revision passes.
What character do you identify with the most?
That would be Lady Vyenne, our hero’s mother. She’s the first mother I’ve written as a
significant character, and it was incredibly easy to channel all my motherly experiences through her. We are both very self-contained on the outside and passionate on the inside. And we DO know what’s best for our offspring, even if they don’t want to hear it.
What was your favorite scene to write?
Probably the wedding night because I have two characters who want to be together but didn’t expect it to happen this way, this soon. It’s both sexy and sweet—and occasionally humorous—as they negotiate the intimate details of their relationship, each wishing earnestly to please the other.
Who was your cover artist?
Rae Monet. She’s done all three of my covers. She did a fantastic job portraying Raell.
Is there going to be a third book in the series?
I hope so. First I’m working on a novella in the series. That is, if I can write something short enough to fit novella length. 
April 14, 2020
Booksweeps Bundle: Win 40+ Titles and a New eReader!
Haven’t read Bloodborn yet? Enter the Booksweeps giveaway for a chance to read 40+ Sci-Fi and Paranormal romance novels plus a brand new eReader! Click on the image or this link to discover the books!
April 13, 2020
Book Cover Crush Monday: Kin of Kings by B.T. Narro
I love this cover! It’s simple yet eye-catching. The blurb sounds interesting as well:
The first great war of Ovira is over and the most hated king in centuries is dead, but his nephew still lives. However, Basen had nothing to do with the destructive war his uncle started. In fact, it was his uncle who exiled him and his father to the territory of their enemies, where Basen’s dreams of becoming a legendary mage now fade as he must work all day just to eat. His only chance at regaining some semblance of the life he thought he would lead is to join an elite school that trains, houses, and feeds a thousand new young men and women each year. But little does Basen know that his determination will put him at the center of a war even bloodier than the one he’d barely managed to avoid.
April 12, 2020
Book Review of The Lady’s Arrangement by Colleen L. Donnelly
My Review
What a way to start a book! I was engrossed in every detail of the fire, and then later of the landscape. Flat. Dirt. Farmland. The author has an amazing way of describing it all and putting me right there in the story.
I loved the beginning quotes of each chapter, as it gave me a greater insight to what the characters were thinking and feeling. I like Rex’s fixation on the color red, which is mentioned throughout the book. His love of red starts with dirt, and then it transitions to his love of Regina’s red hair.
The book is beautifully written with descriptive imagery. The mystery is intriguing, and I can’t help but love Rex throughout the story. I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author!
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Blurb
Neither Rex nor Regina wants a spouse, but they do have needs. Ranger Rex Duncan needs a false identity – just long enough to uncover a ring of Kansas ranch thieves. Answering Regina’s ad for a temporary husband, he leaves his beloved red dirt of Oklahoma to assume that disguise. But the most obstinate woman he’s ever known confounds his assignment, and with hair the red color that has always made his heart beat a little faster.
Regina Howard needs a new Mrs. in front of her name – just long enough to reclaim her deceased husband’s ranch, since Kansas law won’t allow women to own property. When Rex answers her ad for a husband who can take orders as part of a brief business arrangement, she finds this stubborn man ignores her every command. Yet, a good man is far more than just a name…
April 9, 2020
5-Star-Review of Root Brew Float From Readers’ Favorite!
I’m so excited to have gotten a 5-star-review from Readers’ Favorite! Check out the review below, and pre-order your copy here!
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Reviewed By Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite
Root Brew Float: One Scoop or Two by Sydney Winward is the story of a witch as she faces the dilemma of a lifetime. Josephine Brevil is not your run of the mill witch. She was there when the Salem Witch Trials happened; she survived it all and lived to tell the tale. Regardless to say, she is very careful about her magic and who she shares her powers with. She doesn’t like to share her private information with anyone and she would like to keep it that way. However, when she is tasked to go to Massachusetts to handle a paranormal activity, she wasn’t expecting this place to change her life. She meets the charming and devilishly handsome Clarence and he makes her question everything. She starts falling in love with a human and she cannot afford to do that. Loving a human comes with a choice: love or her magic. Which will she choose?
Oh boy, was this a fun story to read. Quick, incredibly detailed and well-paced, I loved Josephine’s story and her reactions. She is such a fun character; she is fiery and feisty, she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and that is awesome. I loved her responses, her dialogues were incredibly fun, and the way she interacted with Clarence was so smooth. Sydney Winward set the right pace to keep Root Brew Float moving without rushing anything. She gave Josephine and Clarence enough time to experience their feelings, enjoy their relationship and grow as characters that added to the story instead of taking away from it. I really enjoyed this entertaining and fun story and hope there is more because Josephine has the potential to become a great protagonist for supernatural/mystery stories.
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April 8, 2020
Topics I Could Give an Impromptu Speech On
Rollerblades
Seems like a funny one, but it’s true! Rollerblades are just like a pair of shoes on my feet, familiar and secure. I don’t want to hear “clunk clunk clunk” as someone is rollerblading down the street. Makes me cringe! A good pair of rollerblades is worth the money in my opinion. And wheels. Definitely wheels.
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The TV Show Merlin
Another weird one, sure. But give me a topic from Merlin and I can go on and on about it! If you haven’t seen it yet and you like fantasy, magic, and the King Arthur legend, I would highly suggest you watch it.
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Nutrition
I was an english major with a nutrition minor. Nutrition fascinates me, from the vitamins and minerals of each food to which nutrient will help prevent disease.
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April 7, 2020
Review of Lord of Druemarwin by Helen C. Johannes
My Review
Did I lose a lot of sleep reading this book? I absolutely did! And I don’t regret it for a second. Lord of Druemarwin is full of action, love, and secrets, and I couldn’t help but keep my eyes glued to the book, turning page after page well into the night.
I absolutely loved all the characters, though Toth quickly became my favorite, a hot-headed Tolemak with a good head on his shoulders. One of my favorite scenes of his was when he and Naed got in a fist fight. The whole fight and the interaction afterward had me busting a gut!
Lord of Druemarwin has a stunning, eye-catching cover, with flowing words and incredible details that captivated me from beginning to end. I could highlight the entire book with my favorite parts. This was well-written, with fleshed-out and likeable characters. I didn’t want the story to end.
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Favorite Quote
“Mayhap he came as a hero to some–aye, to most those he led to safety–but I…I saw him as he was that night, a man who’d lost all. Who thought everything he’d fought for was gone, whose friend was dying and there was naught he could do to prevent it. I saw him, m’lady, when he thought he’d failed everyone who depended on him.” Though she cradled her injured arm, she stood tall and her gaze, fierce and full of challenge, never wavered. “I saw his heart, m’lady, and I love him for it.”
Blurb
Lady Raell can fight, ride, and argue politics as well as her brothers. Only being mistress of her father’s household keeps her in skirts. In Naed, the new Lord of Druemarwin, she has found devotion, a kindred spirit, and a marriage promise. But when a forgotten and unwanted betrothal comes to light, she has no choice but to run.
Amidst sweeping revolution, Naed must rally his people, fend off assassination attempts, and fight against claims he’s a traitor. Then he discovers everything about his lineage and family is a lie. And his beloved belongs to another.
With lives and a kingdom at stake, Raell and Naed must find a way to protect the innocent and save their love.
April 6, 2020
Author Interview Tori V. Rainn
Hello, Sydney! Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. So thrilled to be here to talk about my debut novella, Curse of the Blacknoc Witch.
If you haven’t already guessed it from the title, it’s fantasy with a sprinkle of romance and supernatural elements. I’m super excited for the reader to take this journey alongside Layla Marlowe and Samuel Fawcett, who are the two main characters of the story.
Samuel and Layla are two teens who become trapped by a vicious curse that sends them into a forest realm each night. A dark witch has all the monsters under a spell to do her evil bidding. Samuel is one of these monsters and must hunt and eat each kid. What’s special about Samuel is that he was given a chance to go against his beastly impulses. Instead, he chooses to protect the kids from the other monsters. What I love about Samuel is that despite his ugly past and what he did to get transformed into a monster, he finds a way to forge on through an impossible curse.
Layla is the kind of girl you would want to run side by side with when chased by monsters. Her strong will to survive burns like fire. For these reasons, she’s my favorite! One trait I admire about her is her stubbornness to not accept her dire circumstance. Much like Samuel, she’s a fighter. That’s why they make such a great team!
My favorite part about writing this story was not only seeing the interaction between Layla and Samuel but getting the chance to write a full story from what started as a simple seed. To think this story was originally a short story. I was really focused on the redemption part, something I wanted to show through Samuel’s pov especially. Speaking from a place I was at in my life, there are times when we really feel like a beast, much like Samuel. So much so that we let other people or ourselves condemn us to an indefinite hell. Here’s to Samuel and Layla for saying NOPE to that, and finding their own means of escape out of their bindings.
Thanks for reading! Curse of the Blacknoc Witch releases April 22nd. You can actually pre-order it now. I will be sending out prizes to a handful of entrants who pre-order so be sure to keep those receipts for your chance to win! You can follow my website or any social media links for future updates on that!
QUESTIONS
1. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
I do try. I don’t know if I ever succeed but I try. By doing that I just try to avoid clichés in general. When I’m reading books I don’t like to be able to predict the plot. I love to be surprised, especially when the author tosses a plot twist. I love those moments! I think readers like that too so I try to incorporate that.
2. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
Don’t wait. Don’t wait on anything or anybody. I regret how much time I wasted waiting on the days for procrastination to end. One of the reasons why I say don’t wait is because you just don’t realize how much time goes by until it’s gone. One day you have one great story idea. You write the first ten chapters and then the doubt begins to settle. Next thing you know, months fly by, and the story you were so excited about turns eight years old. Don’t wait for the validation to come through and say you’re a great writer. Don’t wait because you’re fearful of criticism or rejection letters from editors. Just do it. Just write and make your own path. Learn how to snort the criticism. No one is going to make you a writer for you. You must do this on your own.
Then again, if I actually had told my younger self this I probably would have rolled my eyes at my older self, haha. There are just some things you learn at your own pace and there’s nothing wrong with that.
