Sunday 17 March 2024

A Wolf in Dukes Clothing by Susanna Allen~Readalong Review


 Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Publication Date: 27th May 2021
Genre: Romance
Summary:

A Duke in want of a wife…

Alfred Blakesley, Duke of Lowell, has long been an enigma. No one dares to give a man of his status the cut direct, but there's simply something not quite right about him. What would the society ladies say if they learned the truth—that the Duke of Lowell is a wolf shifter and the leader of a pack facing extinction if he doesn't find his true love? So now he's on the hunt…for a wife.

Felicity Templeton has a goal of her own: to remain unwed until her twenty-fifth birthday, when she will inherit a significant fortune. But that all changes when she meets Alfred, the dashing duke who's determined to have her for his very own…


Review:
Firstly thank you to Love Books Tours, Sourcebooks Casablanca and Susanna Allen for having me on this readalong and sending me a copy of the book.
Now I went into this book unsure because normally when you add the paranormal to your typical historical romance it's either going to be fantastic or absolutely dire, but I was happy to give it a go! And thankfully this was one of those fantastic ones! I loved it so much I've actually already bought book two and I'm definitely going to get book three once I've read that.
I really liked Alfred and Felicity, separately and as a couple, their interactions made me smile and kept me reading. In fact, I completely disregarded the rules of a readalong and read it in one sitting, I just didn't want to put it down. I really liked watching them get to know each other because Alfred knows she's his mate and he can't tell her so watching him try to show getting to know her and figuring out who she is besides that instinctual knowledge that she's his was really lovely. And the fact that the whole pack was trying to help her settle and let her know that she's valued by them was also really sweet to watch.
And I really enjoyed getting to know all the side characters too, every member of Alfred's Pack was brilliantly thought out and I loved seeing how they all worked together to keep the pack working and safe. I've definitely seen a couple of characters that I hope we might get books for at some point, fingers crossed for that because Susanna Allen's writing style is a joy to read. But this is definitely a series I will keep an eye on, we have three books currently and I'm hoping Susanna has plans for more!

Krystina xx

Friday 15 March 2024

Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie~Blog Tour


 Publisher: Kitchen Witch Press

Publication Date: 7th August 2023
Genre: Spiritual /Tarot
Summary:

Bewitching tarot meditations by bruja and award-winning writer Maria DeBlassie.

One part prose poetry, one part witchy insights, and one part study in learning the tarot, this book explores this mundane divination form for beginners and experts alike.

This cartomancy book was birthed from DeBlassie’s creative tarot studies in which she wrote 78-word prose poems for each of the 78 cards in the deck, using synchronicity, everyday magic, and her budding understanding of tarot symbolism and meanings to craft her tales.

It’s not your basic how-to-read tarot book, but more a how-to begin a conversation with this divination tool. As any tarot reader can tell you, dealing the deck is more than interpreting cards. It’s about building a relationship with this mystic tool and learning how you and the tarot can work together to discover numinous revelations.

This book is a series of proverbial spells. A series of stories. A series of synchronous messages and mystic musings. A journey into learning the tarot. Are you ready to start your adventure?


Review:
Firstly thank you to Henry Roi PR, Kitchen Witch Press and Maria DeBlassie for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I found this a really interesting book to read, i wasn't sure what to expect I think I was anticipating it being another this is what the cards mean kind of book. But it really wasn't and I liked that it was a bit different. I think the pull-out of one card a week for 78 weeks is a really different way to connect with the tarot cards and I think I might even give it a try. The author suggested that you don't need to read this from cover to cover and maybe flick through the pages and see which card you end up on to answer questions, but I was reading this as a digital book so did a variation of that. I read the first few cards she pulled and then flicked through until a card caught my attention for this read-through, I just read the ones that drew my attention.
I really loved the insights from the author, don't get me wrong the poetry/story was nice but the insights are what I kind of honed into. It's a brilliantly written book, and I thoroughly enjoyed making my way through it. And we got some fantastic recommendations in the conclusion, I've got a new podcast to tune into!
If Tarot is something that interests you, this might be a good book to dip into.

Krystina xx



Saturday 9 March 2024

Generation Hope How Inclusive Economics Can Help Us All Thrive by Arunjay Katakam~Blog Tour


Publisher: Otterpine
Publication Date: 19th February 2024
Genre: Business/ economics
Summary:
It has become clear: Our current economic system is broken. Growth at all costs is unsustainable.

It's easy to get discouraged when faced with the reality of the current climate crisis, economic instability, and the vast income inequality across the globe. It's obvious that our trajectory is aimed toward destruction. But is it possible to make adjustments to that path, and if so, who's going to lead us?

Generation Hope answers these questions, first by exploring the historical, political, economic, and cultural foundations that got us where we are today, and then delving into what it’s going to take to ensure that we are headed toward a sustainable future that benefits us all. Written in clear and compelling prose, the book addresses a wide range of today’s most pressing economic issues, from the macroeconomic challenges that humanity collectively faces, to our personal engagement with our current economic system. You will read illuminating and inspiring examples of people, organizations, companies, and governments that are already doing the work of building inclusive economic systems that serve all of humanity and this planet we call home.

The responsibility for making these changes rests upon our generation. This book shows us that by doing the following, we have the potential to create meaningful impact and contribute to a more positive and sustainable world:

• Acknowledge that change begins within ourselves.
• Understand that our collective efforts can shape a new narrative for our economic and social systems.
• Adopt a mindset of abundance.
• Raise our consciousness.
• Foster community.
• Advocate for inclusive economics.

Little by little, our consciousness is already shifting, especially among millennials and younger generations. This book illustrates how to continue moving from a mindset of scarcity and survival to one of abundance and thriving, from narrow-minded self-interest to an awareness that we are part of a much larger interconnected whole.

The world needs us. Together, we can save our planet and help humanity thrive.

Together, we are Generation Hope.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Literally PR, Otterpine and Arunjay Katakam for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
So I wanted to read this book because it seemed like a really good way to understand the economic situation we currently find ourselves in, something which I often feel either goes straight over my head or leaves me feeling like I'm stupid. I've definitely come away from reading this having taken in a good chunk of the book but I think it is the kind of book that requires multiple readings to take it all in, and my second reading will be the sections that I felt I didn't quite take in for whatever reason. It is a very heavy subject and even though Arunjay has definitely made it more accessible with his writing style it is a dense subject to tackle. But I didn't feel like I needed a degree in economics to understand it, I actually for once with this subject matter I didn't come away feeling stupid. It definitely broadened my mind when it comes to this subject and I think with another read I'll come away feeling confident in it.
As I said Arunjay's writing style is so accessible and he's broken a difficult subject into easy-to-digest sections, which means you can easily pick out the parts you want to find out more about.

Krystina xx
 

Friday 8 March 2024

30 Steps to Finding Yourself by Sally Hope~Blog Tour


 Publisher: Vie

Publication Date: 11th January 2024
Genre: Self Help
Summary:
Build your self-esteem, grow your confidence and rediscover your sense of self with this empowering and practical 30-step journal for women
"Who am I?"
The more confidently you are able to answer this question, the higher your levels of happiness, self-esteem and personal growth tend to be. However, in a world that still socializes women to build their lives around other people, many of us don't have an answer.
This 30-step journal will take you on a unique and personal journey to discover who you are and who you want to be. Within these pages you'll find:

· A structured approach to self-discovery that builds from step 1 to step 30
· Interactive and creative CBT-based activities to nurture your relationship with yourself
· Thought-provoking journalling prompts to deepen your self-awareness and allow for reflection
· Guidance on how to let go of worries, doubts and other self-limiting beliefs
· Actionable advice to help you consciously shape yourself into the person you choose to be

This journal will be your guide to understanding and empowering the most important person in your life: you.

Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, Vie and Sally Hope for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've really loved reading this book, so much so that I'm planning to buy a physical version of it! Though I've loved reading my digital copy I so wish I could do the activities on the page I'm reading it from, which is novel for me because I never write on or annotate books but with this one that's all I want to do! It really made me think working through the book and following the steps, and I'll be honest I stopped before the end because I wanted to start from scratch with the physical copy when it arrives but its been good to stop and think about every question Sally Hope put to the reader.
I've really liked her writing style, it's quite a gentle and friendly way of approaching the subject matter because often with books like this, you can end up feeling like you're doing something wrong or you're not working on whatever things you've been asked about properly but that isn't the case with this book. Sally Hope really takes you through the 30 steps without any pressure to do it within a time frame or with a set deadline, you just work at your own pace and never feel like you're not doing it right it's a nice change of pace.
Like I said I'm now waiting on my physical copy to start back at the beginning and for once write in a book, and I can't wait to have it in my hands and follow her 30 steps again.

Krystina xx



Thursday 7 March 2024

The Horror Zine's Book of Monsters~ Blog Tour


 Publisher: HellBound Books Publishing

Publication Date: 26th January 2024
Genre: Horror
Summary:
With an Introduction by Shirley Jackson Award-winner Gemma Files, this outstanding anthology of all things monstrous includes spine-chilling stories from Bentley Little, Simon Clark, Elizabeth Massie, Tim Waggoner, Sumiko Saulson, plus some of the best emerging horror writers working today.

“This anthology gives us a chilling glimpse at the dark and dangerous things prowling in the minds of some of today’s best horror writers.” – JG Faherty, author of Ragman and Songs in the Key of Death

“Throughout the pages are creepy tales by up-and-comers who you may have read, plus writers brand new to a horror reader’s discerning eye. Embark on a journey to the realm where monsters—familiar or unique—dwell. Highly recommended to horror aficionados obsessed with eldritch fiction—this one’s for you!” – Nancy Kilpatrick, author of Thrones of Blood Series and the Darker Passions series

Review:
Firstly thank you to Henry Roi PR and Hellbound Books Publishing for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I've come to love an anthology, it's something I can easily dip in and out of and take my time with. Plus if I find a story that I'm not so keen on the subject matter of I can just skip it and still have got some reading in. All the writers in this anthology are new to me writers, and they're all brilliant at writing horror from what I've read. Each of the stories I've read has been fantastically written, and the descriptions have been so vivid that I can easily picture each of the monsters, so much so that I managed to creep myself out reading it! And I can't be sure that I won't have the last couple I read playing on my mind when I head to bed this evening(I best read something less creepy before then I think). If you have any phobias, best to proceed with caution when reading this because you'll probably find your phobia turned into a fantastically creepy story that will have you failing to sleep.
If you are a horror/monster lover then I think this will be a fantastic addition to your collection, and you should definitely go buy a copy!

Krystina xx

Tuesday 5 March 2024

The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder by C.L Miller~Blog Tour


 Publisher: Macmillan

Publication Date: 29th February 2024
Genre: Cosy Mystery
Summary:

What antique would you kill for?


Freya, it’s down to you to finish what I started . . .

Freya Lockwood has avoided the quaint English village in which she grew up for the last 20 years. That is until news arrives that Arthur Crockleford, antiques dealer and Freya’s estranged mentor, has died . . . and the circumstances seem suspicious.

You will uncover an invitation, I implore you to attend . . .

But when a letter from Arthur is delivered, sent just days before his death, and an ordinary pine chest concealing Arthur’s journals are revealed, Freya finds herself sucked back into a life she’d sworn to leave behind.

But beware, trust no-one. Your life depends on it . . .

Joining forces with her eccentric Aunt Carole, Arthur’s staunch best friend, Freya follows both clues and her instincts to an old manor house for an ‘antiques enthusiasts weekend’. But not is all as it seems; the antiques are bad reproductions and the guests all have something to hide.

Can Freya and Carole solve the mystery and unearth the killer before they strike again?


Review:
Firstly thank you to Random Things Book Tours, MacMillan and C.L Miller for having me on this book tour and sending me a copy of the book.
This was just the book I needed to read to start off the week, I love a cosy mystery they always seem to make me smile and they always come in series which is a win for me!
When we meet Freya she's definitely lacking in confidence thanks to her horrible ex-husband and you just want to give her a hug and tell her to pull herself together because she is way better than she currently believes. The more you hear about and from her ex-husband the more you dislike him, I'd go as far as to say hate him, because he's a real piece of work!
I loved the relationship with Freya and Carole, they just work so well together as personalities and at clue-solving! I definitely enjoyed getting chapters from both of their points of view, in fact, I loved that we had multiple points of view in general. It was nice to occasionally move from Freya's POV, though I really enjoyed her as our Main narrator.
I loved that we had a quote from Arthur at the beginning of each chapter, his little sayings etc made me smile so much. His opening chapter was brilliant and the fact that he wanted to go out in style!
The writing style was brilliant and the pacing felt right for a cosy mystery, I enjoyed all of it and I really hope we get more from Freya, I've got my fingers crossed that this becomes a series!

Krystina xx

Sunday 3 March 2024

Chasing a Highland Dream by Lisa Hobman~Blog Tour


 Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: 28th February 2024
Genre: Romance
Summary:

Since having to drop out of her design degree, Bella Douglas has been unlucky in just about everything life has thrown at her.
She’s lost more jobs than she cares to remember and to top it off she’s still single, despite her Granny Isla’s best attempts to set her up with every eligible bachelor in the Scottish Highlands.

Currently PA to her best friend, aka, Lady Olivia MacBain, at Drumblair Castle, Bella is yet to find a role that sets her soul on fire. But when disaster strikes for Olivia, Bella steps into the breach to rescue her bestfriend from a fate worse than a bad interior designer.

When Bella and her Granny find themselves homeless, they relocate to the castle where a handsome new neighbour brings mystery, intrigue and a spark of romance.

Is Bella finally on the track to find true happiness? Or do more catastrophes lie ahead? And does true love hide where you least expect it?

Review:
Firstly thank you to Rachels Random Resources, Boldwood Books and Lisa Hobman for having me on this tour and sending me a copy of the book.
I instantly loved this book. I got drawn straight into the story and I have to say I absolutely loved Bella, she's the kind of MC that you can connect with easily and that's exactly what I found myself doing. And Granny Isla is fabulous, she's the kind of Granny I think I'd like to be when I'm older, never too serious and always there with love and fun for her grandchildren. I really loved the relationship she and Bella have, it kind of made me miss my Grandma if I'm honest, I think I had a smile on my face during any scene where those two were together.
Now onto the romance, I have to admit, to begin with, much like Bella, I didn't really like Harris but I think I also didn't like him because Granny Isla was trying to push him and Bella together and I was annoyed on Bella's behalf so I was rooting for her and Aiden to begin with. Aiden seemed like the better choice, until words came out of his mouth, once he started talking more to Bella I started to dislike him so much! But I loved the slow-burn friends-to-lovers path that Bella and Harris took and it made me do a giddy little dance when they finally got together.
I think Lisa Hobman is a brilliant writer because I so easily connected with her characters and became so invested in the story that I couldn't put the book down until I knew the ending. I'm definitely going to go read book one in the series and I can't wait for book three in October!

Krystina xx