Blog – Page 12 – Sydney Winward

Book Review of Maraschino Marriage Pact by Tamela Miles

My Review

From the very first page, Maraschino Marriage Pact hooks the reader and makes them want to know what happens next. The characters were interesting, each with a backstory about how they got to where they were. I would love to delve deeper into this world the author created and explore the magic and characters.

A dance of hearts and magic, this book was an enjoyable read!

Blurb

Mikayla DiAngelis has spent the past two years traveling the world and avoiding the demands of her overbearing warlock father. A confusing kiss from her former bodyguard is yet another reason for her to stay two steps ahead on the run.

Warlock bodyguard Austin Luca will stop at nothing to bring Mikayla home. His loyalty belongs to her family, but his heart belongs to her, even though he has ties that bind him to his own family responsibilities.

Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin’s passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?

Amazon ~ Goodreads

September 4, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Topics That Make Me Stop Reading a Book

This is a little difficult to answer, as I usually finish books, even if I’m not a big fan. But here are several things that make me dislike a book, when I may have enjoyed it otherwise.

A Hero Who Thinks the World Owes Him Everything

I mainly read this type of thing in medieval fiction, and I’ve read it farrrrr too many times that it gets annoying. Basically, the hero wants land. He coerces or tricks a titled woman to marry him to get said land, forcing/tricking the consummation to make it official.

This type of character just isn’t likeable for me, even after I gave them a chance to learn from their greed and mistakes.

September 2, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Interview with Author Darlene Deluca

She sees a bestseller and heartwarming keepsake; he sees exploitation.

Darlene, I’m excited to have you visit my blog today. Tell us about your new release!

The Story Between Us is a heartwarming, sweet romance that released Aug. 26 – on my 60th birthday! It’s about a children’s book author who is drawn to a delightful young fan who’s experienced a family tragedy – and the gorgeous uncle who’s become the boy’s guardian. She wants to help them as they deal with the sudden, overwhelming changes in their lives. As she becomes friends with the pair and they spend time together, she gets a great story idea based on one of the boy’s memories of his parents. She envisions adorable illustrations and a treasured keepsake for this charming little boy. She’s excited about the idea – until his uncle accuses her of exploiting the boy.

Here’s a snippet from an advanced review:
“An utterly charming tale of life, loss, and finding love in unexpected places. A heartwarming and delightful read from start to finish!” ~~~InD’tale Magazine

September 2, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of The Best Friend Problem by Mariah Ankenman

My Review

Sometimes life doesn’t go the way you planned, and that’s okay. When Pru’s entire world shifts against her perfectly planned life, she has to learn to roll with the punches. Luckily, she has a great best friend who stays by her side, someone who might actually be more than just a best friend.

I wasn’t a big fan of Pru from the beginning, and she didn’t get much better by the end, but I did like Finn and I enjoyed their chemistry. There were many places where I laughed out loud, and others where I smiled. Overall, a good read.

My rating: 3.5 stars

August 28, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

New Contract!

Just Signed a New Contract!

Out of all the books I’ve written, Bloodscourge is my most favorite. Dracula was so fun to write! Lots of snarky attitude and dry humor. He’s a brute of a vampire, but he has to be tough when he’s the captain of the guard. Beneath his tough exterior is someone who values family above everything else. If you are accepted into his family circle, he would die for you. However, earning his trust is no small feat.

Bloodscourge is the 5th book I’ve written in the series, but because it takes place 1000 years before book #1, I could insert it anywhere. I decided to push it forward because I just love it so much.

August 25, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Life for Sale by Linda Nightingale

My Review

When a life-like robot starts to malfunction, putting all her renegade peers in danger, more is at stake than just March’s life. Exposure could kill them all.

Life for Sale has a very interesting concept like nothing I’ve read before. I’ve always been fascinated with AI and its capabilities. For robots to have intelligence, emotions, and bodies that work the same as humans is an awesome idea that the author explored in depth. It makes you wonder… Is love real? Or is love really just programmed into your coding? Great read!

My rating: 5 stars

August 24, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of Cowgirl Next Door by Lacy Williams

My Review

I gobbled this up in one day. Another great read from Lacy Williams. I love the author’s writing style and voice, and I especially love her talent for weaving in emotion with realistic circumstances.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up this book. In Secondhand Cowboy, I didn’t like either Jilly or Noah. But what the author delivered surprised me. I loved how the hero and heroine were constantly butting heads competitively. They were the perfect match for each other, and the perfect complementary pair to get each other to open up about their painful pasts.

Looking forward to reading more of this author’s work!

My rating: 5 stars

August 20, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Book Review of A Hundred Lies by Jean M. Grant

My Review

Beautiful cover. Beautiful story. Beautiful characters. I loved everything about this book. The plot was intriguing, filled with mystery, romance, and danger. The characters had great chemistry. I loved how slow they took their relationship in the beginning. As a reader, I got to experience the flutters of the first meeting, of developing feelings, and more as the romance progressed in the story.

The author does an amazing job at stradling genres. Her women’s fiction book was incredible, and I’m wowed by this new paranormal romance novel. Definitely recommend! I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

My rating: 5 stars

August 19, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Cover Reveal for Tamela Miles’s Maraschino Marriage Pact

Would you look at this gorgeous cover by Debbie Taylor? I am so in love with it. I’m definitely putting this book on my ever-growing TBR list! I’m so excited to read it! Here’s more information on the book and the talented author who wrote it.

Blurb

Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin’s passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?

August 18, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward

Author Interview with Kimberly Baer

Kimberly, thanks for joining me today on my blog! I’m excited to get to know more about you and your new release. Tell us about The Haunted Purse.

The Haunted Purse is a YA paranormal novel about fifteen-year-old Libby Dawson, who buys an old purse at the local thrift store. Almost immediately, strange things start happening. Her personal possessions disappear from the purse and later reappear. And unfamiliar items keep turning up inside, including an old photograph of a teenage girl carrying the same purse. Libby comes to realize that these items are clues to a cold-case mystery, and she sets out to solve it with help from her best friend, Toni. Unfortunately, digging up the past puts her own life in grave danger.

August 18, 2020September 16, 2020 by Sydney Winward