THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM - Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

 I'm thrilled to feature Dana Claire's Reclaimed Kingdom on my blog today. Enjoy reading about his great book and don't forget to enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway towards the end!

 

 

The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire Publisher:  Chamberlain Publishing House (February 14, 2021) Category: Young Adult, Fantasy/Romance Tour dates: April 9-May 31, 2021 ISBN: 978-1792361357 Available in Print and ebook, 310 pages

 Description Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire The Legend is true. The Fear is real.

                            

Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen year old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes. She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.

 

EXCERPT From Chapter 1

"Houses, towns, drinking holes have all been burned to the ground as examples of what can happen if we do not obey. If we don’t fill the queen’s coffers, she fills our caskets.” I laughed mockingly. “She’s a fool, trying to drain dry udders. And you’re a fool blind to the truth.”

Anger rose inside of me, and it wasn’t drawn from the men. This time it ignited from the soles of my heels to the crown of my skull as I relived all that I have known, done, been through, but mostly all I have lost. I shook my head. I didn’t know this man in front of me anymore, and he didn’t know me. “No, you do not care. You lie at night on plush beds, inhaling the scent of fresh linens. You dine on hot savory meals prepared by your servants. You have shelter to shield you from nature’s many moods. Hah! Your purpose today is not to be enlightened but to save your life and those of your men. We are not jesters, here for your entertainment. So how about you save your miserable life, hand over your coinage, and let us on our merry way?”

Advance reviews for Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

"Ms. Claire has such a talent for imaginative magic systems. The Syphon in this series has abilities I have not encountered before. The ability to take emotions and how she deals with them are quite intriguing. In this story, Dru makes an interesting heroine with her contrasts of her life as a brigand and thief with her previous life. She is very much a Robin Hood character without falling into the tired tropes that can come with that. The male main characters are so different. Hawkin is intense and unrefined. Dodge is softer and somewhat of a dreamer. They are both fiercely loyal and capable. The progression of their relationships with each other and Dru has made this a fabulous and compelling story."- Aizlynne, Goodreads 

 

What an exciting, fast paced adventure! I loved this escape into a Robin Hood type world which had a refreshingly different twist. I was drawn into Dru's world from the first page and felt I  was still there when the book ended. 

Courageous   and independent, Dru has a unique talent, which is as much a burden as a gift. I don't want to give too much away, as it would spoil it for anyone who has yet to read the book, but there are many twists and turns before the climax. The two main male characters, Hawkin and Dodge, are so different to each other, but each is charismatic in his own way, and each would do anything to protect Dru. As their past and present relationship with Dru gradually unfolded, I could not help wondering which one of the two Dru would choose - or if she would have either one!

For me, this was a real page turner and I found it hard to put it down. I didn't want the story to end, and when it did, it left me wanting more - a lot more. It's not quite a cliffhanger ending, but it does leave a few questions to be answered, and I will happily be looking forward to reading the second book in the series. (Five Comets)

 

 

About Dana Claire

Author, Dana Claire, believes that a good story is made through strong character development. When readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives, the readers are there for the long haul backing the characters and their emotions. How cool is it to read a book and think about the characters long after you’ve read the last page? She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to be a vampire, slay a dragon, or use a time machine, there’s a book for that. Website: https://danaclairebooks.com/ Twitter:

https://twitter.com/danaclaire143 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaClaireBooks/

Buy Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

Amazon IndieBound

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire

This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on May 28, 2021 at midnight pacific.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Apr 9 Kickoff Shanna Amazon April 12 Review Sal Bound 4 Escape April 13 Guest Review Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews April 14 Review & Guest Post Hywela Lyn Romance That's Out Of This World April 15 Review & Excerpt Am Goodreads April 16 Review Betty Toots Book Reviews April 20 Review Kimberly D. Amazon April 21 Review Jas International Book Promotion April 22 Review Cheryl's Book Nook April 23 Review & Excerpt Ashley's Bookshelf April 26 Review Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews April 27 Guest Review Bee Book Pleasures April 28 &Interview Gud Reader Goodread April 29 Review Lily  Amazon April 30 Review Ashley Reading Bliss May 3 Guest Review & Excerpt Amanda O. Goodread May 4 Review Gracie Goodread May 5 Review Linda Lu Goodread May 7 Review Nora Binding Addiction May 10 Guest Review & Excerpt Mike M. Goodreads May 11 Review Lisa's Writopia May 12 Review Lisa's Writopia May 13 Guest Post Kathy Ordinary Girls Book Reviews May 14 Review Ellen S. Goodreads May 17 Review Amy Locks, Hooks and Books May 21 Review Mark S.Teddy Rose Book Reviews May 25 Review Mindy A Room Without Books is Empty May 27 Review   

I have also read the SF Fantasy novel Connection, by the same author, and it is just as exciting and intriguing as 'The Reclaimed Kingdom' although completely different. The characters are just as real and the world-building just as brilliant.

Praise for Connection by Dana Claire

“To begin with The Connection is an interesting book to wrap your head around, the opening chapter leaves patches and mystery which I find a good thing, it dragged me in and made me want to figure out why this dystopian time was like what it was. The main characters name is Beatrice Walker and the story, though not followed from her perspective, is based all around her. After the next couple of chapters, you get the concept of the whole new world and its so bitter sweet and beautifully unusual that you just want to discover more and more about this story. The made-up memories that are written have so much meaning and you get to experience these moments all over again. Then ending is so amazing, Dana Claire really knows how to leave a reader wanting more.”-John Kerry, Let’s Talk Knowledge 

“After the first chapter, I could tell that this book was going to resemble The Lux Series. The lux series is one of my all-time favorites, so I was genuinely interested in seeing where the author takes this story. I’m happy to say that I was not disappointed. I honestly couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. One thing I was not anticipating was the never-ending action. I loved how there was never a dull moment, as our main characters seemed to never catch a break.  Dana Claire has a way of getting under your skin because Beatrice and Cash have made it to my favourite characters list. I can’t wait to see what the author does next! I really hope it’s the sequel to this novel. That cliff-hanger at the end makes me want to read book two as soon as possible.”- Jessica Marie, The Mermaid Reader 

“Enthralling and well- crafted story. The author’s descriptions are so vivid you feel as though you are in the book. The plot of the story is suspenseful and hard to predict the next move because right when you think you know what is going to happen the story goes into a different direction. Dana Claire took me on a roller coaster of emotions all the way from the first page. I found myself not being able to stop until I completed the book. The Connection is indeed an outstanding and ingenious read. I eagerly look forward to reading more of her books.”- Chinnie N., Amazon 

“Sci-fi fantasy can be challenging, but Author Dana Claire did a fabulous job with this novel. The characters are great. They develop throughout the book in such a powerful way. I love Bea, AND I love her with Cash. The Connection is a book I could not wait to read every day. I loved falling into this story because I thought about the plot even when I wasn’t reading it. A telling sign it’s a great novel!”-Hey It’s Carly Rae

 

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CINNAMON AND SUGAR R W Richard's new romance novel

  A Note from Hywela Lyn

Dear friends and readers, I haven't posted on this blog for several months, other than one or two book spotlights I'd already promised. I'm sure you'll understand that with the sudden and unexpected death of my husband of 27 years, and then having to have my beloved horse sent to the Rainbow Bridge, not to mention 'lockdown' because of the pandemic, I haven't felt much like writing, blogging, or even being on-line much, but I did read all the kind and supportive messages from my on-line friends and truly appreciate each and every one. I'm now going to try and get back into the swing of things, and might even manage to finish my work in progress, the Matchmaker's Mare!

To start off my New Blog Year I'm deviating a bit from my usual Science Fiction/Fantasy Romance, to feature a fellow Wild Rose Press Author R W RICHARD. I do love to help promote my fellow authors and I think this book is not only an enjoyable and entertaining read, but has a very important message.

 These are difficult times, and I agree with Bob's philosophy that it is now even more vital that we love, respect and care for each other, whatever colour, creed, or gender, valuing, rather than belittling our differences - they are, after all, what make us human!

 CINNAMON AND SUGAR

 BLURB: Humphrey Bertrand's genius-level IQ can't help him find his moral compass. His family is filled with racial conflicts and he struggles to find his own way. But he cannot let anyone drown, regardless of their skin color. Alicia Bloom, a gifted valedictorian and poet runs away from an abusive situation. While she is thankful to Humphrey for saving her life, she doesn't want to be tied to anyone. When an attempt on her life forces them to hit the road together to stay one step ahead of a murderous maniac they wonder if their dreams of a future will be put on hold permanently.

FINDING YOUR MUSE(S) by RW Richard
When I write I search for a model who captures what I think my hero and heroine look like. I try to capture them in the process of struggle, since the arcs of the story and scenes are so important. In this novel, Cinnamon & Sugar, published by The Wild Rose Press, the two models below are exactly how I pictured them. In the story, Alicia, is compared favorably to any number of young starlets. Humphrey when first seen disturbs Alicia s resistance, but she’ll struggle on.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A NOTE regarding recent events. People have told me I stole the story from the violence in D.C. I can’t write that fast. If ever you send a manuscript to a publisher you can expect a year to go by before it’s out. My story is about how love knows no boundaries.

When I was caretaking my daughter, I read to her from my draft manuscript that I have since dedicated to her. I read to keep her mind off her pain and that she might have to leave soon. I never imagined her reaction. She cried, yes, of course, it’s a tear jerker, but it was more than that. It was how she loved, lived, and taught. She, being who she was, instructed a professional writer (me), on changes she wanted (demanded). Since it was on a subject (racial hatred and brother and sisterhood) that caused her to march just like her old man did with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., she made me promise I get a ‘real’ publisher, “and, Dad can you help my boys?” I said, “yes, honey, all the royalties will go to them.” So, Lani became my third muse and first angel. The story is rated PG.

               PURCHASE HERE:

 https://www.amazon.com/Cinnamon-Sugar-RW-Richard-ebook/dp/B08PMPC9S8

 

 CONTACT THE AUTHOR HERE:

rwrichard@ymail.com

https://rwrichardnet.wordpress.com

https://romancetheguyspov.blogspot.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Christmas Eve Promise - Spotlight and ReviewChristmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Christmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel (Christmas Eve Series, Book 4) by Elyse Douglas Publisher:  Broadback (September, 2020) Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christmas Tour dates: September-November, 2020 ISBN: Available in Print and ebook,  405 pages

Description Christmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel

 by Elyse Douglas

Eve and baby Colleen are travelling to Ohio for the Christmas holidays to spend time with Eve’s parents. After a few days in Ohio, they all plan to fly to Florida in Eve’s father’s private airplane.  Patrick will meet them there after he completes exams for his forensic psychology degree. Nothing goes as planned.  The day Patrick is to leave for Florida, he receives a shocking telephone call from one of Eve’s cousins.  Sobbing, she tells him a terrible tragedy has occurred.  It stuns him and shakes him to his heart’s core. His life shattered, Patrick knows he has but one chance:  he must use the time travel lantern to return to the past in order to prevent the current tragedy. But once again, the time travel lantern has a mind of its own, and Patrick is hurled back to a time where he must confront a strange, unfamiliar world and learn why the lantern transported him there. When Patrick comes face-to-face with a mysterious, beautiful woman who looks and acts like Eve, and whose name is Eve, Patrick is haunted. He recalls the promise he and Eve had made to each other on Christmas Eve the previous year—no matter what happens; no matter if they’re separated; no matter what time or place they find themselves in; no matter what obstacles they must face, they will always find each other, help each other, and love each other for all time. The Christmas Eve Promise is a journey about the enduring promise of hope and the infinite, unbreakable bonds of love.

The Christmas Eve Promise
Elyse Douglas

Excerpt

In the early afternoon, Patrick sat alone on a park bench in Riverside Park, not far from their apartment.  The morning sun had fled, and the sky had turned overcast, with a chilly wind and a scattering of snow flurries.

Patrick tilted back his head and watched two squirrels in a game of chase, skittering along the branches of tall trees, leaping, clinging like acrobats.  One false step and they’d plunge to the ground.  But they didn’t fall.  They were skilled, fast, and daring.    

He turned his collar up against the blowing wind, noticing that he was the only person in sight, sitting on a park bench as if it were a beautiful spring day.

A dog walker came into view, a tall woman, wearing a long winter coat, boots and a red ski hat.  Her pet was one of those little waddling dogs, with fluffy white hair, a panting tongue and a springy step.  To Patrick, he looked like a wobbling snowball.

As she was passing him, she glanced over.  “Merry Christmas.”

Patrick nodded.  “Yes… Merry Christmas.”

The woman paused, her dog sniffing at the air.  Patrick thought she looked about his own age, somewhere in her thirties, and she was attractive, with a friendly face.  She looked him over. 

“So, are you escaping from the family for a while?  I am.”

Patrick lowered his eyes.  “No…”

She lifted a hand, catching snowflakes.  “We’re getting a white Christmas.  How nice.  I can’t remember the last time.”

Patrick thought he should say something, so he nodded.  “Yes, can’t remember.”

“You’re sitting on my grandfather’s bench.”

Patrick sat up, gently startled.  “Pardon me?”

“No… It’s okay.  It’s just that we dedicated that bench to my grandfather.  See the little bronze plaque on the back?”

Patrick stood up, turning to face the bench.  Sure enough, there was a small plaque screwed into the upper back rail, and he stooped to read it.

The woman said, “It says, To Amos Lewis, a Lover of Parks.”

Patrick straightened and looked at her.  “Yes, I’ve seen these inscriptions.  Very nice.”

“He used to sit there and smoke a cigar.  Smoking is prohibited in the park, but he did it anyway.  He was old school.”

Patrick nodded wistfully.  “Old school.  I can appreciate that.  The plaque is a good way to remember someone.”

“Are you Irish?” she asked, taking a step closer.

“No, not really.  I was born in New York.  My father was from Limerick; my mother from a village in County Clare,” Patrick said, again turning toward the plaque.  “How did you arrange to get the plaque?” he asked.

“You can go online, to the Riverside Park website.”

He nodded.  “Well, that’s a lovely thing, isn’t it?”

“Please sit down,” the woman said.  “I’m sorry if I interrupted you.  I often pass by and look at the bench.”

Patrick kept his eyes on the plaque.

“Is there someone…” The woman said, then hesitated.  “Are you thinking of someone you’d like to dedicate a plaque to?”

Patrick turned, folding his arms across his chest.  “Perhaps.”

The woman didn’t move, but her dog was itching to go.  He looked up at her and whined.

Patrick didn’t meet the woman’s eyes.  “I guess he has squirrels to chase,” he said.

The woman lowered her chin.  “Yes.  Well, yes, I should go.  Enjoy the bench.  By the way, do you smoke cigars?”

“Not in a while… I used to, but that was a long time ago.  Centuries ago.”

She smiled sweetly.  “Perhaps you should have one someday while you join my grandfather on the bench.”

“Perhaps… Yes.  Perhaps I will.”

And then she started off.  “Merry Christmas.”

Patrick gave her a little head bow.  “And Merry Christmas to you and to your family.”

He eased back down on the bench, his low mood falling deeper into darkness. 

Why had he put off the inevitable?  Why had he refused to enter Eve’s bedroom closet, kneel by the safe, open it and remove the lantern?  Yesterday, in a drunken stupor, he’d almost summoned the courage, but he’d stopped in the doorway, stopped cold.

 

MY REVIEW (four stars)

This is the fourth in this time travel series, and although I hadn't read any of the previous books, I was able to follow it with no trouble, and soon got to know the various characters, who were easy to like and identify with.

I won't go into details about the plot, apart from the fact that it  features a mysterious lantern which has enabled Patrick to travel from the past to the 21st Century, and the book begins with a promise that he and his wife, Eve, will always find each other and always love each other, no matter what time period they find themselves in.

I would have given five stars, but withheld one star for several instances of wandering body parts: (there are a couple of instances with eyes roaming around 😊) and a tendency to change p.o.v. mid-scene. A bit picky, I know, but these did 'suspend my belief' for a minute or two, which was a shame as it is such an intriguing and enjoyable story.

 Yes, I did enjoy this book and will be checking out the others in the series, and I do like the fact that while there is obviously scope for a follow up book, and although it is a series, this story did not end in a 'cliffhanger' like many books do these days. This is a definite page turner and should appeal to any reader who enjoys a proper 'time travel' story where the main character ends up in a time they weren't expecting and needs to get back again.

 

 Praise for theChristmas Eve Series by Elyse Douglas

“The Christmas Eve Letter is a beautiful, poignant story. It is well written and will have you turning the pages eagerly. All of the characters are well thought out, and believably written, together with the well-constructed scenery, that has you feeling as if you yourself have just stepped into the past. The story is unique and moving. It will hold you long after you turn the last page. A perfect Christmas tale of love and hope.”-Whispering Stories “This book is the perfect vehicle for a movie, and I can only hope that there will be more in the series. This novel is truly as close to perfection as the reader could imagine! 5 Stars!”--My Devotional Thoughts Blog and Reviews “I enjoyed the new characters, an update on characters from the first book, and the possibility for more books.  If you enjoy time travel-themed novels you will love these books!”--StoreyBook Reviews “I am most impressed that this book did so well as a stand-alone novel. Kudos to the author! If you are looking for a good Christmas book with time travel, give this a go!”--Carole's Bookshelves “I love this whole story, and I especially love Patrick and Eve's romance and all of the adventures that they go on together. Eve is exactly my kind of character.  I still can’t stop thinking about the feeling that it gave me and the arc that the characters went on. Everyone really developed a lot in this story and it was so rewarding as a long-time reader to watch that happen. It feels like every new book in this series just keeps getting better and better and I love these characters more and more. Every time a new one comes out I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The Christmas Eve Secret is my favorite in the series so far, but if you have not read the first two books I would recommend doing that as soon as possible! If you enjoy romance, time travel, mystery and great writing, I promise that you won't regret dipping a toe into this series.”--Cuzinlogic

About Elyse Douglas

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist. Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years. Website: www.elysedouglas.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

 

Buy Christmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Amazon

 

Giveaway Christmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas This giveaway is for 1 copy for 3 winners. Print is is open to the U.S. and Canada only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends November 26, 2020,midnight pacific time. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation. http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join