BLOG TOUR: Realm by Alexandrea Weis

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Alexandrea Weis's Realm! On our tour stop today, we have a review and a book trailer to share! We also have a tour-wide giveaway to share, too! So... Take a look at what I thought about this historical romance and grab your copy now! Follow the tour, HERE!

Only love could defeat the greatest conqueror the world has ever known

Genre:

Adult
Historical Fiction/Romance
Publish Date:
May 14, 2019
Publisher:
Vesuvian Books

Synopsis:
Based on a true story.

When her homeland is conquered by the mighty Alexander the Great, Roxana—the daughter of a mere chieftain—is torn from her simple life and thrown into a world of war and intrigue.

Terrified, the sixteen-year-old girl of renowned beauty is brought before the greatest ruler the world has ever known. Her life is in his hands; her future his to decide.

Without formal education or noble blood, Roxana is chosen by the Greek conqueror to be his bride. Soon she comes to know profound happiness and unyielding desire in her warrior’s arms.

However, being the king’s consort comes at a heavy price. To survive her husband’s treacherous kingdom, she must endure continuous warfare, deadly plots, jealous rivals, victory-hungry generals, and the stigma of being a barbarian. Persian blood will keep her from claiming the grandest title of all—queen—but her reign will seal the fate of an empire.

History tells his story. This is hers.

      

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***About the Author**

Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.

Stay connected with Alexandrea Weis

    

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

I don't read historical romance much since history isn't really a strong point with me. Anyways, of course, the history/story of Alexander the Great is pretty much known. So, with that, Alexandrea Weis tells of the life of Alexander's first wife, Roxana.

The author delves into the history of Roxana's journey from daughter of a Persian chieftain to Alexander the Great's wife. From beginning to end, We learn of Roxana's life as she is thrown into Alexander's world of war and intrigue. Her life isn't simple anymore, and she has to learn very quickly how to navigate through it.

Alexandrea Weis has created a fictional life story based on history. From what I have read of other reviews, Realm is said to be historically accurate which would seem that an abundance of research was done when the author wrote this novel. I wouldn't be surprised with that. Alexandrea's knack for writing well-developed characters and incredible world building set the groundwork for taking readers into history and journey of this woman's life as the wife of Alexander the Great. But, of course, we have to remember that this is still a work of fiction; moreover, this is an interesting and intriguing journey at that.

I was intrigued from beginning to end. With a touch of romance, Realm is a captivating read of fiction, based on historical events; however, the pacing was a bit slow for me. But, other than that, Realm is a fascinating read for those who enjoy historical romances.

My rating:

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally
Note: Not Responsible for Lost and Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box
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RELEASE DAY BLITZ: The Mark of the Fallen Flame by Brittany Matsen

Today, we are excited to celebrate the release of Brittany Matsen's The Mark of the Fallen Flame, the first title in the Weapon of Fire and Ash series! To celebrate this release, we have an exclusive excerpt AND a blitz-wide giveaway to share! So... Be sure to grab your copy now!!!

Genre:

Young Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Series:

Weapon of Fire and Ash, #1

Publish Date:

May 31, 2019

Publisher:

Brittany Matsen

Synopsis:

 Two days before the start of senior year,

Emma Duvall is attacked by creatures that hunt from the shadows. A hidden world that exists within her own, explodes around her as she is faced with menacing creatures of the deep, ugly venomous creatures with voices so beautiful they bring humans to their knees, and a wicked beast with eyes the color of blood.

When she touches them, their dark powers flow into her, awakening a hunger in her that had laid dormant for seventeen years. The darkness is seductive when it deals in rage. And rage is exactly what she needs to survive.

Not only must she keep her powers a secret, she must also contend with the new boy in school. He is both dangerous and unnaturally handsome, drawing her in like a magnet. What she can’t explain is why being close to him causes her physical pain.

And those that hunt the monsters of the night—the Giborim—sworn to protect the humans, find that Emma may be just as monstrous. Except the striking, centuries-old, Blaze, who seeks revenge for the mother and sister he lost. Emma will do anything to impress him and earn his trust. Including using herself as bait to ensnare the final piece of Blaze’s vengeance.

War between the two races is looming on the horizon as the wicked creatures of nightmares seek to enslave humankind. When Emma is thrown in the middle as the ultimate weapon, she must allow herself to be wielded…just long enough to save the world.

For when the raging fires of her wrath are unleashed, the world with be painted in the ashes of her enemies.

       

*Excerpt*

When Emma and Rowek were alone again, her gaze snapped back to his. He watched her, his lips tugging to the side. His eyes were brighter, the golden hue shining through. Like a flame doused with gasoline.

“What’s one thing you’d like to know about me?”

Emma thought for a moment. “What would happen if I touched you again.”

His expression burned hotter as a wicked grin spread his lips. The invisible cord that drew her to him pulled tight, and she surrendered to it. A tendril of heat licked through her. Any fear or hesitation on her part was gone. She slid her hand across the table, lightly brushing her finger over the top of his hand. A spark crackled above their skin. She started, but she didn’t withdraw her hand. Rowek didn’t seem at all surprised, he just watched her.

Her fingertips trailed up the back of his hand, and his eyes flared in response. Gently, as if trying not to startle her, his hand grabbed hers. A jolt went through her, but it wasn’t power. It was a heady sensation to be touched by him.

She let him pull her to her feet. Like she was in a trance, she let him guide her. His hands cupped her hips, and her heart galloped wildly. With little effort, he tugged her down onto him, her dress curling up her thighs as she straddled his lap. A fire stirred inside, every inch of her aware. Her hands ran up his chest, under the dark suit jacket. She could feel the toned muscle hidden beneath as her fingers brushed up to his tie and pulled it loose.

“What is your tattoo of?” Her voice was like silk.

“I’d show you all of it, but I’d have to take my shirt off.” His hot breath tickled her neck.

She worked the first button open as his lips brushed against her skin, setting her on fire. Her fingers stilled, eyes fluttered closed, letting his touch consume her. Kisses trailed up her neck, and she shivered. His lips touched her jaw bone with feather-light delicacy.

“Is it a symbol?” she rasped, fighting to remain in control.

He made a noise in the back of his throat that sounded almost feral. Like he didn’t want to stop kissing her.

“Yes,” he replied, voice gruff.

Then he kissed her. 

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**About the Author**

Brittany Matsen is an American by birth but a Kiwi at heart, living in the wondrous New Zealand with her husband and son. Writing has been a passion of hers since she was very young. In middle school, she had articles published in the local newspaper, and the school paper in high school. Brittany attended the Institute of Children's Literature with the hope of one day creating stories of the world.

Stay connected with Brittany Matsen

   

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***The Giveaway***

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

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Release Day Blitz Organized by

BLOG TOUR: Dark Shores by Danielle L. Jensen

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Danielle L. Jensen's Dark Shores, the first title in the Dark Shores series! Today, on our tour stop, we have an exclusive excerpt AND a tour-wide giveaway to share! Check it out and grab your copy today! Follow the tour, HERE!

Genre:

Young Adult

Fantasy

Series:

Dark Shores, #1

Publish Date:

May 7, 2019

Publisher:

Tor Teen

Synopsis:

High seas adventure, blackmail, and meddling gods meet in Dark Shores, the first novel in a new YA fantasy series.

In a world divided by meddlesome gods and treacherous oceans, only the Maarin possess the knowledge to cross the Endless Seas. But they have one mandate: East must never meet West.

A PIRATE WITH A WILL OF IRON

Teriana is the second mate of the Quincense and heir to the Maarin Triumvirate. Her people are born of the seas and the keepers of its secrets, but when her closest friend is forced into an unwanted betrothal, Teriana breaks her people’s mandate so her friend might escape—a choice with devastating consequences.

A SOLDIER WITH A SECRET

Marcus is the commander of the Thirty-Seventh, the notorious legion that has led the Celendor Empire to conquer the entire East. The legion is his family, but even they don’t know the truth he’s been hiding since childhood. It’s a secret he’ll do anything to protect, no matter how much it costs him – and the world.

A DANGEROUS QUEST

When an Empire senator discovers the existence of the Dark Shores, he captures Teriana’s crew and threatens to reveal Marcus’s secret unless they sail in pursuit of conquest, forcing the two into an unlikely—and unwilling—alliance. They unite for the sake of their families, but both must decide how far they are willing to go, and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

       

  

*Excerpt*

Captain Tesya stood with one hand resting on the railing, the other holding a pipe that had gone cold from neglect, her ebony skin gleaming in the sun. Her hair was wrapped tight against her head with blue silk, but a few black curls had escaped to frame an older, grimmer version of Teriana’s own face, both of them possessing full lips, arched eyebrows, and rounded cheeks. On her mother’s neck, three small blue sapphires were pierced into the skin to form a triangle, marking her as a Triumvir of the Maarin Trade Consortium. At her elbow stood Teriana’s aunt Yedda, who peered intently through her spyglass at the coastline. Teriana caught the last of her words: “… Chersome’s sigh of relief will mean another nation is catching its breath.”

“No nation on this half of Reath left to catch its breath,” Teriana’s mother muttered. “Yet still, no good can come from them being here. Not with elections just round the corner. Might be time to take our leave. Time for all Maarin ships to take their leave.”

“Who you talking about?” Teriana asked, squinting at the coast beyond the glowering statue and outside the city proper. She could make out rows and rows of white tents rising up from the sandy beaches, marking the camp of one of the Empire’s legions. All across Celendor, along with most of its provinces, families were bound to deliver their second-born sons to the grounds of Campus Lescendor for legion training. Groomed for combat from early childhood, the legion’s soldiers were deadly and not to be crossed under any circumstance. Yet given their ever-presence across the East, she did not see how they were cause for comment.

It was her mother’s words, not the soldiers, that caused a tightening in her chest. Taking leave didn’t just mean going west—it meant staying there. And that meant never seeing Lydia.

“Don’t recall inviting you to join the conversation,” Teriana’s mother replied, turning her back to the wind to relight her pipe.

Copyright © 2019 by Danielle L. Jensen

Praise for DARK SHORES

“Richly-woven, evocative, and absolutely impossible to put down―I was hooked from the first lines! Dark Shores has everything I look for in a fantasy novel: fresh, unique settings, a cast of complex and diverse characters, and an unflinching boldness with the nuanced world-building. I loved every word.” ―Sarah J. Maas, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"The book grabs readers from the beginning with its stellar worldbuilding and multidimensional characters, and the mythical elements are truly believable within the constructs of the story. The perspective shifts between the viewpoints of Teriana and Marcus from chapter to chapter, offering readers greater insights into each. ...A gripping introduction to a new series." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred)

"This is a lush, imaginative world, and as the focus shifts between Teriana and Marcus, it becomes clear that the readers are only getting a glimpse of its complicated history and mythology. ...Their secrets don’t, of course, stop Teriana and Marcus from embarking on a steamy romance, and fans of Rutkoski’s sighworthy The Winner’s Kiss and the high-stakes sea adventure of Levenseller’s Daughter of the Pirate King will want to know where Marcus and Teriana journey to next." ―Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books  

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**About the Author**

Photo Credit: Katherine Calnan Photography

Danielle L. Jensen is the USA Today bestselling author of The Malediction Novels: Stolen Songbird, Hidden Huntress, Warrior Witch, and The Broken Ones, as well as The Bridge Kingdom (Audible Originals). Her latest novel, Dark Shores, will be released by Tor Teen in May of 2019. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta.  

Stay connected with Danielle L. Jensen

    

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway is Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Organized by