Release Blitz & Book Review: The Time Traveler’s Guide to Modern Romance ~ Madeline J. Reynolds

THE TIME TRAVELER’S GUIDE TO MODERN ROMANCE BY MADELINE J. REYNOLDS

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35500906-the-time-traveler-s-guide-to-modern-romance

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Purchase Links:

Amazon | Amazon Australia | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | B&N | iBooks | Kobo

Link to Tour Schedule:

http://www.chapter-by-chapter.com/tour-schedule-the-time-travelers-guide-to-modern-romance-by-madeline-j-reynolds/

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Giveaway Details:

• One winner will receive a $15 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

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The Time Traveler’s Guide to Modern Romance

by Madeline J. Reynolds

Publication Date: March 4, 2019

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Elias Caldwell needs more than his life in nineteenth-century England has to offer. He’d rather go on an adventure than spend one more minute at some stuffy party. When his grandfather gives him a pocket watch he claims can transport him to any place and time, Elias doesn’t believe it…until he’s whisked away to twenty-first-century America.

Tyler Forrester just wants to fall hopelessly in love. But making that kind of connection with someone has been more of a dream than reality. Then a boy appears out of thin air, a boy from the past. As he helps Elias navigate a strange new world for him, introducing him to the wonders of espresso, binge-watching, and rock and roll, Tyler discovers Elias is exactly who he was missing.

But their love has a time limit. Elias’s disappearance from the past has had devastating side effects, and now he must choose where he truly belongs—in the Victorian era, or with the boy who took him on an adventure he never dreamed possible?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Madeline J. Reynolds is a YA fantasy author living in Chicago. Originally from Minneapolis, she has a background in journalism and has always loved storytelling in its various forms. When not writing, she can be found exploring the city, eating Thai food, or lost in an epic Lord of the Rings marathon.

Website • Twitter • Instagram • Goodreads

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I thought this was a very endearing story of two different time periods colliding. Elias Caldwell comes from the 19th century where everyone views him as a disappointment. Tyler is from the 21st century and his stepmother is wicked. Elias finds out after a dreadfully embarrassing incident, his grandfather time traveled and now is bequeathing the time travel watch to Elias so he can find his own adventure. I thought this was absolutely adorable. I think Elias may be my favorite character in this story. His personality and curiosity were endearing to read. Traveling from the 19th century where it was frowned upon to be yourself to modern day where it’s basically accepted can be jarring. It was nice to have Tyler there to help Elias adjust. I loved the dual point of views, but I thought the romance aspect was a little lacking. I think it would have been better for Elias and Tyler to be companions. I wouldn’t say the romance felt forced, I could see a relationship developing with a little more time. This was my first story by Madeline J. Reynolds and I’ll be adding her to my list of authors to look for in the future!

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Book Review: Southernmost Murder ~ C.S. Poe

Title: Southernmost Murder
Author: C.S. Poe
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance
Publisher: DSP Publications
Date of Release: January 9, 2018
Pages: 200
Format: PDF (The Romance Reviews)

We get Aubrey’s story!

We meet Aubrey in the Snow & Winter series. Aubrey is a great friend to Sebastian and is located in the sunny location of Florida, providing a nice backdrop to a well-told and hilarious murder mystery. Aubrey is the property manager of Smith Family Historical Home. He’s ready for a bit of downtime with Jun Tanaka, FBI agent, and partner to Aubrey’s ex-boyfriend. There’s a skeleton in one of the closets and this sets off a series of events. You don’t have a “Sebastian” level of interference from Aubrey, but you do get to see the investigation play out… with some instigation from Aubrey.

An interesting aspect of this story was Aubrey’s narcolepsy. Like with Sebastian’s colorblindness, you get details of the condition and it plays a small part in the storyline. It doesn’t overwhelm the story, but it was interesting to get a day-to-day rundown of what it would be like to have narcolepsy. Aubrey and Jun were perfect for each other. They balance each other very well. Aubrey had “in your face” style of humor, whereas Jun’s was nice and subtle. While this could be read as a standalone, you can read it along with Sebastian’s series. (Read it after “The Mystery of the Curiosities”. This takes place directly after book 2). I hope this is the start to a series, it’s that good!

Book Review: The Mystery of the Moving Image ~ C.S. Poe

Title: The Mystery of the Moving Image (Snow & Winter, Book 3)
Author: C.S. Poe
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance
Publisher: DSP Publications
Date of Release: September 11, 2018
Pages: 214
Format: ePub (The Romance Reviews)

This series is seriously addicting! Calvin and Sebastian are adorable and they are taking the next step in their relationship, moving in together. Sebastian receives a package to The Emporium, so naturally, he’s curious. It’s a movie viewer along with a film of a boxing match thought to be lost forever, and a bonus scene… a murder being committed a century ago. What Sebastian learns the hard way… some people are willing to kill for the footage.

It was great to get reacquainted with Sebastian’s dad, Neil, and Quinn… but a new player comes in, and he is Calvin’s ex. He brings out all the insecurities of Sebastian and it makes Sebastian endearing to me. Every book in this series is amazing and I can’t wait to see where it goes. While each book could be read as a standalone, I personally would recommend reading them in order. Not only are they great stories, but it’s also awesome to see the progression of each plot as it correlates to Calvin and Sebastian’s relationship.

Book Review: The Mystery of the Curiosities ~ C.S. Poe

Title: The Mystery of the Curiosities (Snow & Winter, Book 2)
Author: C.S. Poe
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: LGBTQIA, Romance
Publisher: DSP Publications
Date of Release: March 7, 2017
Pages: 200
Format: PDF (The Romance Reviews)

Oh, how I have missed Sebastian and Calvin! It has been too long, I tell ya! Sebastian and Calvin are now dating, and things are going well for them. Right until a brick comes flying through the window of the Emporium… sigh… and so the adventure begins!

Someone is going through Calvin’s cold cases and leaving messages for Sebastian to solve the case, with each clue being about PT Barnum! With each clue being more interesting than the last, Sebastian and Calvin must race against the clock to stop the killer before the body count rises!

I absolutely loved this series! C.S. Poe’s writing style leaves you wanting more with the mystery and the romance. Just when you think you know who the killer is, there’s a twist! Sebastian is absolutely adorable, full of intelligence and sass! Calvin exudes confidence and intelligence. The two of them together are absolutely perfect. They have the perfect partnership. Also, meeting Sebastian’s adorable father is the cherry on the cake. This story was so endearing, I immediately started re-reading it as soon as I finished.

Book Review: Out, Proud, and Prejudice ~ Megan Reddaway

 

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Title: Out, Proud, and Prejudice
Author: Megan Reddaway
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fiction, LGBTQIA, Romance
Publisher: Less Than Three Press
Date of Release: June 4, 2018
Pages: 270
Format: Kindle (NetGalley)

Pride & Prejudice is one of my favorite classics. When I found out there was a male coupling, I immediately grabbed it! I will admit, one half of me grabbed this book because I knew it wouldn’t compare and I wanted to see what the differences were, aside from the obvious differences. The other half of me grabbed this book because it’s based on a classic, and you can’t go wrong with classics. The characters were well executed, and it was clever how the author made the story modern. The pacing was a bit slow for me. It felt like I had to get too far into the book for me to remotely connected to the story. However, once you’re hooked… you’re hooked.

You do feel the same amount of angst in this version as you do in the original, but not the same wit. I can’t speak for others, but I thought the character of Charlotte to be quite despicable. For her to be the best friend, she didn’t have any redeeming qualities. Bennet (Elizabeth), Darius (Mr. Darcy), Jaime (Jane), and Tim (Mr. Bingley) were wonderfully crafted to fit this modern version.

Modernizing a classic is no small feat. I can say, Ms. Megan Reddaway was up to the challenge.

(Book Review) Joy ~ C.S. Poe

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Title: Joy (States of Love)
Author: C.S. Poe
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: LGBT, Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Date of Release:  April 5, 2017
Pages: 76
Format: PDF (The Romance Reviews) 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading JOY. I read this in one sitting.

There’s something about a guy who’s down on his luck and the sweet and silent guy. Gideon and Silas are perfect for each as they balance out one another. Gideon’s hints at insecurity is endearing and frustrating all at the same time. Silas being a man of few words gives you the wrong impression of him in the beginning, but once you get to know him… the book blossoms!

C.S. Poe’s writing is great. The intent of all characters are clear and simple, and the writing is easy to understand. I’ve read one other C.S. Poe story and I enjoyed it. I can definitely add this author to my list of favorite authors.

The Rancher’s Son ~ RJ Scott

Title: The Rancher’s Son
Author: RJ Scott
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: LGBTQIA, Mystery, Romance
Publisher: Love Lane Books Limited
Date of Release: June 26, 2017
Pages: 200 (6 hr, 25 min)
Format: Audio (Signal Boost Promotion)

Ethan, a cop, has been looking for his brother, Justin, and friend, Adam, for 12 years after they mysteriously went missing without a trace. While dad has given up searching, Ethan refuses; which causes strife and tension between the two of them. Ethan receives word, while at work, of an attack with a few code words that he had flagged. Instead of finding Justin, he finds Adam… with no recollection of who he is or what happened.

As Ethan takes Adam back to Crooked Tree Ranch, Adam has random memories and feelings about himself. Ethan is reminded of the young boy he fell in love with and I wanted so much for more to happen, but Ethan is an honorable man. Once at Crooked Tree Ranch, there isn’t a shortage of people who are helping Adam remember, but will he remember? Will he be the guy Ethan once knew? Where is Justin?

I thought this story was quite lovely. The interaction between Ethan and Adam was beautiful. Ethan wasn’t pushy, as is the case in most stories. It was a slow build, which is perfect. The narration was perfection. Sean Crisden was absolutely fantastic with the personalities he gave each character. I haven’t read book 1 of this series, so book 2 does leave some unanswered questions. All that means is: STAY TUNED!