Happy Thursday ,

I started out this year by picking up a book I've been meaning to read since last summer. It's a thriller, or perhaps police procedural, set in my husband's hometown. BUT it's over 500 pages, so the sheer length of it had me waiting until after the New Year.

Now, I've finished and I have a few thoughts. First, of all, I read thrillers and police procedurals very sporadically. One of my favorite (and perhaps first, now that I think of it) was Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith (Amazon / IndieBound). Unbelievable book and storyline. So well written. It has so many twists and turns, and yet they all come together and tie up perfectly in the end. It's really something.

This book I just read was, honestly, not as good. Maybe because it was different. Maybe because it is the author's first book. I'm not sure. The villain is very well developed, but I thought the detective was just a bit hazy. Like we don't know him enough. Except that we need to know him because he shows up in the next book!

Still a very good book and if you read in Spanish, the book is called Memento Mori by Ceasar Pérez Gellida (Amazon / IndieBound). Let me know what you think if you read it.

But otherwise, I have a question for you readers out there: Do you like reading from the villains perspective? Why or why not?

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For the writers out there, if you're looking to get your manuscript in top shape but can't afford an editor (or want to make sure it's superb before sending it to an editor) you should check out Stacy Juba's Self-Editing Blueprint course. She's upping the price to $497 but right now with code february11 you can get it for $267. Keep in mind you can then use it for EVERY book you write after this one. It's a jam-packed course with everything you need to make sure your book is ready for market. Find out more here. Don't forget to use the code february11 (good through midnight 2.11.2022)

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AUTHOR BOOK SWAP!

There's something for everyone this week!

First, if you like Romantic Historical Fiction, there's a group promotion going on with over 30 authors involved! Find all the books here.

Looking for something other than historical romance?

Flying on Borrowed Wings by Dan Arman is a historical fantasy where Warriors don't always win, and good does not always prevail.

Titanian's Phoenix by Victoria Saccenti is a mythological fantasy. She’s the mate he never expected. And she has powers she never asked for...

Accursed Women by Luciana Cavallaro is short stories collection of five women who became legends.

Kiss & Tell by Ainsley Jaymes is a new adult romance. What could go wrong when the good girl gets stuck with the bad boy? After all, it's just chemistry...

HAPPY READING!