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# Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

“I write. It’s what I do.”

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://sfortuneauthor.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://sfortuneauthor.com/blog/)
- [Review: "The Night She Missed The Train"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2025/11/11/review-the-night-she-missed-the-train/) - The author invited me to review this book, as I had previously reviewed two of her other books "The Perfect Face" and "The Trauma Child". The Premise Insecure Bryn has always played second fiddle to her glamorous cousin Jules, a wealthy golden girl and newly-minted bestselling author. But Bryn never imagines a pleasant day trip
- [Review: "Luke & Lara"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2025/08/22/review-luke-lara/) - I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, as listed below: Our Liminal Spaces Six - Strange Stories of Love Intersections A Quiet Dissonance Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories Damage & Other Stories Holi Moly! & Other Stories The Premise This novel
- ["The Author Tells" - my Saga interview](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/08/the-author-tells-my-saga-interview/) - I was thrilled to finally get a chance to talk at length about my "Hart & Cole" series with Saga's co-founder Aakriti recently on "The Author Tells". We talked about everything from the conceptualisation of the series, my writing process, my favourite characters, key themes in the series, and much more! Check out the video!
- ["Climbing The Walls" is LIVE on the Saga app!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/01/climbing-the-walls-is-live-on-the-saga-app/) - Woohoo! Launch day! Yes, AGAIN! As of October 1st, 2021, my first book "Climbing The Walls" is LIVE on the Saga app -- exclusively (e-version). That's right. I hit "Unpublish" on Amazon. That's a HUGE step for any writer, but I did it. I took a leap of faith in a new start-up company run
- ["The Publishing Dialogue" - my Saga interview](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/15/the-publishing-dialogue-my-saga-interview/) - I was thrilled to have a chat with Saga's co-founders Aakriti and Pranika recently on "The Publishing Dialogue". We talked about everything from my writing and editing process, tips for new writers, the publishing industry, and much more! Check out the video!
- [The Saga app is live!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/08/13/the-saga-app-is-live/) - Woohoo! It's finally here. The Saga app is live! Here's a video of me talking about my experience with Saga and my books!
- ["Hearing It Out Loud" - "Climbing The Walls" Saga interactive reading](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/17/hearing-it-out-loud-climbing-the-walls-saga-interactive-reading/) - I recently did an interactive reading of "Climbing The Walls", Book 1 of my "Hart & Cole" series, with Saga's co-founder Pranika Sharma on the segment "Hearing It Out Loud". This excerpt we chose is the introduction of Nicole's boss Darren Hart -- my favourite character. You'll hate him in Book 1, but I promise
- [Review: "Raising, And Losing, My Remarkable Teenage Mother"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/18/review-raising-and-losing-my-remarkable-teenage-mother/) - A heartwarming and heartbreaking memoir of a mother/daughter love that knows no limits This was my seventeenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. Although memoirs are not my usual genre, the synopsis and the author's note at the beginning drew me
- [Review: "Crossing Swords"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/08/review-crossing-swords/) - First M/M romcom I've read... enjoyed! Definitely not my usual cup of tea... but I got a free copy and thought, why not? I finished it in half a day while at the office (not much work got done!)...... If you are someone who offends easily, this is not the book for you. I'm not,
- [Review: "Roots & Wings: A parent's guide to learning and communicating with children to forge a family with mettle"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/07/03/review-roots-wings-a-parents-guide-to-learning-and-communicating-with-children-to-forge-a-family-with-mettle/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it out of a few others because I was interested in the subject. The Premise This non-fiction book explores the different phases of childhood development with a focus on the family unit and how best it can function to create a cohesive "mettle"
- [Review: "All The Rest"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2024/06/20/review-all-the-rest/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, after reading another of the author's books "Hearts on Fire." The Premise Sheryl now has her "found" family of friends, and as she watches them all pair off and have families, she feels a yearning for a baby of her own. Her wild-child ways -- attributable
- [Review: "How To Get Planning Permission: An Insider's Secret"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/02/review-how-to-get-planning-permission-an-insiders-secret/) - A must-read reference guide for UK homeowners who want to build their dream home This was my fifteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. While far from my usual genre, I chose it because I am interested in possibly purchasing property
- [Review: "The Roommate Mistake"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/16/review-the-roommate-mistake/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because the character had my name! I was amused when I first learned the Sasha/Alex connection, as my friend at uni (used to calling his Russian friend Alex "Sasha") often called me "Alex", which to me does not compute! Not a normal reason to choose a book,
- [Review: "The Summer After"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/21/review-the-summer-after/) - The author reached out after I reviewed another book of hers, What Pretty Gets You, and I received this book as an ARC. ​​ The Premise Both recently widowed, Dean and Juliet meet in the Cayman Islands, while staying at rental cottages with their children. Eight months prior, Dean lost his wife to cancer, while
- [Review: "What I Never Expected"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/24/review-what-i-never-expected/) - After my review of another book, What I Left Behind, the author reached out with this one as well as another that I've already reviewed, A Change of Seasons. I'm happy to say that I was pleased with a great read a third time around! The Premise After single-handedly raising her son Eliot after a painful
- [Review: "When Jackie Hit The Road"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/15/review-when-jackie-hit-the-road/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because the synopsis was intriguing and I love a good YA. The Premise Jackie is all set for the adventure of a lifetime -- a two-month road trip in a food truck, selling cookies at events. Her plans are soon thwarted when she discovers she's got company
- [Review: "A Change of Seasons"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/13/review-a-change-of-seasons/) - After my review of another book, What I Left Behind, the author reached out with this one, and I was happy to read and review as I had really enjoyed the previous book. As it is my second book by this author I had high expectations, and was happy that they were met. The Premise
- [Review: "Emily's New Everything"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/06/review-emilys-new-everything/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I selected it after reading its intriguing preview. The Premise After her husband Tyler unexpectedly leaves her for another woman, Emily suddenly has to cope with a new world of insecurity and instability for her and her young son Dante. Now under the weight of
- [Review: "Salmon Croquettes"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/01/review-salmon-croquettes/) - A heartwarming coming-of-age dramedy about an important chapter in Black history This was my fourteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. =​​ The Premise Twelve-year-old "tomboy" Zayla is confused about her feelings for girls. At
- [Review: "The Stillness Before The Start"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/01/review-the-stillness-before-the-start/) - After reading another book "Everywhere, Always" by the same author, I was thrilled when I saw this one via a newsletter promotion, and I was happy to read and review. The Premise Harper is in her senior year, on the cusp of wrapping up her school life, and everything is going according to her very
- [Review: "The Bend in Redwood Road"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/08/review-the-bend-in-redwood-road/) - I snapped this book up from a free promotion via a newsletter, as I was in the mood for a good women's fiction. The Premise Gwen has had the perfect upbringing with her adoptive family, and has no reason to look for her biological parents -- but still, there is that niggling feeling at the
- [Review: "This Is Your Life"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/08/review-this-is-your-life/) - After reading another book “Everywhere, Always” by the same author, and later on "The Stillness Before The Start", I grabbed this one right away when I saw it on an ARC program. ​​ The Premise History nerd "commoner" Julianna is working in New York City as the "nanny" for a shy teenage boy with socialite
- [Review: "Rue"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/09/review-rue/) - For this book, the author reached out to request a review via my website. I liked the sound of it, so I was happy to read and review. The Premise Rue is working as a singer at a bar when she is swept off her feet by an admirer who leaves her a huge tip.
- [Review: "The Wave"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/14/review-the-wave/) - A powerful and heart-wrenching tale of motherhood, grief, illness, self-discovery and redemption This was my sixteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because the synopsis and preview drew me in. This review also appears on Reedsy. The Premise
- [Review: "Fresh Meet"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/11/review-fresh-meet/) - I saw this on a promotion via a newsletter, and I was in the mood for a trope-filled romance in between some deeper reads, so I took a chance on an author new to me. The Premise Olympic athlete Jace has everything planned from his meets to his meals to his practices -- when a
- [Review: "Not Another Manwhore"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/21/review-not-another-manwhore/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I enjoyed two other books by this author duo -- My Favourite Mistake and My Cover Model. The Premise Bree has had her heart broken after multiple men cheated on her, so she's now sworn off men, along with her longtime friends from high school. When
- [Review: "Looks Are Deceiving"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/22/review-looks-are-deceiving/) - A cozy mystery/thriller with an unlikely and admirable hero and a meaningful message This was my eighteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because the preview was interesting, and I love diversity in characters I read about. This
- [Review: "Working With Norwegians"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/23/review-working-with-norwegians/) - A jovial recount of an unapologetically American outsider's view of Norwegian business culture This was my nineteeth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I have always been intrigued by other cultures, and chose this book to learn more about Norwegians. Its
- [Review: "Needle Work"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/26/review-needle-work/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I like medical TV dramas, and the preview was intriguing. The Premise Anesthesiologist Dr. Jude Rosen has been on the job long enough to know that Death is an unfair colleague -- sometimes He takes those who don't deserve it far too early. With his best friend
- [Review: "Best Foot Forward"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/25/review-best-foot-forward/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis. The Premise After losing his wife and son in an accident, Pritchard spirals downwards into alcoholism. Frequenting a nearby bar, one day he trips over a teenage girl's scooter and damages it. When he gives her his number so she can follow up
- [Review: "What's Not True"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/23/review-whats-not-true/) - A dramatic, comedic telenovela of a women’s fiction about infidelity and fickle hearts This was my twentieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. It marks me coming full circle as a Reedsy reviewer, as the author's first book in this series
- [Review: "Dear Arlo"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/27/review-dear-arlo/) - An irreverent, humorous reflection of the emotional rollercoaster of early fatherhood This was my twenty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first in the series, Dear Dory, and was contacted by the author to also review this one. This
- [Review: "The Girl Who Talks To Ashes"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/28/review-the-girl-who-talks-to-ashes/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because the preview was excellent. The Premise Teenage mother Willow abandons her baby when she realises that strange things happen during baby Lilah's seizures. After dumping the baby at a fire station, Willow and her mother are never seen again. Lilah is taken in by her adoptive
- [Review: "Now I Found You"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/29/review-now-i-found-you/) - I first saw this book on Reedsy, but it was taken by another reviewer before I got the chance. I looked it up on Amazon and realised it was on promotion, so I got it from there. The Premise When Kate’s 13-year-old sister disappears at the lake and a body is later found, Kate doesn’t
- [Review: "Sister Lost"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/08/14/review-sister-lost/) - A "haunted house" horror/mystery about the elusive mother-daughter bond This was my twenty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to
- [Review: "McKinley: The Witch of Ivanov"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/08/14/review-mckinley-the-witch-of-ivanov/) - This book came to me directly from the author, for whom I've reviewed several books before: Inside Outside Part 1 – Black Wings: The Death Angel & The Griffin Inside Outside Part 2 – Black Wings: The Death Angel & A Seraph Inside Outside Part 3 – Black Wings: The Valkyrie & Her Wyvern The
- [Review: "Elusive Magic"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/08/08/review-elusive-magic/) - This book found its way to me via an author's newsletter that featured other books. I chose it because I was in the mood for a good women's fiction. The Premise 40-something-year-old Josie is at a crossroads in her life. After a break-up, she struggles to get over her ex Thomas who is still in
- [Review: "No Names To Be Given"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/08/19/review-no-names-to-be-given/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because the intro and blurb were interesting. The Premise In the 1960s, three young women meet in a maternity hospital, each of them pregnant with children whose names and stories they would only find out much later on. They are expected to give up their babies and
- [Review: "Bibliointuitive"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/05/review-bibliointuitive/) - I received this book from the author, for whom I had already reviewed another book Rue. I also saw it on Reedsy and reviewed it for that platform as well, which makes it my twenty-third book via Reedsy. My Reedsy review can be found here. If you're interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "The House Beside the Cherry Tree"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/06/review-the-house-beside-the-cherry-tree/) - A raw, emotional, gritty drama about the ties that bind, and the mental illness that betrays the concept of family This was my twenty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming
- [Review: "Catalyst"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/10/review-catalyst/) - A fast-paced time-travel medical romance thriller mystery with a twist This was my twenty-seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid
- [Review: "Shouting At Leaves"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/10/review-shouting-at-leaves/) - A heartbreaking memoir about the physical, social, and emotional abuse experienced by an autistic savant This was my twenty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "The Wheels of Injustice"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/09/review-the-wheels-of-injustice/) - A harrowing memoir about the systematically abusive laws of child protection agencies This was my twenty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "One For The Team"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/13/review-one-for-the-team/) - A young adult murder mystery sports thriller - ideal for teenage girl sleuths! This was my twenty-eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "Living with Norwegians"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/17/review-living-with-norwegians/) - A tongue-in-cheek go-to guide with helpful tips to get you set up in Norway and integrate into Norwegian culture This was my twenty-ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. I chose this book after also
- [Review: "Calling of Ancestors: Finding Forgotten Secrets in My DNA"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/17/review-calling-of-ancestors-finding-forgotten-secrets-in-my-dna/) - A short, insightful essay about a woman's quest to examine her family's history and linkage to Black ancestors This was my thirtieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy
- [Review: "Minus 38"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/23/review-minus-38/) - A memoir of a personal family tragedy and its long-term repercussions on the family members This was my thirty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "The Best Therapy: A Guide for Wounded Healers"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/03/review-the-best-therapy-a-guide-for-wounded-healers/) - A raw, thought-provoking reflection of mental health and the internal wounds of its gatekeepers This was my thirty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the
- [Review: "The Dog Catcher"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/01/review-the-dog-catcher/) - This book came to me via an ARC program. The Premise A young woman of African descent navigates love and family, in a world where violence and abuse are commonplace. Put out of her house when she becomes pregnant as a teenager, she struggles to survive by her wits and grit to provide a home
- [Review: "The Teacher"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/12/review-the-teacher/) - I received this book directly from the author, who found me via Reedsy. The Premise In the near-future of 2022, Spanish teacher Christopher Reyes lives in Eternity Grove. His simple life is shattered as strange things start happening -- demonic voices in his head, objects that move on their own, strangers breaking into his house
- [Review: "Cenotaphs"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/12/review-cenotaphs/) - This book came to me via a book club. I chose it because I was in the mood for a relatively short read, and the plot sounded intriguing. The Premise A chance encounter leads to an odd relationship between an old man and a middle-aged woman. In each other, they find something beyond romance --
- [Review: "Incendiary Attraction"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/17/review-incendiary-attraction/) - I picked this from a book club after reading another by the author in this same series, "A Savage Trick" which I really enjoyed, so I went in with high expectations. The Premise FBI Agent Jace flirts with a beautiful older woman at a wedding, only to find out shortly thereafter that she is his
- [Review: "A Better Me"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/11/02/review-a-better-me/) - I chose this book from a book club as I liked the synopsis. The Premise Cynthia and Anne are two of the clients invited to a spa to enhance their lives. Despite having little in common, the roommates soon forge a friendship as they embark on a journey of self-discovery and betterment. However this soon
- [Review: "Perfect Little Flaws"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/21/review-perfect-little-flaws/) - I chose this book from an ARC program as I am a fan of the author. This is my fourth book I've read and reviewed by this author; the others are: Everywhere, Always The Stillness Before The Start This Is Your Life The Premise Maren is mourning the recent death of her brother Jake, whose
- [Review: "Sunset on Monarch Bay"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/10/21/review-sunset-on-monarch-bay/) - This book came to me via a book club. I chose it because I had read and enjoyed another by the same author, "A Heart Life". The Premise Eager to escape her controlling and abusive husband, Stella flees with her teenage twins to Monarch Bay, where her sister lives. With Katrina's kindness to open her
- [Review: "The Good News Is, You Don't Have Endometriosis: How I Survived IVF With My Sanity (Mostly) Intact"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/02/review-the-good-news-is-you-dont-have-endometriosis-how-i-survived-ivf-with-my-sanity-mostly-intact/) - A painful but entertaining, triumphant memoir of a woman's infertility journey This was my thirty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get
- [Review: "The Illusion of a Boy"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/04/review-the-illusion-of-a-boy/) - An enjoyable young adult psychological thriller with a supernatural twist This was my thirty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid
- [Review: "Open Your Eyes"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/06/review-open-your-eyes/) - An enjoyable, heart-warming tale of dedication and selflessness to a worthy cause This was my thirty-eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "Departure Story"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/09/18/review-departure-story/) - A touching coming-of-age story about the Caribbean experience colliding with the American dream This was my thirty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "Her Awakening: One Woman's Journey to Healing After Divorce"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/05/review-her-awakening-one-womans-journey-to-healing-after-divorce/) - An inspiring, empowering self-help guide to surviving and thriving after divorce This was my thirty-seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get
- [Review: "From Agony to Bliss: Turn Your Limiting Beliefs Into Limitless Success"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/04/review-from-agony-to-bliss-turn-your-limiting-beliefs-into-limitless-success/) - An inspiring self-help guide to rising above your own fears and limitations This was my thirty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "Taming My Worry Monster, Wallace"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/07/review-taming-my-worry-monster-wallace/) - A sweet children's book of bravery and triumph that has a lasting positive message This was my thirty-ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the
- [Review: "Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/07/review-finding-joy-with-an-invisible-chronic-illness/) - An inspiring and useful book for those suffering with chronic illness This was my fortieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get
- [Review: "The Success Trail: Learn to Win with a Marathon Runner's Mindset"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/08/review-the-success-trail-learn-to-win-with-a-marathon-runners-mindset/) - An inspiring book with useful tips and quotes to guide others in need of motivation This was my forty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "Married to the Man Who Washed Himself Away"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/10/review-married-to-the-man-who-washed-himself-away/) - A touching, heartbreaking memoir of motherhood, marriage, and madness This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips”
- [Review: "The Lightning Conjurer" (series)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/09/review-the-lightning-conjurer-series/) - I chose this book from an ARC program after having read another of the author's books, "The Girl Who Talks To Ashes” as I really enjoyed that one. The Premise THE AWAKENING: Aspen awakens with no recollection of her prior life and leads a lonely life keeping to herself -- until, that is, strange and
- [Review: "I Write the System: To Fight The System So I Might Right The System"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/12/review-i-write-the-system-to-fight-the-system-so-i-might-right-the-system/) - A moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant memoir of an intersex journey to adulthood This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "Holi Moly! & Other Stories"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/16/review-holi-moly-other-stories/) - I first came across this author after reading her novel "A Quiet Dissonance", and when I signed up for her newsletter I was directed to review other books she had written. I chose several short-story collections, this being the second one (I also reviewed "Parvathy's Well & Other Stories"), because I was in the mood
- [Review: "Hidden Justice"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/15/review-hidden-justice/) - I first saw this book on Reedsy, but it was taken by another reviewer before I got the chance. I noticed it was on promotion shortly thereafter, and decided to get it. The Premise After his daughter's murder and his wife's suicide, former detective Frank Grimm now spends his days snooping through his neighbours'
- [Review: "Damage & Other Stories"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/20/review-damage-other-stories/) - I first came across this author after reading her novel "A Quiet Dissonance", and when I signed up for her newsletter I was directed to review other books she had written. I chose several short-story collections, this being the third one (I also reviewed "Parvathy's Well & Other Stories" and "Holi Moly! & Other Stories"),
- [Review: "A Fox For Faith"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/20/review-a-fox-for-faith/) - I chose this book from an ARC program, because the preview sounded interesting and humorous. The Premise After his bravery got her son in trouble, Faith is in hiding, a long way from the home she left behind. There, her sketchy legal status means she can only get menial jobs -- one of which is
- [Review: "Inside Outside Part 3 - Black Wings: The Valkyrie & Her Wyvern"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/20/review-inside-outside-part-3-black-wings-the-valkyrie-her-wyvern/) - A thrilling supernatural sci-fi joyride of bloody action and steamy romance This was my twelfth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis
- [Review: "Everywhere, Always"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/22/review-everywhere-always/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I was looking for a good YA read. The Premise Avery's life changes in an instant when a drunk driver slams through a red light, killing her mother and leaving her with lifelong scars. Before she has a chance to mourn her mother’s death, she is
- [Review: "What I Left Behind"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/26/review-what-i-left-behind/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis and was feeling for a good women's fiction. The Premise Now in her 50s, Allyson has finally found happiness, and is ready to move forward in life with her boyfriend. But just as she becomes Warren's fiancée, she receives a visitor: a
- [Review: "The Holy Grail of Potty Training"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/25/review-the-holy-grail-of-potty-training/) - I saw this book show up in an ARC program, and I chose it because I have a toddler and I hope to successfully toilet-train him soon! The Premise Written by a paediatric occupational therapist, this book is a comprehensive guide aimed at parents (or carers) to encourage independence in children in the toilet-training process
- [Review: "Moving North"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/25/review-moving-north/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in the mood for a good YA read, and I usually enjoy books featuring horses. The Premise After her mother died, Perry has been trying to keep her old horse North healthy and happy, while also struggling to balance
- [Review: "Blind Turn"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/28/review-blind-turn/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I was in the mood for a good women's fiction and the preview was intriguing. The Premise After a fatal driving accident, the driver Jess and her mother Liz deal with the fallout. Evidence indicates that Jess was texting while driving, and the victim was the town's
- [Review: "Seasoned With Love"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/02/review-seasoned-with-love/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I was looking for a short romance read with all the feels and the synopsis looked promising. The Premise After running from an engagement when she was a teenager, chef Carrie has no intention of settling down into married life with children. Twenty-five years later, after raising
- [Review: "The Kitten"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/03/review-the-kitten/) - A unique vigilante women's fiction thriller with a twist of dark comedy This was my thirteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I was intrigued by the preview and also in the mood for a short thrill of a read. This
- [Review: "Pursuing Liam"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/20/review-pursuing-liam/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis and was in the mood for a light-hearted romance. The Premise Taryn is hitting the ripe old age of mid-thirties and decides she needs a baby ASAP since no man is forthcoming, so she decides to adopt and raise a baby as a
- [Review: "Virtually Yours"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/19/review-virtually-yours/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because after seeing loads of writing memes about post-Covid romance, I was curious to see how one would be written! The Premise Picture it: New York, 2020. Sophie, an art conservator and serious germaphobe, has been locked away in her apartment for months, and is now forced
- [Review: "Single-Minded"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/18/review-single-minded/) - I snapped this novel up from an ARC program because I was in the mood for a humorous women's fiction. The Premise Alex's picture-perfect life, meticulously planned out with the love of her life who she's known since they were in kindergarten, suddenly comes to a crashing halt when a scandal breaks: her beloved husband
- [Review: "Parvathy's Well & Other Stories"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/22/review-parvathys-well-other-stories/) - I first came across this author after reading her novel "A Quiet Dissonance", and when I signed up for her newsletter I was directed to review other books she had written. I chose this short-story collection because I was in the mood for something distinctly different from what I had read from her before, but
- [Review: "Imperfect"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/23/review-imperfect/) - I read and reviewed the first in the series "Perfect" and it ended on a cliffhanger, so I decided to keep reading. Both books came to me via a book club. The Premise Now pregnant with FBI agent Kieran’s baby and engaged to be married to him, Seryna’s life has taken an unexpected turn. With
- [Review: "Book Marketing Secrets"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/24/review-book-marketing-secrets/) - Usually non-fiction reference books are not my genre of choice, but as an indie author and also a book reviewer, I took the opportunity to read this from an ARC program as I believed I was the target audience and was hoping to learn something useful. The Premise This reference guide offers a recipe for
- [Review: "The Match"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/30/review-the-match/) - I grabbed a copy of this from an ARC program because I was interested in reading a trope-filled romance. The Premise In need of a sperm donor because the right man doesn't seem to be showing up, Rossi selects "Ambitious Athlete" for the deed. A couple of years later, a clinical error reveals his name
- [Review: "The Silence Of Children"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/30/review-the-silence-of-children/) - A sensational thriller about vigilante justice, self-sacrifice, and the ties that bind. This was my eleventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "Inside Outside Part 2 - Black Wings: The Death Angel & A Seraph"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/27/review-inside-outside-part-2-black-wings-the-death-angel-a-seraph/) - Another exhilarating, swift bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance This was my tenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis I
- [Review: "Left For Dead"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/03/review-left-for-dead/) - This is the first book in awhile that I didn't get from an ARC program or personal review request! I saw it in a newsletter and after an excellent thriller I recently read, I was in the mood for another dark thriller so I grabbed this one. The Premise Tired of the corporate grind at her New
- [Review: "Unforgettable"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/10/review-unforgettable/) - This is the third book I've read by this author, and the second from this series. After enjoying "Man Candy" and the other one in this series, "Irresistible", I chose this one when I saw it in a newsletter promotion because I had really enjoyed the other one in the series. The Premise Former professional
- [Review: "The Forsaken Children"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/05/14/review-the-forsaken-children/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in the mood for something different than my usual genres. The Premise Between 1869-1932, over 100,000 children were sent from the United Kingdom to Canada and other countries through assisted juvenile emigration. Called "home children", many were distributed from
- [Review: "Dear Dory"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/16/review-dear-dory/) - A uproariously funny reflection of the delirious joy and looming fear of imminent fatherhood This was my ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "The Sailing Days of Bianca Drake"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/11/review-the-sailing-days-of-bianca-drake/) - A jaunty rollick of a coming-of-age comedy of errors aboard the high seas This was my eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "Inside Outside Part 1 - Black Wings: The Death Angel & The Griffin"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/09/review-inside-outside-part-1-black-wings-the-death-angel-the-griffin/) - A fast-paced, action-packed bloodlust thrill of a futuristic sci-fi romance This was my seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. In this case, the author sought me out and asked me to review her trilogy, and after reading the synopsis I
- [Review: "Don't Call Me Greta"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/04/review-dont-call-me-greta/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis, and was in the mood for a good YA read. The Premise Piper's life as she knows it comes to a screeching halt when her mother is arrested for an unimaginable crime -- she stole Piper when she was a newborn, seventeen years
- [Review: "Missing Pictures"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/05/review-missing-pictures/) - A raw, emotional foray into the harrowing, hilarious capriciousness of mental illness This was my sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because I love the genre of women's fiction, and the preview drew me in. This review
- [Review: "Falling For My Fling"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/08/review-falling-for-my-fling/) - I had previously read the "Falling For My Fling (prequel)" and it was interesting enough to keep on reading Lori's and Caleb's story, so I took the chance to read this from the same ARC program. The Premise Six years after Caleb broke off their relationship and broke her heart, Lori returns to Penny Creek.
- [Review: "A Quiet Dissonance"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/01/review-a-quiet-dissonance/) - I first saw this book on Reedsy, and I was interested. However Reedsy only allows one review per book launch, and when I clicked someone else must have gotten to it just moments before, as I got an error "This book is already in review". However shortly after I saw it again via another ARC
- [Review: "First Down"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/31/review-first-down/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I liked a previous book by the author well enough, but thought it could have used a bit more "oomph", so I wanted to give the author another try. The Premise NFL player Mark has finally hit it big as a pro football player, when a
- [Review: "A Savage Trick"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/30/review-a-savage-trick/) - I picked this from a book club because the synopsis sounded interesting, and I'm so thrilled I took the chance! Definitely one of the most intriguing books I have read in awhile. The Premise Patrick “Trick” is a firefighter with a lucky streak from everything to his zero-fatality streak to his lottery winnings — the
- [Review: "The Wool Over Their Eyes"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/18/review-the-wool-over-their-eyes/) - A beautiful story of race, romance and its implications and representations in the world around us This was my fourth book that found me via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because the cover was beautiful and the synopsis drew me in.
- [Review: "A Heart Life"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/21/review-a-heart-life/) - This came to me via a book club, and I chose it because I love the women's fiction genre and was looking for something new. The Premise Leena is the long-suffering wife of prominent heart surgeon Steven, who shrank into the background as her husband's career sky-rocketed. His self-absorption indulges and justifies affairs with many
- [Review: "Celestine"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/21/review-celestine/) - A coming-of-age thriller that emerges as a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of our changing world This was my fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. Though it seemed to be a sci-fi at first (not my go-to genre), the preview and
- [Review: "Falling For My Fling (Prequel)"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/08/review-falling-for-my-fling-prequel/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I was looking for a quick romance read, and was hoping to find a full story despite the short length of a "prequel". The Premise Smart, plucky Lori is working at a summer camp for children with learning disabilities, while surviving a disaster ex-boyfriend experience and
- [Review: "Fish Heads and Duck Skin"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/12/review-fish-heads-and-duck-skin/) - A darkly funny diatribe and celebration of self-discovery in a foreign land This was my third book I chose from the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you're interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get
- [Review: "Protecting His Pregnant Ex"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/18/review-protecting-his-pregnant-ex/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I was looking for a trope-filled romance read, and the blurb sounded interesting. The Premise Reeling with grief after his sister's funeral, Navy SEAL Brock finds himself shacking up with his ex-girlfriend and recent one-night stand Monica. The circumstances are unusual: a caseworker brings over recently-orphaned
- [Review: "My Favourite Mistake"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/06/review-my-favourite-mistake/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I had recently read a book by the same author duo, "My Cover Model" which I enjoyed, so I was hoping for something similar. The Premise Long-time besties Griffin and Madeline have grown up together and are comfortable enough around each other for them to talk
- [Review: "Moments Like This"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/06/review-moments-like-this/) - This book found me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in need of something light and sweet -- and this ticked those boxes for me! The Premise Andrea -- "Andie" -- sees her life slipping out from under her, after she loses a promotion she was counting on -- one
- [Review: "What's Not Said"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/26/review-whats-not-said/) - A zany, witty telenovela of a women's fiction, about the lies we tell each other and ourselves I chose this book from the Reedsy Discovery program. This program allows authors to post their books for a fee, for the chance of one comprehensive review from an approved reviewer that the team vets, and they also
- [Review: "The Secrets We Keep"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/02/review-the-secrets-we-keep/) - This book founds its way to me via an ARC program, and I was interested in it because of the rare "cross-breed" genre of being both a women's fiction and a thriller. I am so glad I took a chance on this book. The Premise Sophie is struggling with anxiety and survivor’s guilt years after
- [Review: "A Perfect Likeness"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/02/review-a-perfect-likeness/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because it sounded interesting, and I was looking for a "whodunnit" type of novel. The Premise After a long absence, Isobel returns home to the small coastal town Cape Cross where she grew up. Out for a run one day, she stumbles upon a dead body on
- [Review: "6393 miles"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/23/review-6393-miles/) - I chose this book out of hundreds in a book club's library, because I hadn't read a YA book in quite awhile, and I was feeling for something sweet and suitable for younger readers. The Premise 14-year-old Chloe's budding romance with long-term friend and crush Noah comes to a crashing halt when her father gets
- [Review: "My Cover Model"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/23/review-my-cover-model/) - This book found its way to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I needed a romantic comedy, after some heavy reads! This surely fit the bill. The Premise Romance author and average-looking 30-something Sydney falls hard and fast for the gorgeous cover model Travis at a book signing. She thinks he's
- [Review: "Perfect"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/21/review-perfect/) - This book found its way to me via a book club. I was looking for a good story, and I liked the synopsis. The Premise Seryna has lived a safe existence throughout her teenage life, sticking to her close-knit clique of friends and enjoying her niche as an athletic girl who isn't caught up with
- [Review: "Everything That Came Before Grace"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/02/review-everything-that-came-before-grace/) - We don't think twice about creating an entire genre for a broad-spectrum term "Women's Fiction" but when it comes to fiction for men it's assumed that there is no such specific thing. But though I labelled it "Family Life Fiction" which would be more understandable at a glance, this really needs to be in its
- [Review: "Ellipsis"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/31/review-ellipsis/) - As a fellow author, it's one thing to review what draws my fancy at my own leisure, but it's quite another when I open a book I've already promised to review (with no small amount of trepidation, I might add). You see, I've been burnt before -- saddled with a novel that I dread finishing,
- [Review: "Honeymoon Alone"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/30/review-honeymoon-alone/) - I won't lie -- this book started off a bit rocky with me, because it felt like I'd been dumped into the mind of a crazy person! But I'm glad I stuck it out, because I wound up enjoying it quite a lot. *Disclaimer: as part of a book club, I chose this one out
- [Review: "When Robins Appear"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/07/review-when-robins-appear/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was looking for a touching women's fiction novel to read. This was an easy read that I devoured in two days and it certainly did not disappoint. The Premise "When Robins Appear" is the heartbreakingly beautiful tale of a mother
- [Review: "Through The Peephole"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/09/review-through-the-peephole/) - I have to admit -- this was a bit of a strange read for me. The author was looking for her reader tribe, and while that may not be me personally, I was happy to read and review. She classes it "sad, scary stories for children" and since I enjoyed R. L. Stine and other
- [Review: "Burning Bridges"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/09/review-burning-bridges/) - This came to me via a book club, and I chose it because I was in the mood for a secret-baby romance with a twist, and this seemed to fit the bill. I noticed the blurb doesn't mention a big factor, which makes it hard to write a review without giving away a spoiler, but
- [Review: "Nerdelicious"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/13/review-nerdelicious/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in the mood for a romantic comedy. However it turned out to be less comedy than I had anticipated. The Premise Fred (short for Fredericka) returns to Blue Falls, en route to New York but in need of a
- [Review: "Falling For Home"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/13/review-falling-for-home/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in the mood for a clean, wholesome romance. The Premise Lucy returns to her small-town home of Angel Lake, jilted by a bad work experience and in need of a change. She's been a "hot-foot" girl for over a
- [Review: "The Wrong Kind of Love"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/11/review-the-wrong-kind-of-love/) - I've had varied reads recently, but I'm getting back to my goal of understanding tropes to help develop and/or market my own writing, which is trope-free: unpredictable, real-life romance with dubious “heroes/heroines”. I liked the premise of this one because I hadn't read a "twin" trope to date, so it drew my interest. The Premise
- [Review: "Hold Me"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/14/review-hold-me/) - I grabbed a copy of this book via an ARC program. Usually a mob plot is a hard "no" for me -- I prefer to watch that kind of content on TV. But the prologue blew me away, and I took a leap of faith. I'm so glad I did. The Premise Still reeling from
- [Review: "Defying Gravity"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/16/review-defying-gravity/) - I chose this book from an ARC program because I was feeling to read a romance that had a deeper story than the typical boy-meets-girl and happily-ever-after, and this certainly fit the bill. The Premise Belle has been acting as a mother for most of her life to her teenage brother TJ, who is on
- [Review: "The Dead Girl's Stilettos"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/17/review-the-dead-girls-stilettos/) - I haven't really been a huge fan of the mystery genre since my childhood days with "Nancy Drew" and "Hardy Boys", and I only recently learned what a "cozy mystery" is. However, when I first saw this posted on a fellow author's Instagram feed, the cover and title sparked my interest. I'm glad to report
- [Review: "A Tempting Friendship"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/13/review-a-tempting-friendship/) - This book was awesome and awful and beautiful and ugly at the same time. I finished it in one sitting. And I have feelings. I'm just not entirely sure what these feelings are. I felt schizophrenic reading it, because I teeter-tottered throughout the book. But a review has to convey more than utter confusion, so
- [Review: "The Predator Hunter"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/13/review-the-predator-hunter/) - The Pros & Cons I flew through this book in record time. It felt much shorter than its actual length due to the short, choppy chapters and fast-paced writing. It starts off a little slow but quickly picks up pace and strength as the writing flows. It begins as a simple tale: a weirdo seeking
- [Review: "The Best Laid Plans"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/10/review-the-best-laid-plans/) - My first MMF romance/erotica, better than expected The Pros & Cons As my first time reading this type of book, I went into this expecting the worst, but was pleasantly surprised. I did get a free copy, and I admit that I likely wouldn't have read this otherwise, as I'm not familiar with the sub-genre.
- [Review: "Player!"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/16/review-player/) - This book is by a popular bestselling author and has loads of fabulous reviews, so I was pleased to dive in and looked forward to it. It's a good enough read that I can easily recommend... but it just didn't take me nearly as far into a "romance reader high" as I hoped it would.
- [Review: "Broken Boundaries"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/17/review-broken-boundaries/) - It's rare that I read a book from beginning to end without a single break, and even more rare that I award a trope-filled book with such a high rating. That's just some context so you'll know I mean it when I say -- I LOVED this book. It ticks all the "trope" boxes without
- [Review: "Chasing Stars"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/05/09/review-chasing-stars/) - This is my second book by this author, and I only wish I'd read it first (as it was written first) rather than going backwards. The more recent one I read -- "Easy" -- stopped my world to such an extent that I don't think I can even objectively judge another book by her. But
- [Review: "Irresistible"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/16/review-irresistible/) - This was my second book by this author and I enjoyed it even more than the last one I read by her ("Man Candy"). I should provide a disclaimer: I was in the mood for tropes. I write unpredictable, real-life romance with dubious "heroes/heroines", and as an effort to educate myself and grow as a
- [Review: "My Bestie's Ex"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/14/review-my-besties-ex/) - Full disclosure: I was in the mood for tropes. As I recently discussed on my Writer Blog, my own writing is very different with an unpredictable reader journey, so picking up a book that's EXACTLY what I was referring to (where the title gives it all away) was a "research" effort on my part to
- [Review: "All Your Perfects"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/05/09/review-all-your-perfects/) - This was my first book by this author, but I can promise it won't be my last. I went in completely blind, and I was thrilled when it blew me away. There were a lot of moments when I really, really, really wanted to stop reading... but I couldn't. I read it a few sittings
- [Review: "No Reservations"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/20/review-no-reservations/) - While I enjoyed this book for the most part, I must admit I'm a little disappointed because I really wanted to love it more. Again, I should share the disclaimer that I was looking for tropes, to widen my own horizon as a writer of "real-life romance". The Premise It begins promisingly enough with former
- [Review: "One Hundred Excuses"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/21/review-one-hundred-excuses/) - It was refreshing for me -- after a litany of heavy-handed bad boy tropes and expletives in my recent reads -- to dive into this sweet story. Disclaimer: I was looking for a sweet romance story, in an effort to improve my own writing. I write "real-life romance" which has some very sweet elements with
- [Review: "She: A Cautionary Tale"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/29/review-she-a-cautionary-tale/) - There's something disturbing and beautiful about this novel, despite the seemingly lacklustre rating. Bear in mind I'm a picky reader, and I know exactly what I loved and didn't love about it, which I'm happy to share with you so that you can make up your own mind. I can see that this would be
- [Review: "Guarding His Best Friend's Sister"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-guarding-his-best-friends-sister/) - I think the genre of this was supposed to be adult romance, but I call it like I see it. Which is fine, if that's what you're looking for. I was hoping for more story than sex with this one, so I was disappointed. The Pros & Cons The tropes were predictable -- best friend's
- [Review: "Homecoming"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-homecoming/) - I'll admit this isn't my typical genre to read. While I often watch crime movies or TV shows, it's rare that I'll pick up a book to read on the subject. This is because I find it's difficult to translate the action of the criminality of "hood life" to paper. That said -- WOW. This
- [Review:  "The  Choices  I've  Made"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-the-choices-ive-made/) - The Pros & Cons I enjoyed this book for the most part, and again -- it's one of those I really wish I could have rated higher. Clearly I'm in the minority because it's by a bestselling author, and most of the reviews are stellar. There's a lot to love in it, but as I'm
- [Review: "Kiss Me at Willoughby Close"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-kiss-me-at-willoughby-close/) - I liked the overall premise of this book, so I'll give it a solid 3 stars for effort... but honestly, I felt like the story just ran out of steam. Literally and figuratively. The Pros & Cons It's a women's fiction, so I took that in stride and set my expectations accordingly in terms of
- [Review: "Chase Tinker & The House of Magic"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-chase-tinker-the-house-of-magic/) - Unfortunately for the book's genre, the comparison to the Harry Potter series is inevitable, which is perhaps its downfall. Preteen children coming into powers -- check. Family legacies and elderly know-it-alls with lots of powers -- check. Magical castle-house and environs -- check. Evil antagonists wanting to steal powers -- check. The plot twist was
- [Review: "Ruined Plans"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/09/review-ruined-plans/) - I don't mind a series, or books that end in a cliffhanger -- I do, however, mind "piecemeal" stories that don't even give you enough in the first installment to really want to bite into the larger story and continue reading. So that was my major problem here. The Pros & Cons The pacing of
- [Review: "The Reason"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/08/review-the-reason/) - I accepted a review copy with NO time on my hands to read, and figured I'd get around to it in a couple of weeks... but then I started browsing the first few pages and found myself caught up in the story. (There went my plans for the day!) The Pros & Cons This was
- [Review: "Beautiful Mine"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/08/review-beautiful-mine/) - I read this book easily in a few hours over two days, and enjoyed it. The Pros & Cons The background of the pilgrimage provided a nice context for the reader to imagine, as did the description of the luxury hotel. The steamy moments were not overdone, and had the right level of heat that
- [Review: "Man Candy"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/08/review-man-candy/) - 3.5 stars... close to 4. I really, really, really wanted to like this book more -- and thought I would, as it's by a popular bestselling author. It was good, and the writing itself was excellent, but the storyline had the potential to be great and just fell short for me. The Pros & Cons
- [Review: "Easy"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/08/review-easy/) - Among relationships, random sex, budding parenthood, runaways, drug addicts, kiddie porn, and incest and molestation so casual and commonplace it is its own character in the book, Ezra "Easy" and his best friend Jake "Love" both endure their first real loves and turn from boys to men in this novel. The fresh, resplendently rambling narration
- [Review: "Fractures"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2023/01/22/review-fractures/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy poetry and have not reviewed a poetry book as yet for my blog. The Premise In his landmark debut, Carlos Andrés Gómez interrogates race, gender, sexuality, and violence to explore some of the most pressing issues of our time. The Pros & Cons This was
- [Review: "The Trauma Child"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2024/02/20/review-the-trauma-child/) - The author invited me to review this book, as I had previously reviewed another one of her books "The Perfect Face", and I grabbed it off an ARC program. The Premise After witnessing a murder, Neely and her 10-year-old daughter Arial move to Neely's childhood home in the countryside. Neely envisions this change as starting
- [Review: "What Pretty Gets You"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/07/review-what-pretty-gets-you/) - A raw, riveting, and masterful women's fiction thriller about the beauty and ugliness lurking inside us all This was my second book that found me via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because I was looking for a women's fiction, and the
- [Review: "Our Liminal Spaces"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2024/09/18/review-our-liminal-spaces/) - I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, as listed below: Six - Strange Stories of Love Intersections A Quiet Dissonance Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories Damage & Other Stories Holi Moly! & Other Stories The Premise When Radha, a young Indian
- [Review: "The Search for Sanity"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2024/02/20/review-the-search-for-sanity/) - Another amusing yet insightful foray into the role of "dadding" This was my fifty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first three in the series, Dear Dory, Dear Arlo, and Toddler Inc., and was contacted by the author
- [Review: "Unconventional: A Memoir of Entrepreneurism, Politics, and Pot"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/12/11/review-unconventional-a-memoir-of-entrepreneurism-politics-and-pot/) - An entertaining and informative look at an important era of change in the cannabis industry This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "Irresistible"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/01/04/review-irresistible-2/) - I downloaded a free copy of this via a newsletter promotion. The Premise Lauren has cultivated a reputation for herself as a sexy, independent woman who only needs men for one thing -- but then she meets her match when she has a chance encounter with Hunter. Playgirl meets playboy is bound to steam things
- [Review: "The Ticket"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/02/16/review-the-ticket/) - I downloaded a free copy of this via a newsletter promotion. The Premise When Pete's girlfriend dumps him suddenly, he's left holding two non-refundable tickets for an amazing trip around the world. He decides to offer it to any woman with the same name, and many applicants throw themselves at the chance of a lifetime
- [Review: "Blue Midnight"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/02/16/review-blue-midnight/) - I downloaded a free copy of this via a newsletter promotion. The Premise When Blythe finds a scrap of paper with her former lover Finn Lannigan's number on it, she reminisces about all that could've been -- if she'd chosen him instead of her now ex-husband. Now a divorcee in her forties, she's aware that
- [Review: "Friends Like These"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/01/29/review-friends-like-these/) - This book found me via a free newsletter promotion. The Premise Never-travelled-anywhere travel agent Marie is newly single in more ways than one -- after being betrayed by her ex-boyfriend, she faces even more singledom as her best friend is about to migrate to the USA. Determined to reinvent herself or die trying, Marie focuses
- [Review: "The Stolen Kingdom"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/02/16/review-the-stolen-kingdom/) - I've had this on my Kindle for ages since I started following the author on social media. So glad I finally got around to reading it! The Premise When she realises she has the Gift of a Jinn, Princess Arie knows she has to get help to get rid of it. After all, in her
- [Review: "Inked"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/03/04/review-inked/) - I was blown away by this author's other books that I've read (see links below), so I eagerly lapped up this ARC once I got a notification that it was available. The Girl Who Talks To Ashes The Lightning Conjurer Series (4 books) The Premise In a moment of desperation when she runs out of
- [Review: "Maplewood"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/02/18/review-maplewood/) - This is my third book by this author, and in each case she has reached out directly. You can find her other books here: Rue Bibliointuitive The Premise Following the tragic loss of her husband and stepson, Amanda struggles with her grief and loneliness. At her mother's suggestion, she decides to purchase her childhood home
- [Review: "The First Time"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/02/26/review-the-first-time/) - This has been on my Kindle awhile so I'm not entirely sure how I got it, but I believe it would've been via a newsletter promotion. The Premise Trailer-park tough chick Chastity -- "Chaz" -- is suddenly thrown into the lifestyles of the rich and famous when her mother becomes engaged to one of her
- [Review: "Hearts on Fire"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/03/17/review-hearts-on-fire/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded good. Thankfully I was not disappointed! The Premise Upon inheriting her grandmother's house, Chloe returns to her hometown to fix it up. She plans to sell it and leave -- the town holds more bad memories than good
- [Review: "Covid Orphans: Collateral Damage"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/03/23/review-covid-orphans-collateral-damage/) - A moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant story about family and community in the face of evil This was my forty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Editing is Massacre: The Chopping Block](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/23/editing-is-massacre-the-chopping-block/) - "I'm so, so, so sorry, Lee..." I'm almost in tears, as I delete an entire scene with one of my favourite characters. But I'm down 50 pages already (woohoo!), and all the nips and tucks in the world won't get me to where I need to go. I need to edit. I need to CUT.
- [Character Development: The "Book Bible"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/18/character-development-the-book-bible/) - First of all, you have to remember that Darren loves Luisa. ...To hell and back. And she's taken him there, so she knows. Second of all, you have to remember that Luisa owes Darren. Even when he behaves badly (and oh boy; does he!)... she owes him... * * * My friend and beta reader
- [Writing & Representation: Finding Your Voice](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/05/writing-representation-finding-your-voice/) - Now that I can say I've finally, at long last, published a novel, my thoughts circled back to this TED talk by Chimamanda Adichie, one of my favourite pieces on writing. While her focus is on the danger of the "single story", the part that resonated with me most was at the beginning -- the
- [Review: "The Dutiful Daughter"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/12/review-the-dutiful-daughter/) - A mystery/thriller coming-of-age story with a sprinkle of the supernatural This was my forty-seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid
- [Review: "The Hope of Times to Come"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/12/review-the-hope-of-times-to-come/) - A heartfelt family drama about grief, loss, forgiveness, and finding the strength to survive and thrive This was my forty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and
- [Review: "Ten Thousand I Love Yous"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/03/31/review-ten-thousand-i-love-yous/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview was great, and as a women's fiction writer myself who employs similar themes, I was really excited to dive in. The Premise Nudged by an unexpected pregnancy, Kimberly married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life
- [Review: "Walk Like A Man"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/05/review-walk-like-a-man/) - A moving, inspirational memoir about overcoming the odds to become a champion for disability rights This was my forty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have
- [Review: "As-is: The Roadmap to Flipping Houses"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/05/review-as-is-the-roadmap-to-flipping-houses/) - A valuable resource for those looking to break into the real estate industry This was my forty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "Jackie Strong Self"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/12/review-jackie-strong-self/) - A horrifically true memoir of the evil that lives within the "ties that bind" a family This was my forty-eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and
- [Review: "Stuck"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/20/review-stuck/) - A collection of short stories that touch on mental health issues -- each with a twist This was my fifty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and
- [Review: "Standing at Water’s Edge"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/20/review-standing-at-waters-edge/) - A heartfelt and insightful memoir about love, family, and the tides of cancer This was my fiftieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance
- [Review: "My Name Was Susan O'Malley"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/16/review-my-name-was-susan-omalley/) - An emotional journey into the halcyon days of youth, and the crushing regret of past love and loss This was my forty-ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy
- [Review: "Portraits of Childfree Wealth"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/29/review-portraits-of-childfree-wealth/) - An informative and insightful look at those who challenge the "status quo" script of life by actively choosing to be childfree This was my fifty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in
- [Review: "Your Maternity Leave: The Ultimate Guide"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/04/30/review-your-maternity-leave-the-ultimate-guide/) - An informative guide and roadmap with practical advice for expectant UK mothers This was my fifty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy. If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to
- [Review: "The Perfect Face"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/05/19/review-the-perfect-face/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the synopsis was intriguing. The Premise While on a much-needed vacation from her job as a reporter for Wealthy magazine, Maddie meets a preteen girl and her mother on a ferry in Greece. The girl Ruby's -- or Doris' -- and
- [Review: "Intersections"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/07/02/review-intersections/) - I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior, namely the list below. While my short story tastes by this author are a mixed bag, the first book I read from her was a most exquisite novel, and I'm thrilled that this one
- [Review: "The Boy on the Lawn"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/06/14/review-the-boy-on-the-lawn/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and the preview was intriguing so I chose it. The Premise When his younger brother Stevie disappears from in front of their house, Michael wants to pitch in to help find him. He's relieved when Stevie soon mysteriously returns -- until around him, everyone seems to
- [Review: "Wrightsville Beach"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/06/14/review-wrightsville-beach/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it out of a few others because the synopsis looked good and the existing other reviews were also very positive. The Premise Hank is on probation, working a dead-end job while he recovers from the worst mistake he ever made in his life:
- [Review: "Kenosis"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/09/03/review-kenosis/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the synopsis sounded unlike anything I had ever read. The Premise Reverend Amos Richardson, Rector of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church outside of Richmond, Virginia, is a man of deep faith, confident in his gifts as a husband, father, and priest —
- [Review: "Toddler Inc."](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/08/01/review-toddler-inc/) - A heartwarming, insightful, witty, and amusing memoir about "dadding" This was my fifty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first two in the series, Dear Dory and Dear Arlo, and was contacted by the author to also review this
- [Review: "Broken Promises"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/07/04/review-broken-promises/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting. The Premise Years after Marcus and his wife Charlotte adopted Eva, her birth mother Reine shows up on their doorstep demanding to get her child back. However, she was the one who insisted they adopt her, so
- [Review: "Butterflies"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/07/04/review-butterflies/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the preview sounded interesting. The Premise After her husband leaves her for a younger woman and her daughter heads off to college, Emerson is divorced and feels like the prime of her life is over at 43. Her best friend gives
- [Review: "The Murder of Sarah Grosvenor"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/08/01/review-the-murder-of-sarah-grosvenor/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it as the opening lines caught my attention. The Premise In the 18th century, a series of unfortunate events and circumstances led to the death of a young woman, Sarah Grosvenor. This historical fiction revisits the shocking days of deceit, betrayal, and malevolence
- [Review: "The Edge of Discontent"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/07/08/review-the-edge-of-discontent/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the blurb was intriguing. The Premise At thirty-seven with two teenagers and a husband who isn't bringing home the bacon, Trudy is unhappy with life. When an attractive ex-coworker suddenly shows up and proclaims he always had feelings for her, this
- [Review: "The Taking"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/08/06/review-the-taking/) - This book came to me via an ARC program, and I chose it because the blurb piqued my interest. The Premise As a five-year-old child, Tori walked into her newborn brother's room in the middle of the night to see a shadowy figure abducting him, and her baby brother’s lifeless body was later found in
- [Review: "Jinxed"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/09/17/review-jinxed/) - I read the first book in this series, after being blown away by this author's other books (see all links below), so of course I eagerly lapped up this ARC once I got a notification that it was available. Inked The Girl Who Talks To Ashes The Lightning Conjurer Series (4 books) The Premise Continuing
- [Review: "My Alternate Universe: Anxiety, Autism, and Adventure in a Parallel Reality"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/12/10/review-my-alternate-universe-anxiety-autism-and-adventure-in-a-parallel-reality/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I have an interest in persons with special needs so I appreciate learning about their experiences. The Premise With humour and honesty, the author reflects on her journey as the parent of a special needs child who is on the autism spectrum, and its impact on her
- [Review: "A Glimpse of Eternity"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/11/13/review-a-glimpse-of-eternity/) - This book came to me via an ARC program and I chose it because it sounded intriguing. The Premise A man in his late twenties feels like he has lost his way, and travels to South America in search of his life's purpose through the use of powerful psychedelic plants at ayahuasca centres. His experience
- [Review: "Pay Attention To Me"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/12/27/review-pay-attention-to-me/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I am interested in mental illness and the potential for therapy to improve it. The Premise A person with Borderline Personality Disorder reflects on her experience with therapy, giving others an insight into her mind as well as the outlook from her therapist's viewpoint. The Pros &
- [Review: "Purity Found"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/11/24/review-purity-found/) - This book came to me via an ARC program and I chose it because I was in the mood for a unique romance. The Premise Kate immigrates to Canada in 1973, in search of a change of pace. She finds that and much more in her new friendship with Dave and his young son. Not
- [Review: "Lap Baby"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/11/14/review-lap-baby/) - This is my fourth book by this author, and in each case she has reached out directly. You can find her other books here: Maplewood Rue Bibliointuitive The Premise In the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, three women who survived it are still shattered in many ways 20 years later. The youngest, Paige, is now
- [Review: "America's Loveless Age: Trumpism, FemPower, the End of Patriarchy: (Why Singleton is the New Normal)"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/11/13/review-americas-loveless-age-trumpism-fempower-the-end-of-patriarchy-why-singleton-is-the-new-normal/) - This book came to me via an ARC program and it sounded intriguing -- I'd never thought of the correlation between politics and the dating scene in such a way! The Premise This non-fiction book examines the influence of the U.S.A.'s president 45th president, Donald Trump, on the divisive "loveless age" whereby marriage rates fell,
- [Review: "The Human Sales Factor"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/09/17/review-the-human-sales-factor/) - This book came to me via an ARC program and I was interested in the topic. The Premise With decades of experience of coaching and developing strong business leaders and their salespeople, the author compiles and shares strategies for success by focusing on the human-to-human aspect of selling. The Pros & Cons "The Human Sales
- [Review: "She Is My Child"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2023/01/06/review-she-is-my-child/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy memoirs and the topic intrigued me. The Premise The author shares her spiritual journey, alongside her daughter Ava’s physical one, from diagnosis to surgeries for a rare disease, revealing the most difficult moments and the greatest victories, while highlighting God’s provision and guidance along the way.
- [Review: "Unburdening: An Abortion and Generational Trauma Memoir"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2022/12/27/review-unburdening-an-abortion-and-generational-trauma-memoir/) - I chose this from an ARC program because I enjoy memoirs and the opening few paragraphs captured me. The Premise The author recounts her life, including experiences of three abortions she had at different times at her life, recalling her reasons and the after-effects both physical and emotional. The Pros & Cons An abortion may
- [Review: "The Price of Children"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2023/04/09/review-the-price-of-children/) - I chose this from an ARC program after having read the first in the series, "The Silence of Children" which blew me away. The Premise Picking up where the last book left off, Deirdre has now finally found a purpose in life: helping her father's vigilante justice cause to aid children who are abused. When
- [Review: "Six - Strange Stories of Love"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2023/04/21/review-six-strange-stories-of-love/) - I received an advance copy of this book directly from the author, for whom I have reviewed several other books prior: A Quiet Dissonance Parvathy’s Well & Other Stories Damage & Other Stories Holi Moly! & Other Stories Intersections The Premise Hair The collection opens with an unusual love story of how the family dynamic
- [The Publishing Journey: Fear & Procrastination!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/07/31/the-publishing-journey-fear-procrastination/) - So... Hart & Cole Book 1. It's officially out. It's published. It's available. ANYONE can get it, ANYWHERE in the world. On ebook or paperback. It's OUT THERE. I'm excited. I'm thrilled. But more than anything, I am, in a word... TERRIFIED. I'm fortunate to be able to say I've accomplished a lot of great things
- ["Amalgamated Darkness" - a Short Story Collection](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/18/amalgamated-darkness-a-short-story-collection/) - So... remember when I recently lamented that short-story writers are the best secret-keepers? Well, I got tired of keeping that secret... for a few of my stories, at least! I'm thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my very first SHORT STORY COLLECTION! I’ve partnered with the Saga mobile app (where my Hart & Cole series
- [The Love of Words: The Reader-Writer Conundrum](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/06/the-love-of-words-the-reader-writer-conundrum/) - So far this year, I've made more money from reading than writing. As the year started, I re-dedicated myself to my flailing "Reader Blog" with a bang. In 3 months, I read and reviewed a whopping 35 books so far! My aim is to get to at least 100 for the year, so that's 8+
- [Short Story Writers: The Best Secret-Keepers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/04/16/short-story-writers-the-best-secret-keepers/) - I just wrote two short stories -- after not writing any for over a decade. My two new short stories are amazing. At least, I think so. (I may be biased.) But, here's the thing... what do I do with them now? For the past decade, I've been focusing on my Hart & Cole novel
- [The Upcoming Saga: Hart & Cole is going mobile!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/06/18/the-upcoming-saga-hart-cole-is-going-mobile/) - So, I now have a third -- that's right, THIRD -- major re-edit of Book 1 of my series... LOL. It feels like I'll never stop working on that pesky first pancake! "Hart & Cole" is going mobile... I recently signed an exclusive contract with Saga, an Indian publishing company, for my entire series to
- [Support & The Solitude of the Writer Life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/07/11/support-the-solitude-of-the-writer-life/) - Writing a book is like starting a business. (And I've done both.) Particularly when it comes to support from your network. Or who you "think" is your network, anyway. You know... your friends, your family, your coworkers or colleagues, and the like. Almost everyone who's aware of your writing "hobby" (because that's the box they've
- [Giving Away the Glory - my "KDP Free Days" experiment](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/12/24/giving-away-the-glory-my-kdp-free-days-experiment/) - It seems counterproductive, but a huge part of being an indie writer is that, at some point, you'll have to give away your book for free. ...In a BIG way. Never mind the fact that you took 15+ years to publish the damn thing. Never mind the fact that you're still at the point where
- [Shock Value Writing and "Trigger Warnings"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/01/28/shock-value-writing-and-trigger-warnings/) - I gave out ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies), and a user took both Books 1 & 2 -- then sent me a message saying she preferred not to review. ...Not that she didn't like my writing. She was explicit about this. But it seems she didn't want the book on her record of having reviewed on
- [A Conversation with a Skeptic-Friend-Turned-Fan](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/02/12/a-conversation-with-a-skeptic-friend-turned-fan/) - So I'm six months into this writer journey, with two books under my belt, and had a recent experience I thought worth sharing. My friend agreed to let me share this once she read it first and once I kept her nameless, so here goes: Confession: "I didn't plan to read your book" "So...
- [My Author Q&A with Debjani](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/18/my-author-qa-with-debjani/) - Recently I had the honour of receiving one of my first blogger reviews, and it was SO awesome and I was SO thrilled and thankful she enjoyed my book and had such deep thoughts on it. Blogger reviews really are the holy grail of reviews! Today, I'm so excited to be this blogger's first author
- [Happy Birthday to my first Book Baby!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/07/28/happy-birthday-to-my-first-book-baby/) - This past year has been a wild ride with a lot of ups and downs, but thankfully no regrets. I've learnt so much since I first published, and grown so much as a writer AND as a person. I've learnt to rejoice in the triumphs of praise, and also to take criticism to heart to
- [The Cost of Creativity: Motherhood vs. Writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2020/02/01/the-cost-of-creativity-motherhood-vs-writing/) - I made it. One month into motherhood! Okay, so I probably need to back up a bit. There's been a long, long silence here... and for good reason. At the start of the year, I welcomed my son into the world. My new year's baby. My miracle baby. ...And yes, I was pretty quiet about
- [Fear, Noise & the Apocalyptic Now](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2020/06/18/fear-noise-the-apocalyptic-now/) - Sooooo it's been really quiet here lately. I made a baby. Then, the world imploded. Of course, that's not exactly how it happened -- or rather, it is, but it's not a cause-and-effect type of sentence but just a factual one. It's been a whole lot of crazy in my head, and I've abandoned social
- [Book Baby's Makeover](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2020/09/20/book-babys-makeover/) - I've been a published writer for 2+ years now. I can't believe it. Yup, my first book baby turned 2 years old recently, on July 28th. In all fairness, I was hard-core for about 9 months after publishing, and then my zeal quickly tapered off when other life things took priority. So there's been a
- [All About the Reset](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2020/10/30/all-about-the-reset/) - I just ordered the proof copy of my revised version of "Climbing The Walls". There's something about that sentence that has a huge sigh of relief accompanying it. It's a big step. Something's happening. Well, in my personal life, not a lot has been happening, as my health issues have taken priority. But I'm recuperating...
- [Happy Book Birthday! (and to me, too!)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/22/happy-book-birthday-and-to-me-too/) - Happy Birthday to my second book baby -- oh, and to me too! :) That's right. Some crazy person, two years ago, put a book launch on her birthday! At the time, I thought: "Hey it'd be nice to get reviews streaming in to brighten my day..." In retrospect, I was f$#$#$@#$#@king busy all day
- [Faulty Freebies & My Book Characteristics Wish-List](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/01/11/faulty-freebies-my-book-characteristics-wish-list/) - One of my goals for 2019 is to read more. And review more -- especially indie authors! After all, it's not fair to be begging for reviews when you're not passing it forward yourself. So over the last couple of weeks, I've given myself a huge kick in the pants to get this goal underway...
- [Bits Of Me: Characters & Alter-egos](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/01/19/bits-of-me-characters-alter-egos/) - I'm not kidding when I say, in my official Author Bio, that there's a little bit of me in all the 'Hart & Cole' women. The photo -- which I recently stumbled upon while looking for something else on an old, massive hard drive -- was taken circa 2005, when I'd gotten a white rose
- [Website Security & The Cost of Your Writer Life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/03/10/website-security-the-cost-of-your-writer-life/) - I got hacked. During my book tour. Yeah. It sucked. I'm a web designer and I love dabbling in code, but I'm far from a developer. In the past, I've managed to avoid any serious web security issues... and then my last week hit me like a train. It started on a website I recently
- [Launch Day! Book 1 “Climbing the Walls” is LIVE!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/01/launch-day-book-1-climbing-the-walls-is-live/) - Firstly... of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! May this new year bring you everything your mind, heart & soul desire. Secondly... TODAY'S THE DAY!!!!!! Woot! Book 1 is properly out, launched and everything! The best part of Book 1's relaunch is that I'm now so happy with this book leading the pack. Because... you know
- [P.S.A. to Bookstagram Reviewers: A Rant](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/21/p-s-a-to-bookstagram-reviewers-a-rant/) - Not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5... but at least 20 - that's right: TWENTY -- "Bookstagram Reviewers" have reached out to me on Instagram since the year began (and we've barely made it to February!)... Them: "I'll read and review your book, and post it on my feed." Me: "Oh, nice,
- [Sandra's Book Club: Reviews (For Free)!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/15/sandras-book-club-reviews-for-free/) - I've mentioned on my Reader Blog that a few books found their way to me via a book club. Well, now I'm going to tell you more about the book club and its founder... First, tell us how you came to be a published author and how you came up with the idea to
- [5 Useful Tips to Support Fellow Indie Authors](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/09/5-useful-tips-to-support-fellow-indie-authors/) - REVIEWS! Indies need REVIEWS! I love reading and reviewing, and I'm happy to help others. I've been terrible at it for the last couple of years (pregnancy, early mamahood, COVID!) but this year I am determined to DO BETTER! So I've spent the last few weeks working on committing myself to doing Book Reviews for
- [Your Significant Other & Your Book Babies: A Rant](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/02/01/your-significant-other-your-book-babies-a-rant/) - I've seen it many times on writer groups, the wail: "My husband/wife has never even read my book!" And almost everyone responds: "Ah well, that's for the best, probably not your target reader anyway." ...But is that even the point? I myself have some author friends whose books I haven't read, but I'm not talking
- ["I write." - A Love Affair With Words](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/04/29/i-write-a-love-affair-with-words/) - I’ve said it before, and it’s my professional motto: “I Write. It’s What I Do.” I literally can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing. As soon as I could hold a pencil, I had stories to share, things to say, things that needed to be said. I have poems and stories and random snippets
- [Writers: when you read, do you leave bad reviews?](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/13/writers-when-you-read-do-you-leave-bad-reviews/) - The question was eating me alive. So, I posted it on several of the Writers' groups I had recently joined. Within minutes, my phone was plinging like it was having a seizure. Responses poured in from all corners of the globe -- across the many groups, members amount to 90,000+ writers, and 2000+ of them were leaping
- [Size Matters... Mini-books & Millennial Brains](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/02/size-matters-mini-books-millennial-brains/) - "Right now, this is not the type of book I am looking to read... mostly due to the page count." Er... ok. It's not an epic 2000+ page book I've written... but 500+ pages -- most of which is dialogue, so there's a lot of white space. But the page count alone was my potential
- [Romantic Cliffhangers: Will my story survive the "Big Chop"?](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/12/05/romantic-cliffhangers-will-my-story-survive-the-big-chop/) - Yeah, yeah, I know. The blog post title is misleading since I always make a big deal about the fact that "I don't write romance. I write relationships. I write people." But for all intents and purposes, my Hart & Cole series is about love. It's a lot MORE than romance, and it covers all
- [Behind the Books: Sharing Myself, The Writer](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/16/behind-the-books-sharing-myself-the-writer/) - I could tell you any and everything about my characters. Who they are, why they do what they do, what makes them tick. They've been with me for the better part of the last two decades, and I know them so intimately. But if you ask me about myself, I hesitate. A post I read
- [Taking a Break from the Book Baby](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/05/23/taking-a-break-from-the-book-baby/) - I'm barely two weeks back from vacation and my world is still coming back into focus. And, well... I'm a little ashamed to say that my favourite part of my vacation was the DISTANCE from my books. Writer burnout is real. Your books consume you. My book babies have possessed me almost constantly since I
- [Clearing the Noise & Writing Your Way: Author Podcast](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/06/21/clearing-the-noise-writing-your-way-author-podcast/) - I've been a little all over the place recently -- as I've shared on my Instagram account. I'm happy to say now that I felt my recent funk hugely lifted with the news that my first Author Interview Podcast aired! Here it is: Thanks so much to Ella Barnard & Author Like a Boss! Behind
- [Cookie-cutter Writing & Missing the Mystery](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2021/01/05/cookie-cutter-writing-missing-the-mystery/) - I'm a little ashamed to admit it... but... I barely read any books last year. Literally, less than a handful. Off the top of my head, I can recollect maybe three or four. But that's it. Blame the pandemic, blame the baby and the newborn-newmama black hole of despair funk, blame just my utter laziness.
- [The Post-Publish Big Chop: Should I Fix My Fat Book Baby?](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/04/11/the-post-publish-big-chop-should-i-fix-my-fat-book-baby/) - Now that my third book is LIVE, I can take a little time to reflect on the journey thus far. In my launch day post for "Book 2: Pandora's Poison", I mentioned that I'd learnt a lot since becoming a published writer, and the book length issue was a huge part of what I'd learnt.
- [Launch Day! Book 2 "Pandora's Poison" is LIVE!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/01/22/launch-day-book-2-pandoras-poison-is-live/) - Finally, the day is here! It's my birthday today, but that's the least of my concerns. Today is the day BOOK 2 LAUNCHES! Now, my first published book was a whole six months ago (July 28-29, 2018). So it's been quite some time bunkering down and absorbing all I can before my second book! The
- [The First Pancake... Take 2!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2020/12/17/the-first-pancake-take-2/) - ...And BOOM, just like that, my revised Book 1 is done. The pre-order is now live and available here on Amazon in time for the release on January 1st, 2021. I'm also just about ready with the print version, which I'll publish in a few days. Here's the new trailer: I'm excited. I know
- [Writing Challenge Day 4: In The Zone](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/07/writing-challenge-day-4-in-the-zone/) - Day 4 of the #BAWritingLife challenge by Bethany Atazadeh is to say what rituals/habits get you “In The Zone” or the mood to write. An important part of my journey to writing -- especially in the end stages towards the PUBLISH button -- was to set the lock screen & background on my phone to the book cover.
- [Genre & Audience: "It's romance... but, not really..."](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/02/genre-audience-its-romance-but-not-really/) - "So, you wrote a book, huh? Congrats! Er, hmph... romance? Ahh... not my cup of tea..." Let's get one thing straight. As I clarify in my Hart & Cole Author Q&A, I am not a romance writer. Or, at least, I never saw myself as a romance writer. But it's easy to see how genres
- [Writing Challenge Day 3: Behind The Scenes](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/06/writing-challenge-day-3-behind-the-scenes/) - Onto Day 3 of the #BAWritingLife challenge by the awesome Bethany Atazadeh, which is to say where you write and when. I write anywhere the muse moves me! ? Mainly I write in my bedroom, sometimes I’ll jot some notes down in an app on my phone when I’m out and about, and sometimes I write on my
- [Writing Challenge Day 5: WIP Playlist](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/08/writing-challenge-day-5-wip-playlist/) - Day 5 of the #BAWritingLife challenge by Bethany Atazadeh is to share your favourite music to write to. I’m a culture/race/music mongrel [I listen to EVERYTHING!] but when I’m actively plotting my scenes to write Contemporary Romance, a few songs are WIP-Worthy... 1. One Republic: “Let’s Hurt Tonight” ??? My Hart & Cole “Darren & Luisa” song from their most climactic moment,
- [Author Interview With QwertyThoughts](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/05/author-interview-qwertythoughts/) - I just did an Author Interview with a fabulous online platform for readers and writers to connect: check out Qwerty Thoughts on their website, Facebook page or Instagram feed. My interview blurb: Read the conversation between Sacha and Qwerty Thoughts about her Book 1, "Climbing the Walls", in the real-life romance, Hart and Cole series. She has
- [Writing Challenge Day 2: Work In Progress](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/05/writing-challenge-day-2-work-in-progress/) - I’m participating in the Instagram #BAWritingLife challenge by author Bethany Atazadeh and also posting to my blog. Now we’re onto Day 2: Say what your WIP (Work in Progress) ??? is about. I’m currently working on editing the second installment of my “real-life” romance ? Hart & Cole Book series ? “Pandora’s Poison”. In Book 1 "Climbing The Walls", we meet Darren
- [Writing Challenge Day 1: Why do I write?](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/04/writing-challenge-day-1-why-do-i-write/) - I'm participating in the Instagram #BAWritingLife challenge by author Bethany Atazadeh and figured I should also be posting these to my blog! Yesterday was Day 1: introduce yourself and why you write. Here's my story! I’m a #Trinidadian or #Trini (as we say it) and therefore a #CaribbeanGirl by birth, but I consider myself to be a #CitizenOfTheWorld. I’ve lived in the UK, travelled
- [Writing & Fictionalising Personal Experience](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/08/28/writing-fictionalising-personal-experience/) - There's a line in Pandora's Poison (Hart & Cole Book 2), that if a certain person from my past reads it, he will burst out laughing... or at least, I hope so! Thankfully, I'll most likely never have to find out. I don't think he reads much, and if he does, my book won't be
- [Writing Challenge Day 6: TBR Recommendation](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/09/writing-challenge-day-6-tbr-recommendation/) - The timing could not be more perfect for this #BAWritingLife challenge by Bethany Atazadeh. TODAY is the Release Party for the new book “Easy” by Mercedes Siler which is happening over at Facebook here. My review: This is the last book I read and it was AWESOME. “Easy” was a rollicking adventure from the opening line to the
- [Writing Challenge Day 7: Bookstagrammer Recommendations](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/09/10/writing-challenge-day-7-bookstagrammer-recommendations/) - Day 7 and final day of the #BAWritingLife challenge is to say who you follow for Book recommendations. Day 7 also falls on a timely moment -- my "Climbing The Walls" ebook went live on July 28th, closely followed by the paperback version on July 29th -- so today marks my 6-week anniversary as a newly published author! Honestly,
- [Fear & Flight with Writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/10/02/fear-flight-with-writing/) - I hate flying. But if you're a traveller, you have to bear with the means of transport to get there. Yep... airplanes. I began writing this post while on an airplane kicking off my mega-vacation -- Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.A. and my old stomping ground of London, England. 4 flights and 3 weeks later, I'm
- ["Do I Need an Author Website?"](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/10/12/do-i-need-an-author-website/) - When I saw the question, quite innocently posed on a Facebook Author group, my biggest surprise was that the responses were NOT a resounding "YES"! To me, it was. I mean, of COURSE you need a website. Granted, I make a living building and managing websites, so I may be a *wee* bit biased, but
- [Let's Hurt Tonight: "Bring The Pain" Writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/10/16/lets-hurt-tonight-bring-the-pain-writing/) - "Tell me all of the things that you couldn't before Don't walk away, don't roll your eyes They say love is pain, well darling, let's hurt tonight..." -- One Republic: "Let's Hurt Tonight" Every time I hear this song, I think of my Book 2 main characters Darren and Luisa. My beta readers already know
- [Launch Day! Book 3 "Pandora's Price" is LIVE!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/31/launch-day-book-3-pandoras-price-is-live/) - We're here. We're at this point... yep, you've guessed it: Today is the day BOOK 3 LAUNCHES! Just a reminder -- my first published book was released July 28-29, 2018. My second published book was released on January 22, 2019. So there was a good six-month window between Book 1 and Book 2, but only
- [The Freebie Flaw & The Fickle Reader](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/15/the-freebie-flaw-the-fickle-reader/) - I now own 800+ free ebooks. (Yep. I counted.) Which, in all fairness, isn't even close to the limit. Amazon boasts its newer Kindles can hold up to 3500 books! I need 20 more lifetimes to ever get around to half of these that I already have. ...And I get 20+ emails per day offering even
- [Bloggers - The Holy Grail of Reviewers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/03/07/bloggers-the-holy-grail-of-reviewers/) - I've been fortunate enough to have snagged the attention of a couple of bloggers recently with my debut novel "Climbing The Walls". Mind you, to date I must've emailed over 100 bloggers, with about a .0000000001% response rate, and then after sending my book to the few who DID respond... ***crickets***!!! So I'm eternally humbled and
- [The Conflation of Motherhood](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/11/06/the-conflation-of-motherhood/) - Motherhood is a HUGE theme in my Hart & Cole series, and I thought it would be worthwhile to focus on this theme for discussion. In our society, a woman’s worth is often conflated with her ability to not only bear children, but to then selflessly raise them without a thought for herself. This is
- [Pantser vs. Plotter - The Tipping Point](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/11/13/pantser-vs-plotter-the-tipping-point/) - “I am not typically a fan of first person viewpoint writing but for this book, it works very well. The author managed to create two individual people within the story and tell a first person view from each of them and they did not get lost in each other, nor did one overpower the other.” (Red
- ["Pandora's Poison" - countdown: 6 weeks!](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2018/12/11/pandoras-poison-countdown-6-weeks/) - EEEK! Are you ready? I sure am. Today we are officially 6 weeks away from the launch of Book 2 of my Hart & Cole series! I wish I could release it NOW, but I know I need to be thorough with my editing -- plus, I also need to be patient and have an
- [Self-publishing & the Learning Curve](https://sfortuneauthor.com/2019/01/17/self-publishing-the-learning-curve/) - There's less than a week to go for Book 2 of my series, so I'm doing a million things at once. So please forgive the mini-rant! I took some time to reflect on parts of the journey that have been the hugest learning curve for me. Super-solid Photoshop skills I appreciate that my Photoshop skills

## Pages

- [Home](https://sfortuneauthor.com/) - The "Hart & Cole" series is available now! Climbing The Walls Nicole has the "perfect" husband Kris, but when her boss Darren confides in her his marital problems, Nicole realises just how easily a marriage can crumble... Can she keep her own from doing the same? Pandora's Poison For Darren, raising his wife's lover’s child
- [About Me](https://sfortuneauthor.com/collaborate/) - Who Am I? I'm an author, an editor, and a book lover. I'm passionate about what I do, and I choose projects I'm proud to be a part of. Let's chat and see if we are a good match for your project! You can contact me here. What I Do Author Services: Development Editing,
- [All Reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/book-reviews/) - Reviews are essential for authors, so I'm kindly asking you to Leave a Review if you've read my books. Okay, now onto my own reads! Fellow authors: Please check out my Review Policy, and feel free to Contact Me via my Review Request Form if you want your book to be reviewed. Also, if you're
- [Index](https://sfortuneauthor.com/index/)
- [Leave A Review](https://sfortuneauthor.com/leave-review/) - As a self-published author, a review will go a long way to help me out, and will encourage me to keep writing so you can read! Check out some of my Book 1 reviews here! Check out some of my Book 2 reviews here! Check out some of my Book 3 reviews here! I would
- [Hart & Cole Teasers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/hart-cole-teasers/)
- [Pandora's Poison (Book 2)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/pandoras-poison/) - Available Now... Synopsis Darren loves Luisa. To hell and back. And she’s taken him there, so she knows. And Luisa owes Darren. Even when he behaves badly (and oh boy, does he!)... she owes him... Darren forgave his wife – or tried to – years ago, but surviving the affair... even raising her lover’s child
- [Pandora's Price (Book 3)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/pandoras-price/) - Available Now... Synopsis The affair they could never overcome... The lover that won't stay in the past where he belongs... And the secrets they've both kept over the years... Can their marriage survive the ultimate betrayal? ...Go big or go home... Darren gambled everything for love – for the woman he’s loved his entire adult
- [Climbing The Walls (Book 1)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/climbing-the-walls/) - Available Now! Synopsis No one said motherhood or marriage would be easy. But the high-powered job didn't quite factor into the equation. Nor did the attractive boss in dire need of a friendly shoulder to cry on... Kris fell, head over heels over hormones, for the damaged b*tch who became his power-woman sex-goddess wife. All Nicole wants
- [Author Footprint](https://sfortuneauthor.com/author-footprint/) - I've accumulated a bit of a footprint since I became a published author! Check out where I've put a cyberspace stamp so far... Author Page Profile & Feed Profile & Feed Author Central Newsletter Sign-up Author Profile ↳ Also see Goodreads "Climbing the Walls" page here. ↳ Also see
- [Book 3 - Reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/book-3-reviews/) - Book 3 "Pandora's Price" is the third instalment of the Hart & Cole series, and I must say a huge THANK YOU to each and every single reader! This third book wraps things up tidily for a bit, bringing a close to the main story arc for the time being. I'm taking a break for
- [Policy & Rating System](https://sfortuneauthor.com/review-policy/) - I'm a writer, so I know how important reviews are to writers -- especially indie/self-published writers. My Review Policy: I do not charge for reviews. If I like the sound of your book, I'll be happy to read and review. If I don't, I won't. If you like what I do, and would voluntarily like
- [Book 1 - Reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/book-1-reviews/) - Book 1 "Climbing The Walls" is the first instalment of the Hart & Cole series, and firstly I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to each and every single reader! Picking up a book by a new author can be a bit daunting, so I am glad that so many of you did,
- [Book 2 - Reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/book-2-reviews/) - Book 2 "Pandora's Poison" is the second instalment of the Hart & Cole series, and again I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to each and every single reader! There's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, which readers will note! (But don't worry, Book 3 is right behind!) As always, I
- [My Must-Read Recommendations](https://sfortuneauthor.com/my-must-read-recommendations/) - I'm a picky reader, and these books really rocked my world. Be sure to check out my reviews, and head over to Amazon to purchase. You'll thank me for it later! My 5-star reads: Women's Fiction ➨Read my review here Literary Fiction ➨Read my review here Women's Fiction/Romance ➨Read my review here Memoir/Drama ➨Read
- [Contact](https://sfortuneauthor.com/contact/) - Readers: please be a dear and Leave a Review -- even if it's just a few words! Fellow authors: if you'd like a book review, please use my Request Review form. Follow me: Facebook: @SFortuneAuthor Instagram: @SFortuneAuthor Twitter: @authorsfortune
- [Amalgamated Darkness: A Short Story Collection](https://sfortuneauthor.com/amalgamated-darkness-a-short-story-collection/) - Available Now! Synopsis A girl becomes a woman - with another’s blood on her hands. An athlete is propelled by bloodlust to a senseless act. A boy becomes the custodian of his mother’s madness. A young woman chooses a path to self-destruction in her partner. A village enacts its own justice system. A man fixates
- [Book Review Archives](https://sfortuneauthor.com/book-review-archives/) - First, be sure to check out my Must Read Recommendations here. Below is the full list of every book review I've ever written:
- [Upvote CTW](https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/climbing-the-walls-hart-cole-book-1-sacha-t-y-fortune#new_tab)
- [About Hart & Cole](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/) - Premise: Darren Hart, CEO & founder of media empire Sunrise Enterprises, runs the Sunrise magazine with his protégée Nicole at his side. Their friendship brings out the best in each of them in their careers -- at the detriment of the relationships with their respective spouses and families. Volumes: Climbing the Walls (Book 1) Pandora's Poison (Book 2)
- [Request Review](https://sfortuneauthor.com/request-review/) - Please read my Review Policy before you go any further.
- [Book Reviews - Category: Family Drama Fiction](https://sfortuneauthor.com/book-reviews-drama-fiction/) - Reviews are essential for authors, so I'm kindly asking you to Leave a Review if you've read my books. Okay, now onto my own reads! Fellow authors: Please check out my Review Policy, and feel free to Contact Me if you wish to send me a copy of your book to review.
- [Book Reviews - Category: Romance](https://sfortuneauthor.com/book-reviews-category-romance/) - Reviews are essential for authors, so I'm kindly asking you to Leave a Review if you've read my books. Okay, now onto my own reads! Fellow authors: Please check out my Review Policy, and feel free to Contact Me if you wish to send me a copy of your book to review.
- [Hart & Cole: 5 Questions with the Author](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/series-hart-cole-5-questions/) - 1. What was/is your writing process like for this series? Honestly, I don't have one. The main characters have been with me for over 15 years now -- glimpses of my characters emerge and haunt me for months on end, and then they go quiet for a year or more. Book 1, Climbing The Walls,
- [Below The Surface (Book 4)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/below-the-surface/) - Coming soon... Synopsis Role playing has always come easy to Bryan Bennett. A rough childhood taught him what he needed to know: how to play the game… how to be the nice guy; the good husband; the hard worker; the loyal friend. He’s clung desperately to that pedestal image of himself all of his
- [Pandora's Poison - Excerpt](https://sfortuneauthor.com/series-hart-cole/pandoras-poison/subscribers-excerpt/) - You're about to snap up the preview of Book 2 of the Hart & Cole series, "Pandora's Poison"! This preview is also available at the end of Book 1, which you should be sure to read (else -- MAJOR spoilers ahead!). Get Book 1, "Climbing The Walls" on Amazon now: Alright, enough
- [Promo: Climbing The Walls (Hart & Cole Book 1)](https://sfortuneauthor.com/fb-ctw-promos/)

## Categories

- [On Writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/on-writing/)
- [Hart & Cole Series](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/hart-cole-series/)
- [Writer Life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/writer-life/)
- [Book Reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/reviews/)
- [Reader Blog](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/reader-blog/)
- [Writer Blog](https://sfortuneauthor.com/category/writer-blog/)

## Tags

- [writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing/)
- [words](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/words/)
- [writers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writers/)
- [climbing the walls](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/climbing-the-walls/)
- [fear](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/fear/)
- [failure](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/failure/)
- [publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/publishing/)
- [publishing in trinidad](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/publishing-in-trinidad/)
- [publishing in the caribbean](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/publishing-in-the-caribbean/)
- [hart and cole](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/hart-and-cole/)
- [trinidad and tobago](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/trinidad-and-tobago/)
- [genres](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/genres/)
- [audiences](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/audiences/)
- [supporters](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/supporters/)
- [fans](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/fans/)
- [placelessness](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/placelessness/)
- [location](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/location/)
- [setting](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/setting/)
- [fiction](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/fiction/)
- [personal experience](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/personal-experience/)
- [trinidadian writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/trinidadian-writing/)
- [blogging](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/blogging/)
- [creative writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/creative-writing/)
- [inspiration](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/inspiration/)
- [caribbean writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/caribbean-writing/)
- [trinidadian writers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/trinidadian-writers/)
- [diaspora](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/diaspora/)
- [reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/reviews/)
- [peer reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/peer-reviews/)
- [criticism](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/criticism/)
- [craft of writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/craft-of-writing/)
- [indie authors](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-authors/)
- [loyalty](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/loyalty/)
- [support](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/support/)
- [characters](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/characters/)
- [motivation](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/motivation/)
- [relationships](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/relationships/)
- [editing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/editing/)
- [character development](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/character-development/)
- [writing tips](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-tips/)
- [book length](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-length/)
- [ebooks](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/ebooks/)
- [correct length of ebook](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/correct-length-of-ebook/)
- [recommended length of ebook](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/recommended-length-of-ebook/)
- [kindle direct publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kindle-direct-publishing/)
- [Life of a Writer](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/life-of-a-writer/)
- [self publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-publishing/)
- [editing tips](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/editing-tips/)
- [dramatic scene](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/dramatic-scene/)
- [climactic point](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/climactic-point/)
- [writing painful scenes](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-painful-scenes/)
- [emotional writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/emotional-writing/)
- [travelling](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/travelling/)
- [motherhood](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/motherhood/)
- [parenthood](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/parenthood/)
- [writing about relationships](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-about-relationships/)
- [character back stories](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/character-back-stories/)
- [fictionalising](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/fictionalising/)
- [writer tips](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-tips/)
- [character inspiration](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/character-inspiration/)
- [writing memoirs](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-memoirs/)
- [author website](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-website/)
- [web design](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/web-design/)
- [author profile](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-profile/)
- [author platform](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-platform/)
- [sacha fortune](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/sacha-fortune/)
- [about](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/about/)
- [bio](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/bio/)
- [why i write](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/why-i-write/)
- [writing motivation](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-motivation/)
- [writing inspiration](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-inspiration/)
- [trinidadian writer](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/trinidadian-writer/)
- [caribbean writer](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/caribbean-writer/)
- [novel writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/novel-writing/)
- [work in progress](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/work-in-progress/)
- [contemporary romance](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/contemporary-romance/)
- [real life romance](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/real-life-romance/)
- [writing life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-life/)
- [writer cats](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-cats/)
- [interview](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/interview/)
- [author interview](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-interview/)
- [writing quotes](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-quotes/)
- [romance writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/romance-writing/)
- [qwertythoughts](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/qwertythoughts/)
- [in the zone](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/in-the-zone/)
- [music](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/music/)
- [wip playlist](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/wip-playlist/)
- [music aid](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/music-aid/)
- [mercedes siler](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/mercedes-siler/)
- [book review](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-review/)
- [book reviewers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-reviewers/)
- [book recommendations](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-recommendations/)
- [instagram](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/instagram/)
- [on writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/on-writing/)
- [drama](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/drama/)
- [cathartic writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/cathartic-writing/)
- [alter ego](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/alter-ego/)
- [plot twist](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/plot-twist/)
- [emotive writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/emotive-writing/)
- [story length](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/story-length/)
- [novel length](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/novel-length/)
- [reader preferences](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/reader-preferences/)
- [cliffhanger](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/cliffhanger/)
- [preorder](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/preorder/)
- [launch](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/launch/)
- [romance books](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/romance-books/)
- [women's fiction](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/womens-fiction/)
- [pandora's poison](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/pandoras-poison/)
- [writer journey](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-journey/)
- [indie writers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-writers/)
- [kindle reads](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kindle-reads/)
- [kindle unlimited](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kindle-unlimited/)
- [marketing strategies for kindle](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/marketing-strategies-for-kindle/)
- [kindle ebook marketing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kindle-ebook-marketing/)
- [market your free ebook](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/market-your-free-ebook/)
- [sites to promote your free ebook](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/sites-to-promote-your-free-ebook/)
- [free book promotion sites](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/free-book-promotion-sites/)
- [cheap book promotion sites](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/cheap-book-promotion-sites/)
- [bad books](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/bad-books/)
- [writing tropes](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-tropes/)
- [types of writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/types-of-writing/)
- [freebie gems](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/freebie-gems/)
- [good books](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/good-books/)
- [skills](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/skills/)
- [writer life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-life/)
- [technical skills in self-publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/technical-skills-in-self-publishing/)
- [publishing problems](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/publishing-problems/)
- [biography](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/biography/)
- [autobiography](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/autobiography/)
- [writing process](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-process/)
- [writing characters](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-characters/)
- [book launch](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-launch/)
- [launch day](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/launch-day/)
- [ebook promotion](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/ebook-promotion/)
- [books to read](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/books-to-read/)
- [friends](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/friends/)
- [friendship](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/friendship/)
- [supportive writer friends](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/supportive-writer-friends/)
- [author journey](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-journey/)
- [writing a novel](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-a-novel/)
- [how to support author friend](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/how-to-support-author-friend/)
- [self-published author](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-published-author/)
- [self-publishing journey](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-publishing-journey/)
- [independent author](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/independent-author/)
- [trigger warnings](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/trigger-warnings/)
- [reader warnings](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/reader-warnings/)
- [book blurbs](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-blurbs/)
- [book covers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-covers/)
- [support network](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/support-network/)
- [writer support](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-support/)
- [author support network](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-support-network/)
- [adultery](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/adultery/)
- [blogger reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/blogger-reviews/)
- [literature](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/literature/)
- [romance series](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/romance-series/)
- [themes](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/themes/)
- [freebies](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/freebies/)
- [book freebies](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-freebies/)
- [book reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-reviews/)
- [free books](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/free-books/)
- [author life](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-life/)
- [self-published authors](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-published-authors/)
- [reader magnets](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/reader-magnets/)
- [ideal reader](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/ideal-reader/)
- [indie author publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-author-publishing/)
- [indie author marketing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-author-marketing/)
- [indie author backlist](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-author-backlist/)
- [2019 book release](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/2019-book-release/)
- [kindle reads kindle unlimited](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kindle-reads-kindle-unlimited/)
- [debjani ghosh](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/debjani-ghosh/)
- [blogger interview](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/blogger-interview/)
- [author qa](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-qa/)
- [ideal book length](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/ideal-book-length/)
- [writer lessons](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-lessons/)
- [lessons learnt](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/lessons-learnt/)
- [book length for romance](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-length-for-romance/)
- [writer failure](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-failure/)
- [writer award](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-award/)
- [caribbean writers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/caribbean-writers/)
- [nalis trinidad](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/nalis-trinidad/)
- [first time authors](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/first-time-authors/)
- [indie publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-publishing/)
- [self-publishing tips](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-publishing-tips/)
- [depression](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/depression/)
- [writer emotions](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-emotions/)
- [ella barnard](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/ella-barnard/)
- [author like a boss](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-like-a-boss/)
- [author podcast](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/author-podcast/)
- [book anniversary](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-anniversary/)
- [book release](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-release/)
- [working moms](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/working-moms/)
- [self-reflection](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/self-reflection/)
- [authors in pandemic](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/authors-in-pandemic/)
- [republishing book](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/republishing-book/)
- [rereleasing book](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/rereleasing-book/)
- [indie author](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-author/)
- [kdp publishing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kdp-publishing/)
- [book 1](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-1/)
- [revamp](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/revamp/)
- [cookie-cutter writing](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/cookie-cutter-writing/)
- [write to market](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/write-to-market/)
- [writer introspection](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-introspection/)
- [writing romance](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-romance/)
- [writer bio](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writer-bio/)
- [about me](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/about-me/)
- [who am i](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/who-am-i/)
- [book birthday](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-birthday/)
- [book promotion](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-promotion/)
- [99 cents deal](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/99-cents-deal/)
- [paid reviews](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/paid-reviews/)
- [bookstagram](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/bookstagram/)
- [instagram entrepreneur](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/instagram-entrepreneur/)
- [book tours](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-tours/)
- [indie author support](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/indie-author-support/)
- [kofi](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/kofi/)
- [amazon associate](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/amazon-associate/)
- [online book club](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/online-book-club/)
- [arc reviewers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/arc-reviewers/)
- [monetize your author blog](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/monetize-your-author-blog/)
- [sandra lopez](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/sandra-lopez/)
- [book club](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/book-club/)
- [website hack](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/website-hack/)
- [short story collection](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/short-story-collection/)
- [short story writers](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/short-story-writers/)
- [pandemic perusings](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/pandemic-perusings/)
- [writing a short story](https://sfortuneauthor.com/tag/writing-a-short-story/)