February 9, 2022 Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Review, Romance

Romance Reads

With February being the month of romance it’s the perfect excuse to make a list of some of my favourite romance novels:

Forever by Judy Blume

YA Romance

This was a high school favourite, and certain pages were well read. I keep meaning to buy it so I can read it again as an adult. Would I love it as much now as I did then?

Night Flame by Catherine Hart

Historical Romance

I loved this story when I was younger. The main character is a redhead. I’m not sure how historically correct the Native American Indians are portrayed but Night Hawk was hot!

Bridget Jones Diary by Helen Fielding

Comedy Romance- Diary

Bridget is struggling with her weight, trying to cut down on wine and smoking, a disaster at work, and desperate to find her Mr Right. Her confessions told via her diary entries is a relatable and entertaining read.

The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

Romantic Comedy

I read this book when I too was struggling with store cards. It not only was an entertaining read but it got me to deal with my problems before things got out of control like in this book.

Stray (Faythe series) by Rachel Vincent

Fantasy Romance (werecat shifters)

I loved every book in their werecat shifter series, and the spin-off books. The relationships are pretty steamy but I also loved the world building.

Silver Silence (Psy Changelin series) by Nalina Signh

Fantasy Romance (Psychic abilities)

This series was pretty steamy and unique. The characters had psy abilities and I really enjoyed how they were described and brought to life.

A Court of Thorns & Roses

Fantasy Romance

This story was like a beauty and the beast retelling, where the beasts were the dangerous fae. It had a great romance and the deadly games at the end were brilliant.

Agent Undone by Cassidy Reyne

Romantic Suspense

I read this whilst following the Epstein trial of human trafficking. The story has an agent trying to catch a trafficking ring, and a love interest that is a girl on the run from the trafficking ring.

Joy’s Summer Love Playlist

YA Romance

This book blew me away how the most tiny details were used to bring emotions and feelings to life. It was so vivid. The characters were so well developed and real.

Blind Date by Debbie Ioanna

Comedy Romance

This light hearted story about disaster dates was even more entertaining because of the cat. I have book two on my reading Wishlist for this year.

There are so many more books I could add to this list, but I shall end it here. Have you read any of these? What’s your favourite romance read?

[kofi]

February 2, 2022 Ally Aldridge Bad Boy, Book Genre, Books, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Book Review: Forever Burn by Trinity Lemm

This post contains affiliate links. Please check out my affiliate disclosure page for more information.

About the book

My thoughts

Tatum & Axel have a complicated past. This bad boy romance is a rollercoaster ride of their ups and downs as they figure out if they work or make things worse. On top of that, girls are throwing themselves at Axel, and Tatum has a persistent creep.

There were points when I thought they’d never get a happy ending, but I kept turning the page after every drama. It led to a satisfying ending that definitely left me wanting book two!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[kofi]

December 20, 2021 Ally Aldridge Age, Book Genre, Contemporary, Fantasy, My Books, Ocean Heart, Romance, The Soul Heart Series, Uncategorized, Young Adult

End the Year with a Book Bargain!

Ocean Heart has 50% Off in the Smashwords End of Year Sale!

Why Smashwords?

Smashwords enables you to read your eBooks on whatever device/app you prefer. This puts you, the reader, in control of your books.

The Smashwords End Of Year Sale

The Sale is a great way to discover new books and authors, and grab a bargain. Go check out what is on offer. You might find a new favourite!

Click here to browse the Smashwords End Of Year Sale!

November 1, 2021 Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Contemporary, Diary, Fantasy, Fiction, Goal setting, Goals, Historical, My Books, NaNoWriMo, New Moon, Romance, The Soul Heart Series, Writing, Young Adult

NaNoWriMo Project

My NaNoWriMo Project

New Moon (working title)

This project is set in the same low fantasy world of The Soul Heart Series. In fact, for readers of Ocean Heart they may recognise the main character, Denny.

This story is a prequel. It’s set in the 90s, back when Denny was a teen herself. It will cover how she became friends with Gwyn, started her Sparkle Cake business, and the highs and lows as a new mum.

Preparation

I feel more prepared now I have created a title, cover, and blurb. Of course these are all just a work in progress, so could change but it helps me feel more focused.

I’ve started writing an outline. I intended for this to be a novella but I already have a sneaky suspicion this could become a full length novel.

I’ve also made a spreadsheet to help me track my word count. If this works successfully, I will look at making a version available to my followers on Ko-Fi.

The Goal

I’m going to aim for the big Five-O (50,000 words). If I don’t make it, I will still have made progress, but if I do, it’d make me so happy.

I’ve been struggling with motivation because Sky Heart is on hold until I can afford the professional services I need to move it forward. I’ve also been bummed out with all the germs (sick kids) ruining September, and fracturing my ankle ruining October.

I really want to get back into the habit of writing again. My ultimate goal for November is this: To write!

Are you doing NaNoWriMo? What’s your project, goal, and how do you prepare?

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this, you will like:

About Ocean Heart

About Sky Heart

About Work In Progress

About Ko-Fi

October 27, 2021 Ally Aldridge Age, Behind The Book, Contemporary, Fantasy, My Books, Ocean Heart, Publishing, Romance, The Soul Heart Series, Writing, Young Adult

Book format and buying options…

Buy it!

There are tons of ways to own your very own copy of Ocean Heart. Check out my webpage About Ocean Heart for full details, but here are a few:

Some of these links are affiliate links. Please visit my about Affiliate Links page for more details.

Signed Copy

You can buy a signed copy of Ocean Heart from Ko-Fi, and there are two options:

Personalised & Hand Signed

This is limited to the UK due to postage costs. First, I order the book, sign it, and then send to you. If you’d like a personalised message for you or someone special, I can do this.

This was the method used for the first 20 copies of Ocean Heart bought during my book signing event at Stillwater Books.

Now, you can get a hand signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Personalise & Digitally Signed

This is limited to countries with an Ingram printing facility. I will design a personalised page for you, that will be added to the book when printed. Ingram then will send out directly to you (saving on international postage costs/emissions).

Currently there is only one copy of Ocean Heart like this that I gifted to a TikToker.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)

Now, you can get a digitally signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.

Paperback

Bookshop.org

I recently blogged a ton of reasons to shop with Bookshop.org but the main one is to support your local independent bookshop.

Amazon

Amazon encourages shoppers to leave product reviews, helping consumers to make more informed decisions.

If you are not UK/US, try this universal link to find Ocean Heart at your local Zon: http://getbook.at/OceanHeart

eBook

Smashwords

The great thing about Smashwords is you can buy your eBook and choose the format, enabling you to read on whatever device is your favourite. In addition your eBook is saved to your Smashwords library, so you keep it forever.

Amazon

Kindle is one of the most popular eReaders both as a tablet and app.

If Smashwords and Amazon aren’t your thing, you can get Ocean Heart from many other popular eBook stores. Click this link to discover more eBook buying options: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart

[kofi]

If you have enjoyed this, you’ll like:

About Ocean Heart

A Little Trip to the Library

Ocean Heart was free on Google Play

Happy MerMay 2021

October 6, 2021 Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Book Review: Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee

I don’t think I would have bought this book if I hadn’t won the book merchandise, because I’m not into music. I’m so glad I did because I couldn’t put this back. It was the perfect summer read!

Setting

It’s set in modern times in America. The MC and her family moved to the town for a fresh start following an incident that ruined her brother’s football career.

Characters

Joy is the main character. She always puts her brother’s needs before her own as she feels responsible for what happened. She loves to sing but puts off her own dreams to keep everyone else happy.

Her best friend is the beautiful Lena. And, her other best friend Cale asks her to fake date him, so he can get closer to Lena who he is crushing on. He’s not the only one, as Joy’s brother is into Lena too. But. Lena has her eyes fixed firmly on her incredibly charming neighbour Jin.

Joy lets Jin in on the plan. As they work together to set Lena & Cale up, everything gets complicated.

Review

I loved this book so much more than I thought I would. Piper is an expert at story telling, I felt sticky in watermelon juice, and every heartache.

A fake dating plan rarely delivers the desired results for the parties involved, but this one surprised me as it wasn’t what I initially thought. It was better.

The characters are all well developed with their own motives, needs, and growth. Together they pushed the story towards a very satisfying ending.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Below are some affiliate links. Visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page to learn more about these.

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Behind the Book: Stuck on Vacation with Ryan Rupert

Behind the Book: Out of my League by Sarah Sutton

Book Review: The Practice Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin

Romance Tropes

September 2, 2021 Ally Aldridge Books, Fantasy, Future, Review, Super Powers, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Red Blood by Kaitlyn Legaspi

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Red Blood by Kaitlyn Legaspi. I shortened it for social media.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)

[Kofi]

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Book Review: The Rookery by Deborah Hewitt

Behind the Book: Chasing Sunrise by Emily Mah

What to watch if you love super powers

Below are some affiliate links. To learn more about these please visit my Affiliate Disclosure Page.

August 26, 2021 Ally Aldridge Book Genre, Books, Contemporary, Fantasy, Review, Romance, Young Adult

Reading Challenge: Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron

About the challenge

The challenge was set by World Indie Warriors on Instagram. They created three #WIWBingo boards; YA, Romance, and Fantasy.

The aim is to read and review the books on Instagram and tag @worldindiewarriors

The goal is to get three in a line, and help indie books get seen.

I’m doing the challenge. I’ve already read some of the books on the board so I’ll be reposting them this month, and I’m hoping to read some new one too.

The Book Review

Here is my post of my old review for Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron. I shortened it for social media.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Author Ally Aldridge (@redfae)

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Behind the Book: Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron

Behind the Book: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron

Behind the Book: Chasing Sunrise by Emily Mah

Book Review: Red Blood – Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

[kofi]

Below are some affiliate links. To learn more about these, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.

August 21, 2021 Ally Aldridge Books, Dystopia, Fantasy, Review, Romance, Super Powers, Young Adult

Book Review: Mirror Souls by Julia Scott

I downloaded this book onto my Kindle app ages ago, and forgot about it. But, the World Indie Warriors Summer Reading Challenge reminded me to read it.

I follow Julia on social media and she is my formatter. She’s also the newest member of the Unstoppable Authors Podcast Team.

Setting

The books is set in the future with three different alien races. Well, one race is Gaians which is basically human, from Gaia aka Earth.

Avalons look human but are superior and rule the Gaians. They have access to tech that enable them to teleport and monitor everything the Gaians do.

The Midorians are another alien race at war with the Avalons. They live out in space on massive ships.

Main Character

The main character is Alana. She’s Giana and best friends with an Avalon, Gen. Alana is a rebel and breaks rules like curfew and crosses boundaries to be with her BFF.

Alana is dreading shift day when her & her family could be moved as she likes where they are. She’s also almost eighteen, an age where she’ll be give her profession. As she gets older, there’s more talk of her being coupled.

Review

I liked Alana. She’s a daring character and a rebel. The story is about her finding her Mirror Soul. It’s like a soul mate that awakens powers.

The Avalons don’t allow Mirror Souls and Alana is breaking rules to discover and be with hers, putting everyone she loves in danger.

It’s a fast paced adventure as they travel all over the world looking for somewhere safe to be together. Instead, they unravel a load of secrets, as embark on a mission to rescue Alana’s family.

I’m not a fan of aliens. space or travelling, and this book was up against that. But, the fast pace and action kept me turning the page as I unravelled secrets with Alana.

[kofi]

If you enjoyed this you will like:

Book Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Book Review: Red Blood Card Holders by Kaitlyn Legaspi

The Benefits of Having a Formatter

My “To Be Read” Pile (March 2020)

Below are some affiliate links. You can discover more about these on my Affiliate Disclosure page.

August 2, 2021 Ally Aldridge Contemporary, Fairy Tale, Fantasy, High, My Books, Mythology, Ocean Heart, Romance, Super Powers, The Soul Heart Series, Urban, Young Adult

Summer Reading Challenge

World Indie Warriors is a nonprofit organisation that has a mission to bring indie authors together so they can collaborate and help each other. They are a lovely bunch and a joy to work with.

#WIWBINGO

Over on Instagram @worldindiewarriors have created a reading challenge for indie books.

Readers are encouraged to get a line of three by reading books on the bingo cards.

When readers post their review, WIW would like readers to tag them in it.

My debut novel Ocean Heart is featured on one of the bingo boards!

If you want to join in, you might be interested to know that Ocean Heart is available to borrow from all good libraries. The library might need the ISBN to order it in. You may find this pic useful.