Balancing Entropy ( The Entropy Series #1) by M.H. Cali | Book Review ~ Huge Giveaway | #RomanticSuspense @GoddessFish @mhcaliwrites
A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.
Book Details
Balancing Entropy by M.H. Cali Series: The Entropy Series Book 1
Published by Independent Author on 08/21/2023
Genres: Fiction, Romantic Suspense
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 446
Source: BookSirens, Goddess Fish PromotionsWhen life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.
Or is it really?
He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.
To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can't get out of his head completely even years after having met her.
As the race to keep him out of harm's ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.
When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?Can one's principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?
Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.
Note: Due to original illustrations being present throughout, optimal reading experience of the ebook version of this novel is achieved in continuous scrolling mode on your favorite e-reader device or app.
Content warning:
While what you'll discover within these pages is a cozy, steamy, mysterious and suspenseful tale full of feels, friends and family, we would like to issue a content warning out of an abundance of caution.
Our diverse cast has equally layered lives, and so you will stumble across some sexual content as well as mentions of gambling addiction, and drug use that could trigger certain audiences.
Content Warning: Some sexual content, mentions of gambling addiction, and drug use could trigger certain audiences.
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Excerpt from Balancing Entropy
This exchange feels smooth. He’s effortlessly flirting with her.
Maybe Lucas didn’t change a whole lot, after all.
But back in Greece there were a ton of unspoken things between them.
They never talked in depth about their families or their friends. They weren’t together long enough to notice the other’s quirks either.
It was fun and easy. Exactly like they had agreed on.
Now they’re not on vacation. They’re in each other’s real lives with all it entails.
There’s no more carefree sentiment of a fleeting adventure.
No matter where things lead them this time around, she knows he’s Lucas Blake. One of the managing directors of a very important and well-known investment bank.
Similarly, he knows she’s Raven Collins; a lawyer who clearly moved to NYC at some point and who’s working on his case.
There’s no hiding behind inconsequential circumstances because everything would reset the minute they would part ways at the airport.
This is tangible. It could lead them somewhere, or nowhere fast.
She breathes in, deciding to reorient the exchange.
R: What are you doing?
She takes another sip of her rosé.
L: Watching the basketball game with a friend. You?
She shifts her stare at the TV for a second to check the score.
R: Same, but alone.
She watches the game for a beat until she gets a new message.
L: Cheers🍻
A picture of Lucas’ hand raising a bottle of beer in front of a screen where the game is playing is accompanying the text.
She smiles absentmindedly.
She takes a similar picture with her glass of wine, extending her feet on the table to get them in frame before curling her legs under herself, and putting her glass back on the table.
R: Cheers🥂 I’m surprised you don’t have season tickets.
L: I would be too busy to attend most days. You look very cozy. Only missing a cat in your lap.
Raven smiles sadly.
R: I had one. She passed away last year. I miss her presence in my condo every day.
She presses ‘Send’ and then stares at what she just told Lucas.
She never confessed to anyone that she was still feeling the loss of Toast—her white tabby rescue cat.
It somehow felt right to share it with him just now.
L: I’m sorry, Raven. I personally always wanted a dog, but you know how it is when we work long hours…
R: I totally get it. Toast was very independent, so it was easier. She definitely put life into the apartment.
L: Such a great name. Something tells me it has a fun meaning.
She feels oddly thrilled that he is interested in that particular story.
R: It did. First off because of her fur coloring, but mostly due to my annoying toaster at the time.
L: You had an infernal toaster?
R: Yeah. It kept burning toasts. No matter the setting it was on, the bread would come out of it dark as the night. I didn’t take the time to go buy a new one for weeks so when I adopted Toast it was still there.
She sends the message intuitively before typing the rest and gets an instant reply.
L: Let me guess. Your cat was a fan.
She cackles.
R: My cat was the ONLY one who absolutely loved it. She would jump on the counter and wait until it was done so she could eat it. She was a rescue who just got to the shelter the morning I adopted her. I decided to wait a bit before naming her when she got to my apartment, so it was the perfect opportunity to use one of her quirks.
L: You’re amazing. I’m sure Toast lived her best life with you.
She stares at her phone for a moment.
She could honestly chat with him like this for hours.
But he’s with a friend, and she considers that she took enough of his time for now.
R: I’ll let you watch the game with your friend. It was fun conversing with you a little.
L: You can keep texting me. Mark is also spending a lot of time on his phone messaging his newest crush.
She smiles but keeps her resolve.
R: Good night, Lucas
L: Good night, Raven 🙂
She puts her phone next to her, getting lost in the game for an instant.
The last thing she expected was to sense a sure serenity upon casually chatting with Lucas.
It has been a well needed breath of fresh air in her day.
If this short discussion was any indication, working with him should be enjoyable.
Excerpt provided by the author/publisher for use in this post.
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Purchase Links for Balancing Entropy
Amazon – OneLink for every country
Balancing Entropy (The Entr...Shop on Amazon
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My thoughts on Balancing Entropy
“Balancing Entropy” by M.H. Cali is the first installment in The Entropy Series, and it’s a novel that deftly weaves together themes of romance, mystery, and suspense. The book explores the depths and layers of its characters, takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, and examines the consequences of one’s actions in the face of ambition and identity crises.
M.H. Cali skillfully crafts a narrative that draws readers into the world of Lucas and Raven. Their complex relationship, full of history and unresolved emotions, adds depth and layers to the story, making it a compelling and intriguing read. As the plot unfolds, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery with Lucas, prompting him to reevaluate his life choices and priorities.
The novel touches on themes of greed, power, and the clash of old ideals, creating a perfect storm that challenges the characters’ principles and morals. The suspenseful elements keep you engaged as you follow the race to protect Lucas and uncover the identity of his blackmailer.
One notable aspect of “Balancing Entropy” is the inclusion of beautiful illustrations by Laurie Ya, enhancing the overall reading experience. If you read the eBook, please use continuous scroll to appreciate the illustrations better.
It’s important to note that the book comes with a content warning as it explores various facets of its diverse cast’s lives, including some sexual content and references to sensitive subjects like gambling addiction and drug use. Readers are advised to approach these elements with caution.
In Conclusion
“Balancing Entropy” is a captivating and well-rounded novel that seamlessly combines romance, mystery, and suspense. It delves into the complexities of human nature, ambition, and the consequences of one’s actions, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy stories with intriguing characters and a touch of suspense. M.H. Cali’s ability to balance these elements results in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that keeps you invested in the characters’ fates until the very end.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited Subscription. So many books, so little time!
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About M.H. Cali
M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.
The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.
Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It's my motto.
If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.
If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!
Master link for all socials, website & more: http://bio.site/MHCali
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Purchase Balancing Entropy online from a local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Info Link
Amazon – OneLink for every country
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
Balancing Entropy (The Entr...Shop on Amazon
Link to buy the book on all platforms (ebook or paperback available)
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Giveaway!
M.H. Cali will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC plus a special edition paperback copy of the book (which includes a physical copy of the novel, an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, an original sketch inside the book by Laurie Ya, the artist who made the cover and drew the interior illustrations, and assorted merchandise including coasters, stickers, a tote bag, and more) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY).
Visit more stops on this Goddess Fish tour for extra chances to win!
Official Tour Page for Balancing Entropy
Full Tour Schedule:
October 9:
1. Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
2. Westveil Publishing
3.Read Your Writes Book Reviews
4.Literary Gold
5.Beyond Romance
6. Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin’
7. Welcome to My World of Dreams
October 10:
1. FUONLYKNEW
2. Maggie Blackbird
3. Wake Up Your Wild Side
4. Tina Donahue Books – Heat with Heart
5. Long and Short Reviews
6. The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
7. Our Town Book Reviews
October 11:
1. Fabulous and Brunette
2. Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
3. Sandra’s Book Club
4. Celticlady’s Reviews
5. A Wonderful World of Words
6. Wendi Zwaduk – Romance to Make Your Heart Race
7. It’s Raining Books
October 12:
1. Straight from the Library
2.The Avid Reader
3.tory richards
4. Country Mamas With Kids
October 13:
1. Iron Canuck Reviews & More
2. The Key of Love
3. Dawn’s Reading Nook
4. Gina Rae Mitchell review
5. Joanne Guidoccio
6. Travel the Ages
7. fundinmental
8. So Many Books
9. The Faerie Review
10. Locks, Hooks and Books
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Goddess Fish Virtual Book Tour Host
What a cute couple on the cover!
Thank you for featuring my book on your blog by being part of this tour! I am glad you enjoyed the read, and highly appreciate you writing a review ☺️
Thank you for hosting the tour for “Balancing Entropy” today, and for your well written review.