Review: A Life Removed

Synopsis:

Detectives Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette have put plenty of criminals behind bars. But a new terror is stalking their city. The killer’s violent crimes are ritualistic but seemingly indiscriminate. As the death toll rises, the detectives must track a murderer without motive. The next kill could be anyone… maybe even one of their own.
Officer Aaron Pimental sees no hope for himself or humanity. His girlfriend is pulling away, and his best friend has found religion. When Aaron is thrust into the heart of the investigation, he must choose who he will become, the hero or the villain.
If Aaron doesn’t decide soon, the choice will be made for him. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

A Life Removed by Jason Parent is a thrilling criminal tale. Inside, readers will follow an investigation. Murder happening more than once. A former officer once good turns into a monster. With two of the best detectives following the evidence, it’s only time until Aaron Pimental’s life stops. The chase is exciting. The detectives, Bruce Marklin and Jocelyn Beaudette, are interesting to follow. A killer is loose and it will take time before they stop him. Death, danger, and intrigue are covered on every page. I enjoyed reading this novel. I look forward to reading more books by this talented writer. Overall, A Life Removed is one thriller I recommend to all. 

Review: Beneath Copper Falls

Synopsis:

USA TODAY bestselling author Colleen Coble returns to her beloved Rock Harbor—but both danger and romance hide in this idyllic small town.
Dana Newell has just moved to Rock Harbor to take a job as a sheriff’s dispatcher and is settling in next door to Bree and Kade Matthews. The abusive relationship she left behind seems a distant memory in this perfect place.
Her first day on the job, Dana receives a call from her friend Allyson who screams “He’s going to kill me too” before the phone goes dead. Dana immediately dispatches a deputy, but it’s too late. Allyson’s death is ruled an accident, but Dana just doesn’t believe it. She knows Allyson—an investigative reporter—was researching a new story. Did someone want to keep her quiet?
Dana continues to look into the accident with the help of Bree and also Allyson’s cousin Boone. Romance quickly blooms between Dana and Boone but the game is much more complex than either of them imagined. When Dana’s ex-fiance locates her, she’s caught in the middle. It’s a game of cat and mouse as she and Boone fight to catch one killer while evading another.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Beneath Copper Falls by Colleen Coble is another stunning book! This author is another one of my all-time favorites. Her writing has a way of pulling me deeper into the plot. Heart pounding, thrilling, and dangerous. Beneath Copper Falls has it all. Mystery of a friend’s death. As that investigation continues it sends, one woman right in the harm’s way. Her abusive ex is after her again. Plus, there’s a killer that she and Boone are following. Two people wanting to move forward are thrust together. Heat transpires and the romance begins. But there are plenty of risks that comes with it. Then, there’s is the constant danger both have to dig themselves out of…once more, Colleen Coble has created a suspenseful story. Addictive once I got started. Most intriguing novel yet. Overall, I highly recommend this romantic suspense title to all. 

Review: Path to the Key

Synopsis:

Magic is fading throughout the world and the supernatural realms can feel the strain growing daily, but Sarah doesn’t care about any of that. She cares about protecting her son from her vampiric ex-husband who is obsessed with gaining power. She’ll stop at nothing to ensure that Alex doesn’t get his hands on Jackson, even if it means welcoming more vampires and other supernatural beings into her life.

Their journey takes her across the country, seeking the help of a witch that has invaded her son’s dreams. A vampire named Zander threatens to bring all of her carefully constructed walls crashing down. She’ll break every rule and every preconceived notion they have about her, as long as she can save her son and give him the future that was stolen from her. Sarah’s path connects to the very battle that she tries to avoid, and when she embraces not only her growing power, but also her destiny- she might be able to change the tides of fate.       

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Path to the Key by April Canavan is book one to an amazing series. Full of magic, suspernatural beings and romance. I love the war between the good and the evil. Fight to save loved ones. Family, power, and determination. April Canavan’s writing is superb. I was lost instantly from the first page. Engaging, well-developed, and exciting. A war brewing. One involving power and ruling over others. A woman whose child is key to her evil husband’s game. Yet there’s another man, the brother, who can help save them. Path to the Key was entertaining. Easy to follow along. I loved it. Couldn’t stop reading it. Overall, I highly recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: Stalker, My Love

Synopsis:

An untraditional love story where fantasy clashes with reality, and happily ever after seems like an elusive dream. 
Welcome to Pine Bridge, a small town rife with secrets. Personal is everyone’s business and passion is high. 
With the disappearance of Rosalyn Ray, tensions soar and fingers point in every direction: the boyfriend, the best friend, the mother and the stalker. 
Frustrated by the search going nowhere, Rhett Calloway makes it his mission to discover the truth and find the girl. Some people in Pine Bridge say he’s obsessed. Some say he’s dangerous. Some say he’s hurt Rosalyn. All Rhett knows is he’s loved Rosalyn since they were kids and he’ll do what it takes to see her again. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Stalker, My Love by Zack Scott is an interesting novel. Parts of it resemble a thriller while most resemble that of a good mystery. Zack Scott kept me guessing. So many questions, and few clues. I liked how I couldn’t guess who, why, and what really happened. There are a lot of novels I have read that give away too much too soon. But definitely not in this case. Entertaining to read. 

Zack Scott’s novel, Stalker, My Love is a about a girl gone missing. So many events have happened. Leaving behind plenty of possible suspects who could have done it. Yet, nobody really knows who and what happened when she disappeared. One man is super intrigued about Rosalyn’s disappearance. Maybe, just too intrigued. This was on engaging journey to follow. Overall, it was a great read. Recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Urban Lit Magazine Issue

The 2017 June Issue above has just been released. 

76-pages of content. Featuring both bestselling and indie authors. 

A variety of genres and fun articles. 

Interested in reviewing a free copy, please, email: urbanlitmagazine@gmail.com & use review copy in the subject line. All reviews must be posted within 2-weeks. Reviewers will be asked to send us their review links. 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072SY4KN6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497821271&sr=8-1&keywords=B072SY4KN6

Review: Thomas Haftmann, Private Eye

Synopsis:

Ex-cop Thomas Haftmann, formerly of Cleveland Homicide, works as a private investigator in the resort town of Jefferson-on-the-Lake. You will follow his cases in these 15 short neo-noirs. Among them are “The Kneeling Woman,” “No Escape, No Turning Back,” “The Riding Boy,” “The Slave Master’s Dungeon,” “Archangel’s Daughter,” “A Woman With Tea-Colored Eyes,” and “The Dog Returneth to His Vomit.” These have been collected from a variety of outstanding publications and blog sites, ranging from Powder Burn Flash through A Twist of Noir to Sex and Murder Magazine. Be warned: Thomas Haftmann’s dark world of murder and madness is not for the reader of cozy mysteries. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Thomas Haftmann, Private Eye by Robb White is a great collection of detective stories. Each one featuring the famous, Thomas Haftmann. He is a private investigator that goes on a variety of cases. Every case is different and entertained me from the start to end. Love detectives and murder mysteries, than this is highly recommend to be added as a to-be-read book. Great pieces of fiction. Thrilling characters and intriguing plot lines. Robb White’s writing is enjoyable to follow. 

Review: Born Together

Synopsis:

Born Together is the inspiring memoir of Patricia Gachagan, who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and her determination to overcome the challenges to live a full life and to be a mother to her son, Elliot. When Patricia became pregnant with Elliot, she could not contain her joy and elation at the prospect of starting a family. But within hours of his birth, her body began to deteriorate. Born Together tells of Patricia’s struggle to cope with her declining health and the simultaneous demands of motherhood. 
Eventually, Patricia was diagnosed with MS, and it was put to her that her immune system had attacked itself, in error, following the birth of her baby boy. Patricia took an alternative approach to almost everything and refused to settle for a prognosis of a life of disability and vulnerability. Many doubted her ability to succeed, but her determination to turn her life around was rewarded with a new and pioneering treatment, researched by Medical Research Scotland and part-funded by the Scottish Government Enterprise Scheme. 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Born Together by Patricia Gachagan is an inspiration to all. Her journey of determination and strength will amaze everyone who reads this book. It amazed me. Hooked me in fast. A mother’s terrible yet frightening journey of survival. After giving birth, her body was suddenly taken over by a paralyse. Her health kept turning for the worse. I kept thinking that she wasn’t going to make it. That this was going to be the saddest book I’ve read. But Patricia Gachagan held surprises from me. She kept moving forward despite her challenges. Every time I feel like complaining, I’ll always remember this book and consider myself lucky. Overall, I recommend this nonfiction book to readers worldwide. Especially, to mothers out there. 

Review: Penny

Synopsis:

Have you ever looked at a coin in the palm of your hand and wondered where it has been, what it has seen and heard, and what stories it could tell? Well, in a nutshell, that is what PENNY is about as this very special one-cent piece passes through the hands of ordinary people, the famous, the infamous, the saints, and the sinners and hangs out in churches, honkytonks, and everywhere in between. This book tells the stories of the people whose hands PENNY passes through. Why is this particular penny so special? Well, because it was the final penny ever minted of 95% copper, on October 22, 1982. After that, all one-cent pieces are pathetic and puny, consisting of 97.5% zinc with only a touch of copper thrown in. That’s why. After reading PENNY, you might never again be able to pass by a penny lying on the ground without at least giving a thought to picking it up and putting it in your pocket. Every book should be dedicated to someone or something, and this book is dedicated to the penny pinchers of the world. Okay, also to the penny hoarders. PENNY is Peter Davidson’s twenty-eighth published book.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Penny by Peter Davidson is a fascinating tale. I got to trace the travels of the penny throughout these pages. As it exchanged hands from rich to poor and from regular people to the famous. This coin has many stories to tell. I was intrigued. Now, everytime I hold a penny, I will always wonder where it had been before I got it. Peter Davidson took on a new topic that causes the mind to wonder…overall, I recommend this book to readers everywhere. 

Review: Lucas

Synopsis:

A Texas Lawman will do anything to protect his son–even if it includes reuniting with the boy’s on-the-run mother… 
Lucas Ryland always had a way with the ladies–until Hailey Darrow dropped him after a shared night of passion. Then he discovered her unconscious body in a wrecked car, with a fake ID and enough cash to disappear. Unbeknownst to him, the one who got away was leaving town with his baby…
Now Hailey is out of her coma and still in danger. But hiding her at his Silver Creek ranch ignites old passions…and introduces new dangers. Lucas must use every protective instinct in his arsenal to keep Hailey and their infant son safe. And keep his body from remembering how good it felt to hold her in his arms…
The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Lucas by Delores Fossen is another romantic suspense read. I love this writer’s books. Her characters are funny, hot, and charming. They are always in trouble both the romance and the danger kind. Two stubborn people share a night of passion. Passion that leads to a baby. Then, the law enforcement Cowboy finds her on the run with their baby. He takes them in swearing to protect them both. But once in close proximity, both are starting to feel the tug of chemistry build up once more. Sexy, sweet, and entertaining. I loved reading Lucas by Delores Fossen. She’s definitely hooked me in as a new fan. Overall, I highly recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Bucket List

Synopsis:

Leah’s run-of-the-mill teenage life has never been too eventful. That is, until the boy-next-door who’s just moved in, turns out to be none other than her old childhood best friend, Damon. Rekindling their friendship, the two become inseparable and life seems perfect, until Leah learns a tragic secret; Damon is terminally ill and has only one more year to live. 
With the clock ticking and time precious, Leah and Damon decide to embark on an adventure to have the time of their lives and cross out every to-do on their ‘Bucket List’. 
On your last journey of a lifetime, what would you hope to find?

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Bucket List by Emily Ruben is just as good as her previous novel, I Was A Bitch. Here, I instantly liked the main characters. Two old friends catching up again after five years. I liked their teasing banter. I can feel their emotions as if I were in their shoes. The story is entertaining and enjoyable to read. Humor, friendship, and adventure are inside this incredible book. Once more, Emily Ruben has lured me into her world of fiction. I recommend this novel to young adults and adults everywhere. 

Review: The Accidental Honeymoon

Synopsis:

What happens in Vegas…

When Georgie discovers that her fiancé has been cheating on her, only a few days before her cousin’s wedding, her whole world explodes. Facing a romantic trip to Vegas alone, she decides to go out and have some fun…
…but Georgie never expected to wake up wed! And even worse, she can’t remember who to. So when gorgeous Jack reveals himself as her husband, she can’t believe her luck – he’ll act as the perfect wedding date!
Even if it is their very accidental honeymoon, surely the newlyweds can keep their emotions in check for just a few days more?
Don’t miss the laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from Portia MacIntosh, author of It’s Not You, It’s Them. Perfect for fans of Rosie Blake, Sophie Kinsella and Lindsey Kelk. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Accidental Honeymoon was a perfect summer read. It has humor, romance, and a good dose of reality. I would give this title a perfect 5-stars if only the pacing at the beginning was a bit faster than what it was. Felt like it was sluggish. However, skip over that bit and readers like myself are entertained. I couldn’t stop reading this…Portia Macintosh cleverly wove a tale that hooked its laws deeply into my soul. I had toknow what the main characters were going to do and where they would be afterwards. I wasn’t disappointed. The family of the heroine were interesting. British, funny, and charming characters. The man that gets stuck with the heroine is different. Sure his looks are good to melt any woman near him, but something about him keeps driving Georgie crazy. She keeps him at a distance but she can’t deny she’s attracted. Jealousy, anger, lust, and love are on the horizon. Bring old boyfriends and a cheating ex to the mix and it’s all fun and excitement for readers. I truly enjoyed reading this new novel. Overall, I recommend The Accidental Honeymoon to all. 

Underground Author Throws Literary Rulebook Out of Window, Releasing Anthology of Short Prose and Poetry

Kamikaze White Noise is a collection of three books by Nicole I. Nesca, The Sexual Repression Collection, Kink and Canned. Though not a formal trilogy, the books were written as companion pieces and follow the themes of sexual freedom, emotional frankness and street- carnival logic, all written with Nicole Nesca’s usual free-flowing sardonic wit. Kamikaze White Noise is prose and poetry that assaults the senses, liberates the mind and celebrates life on the edge like a perfect quarter-mile drag race.

For immediate release –

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Nicole Nesca’s collection, ‘Kamikaze White Noise’ is raw, electric and a free flowing mix of prose and poetry. The companion pieces are explorations of sexual freedom, art, death and love.

“I knew that mainstream publishers wouldn’t have the courage to publish the kind of work that I want to create,” says Nicole Nesca. “It’s interesting – sometimes I wonder, could Virginia Wolfe, Anais Nin or Charles Bukowski find success in today’s market? It’s as if bravery is a dirty word in literature. Fearlessness, to me, is everything to a writer”.

This isn’t just a book of prose and poetry but a beautiful streetwise and lyrical telling of a life in pursuit of truth, sex, love, religion-lost and experience. With an alternating rhythm of long free- flowing sentences and short, minimalist statements, Kamikaze White Noise is like nothing on the market today – an original urban street-hymn that harkens to writers of yesterday like Sylvia Plath and also the more modern rock and roll writings of Patti Smith, but always and forever original and unique.

“The first selections are rapid fire, stream of consciousness, the language vivid and raw. Full of the anger of youth. Later selections are more thoughtful, still angry at times, but more informed. Nesca’s style is affecting and honest. Prose without pose. And this collection of three books ends up being a very effective package -the rare whole that is more than the sum of its parts. Success. Nicole I. Nesca is an artist that deserves your support!” Ted Prokash –

  https://www.joylesshousepublishing.com/ 

Kamikaze White Noise is available in printed copy and as an ebook.

For more information, as well as to explore the author’s bibliography, visit the official website: http://screamingskullpress.com.

About the Author

Nicole Nesca was born in Ohio. She developed a love of music, painting and writing early on and continued that love throughout her adult life. While living in Canada, she completed her first three works of poetry and prose collected in the anthology piece, KAMIKAZE WHITE NOISE., and her latest release of poems, Diamond Scarred Alley. She has been published in several E-Zines and has been a part of two anthologies.

Nicole Nesca, and her husband Tony Nesca, are the editors of the underground publishing company Screamin’ Skull Press.

Contact: Nicole Nesca / stalekisses@hotmail.com / 204 489 7824

Canadian Author Throws Literary Rulebook Out of Window, Releasing “Rebellious” Book of Short Stories that Captures Life’s Boundless Tapestry

The whopping sixteenth book by Tony Nesca, ‘Junkyard Lucy’ is a bold and intense collection of stories that free- flow to cover everything from sex and death to rebellious youths, music and love. It’s all part of Nesca’s mandate to wage war on literary mediocrity, stand out from the crowd and compel readers to cut to the core of what it really means to be human.

For Immediate Release

Winnipeg, Manitoba – Writer Tony Nesca refuses to sugarcoat the truth; most new books these days are nothing but a recycling of the “same-old” concepts that are bland, formulaic and don’t keep readers engaged. However, Nesca is bucking all trends with gusto – waging war on this stagnant mediocrity and embarking on artistic freedom that has Hunter S. Thompson posthumously smiling.

Everything unravels in ‘Junkyard Lucy’, Nesca’s sixteenth published book. This isn’t just a book of short stories about life, but a searing and intense exploration of humanity that truly knows no rules. Expect Nesca to get the palms sweating with his rhythmic prose that is almost romantic, before tearing the rhythm up to chill his readers with raw and blunt “street-style” exposés’ of life’s unpredictability.

There really isn’t anything quite like it on the market.

Synopsis:

Junkyard Lucy is a collection of stories by underground writer Tony Nesca. Stylistically alternating between Nesca’s unique free-flow style, full of that incredible, rhythmic prose that only he can do, and street-tough, short declarative sentences, the writing shows incredible range. The themes are varied and widespread – from love, sex, music, death, old age, rebellious youth and everything in-between, Junkyard Lucy is a subversive celebration of being alive, a romantic, sexually charged discourse on life, alive, unfettered and free.

“The book is extremely unique, humorous, yet retains a serious quality that could just have readers reconsidering every shred of their existence,” explains Nesca who, along with his wife, founded publisher Screamin’ Skull Press. “Every other book is a rip-off of another rip-off. The bookstores are packed with these endless vampire stories and dystopian fairy tales. Where is our Anais Nin? Our Hunter S. Thompson? I want to break free of the mold and rebel.”

Continuing, “We’re at a very unique time in both global and social history; discord is running high and people around the world are looking for mavericks to speak on behalf of them and affect tangible change. I hope my work inspires other artists to embrace the freedom available to them, join me in the rebellion and speak on behalf of all in humanity.”

With the volume’s demand expected to be high, interested readers are urged to secure their copies as soon as possible after launch.

‘Junkyard Lucy’ is due for imminent release.
For more information, as well as to explore the author’s vast bibliography, visit the official website: https://screaminskullpress.com/

About the Author

Tony Nesca was born in Torino, Italy in 1965 and moved to Canada at the age of three. He was raised in Winnipeg but relocated back to Italy several times until finally settling in Winnipeg in 1980. He taught himself how to play guitar and formed an original rock band playing the local bars for several years. At the age of twenty-seven he traded his guitar for a Commodore 64 and started writing seriously. He has published six chapbooks of stories and poems (which he used to sell straight out of his knapsack at local dives and bookstores), six novels, four books of poetry and has been an active contributor to the underground lit scene for ten years, being published in innumerable magazines both online and in print. He currently resides in Winnipeg.

Tony Nesca and his wife, Nicole-Isabella Nesca, are the editors of the underground publishing company Screamin’ Skull Press.

Contact: Tony Nesca / stalekisses@hotmail.com / 204 489 7824

Searching for Rebellion: Two Indie Authors Form Edgy Publishing Company

Tony Nesca and Nicole I. Nesca have one question – where have all the fearless artists gone? Unable to find a mainstream publishing outfit that suited their taste for grittier writing, the Nescas formed their own – Screamin’ Skull Press.

For the Beat Generation, controversy was the norm, not the
exception. Creators like Jack Kerouac, William S. Burroughs and Lucien Carr courted debate and made careers out of pushing the proverbial envelope with their poems, books, music and other creative expressions. Living on the fringes of society was considered to be more exciting and fulfilling than conforming to the mainstream.

Authors and married couple Tony and Nicole Nesca feel connected to that Generation through their own work, and their innate understanding of what it means to be artists whose work cannot be deemed ‘conventional’ by anyone’s standards.

Currently writing, editing and publishing their works through their self- publishing venture, Screamin’ Skull Press, Tony Nesca and Nicole Nesca have both cultivated individual styles but have the same mission.

“To be frank, we see too much pushed out into the world today that is bland and formulaic,” says Tony Nesca, whose unique, humorous and lyrical sixth novel, ‘Hobo’ is out now. “Every other book is a rip-off of another rip-off. The bookstores are packed with these endless vampire stories and dystopian fairy tales. Where is our Anais Nin? Our Hunter S. Thompson?”

Screamin’ Skull Press exclusively publishes the works of the Nescas, and along with ‘Hobo’, released Nicole I. Nesca’s collection, ‘Kamikaze White Noise’ this year. Raw, electric and with a free flowing mix of prose and poetry, the companion pieces are explorations of sexual freedom, art, death and love.

“We knew that mainstream publishers wouldn’t have the courage to publish the kind of work that we want to create,” says Nicole Nesca. “It’s interesting – sometimes we wonder, could Charles Bukowski find success in today’s market?

It’s as if bravery is a dirty word in literature. Fearlessness, to me,
is everything to a writer. Although we have our own styles, I think that’s
one thing that Tony and I saw in each other when we met – that drive to find truth and peel back the layers in our own work.”

“I think we first fell in love with each other’s writing,” says Tony. “Which was a fitting beginning to our story.”

Tony Nesca and Nicole I. Nesca have published 16 distinct works through their Indie Press, and their journey toward a more rebellious future for literature continues.

https://screamingskullpress.com/

Review: Ascension of Larks

Synopsis:

When globetrotting photographer Magdalena Henry loses the only man she’s ever loved, she risks her stellar career to care for his widow and young children on a remote island in the Pacific Northwest.
Free-spirited and fiercely independent, Maggie adores her life of travel and adventure. But she has a secret. She can’t let go of her first and only love, renowned architect Marco Firelli, now married to her best friend Lena.
When Marco drowns in a kayaking accident, Maggie rushes to the Firelli family’s summer home on San Juan Island. Once there she discovers that Marco was hiding something that could destroy his family. As fragile, perfectionistic Lena slowly falls apart, Maggie tries to provide stability for Marco and Lena’s three young children.
When Maggie is offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete in the world’s most prestigious photography competition, she thinks she’s found the answer to their problems. Then Lena makes a choice with unexpected and devastating consequences, forcing Maggie to grapple with an agonizing decision. Does she sacrifice the golden opportunity of her career or abandon the Firellis just when they need her the most?
Gradually the island begins to work its magic. A century-old ritual to beckon loved ones home offers hope in the midst of sorrow. And a guilt-ridden yet compelling stranger hiding on the island may offer Maggie a second chance at love, but only if she can relinquish the past and move forward to find joy in unexpected places.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Ascension of Larks by Rachel Linden is a captivating read. Talk about an adventure! The main character, Maggie has her hands full. A past lover marries her best friend. From there things get more complicated, messy, and mysterious. When Maggie’s past love dies, she rushes to the aid of his family. Trying to help them out as they move forward in life. But even then, life gets shaken. Maggie is offered a once in a life time event…and the family she’s come to help, is needing her help more than ever. Decisions need to be made and soon. Following Maggie as she grabbed what came her way, was interesting. She’s the kind of woman who deeply cares and does everything possible in her reach. Fate has a way of awarding her…maybe. A possible new love may enter into her complex situation. Rachel Linden’s novel was fast-paced. It held a promising tale. Delivered with excitement, an emotional journey, and believable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Ascension of Larks. Loss, love, and new beginnings. 

Review: Of Our Own Device

Synopsis:

What do you do when you realize that the American Dream you have been working for so hard is not enough if it will be yours and yours alone? And that what you are told to do will destroy the only true friend you have ever had?
Summer of 1985. Jack Smith is a rookie CIA case officer posted at the American Embassy in Moscow. Despite his gregarious nature, Jack is a lonely man: not only is he a reluctant spy, he is also gay. When he meets Eton Volkonsky, a talented nuclear physics student, Jack’s bosses instruct him to develop the Russian as a future agent. Their friendship deepens, and Jack is torn between his suspicion that Eton and friends are with the KGB and his attraction to the man. But he continues telling himself and his bosses that he is just doing his job, developing his agent. Only when he leaves Russia does Jack admit that he has been fooling himself all the while. He takes on assignments in various countries, with a hope that eventually they will get him back to Moscow.
As introspection and growing doubts about what he does for living torment Jack, the world is buffeted by a whirlwind of dramatic events – diplomatic and spy wars, the rise of AIDS, the Chernobyl catastrophe, the war in Afghanistan and the disintegration of the communist bloc.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Of Our Own Device by M.K. South is a stunning tale. One that features the Cold War. I was instantly hooked and intrigued by this writer’s talent. Every page was well-written. M.K. South brilliantly brought this novel to life. Impressive. Fast-paced, thrilling, and an unforgettable story. Spies, politics, love, and much more can be found inside Of Our Device. The main character’s increasing situation with a particular character was fascinating to watch unfold. Originally sent as an assignment, Jack ends up with more than just doing work related stuff. His attachment towards Eton is intense. I recommend this book, to all who love action and espionage thrillers. Plus, this contains male and male romance. Overall, an engaging read. 

New Books – Check Out These Nonfiction Books!

Amazon link: Top 100 Things You Need to Know Before You Move to Hawaii 

Synopsis:

Ever visited Hawaii? Ever wanted to visit Hawaii? Wonder what its like to live here for a long time? Read this book, be fore warned, its Not a paradise! See how! What are the jobs here like? What’s the price of milk? If you don’t want the truth on what life is like there for new comers, don’t read this book. This is a great heads up on what to expect from real people. Less 
Paradise calling you? Want to go to a place to live out your days where there is sun, sand and sea? Think that your life will be perfect if the weather is perfect? Just want to run away and live off the land and sea and grid?

Well… let me tell you!

Synopsis:

Find secrets of how to contain your life In a few easy steps. Hide it, store it, keep it, use it- don’t lose your items, store them here! Time saving ideas! Great decorative ideas!

Amazon Link: 101 Uses for Shot Glasses

Synopsis:

New to juicing? Blending drinks is a great intro to juicing, stress free- its quick and easy to get the vitamins ad minerals you need for energy for the day! Add this to your collection. This is a few of my favorites

Amazon link: Amazing & Healthy Blended Drink Recipes

Synopsis:
Ever got a dirty look from a “friend”? Learn the hate languages of a jealous or envious person. Find out now- who is for you & who is secretly against you! Learn the obvious signs of a person with low self esteem and jealousy and envy, and AVOID THEM. I was born and raised with haters all around me, dont wait for them to attack you before you disconnect- like I did.

Amazon link: The 5 Hate Languages of Shade

Synopsis:

New York City,a huge and busy town, here is a practical guide on how to traverse the streets and the etiquette of the people. Here is the facts on the big city life.You will laugh, & you will cry in that metropolis called New York, get the inside scoop no one else will tell you! This is a fun, enlightening and entertaining read.

Amazon link: How to Survive For Tourists

Synopsis:

Do you find you cant save money? Do you get money, but always run out and need more? Do you ask people for money a lot? Do you find its hard to pay re occurring bills and save money? Why? Do you have a monkey on your back that weighs you down and cant get it off? Are you living under a curse? Find out, self diagnose by answering a few simple questions and get cured in a few easy steps.

Amazon link: 12 Signs that You have the Poverty Spirit

Synopsis: 

Curious about the contrast of islam? Stay informed,You have heard the rest, now hear the truth.

Get your questions answered,Are you curious about Islam,or Muslim life?هل أنت عربي؟

هل أنت مسلم؟

My rich Arabic heritage entitles me to comment on this subject from a unique perspective.
Amazon link: The Contrast of Islam

Synopsis:

How to be a great Uber driver, for beginners..

Professional Uber Drivers needed! There are many Uber drivers that make these major mistakes,hence Uber is always hiring! This manual teaches you etiquette and conduct, consideration and courtesy.

Simple Q & A easy to read book. A must have in check lists that will boost your rating by just knowing how to be thoughtful, and what not to do.Learn what the customers know, that could affect your ratings! Ever wonder why they are hiring so much? Because the drivers they have keep getting low ratings, the people complain and Uber is losing money giving refunds. They fire those divers. The last thing you want is to get a low rating and get virtually fired from a job because you didn’t know the rules.

This manual gives you inside tips on how to be better than the rest!

Amazon link: The Uber Manual 

Synopsis: 

Do you want to have stellar credit? Do you need to use credit in a few years? This Book has quick and proven, logical strategy on how to get great credit- FAST!

This manual provides insights from financial specialists and lawyers, along with sample letters and US federal laws.

This is a realistic, no fluff, step-by-step guide for frustrated students, novices, and newcomers to US law. Prevent the common pitfalls that most people face. I have decided to roll up my accumulated wisdom into one easy-to-navigate book.

Amazon link: How to Build Credit Fast

Synopsis:

This manual provides insights from financial specialists and lawyers, along with sample letters and US federal laws.

This is a realistic, no fluff, step-by-step guide for frustrated students, novices, and newcomers to US law. Prevent the common pitfalls that most people face. I have decided to roll up my accumulated wisdom into one easy-to-navigate book.

Amazon link: How to Fix Your Credit in 10 Steps

Review: The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shapers of the Id

Synopsis:

Fitz Faraday, his best friend Hollis, who comes from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks, and his hoped-to-be-girlfriend Josey, the new girl in town, are taken through harrowing events and thrilling misadventures, as they learn about life, love, death, the inner workings of the psyche, and the flimsiness of reality. After witnessing the murder of Professor Oliver Crowley, who has invented a way of bringing thoughts into physical reality, Fitz and his friends must exonerate the town bully, who is being framed for the murder. Using Professor Crowley’s inventions, Fitz soon learns he can bend the field of Id, a sea of golden dreams and wishes. Fitz finds himself drawn inside a new world he never knew existed. He hopes he will be able to use that world to help his friends and even his enemies. To do so, he must master Crowley’s technique of “Thought becomes light and light becomes physical.”

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Marelous Paracosm of Fitz Faraday and the Shpaers of the Id by Aaron J. Lawler is a fascinating tale. Engaging, entertaining, and well-written. This coming of age novel is one that clearly keeps a reader’s interest and hooks them further into the plot. A group of teens trying to solve a murder peeked my curiosity. Not only is this book full of mystery, mayhem, and murder but also of a fantasy. Wonderfully woven…the characters are well-developed. I definitely recommend this read to readers worldwide. I’m an adult, and I loved it. 

Review: Toxic Client

Synopsis:

Not every client is a good client!

Learn how to avoid problem clients that are more trouble than they’re worth…
To succeed in business you must learn how to recognize and avoid the Toxic Client. With useful stories everyone can relate to, Toxic Client will show you how to handle the problem customers.
In that first flush of life as business owners, we often say “Yes” to anyone who wants to hire us. We think the most important thing is establishing a client base. As long as we’re getting hired, that’s a good thing, and it’s all that matters.
But after a while, we learn an important truth: Not every client is a good client. In fact, some of them are truly toxic — they contaminate our business environment and breed negativity about the work, they infect employees by lowering their morale, they exhaust and debilitate our energy reserves, and they drain our coffers.
Toxic Client: Knowing and Avoiding Problem Customers will teach readers how to:

• Deal with Angry and Lying clients

• Engage in Active Listening to spot potential trouble

• Identify Freeloaders and Troublemakers

• Stay clear of clients with Alcohol, Drug Use and Entitlementia issues

• Dismiss and Avoid Toxic Clients
The book features a Bonus Section on using Collection Agencies, Mechanics’ Liens and Small Claims Court to get paid for your efforts.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Toxic Client by Garrett Sutton is a must have for those in business. Dealing with customers is not easy. Not every client that comes to a business man or woman will be a good client. This nonfiction book, guided on how to see,understand, and recognize a toxic client from the others. Toxic clients are good for anyone or any business. It’s best to know how to avoid these kind of customers. Toxic clients can destroy what businesses have built. A good name for starters. All it takes is for one or a few bad clients to ruin a business and its employees. This book was well-organized and well-done. It was easy to navigate through and to comprehend. Garrett Sutton also gives ways on how to handle these kind of clients, if businesses run into them. The Toxic Client was very informative. I recommend this book for all businesses despite the size. 

Review: Fire in the Wind

Synopsis:

Book 4 Wind Series. Outraged by a cross burning on her land, Megan forms the Night Posse then strikes back. Meanwhile, she is saddened by the tragic illness of her dear friend, James. After her new boyfriend is killed, she is jailed for his murder. Later she fights to the death in the darkness against an avenger. An undercover cop pursues her. When a dying James attempts to end his life, Megan is forced to act.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Once more Judy Bruce has lured me into her world of fiction. Here, I found tons of action, danger, and risks. Love, loss, and murder are also inside this exciting read. Never a dull moment. The main character, Megan, has her hands full in this tale. Things being done on her property, being charged for her boyfriend’s murder, and trying to fight back. With the police trailing her, it quite an interesting and intense plot. Fire in the Wind is a perfect title for this book. Book four to a wonderful, engaging, and mysterious series. I recommend Judy Bruce’s writing to all. 

Review: Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home

Synopsis: 

A Book To Help Children through Adoption and Other Family Transitions. Join Roxie, a dachshund dog, as she makes the transition from her temporary Foster home to her new Forever home. Based on a real dog and her experiences, the book is designed to help children through the complicated process of adoption and other family transitions such as welcoming adopted children into their home, joining step-families and blended groupings, or moving between one separated parent and another.Adopted children can undergo a wide range of emotions when facing these transitions. Roxies story shows children it is perfectly normal to be afraid or anxious and to ask questions, and most importantly that they are moving into a loving, caring family and everything will be all right. The book includes a Parent & Therapist Guide for Adoptive Families written by a professional therapist to help adult caregivers in guiding children through the adoption process and answering questions they may have.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home by Jody A. Dean is an excellent children’s book. Beautifully illustrated. The images are bright and colorful. They go well with the story. Page after page,mI followed a dog named Roxie. She’s a Doxie. It turns out she’s a real dog too. This is her story on adoption. Being in a foster home and going to a forever family. The intention of this book was to make adoption seem less frightening for children going through the process. I agree that the book has indeed accomplished that. Plus, there’s more materials in the back for parents of adopted kids. Great read. Fascinating adventure. Cute and friendly. I recommend this tale to readers everywhere. 

Review: Romantic Times (Vegas)

Synopsis:

The Excelsior Hotel and Casino. Built in Las Vegas in 1960 by mobster Louis “The Lip” LaFica. For decades the towering hotel has been the subject of incredible stories and rumors that have kept it in the public eye the world around. Why have so many lovers been mysteriously, magically, magnetically drawn to this magnificent edifice? And why now have so many bestselling authors at last come together to reveal the adventures of these lovers who have stayed at the glorious Excelsior? 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Romantic Times: Vegas by nine talented writers is amazing. I felt my adrenaline rushing through me as I raced through the pages. Fast-paced, thrilling, and full of action. This collection of romantic suspense tales was addictive. Danger, risks, and killers. The whole anthology was magaical. I loved reading each one of the short stories. Entertaining, dark, and susepsenful. Highly engaging from beginning to end. Some left me on the edge of my seat, others left me holding my breath, and other had my heart racing as the dangers escalated. Every page was well-written. All the characters were brilliant. Both the bad and good guys were realistic. Try not to have nightmares…overall, I recommend this stunning collection of fiction to readers worldwide. 

Review: A Forever Family for the Army Doc

Synopsis:

Rescued by the single mom
As a nurse and single mom, Izzy Halliday has her hands full. The last thing she needs is the distraction of a maneven one as irresistible as new hospital director Nicholas Macpherson!
Former army doc, Mac, has come to Wetherby to heal his soul but the sparks flying between him and stunning redhead, Izzy, aren’t bringing him much peace! Mac is in search of a quiet life, but time with Izzy and her daughter soon teaches him the unexpected joys of a chaotic family life.

Rating: 4-stars

Review: 

A Forever Family for the Army Doc by Meredith Weber is a great read. It brings up the life of adoption and adoption families. Not every child goes into a good home. But the main leading female charcater ended up in a home where the people loved her. It was crazy, messy, and good. 

Izzy had it bad. Her life has been going okay, until she meets the new stranger in town. Izzy soon learns that it’s her new boss. That means off limits for her. Dating a previous doctor she worked with has landed her in the zone of ignoring all men. Especially, with what happened with the last boyfriend. 

Mac wasn’t expecting to meet a woman like Izzy. The redhead has his attention from the get go. Instant chemistry. But soon he learns who she is…and that means off limits for him. Izzy isn’t the woman he can just roll in the hay with…and she deserves better. Plus, she has a daughter and is his coworker. Yet somehow, their time together is pulling at their threads and causing them to break…love is in the air. 

A Forever Family for the Army Doc is an entertaining read. I found it realistic. The characters were believable. Their situations kept building into an intense environment leaving me hanging off my seat wondering if it will go anywhere….Meredith Weber’s novel was strongly about family life. I liked that. Overall, I recommend this book to readers everywhere. 

Author Interview with David Spencer

ULM: What inspired you to write your book, Dark Skinned? 

I was inspired to write Dark Skinned after listening to some people share on Youtube who had went through similar situations growing up that I did. Hearing their stories helped me heal and deal with some issues I had been holding onto. I was eager to share to so could be that motivation for someone else. I started out writing the stories for blog entries but I soon realized the content was more in depth and needed to be housed in a book. Being Dark Skinned was specifically what I had to deal with but that issues are interchangeable- one could be over weight, too short, too tall, not athletic etc. I believe talking about your issues can help others deal with theirs.  

 

ULM: Did you always want a career as an author? 

That desire came later. I always wanted to motivate and inspire people around me so I have always been in the light. Becoming an author was a natural progression to building greater influence.

 

ULM: How would you describe your writing style using only three words?

 Open. Honest. Transparent.

 

ULM: What is the message you would like readers to take from reading your novel?

You can control everything that happens to you but you can control your response to it. Don’t let dark moments make you dark. Use those moments to create light in dark places.

 

ULM: Why is it challenging to get African American men to share their experiences caused by their darker skin tone?

From youth, African American boys are told to stop crying and to man up. Showing emotions not equated to masculinity. Little boys are often forced to grow up to fast becoming man too soon. It’s easier to suppress the hurt then risk being viewed as weak.

 

ULM: Do you think the racism in America will ever end?

Honestly, I do not. I think it will become harder to openly display it. Racism is a legacy. Racist pass those ideas down to their children.

 

ULM: You mentioned holding a B.A. in Ethno-Musicology. Can you explain what it was like studying for that? 

Half of my academic career was spent in the music department and the other was spent in the history department learning about the African Diaspora. Not only were Africans shipped off like cattle but the oppressors tried to erase their history. There is evidence in the music of African American Music that supports Deculturization was not successful.   

 

ULM: You mentioned that African American men are supposed to be big and strong all the time. That they are not supposed to cry. I’ve also noticed that this stigma sticks to all men despite color of skin tone. Why do you think society view men in this way? 

We are what we see. Men have traditionally been the head of the house hold, the primary provider, and the stronger sex. That image is everywhere in history and media. Anything that doesn’t fit that norm is not accepted.  

 

ULM: How did your masters in entertainment, help prepare you as a newspaper executive, singer, songwriter and being an author?

It helped me pay more attention to presentation and packaging. A good idea will stay that if you do not connect the right people and get others to buy. We can limit our growth because of our inability to reach out. We do not have to be masters of everything.  

 

ULM: What songs have you written?

My most recent song is one called “Flawed” that sums up many of the emotions I dealt with growing up dark skinned. I went through a phase where I questioned God’s intentions in creating me flawed. I want my music to articulate feelings people are sometimes reluctant to express.

Listen Here:

Flawed (Dark Skinned)

ULM: Do you have more books planned, if so, can you share that with us, readers?

 

I want to do another book of “Dark Skinned” stories. I want to change the approach by interviewing others who have stories to tell. I also want to do a children’s book describing how great the world would be if we follow the rules we had on the playground. Be nice and wait your turn.

 

ULM: What lead you to the media and entertainment industry?

I love to create content for others to enjoy and/or scrutinize. I like tough conservations this career path welcomes those types of conversations.   

 

David Spencer

Sound of David LLC

DS Designs

910-827-2961

Review: The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach

Synopsis:

A gorgeous summer read to escape with this summer!

Three women throw caution to the wind and move from England to run a B&B on a Greek island.

They’ve all reached a point in their lives when they need a change – one divorced, one empty nester, one made redundant from the job she’s held since leaving school many moons ago.
The move tests their friendship to the limits, brings errant husbands running, and offers new opportunities for love. Each of the women go through their own metamorphosis, but will they choose to stay in Greece when the holiday season winds down?

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

The Bed and Breakfast on the Beach by Kat French is a lovely summer read. Full of humor, romance, and real life issues. It was hard not to connect with the women friends featured inside…

Failed marriage, loss jobs, and a cheating husband makes the three friends at point where they take what they get. A bed and breakfast place on the beach is now owned by the three of them. It was quite interesting to watch each take on the challenges of their new lives. Romance is also in the air. 

Kat French provided a refreshing piece of fiction for her fans. I haven’t read previous novels by this writer, but I did enjoy this one. Friendships, romantic entanglements, and adventure of a lifetime are filled on these pages. I was excited. Hooked. Overall, I recommend this hilarious and heartfelt tale to readers everywhere. 

Review: Sweetbriar Cottage

Synopsis:
When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.
Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.
Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.
But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.
As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter is a beautifully written novel. Inside, I met a couple that resemble today’s couples everywhere. Divorce. It’s a messy and complicated monster that takes over the lives of couples. Here, I got to watch two people once happily married wanting a divorce. However, the wife forgets to sign it in time…and it leaves them as a married couple. The emotional journey was epic. I loved every moment. Clean, engaging, and sweet. Josephine and Noah will have a tough time of roughing their situation and until they fix it…or maybe not. Life is unpredictable and even more so for these two. Overall, I recommend this Christian novel to readers everywhere. 

Review: Uncharted Worlds – Xeno Encounters

Synopsis:

Uncharted Worlds—an exciting new speculative fiction series featuring bestselling and award-winning authors.

These ten mind-boggling adventures include tales of ancient aliens, other worlds, and imagined futures.

Join authors Michael A. Stackpole, Matthew Costello, F. Paul Wilson, Thomas F. Monteleone and others as they take you on a thrilling ride from the inner and outer edges of our universe and from the past to the future in: Uncharted Worlds—Xeno Encounters.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Uncharted Worlds: Xeno Encounters by many writers is quite the science fiction collection. This anthology features enegaging tales. Adventure, action, and thrilling worlds. Well-written. I’m not a huge fan of science fiction but the works found within this anthology were superb. I definitely look forward to reading more works by these writers. Overall, I highly recommend Uncharted Worlds: Xeno Ecounters to readers worldwide. 

Review: The Miracle Maker and the Misfits

Synopsis:

“Abby.” She felt his hand gently touching her shoulder. “Mom was murdered.”

“Charley!” Abby screamed, shooting off her chair. “Charley, what are you saying?” Her lips were spread thin in panic.

“Abby, I can tell you no more now, except that my father is a very dangerous man. For now, we could all be in danger.”

After years of separation, Julie had found peace and was excited to come home and be reunited with her crazed son, Charley, and her now grown sister, Abby.
But Julie never made it home.
When the shocking news of Julie’s death forced Abby to her sister’s burial, all of Abby’s dreams laid in that pine box along side of Julie. Their childhood days remained locked up inside of Abby and in the journals Julie had left behind.
But Abby doesn’t have much time to grieve, because when the Miracle Maker comes to the rural backwoods of Perjure County, he sets the young Charley free from legions of demons and ushers in a battle between light and darkness. Abby, a writer for the Edge Water Times, is assigned to follow this story, but she has no idea what this story will cost her.
Heart-shocking suspense follows Abby as she uncovers the truth of Julie’s death. As a sinister plot develops and controversy explodes, John, an old mysterious hero of yesteryears, steps back into Abby’s life. He and his friends are big believers in the Miracle Maker.
But, who is powerful enough to unlock Abby’s heart and help her to believe for a miracle? Who cares enough to rewrite hope into the script of her miserable life?
Find out in The Miracle Maker and the Misfits. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Miracle Maker and the Misfits by Dixie Koch is a stunning tale. The novel hooks its claws deeply into me. I was entertained throughout the book. The charcaters felt real. Their dilemmas had a way of holding onto my heart. Emotionally brilliant…I loved reading this story. Dixie Koch is indeed talented. The scenes and characters stayed with me even after I finished. Themes like hope and love can be found inside…I was truly engaging to read. Overall, I recommend The Miracle Maker and the Misfits to readers everywhere. 

Review: Resisting Her Army Doc Rival

Synopsis: 

Flirting with danger!
Infuriating, irresistible army doc Sam Lowe is the last person Madison Hunter wants to work with. He challenges her, and soon the only thing hotter than their rivalry is their growing chemistry!
But Maddy hides scars that tell a heartbreaking story, and Sam has his own emotional wounds. He’s determined to take his heart with him when he leaves the army base, yet as he starts to see beneath Maddy’s tough exterior, it becomes more and more clear that his heart belongs with her.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Resisting Her Army Doc Rival by Sue MacKay is truly a heartfelt tale. I was instantly taken with the story from the beginning. The two main characters were believable. Each one had a tough life. Both held secrets that tore at the daily. Keeping them from enjoying life to its fullest. 

Maddy went through a trauma event that left her scarred. It might even have left her infertile. Her husband left her because of her scars…that left Maddy feeling worse. As the time went by, she went back to school to finish her degree and enlisted as an army medic. A doctor. There she finds someone from her past…

Sam.

Sam is the current army medic. He’s been at his post for a year. He only has two weeks left to make sure the new medic is comfortable then he’s gone. But to his surprise…he meets none other than the smart pretty girl from his past. No longer a girl but a beautiful, clever, and strong woman…

Maddy.

Together for two weeks, they fight the mutual attraction for as long as possible. Then, Maddy pushes Sam’s buttons and then all secrets are out…where they go from there if ever, is for readers to read…overall, I fell in love with this medical romance story. Resisting Her Army Doc Rival was everything I had hope for…plus, more. I recommend it to all. 

Review: Diving In

Synopsis:

For schoolteacher Nicki Fitch, a summer in Hawaii is the perfect opportunity to overcome a lifetime of phobias and heartbreak. But when she gets to Maui, she discovers the guy who broke her heart in college is living in her paradise. How can she tackle her fears when the biggest one of all is walking around shirtless–and refuses to leave her alone?
About to turn thirty, Ansel has never wasted his life of privilege–if only his father saw it that way. When Dad cuts him off financially, Ansel moves into his family’s vacation home to make his own fortune in real estate. The last thing he needs is his sister’s leggy, beautiful friend distracting him. Unfortunately, he’s had little practice resisting temptation… 
As the days and nights unfold along the luxurious Maui shores, Nicki and Ansel find themselves sharing more and more… and more. But will either one of them have the courage to bring what they find together home with them when the summer’s over? 

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Diving In by Gretchen Galway is a steamy contemporary. The romance is brewing to a whole new level. The heat is just right. A school teacher who crushes on her hot friend soon learns that he is engaged to another woman. Feeling a bit betrayed and hurt, Nicki Fitch, leaves for Hawaii. There she gets to stay in a friend’s house while relaxing…but then trouble soon finds her. What she didn’t expect was to find her first love aka crush hotter than ever and living in the same condo…it was his condo. 

But he doesn’t tell her that nor corrects her. She’s gorgeous and something about her…hits him hard. He can’t remember but he definitely knew her…

Nicki finds her friend’s brother at the condo…but he doesn’t recognize her at all. That only makes her feel worse. But as they spend time together, their chemistry levels spike. 

Diving In is intense,sweet, and funny. I loved the interaction between characters. Their issues were realistic. Gretchen Galway created a fun atmosphere with a feel good emotional journey attached. The rode to this new adventure starts out bumpy but ends up smooth…hot, addictive, and entertaining. I couldn’t stop reading. Overall, I recommend this new romance to readers everywhere. 

Review: Never Fear – Phobias

Synopsis:

For those who like their stories on the darker side …
19 Stories of phobia from New York Times bestselling master suspense authors F. Paul Wilson and Heather Graham with a “krewe” of dynamic award-winning storytellers.
Thomas F. Monteleone

E. McCarthy

Laura Harner

Lance Taubold

Elle J Rossi

Michael Koogler

Crystal Perkins

Richard Devin

Connie Corcoran Wilson

Mathew Kaufman

Aidan Russell

Ed DeAngelis

Jeff DePew

Don Marlowe

Holly Prentiss

Casey Parsons

Jason Pozzessere

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear – Phobias by 19 NY Times Bestselling Writers is one enormously dark collection. This anthology explores people’s worst phobias and makes them into stuff of nightmares. I was hooked. Definitely, not for those who don’t like so much horror, terror, and gore. Never Fear – Phobias is anthology readers don’t want to miss. The writing is superb. I enjoyed exploring the depths of each writer’s tale. 

Review: Never Fear – Christmas Terrors

Synopsis:

He see’s you when you’re sleeping …

Authored by Heather Graham, F. Paul Wilson, Lance Taubold, Aidan Russell, Thomas F. Monteleone, Lisa Harris, E. McCarthy, Richard Devin, Lee Lawless, Kristi Ahlers, Don Bruns, Ed DeAngelis, Lisa Manetti, Elle J Rossi, Deborah Grahl, Liah Penn, Crystal Perkins, Greg Linden, Connie Corcoran Wilson, Jeff DePew, Mathew Kaufman 
Twenty-Two Tales of Christmas Terror ranging from ancient Iceland to modern-day Iraq by New York Times Bestselling and award-winning authors, including: a new ghost story by Heather Graham, a Repairman Jack Christmas adventure by F. Paul Wilson, a spine tingling tale by master of horror Thomas F. Monteleone, and a special tale of Christmas wonder by Jon Land.
In a unique experience-a story within a story-you will follow along when the MacDonald family discovers an unidentified present under their Christmas tree. Who gave it to them? Where did it come from? No one seems to know. And when they open the mysterious gift, it sets them on a course to a Christmas of terror they could never have expected.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Never Fear: Christmas Terrors is another brilliant anthology collection. Full of horror, terror, and darkness. Thrilling to read. The feel of goosebumps on my arm…the edgy scenes…it was all so real. The short stories were well-developed. Each piece gave a unique brand to the book overall. Once more, I was introduced to many new writers. I’m very familiar with Heather Graham’s writing. I felt that this collection was spooky but entertaining. Don’t read this collection at night…the fear may just take over….I highly recommend Never Fear: Christmas Terrors to readers wordwide. Fast-paced easy to read fiction. 

Review: Amazing and Healthy Belended Drink Recipes

Synopsis:

New to juicing? Blending drinks is a great intro to juicing, stress free- it’s quick and easy to get the vitamins and minerals you need for energy for the day! Add this to your collection. This book is one of my favorites.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Amazing & Healthy Blended Drink Recipes by Hope Angel Christian is a great guide. I’m a beginner to the whole juicing process and this book was great. It held a lot of recipes ranging from smoothies to lemonades. Plenty of refreshing and healthy drinks to choose from the recipes were easy to follow. Once again, Hope Angel Christian has provided another nonfiction guide book that provides what readers like me needed. Overall, I recommend this new book, Amazing & Healthy Blended Drink Recipes to all. 

Review: 101 Uses for the Shot Glass

Synopsis:

Ever needed just a tiny container for certain things in your home? Ever searched all the organizing stores and cant find the proper containers?

Make it! DIY, Do it Yourself!

Learn new ways to use this tiny cup to fit most your household and craft and food serving needs!

Re-use, recycle, don’t waste time or money!

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

101 Uses for the Shot Glass by Hope Angel Christian is a great DIY book! He has a lot of useful ideas that are creative. I love recycling and saving money…this book has that plus, more. Hope Angel Christian provides ways to rethink and reuse the shot glasses. I found them both fun and time saving. I’m definitely recommending this nonfiction book to my friends. 

Review: Nahia by Patricia Bossano

Synopsis:

She looks like a maiden of eighteen (acts like one too) but the Faery Nahia is sixty-seven when her future husband, a human, is born. 

Twenty-eight years pass before Anahi a sees him and follows her heart – she hides her true identity from him, she forsakes her home, and joins the human family she had promised long ago to watch over and keep from harm. 

Shortly after a daughter is born, Nahia’s true identity is discovered and she returns to the realm troubled by her blunder; she has changed the family’s genetic footprint. 

Chastised and with no hope of renewing the ties, Nahia watches from afar and becomes the silent giver of cradle gifts to new generations of shared descendants.

When the Faery Queen and the Keeper of the Forest, whose magic sustains the Faery dimension, are slain, the realm plunges into a dormant state.

To save her home, Nahia must obey her mother’s final instructions; perform the awakening ritual, become the new Faery Queen, and provide a vessel of royal descent for the keeper of the forest to inhabit. 

Trouble is, the royal descendant is also a baby girl she promised long ago to never harm. 

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Nahia by Patricia Bossano is the latest book in the Faery series. Perfectly suited for teens and adults alike. This YA novel hold a lot more than beats the eyes. One particular Faery, Nahia, has a lot going on in her life. Mistakes happen and now, she has to make some tough decisions. The two worlds of humans and fairies alike come together. Powerfully written. Patricia Bossano knows how to engage her readers. I felt pulled from my seat and straight into her new world. The magical tale consisted of an emotional journey that tugged at my heart. Adventure, action, and romance. Suspenseful and entertaining, I highly recommend this book to readers worldwide. It’s a fantasy I won’t forget. 

Review: The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea

Synopsis:

A cosy and charming romance set in an English seaside town, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley and Caroline Roberts.
Escape to the seaside this summer!

Mae loves running her little Bed & Breakfast, it’s the perfect place to raise her adorable four-year-old daughter! And no matter how persistently local vet, Alfie, chases her, she just doesn’t have time for men in her life.

Willow is busy building her dream home with her husband, Ethan, but with every month that passes she secretly worries that her happy every after will never come true…

Melody only intended to stay in the bustling seaside town for a few days to capture the perfect photo. But when she meets Hugo – the charming man in the ice cream van – she decides to stay a little longer!

One thing is for sure, summer at the little Bed & Breakfast by the sea certainly has a few surprises in store…

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea is a sweet summer tale. Jennifer Joyce is a talented writer. Her charcaters were so believable. They felt real. I kept asking myself…are these characters real people or pieces of fiction created by a mastermind. This ummer is full of action. Love is in the air…readers like myself can feel it and the heat is scorching…however, it maintains a clean yet hilarious vibe. Three women go through life with some tough spots. Each one has a man to deal with. One has her husband, the other two will have to work at it. Love isn’t easy. Life can be messy, but it can also bring happiness as well. The entire novel was entertaining from being to end. A steady-paced plot. Blooming friendships and relationships that will tug at your heart like it did with mine. Overall, I recommend The Little Bed and Breakfast by the Sea to women everywhere. It’s a book that is easy to relate to and understand. Enjoyable romance. 

Review: The Heirs

Synopsis:

Brilliantly wrought, incisive, and stirring, The Heirs tells the story of an upper-crust Manhattan family coming undone after the death of their patriarch. Six months after Rupert Falkes dies, leaving a grieving widow and five adult sons, an unknown woman sues his estate, claiming she had two sons by him. The Falkes brothers are pitched into turmoil, at once missing their father and feeling betrayed by him. 
In disconcerting contrast, their mother, Eleanor, is cool and calm, showing preternatural composure. Eleanor and Rupert had made an admirable life together — Eleanor with her sly wit and generosity, Rupert with his ambition and English charm — and they were proud of their handsome, talented sons: Harry, a brash law professor; Will, a savvy Hollywood agent; Sam, an astute doctor and scientific researcher; Jack, a jazz trumpet prodigy; Tom, a public-spirited federal prosecutor. 
The brothers see their identity and success as inextricably tied to family loyalty – a loyalty they always believed their father shared. Struggling to reclaim their identity, the brothers find Eleanor’s sympathy toward the woman and her sons confounding. Widowhood has let her cast off the rigid propriety of her stifling upbringing, and the brothers begin to question whether they knew either of their parents at all. 
A riveting portrait of a family, told with compassion, insight, and wit, The Heirs wrestles with the tangled nature of inheritance and legacy for one unforgettable, patrician New York family. Moving seamlessly through a constellation of rich, arresting voices, The Heirs is a tale out Edith Wharton for the 21st century. 
Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

The Heirs by Susan Rieger is an exciting tale. Thrilling to read and follow along. The characters provide a variety of entertainment for readers like myself to love. Bold, daring, and fast-paced. Betrayal, secrets, and family complications. Two brothers are struggling with new events causing their family to tumble. I was deeply impressed with the writing style of this writer. Susan Riegerknows how to create a world of fiction that has a needy combination that intrigues and leaves readers guessing. Well-told. I recommend this new adventure to readers everywhere. 

Review: Dead Time

Synopsis:

If someone took everything you live for, how far would you go to get it back?
From award-winning author D. L. ORTON comes book three in the Between Two Evils series…
Shannon fights to stay alive inside a rogue biodome and discovers something totally unexpected… Peter. Lani is forced into the role of the reluctant heroine but rediscovers her street-kid mojo and sets out to find everything she’s lost. Diego receives another dirty sock (and a note) from the poorly aimed fireball express: “The window between universes is closing.” If Diego has any hope of getting back to Iz, he must get to the Magic Kingdom and power up the time machine before it’s too late. 
What could possibly go wrong?
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Dead Time by DL Orton is book three to an entertaining series. Cleverly written by the award-winning writer. I can see why…her talent shines forth on each page. The plot grabs my attention. Leaving alert for what may come next. Fast-paced, edgy, and thrilling to read. Dead Time takes readers from their seats and sends them forth into the book. I was hooked. DL Orton has once more captured my interest. Her latest novel is a fantasy time-travel adventure that snatches readers up….overall, I recommend this novel to all. 

Review: Duke with Benefits

Synopsis:

LADY + DUKE = TRUE LOVE?
Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library belonging to her benefactress houses the legendary Cameron Cipher—an encrypted message that, once solved, holds the key to great riches—Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on. . .and cannot resist.

Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, is curious as to why Daphne is spending so much time snooping around his aunt’s bookshelves. He’s even more intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner: She is unapologetic about her secret quest. . .and the fiery attraction that develops between them both. But how can they concentrate on solving a perplexing enigma once the prospect of true love enters the equation?

“Witty, sensual historical romance that will captivate readers.” —Romance Junkies
Duke with Benefits is the second in Manda Collins’ Studies in Scandal series set in Regency England.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Duke with Benefits by Manda Collins is a brilliant historical. Manda Collins has a lot to offer readers in this exciting tale. From a strong heroine with a stunning mathematical mind to a good looking Duke. Both travel together to solve a mystery that the Duke’s dead aunt left behind for them all. A cipher most wanted by all. If uncoded, can lead to a massive amount of gold that in the wrong hands can led to a war. But that’s not all. A spy once for the government is after the cipher. One person has died, another struggling to live, and two are kiddnapped. The action, intrigue, and suspense are worthy for all. I couldn’t stop reading this engaging romance. The heat level was enticing…I loved the Duke and his soon to be wife. But first he’ll have to convince her marriage to him is what she wants and needs. Overall, Duke with Benefits is addictive. I recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: How to Keep a Knight

Synopsis:

Laws were always meant to be broken… 

Want to know the truth about Lady Matilda St. Clair? 
Well, there are two things she is not: 

She is not a lady. 

She is not Matilda St. Clair. 
So, who is she? 
She is Eudora ‘Dorie’ Gore, the daughter of London’s most legendary criminal, Captain James Gore, and she’s on the run from herself. 

For the last few years, she’s lived under the guise of Lady St. Claire, but everything begins to unravel when she meets her match. 
…Hearts were made to be mended… Together 
Sir John Abrams is known by the public as Sir Blackheart, the notorious knight-turned-thief who stole right from under the king’s nose. 

He was sentenced to Australia because of a lie created by Captain Gore, but escaped to the Continent. 
Now…he’s back to clear his name. 

For himself and for a little niece he’d never known was counting on him. 
And he’ll need help. 
But when help comes in the form of a woman who’s as beautiful as she is mysterious, John finds himself adding something to his list. 
Find out who the real Lady St. Clair is…and steal her heart. 
Will their adventure end in triumph? 

Can John and Dorie find a way to leave their past behind to forge a new future together? 
Rating: 5-stars

Review:

How to Keep a Knight by Eleanor Meyers is another brilliant masterpiece. I cannot fathom how she does it, but each of her books is superb. The writing is well-done. The charcaters are believable and highly entertaining. Never a dull moment. These two characters are not exactly good nor evil. They have a past they seems to keep following them. I was immediately enticed by their passion, fierce personalities and their troubles. It was easy to love them. Sympathy towards them happened. I wanted to see where their lives were headed. Wondered if their situations got fixed or were made worse. Eleanor Meyers hooked me from the beginning to end. This new regency romance was delightful to read. Full of action, daring, a clean yet boldness that left me in awe. Overall, this is clearly one adventure I highly recommend to all. 

Review: The Child

Synopsis:

As an old house is demolished in a gentrifying section of London, a workman discovers a tiny skeleton, buried for years. For journalist Kate Waters, it’s a story that deserves attention. She cobbles together a piece for her newspaper, but at a loss for answers, she can only pose a question: Who is the Building Site Baby?
As Kate investigates, she unearths connections to a crime that rocked the city decades earlier: A newborn baby was stolen from the maternity ward in a local hospital and was never found. Her heartbroken parents were left devastated by the loss.
But there is more to the story, and Kate is drawn—house by house—into the pasts of the people who once lived in this neighborhood that has given up its greatest mystery. And she soon finds herself the keeper of unexpected secrets that erupt in the lives of three women—and torn between what she can and cannot tell…

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Child by Fiona Barton is a deep chilling read. After reading The Widow, I found this one to be more exciting. As with the previous novel, the pacing starts out slow and then slightly builds with a fierce intensity. The plot hooked me. I was fascinated to find out who the baby was and how it got there, as well as why. Fiona Barton has a way with adding suspense to every page. The further I read, the more intrigued I was. The story was believable. Entertaining, well-written, and complicated. The main character, Kate will find out more than she planned to…overall, I enjoyed reading this latest novel. I recommend The Child to readers everywhere. 

Review: Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove

Synopsis:
A second chance by the sea?

When Kiki Jackson’s marriage falls to pieces, there’s only one place that she knows she can escape to – her sister’s little guesthouse in Butterfly Cove.
But she’s worried that turning up on bride-to-be Mia’s doorstep, especially with her two adorable children in tow, will spoil her sister’s imminent wedding plans!
Luckily, handsome neighbour Aaron Spenser offers to share his new cottage with Kiki until she’s back on her feet. And as the wedding draws closer, Kiki realises that Butterfly Cove may be offering her little family more than just a new home…
Maybe this is where her new life begins…?
An uplifting and heartwarming read, perfect for fans of Trisha Ashley, Rachael Lucas and Hilary Boyd.

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove by Sarah Bennett is a delightful and engaging read. I was impressed with the writer’s talent. I laughed so hard and felt sympathy for the main charcater, Kiki. Kiki is a fictional charcater but one that readers like myself can relate to…I never went through some of the things Kiki did but I totally understood the family and relationship issues. Sarah Bennett created a hilarious, sweet, but believable tale. Her plot holds a lot. A divorce in the works, a lying slash cheating husband, kids who were sad, and a broken family. Plus, broken hearts that needed healing. Kiki’ children are the sweetest. My heart instantly melted for them. Then, with her bravery of leaving the abusive relationship behind, I applauded her. She went from being abused to being independent and strong. The transformation was slow but beautiful. Then, there was the handsome stranger working for Kiki’s sister, Aaron. Aaron, instantly let Kiki and her kids live in his cottage. He never met them yet what he did won me over…a blossoming romance on the horizon, a meddling older sweet woman, and a family that might just get mended. Wedding Bells at Butterfly Cove has it all. It was an emotional journey I’ll never forget. Overall, I highly recommend Sarah Bennett’s novel to all. 

Review: Faery Sight

Synopsis:

The realm of faery is breached and for the first time, Celeste comes face to face with a human. He strikes her as an extraordinary specimen and although they have yet to speak, her heart is racing. But Paloma, Celeste’s mother, is on her deathbed and before she breathes her last, the gruesome circumstances of Celeste’s birth are revealed, thus establishing the reasons why Celeste must leave the realm – her home. Grieving for her mother and dreading her inevitable entry into a world she knows is led by a woman bent on destroying her, Celeste yearns for one more glimpse of that handsome intruder.
Displeased with Celeste’s foolish longings, Nahia, Celeste’s birth sister, reminds her of a certain arrangement, also disclosed by Paloma, which means that when Celeste reenters the human world she views as contemptible, she will do so as the bride of a complete stranger.
Celeste has never been one to shirk or delay, but she won’t allow her romantic hopes to be dashed. She is compelled to fulfill the promise made to her dying mother, and she must satisfy Nahia, but above all, she must be free to give her heart to whomever she pleases.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Faery Sight by Patricia Bossano is one of the most fascinating YA reads, I’ve ever read. The book was deeply engaging from the start. I love it when novels suck me into their characters’ lives. Here, I met an interesting young lady, Celeste. She knows of the Faery world. A world must humans aren’t aware of…then her world turns crazy. Her mother tells her shocking things and now, it’s up to Celeste to choose her destiny. Rich, entertaining, and epic. This story has it a lot to offer. Righting wrongs, chasing down a sorceress, and returning back to a Faery world to claim the place as a rightful heir. Themes like loss, grief, love, and courage are found within the  novel. The charcaters both bad and good make this a must read. I felt like I was really there experiencing it all first hand. Well-told. Patricia Bossano has cleverly peaked my interest with her writing. I can’t wait to read more by her. Overall, I recommend Faery Sight to readers worldwide. 

Review: Rejected Writers Take the Stage

Synopsis:

After months of playing the lottery and hoping for an uptick in her dog-boarding business, Janet’s friend Annie must face the inevitable: the bank is foreclosing on her family farm. But thanks to the Rejected Writers’ Book Club, Annie doesn’t have to face it alone. With just a few weeks to raise the $20,000 that she and her fifty rescue dogs need to avoid becoming homeless, the writers need a fund-raiser, and fast. Much to Janet’s horror, Doris has another crazy plan.

In a moment of inspiration, their fearless leader declares a solution: a musical extravaganza. No one in the group has ever produced a musical, but Doris will not be deterred—they’ll write it together. And with Flora, who has never sung a note in her life, as the lead and Janet as their reluctant director—along with a hypochondriac costume designer, a pyrotechnics enthusiast, and Janet’s very pregnant daughter pitching in—what could possibly go wrong?
To produce a miracle for Annie, Janet and her friends will work around the clock holding auditions, concocting elaborate costumes, and getting a little too close to blowing themselves up—but will it be enough?

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Rejected Writers Take Stage by Suzanne Kelman is a wonderful woman’s fiction piece. The charcaters are charming. There are moments I laughed out loud, worried, and fell in love with this group. A group of writers get together to help one of their own be saved from being homeless. Their actions to save her and the dogs under her care, will be full of drama, flair, and excitement. This book is full of craziness, humor, and friendship. The sense of community in this small-town of theirs was believable. I loved following along. Suzanne Kelman’s writing is entertaining from the start to end. Overall, I recommend it to readers everywhere. 

Review: No One But You

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Brenda Novak welcomes you to Silver Springs, a picturesque small town in Southern California where even the hardest hearts can learn to love again… 
Struggling to make ends meet after a messy divorce, Sadie Harris is at the end of her tether. Her waitressing gig isn’t enough to pay the bills let alone secure primary custody of her son, Jayden, a battle she refuses to lose. Desperate, she accepts a position assisting Dawson Reed—the same Dawson Reed who recently stood trial for the murder of his adoptive parents. Joining him at his isolated farm seems risky, but Sadie is out of options. 
Dawson has given small town Silver Springs plenty of reasons to be wary, but he’s innocent of the charges against him. He wants to leave his painful past behind and fix up the family farm so he can finally bring his dependent sister home where she belongs. 
As Sadie and Dawson’s professional relationship grows into something undeniably personal, Sadie realizes there’s more to Dawson than the bad boy everyone else sees—he has a good heart, one that might even be worth fighting for.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

Brenda Novak is one of my favorite writers. Her work is amazing. Each book has a unique story that grabs my heart. This latest novel, No One But You, is part of a new series. Inside, readers will find that it houses many themes. Ranging from marital problems to domestic violence. Plus, a character has been arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. As readers dig further they’ll find demons everywhere. A town so ready to torture an innocent man, another man who is violent to his wife, and a mother trying to survive…

No One But You pulls at the heart. Sent me on an epic emotional journey. One that I won’t ever forget. The charcaters were believable. As for the plot, it was a bit slow in the begging then sped up as the action took over. Dangerous, intriguing, and a bit sad. Brenda Novak creates another opportunity for readers to explore real world issues in a fictional setting. Brilliant and well-told. I recommend this new novel to all. 

Review: The Man Who Walked Out of the Jungle

Synopsis:

April, 1970. Late at night, a mysterious Caucasian emerges from the rain forest north of Saigon. Unexpectedly he encounters a US Army outpost and is killed. Who was he, and why was he alone deep in the jungle? Military investigator George Tanner must find the answers soon––and survive.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Man Who Walked Out of the Jungle by Jeff Wallace is for those who love a good novel about war. Instantly, I was taken into a suspenseful tale with a lingering question that caught my curiosity. My intrigued only peaked further as the pages held my attention. The pacing was a bit lagging but other than that, it was good. The Man Who Walked Out of the Jungle by Jeff Wallace is a military thriller that feels real. Action, adventure, and danger all wrapped in one engaging tale. The plot sent me deep into the investigation of why one man was alone in the jungle. Overall, I recommend this novel written by Jeff Wallace to readers everywhere. 

Review: Mr. Either Or

Synopsis:

Aaron Poochigian’s Mr. Either/Or is an ingenious debut, a verse novel melding American mythology, noir thriller, and classical epic into gritty rhythms, foreboding overtones, and groovy jams surrounding the reader in a surreal atmosphere. Imagine Byron’s Don Juan on a high-stakes romp through a Raymond Chandler novel. Think Hamlet in Manhattan with a license to kill.
Aaron Poochigian earned a PhD in Classics from the University of Minnesota and an MFA in Poetry from Columbia University. His book of translations from Sappho, Stung With Love, was published in 2009. The Cosmic Purr, a book of original poetry, was published in 2012.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

Mr. Either Or by Aaron Poochigian is quite an interesting read. This novel, is layer out in a unique way. I was hooked. Aaron Poochigian is a talented writer indeed. His protagonist isn’t like most. I loved how the words took me through the book. It was like reading one of my favorite literary novels – tone wise and had the alluring nature of the fictional reads I’ve read and come to love. Each section is intriguing. Readers like myself will drink up this work of fiction. Engaging, well-told, and different. Mr. Either Or is very entertaining from beginning to end. I recommend it to readers worldwide. 

Review: The Darkness

Synopsis:

A young man is found murdered, his bones crushed nearly to dust before his body was dumped into New York’s East River
In New York there are hundreds of murders a year, but this one is different. Somebody is sending a message. And shockingly, the victim has ties to my brother, Stephen Gaines, recently murdered by an elusive drug lord known only as the Fury.
For years this kingpin has been shrouded in darkness. Stephen was executed just as he was about to shed some light. Working alongside my mentor, Jack O’Donnell, I’m going to find the truth behind this blood-soaked curtain. But the more we reveal, the more we realize just how dark the Fury’s plans are. And that no matter how brutal the violence has been, we haven’t seen anything yet….

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Darkness by Jason Pinter is a dark thriller. The plot instantly swept me into its web of murder, drugs, and violence. This novel was full of twists and turns. Intrigued, engaged, and full of suspense. Every page pulled me further into the chase. A deadly game of good versus evil. Blackmail, threats, and death. The fear factor is raised to new heights. Inside The Darkness, a man is found murdered right before he was about to shed some evidence. A message well received. A drug lord has some sinister plans as the duo team continued their search for the truth…the evilness only expanded. I haven’t read any of Jason Pinter’s previous novels but this one was good. It caughtmy attention. Perked my curiosity. It led me on a journey. 

Review: The Glorious Heresies

Synopsis:

From Lisa McInerney, hailed by The Irish Times as “arguably the most talented writer at work in Ireland today,” comes The Glorious Heresies, a searing debut novel about life on the fringes of Ireland’s post-crash society.

When grandmother Maureen Phelan is surprised in her home by a stranger, she clubs the intruder with a Holy Stone. The consequences of this unplanned murder connect four misfits struggling against their meager circumstances. Ryan is a fifteen-year-old drug dealer desperate not to turn out like his alcoholic father, Tony, whose feud with his next-door neighbor threatens to ruin his family. Georgie is a sex worker who half-heartedly joins a born-again movement to escape her profession and drug habit. And Jimmy Phelan, the most fearsome gangster in the city and Maureen’s estranged son, finds that his mother’s bizarre attempts at redemption threaten his entire organization.

Biting and darkly funny, The Glorious Heresies presents an unforgettable vision of a city plagued by poverty and exploitation, where salvation still awaits in the most unexpected places.

— New York Time’s Book Review’s “10 Best Crime Novels” of the year.

Rating: 4-stars

Review:

The Glorious Heresies by Lisa McInerney is quite a read. There’s a lot of realistic issues happening within the plot. The charcaters have tough struggles that can send their worlds spiraling downward. Ranging from drugs to sex plus violence, their worlds are full of chaos. They want different lives yet live in paths that keep them where they are or send them down further than where they originally planned to be. Four misfits each with a different issue. Readers will get an insider’s view to the world’s ugliness and how those living these lives try to survive their outcomes. The Glorious Heresies is definitely a dark yet deeply complex story. This world stayed in my mind long after reading reading it. Unforgettable scenes. Overall, I recommend it to other readers.

Review: Physical Forces (A K-9 Rescue Novel)

Synopsis:
LOVE TO THE RESCUE

Macayla Burkett is no ordinary private eye. She’s a pet detective, dedicated to tracking down missing dogs and cats. When two famous racing greyhounds disappear and turn up dead, Macayla finds herself in the midst of a much more serious case. And when the thieves target her and threaten her life, she realizes she’s in grave danger—until a ridiculously handsome stranger enters the picture …
Oliver Kelly may look like a male stripper, but his muscles aren’t just for show. The gorgeous Australian is co-owner of a K-9 Search and Rescue service dedicated to saving those in danger. When he and his K-9 partner, an Australian shepherd named Jackeroo, rescue the fiery detective from trouble, the sparks begin to fly. And when they join forces to stop a widespread case of animal theft, it unleashes a torrent of passion that’s impossible to tame…

Rating: 4.5-stars

Review:

Physical Forces is an entertaining romantic suspense read from the beginning. D.D. Ayres is a a writer who knows what readers want in a novel. This tale showed me the K-9 teams in action. The bond between them and the dogs was believable. I fell in love. I can’t imagine anyone not falling for this group of characters both the two and four legged kind. 

Inside Physical Forces by D.D. Ayres, I met a woman lacking her licesnce as a private investigator who went all out to find missing greyhounds. Macayla Burkett is a detective for animals. They go missing, she’s gets called. She loves helping owners find their pets. Her personality is strong. Macayla is independent, likes to work her own hours, and fend for herself. She’s smart and pretty. However, Macayla ends up stumbling into a situation that’s a whole lot more serious than her previous adventures. This time, she’ll need help…which comes in the form of Oliver Kelly. Talk about heat! The whole story from this point on, was intense. The raw desires flying like electricity in the air between both Macayla and Oliver. Their situation at hand is dangerous and it’s only a matter of time until they explode…overall, I highly recommend this engaging romance to readers everywhere. I loved the action, intrigue, and the passion between the charcaters. Don’t forget the amazing dogs, too!