Tag Archives: 4 star review

Detective Amanda Steele – Taken Girls by Carolyn Arnold @Carolyn_Arnold

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Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Taken Girls by Carolyn Arnold is about a prom gone wrong…and it’s all down hill from there.

Detective Amanda Steel works for the Homicide Unit of the Prince William County Police Department. She stays busy with work, but I’m not sure how she would cope if she wasn’t. Sure she loves spending time with her adopted daughter, Zoe, and her significant other, Logan, but she is not one for being idle.

A call for help from her niece Ava, draws Amanda into a missing person’s case. Though it is outside her normal purview, it is the sister, Reese, of Ava’s best friend, Nadine, so she can’t say no. The shit really hits the fan when her niece, Ava, has been taken by the same man who took Reese. I saw it coming, because Ava is too smart for her own britches. She couldn’t stop investigating on her own, but she already had a target on her back.

There was one bump in the road at about 70%. I don’t see Carolyn Arnold letting that slip by and it really bugged me. Other than that, it was another intriguing mystery that kept me entertained for hours. I am looking forward to the next Detective Amanda Steele. novel.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREAD BLURB

Music from the busy dance floor echoes into the deserted room where the Prom Queen lies deadly still. A tiara rests on her soft blonde curls, but her face is frozen with fear, and her painted red lips are forever sealed shut in a silenced scream…

When Detective Amanda Steele’s niece, Ava, begs her to look for a missing schoolfriend, she immediately agrees to take on the case. Eighteen-year-old Reece left home three nights ago after fighting with her mother and hasn’t been seen since. But when the teenager’s body is discovered brutally murdered, poised dramatically at the prom venue, Amanda is devastated she didn’t save the girl in time.

Haunted by the scene, Amanda dives headfirst into the case. Chasing every lead, she is horrified when she discovers a potential key witness strangled in her own home. It soon becomes clear that the killer will stop at nothing to silence anyone who might reveal their identity. So when Ava mentions she saw someone acting strangely at the prom venue that night, Amanda’s heart stops.

And when Amanda’s worst nightmare comes true, and her beloved niece is taken, she knows that every second counts to uncover this twisted killer’s identity and bring Ava home safely. But can she crack the secrets of this killer’s deadly game before it’s too late?

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
  • 326 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published June 20, 2023 by Bookouture
  • Series: Detective Amanda Steele, Book 8

ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

MY REVIEWS FOR CAROLYN ARNOLD

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Review – The Cured by David Wind & Terese Ramin @TereseRamin @david_wind

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The Cured is now The Whistleblower’s Daughter

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

WOW. The Cured smacks of realism that is truly terrifying. Nanotechnology. Weapons of mass destruction. Greed. Abuse of power. Conspiracy. Rogue government agents. The characters are to be loved and hated. I love that the characters traverse the spectrum of humanity. Those that feel entitled and let their corruption run rampant, to those who will sacrifice their life to do the right thing. The story centers around the Kira’s family. She and her brother are a genius and on the run from those who wish to use them or kill them. Jeremy, a complete stranger feels a need to help them. He had suffered a crippling loss. Will this be the road to a new life for him? I love diverse characters. We have a lesbian with a cameo part and a boy who has Asperger Syndrome and went into a deep depression when his mother died. I will surely be looking for more books by David Wind and Terese Ramin.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Dr. Kira Brockman’s father found the cure for cancer.

He was a genius. A miracle-worker. A hero.

Was.

When 4,000 patients died after Brockman’s cure, people demand answers. Now, it’s up to Kira to save her father–and his reputation. Suddenly, the man they believed was a hero is the pariah of the medical community, and his enemies won’t stop until he pays the price. Racing against time and thwarting Homeland Security and the FBI is more perilous than she ever realized. Will Kira save her father and prove his innocence—or die trying…

“THE CURED is brilliant – I couldn’t put it down. What a cracking ending –
one of the best suspense-thrillers I’ve ever read.” —Anna Jacobs, best selling
author of Heir to Greyladies and In Search of Hope

“From the first page, Wind and Ramin take you on a non-stop, life and death
race. An intricate but believable plot leads to breath stealing suspense as the
reader worries over the likable protagonists, thrown together by fate.” —
Annette Mahon, author of the St. Rose Quilting Bee Mystery Series

ABOUT DAVID WIND

International award winning author and double B.R.A.G. Honoree, David Wind, has published forty-three novels including Science Fiction, Mystery, and suspense thrillers. He lives in Florida, with his wife Bonnie. David is the past President (2020) of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America.

A Hybrid Traditional and Independent Author, David became an independent publisher, author, and writer in 2008 with Angels in Mourning, his ‘homage’ to the old-time private detective’s of the 50’s and the 60’s. (He used to sneak them from his parents’ night tables and read them as a young boy.) Angels is a contemporary take on the old-style noir detective and won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader’s Choice Award.

The first book of David’s Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Series, Tales Of Nevaeh. Born To Magic, is an international Amazon genre Best Seller, a Kindle Review of Books finalist for Fantasy Book of the year, and winner of the Silver Award from Ireland’s Drunken Druid International Awards for Literary excellence. Over 80,000 copies of the Tales of Nevaeh series have been download. The first two books of David’s new series, (a prequel spin-off to Tales of Nevaeh) The Journals of Solomon Roth, is the story of how Roth became the Warlord of Nevaeh.

His mystery, suspense, Police procedurals, and thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary guild alternate selection); The Sokova Convention, The Morrisy Manifest, Out of the Shadows, and, Desperately Killing Suzanne. He wrote the Medical Thriller, The Whistleblower’s Daughter, with Terese Ramin. The idea for this Medical Legal Thriller came shortly after the death of a close friend. David said, “I couldn’t help but wonder about the medication….”

David’s Contemporary Fiction novel, published in December of 2017, and based on the Harry Chapin Song, A Better Place To Be, received the Bronze Award for Literary Excellence, from Ireland’s prestigious DD International Awards; A Better Place To Be was named a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, signifying a book of the highest literary quality and written by Independent writers.

David wrote his first nonfiction book, The Indie Writer’s Handbook, to help authors who have completed their manuscripts and want to publish Independently, navigate the online publishing experience. The Indie Writer’s Handbook was David’s second book to be awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion for literary excellence.

David’s novels have been translated into 11 languages and published in 15 countries.
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–Visit David’s Website at http://www.davidwind.com

ABOUT TERESE RAMIN (from Amazon)

Terese (Daly) Ramin (1953- ) is the oldest of eight children and mother of two. Much of Terese’s work grew out of staying up well past the bedtime imposed by her parents and telling stories to her younger brothers and sisters.

A brush with mortality made her pull up her socks and finish her first novel in 1987. It won the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Award that same year. Since then, she is the author of ten romance and romantic suspense novels, numerous short stories, and the creator/editor/author of the charitable collaboration Bewitched, Bothered & BeVampyred.

With author David Wind, she co-wrote the medical-legal thriller The Whistleblower’s Daughter.

July 9, 2019 will see the release of her first urban fantasy romance, Soul Keeper (Book 1 of The Brotherhood of Shadows), co-written with Dawn Johanson under the name Cathryn Marr.

Terese has spent a lifetime rescuing the dogs and cats (and the occasional reptile and amphibian) that turn up on her doorstep swearing they only followed the signs that said “free love here.” She is positive she never posted those signs. She currently resides in Michigan with her husband and 4 dogs.

MY DAVID WIND REVIEWS

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Review – Moon Flower by Heather Ewen Foster @hefcarter

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MY REVIEW

Terror. Pain. Then darkness. This is how it starts.

This, my dear readers, is what we call The Birth.

My name is Sonia. I am vampire.

There are some vampires who have not adapted as the years go by. You know, keep up with fashion, technology, politics…Sonia is not one of them. Even though she intermingles with humans, she does not date them. She knows about death and loss.

Some in government, the FBI and the CIA know about them. Humans pose a danger to vampires, so it is best to be low key. But…someone is out there slaughtering young vampires.

Sonia meets a human, Alex. She doesn’t know why, but she ends up spending time with him. She has a roommate, Sunny, who is a hunkalicious vampire with a wonderful sense of humor. I quickly grew to love him. He donates half his money to charity and snuggles babies in the NICU. I’ve never heard of a vampire, let alone a male vampire, doing such a thing.

I am loving the story, but at times, the author buried me with too many details. But, I did like when Sonia was talking about having interests in mines in Australia. I have watched TV shows about mining for opals in Cooby Pedy. It’s fun when I am familiar with a location.

I was about 40% into the story before it really got going for me. Have you ever heard of a zombie vampire? Well, we have one here. I smell more than the dead. I smell a rat. Sonia will get to the bottom of it or die, again, trying. But, what about Alex?

The details interrupted the pace at times, but sticking with the story paid off with some fabulous battles. A little vampire, human, vampire triangle was intriguing. I am sure Sunny would have loved to part of a menage a trois with Sonia and Alex. LOL

I believe Moon Flower: Vampires Of Los Angeles by is Heather Ewen Foster’s debut novel. Well done. I look forward to reading more of your work and I have my eye on you now.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Sonia, a 250-year-old Australian vampire, thought she had found peace in the quiet neighborhood of Whitley Heights, Hollywood. But when a mysterious creature starts slaughtering young vampires, Sonia is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse.With her friend Sunny targeted by an ancient monster, Sonia must uncover the truth behind these brutal attacks. Desperate to save her friend and end the bloodshed, Sonia navigates the treacherous politics of the vampire world. Along the way, she finds herself torn between her irresistible attraction to Alex, the enigmatic human journalist helping in her investigation, and her deep bond with sexy and charismatic Sunny, Alpha Vampire extraordinaire.As the sinister plot unravels, Sonia’s race against time becomes a pulse-pounding battle against an impossibly powerful foe. Will she uncover the truth before more lives are lost? And what sacrifices will she have to make to protect those she loves?Moon Flower is a spellbinding urban fantasy that will leave you breathless. Heather Ewen-Foster’s suspenseful tale immerses you in a world of danger, romance, and mythical creatures. Get ready for an electrifying adventure that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampire
  • 293 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published November 6, 2023
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Christmas Thrills – Dashing Through The Fear by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

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MY REVIEW

Welcome to Sleighville. Where you are sure to have a holly, jolly time.

Sure, the title for Dashing Through The Fear by Amanda Siegrist gave me that shivery feeling of trepidation, but the cover added the extra ‘dash’. Not just with the content, that gave me a warm, cozy feeling, mixed with fear, but the font was a perfect fit.

I do love small towns, where everyone knows your business. Some of the time it adds a fun element to the story, other times it gives a character others to turn to in times of trouble…and ‘Eve’ will need all the help she can get. First, with a place to live, then a job.

She, literally, runs into Griffith and she will find it hard to avoid him, since he lives next door and is the chief of police of Sleighville. Who would imagine a hunkalicious guy like him would have a pet like Walter., but they are a great fit. Walter is a cat with one eye and half a front paw. Critters add a little something extra to every story, for me.

No one knew why the rental property had such a high turnover rate. Hmmmm…

Eve’s job search is a success, getting hired at Noel’s Cafe. She had worked in a bakery before, so I have a feeling this, along with other things, will be a perfect fit.

Mystery, suspense, thrillers like Dashing Through The Fear by Amanda Siegrist is predictable, but she always manages to create characters that wiggle their way into your heart and a surprise or two along the way. Gaslighting and psychological warfare are only two of things that Eve will have to deal with. There is also the past that she so desperately tried to leave behind. I love how she, eventually, solves the problem. Very nice, Amanda.

I love that we have two mysteries going on at the same time and I didn’t realize it…until Amanda Siegrist showed me, though it was right in front of my face. That’s always a good sign of a well written story., keeping me so busy reading, I forget to try and solve the crime. Actually, those two mysteries apply to Eve, while Griffin has his own issues that hit very close to home. I love that miscommunication never reared it’s ugly head. Will they come together, healing each other? Of course. It wouldn’t be a great romance if they didn’t. I don’t feel like I’m spoiling anything, because it’s pretty easy to figure out in romance novels…unless we don’t have a happy ending and Amanda doesn’t write those. LOL

A fun note – I was reading along…and there was my name, Sherry. It’s always fun to see my name in a novel, even if I am only a minor character. 🙂

Normally, a story like Dashing Through The Fear by Amanda Siegrist is predictable, and, yes, some of it was, but there is a sense that something is coming. It’s just a matter of what and when, keeping a sense of trepidation lurking throughout the pages. Thanks, Amanda, for another very entertaining story.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes a brand new series. An intense holiday romantic suspense that will make you swoon and hold you on the edge-of-your-seat until the very end.

Welcome to Sleighville. Where you are sure to have a holly, jolly time.

Running is her only option. He made sure of that. Where better to run to than the last place he’d ever think to look for her. Sleighville. A small, quaint town that celebrates Christmas—every. Single. Day. Just the thought makes her want to puke, but she’s out of options. Nothing prepared her for small-town camaraderie. Everyone knowing everyone and everything. Where she lives, where she works, and worst of all…they know something is off. That she’s not who she claims to be.

Griffin isn’t sure what to make of his new neighbor, but one thing he does he can’t resist a puzzle. She’s skittish, wary, and one of the most beautiful women he’s ever met. It’s not hard to fall for her, which is bad. He has no doubt she’s hiding something—or hiding from something. If only she’d let him in, trust him with her secrets. No amount of Christmas cheer is going to sway her his way, but patience and time might. Problem is, he fears he doesn’t have much time. She’s one step away from running. No doubt not her first time, but he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she stays right where she is. In his town, and in his arms.

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
  • 236 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication December 12, 2023
  • Series: A Sleighville Novel, Book I

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

Amanda Siegrist

Love! Gimme some love and heaps of romance. I have a sappy heart that just loves two people meeting, going through the cycles of a relationship, and ultimately, falling in love. Give me a good book like that and I’m a happy camper:)

I write contemporary and romantic suspense, but I am partial to suspense. I just love a good mystery.

Besides writing, I love baking, crafts, and baseball…oh, and meeting new people. *smiles*

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook / Instagram

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS

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Review – Falling For Mr Wright by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

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MY REVIEW

This one is for the girls who still believe in modern fairytales and in a prince who not only spoils you rotten, but knows where to find the spot….

And I smiled. This is the opening to Falling for Mr Wright by Olivia Boothe. Does it make YOU smile?

I do not actively seek out contemporary romance novels, but when it is by a favorite author of mine, I will give it a go. Good writing is good writing and able to draw me into the book, as Olivia Boothe did with Falling For Mr Wright.

Sara works for the Rebecca Fitzgerald Dance Company. Why she isn’t a dancer herself, is a story I am not in a position to tell, but we all have baggage, don’t we? Her boss is a dragon, and I don’t mean the paranormal kind. She is mean, cruel. Everything about the workplace makes me want to tell her it’s time to move on.

When her favorite coffee shop is closed, she is forced to go the next closest one. There’s no way she can go to work without a coffee for her boss. That’s where Tom met Coffee Girl and he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

I definitely got the Pretty woman vibe. Vivian and Kit. Edward and Phillip. I loved their cat and mouse game, at times wondering who is the pursued and who is the pursuer. Their need to control their emotions had me smiling. We all know, the heart wants what the heart wants. Sure we have some baggage and guilt, and all that angst, but I believe love will win out.

Tom was so blindingly beautiful, my retinas stung.

“I’ll tell you what the problem is. Your hoo-ha has cobwebs.”

And that is what I mean by some great writing. I loved the description and dialogue.

Recommended for adults and you can get the list of warnings on her website. Also, Falling For Mr Wright was written under another title, Wicked Dance, I had never read it, so it wasn’t an issue for me. There will be two books in the series and seeing I enjoyed this one so much, I can hardly wait to get my hands on the next one. Hmmmm, I wonder what couple it will be.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Protective alpha billionaire meets shy contemporary dancer in this spicy, slow-burn, billionaire who spoils, touch her and you perish, contemporary romance.

After my high school sweetheart up and leaves me one day without a single explanation, I vow never to let myself love another man. I’ve managed to keep that promise for the last four years—that is, until I inadvertently fall into the arms of New York City’s most eligible bachelor, and now my whole world is flipped upside down. Tom Wright is everything I don’t need in my life, but stars above, he’s everything I never knew I wanted. The man is intoxicating, and I can’t seem to resist the way he looks at me or the way his touch makes me feel alive again. But one dark secret could ruin everything, and I don’t know if I’m prepared to endure that kind of pain all over again.

My life is pretty simple. I work hard and I party even harder. I own New York City’s most reputable real estate agency, catering to the filthy rich and notoriously famous. There’s no shortage of beautiful women willing to share my bed, though everyone knows I have one golden rule: No commitments. Ever. But when Sara Hart unexpectedly falls into my life, something about her timid smile and gorgeous brown eyes makes me want to throw the damn rule book out the window. Every time she’s near, my blood spikes with a raging fire I can’t contain. So, when my shadowed past resurfaces, unearthing ghosts I’d rather remain buried, I’m forced to make a decision that may cost me the only woman I’ve ever truly loved. And that’s a price I’m not ready to pay.

Intended for mature audiences 18 years+ Please check author’s website for a comprehensive list of content warnings.

Previously published as Wicked Dance, Falling For Mr. Wright is the 1st book in Olivia Boothe’s popular steamy contemporary romance duet. This new edition sports a new title, glow-up cover, fresh edits, re-imagined scenes, and additional chapters in the MMCs POV.

  • Genre: Contemporary, Literary, Romance
  • 432 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published October 4, 2023 by Three Brothers Press

ABOUT OLIVIA BOOTHE

REAL LOVE AS IT IS. MESSY, COMPLICATED & SINFULLY ADDICTIVE.

Born in Colombia and raised in New Jersey since the age of eight, Olivia always dreamed of becoming a story teller.

If you enjoy deadly-hot romance novels with deep, layered plots, she’s your gal. Because it’s not just about the first kiss and the happily ever after, it’s about everything in between.

In addition to writing contemporary and paranormal romance, Olivia is currently working on an adult contemporary fantasy.

Fun Facts: When not locked away in her writing tower at the wee hours of the night, Olivia works a government 9-5 job and manages a house full of males (a husband, three sons, and a doggo named Hunter). On occasion, she summons her tribe for a night of wine and shenanigans. Dark chocolate is her kryptonite, she hates/loves to ugly cry during movies, and is a die-hard Bon Jovi fan.

Don’t forget to subscribe to her newsletter to receive exclusive news and updates such as book releases, giveaways, sales, events, sneak peeks and bonus material for upcoming projects.

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Review & Giveaway – If The Sun Spares Us by Brenda Marie Smith @GoddessFish @bsmithnovelist

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IF THE SUN SPARES US by Brenda Marie Smith

GENRE:  Post-apocalyptic thriller

MY REVIEW

We begin If The Sun Spares Us by Brenda Marie Smith where If The Light Escapes Us left off. The books are best read in order, letting the characters seep into your heart, the danger get your pulse pounding, and your hopes for them come to fruition.

Oh man, I never saw Bobby doing what he did. Was it the right thing to do? Who knows in the crazy world they are living in.

It’s a year later and they have settled into their new home. They still have their highs and lows and are meeting and trading with others, taking in those who want a place in their community. Perhaps there is hope for humanity yet.

Life goes on and mistakes will be made. Rebuilding the world will not be easy, but taking one step at a time and letting bygones be bygones allows them to work together to create their new world one step at a time.

Braving The Light Series by Brenda Marie Smith has been a tragic, gut wrenching adventure filled with despair and hope and love.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

BLURB

Two years ago, a solar pulse destroyed modern life. Bea Crenshaw organized her starving, suburban neighbors into a farming community. But now Bea’s gone, and her grandchildren must carry her legacy forward.

In the post-apocalyptic pressure cooker of Austin, Texas, 19-year-old Keno and his younger cousins struggle to ensure their community’s survival even as they’re forced to relocate to safer grounds. Northern Lights that don’t belong this far south grow increasingly intense, making Keno fear what harm the sun will cause next.

Even worse, a marauding militia called the Raiders is closing in, led by a deranged woman who preys on teenage boys. Despite Keno’s debilitating flashbacks from a firefight, he and his wife have a new baby to protect. Though Bea is dead, her spirit desperately searches for ways to shield her grandkids. When Raiders target two neighborhood members, the only hope lies in the community’s strength, Keno’s ingenuity, and the family’s fierce love for one another.

EXCERPT

I’m half-starved, about to drop in my tracks, and emotional pain is clawing me up inside. Living through this apocalypse, I don’t know if it’s the deprivation or the heartache that will kill me first.

I think I’ve been scouting South Central Austin for a place to move my family and neighbors for about two weeks, but I’ve lost track of time, and I’m not finding a freaking thing. We have to move; we just have to. I was hoping to find a place with walls and water, but no such luck.

It’s dusk when I come upon a row of warehouses, looking for a spot to sleep. Most warehouse doors are bent, with the jambs and locks broken. All looted inside, messes that don’t look like they have anything worth scavenging. One door has a big hasp and a bigger lock intact. Maybe I’ll break it in the morning to see if I can find some food.

A few doors down, there’s a stairwell leading to a basement door. A good place to hide where I have an escape route. I duck down into it.

“We’re so screwed,” I grumble to myself as I lean my rifle on the stairwell and slide off my backpack.

“You got that right.”

F***. Who said that? I whip my face around, my hand on the pistol behind my back.

“I wouldn’t fire that if I were you.”

A face looms above me… behind a crossbow that’s aimed at my head. I throw up my hands.

“Don’t shoot!”

AUTHOR Bio and Links

2018-10-18_Brenda Marie Smith

BRENDA MARIE SMITH is attracted to stories where everyday characters transcend their limitations to find their inner heroism. She lived off the grid for years in a farming collective where her sons were delivered by midwives. A lifelong community activist, Brenda has managed student co-op housing, produced concerts, and raised a small herd of boys. She and her husband live in Kyle, Texas. They have more grown kids and grandkids than they can count.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

  • Website: https://brendamariesmith.com
  • Blog: https://brendamariesmith.tumblr.com
  • Twitter: @bsmithnovelist
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJlLSnORIyoaygvZ1j49ZKw

Buy Links for the Braving the Light Series:

  • IF DARKNESS TAKES US (Book One): https://amzn.to/461geyL
  • For IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES (Book Two): https://amzn.to/464zPOD
  • IF THE SUN SPARES US (Book Three): https://amzn.to/3LzIpwA
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MY BRENDA MARIE SMITH REVIEWS

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Idle Hands Finale – Sir Henry’s Heart by Michael B Chikondi @M_B_Chikondi

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MY REVIEW

In Sir Henry’s Heart, we pick up where we left off in The Girl From The Basement, Book 3, of the Idle Hands series by Michael Chikondi. It’s all about Miriam and Sir Henry. Sir Henry had become fixated on Miriam and those he sets his sights on never survive his obsession. Will Miriam be the first? I have hope. After all, the entire series has taken place with Sinjen and Miriam side by side.Can Miriam find a way to save herself, seeing no one is allowed to intervene?

It’s funny how fascinated the vampires are with Miriam’s diary. Gave me some chuckles and that is always good when we are dealing with blood thirsty vampires.

Sinjen works with vampire hunters, cleaning up messes not of his own making. I love it. Vampire and vampire hunter, working together. Sinjen is one of the few vampires able to do so. His faith in humanity has been depleted.

The Idle Hands series has been a wild ride, filled with ups and downs, and could it possibly end with love and romance? I must admit, Richard and Miriam deserve a happy ending after all they have been through…and managing to stay human amongst the vampires is quite the feat.

I have loved being along with each adventure taken in the Idle Hands series by Michael Chikondi. I am eager to see where we will go next.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Sinjen and Miriam find themselves at a crossroads. As it becomes apparent that Sir. Henry will not be dissuaded from pursuing her, she has no choice but to return to him. Sinjen’s hands are tied, by order of the House of Nightfall and by his Mistress. When Sinjen receives a black envelope from Lord Mica, the most powerful vampire prophet, he is devastated. These letters mean that death is certain, and Sinjen must face a more immediate danger.

  • Genre: Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampires
  • 222 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published September 20, 2023
  • Series: Idle Hands, Book 4

ABOUT MICHAEL B CHIKONDI (from Amazon)

Michael B. Chikondi is not to be trusted, but the creature agrees to a meeting in its burrow. We enter with trepidation, given that the thing has no doorbell. As we crawl through the narrow tunnel, gored out by its own teeth, by the texture, we hear what can only be described as a hacking cough.

“Can we approach?” we call.

“No soliciting.” the voice returns.

“You sent for us; you told us to ask you questions. You know, for promotional reasons.”

“Ask.” the dread voice responds.

“Alright, who are you?” we try.

“A creature of mist and shadow, half-mad, I used to go out, I did, and know those…humans. Not now, not since…the pen.”

“You found a pen? That’s why you became a writer?” we ask, now terrified, trying to gauge how fast we can leave the burrow. The photographer has already left us, chewing off his own watch, caught on a tree root.

“Yes, but now…I hunger…”

We are not proud; we turn tail and flee, before it can leave its den. We aren’t paid enough to get a full bio. We can only pray someone buys its books, so that the thing never comes out on its own.

Ed. What the hell is this? This isn’t what we requested. Just some nonsense and an artist’s rendition of what one of my people saw before he contracted rabies? Eh, whatever. Plenty more writers in the sea.

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MY MICHAEL B CHIKONDI REVIEWS

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Giveaway & Review – Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice @partnersincr1me

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Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice Banner

Lest She Forget

by Lisa Malice

November 20 – December 15, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

https://amzn.to/3ubkluc

MY REVIEW

Wow…what an amazing cover. Look at it closely. I love it. And, I love books that have a severe weather event. We are on the road in Virginia and a blizzard is headed Kay’s way. She must get home. She will be better there. The headlights blaze through the rear view window, gaining on her, and…..

She wakes with a name, Kay Smith, but no memory.

I am cynical and immediately suspicious of everyone around her. The doctor, the nurses and the guy who visits the comatose woman in the bed next to hers. Lest She Forget is a romantic suspense novel, so….is he the villain or the hero? They chat, and seeing she is alone, he leaves her his number. I have a feeling she will be using it…soon.

Kay could leave her past behind. Start over. But, we all know the past always catches up to us. Just because you’re paranoid, it doesn’t mean that people aren’t out to get you. She definitely needs to keep that paranoia alive. She is being hunted….again. By who? And why?

As she does her research, a sympathetic hospital clerk shows her concern by sharing all the information she can find about ‘Erin Johnson’. Her research leads her to Nick Costa, the mysterious visitor.

About halfway through, the tension rises and keeps building. The chase is on. The clock is ticking and the body count is rising. I have a revelation and why I didn’t see that coming, I don’t know. Was I so involved in the moment that I didn’t try to predict the outcome? I do love when an author can keep me in the moment.

This is Lisa Malice’s debut novel. With the amazing job she did, the sky’s the limit and I hope to around for her next fabulous story.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Synopsis:

Haunted by a forgotten past. Hunted by a ruthless killer. No one to save her but herself.

After surviving a car crash, Kay Smith wakes from a coma with amnesia, a battered face, and no one to vouch for her identity. Her psychiatrist is convinced that her memory loss is connected to the horrific flashbacks and nightmares haunting her. As she digs for clues to her past, Kay uncovers a shady character following her every inquiry. Who is he? And what does he want from her?

As Kay’s probes deepen, she realizes that everyone around her has deadly secrets to hide—even her. Emerging memories, guilty suspicions, and headline-screaming murders push Kay to come out of the shadows and choose: will she perpetuate a horrendous lie or risk her life to uncover the truth?

Praise for Lest She Forget:

“Lisa Malice’s debut, Lest She Forget, is filled with twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end!”
~ Debra Webb, USA Today Bestseller

“Brimming with intrigue, Lest She Forget takes readers on a dark and twisted journey with surprises around every corner. It’s a thriller that grips you from the first page!”
~ Ellery Kane, award-winning author of the Doctors of Darkness series

“This twisty thriller takes you deep into Kay’s psyche, even as she runs for her life. Whoever you think this woman is, whatever you think she’s seen or done, prepare to be surprised!”
~ Sarah Warburton, author of Once Two Sisters and You Can Never Tell

“Lisa Malice’s psychological thriller Lest She Forget is a tense and twisty debut, an intricately plotted story that grows more and more complex with each new revelation. Don’t even try to guess how this novel ends; just put yourself in Malice’s capable hands and enjoy the ride!”
~ Karen Dionne, author of the #1 international bestseller The Marsh King’s Daughter and The Wicked Sister

“Lisa Malice turns an amnesia story on its head in this twisty, unique tale of intrigue, suspense and unexpected turns. You won’t be able to predict the next chapter, much less the ending.”
~ Lisa Black, NYT bestselling author of the Gardiner & Renner and Locard Institute series

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by: CamCat Books
Publication Date: December 2023
Number of Pages: 368
ISBN: 9780744307153 (ISBN10: 0744307155)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | CamCat Books

Read an excerpt:

The loud heavy beat of my heart echoes in my ears, pulsing in sync with the car’s wipers as they furiously slap at the snow alighting the windshield. The frantic rhythm draws me in as I stare ahead into the darkening night and the thick snowflakes swirling in the beams of the headlights. The effect is almost mesmerizing.

My eyelids start to droop. I want nothing more than to sleep, let my mind shut off. Under slumber’s spell, the ache in my heart would subside, the guilt in my soul would vanish, and, if I was lucky, I’d wake up to find that the words I heard earlier today were just part of a gruesome dream, an awful nightmare.

She’s dead.

My chest tightens, my heart races as my thoughts are pulled toward our last moments together. Fraught with suspicion, accusations, anger. My eyes tear up.

It’s your fault.

The words reverberate in my ears as my head starts to throb. How could I have been so stupid and naïve to fall for that man’s lies, his manipulations? If I could go back in time and change everything, fix my mistakes, right a host of wrongs, I would. Things would have turned out differently. Two—no, three—people would still be alive. But there’s no going back. Worse, I see no path forward, at least not one I can live with.

My gaze is drawn to a hazy pair of headlights reflected in the rearview mirror. A chill runs down my spine, even as a bead of sweat trickles down the side of my face. My fingers, clenched atop the steering wheel, go numb as my foot presses down on the accelerator.

“Calm down,” I tell myself. I can’t let fear trick me into imagining what is not there.

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second, then open them again and glance into the side mirror. They’re still there, those headlights, keeping pace with me. I focus on the road in front of me, take a deep breath, and let it out slowly. “Get a grip,” I tell myself. “If he wanted me dead, I wouldn’t have made it this far.”

Staring ahead, a forest of tall pines engulfs the road, blocking out much of the remaining daylight and casting a gloom all around that grows blacker and grimmer with each fleeting moment. But I can’t go back. Not now. I’d have to face the truth, accept my own culpability, surrender myself, my life, my future. I’m not ready to do that.

I turn on the radio and press the scan button, hoping for a distraction. Music pours through the speakers in short clips—Spanish, hard rock, country, polka—and then a soft, familiar melody, its words just on the tip of my tongue.

“. . . I would surrender my soul, if it would bring back yours . . .”

My gut twists with remorse. The pain is cut short as the radio scanner moves to the next station.

“. . . Could you forgive me, if I made it to Heaven . . .”

Tears well up in my eyes as the radio, again, moves on.

“. . . My name won’t be on St. Peter’s list . . .”

A mournful sob erupts from deep inside me. My hands, clutching the steering wheel, suddenly go weak and start to tremble. Those songs, their lyrics—words that never held any personal meaning—now haunt me. It’s as if some cosmic disc jockey knows what I’ve done and doesn’t want—no—won’t let me forget it.

“Please, no more!” I shout.

A woman’s voice pops over the speakers, a news program. “Finally, I sigh, poking the scan button to set the station.

“. . . it’s time for a quick station break, after which we’ll go to a weather update with WCVA’s meteorologist, Alec Bohanan. Our weather team says this blizzard hitting Virginia and much of the East Coast, the first significant snow event of 2017, is a bad one. It could be a killer, so sit tight at home and keep your radio dial tuned to this station . . .”

She’s right. The snow is coming down thicker and heavier with each passing mile. The roads will only get worse. But I need to press on. I must get home. I can think better there. Figure out what options I have left.

My attention is pulled back to the voice on the radio. “When the last segment of The June Jeffries Show returns, we’ll join the Virginia State Police press conference with breaking news on the missing person case of—”

It’s your fault.

The words echo in my ears, pulsing louder and faster with each echo, drowning out the newscaster’s voice. I slam my fist down on the radio’s power button.

Suddenly, flashes of light bounce off the windshield. The muscles in my jaw tighten. My neck stiffens. My hands, locked in a death grip on the steering wheel, grow cold, numb. My gaze darts to the rearview mirror. Unable to look away from the looming vehicle behind me, I throw my left arm up to block its intense beams.

The steering wheel jerks to the right, pitching the passenger-side wheels off the road. I grasp the steering wheel with both hands and pull to the left, but overcorrect. The car careens across the snow-swept blacktop, skids beyond the center line.

When I finally pull the car into the right lane, my heart is pounding, my body trembling, while my grip on the steering wheel goes weak.

***

Excerpt from Lest She Forget by Lisa Malice. Copyright 2023 by Lisa Malice. Reproduced with permission from CamCat Books. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

Lisa Malice

Lisa Malice earned her B.S. in psychology at the University of Minnesota, her M.S. and Ph.D. at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her debut novel, Lest She Forget, a psychological thriller, was a finalist in five unpublished manuscript contests. Lisa is an active member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, and the Authors Guild. A native of Minnesota, Lisa lived in the Atlanta area with her husband for nearly thirty years before moving to the Tampa area in 2019 to enjoy a life of sailing, fishing, and shelling on the Florida Gulf Coast. They have two adult children and a granddog.

Catch Up With Lisa Malice:
www.LisaMalice.com
Goodreads
Instagram – @LisaMaliceAuthor
Twitter/X – @LisaWMalice
Facebook – @LisaMaliceAuthor

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway!

 

 

Enter for a Chance to WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for CamCat Books and Lisa Malice. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

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Werewolves – Review – A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid @TheZargothian

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

A man…on a lonely road…trying to do a good deed. His family is attacked by werewolves, but they get away….

I love Prologues, and A Beast Within by Aidan Lucid hooked me opening page.

Jeremy wanted to go straight, put his criminal life behind him. He is determined to make it so his mother didn’t regret helping him…again. He hits all the pitfalls and discrimination of real life criminals. He was so dejected he made the call to Stephen. We all know this will end badly.

They are on the run, after a failed bank heist. A quiet farmhouse holds a dark secret, and these three criminals are going to get more than they bargained for.

So many scenarios ran through my mind. I had a feeling…maybe…but I had to wait for Aidan Lucid to finish his story. He kept me guessing, but I was very happy with the ending.

A Beast Within is a quick read, a novella filled with action that runs at a quick pace from beginning to end.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Have you experienced true terror? For three criminals, they’re about to face it head-on!Fresh out of prison, Jeremy vows to steer clear of a life of crime and clean up his act. But he quickly realizes that to the world, he will always be an ex-con and plunges back into his old ways. The perfect opportunity presents itself in the form of his best friend, Stephen, and his spunky girlfriend, Natalie.After a failed bank robbery, Jeremy and his accomplices’ identities are made. So, they find refuge in the home of a typical Christian family. Their getaway should have been smooth sailing…after all it was three armed criminals against the wholesome Boyd family.But the Boyds are hiding dark secrets of their own…Get the latest pulse-pounding, thrilling novella by Aidan Lucid today! “I loved this story. From the first page I was hooked! There are twists and turns.” – Hanna (Booksirens reviewer).“Lucid does it again with characters you can root for and action that holds you on the edge of your seat. Beware the beasts that prowl at night!” – Priscilla Bettis, author.

  • Genre: Fiction, Horror
  • 114 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication November 10, 2023

ABOUT AIDAN LUCID

Aidan was born in July 28th, 1981 in County Kerry, Ireland. Growing up, he always loved reading books, especially those in the fantasy genre. Books on the supernatural also filled his shelves as a kid and still do to this today.

Mr. Lucid’s journey as a writer began back in 2002 after having a religious experience. In 2004, he plucked up the courage to send out some of my material to magazines, newspapers etc. and seven items Aidan wrote were published that year. For the next two years Aidan received diplomas of distinction in creative writing and freelance journalism.

Back in April 2005 Aidan began writing, The Lost Son, which was then under a different title. In 2010 it was published by a Texas-based publisher but in 2013, he left that publisher. Mr. Lucid listened to feedback from readers on the novel and made some changes, adding new characters, fleshing out the story a bit more etc. Fast-forward to October 2019, Jongleur Books published The Lost Son.

Aidan Lucid says, “Writing is my life and it fills me with joy to see people enjoy my works. It’s my aim to let people escape the mundane world we live in and get carried away by the adventures both in The Zargothian Saga books and other future works that will be released over the next few years. As an author, I love listening to the feedback readers give me. It’s always fun to meet and engage with the audience. I love doing interviews and talking about my writing journey, hoping that it will inspire another author to pursue their dream.”

In July of 2023, Lucid finally achieved another one of his goals. The Lost Son (Second Edition) was awarded the Silver Literary Titan Book Award. Now he can finally say that he is an, “award-winning author”.

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Giveway & Review – The Immortal Detective by D B Woodling @partnersincr1me @DBWoodling

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Beginning tomorrow, November 28th the ebook will only cost 99₵. Be sure to share this great deal … and grab yourself a copy before it ends on December 8th!

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Immortal Detective by D B Woodling is the total package. At first it was the title that drew be into Celeste’s vampiric world, then I saw the amazing cover, then I read the blurb, and I loved every minute I spent there.

Celeste never would have chosen her undead life. Her mother, father, and brother, as well as her lover, Tristan were all vampires…and she hated them all. Because she is a decorated detective, her family petitioned the powers that be to imbue her with many of their gifts. With all the calamity in the world, she could fulfill a purpose. She would also be tasked with bringing those deserving into the fold, increasing their numbers. Their actions can, and will, change the world.

I love how they can morph into fantastical creatives, teleport, time travel, fly, read minds, implant suggestions, and so much more. It takes Celeste some time to get a handle on her powers, but the Elders will be there to assist her when necessary.

Celeste has an adopted daughter, Raina, and a flamboyant, gay vampire nanny, Fane, who live with her in her beloved Victorian home. Even baby vampires are children, frightened by nightmares…or premonitions. I became enamored with these characters and want more of them.

I love the dialogue between Raina and Fane…fun, fun, fun. He knows how to distract her from the bad, put a smile on her face, and entertain her while her mommy is fighting crime. I love that Celeste and Raina sleep together in the same coffer. Talk about cuddle time.

Celeste is a detective with the Kansas City Police. She will put her powers to the test as she endeavors to eliminate a sex trafficking ring. Lots of action. A choice will be made and I love it. The choice can definitely lead to another book in the series.

I missed reading the first book in the series, The Immortal Twin, and I feel I would have connected to the characters better if I knew their back story. Sometimes I forget to check and see if a book is part of a series and I wish I would have read the the books in order, but I can still recommend The Immortal Detective. I just recommend reading The Immortal Twin first.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

ABOUT THE IMMORTAL DETECTIVE

Sometimes being immortal makes you wish you were dead.

Celeste Crenshaw has survived her parents’ grisly murders, grueling and gender-biased police training, a battle with rogue vampires, and even her own death. While immortality might seem a dream come true, can she accept the strings attached?

Celeste spends the start of her immortal life being mentored by the Elders of the Hollow Earth. They release her once they feel certain Celeste has honed her supernatural powers. But little do they know, Celeste isn’t wholly committed to granting eternal life to those deserving. Upon a return home to her immortal lover, and the Kansas City Detective Squad, she battles mortal foes, not so unlike the demonic undead. And when a fellow detective falls victim to a murderous gang member, Celeste faces a gut-wrenching decision and the possible wrath of the Elders.

Praise for The Immortal Detective:

“…impressive vampiric worldbuilding {with} a fascinating cast.”
~Publishers Weekly

“A new, original, fresh, fascinating and fun take on the Vampire genre. THE IMMORTAL DETECTIVE by D. B. Woodling is a “must read” pick for the legions of vampire fiction fans and an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Fantasy Fiction collections. Exceptionally well written…”
~Midwest Book Review

Book Details:

Genre: Paranormal, Detective Mystery, Fantasy Hybrid
Published by: CamCat Books
Publication Date: March 2023
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 9780744308013 (ISBN10: 0744308011)
Series: The Immortal Detective, 1
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | CamCat Books

ABOUT D B WOODLING

D. B. Woodling

Acquiring an early appreciation of prose written by Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelley, and the audacious Stephen King, Woodling chose to follow in their intimidating footsteps, evidenced by The Immortal Twin (CamCat Books 2020) and The Immortal Detective, released by CamCat Books, March 2023. She recently completed a supernatural small-town murder mystery and has a Hollywood whodunit in the works, with Book Two of The Immortal Detective series vying for her attention. Woodling is a multi-genre author, and The Immortal Detective is her eighth novel.

Catch Up With D. B. Woodling:
www.DBWoodling.com
Goodreads
BookBub – @DBWoodling
Instagram – @DBWoodling
Twitter/X – @DBWoodling
Facebook – @DBWoodling
Pinterest – @DBWoodling

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
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