Tag Archives: 4 star review

King’s Back In Draco (The King Series) by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff @MimiJeanRomance

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MY REVIEW

I have been reading Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s work for some time now, and I am excited to share another one of her stories with you. Draco is a dark fantasy and we do meet some familiar characters, though the book can stand alone.

Whether in Hell or on Earth, the characters can find love.

Normally her books are laugh out loud funny amongst the chaos and ruin her characters create. Draco is different, dark and moody. That threw me off a bit, but Draco is still worth the time spent with him as he struggles to be with the woman he loves, no matter what.

King is not someone to be messed with, but I feel Draco is up for the task.

Sometimes, Piper can’t tell the difference between fact and fiction, present and past. Will she run to Draco…or away from him.

Draco was one hell of a story and I dare you to come along for the ride.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Draco by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.

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Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes Draco, a standalone dark romantic fantasy about a man fated to end the world and a woman fated to stop him.

DRACO
Approaching my thirtieth birthday, life seemed a the perfect job, a girlfriend I adored, and endless possibilities ahead.

Then I woke up. Trapped in a grimy cellar, my body frail, and my love vanished.

Determined to break free, I succeed. But then the grim truth my entire reality is a fabrication, and I’ve been branded as the catalyst for the apocalypse. Why me?

I refuse to accept my fate, but how do I stop it when every move I make only brings me closer to becoming death’s henchman?

PIPER
When a mysterious man showed up at my door, looking to rent a room, I knew I should turn him away. He wasn’t only good looking, which my live-in boyfriend wouldn’t appreciate, but there was something off about him. Still, I couldn’t say no.

Then things take a dark turn when he claims he’s seen me in his dreams and wants me to explain why. He seems crazy. Or is he?

Because strange stuff starts happening, including the unshakable feeling that I know this man from somewhere. I think…I think I’m meant to help him.

But why does every instinct scream to run? And why can’t I resist getting closer?

  • Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
  • 266 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published May 13, 2024 by Paper & Silver Inc
  • Series: The King Series

ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.

Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.

She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.

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Review – A Dream Of Blood And Magic by Olivia Boothe @TheOliviaBoothe

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MY REVIEW

Olivia Booth is a must read author for me, ever since I read her Hell’s angel series, which I highly recommend if you love apocalyptic/dystopian fiction. A Dream Of Blood And Magic, we are dealing with vampires and witches. Vampires vs vampires. Witches vs witches. Vampires vs Witches. Vated Ordo vs Sisterhood. Good vs Evil.

We begin with the Prologue. I love Prologues…don’t you? Allorn, a realm outside Earth, 5,000 years ago

Rayne wasn’t only fighting to save herself. She was fighting to protect her daughters from the most ruthless queen her realm had ever known. The queen had no idea there were two daughters, twins. To through the queen off the scent, they separated the girls. Rayne says:

“I don’t know how to be without you, Enid. Who will sing sone with me at night? Or tease the lily hoppers by the pond?”

Enid leaned in. “When the wind brushes against your cheek, sister, it will be me sending you a kiss.” As if speaking in a silent language only they could hear, they smiled and embraced one last time.

That was soooo sweet and soooo sad. What will become of them?

Present Day, New York City: We are at the underground club, Requiem run by Luther, an evil vampire. As he drains the last drop of blood from his blood host, there is a knock on the door. His debt has come due and Lilluth is there to collect. She is a member of Vates Ordo, the most powerful dark arts witch hive in the world.

As long as Avery could remember, people had thought her crazy. She shares a home with her best friend, C J. They have much in common, alone and raised in a series of foster homes.

Avery’s dreams are nightmares. She spends many hours drawing detailed images from them. They feel more like memories than dreams. A crow crashes through her window. She mends his broken wing….and her life is changed forever.

Kane knew something was wrong and headed to New York. The ‘family’ will come together. Luther, Kane and Azael. All of them desire Avery for different reasons. Where Avery, a Spirit Marked Witch, ends up depends on the winner of the battle to come.

I wrote and highlighted so many notes, I am having to decide which to share and which to toss out. The battle for dominion over the realm is fought to the death. Who will be left standing will not be decided until the end.

As Avery’s magic awakens, the danger increases, through no fault of her own. The Prophecy has come true.

A Dream Of Blood And Magic by Olivia Boothe is told from multiple points of view. Each character has their story to tell and it didn’t take me long to figure out what side I stood on. Olivia is not afraid to kill off her characters. Even though I knew some would fall, I was crushed at one in particular.

Olivia Boothe can pen a story that captures my heart and mind. The tempo and pacing of The Spirit Marked Witch kept me reading until the last word was read. I was so engrossed in the story, I never saw the end coming. Avery shone through Olivia’s words as she grew into the Prophecy. Her innocence may have been swept away, but her maturity and sense of right and wrong will carry her through the worst of times. I can understand some of the cruelty, but her mother? I am eager to meet the other guardians that will come to protect her. I know I have already seen the second one. There are those that will stand beside her, and those that want to use her, and I can hardly wait to read more of her story. The series does need to be read in order…and I intend to be there at the end.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Underworld meets Kingdom of the Wicked in this forbidden love, rivals to lovers, high stakes, slow-burn gothic contemporary fantasy romance.

A SINISTER DARKNESS BREWS, SOWING THE SEEDS OF WAR. AND AT THE CENTER OF IT ALL IS A YOUNG WITCH WILLING TO RISK IT ALL TO SAVE THOSE SHE LOVES.

When a mysterious crow crash-lands through Avery Jaxon’s Brooklyn apartment window, awakening the elemental magic dormant in her veins, Avery soon discovers her entire life has been a skillfully woven lie, and that even her new avian friend holds secrets of its own, including the answers to her shrouded past.

But pulling back the veil is only the beginning. An ancient prophecy has been set in motion, thrusting Avery into a centuries-old supernatural war between witches and vampires.

Seeking to harness Avery’s rare and ancient power, the most notorious dark arts witch hive in the world is on the hunt to find Avery before she’s captured by Kane, a vampire sworn to protect humankind from the next Spirit Marked—a foretold witch with such immense, raw magic, it will threaten to destroy all life on Earth.

Now, to save humanity and protect her friends, Avery must learn to control her potent magic, all while building an alliance with the warrior vampire sent to seize her. Their destinies are more entwined than either could have ever foreseen. But despite the magic that binds their paths and the enigmatic attraction growing between them, Avery struggles to trust the man born to be her enemy.

However, Kane’s not the only vampire thirsting for the honeyed taste of Avery’s blood…someone else also seeks to wage a war against her heart.

In the end, Avery must not only grapple with the painful truth behind her family’s past, but she’ll need to accept the journey laid out before her. For not only do the lives of those she loves depend on it, but so do the lives of every mortal and immortal creature alike.

Intended for audiences 18 years+ Please check the author’s website for a full list of CW/TW

  • Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Fiction, Gothic, Magic, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Witches, Vampires
  • 429 Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication June 12, 2024 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.

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Review – Titan’s Tears by Chad Lester #chadlester #titanstears

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MY REVIEW

I was slowly drawn into Chad Lester’s world in Titan’s Tears. A world that was not easy to comprehend, but the more I read, the more familiar I became with the characters and the storyline and I do love when an author unfolds the details in a surprising way.

Science fiction and technology…used in a good and an evil way. Titan’s Tears is one of those thought provoking books that makes me ask…Just because we can do it, should we?

Four characters are drawn together on an isolated island off the coast of Alaska. Robots, and a Jurassic Type jungle are not the only things that are dangerous. Treachery and betrayal are around every corner.

Titan’s Tears and the ending didn’t go the way I thought and I do love when an author is able to surprise me. Great job, Chad. The story may have started slow for me, but as I got familiar with the characters and story I got more involved in the characters lives. I began to feel a sense of urgency. Fiction/Reality, sometimes there is a fine line between the two.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Titan’s Tears by Chad Lester.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Unnatural things are happening on an isolated island off the coast of Alaska.

Just when Belle had thought her life couldn’t get any weirder—she finds herself arrested for murder. Only a few months ago she lived in a peculiar village, cut off from civilization, where she suffered from bizarre hallucinations and nightmares. Then she received a mysterious invitation to work for the world’s most brilliant scientist—the enigmatic Sophia Eccleston. The pay was outstanding. The accommodations, second to none. The catch? Belle had to live on isolated island and follow strict, often bizarre, security protocols.

Meanwhile a slaughterhouse worker is declared obsolete, replaced by machines, and becomes a bearded recluse. As he sits in his crumbling manor awaiting the cancer to take him—he too receives an unusual invitation to the strange island where either his salvation or damnation await. Things aren’t going well for Sophia either. She faces the hostile takeover of her life’s work—her company—all while striving to keep the identity of her eight-year-old daughter a secret. They all meet on an isle where murder-machines and transgenic creatures run amok in a gothic odyssey where technology has been unleashed.

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Science Fiction,
  • 376 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication June 30, 2024
  • Setting: Alaska, Oregon (US)

ABOUT CHAD LESTER

Chad Lester is the author of the novel ‘Titan’s Tears’ and the short story collection ‘Continuum.

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One Sentence Review – Smash Smash Smash by Philip Fairbanks @kafkaguy #truecrime

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Smash, Smash, Smash: The True Story Of Kai The Hitchhiker by Philip Fairbanks was an immersion into the corruption running rampant in New Jersey and, even though we hear Kai’s story, it almost takes a backseat as the details unfold with the haves and have nots, where justice does not always prevail and sometimes it’s more about money and who you know.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“That woman was in danger, so I ran up behind him with a hatchet… Smash, smash, SUH-MASH!!!”
Millions of people heard these words and shared the viral video with their friends. This mysterious surfing hitchhiker then vanished as quickly as he appeared, only to reappear on many late night talk shows and fan videos. But 3 months later, he was arrested and charged with killing a prominent New Jersey lawyer… in self defense against a sex assault.
Who is this mysterious hitchhiker? What was with that lawyer who drugged and assaulted him? Why would the investigators destroy evidence, tamper with witnesses, and shut the public out of the trial?
For almost a decade, the public was kept in the until investigative journalist Philip Fairbanks searched for the truth in mountains of government records, witness statements, and hard evidence. At long last, he found the answers to these burning, aching questions…
And they will surprise you.

  • Genre: True Crime
  • 454 pages, Hardcover
  • Published February 6, 2023 by Is It Wet Yet Press

ABOUT PHILIP FAIRBANKS

Philip Fairbanks is a writer with 20 years publishing experience covering entertainment media, news reporting. His work has appeared in the peer-reviewed journal of art Afterimage, CUNY’s graduate newspaper The Advocate, Ghettoblaster magazine, New Noise magazine and several other print and online publications. He has spent years researching and covering online child grooming, the Jeffrey Epstein case, MK-Ultra, the Finders cult and several other topics that are discussed in the Pedogate Primer.

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Review – I Just Died In Your Arms – An Anthology Of Novellas Inspired By One Hit Wonders #ijustdiedinyourarms @caverstraete

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MY REVIEW

Hold onto your hats, people, because I have 12 novellas/short stories to share in the anthology, I Just Died In Your Arms. The beginning of each story tells the history of the song the story is based on. You may want to have some of them playing in the background, complementing these easy reading mysteries. The great cover depicts the blood that will be shed. I didn’t zip through the book like I normally would. Instead I would read a story or two, then move on to a novel I had on the back burner. That is the great thing about a quick read, you can pick it up no matter where you are at and enjoy it. It’s also a great introduction to the writing style of some new authors. Maybe you’ll even add them to your favorites list and read more of their work.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Hitting the charts only once isn’t just unfortunate…it’s a crime.

Over the decades, tons of musical artists and groups have had a hit song that has lived on long after the tune topped the charts and is often looked upon fondly for decades to come. For some musicians, this may be the only the song they’re ever known for and they fade into obscurity soon thereafter. These are affectionately known as “one-hit wonders,” and are much celebrated by fans and music publications, particularly on September 25th each year on One-Hit Wonder Day

12 of today’s best short story authors have taken their favorite one-hit wonders and reimagined them as the influence for some pretty heinous crimes. (I Just) Died in Your Arms features a decades-spanning collection of immediately recognizable hit songs turned into stories from the amazing talents of Vinnie Hansen, Jeanne DuBois, Josh Pachter, J.M. Taylor, Christine Verstraete, Sandra Murphy, Joseph S. Walker, Wendy Harrison, Bev Vincent, Leone Ciporin, Adam Gorgoni and Barb Goffman.

  • Genre: Anthologies and Collections, Music and Musicians, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
  • 181 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published January 9, 2024 by White City Press

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Original – Review – Invocation by Aileen Erin @aileen_erin #Invocation #NetGalley

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MY REVIEW

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

From the opening pages, I was immediately drawn into Samantha’s world. Aileen Erin seamlessly wove together a tale of good and evil that made it hard to look away. The characters came to life, even when they were dead. I love that Samantha runs towards danger and faces her fears, knowing it’s the right thing to do.

I have read books with paranormal creatures, heavenly and demonic creatures, and the humans they walk among, but Invocation is an original take on a familiar story line.

Invocation is a fast paced thriller that took my breath away and had me clutching my ereader, white knuckled, on the edge of my seat, devouring words before they could devour Samantha. She has friends all around her, but going to Hell and facing her father is something she must do alone. Talk about family problems….her father is a fallen angel and he wants her in Hell with him.

When Samantha and her father come face to face and her strength falters, who will reach out and bring her home?

At first I thought this could be a stand alone, no series book, but I was so glad to find out it’s not. I want more and I want it now!

I would like to thank Aileen Erin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Invocation.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

From USA Today Bestselling Author, Aileen Erin, comes an all new action-packed, romance-filled, paranormal series.

There are three things I know without question. One, demons are real. Two humans make awful mistakes that get them in demonic trouble more often than you’d think. And three, I’m the only one who can help them.

I straddle the line between the mortal and spiritual realms every day. People might think they’re two different places, but they’re not. They lay on top of each other. It’s messy, and that’s why so many people need my help.

Since I was little, I’ve been called all kinds of names—unusual, abnormal, even insane. Which is fitting since they keep throwing me in to mental facilities. I’ve been in and out of them my entire life.

But no matter what people say, no matter what I’m risking, I will always help those in need.

Because there’s an endless war carrying on all around us, every minute of every day. One that can’t be seen by mortal eyes. But I can see it, the spiritual battle for mortal souls, and I’m working hard to make sure my father is on the losing side.

My father—Astaroth, Satan’s general—is why I can do this. He’s why I’m not normal. I hear him, whispering my name at night, his taunts echoing through the spiritual realm. He’s hunting me, and I know the day will come when I must face him again.

Every portal I open could be the one that finally pulls me back to Hell, and I wonder if I will brave enough, strong enough, good enough to fight him.

My name is Samantha Catherine Lopez, and I am Nephilim. This is my story.

**Fans of the Alpha Girls series will love this new series set in the same world, with a few familiar faces. 😉 BUT you DO NOT have to have read a single word of the Alpha Girls series to enjoy Samantha’s story.

  • Genre: Angels, Demons, Fairies, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural, Werewolves, Young Adult
  • Format: 414 pages, ebook
  • Published: March 19, 2024 by Ink Monster, LLC

ABOUT AILEEN ERIN

Aileen Erin is half-Irish, half-Mexican and 100% nerd-from Star Wars (prequels don’t count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University. She lives with her husband, daughter, and mischievous mini bernedoodle in Texas, and spends her days doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

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Review – Wet, Warm And Noisy: A Jake Ward Novel by David A Wilson @dav_willson

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MY REVIEW

This is one of the few times where a title catches my attention before the cover. If you want to know what is wet warm and noisy, well, you’ll need to read the book for yourself.

I have been recovering from a serious illness and wanted a book to blow me away. Wet, Warm And Noisy didn’t do it, but the blend of law enforcement and the supernatural kept my attention. The things Jake Ward goes through has me wondering what will be left of him when all is said and done. It is suitably creepy and I did find myself cringing as he was poked and prodded.

As Jake Ward follows Belle Anderson down the rabbit hole, the danger rises. He has no idea what’s in store for him….and neither did I. It didn’t end the way I thought, and I love it. I look forward to going on more adventures with Jake Ward and David A Willson.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wet, Warm And Noisy by David A Willson.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A supernatural crime thriller set in Alaska, the Last Frontier…Surrounded by the unforgiving climate of the frozen north, Jake Ward, a tenacious Alaska State Trooper Investigator and cancer survivor, is on a relentless quest to regain his health and return to full-duty status.

But Ward’s world takes a bone-chilling turn during a routine polygraph examination when a woman escapes custody, leaving an officer critically injured. What started as an ordinary investigation transforms into a complex web of intrigue, where medical experimentation and consciousness collide.

In “Wet, Warm, and Noisy,” Willson masterfully blurs the boundaries between law enforcement and the supernatural, leading readers on a heart-pounding journey through a realm where the tangible and the mysterious intersect. With time slipping away, can Ward decipher the enigmas that defy reason, or will forces that transcend human experience overwhelm him?

Author David A. Willson, with over two decades of experience as an Alaska State Trooper, brings a rare authenticity to crime fiction that will both enlighten and captivate you. Prepare yourself for an electrifying thriller that challenges the very foundations of our reality.

  • Genre: Fiction, Horror, Science Fiction
  • Format: 244 pages, Paperback
  • Published: February 7, 2024 by Independently published
  • English

ABOUT DAVID A WILLSON

David A. Willson is a father, husband, pancreatic cancer survivor and a retired Alaska State Trooper. Taught by his mother to love books at a young age, he spent his childhood exploring magic, spaceships, and other dimensions. In his writing, he strives to bring those worlds to his readers.

Much of his material is inspired by the ‘Great Land’ of Alaska, which he has called home for over 40 years. He is passionate about technology, faith, and fiction—not necessarily in that order.

When not writing, he enjoys traveling, woodworking, brewing beer and wine, and playing acoustic guitar.

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Review – Life Among The Tombstones by H R Boldwood @BoldwoodH @SDBookTours

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MY REVIEW

Great cover, title and story is found in the prequel, Life Among The Tombstones by H R Boldwood. I was super excited when I received three more books in the Allie Nighthawk Mysteries series. MMMMMM! Zombies may want brains, but I want more of Allie.

Allie comes home to Cincinnati, Ohio, to murder, mayhem, and zombies. Her past rears its ugly head…wanting revenge. I’m not too worried about her, because she is a kickass womance who runs towards danger, instead of away from it.

Life Among The Tombstones was a pretty quick read. It kept me flipping pages, leaving me wanting more. It’s a good thing I was able to get the next three books in the series. I am eager to share them, so let’s get to it.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

ABOUT H R BOLDWOOD

Life Among the Tombstones

Freelance zombie hunter seeking full-time employment-benefits required.

In this prequel to The Corpse Whisperer series, financially challenged zombie hunter, Allie Nighthawk, returns to her hometown of Cincinnati and finds herself knee-deep in murder, mayhem, and zombies. Can she solve not one but two murders, and get away unscathed — when the good guys might not be so good, and a presence from her past returns for revenge?

**Get it FREE!**

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ABOUT H R BOLDWOOD

H.R. Boldwood, author of the Corpse Whisperer series, countless short stories, and Imadjinn Award finalist, is a writer of horror and speculative fiction. In another incarnation, Boldwood is a Pushcart Prize nominee and winner of the 2009 Bilbo Award for creative writing by Thomas More College. Boldwood’s characters are often disreputable and not to be trusted. They are kicked to the curb at every conceivable opportunity when some poor unsuspecting publisher welcomes them with open arms. No responsibility is taken by this author for the dastardly and sometimes criminal acts committed by this ragtag group of miscreants.

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Review – Mind Games by Nora Roberts #NetGalley #MindGames #NoraRoberts

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MY REVIEW

I want to thank NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read Mind Games by Nora Roberts. I have been reading her work for decades (oops, showing my age a bit).

The cover of Mind Games looks so adventurous and peaceful, but the story is anything but…and I was pleasantly surprised. I love when an author mixes mystery and suspense with the paranormal and Nora Roberts wove them together seamlessly.

I never used to be so interested in the romance of a story, but that has changed since I have gotten older. I love romantic suspense and paranormal romance. Nora hid the nail on the head…we have all the romance we could want in Mind Games.

The villain is a great villain, sufficiently evil and, even though he is locked up in supermax, he manages to haunt Thea. Thea made the mistake of creating an opening, but she was only twelve years old, so we can understand how her need to make the villain pay would override her need to keep a distance from him. He is more dangerous than she knew.

There’s plenty of fun dialogue, along with the grown up talk. At times, I found myself laughing out loud. Kids are little sponges and pick up those grown up words we wish they would never hear…know what I mean?

I know the book is a stand alone, not a series, but I grew to care so much about the characters, I would love to visit them again. Nora Roberts brought them to life and I don’t want to see their story end.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the evil that awaits.

As they do each June, the Foxes have driven the winding roads of Appalachia to drop off their children for a two-week stay at their grandmother’s. Here, twelve-year-old Thea can run free and breathe in the smells of pine and fresh bread and Grammie’s handmade candles. But as her parents head back to suburban Virginia, they have no idea they’re about to cross paths with a ticking time bomb.

Back in Kentucky, Thea and her grandmother Lucy both awaken from the same nightmare. And though the two have never discussed the special kind of sight they share, they know as soon as their tearful eyes meet that something terrible has happened.

The kids will be staying with Grammie now in Redbud Hollow, and thanks to Thea’s vision, their parents’ killer will spend his life in supermax. Over time, Thea will make friends, build a career, find love. But that ability to see into minds and souls still lurks within her, and though Grammie calls it a gift, it feels more like a curse―because the inmate who shattered her childhood has the same ability. Thea can hear his twisted thoughts and witness his evil acts from miles away. He knows it, and hungers for vengeance. A long, silent battle will be waged between them―and eventually bring them face to face, and head to head…

  • Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller
  • 352 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication May 21, 2024 by St Marin’s Press
  • Setting: Redbud Hollow, Kentucky (US) Fredericksburg, Virginia (US)

ABOUT NORA ROBERTS

Nora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 — The Becoming — the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.

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Review – In The Doldrums by Simon Dieppe #simondieppe #inthedoldrums

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MY REVIEW

I have gotten on a huge apocalyptic/dystopian reading binge and when I saw In The Doldrums by Simon Dieppe’s cover I got even more curious. Without looking, what do you think is on the cover?

BOOM

Someone pushed the button and hell and chaos was released. Will humanity be able to survive? If you don’t die from the bomb, what about the fallout? Would you want to be one of the survivors? It’s not just the power grid being obliterated, food, water, and medical supplies becoming scarce, but you know it will be survivor against survivor.

Donal O’Brien is one of the 27 survivors on the Thalassa, a container ship with a vast ocean separating them from land. They had parked themselves In The Doldrums, a belt around the Earth that allowed them to tread water, saving their fuel. But, how long can they survive, before they have to find somewhere to replenish heir supplies?

I had also remembered that Kirk, Spock and Bones were always accompanied by at least two junior members of the crew, who were invariably cannon-fodder for humanoid lizards and aggressive robots.

In The Doldrums was a bit different from my usual apocalyptic/dystopian reading, considering it takes place on a ship at sea. We all know that sooner or later they are going to have to seek out other survivors. Will they be hostile?

Simon Dieppe didn’t waste any time getting into the crisis. He supplied food for thought, seeing we are living with so much instability all across the globe. Are you of the ilk that no one would be cruel enough to push the button? Myself, I go back and forth on the subject. We have so many volatile leaders, it’s hard to not think about it.

The pacing kept me involved and I loved the ending. After all, we need hope to keep us putting one foot in front of the other. So….if you are looking an intriguing read that is sure to keep you guessing, it would be hard to go wrong with In The Doldrums.

Thanks Simon, for the opportunity to read and review a free copy of In The Doldrums.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREAD BLURB

A strategic, manmade global pandemic.
A nuclear response.
A new, dark age for humanity.

Two weeks before, washed-up writer, Donal O’Brien, boards the container ship Thalassa. In a last-ditch attempt to gain literary immortality, he has left his life behind to immerse himself in a new world – a world he hopes will inspire him to create his masterpiece. He is to tell the story of those who live at sea, those whose work invisibly greases the cogs of modern consumerism. It is a world of ingrained inequality, a melting pot of nations, a soup of stories.

Then, as the ship reaches the quiet of the Mid-Atlantic Doldrums, humanity implodes.

Unsure of what remains of the world they left behind, the crew of twenty-two must find a way to survive – not only from the catastrophe that surrounds them, but from each other.

In the Doldrums is a speculative psychological thriller, murder mystery and examination of the human condition all rolled up into one.

For lovers of literary dystopian, post-apocalyptic fiction who enjoyed novels such as Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven and Hannah Jameson’s The Last.

★★★★★“A beautifully written post-apocalyptic tale. The juxtaposing themes of hope, despair, loneliness, fear, paranoia and friendship are all explored and navigated expertly. The geographically, scientifically and historically accurate facts grounds the story in realism and allows you to truly picture the settings and places from the story.” John Athan

★★★★★”Clever writing in a future that is entirely believable.” S.Bowsher

★★★★★”Really good, chillingly appropriate for the times.” N.J. Blake

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Psychological, Science Fiction, Suspense, Thriller
  • 288 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published January 1, 2024

ABOUT SIMONE DIEPPE

Simon Dieppe lives near Worcester in the UK. He has been a lawyer, worked in the international conference industry and was a Director in a UK PLC, but has now settled down as an English and History teacher – a career that he loves. Simon started writing in the first lockdown, and hasn’t stopped. In the Doldrums is his third novel, but the first that he has published. He is currently re-working the first two books with the aim of publishing them later this year. He has an eclectic taste in literature, but has always been drawn towards dystopian fiction. He lives with his wife, two children and dog, Bernie.

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  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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