One Sentence Reviews for Tina Leonard & Robin Bridges @Tina_Leonard @robinbridges

The Unfailing Light (Katerina, #2)I won a hardcover of The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges a long time ago and am just getting around to reading and reviewing it.

This is one of those books that is hard to rate because it is Book II and I don’t have Book I or III, so I don’t get the full story, BUT the more I read, the more I enjoyed the story and the more I became involved with the characters, wishing I would have had the entire series and read from the beginning.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

Burned by a Kiss (Star Canyon #1).I won two books in the Star Canyon series, paperback novellas, by Tina Leonard.

I wasn’t expecting a lot from this quick read, because romance and ‘westerns’ are not high on my reading list, but we do have a little bit of romance and a little bit of mystery, the characters steal the show, and I would love to know more.  🙂

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  2 Stars

Branded by Fire

I am so glad I had Branded by Fire hanging around because with each novella I read, the more I become involved with the family, the more I wanted to know what the heck is going on, get involved in their simple romance, become a part of their tight knit family, and the more I get the know them, the more I want the mystery solved and for them to have their happy ever afters. 🙂

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

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#BooksFromTheBacklog – Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra C HIghley @KendraHighley

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books.

Amazon / Goodreads

In this companion short-story to Matt Archer: Monster Hunter, fifteen-year-old Matt Archer finds himself in the Australian Outback on the trail of his latest targets…and hunting hyper-intelligent, mutated Dingoes is not his idea of a great summer vacation.

Making things more complicated, Matt’s Uncle Mike–aka Major Tannen–is his C.O. for this mission. To Matt’s consternation, the major’s new fiancĂ©e, Captain Julie Hunter, is also along for the trip.

When Captain Hunter disappears during a routine scouting trip, it’s up to Matt to help his uncle find her before it’s too late.

Goodreads Ratings: 4.10 249 ratings19 reviews

I added Matt Archer: Monster Summer 3.14.13, but had grabbed a copy on 1.30.13. I’m not sure what made me grab a copy, but I do like the cover, love the paranormal, and it will be a quick read, at 41 pages.

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Cinderella Retelling Review – Only Until Midnight by Michael B Chikondi @M_B_Chikondi

Amazon / Goodreads

I don’t read a lot of fairy tale retellings, but when one comes my way by an author I enjoy, bring it on. That is the case with Only Until Midnight by Michael B Chikondi. It’s always fun to see what kind of spin an author can put on an oft told tale and Michael did a great job.

The mice running around the house added a fun touch.

There is not a lot to say on a subject that has been written about so much, but Michael added this and that, making the story his own. The Prince…that was nice touch, even though I had immediately caught the twist.

A quick, fun story that is sure to entertain, and it left me with a smile on my face.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

There are battles in this world which most people never see.

Sometimes the need to preserve our spirit, hope and dignity is the trial that we face, and love just the prize. This is one such tale.

Retelling the classic fairytale, this story focuses not on the quest to win the handsome prince, but on Cinderella before the ball, and the reality of life with a narcissist – the stepmother in whose ‘care’ the young girl is left after she becomes an orphan.

How does a person maintain their optimism and their sense of self in a hopeless situation that they cannot control, when even other people living in the house cannot see what is going on right under their noses? Some conflicts are fought over many years, lost and won without anyone knowing that a war was happening at all.

Only Until Midnight is at once a return to the traditional values of the fairytale and an unflinching look at the reality behind it, making the magical princess more relatable than ever as a woman in an impossible situation.

  • Genre: Fairy Tales and Folklore, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance
  • 193 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published April 15, 2024

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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Books From The Backlog – Matt Archer: Monster Summer @KendraHighley

Books from the Backlog is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

If you would like to join in, swing by Carole’s Random Life in Books

My last Backlog post was in April of last year, but I am determined to mine through my TBR and clean it up…a bit.

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

In this companion short-story to Matt Archer: Monster Hunter, fifteen-year-old Matt Archer finds himself in the Australian Outback on the trail of his latest targets…and hunting hyper-intelligent, mutated Dingoes is not his idea of a great summer vacation.

Making things more complicated, Matt’s Uncle Mike–aka Major Tannen–is his C.O. for this mission. To Matt’s consternation, the major’s new fiancĂ©e, Captain Julie Hunter, is also along for the trip.

When Captain Hunter disappears during a routine scouting trip, it’s up to Matt to help his uncle find her before it’s too late.

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Supernatural, Short Story, Young Adult
  • 41 pages, ebook
  • First published October 3, 2012 by Smashwords
  • Series: Matt Archer, #1.5

Goodreads Ratings: 4.10 – 247 ratings – 19 reviews

I added Matt Archer: Monster Summer by Kendra C Highley on 3.14.13 but got it as an Amazon freebie on 1.20.13. Why did I add it you ask? Just look at the fabulous cover, then add in the blurb and I am caught…hook, line and sinker.

How about you? Does that cover make you want to visit the Australian Outback?

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Giveaway – In The Shadow Of A Dream by Maci Aurora @XpressoTours

In the Shadow of a Dream
Maci Aurora
(Fareview Fairytales, #3)
Publication date: January 30th 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance

With the promise of finally learning her mother’s secrets, Brinna Fareview and her family gather together. Only somewhere between the truth and lies, Brinna wakes to find she’s trapped in a space in between the world awake and the nightmares of her family. All of them are asleep. Learning she has the ability to move from dream to dream, Brinna tries to find a way out of the dream world, but she’s stuck, unable to fix what’s ailing her family. But then an unexpected thing happens, Lucian Uraiahs, god of day and light, walks into her dream.

While Lucian decided a long time ago that Brinna Fareview was a blight on his peace, he can’t seem to avoid her. She pops up at every turn, all because his brother is god-yoked to her sister. All Lucian wants is to disappear into the oblivion of the cosmos amidst his shame and guilt, but the unbidden feelings he has for Brinna can’t be contained. When Lucian is stripped of his powers for refusing to bend to his father’s will, he is imprisoned with only his guilt to keep him company. Except when he falls asleep, he dreams of Brinna and somehow becomes the only link to saving her, her family, and his brother from a spell that could destroy them all.

Brinna and Lucian must work together to uncover the secrets they need to break the sleeping spell, but the longer they share their dreams, the more they realize time is against them.

Join the Fareviews in book three of the Fareview Fairytales series, In the Shadow of a Dream, to discover the truth that has them trapped behind the hedge.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

—

EXCERPT:

Luc grumbled and turned back to look at the hedge once more, walking its length when he heard women’s voices—sweet and lilting—coming from inside. He stepped back, searching for the elusive entrance.

“Remember when we were talking to Tarley the other day? About the man in the woods?” Aurielle—he knew her voice—replied.

“So romantic
” the other said, her voice soft and whimsical. Which left only two possibilities: Luc’s woodland fairy or the other sister, the one with the dark, soulful eyes. “Why are we doing this again?” she asked.

He wondered which one was with Aurielle and suppressed any hope it might be his singer.

“Well, I’ve met someone.” Aurielle snapped the words, because the other one seemed to be antagonistic about being dragged out into the woods.

He grinned at their bickering. Relatable.

“I have so many questions! You’ve been behind the hedge since–” The sister’s voice cut off abruptly, then she shouted, “The Great Nap Escapade?”

“So,” Aurielle said, drawing out the word, “you’re doing this for true love. And I promise, Brin, you won’t have to wait long.”

[
]There were words spoken Luc couldn’t discern, followed by Aurielle bursting from the hedge. She called out for Nix and disappeared across the road through the bramble.

“What if someone comes?” Brinna called, then groaned. “Annoying.”

He was going to talk to her! He swallowed as he thought about what to say. “Couldn’t agree more.” Luc couldn’t see her; she was still hidden within the hedge.

She gasped. “Who’s there?”

“The brother.”

Her head—like a disembodied apparition—appeared from the hedge, turning to look for him.

When she saw him, her eyes widened. It was the first time he realized her eyes were gray. “Whose brother?”

He hummed but said, “Since we’re both on lookout duty, we could make it interesting.” “Who are you, exactly?” she asked, stepping from the hedge.

Luc’s breath stopped up, caught up by both disbelief and utter excitement. [
] “There you are,” Luc said, finally finding his voice.

She demanded his name.

“Lucian,” he said, turning slightly toward her, his shoulder leaning against the hedge—a terrible choice. He straightened and wiped the leaves from his shoulder.

“And you’re not here to meet my sister?”

“Stars, no,” he said, allowing himself to truly look at her as he shook his head, grateful, suddenly, that Nix asked him to be his unnecessary companion. “That would be my brother. Come closer.” He gave her a slight grin. “I don’t bite. Usually.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I’m fine right here, thank you.”

“You know my name, which gives you power. Will you not offer the same?” Though he already knew it, he wanted her to offer it freely.

“Brinna,” she replied and disappeared back into the hedge.

“Wait,” Luc called. “Where did you go?” The hedge didn’t have an entrance. “Where are you?” “Here,” she whispered, as if daring him to find her. Despite the low volume, her voice reached him, and he wondered, strangely, if it always would.

He used his godlight to sneak through the magical threads of the hedge, and his arms passed through, allowing him to grasp Brinna. Using her as leverage, he pulled himself inside.

She squealed—a cute little sound that seemed as if she was trying to be quiet about it—and stumbled into him, her palms pressed against his chest. Heat seared his skin underneath his clothes where her hands rested.

“What are you doing?” she demanded. “Unhand me.”

He did. Immediately. Swiping his hands over the place she’d touched to wipe away the sensation.

He hated the added impulse of wanting to wrap her up in his arms.

Ridiculous. He told himself he was curious about this hedge, given he’d never seen anything like it on his Roam.

He walked deeper into an arched passageway that stretched out in front of him with no end in sight, as if it curled in on itself. Surprised by the muted light inside, Luc glanced over his shoulder, where Brinna now stood framed by an arched entrance.

She followed him. “What is wrong with you?”

His internal glow warmed the darkness inside the hedge so he could see her features, which pinched with her frown. He wanted to press his thumb against her mouth, run the pad of it across her lips, but he swallowed the urge instead and looked away.

“If I keep walking, what will I find?” he asked, ignoring her question for one of his own.

“The cottage. Where I live.” She paused, then said, “You truly couldn’t see me? That seems
 unbelievable.”

He hummed and looked around. “Perhaps if it wasn’t enchanted.”

“Enchanted!” She scoffed, an unflattering kind of snort, but Luc found it
 cute. “You must be mistaken.”

He snorted back at her, incredulous. “I am not mistaken. Not about this.”

“You don’t make mistakes?” She offered a sharp laugh.

He’d begun to think this—trapping himself in proximity to her—was one. “Absolutely not,” he lied. The very large mistake in his immediate past had nearly cost him his brother, but she didn’t need to know about that.

“I highly doubt that.” She crossed her arms, her dark eyebrows arching over her pretty eyes. “Now, why are you glowing?”

“Why is this hedge enchanted?” he countered, realizing he should have doused his godlight so his father wouldn’t know, but he didn’t with her attention finally fixed on him.

They stood facing one another, the hedge seeming to close in around them. He only needed to take a step, and he’d be close enough to draw her into his arms, lean forward, and kiss her. The shrinking hedge and his overpowering urge to touch her made him feel like he couldn’t take a deep enough breath.

“How do you get out of here?” The shrinking hedge unnerved him, even if it was an illusion
Then he realized he couldn’t see the opening any longer. It had disappeared. He was trapped.

“I need to go,” he gasped.

Author Bio:

Romance author.

Lover of stories.

Maci Aurora has been writing stories since she was a child. When she was eleven, she fell in love with reading Sunfire Historical Romances about girls who made a difference in their lives and still fell in love. In high school, a friend introduced her to Lavyrle Spencer and Judith McNaught, and from there, her writing journey was cemented in telling stories about love. Having already published many novels (all of which are threaded with romance as upper YA and New Adult titles) under the pen name, CL Walters, Maci Aurora wanted to write stories that offered the same attention to story and characters but with additional steam.

Maci writes in Hawaiʻi where she lives with her husband, their children, and their fur-babies.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

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Review – The Valley Of Horses by Jean M Auel #jeanmauel #librarylovechallenge

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MY REVIEW

It has been many, many years since I read the first book of the Earth’s Children series, Clan Of The Cave Bear my Jean M Auel. The story stuck with me so much that here I am, decades later getting lost in Ayla’s story and prehistoic adventures. All her previous world came back easily, and that is so unusual for me, that I am sure I will read it to the very end.

We flip back and forth, between Ayla and Jondalar. It’s obvious to me they will end up together, but Ayla’s struggles after being kicked out of the Clan are fascinating. She learns to survive by doing, picking up skills on her own. She was seeking one of her own, but she makes friends with a horse and an even more unlikely companion, so her search is delayed and she spends years alone.

A scream changes her world forever when she saves Jondalar from Baby.

That’s all I’m saying, because Ayla’s story is sooooo worth experiencing for yourself, that I want you to discover it by becoming as immersed in the journey as I did.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

This odyssey into the distant past carries us back to the awesome mysteries of the exotic, primeval world of The Clan of the Cave Bear, and to Ayla, now grown into a beautiful and courageous young woman.Cruelly cast out by the new leader of the ancient Clan that adopted her as a child, Ayla leaves those she loves behind and travels alone through a stark, open land filled with dangerous animals but few people, searching for the Others, tall and fair like herself.  Living with the Clan has taught Ayla many skills but not real hunting. She finally knows she can survive when she traps a horse, which gives her meat and a warm pelt for the winter, but fate has bestowed a greater gift, an orphaned foal with whom she develops a unique kinship.One winter extends to more; she discovers a way to make fire more quickly and a wounded cave lion cub joins her unusual family, but her beloved animals don’t fulfill her restless need for human companionship. Then she hears the sound of a man screaming in pain. She saves tall, handsome Jondalar, who brings her a language to speak and an awakening of love and desire, but Ayla is torn between her fear of leaving her valley and her hope of living with her own kind.This eBook includes the full text of the novel plus the following additional ‱ An Earth’s Children¼ series sampler including free chapters from the other books in Jean M. Auel’s bestselling series‱ A Q&A with the author about the Earth’s Children¼ series

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Adult, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Prehistoric, Romance
  • 577 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published January 1, 1982
  • Series: Earth’s Children, #2
  • Characters: Ayla, Jondalar

ABOUT JEAN M AUEL

Jean M. Auel, nĂ©e Jean Marie Untinen is an American author best known for her Earth’s Children books, a series of historical fiction novels set in prehistoric Europe that explores interactions of Cro-Magnon people with Neanderthals. As of 2010 her books have sold more than 45 million copies worldwide, in many translations.

Auel attended University of Portland, and earned an MBA in 1976. She received honorary degrees from her alma mater, as well as the University of Maine and the Mount Vernon College for Women. She and her husband, Ray Bernard Auel, have five children and live in Portland, Oregon.

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Post Apocalyptic Adventure – Farewll To Dust And Sun by John M Broadhead @JohnMBroadhead

Amazon / KindleUmlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Our people don’t know what else to do, so we dig.

Right out of the gate we meet the haves and the have nots. Could you imagine living underground? You get up in the morning and dig until you go to bed at night, barely enough food and water to keep you alive. I worked for General Motors and used to think, if I die, they are going to step right over me, or on me, and continue working. Morbid, huh? I feel that is Coal’s future, if he doesn’t follow his instincts.

He wants to save the people of Dirthome, and what an appropriate name it is. Nothing to see for miles but desert. John M Broadhead’s descriptions are spot on, considering he knows them so well, being raised in rural New Mexico.

The Outliers want what they have, mounting attack after attack, bodies falling on both sides. But, the biggest threat that so many refuse to even think about is the darkness coming. The sun will go down and not return. So many continue their day to day lives, refusing to make a decision to leave the only home they have ever known. There will be no food. No water. They cannot survive. A religious leader uses their fear to keep them under control.

Coal heads out with Slate, searching for a new home. He never anticipates what will happen when he sees birds for the first time, meets the sea, and the Stacca, a violent and dangerous people.

We travel from the present to the past and back to the present. Part One set the hook, Part Two gave me Coal’s adventurous history, bringing us to Part Three, where decisions will be forced, whether the people want to follow him or not. He never wanted to be a leader, just wanted to save his people, especially the governor’s wife, who he loves.

Farewll To Dust And Sun by John M Broadhead was a different kind of apocalyptic/ dystopian read and I am always on the lookout for someone to take one of my favorite genres and tweak it. Once I started, I couldn’t stop and will be eagerly awaiting the next Slow World Tale. How about it John? I hope you are writing fast. 🙂

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

His scorched desert world is doomed. To save his people, first he’ll need to fight them.

Loyalty and love will be tested and treacherous alliances made, but is it too late to ensure their survival?

Coal is a tenacious and headstrong young laborer who lives in the harsh wasteland of Dirthome, a brutal and unforgiving place where relentless violence and apathy are commonplace. As the sun prepares to set for the first time in generations, he hatches a daring plan – to persuade his people to abandon their desert abode before darkness and cold consume the world.

But driven by a complex love for the governor’s wife and accompanied by a mysterious warrior woman, Coal must navigate dangerous partnerships and confront his own fatal weaknesses. In this sweeping and gritty western-themed fantasy, traditions are shattered, flawed characters clash and civilizations collide in pursuit of uncertain salvation.

“Farewell To Dust And Sun” is the thrilling first installment in the “Slow World Tales” series of post-apocalyptic adventure fantasy books. If you like coming-of-age, survival fantasy books set in a barren and grim future, this book is for you!

  • Genre: Action and Adventure, Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction
  • 557 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published November 7, 2023 by John M Broadhead

ABOUT JOHN M BROADHEAD

“I just want to make things that people can nerd out on. There’s nothing in life more joyful than nerding out over something.”

I am excited to share my newly completed novel “Farewell To Dust And Sun.” Fitting nicely into the apocalyptic genre, this is a fast-paced adventure story set in an unforgiving desert, a quest to save the world that eschews fantasy tropes and focuses on the characters, their hopes, failures and crises. 

Heading toward publication on November 7th, this will be my second self-published novel, but the first in which I believe I truly found my voice. I believe it to be a “millennial” story through and through, expressing the angst in the hearts of a generation stuck between a bleak past and a bleak future. 

Among other projects I am in fact working on the sequel in what I hope to eventually craft into a trilogy of “Slow World Tales.” My writing credentials include my previous novel “Talking Man,” along with a novella, a children’s book, and a novelty picture book. I have been recognized with numerous awards for my poetry and screenwriting, and my academic background in English Literature provides me with a deep understanding of the craft. Additionally I am a filmmaker, runner, thru-hiker, and Tolkien nerd. 

Website / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Poetry

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The Wolf I Want For Christmas by Abigail Owen @AOwenBooks

abigail owen, award-winning, author, paranormal romance
wolf shifter, paranormal romance, christmas romance
wolf shifter, alpha male, fated mates, ocd, allergies, romantic comedy

The Wolf I Want For Christmas by Abigail Owen was part of the Christmas After Dark anthology that is no longer available. I never got to read the anthology, but I was able to get my hands on Abigail Owen’s novella. I do want to cite the other author’s stories:

  • Christmas In Atlantis by Alyssa Day
  • Bewitched Before Christmas by Nina Croft
  • The Lone Wolf’s Wish by Lisa Kessler
  • Shifting Seasons by Sheryl Nantus
  • Bewitch You A Merry Christmas by Juliette Cross

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love Abigail Owen’s writing, so I was super excited to see she had a Christmas novella I had not read. I have read most of her books and I loved them. Her writing style is a perfect fit for me, and I was not disappointed with The Wolf I Want For Christmas.

Shyla has not seen Cade since he left town ten years ago…and now he’s knocking on her door. They’ve both changed a lot, grown up into a couple of pretty impressive packages. I thought it was hilarious that she is allergic to dogs…because he’s a werewolf. LOL

He knows she’s his mate, but she doesn’t…

The Wolf I Want For Christmas by Abigail Owen may be short and sweet, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some issues to overcome, especially the fight for becoming the alpha of the pack…oh, and taking her as his mate.

I smiled and laughed my way through The Wolf I Want For Christmas, ending with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a happy ever after.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Cade Campbell has spent ten years in hiding, preparing to return to his small town, the pack his uncle stole from him
and the mate who doesn’t know she’s been waiting for him. When he shows up on Shyla’s doorstep a few days before Christmas he discovers the sweet, quiet girl he grew up with is all woman. The problem is she’s become a loner, is obsessively neat, and allergic to dogs. Bad news for this wolf. Still, Cade’s not giving up on her or on taking his rightful place as alpha. Maybe this year Santa could finally get things right.

Christmas After Dark anthology

  • Genre: Christmas, Fantasy, Novella, Romance, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Supernatural
  • 86 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published November 15, 2019

ABOUT ABIGAIL OWEN

Multi–award-winning paranormal romance author, Abigail Owen, loves plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, alpha heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of sexy shifters! Other titles include wife, mother, Star Wars geek, ex-competitive skydiver, spreadsheet lover, eMBA, organizational guru, Texan, Aggie, and chocoholic. Abigail grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She attempted to find a practical career related to her favorite pastime by earning a degree in English Rhetoric (Technical Writing). However, she swiftly discovered that writing without imagination is not nearly as fun as writing with it. Abigail currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero (who she totally married!) and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.  

Website & Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Bookbub

MY REVIEWS FOR ABIGAIL OWEN

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Giveaway – Kiss Of A Witch by S G Slade @ExpressoTours

Kiss of a Witch
S.G. Slade
(Darkness Rising, #2)
Publication date: December 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

Trapped in a spreading web of darkness, the power of an ancient book might be their only hope.

Mary Sparrow was cursed at birth, and the bawdy house is the only home she’s ever known. Like most of the girls, she dreams of escape. But when an old man drives her friend to madness, she swears she will have her revenge.

Toby Chyrche also hopes for a better future, away from the tailor’s shop where his fate seems set in stone. Then afateful meeting seems to promise freedom, until an ancient book of magic reveals chilling truths.

Ensnared in the spreading web of darkness, they turn to magic to protect themselves. But shadowy forces crave a sacrifice, and the spectre of death is beckoning. Can they wield the power of the book to protect those they love? Or will they pay for their courage with their lives?

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EXCERPT:

Then Toby ducked through the low door from the street and her breath stopped short in her throat. She was on her feet in a moment, shoving the sewing back into the basket at the hearth, straightening her skirts, checking her hair and adjusting the neckline of her bodice, small breasts pushed up and on display to their best advantage. She waited by the hearth, a coy smile on her lips and her head tilted in invitation. He saw her straight away and made his way towards her, and the little light of hope inside burned brighter. He had come, not for any girl, but for her.

‘Ale, Rosalind,’ Mary ordered to the other girl, who still sat staring at the unlit fire. Rosalind turned towards her, frowning in question. ‘Get us ale,’ Mary told her again, and eventually the girl got to her feet and headed out the back to where the barrels were kept.

‘Master Chyrche.’ She dropped her best curtsey, and he returned it with a bow.

‘Mistress Sparrow.’

They sat at a small round table beside the fireplace, and he looked around the empty room. ‘Where is everyone?’

She shrugged. ‘Elsewhere.’

‘Then I’m glad,’ he replied. ‘Because it means I can have you all to myself.’

She laughed, taking pleasure in the pleasantry. ‘I am all yours, Master Chyrche.’

He took her left hand in his, and began to caress the extra finger, gaze intent on the movement of their hands. Then, looking up, his eyes fixed hers in question. ‘Are you truly cursed, Mary Sparrow?’ he asked. ‘Does the Devil suckle at night on this finger?’

She gave him an uncertain half-smile in answer. Why was he asking the same questions again? ‘I cannot rightly say,’ she murmured. ‘I hope not.’

Lifting her palm to his mouth, Toby kissed it, then briefly, discreetly, slid the extra finger between his lips, his tongue warm and moist as it curled around the tip. Her breath lifted in response, warmth in her gut. Then Rosalind returned with the jug of ale and Toby let her hand go. Mary poured for them both and she drank, unsure of him now. She had met men before who made a fetish of her fingers, but Toby’s sudden interest disconcerted her. She lowered her cup and looked at him. He was watching her closely, eyes grey and pale in the candlelight, and she was self-conscious under his scrutiny.

‘Perhaps I’m your Devil,’ he said.

‘Perhaps,’ she replied, but she had no understanding of his meaning. He must have seen the confusion in her eyes, though she tried her best to hide it, because then he gave her a smile that made her fall a little deeper.


Author Bio:

S.G. Slade was born and raised in the historic city of Bristol in England, and now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband, son, and a very small dog called Livvy. She has worked variously as a secretary, a teacher, a shop assistant and a nurse, but lifelong obsessions with books, history, and magic have never waned. When she isn’t reading or writing (which isn’t often), you can find her either doing yoga, going for long walks, or watching old movies. Touch of a Witch is her first historical fantasy book.

She uses the pen name S.G. Slade for her fantasy books, and also writes Historical Fiction under the name Samantha Grosser.

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Psychic Immunity – The Color Of Shame by Hollie Smurthwaite @H_Smurthwaite

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MY REVIEW

Killing with kindness always baffled jerks.

I love that quote from the book and Sara is spot on. She knows a jerk when she sees one, and she has seen plenty of them. Sara works for The Agency, or she did until a mission went wrong. Terribly wrong. It left her scarred, inside and out. Because of that, they had let her go, but does a shadow agency ever let anyone go?

Psychic groups collide when Sara meets Beckett, a stiff English professor, and it is discovered that she has immunity to being read. Beckett, well, when push comes to shove, his love and loyalty will shine…BUT it will be a rough road to get there.

Hollie Smurthwaite’s vivid descriptions bring the characters to life. I can see them through her words, feel their emotions, join in their fight for life and love.

I met Sara in The Color Of Betrayal, Jolene and Cass’s story. Sara is a diverse character, suffering from dyslexia. She is vivacious, has a snappy wit, and people are drawn to her beauty. She trusts no one, except, possibly, Jolene, Cass and Kiera, but they have not seen each other for years. She does not want to take her troubles to their door, so she tries to handle the situation on her own. As the danger rises and betrayals take her down, I fear for her. The tension and pacing pick up, making me flip the pages…rapidly.

I love when Sara brings Ren into the story. Ren has a level of innocence that makes me want to shelter her, protect her. I love when Sara brings a level of fun and companionship to the others in the group.

I have had my eye on one character in particular, waiting for him to show his ugly side. When he does…Hollie creates a twist that had me smiling. I love when an author throws something totally unexpected my way.

I wouldn’t change a thing about The Color Of Shame by Hollie Smurthwaite. My question is: Will Ren get her own story? The series could end here and I would be satisfied, but when a find a fascinating character, I want more. I want them to have their happy ever after.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

When her immunity to psychics is discovered, Sara is sucked back into spying for the criminal organization she was poised to escape.

The worst scars are hidden . . .

For years, Sara served the shadowy Agency, until a mission gone wrong left her physically and emotionally wounded. Haunted by these scars, Sara is counting down the days to her reconstructive surgery, the final step towards freedom from the Agency’s clutches.

Just as she’s close to escaping, Sara’s path crosses with Beckett, an uptight English professor with the uncanny ability to delve into people’s minds with a mere touch.

Anyone’s mind except Sara’s.

Unbeknownst to her, Beckett is a member of a clandestine society of memory magicians, and he sees in Sara the perfect instrument to catapult his career within their ranks.

Sara and Beckett clash fiercely, both determined to follow their own paths. But the Agency’s grip on Sara is tighter than she realized, and they give her one more assignment: work for Beckett and his program to help budding memory magicians. And report back all the details.

While forced to work side by side, Sara and Beckett soon discover that first impressions can be misleading, and animosity can transform into an intoxicating mix of frustration and fascination.

As the lines blur between loyalty and self-preservation, Sara finds herself torn between protecting Beckett and his students or safeguarding her own precarious freedom.

Will Sara’s immunity be her salvation or her downfall? Can she navigate the treacherous landscape of spies and memory magic while protecting her heart?

  • Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Psychics, Romance, Supernatural, Suspense
  • 370 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published November 1, 2023
  • Series: The Psychic Colors, Book 2

ABOUT HOLLIE SMURTHWAITE

Hollie Smurthwaite is a paranormal romantic suspense author of The Color of Trauma and The Color of Betrayal. The Color of Trauma was the winner of the 2020 Soon to Be Famous Illinois Author Project in adult fiction. She lives in Chicago with her husband, son, and too few pets. In past lives, she’s been a checkout clerk, massage therapist, office manager, recruiter, magazine staff writer, pepper spray hawker, and belly dancer.

MY HOLLIE SMURTHWAITE REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.no
  • You can see my Reviews HERE.
  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • I am an Amazon affiliate/product images are linked.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!