Tag Archives: Mexico

Rebirth – The Abduction Of Adrienne Berg by Cheri Krueger @LoveIsCool

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Have you every wanted to run away? Change your life? Escape from the chains that bind you? Walk away and start over? How far would you go to get your happy ending?

Adrienne and Gabriel met at the gala and it was an instant attraction. The problem, he is taken. I loved when they first met and made up stories about others at the party. My friends and I used to do the same thing when we were…out. It was fun, imaging the possibilities.

Adrienne’s husband, Dustin, and his friend, Jarrett, stole millions of dollars. Gabriel finds out about it and decides to take the money for himself. Himself and his pregnant girlfriend, Cindy. He wants the money to give his family a life. And, he takes Adrienne along for the ride. At first, she is an unwilling participant, but it doesn’t long for her to see an opportunity to recreate herself.

Driving through Mexico, on the deserted roads, Adrenne finds herself in dangerous and unanticipated situations. She finds a strength she never knew she possessed. She may never be able to let down all the defenses she built up and I wonder…

“I was never a kid. I had to fend for myself…”

It’s interesting when an author adds a bit extra into a character, like Cindy being pregnant and Adrienne having a life or death health condition.

I can only imagine the tension in the household. Two women who want the same man. One man with a single goal, to give his family the best life possible. Can the women become friends? Can they all have what they desire? That is what kept me reading. Of course, I wondered if the American authorities would care enough to follow them to Mexico, if the Mecali’s would care enough to come after them, if they could avoid Dustin and Jarrett, who want the money that Gabriel took from them.

Then, we have a surprise guest, a retired secret agent.

I loved the premise, ditch your old life and create a new one. Just…think…of all the possibilities. Shed your old life, create a new one. Take a bad situation and make it work for you. From ennui, to despair, to…happiness (?). All things are possible.

Even though I never felt any mind blowing moments, I enjoyed the ride.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“It’s a wild ride. Choices and decisions. Some are good and some not so good. Cheri Krueger has woven an intricate plot and invites us along to follow this cast of characters-all seeking a better life but going about it all wrong.” -Karen Brees, author of Crosswind Restless housewife Adrienne meets charismatic pilot Gabriel and feels an instant primal attraction. When Gabriel abducts her and steals millions from her embezzling husband, she should be afraid, but street-survivor Adrienne thrills to the rush. Feeling betrayed by her husband’s secrets, she turns from hostage to accomplice. Gabriel’s firm commitment to another woman is simply one more obstacle for Adrienne to overcome. In a chaotic hunt from the suburbs of San Francisco across the hostile badlands of Mexico, their pursuers find more questions than answers, people die, and the lines between the good guys and the bad guys blur. Adrienne is determined to reach the paradise Gabriel has promised, and she’ll do whatever it takes to get her happy ending.

  • Genre: Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Thriller
  • 250 pages, Paperback
  • Expected publication October 5, 2023 by Black Rose Writing

ABOUT CHERI KRUEGER

When not writing, Cheri Krueger can be found reading, traveling, or indulging her Scrabble obsession. Married with two grown sons and a grandson, Cheri lives in the beautiful San Joaquin Valley where she enjoys local music, craft beer, and playing with puppies.

Some of her favorite authors: Stephen King, Anne Tyler, Margaret Atwood, Alice Hoffman, Liane Moriarty, Kristin Hannah, Jane Smiley, Maeve Binchy, Jodi Picoult.

Visit OhCheri.com for news and links to my socials. Happy reading!

Website / Twitter / Instagram

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Review – Blood Moon by Heather Graham & Jon Land @heathergraham @jondland

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The action-packed follow up to The Rising, from acclaimed thriller-suspense novelists Heather Graham and Jon Land, this is Blood Moon (from Goodreads)

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the collaboration between Heather Graham and Jon Land in The Rising series. I was surprised that Jon was into writing science fiction and hooking up (lol) with Heather Graham, but it’s allllll good. Heather and Jon are two of my must read authors.

Why now?

What’s happening?

Two worlds collide and it is explosive.

He had been protecting the book for the past thirty years and thought he would do the same until time to pass it on to the next protector…But that was not to be. Raiff ran, but where was he going and why he didn’t know. What he did know is people sacrificed their lives for him.

Alex and Sam, high school seniors, are being called on….again…to save the world.

Elaine had discovered the existence of Earth and built up a force to send refuges there to ready themselves for the Great War.

Alex is an alien by birth, but he’d lived with humans his entire life. Raiff grew up in an alien world. Together, with Sam, a human, they work to defeat the evil that wants to exterminate humankind. Could their friendship grow into more, as the characters develop and mature?

Androids. Endoskeletons, Golem. An enemy who’s only goal is to stop them. What’s next?

Golems. How can they be defeated? I stopped and wallowed in my fear for a while. I love how Sam, who has no superpowers, dealt with them. It had me laughing, picturing it…once the danger was under control.

I have been to a Mayan city and climbed Chichen Itza. That the Blood Moon will take place in El Mirador, a Mayan City, added an extra element to the story, for me. I could visualize them running through the ruins, as they fight for their lives and the lives of all humanity. Sacrifices will be required, and, though, I knew what was coming, it didn’t make me any happier.

The story is not over. There is much more to come, and I plan on being there for it.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Blood Moon by Heather Graham & Jon Land.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

The recipient of RWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award and ITW’s ThrillerMaster Award, Heather Graham is at the pinnacle of her career. Now she’s teamed up with USA Today bestselling author Jon Land to continue the story of high school seniors Alex Chin and Samantha Dixon.

They may have managed to win a major battle against the powerful enemy determined to destroy civilization as we know it. But the war continues, with Alex and Sam embarking on a desperate journey to save mankind, even as their friendship blossoms into something much more.

The roadmap for their journey lies in a mysterious book, the language of which has never been deciphered, until Alex finds himself able to translate the words that may hold the keys to saving the future. Toward that end, Alex’s and Sam’s quest spirits them away to a myriad of locations around the world, each of which holds another piece of the puzzle that can defeat the alien invaders.

But an ageless foe, long the guardian of the secrets his race has left behind on Earth, arises to stop them at all costs. At his disposal is a deadly and merciless army that has been awaiting this very war, an army as unstoppable as it is relentless.

Over the ruins of the lost Mayan city of El Mirador, a blood moon is about to rise, triggering the end of mankind unless Alex and Sam can prevail in a struggle that will determine the fate of the planet. As forces both ancient and modern converge, as painful choices must be made and sacrifices accepted, two young heroes will rise again to stand as the final line of defense to preserve their world and their love.

ABOUT HEATHER GRAHAM

 Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Heather Graham majored in theater arts at the University of South Florida. After a stint of several years in dinner theater, back-up vocals, and bartending, she stayed home after the birth of her third child and began to write, working on short horror stories and romances. After some trial and error, she sold her first book, WHEN NEXT WE LOVE, in 1982 and since then, she has written over one hundred novels and novellas including category, romantic suspense, historical romance, vampire fiction, time travel, occult, and Christmas holiday fare. She wrote the launch books for the Dell’s Ecstasy Supreme line, Silhouette’s Shadows, and for Harlequin’s mainstream fiction imprint, Mira Books.

Heather was a founding member of the Florida Romance Writers chapter of RWA and, since 1999, has hosted the Romantic Times Vampire Ball, with all revenues going directly to children’s charity.

She is pleased to have been published in approximately twenty languages, and to have been honored with awards frorn Waldenbooks. B. Dalton, Georgia Romance Writers, Affaire de Coeur, Romantic Times, and more. She has had books selected for the Doubleday Book Club and the Literary Guild, and has been quoted, interviewed, or featured in such publications as The Nation, Redbook, People, and USA Today and appeared on many newscasts including local television and Entertainment Tonight.

Heather loves travel and anything have to do with the water, and is a certitified scuba diver. Married since high school graduation and the mother of five, her greatest love in life remains her family, but she also believes her career has been an incredible gift, and she is grateful every day to be doing something that she loves so very much for a living.

Website  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  /  YouTube

MY HEATHER GRAHAM REVIEWS

ABOUT JON LAND

Jon Land

Jon Land is the award-winning, critically acclaimed author of 36 books, including the bestselling Caitlin Strong Texas Ranger series that includes Strong Enough to Die, Strong Justice, Strong at the Break, Strong Vengeance and, most recently, Strong Rain Falling. The Tenth Circle marks the second return engagement of his longtime series hero Blaine McCracken on the heels of last year’s Pandora’s Temple which was nominated for a Thriller Award and received the 2013 International Book Award for Best Adventure Thriller. Jon’s first nonfiction book, Betrayal, meanwhile, was named Best True Crime Book of 2012 by Suspense Magazine and won a 2012 International Book Award for Best True Crime Book. He is currently working on Strong Darkness, the next entry in the Caitlin Strong to be published in September of 2014. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from Brown University, where he continues to maintain a strong volunteer presence, in 1979.

Stalk Jon:  Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook 

MY JON LAND REVIEWS

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The Spotlight Is On Maral & Lupita by Judith Verduzco & Maral Pushian Sultanian @iReadBookTours

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Maral & Lupita: A Celebration of Friendship by Judith Verduzco & Maral Pushian Sultanian
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  96 pages
Genre: Children’s Book, Chapter Book
Publisher:  Mascot Books
Release date:  Nov 1, 2022
Content Rating:  G
Book Description:

It’s the first day of fourth grade! Lupita and her family have just emigrated from Mexico and settled into their new home in the United States of America. Maral, a bit of a know-it-all, looks across the playground and notices the new girl in town. What follows is the birth of a friendship, the merging of cultures, and all that comes with these sorts of things! Throughout the pages of Maral & Lupita: A Celebration of Friendship, readers will find how friendships are born, nurtured, challenged, and celebrated.
BUY THE BOOK:
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Meet the Authors:

Dr. Maral Pushian Sultanian has spent the majority of her professional career in service to youth and their families, entering the field of mental health in the community-based sector and finding herself now engrossed with the privilege of serving foster youth in Ventura County, California. She draws creative inspiration from her two children, Leo and William.

Judith A. Verduzco, LCSW, MPA, finds inspiration to collaborate and develop stories such as Maral & Lupita: A Celebration of Friendship from the myriad relationships that bring light and love to each of her creative endeavors. She is an ideas person who nurtures their fruition, bringing them to life. She has spent the majority of her professional career in public administration and in service to children, youth, and their families in and through community-based mental health. 

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ instagram


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Giveaway – Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America @GoddessFish

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This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Momma Llama & Friends will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Momma Llama’s ABC Book of Latin America is both fun and educational. This multicultural adventure includes people, places, and things from Central and South America – from Mexico to Argentina. The charming illustrations will make you and your child smile. Additionally, each page names the country or region of the subject; parents might learn something too.







About the Author:
Momma Llama envisions a world in which Mom becomes the star and the hero of each fun-filled adventure, giving a new perspective to the way children learn and play.

Each story showcases Momma Llama, a hard-working independent, and adventurous mother, promoting ideas such as teamwork, determination, respect, and the idea that Moms give more than we realize.

Momma Llama aspires to unify the diverse cultures of the Americas by promoting multiculturalism in a fresh new way.

There’s always something new in Momma Llama’s magical world, so join us for more adventures.

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Giveaway – Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder by Mary Cunningham @MaryCunningham @dollycas

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Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery) by Mary Cunningham


Margaritas, Mayhem & Murder (An Andi Anna Jones Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Florida/Cancun/Las Vegas
Wild Rose Press (April 27, 2022)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509241086
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509241088
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09QXR7WKX

Andi Anna Jones, so-so travel agent and amateur sleuth, puts aside her resentment of her father’s widow and books a sixtieth birthday cruise to Cancun for Ruby and three friends. Never does Andi imagine the cruise will include the murder of a has-been lounge singer—or that Ruby might be the main suspect.

Flirting with more than danger after arriving in Mexico, Andi connects with charming local sheriff, Manual Gonzales. An embarrassing night involving the sheriff, too many margaritas, and a Mariachi band, can’t quell her determination to clear the name of her ex-stepmother.

While gathering clues and interviewing witnesses, however, she suspects dear old step-mom isn’t the only one in jeopardy.

About Mary Cunningham

Author, Mary Cunningham, grew up on the northern side of the Ohio River in Corydon, Indiana. Her first memories are of her dad’s original bedtime stories that no doubt inspired her imagination and love of a well-spun “yarn.”

Through the author’s horrifying stint as a travel agent, Andi Anna Jones sprang to life. The adult/mystery series gives extra meaning to the phrase, “Write what you know.” Cunningham has several books published, including Cynthia’s Attic, a five-book middle-grade fantasy, women’s lifestyle/humor book, WOOF: Women Only Over Fifty, Ebooks, Christmas With Daisy and Ghost Light. A biography of an army brat, turned UConn and WNBA basketball player, will be published in the spring of 2022.

She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Sisters In Crime-Atlanta Chapter, International Thriller Writers, Inc., and the Carrollton Writers Guild.

When she gives her fingers a break from the keyboard, Mary enjoys golf, swimming, and exploring the mountains of West Georgia where she makes her home with her husband and adopted, four-legged, furry daughter, Lucy.

Author Links

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Carmen Amato & Her Insight Into Mexico Through Novels & An Insider’s Guide To The Best… @CarmenConnects

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I love suspense, thrills, crime and mystery. I have also been to Mexico numerous times, though I never saw it the way Carmen Amato has. Her book covers attracted my attention, because I am a sucker for great covers. Another thing that really caught my attention and made me curious was the author herself. She has a very interesting history, so be sure and scroll down to check her out.

I am going to review them in the order I read them. If they look good to you, click on the cover to hop over to Amazon. They may still be free, but be sure and check for the “0”.

The covers fit the series so well. I love when an author creates a brand.

Made in Acapulco (The Emilia Cruz Stories)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Her whole world was this moment, this stinky mat, this iron beast that she had become. A fabulous description of Emilia Cruz…and she will need that iron will, that strength, in what is to come. Emilia is the first female detective in Acapulco and she had fought hard for it. I love the character and as I read the five stories in Made In Acapulco, I grew to love her more.

Machismo. Corruption. Cartels.

“Always pay it forward. It’s the only way we’ll save our future.”

BEING BRAVE IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF FEAR: IT’S THE COURAGE TO PRESS ON IN SPITE OF FEAR

This introduction into Emilia Cruz only makes me want to read more.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

I missed so many books between Made In Acapulco, my introduction to Emilia Cruz, to Narco Noir, the eight book. I have missed a lot.

Narco Noir (Detective Emilia Cruz Book 8)

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have missed all the books in the series except what I consider the introduction to Emila Cruz, Made In Acapulco. I think it probably affected my review, because I was just getting the hang of being in Mexico, but now I do have some familiarity with the characters and how the city of Acapulco operates.

I sense a romance, but what kind of future does a detective from the barrios have with an American with plenty of money? Could they make it work?

Well, that’s a twist. I didn’t see it coming and I am curious where it will go.

She is a badass. I love a strong female character that can hold her own. Even in the machismo world of Mexico, she earns her place and the respect of (at least) some of her coworkers, informants…

Every move is filled with danger and betrayal. Corruption is rampant, so it’s hard to know who to trust. She has to keep things close to the vest.

Her partner, Silvio, is the only person she calls in her time of need.

There is so much about the book I liked, but I was frustrated by some of the characters actions. I don’t want to say much to spoil it for you, because I think it’s worth finding out for yourself.

I do recommend starting at the beginning and you will need to read to the end of the series to get the complete story.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

The Emilia Cruz series takes place in Acapulco, Mexico. In The Hidden Light Of Mexico City by Carmen Amato we step away from Acapulco.

The Hidden Light of Mexico City

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

“So you’re too afraid to save our country?….What will you leave your grandchildren? A country that’s just a playground of violence for the cartels?”

Eddo hated what he was forced to do just to be able to do the right thing. People will get hurt, but he couldn’t sit back and do nothing just because it was dangerous and may cost him his life.

Luz has sacrificed everything for her family. I feel so bad for her and I wonder when or if she will have her turn. Her family ticks me off. What gives them the right to treat her the way they do. Even her brother walks a fine line in my book. Family is family, but when is too much enough?

An indepth look at the brutality and corruption of Mexico’s’ drug trade and the war for territory.

Whoa…I was brought up short. I thought I knew what the story would be: betrayal, corruption, power hungry, brutal, savage, and those who try to do the right thing. I’ve always heard how Mexico was driven by the drug cartels, so on that front I wasn’t surprised.

The twist with the romance…

The Hidden Light Of Mexico City by Carmen Amato is a great police procedural, suspense/thriller. At times my heart was in my throat and I love the characters, good and bad.

The ending is excellent. Not too short, not too long, just right.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

Now, we are real life moments in Mexico. Aapply your suntan lotion, put on your hiking boots, bring your swimsuit, bring your appetite, and let’s go meet some new people.

The Insider’s Guide to the Best of Mexico: 42 experts tell you where to sun, swim, eat, stay, and celebrate the real Mexico

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I took no notes for The Insider’s Guide To The Best Of Mexico. These snippets of introductions from the 42 contributor’s to the guide share their favorites in a page or three. I would take it with me if I were traveling to Mexico.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

ABOUT CARMEN AMATO

Following a 30 year career with the Central Intelligence Agency, Carmen Amato writes mystery and suspense, including the Detective Emilia Cruz police series set in Acapulco. Emilia is the first female police detective in Acapulco, confronting Mexico’s cartels, corruption and social inequalities. The series recently won the Poison Cup award for Outstanding Series from Crime Masters of America and was optioned for television.

Originally from upstate New York, Carmen’s experiences in Mexico and Central America launched her fiction career. Carmen is a recipient of both the National Intelligence Award and the Career Intelligence Medal.

Find out more at https://carmenamato.net

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Giveaway – The Wall by David Pereda @DavidPeredaAVL @GoddessFish

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THOMAS BERTRAM is an American living in San Salvador with his fiancée CECILIA. They own a popular neighborhood restaurant and plan to wed soon. Thomas’s dream is to obtain a resident visa for Cecilia and return to the United States.

DOMINGO JIMENEZ and his wife BLANCA own a small repair shop across the street. Domingo’s dream is to move to America as well so that his seven-year-old daughter NANCY can grow up speaking English and having a good education and a better life than he and Blanca had.

When armed gang members invade their neighborhood to demand “protection” money and threaten them with death if they don’t pay, Thomas and Domingo’s dreams for the future take on a new perspective. They decide to flee the country with their families through Guatemala and Mexico to seek asylum in the United States.

But their journey is more challenging than expected, and they face a myriad of difficulties and must overcome multiple obstacles that put not only their dreams but also their lives at risk.


Read an Excerpt

The two young men who entered the restaurant in San Salvador were slender and about eighteen, maybe younger, with scraggly adolescent beards and fashionable jeans full of holes.

It was Monday morning, and Thomas Bertram was preparing the dining area for the lunch service. After tours in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Marines, Thomas’s entire body reacted physically to trouble when he saw it—and this was trouble. The hair on the back of his neck bristled, and he felt a swarm of tiny butterflies inside his stomach.

Gang members?

Thomas smoothed out the wrinkles on the clear-plastic tablecloth of the last of the six Formica-topped tables and rearranged the four matching chairs. As he straightened to his full height, he checked the time on the wall clock: 11:25.

“We’re not open yet,” he said in Spanish. “We open at noon.”

The young men didn’t answer. They wore tight jackets zipped up to the chest, one olive and the other red.

Tight jackets in summer in El Salvador?

Thomas realized how short and skinny they were when Olive Jacket strolled toward the counter near him—he barely reached Thomas’s shoulder. Red Jacket stayed by the door, staring at Thomas.

“Man, you’re tall,” Olive Jacket said as he slid past Thomas.

He had a squeaky voice, like a door needing oil. Thomas watched his receding back, wondering what the young men wanted, even though he had a suspicion—which was confirmed when he noticed the tattoo on Olive Jacket’s neck sticking out from under his jacket. He could only see a portion of it, but he knew what the letters meant: MS-13.

Definitely gang members.

About the Author:
David Pereda is the award-winning author of eleven thrillers and mainstream novels. His books have won the Lighthouse Book Awards twice, the Royal Palm Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, and the Readers Favorite Awards twice. He has traveled to more than thirty countries around the world and speaks four languages.

Before devoting his time solely to writing and teaching, Pereda had a successful international consulting career with global giant Booz Allen Hamilton, where he worked with the governments of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, and Qatar, among others.

A member of MENSA, Pereda earned his MBA from Pepperdine University in California. He earned BA degrees in English literature and mathematics at the University of South Florida in Tampa. He loves sports and has won many prizes competing in track and show-jumping equestrian events.

Pereda lives in Asheville, North Carolina, where he teaches mathematics and English at the Asheville-Buncombe Community College.

Website: http://www.davidpereda.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-Pereda-Writer/345490998614
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DavidPeredaAVL
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/davidmpereda
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/David-Pereda/e/B002BML17Q%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B095137M8S/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

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Books From The Backlog – The Highlander by Zoe Saadia @Zoe Saadia #booksfromthebacklog

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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.

The Highlander (The Rise of the Aztecs, #1)

Amazon / Goodreads

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Born in the Highlands, Kuini thought his life was simple. You hunt and you fight, defending your towns against the raids of the Lowlanders and then raiding their lands in turn. His father was the Warriors’ Leader, and he wanted to be just like him.

Yet, Texcoco, the mighty Capital of the Lowlands, seemed incredibly beautiful, sparkling, its pyramids magnificent. A friendship with the Lowlander boy, the First Son of the Texcoco Emperor, seemed harmless in the beginning. They were just boys, and their clandestine meetings were always fun, providing great entertainment.

However, on the day Kuini agrees to finally enter the magnificent city, it would all change. He expected to get into trouble, but he could not foresee the extent of the trouble and, worst of all, he did not expect to uncover hidden secrets concerning his own family.

Goodreads Ratings: 3.81  · 891 ratings  ·  122 reviews

I added The Highlander (The Rise of the Aztecs Book I) by Zoe Saasia to my TBR on 12.1.12. I have been to Mexico many times. I even climbed Chichen Itza. It was awesome. I love their culture and history, though the bullfight for tourists was a bit too much for me. And the fighting chickens. Had to do it once, though. How about you? Do you have a favorite country to visit, whether through books or in reality?

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Midnight Blue Over Mexico by D S Land #DSLand #booksfromthebacklog

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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.

Mexico…I love to travel. And look at that cover…I think it may be a stormy trip.

Midnight Blue over Mexico

Amazon / Goodreads

GOODREADS BLURB

iscovery has its consequences.

June Rise and Tim Scott believe they’ve discovered a new cause for global warming. But when they travel to Mexico to confirm their theories, events take a demented turn – and fast. Tim vanishes, and soon June is on the run, framed for murder and the target of a deadly conspiracy. With her life on the line and catastrophic events looming, she is forced to take drastic measures in an attempt to reveal the discovery to the world. But will she succeed? Or will the discovery remain hidden forever – claiming June as a victim in the process?

From Seattle to Mexico, D.C. to Georgia, D.S. Land’s debut thriller is a fast-paced, action-packed ride that challenges perceptions of global warming and explores the never-ending depths of greed.

Goodreads rating: 3.24  ·  38 ratings  ·  8 reviews

Midnight Blue Over Mexico is D S Land’s first and only novel, so I am really curious now. Mexico…a discovery…global warming…why haven’t I read this? I added this to my reading shelf on 10.9.12, but actually got it through Amazon on 8.8.12. I love books that deal with real life issues that I am concerned about and global warming is a big one. I love the water, whether it’s pools, oceans, rivers, creeks, ponds, or the birdbath in my backyard, so anything that affects that concerns me. I’m glad I am doing this meme, because I am finding books that I really want to read and forgot about.

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Giveaway & Review – Heaven For Now by Ken La Salle @KenLaSalle

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Heaven for Now by Ken La Salle is book III in the Heaven series. His work is thought provoking, making me ask the question, what is my version of heaven?

The series has some wonderful covers that hint at the story inside.

I will be sharing his thoughts on romance in an upcoming post scheduled for Wednesday, the 26th of February. I hope you will stop by, because I believe it will add to your reading enjoyment of the Heaven series and offer another chance to win a copy for yourself.

Heaven For Now

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Ken La Salle writes thought provoking novels with quirky characters and humor. He makes me question myself, right along with his characters.

Whenever I read a Ken La Salle story, I find myself reading between the lines, at times adding my own interpretation of events.

Matt has been dealt some tragic blows in his life and finds himself adrift, but he never gives up on love. No job, nowhere to go, no reason to get there, until Paul disappears. Where has he gone? Why has he gone?

Now, Matt is on a plane to Mexico, in search of Paul and the adventure begins as soon as he gets off the plane. How is he ever going to find Paul? He doesn’t know where to go or how he’s going to get there.

But, he is also on a journey of enlightenment, trying to find a purpose in his life. On an Australian walkabout, if you will. Lost, with no direction.

His friends are a comical group of characters and he finds himself in some humorous situations. At times, I could see the events unraveling right before my eyes.

Matt has come full circle and is so much better for it. It’s not one single event that makes us who we are, but a lifetime of journeys. We don’t stay the same, and each event adds to our makeup. We learn, we grow, we gather those who mean something to use, who make us a better person.

Ken La Salle takes us on a life affirming journey, through death and sadness, humor and laughs, love and contentment, and I always enjoy the ride. He has a distinctive writing style and unique characters. I find his stories eye opening, making me look at myself in a way I never thought I would while reading a fictional novel.

I kept flipping between a three and four rating. Seeing I don’t do half stars, I always round up.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Heaven For Now by Ken La Salle.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What would it be like to have heaven enough?
When Matt Murphy married his second wife, Heather, Paul and Neal were by his side. Neal, the brother of his first wife, Diva, had unwittingly sent Matt after Heather. Paul, also known as the cross-dresser Babette, was the only other person who knew Heather before her death.
Seeing two strands of his life come together at his wedding and fall in love made sense to Matt, somehow.
But it didn’t make sense to Neal. As far as Neal had been informed, he wasn’t gay. Though he could never deny his love for Paul, how can Neal grasp what such an admission would mean in his life?
Now, Paul has disappeared and Matt agrees to look in his last known location, Puerto Vallarta, home of sand and sun and – despite Matt’s searching – absolutely no sign of Paul. And when Matt Murphy meets Marisol Saucedo, a physical trainer who makes her living by teaching her students to beat people up, his search for Paul stops as his fascination for Marisol blooms.
What will become of Paul and Neal? How will Matt make sense of their lives when he can’t make sense of his own? Is love enough when it requires a leap of faith into a scary, new world? Can you use logic to find the answers? Or is it better to simply surrender to the moment, to the inebriating temptation that is love?
Any decision will change their lives forever…

ABOUT KEN LA SALLE (From Amazon)

Ken La Salle

Author and Playwright, Ken La Salle grew up in Santa Ana, California and has remained in the surrounding area his entire life. He was raised with strong, blue collar roots, which have given him a progressive and environmentalist view. As a result, you’ll find many of his stories touching those areas both geographically and philosophically. His passion is intense humor, meaningful drama, and finding answers to the questions that define our lives.

Website  /   Twitter  /  Facebook  /  YouTube  /  Goodreads

GIVEAWAY

Ken La Salle is offering one copy of Heaven For Now to one lucky reader. Entry is easy peasy. Simply answer the question:

What, to you, is the most important element in a romance novel?

You will also have a second chance on Wednesday, 3.26.20, so be sure and come back.

Giveaway ends 3.4.20.

MY KEN LA SALLE REVIEWS

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
  • 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!