Tag Archives: read in 2022

Review – Nunzio’s Way by Nick Chiarkas

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I won a copy of Nunzio’s Way, by Nick Chiarkas along with the first book in the series, Weepers.

Check out this EXCELLENT COVER. What do you see? Once you read the book, it will become even clearer. Artists at zebradog.com did an amazing job.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

The Weepers series by Nick Chiarkas got even better than Weepers, Book I, in Book II, Nunzio’s Way. I have grown to love these characters, no matter what bad things they do. The series raises that age old question, nature or nurture. Are we a product of our environment? I cannot imagine what it would be like growing up in the housing projects, wondering, every time you step out your door, is this the day I die?

The Prologue will give you a glimpse into Nunzio Sabino’s life to catch you up, as told by Father Joe to Father Casimiro, a new man in town. Nunzio had been in love…It is tragic, heartbreaking, and brutal. It also explains why Nunzio trusts few people. He was thirteen and the five of them, Nunzio, Father Joe, Pompeo, George and Nick, meet every Tuesday, even to this day.

“Does Nunzio ever worry about some ambitious hooligan wanting to take over?”

“Nunzio is the top lion. He is constantly watched by the ambitious and the aggrieved. He can’t show weakness. He can’t let a single insult – especially a public one – go unchecked. Continued leadership requires constant vigilance and no margin of error. None.”

Angelo, I have been with him since he was seven years old, struggling to find his place in the violent world he lives in. He will have to fight for it, maybe even kill for it, and everything has a price to be paid.

I do love an author who isn’t afraid to kill off his characters, even some that I have come to care about. He took me by surprise and I was even a little ticked off. Well done.

Nick Chiarkas brings to light many problems that persist to this day. I felt their need to kill or be killed. If you read his biography, I think you will get the same impression I did. That the Weeper series feels all too real. Gang warfare in the 1960s…has it changed?

Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I knew a lot of the characters from Weepers, so I was already involved in their lives, but Nick Chiarkas too me to a whole new level. The violence, the brutality, the love, loyalty and betrayal, the flawed characters that stole my heart, I will not soon forget.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Nunzio’s Way by Nick Chiarkas.

5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

“In this city, you can have anything you want if you kill the right four people.” ~ Nunzio Sabino

In Weepers (Book 1), Angelo and his gang, with a bit of help from his beloved “uncle” Nunzio Sabino, defeated the notorious Satan’s Knights. Now, in this standalone sequel to Weepers, it’s 1960 and Nunzio is still the most powerful organized crime boss in New York City, protecting what’s his with political schemes and ‘business’ deals.

Against this backdrop of Mafia turf wars, local gang battles, and political power-plays in the mayoral election, the bodies begin stacking up. An unlikely assassin arrives fresh from Naples after killing a top member of the Camorra to avenge the murder of her family. She blends seamlessly into the neighborhood and with the focus on the threat from the Satan’s Knights, no one suspects that Angelo’s father and Nunzio are next on her hit list. Nunzio has lived his entire life by the mantra; Be a fox when there are traps and a lion when there are wolves. Will Nunzio be a lion in time?

ABOUT NICK CHIARKAS

Nick Chiarkas grew up in the Al Smith housing projects in the Two Bridges neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

When he was in the fourth grade, his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that, “Nick was unlikely to ever complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation.” Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops along the way: a U.S. Army Paratrooper; a New York City Police Officer; the Deputy Chief Counsel for the President’s Commission on Organized Crime; and the Director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency.

On the way to becoming an author, he picked up a Doctorate from Columbia University; a Law Degree from Temple University; and was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard. How many mothers are told their children are hopeless? How many kids with potential simply

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MY NICK CHIARKAS REVIEWS

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Review – Protecting Falcon by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

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Protecting Falcon by Jane Blythe is Book III of the Prey, but the series is part of something so much bigger. There are many more books and authors putting their own spin on the Operation Alpha World.

About Operation Alpha

Operation Alpha is the fan fiction world for Susan Stoker’s SEAL of Protection, Delta Force Heroes, and Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Worlds. The books all have at least one of Susan’s characters in them. Check it out at Aces Press.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have read numerous books in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha series and this is my third book in the Prey Security series by Jane Blythe. I have read a lot of Jane’s stories and eagerly crack the cover on every book I get my hands on. Protecting Falcon was no different. In fact, I was even more eager than usual, because I knew Hope was in dire straits and Cam was going to be the one to save her.

Hope is no wimp. She has a quiet strength about her. She had risked her life to help another slave, who happened to be Cam’s sister. He and his team were able to get Raven and her daughter out, but had to leave Hope behind.

Prey Security is owned by Cam and his five siblings. The whole family has a need to make sure Hope is rescued. She went above and beyond anything that could have been asked of her to help Raven and her daughter, Cleo.

Cam is a bit grumpy, like Walter Matthau in Grumpy Old Men. When he finds Hope, in a cage, wondering if she is alive, I think his heart skips a beat. He is quiet and she is a talker. What’s that saying about opposites attract?

“You’re really here for me?”

As soon as Hope said that my eyes teared up. I can visualize her, looking at him with soft eyes filled with wonder. Such innocence, considering the things that have been done to her by the traffickers and the evil man that revels in her pain and degradation. Little does he know, the things being done to her do not define her.

I knew how she came to be there because of reading Book II in the series, Protecting Raven, but Jane Blythe does fill in the blanks so the story can stand alone, but once you meet Prey Security, I think you may want to get each character’s story.

Jane Blythe kept me dragging myself through the Amazon rain forest, hunted, hurt, tired, hungry, thirsty, and falling for the handsome special forces man that came specifically for Hope. Danger surrounds them and getting out will not be easy.

Of course, they are going to fall in love along the way. Are any of us surprised? I would be let down if they didn’t. After all, this is romantic suspense. We have some fun dialogue and I love to smile while the characters are running for their lives. 🙂

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Protecting Falcon by Jane Blythe.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Sparks fly when opposites attract.

When Hope Delancey showed kindness to another slave, she never expected it to put her in the crosshairs of a dangerous man. After weeks of being held captive she’s rescued by a gruff, grumpy, intimidating soldier who obviously wishes he was anywhere but in Colombia rescuing her. But Hope sees through the cold exterior to the man underneath, a man she could fall in love with, a man who has already told her he has nothing to offer.

Falcon Oswald never again wants the responsibility of someone else’s life resting in his hands. But that’s exactly the position he finds himself in when he agrees to honor the promise he made to his sister to rescue Hope. Now they’re running for their lives through the Amazon rainforest, and as Hope impresses him with her strength over and over again he realizes walking away from this woman might prove impossible, even if its what’s best for her.

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane’s most popular series includes Saving SEALs, part of Susan Stoker’s OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker’s world. When Jane isn’t binge-reading she’s counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!

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MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

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Review – Weepers by Nick Chiarkas @chiarkas

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Woo Hoo, lucky me. I won Weepers by Nick Chiarkas…and Nunzio’s Way…in a giveaway.

Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

It was 1951. Angelo and his father were walking the snowy streets in a New York City housing project, when his life was changed forever. His father disappeared and the seven year old boy felt he should have done something. This coming of age story kept getting better and better, the more I read.

The boy already knew the first rule of the jungle: If it moves away from you, it’s food: it it moves toward you, you’re food.

“By the time a boy hits his teens, he’s either prey, predator, or he has mastered his environment…respected by the weak and the predators.”

I can’t imagine growing up in such an environment and I can see why a child’s world can become so brutal so early in their life.

A priest, a Mafia boss, a police detective and Angelo, a gang member form an unlikely union.

Weepers made me think of West Side Story. I can see why it was voted best mystery novel. There is so much I would like to share, but I won’t. The more I read, the more involved I became in the characters lives, and I want you to find out about them for yourself. I immediately went into Nunzio’s Way, and………..well, that’s another story.

I checked out Nick Chiarkas’ bio and saw why the story felt so real to me. Be sure and take a look. He knows what he’s writing about.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

BEST MYSTERY NOVEL – JOHN E. WEAVER EXCELLENT READS AWARD & READERS’ FAVORITE WINNER – YA COMING OF AGE CATEGORY
The 1957 murder of an undercover cop in a New York City housing project has unexpected ties to the unsolved disappearance of a young father walking home in those same projects with his son, Angelo, on Christmas Eve six years before. The only witness to the cop killing is Angelo, now 13, while on his way to seek his own revenge in the early morning hours. The killers know he saw them. A series of gripping events forge a union between a priest, a Mafia boss, a police detective, and Angelo, a gang member. In the end, Weepers shows us that the courage of the underdog despite fear and moral ambiguity will conquer intimidation.

Weepers has received finalist status for the Best Novel of 2016 by the Public Safety Writers Association(PSWA), the Midwest Independent Publishers Association (MIPA) best mystery/thriller novel of 2015, the Best Young Adult Novel for 2016 by Bookvana, and the Best Crossover (Mystery & Young Adult) for the 2017 Best Books Award.

ABOUT NICK CHIARKAS

Nick Chiarkas grew up in the Al Smith housing projects in the Two Bridges neighborhood on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

When he was in the fourth grade, his mother was told by the principal of PS-1 that, “Nick was unlikely to ever complete high school, so you must steer him toward a simple and secure vocation.” Instead, Nick became a writer, with a few stops along the way: a U.S. Army Paratrooper; a New York City Police Officer; the Deputy Chief Counsel for the President’s Commission on Organized Crime; and the Director of the Wisconsin State Public Defender Agency.

On the way to becoming an author, he picked up a Doctorate from Columbia University; a Law Degree from Temple University; and was a Pickett Fellow at Harvard. How many mothers are told their children are hopeless? How many kids with potential simply

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Giveaway & Review – The Color Of Trauma by Hollie Smurthwaite @H_Smurthwaite

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MY REVIEW

The Color of Trauma by Hollie Smurthwaite was an awesome surprise for me. I thought it would be a good fit. The premise had a twist and finding something different is very unusual. Needless to say, it made the book very hard to put down in the wee hours of the morning.

I love that Kiera is not a ‘young adult’, but a mature woman. She has a gift that leaves her with few friends, spending many hours alone, and sex…well, she has a friend that money can buy.

She is a memory surgeon. She does most of her work for free, taking on one or two big paying jobs a year. She couldn’t tell you why she does them, but it does give her clients a little bit of peace. She takes a traumatic experience a person has suffered, erases the facts from their mind yet leaving the memory that something bad did happen, and takes it as her own. She has a driver, no need for a license, because her ‘job’ has triggers that muddles her mind and her actions, making it too dangerous to drive.

Chicago has a serial killer and Dean Matthson is the head detective on the case. He, and others at the precinct, call her and others like her memory munchers. It is an apt description, though it does sound kinda rude. He knows it is frowned on using them for an investigation, but he is going to do it anyway. The clock is ticking and it won’t be long before another life is lost.

I love the character of Kiera. She may come across as weak, but stand back when she gets her hackles up. She can take care herself, doesn’t back down from a fight, and has some spicy language. I love that she finds humor amongst the darkness, in the dialogue. It’s not bad enough that the trauma she takes into her mind, her home life left a lot to be desired. Her scars were invisible, but that doesn’t mean there is no pain, pain that can be debilitating.

If Kiera ever wrote a memoir, which she would never do, she would title it The Color of Trauma Is Pink…The worst memories were always a shade of pink.

I can understand someone’s fear over memory surgeons abilities, but everything good can be used for bad. Some major damage could be done, but so much good could come from it too. It’s that age old question: Just because you can do something, should you?

The attraction is quick, instalove, maybe, but when you feel the spark how do you avoid the fire? It would take a special person for her, but also for him. Dean is a homicide detective. He never knew when he would be called out or when his shift would end. They both have baggage and I am eager to see how they handle it. I feel confident there will be some kind of happy ever after…won’t there?

The psychopath serial killer finds a target and zeroes in on her. He had researched her, reading lots of articles. He thought if he ever wrote a memoir, he would name it The Psychopath And The Empath. I knew this would happen, but that’s okay.

There was one blip that bothered me, but maybe because I saw something similar in one of my favorite TV crime shows. I thought about it for a minute or two and wondered how much time passed during that blip. That could make a huge difference that is not always easy to determine.

I am loving the The Psychic Color series by HollyieSmurthwaite and I can hardly wait to see what she does in Book II, The Color Of Betrayal, Jolene and Cass’ story.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Color Of Trauma by Hollie Smurthwaite.

4 Stars




The Color of Trauma
The Psychic Colors Series
Book One
Hollie Smurthwaite

Genre:  Paranormal Romantic Suspense, PNR
Publisher: Hollie Smurthwaite
Date of Publication:  August 30, 2021
ISBN:978-1737118916
ASIN: B09B2QWV52
Number of pages:  358
Word Count: 95,000 words
Cover Artist: Sarah Hansen at Okay Creations

Book Description:

Experiencing another’s past could end her future . . .

Kiera Brayleigh is a memory surgeon. In the ten years since her “gift” manifested, she’s helped dozens of women deal with trauma by removing their horrific memories—burns, rapes, tortures.  It pays well, but she holds those moments, making her a fiery mess. The bizarre request from a Chicago homicide detective is the last thing she needs.

Detective Dean Matthson is burdened with an uncanny ability to get inside the minds of criminals. In a dead-end hunt to capture a serial killer, he risks his hard-earned reputation by doing the unthinkable: recruiting a memory surgeon to probe the mind of a comatose victim.  

Kiera might appreciate the cop’s dimples and his commitment to the job, but only an idiot would agree to experience a rape-murder victim’s last memories. Kiera, it turns out, is that idiot. Dean’s dedication and calming presence challenge Kiera’s distrustful nature, and she finds herself falling for Dean even as he struggles with his own demons. 

Can two broken people find love? 

When the killer discovers Kiera’s on the case, he realizes she is exactly what he needs to relive his kills. Dean and the killer both close in on their targets, and it becomes a race to catch the monster before he catches Kiera.

The Color of Trauma is a thought-provoking paranormal romantic suspense novel with an unconventional heroine, dark themes, and psychological drama.

Amazon      Kobo      BN      Indiebound


“I’m not sure how much Ms. Morten has shared with you, but—”

Kiera lifted a finger; thankfully, her index. “Dr. Patty told us you had questions about memory reading as it might apply to one of your cases. Read memories aren’t admissible in court. You’re wasting your time.”

“I don’t need evidence like that,” Dean said, deciding not to point out that Patty hadn’t graduated yet and wasn’t, technically, a doctor.

“Whew,” the blond he didn’t recognize said. “It’s one of the frustrating things about what we do.” The memory surgeons all winced when she spoke, though the blond didn’t appear to notice.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

She beamed. “Amy Carter.”

“Do you mind telling me what’s your specialty?”

“Bitching and complaining,” Kiera replied in a tight voice.

Amy’s lips compressed, but she didn’t say anything. Was Kiera the group’s bully? Was that how she controlled the narrative? Everyone looked to her, even Patty.

Kiera sighed. “Dr. Schwartz is the expert in the field. Look into his research. Gilfoile and Roberts are hacks, and the rest don’t know shit but still want to capitalize on the memory-surgeon thing.”

He wrote down “Schwartz” in his notebook, surprised at her generosity. “Thank you.”

She stared at him with those blue eyes that didn’t blink enough. “That all?”

“Not quite.”

“Yeah, I figured.” She shook her head. “They don’t fully understand how memory works, so it’s going to be a while before they figure out how we’re able to access people’s memories and how they can be removed and kept in someone else’s mind. We can’t help you with the science stuff.”

“I’m more interested in how it works from a practical standpoint.” He directed his questions at everyone else, but the only one looking directly at him was Kiera. Fine. If he won her over, the others would follow. “I’m trying to ascertain what you can and can’t do.”

“Why?”

No time to finesse. With his attention still on Kiera, he handed Brittany Kolchek’s picture to Ramon and asked him to look and pass it on.

“I’ve never seen her before,” Ramon said. “Is she missing?”

Dean waited until everyone had viewed the photo, because he didn’t want to give them the opportunity to refuse.

Beth looked last, and she studied Brittany for several seconds. “She seems nice.” Then she walked the photo back to him.

“Her name is Brittany Kolchek,” he said. “She’s in a coma.” As a group, they cringed, even Kiera. Good—they cared. “The doctors say she won’t wake.”

“You don’t want information. You want one of us to jump into her memories,” Kiera said, her face as hard as her voice.

“We believe she’s the third victim of a serial killer targeting young women. All three scenes have little physical evidence. This might be our only chance to catch a break.” When nobody spoke or moved, he added, “He’ll kill again.”


About the Author: 

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.












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Reviews for The Valens of Legacy, Book I & II, by Sherrel Lee @gryphoenix

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I was looking on my TBR for something to read that I didn’t ‘have’ to review (because I have several others waiting to be written) and came across this fabulous cover. 🙂 Then, I saw I had the second book too. There are numerous books in the series and I am excited to see they are on Kindle Unlimited.

I mean…look at that fabulous cover. How could I possibly resist?

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Flipping through my reading list, I came across this gorgeous cover. Then, I saw I had the second book in The Valen Legacy by Sherrel Lee, and I had to read on. Valens Remembered is a prequel and it sure caught my attention. Short and not so sweet, I quickly got caught up in the intrigue. Why is everyone in the Nix family being bumped off?

Larinda Nix Thomas has lost two sets of parents. She only has memories of her adoptive parents, but that is only a temporary situation. You see, Larinda is special. She is a Valen. A unicorn shapeshifter, born to guard humankind. BUT…

A quick read of loss, sorrow, danger and intrigue. I am so happy that I have Valens Rise, Book II waiting to be read.

3 Stars

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I immediately began reading Valens Rise by Sherrel Lee after reading the prequel, Valens Remembered. I was just getting involved with Larinda when….

Jemma NIx is a Phoenix, but doesn’t know it…yet. She has no family and doesn’t realize the danger she will face. She had been in the foster system, but that didn’t work for her, so she grew up on the streets. She is naive, untrusting, easily misled. She began to run away at a very young age, ending up on the street, until she found out she was the sole survivor of an inheritance that will change her life. She is childlike in her joy when experiencing new things.

I love when Hawke takes her to the fair and she has her first corndog.

“Ooooooh, it’s really good….I may become addicted. Who knew meat by products on a stick could manifest love at first bite?”

I can understand her making some mistakes, going to the wrong people for help, seeing she doesn’t know who she can trust.

For the first time in her life, sexual feelings are coming alive. Hawke makes her feel ‘funny’ and I feel a romance coming. Her aches and pains are something else. She does not yet know that Valens are a special breed of human…and she is a Phoenix.

I was sad to say goodbye to Larinda in the first book, but I am quickly becoming a ‘friend’ to Jemma, whether she realizes it or not. LOL I love humor with danger and Sherrell Lee gave me smiles, along with the…NO, DON’T DO THAT. NO, DON’T GO THERE.

I don’t read as many books about Phoenixes as I do Werewolves and Vampires, so I try and snap them up. I am loving this series and the covers that spotlight what supernatural/fantasy creature will be the star.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Valens Rise by Sherrell Lee.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

When Jemma Nix, a shape shifting phoenix discovers her family’s legacy, she is overwhelmed with distrust and doubt. Her entire family may have been murdered. Her mentor may be using her in a deadly pursuit of power.

Confronted with these facts, Jemma begins to suspect that those closest to her are mad. Refusing to believe their claims of a secret race, she pushes away the one man who may be able to help. The one man who she may love. Rather than face the reality of her new life, Jemma makes a fateful decision. One that places the Valens in jeopardy and forces them to face a deadly, genetically engineered threat.

ABOUT SHERREL LEE

Sherrel Lee lives in a land called Texas and is the wrangler of a fearsome Yorkiepoo named Rogue (Half Yorkie half Poodle weighing in at a hefty eight pounds). She is a mother and grandmother who encourages her family to live life on their own terms, and to laugh as often as they can. She is fascinated with the real and mystical worlds of Urban Fantasy and Romantic suspense chasing murderous villains through the pages of her books.

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Giveaway – Sin City Wolf: Hellfire by January Bain @GoddessFish

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Hellfire (Sin City Wolf #4) by January Bain

GENRE:   paranormal romance, billionaire werewolf

MY REVIEW

I have not read any of the Sin City Wolf books, but after reading Hellfire by January Bain, I want more. I quickly became immersed in Amara and Dante’s lives. Shay, Amara’s BFF, is a wonderful character and Rainbow, Amara’s parrot has a large personality. I got more than I bargained for in this paranormal romance.

Amara plays life safe and if it wasn’t for her friend, Shay, she may never have any fun. Her mother passed away with ALS, Lou Gherig’s disease, and she has the RPS25 gene. Her steady money comes from journal articles, papers and dissertations she receives through the university. She loves novels about the supernatural world and would love to be able to write paranormal romance stories herself. Maybe one day?

“Too bad vampires aren’t a real thing. Not having to worry about getting sick would be sweet. Can you say fangbanger, Rainbow?”

Shay”s sister is coming into town to take care of their dad while she and Amara go out on the Vegas town to sing Karaoke at the casino. Amara catches the eye of two ‘men’.

I love a character that has challenges to overcome. and Amara has one that she could never have foreseen when she is bitten by the vampire, Pharaoh Akar I. He knew as soon as he saw her, he had to have her for eternity.

Dante has a family meeting he can’t get out of and is lured to the Karaoke contest by a sweet voice he couldn’t resist. He is a part of the most successful werewolf pack of all time, the House of Luceres. He is a doctor, studying DNA, hoping to benefit werewolves.

I think we can all see where this is going, after Dante rescues the distressed maiden from the clutches of the bad guy. Their road to a life together will be filled with danger, from both vampires and werewolves. After all, the two are mortal enemies and do not mix…or do they?

Now I know who assassinated President Kennedy. LOL

Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. The story and the characters are so well written, I was drawn into the story, smiling, laughing, worrying and fretting. The action and pacing kept the story flowing smoothly, making me ‘flip the pages’, having to know what will become of them. I am sorry I missed the first three books in the Sin City Wolf series by January Bain. I have added Hunt, Book I, to my wish list and want to know what comes next.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Hellfire by January Bain.

4 Stars

BLURB

Amara St. Clair is just out for a rare night of fun on the Vegas Strip. But when she discovers her fun-loving side in the Glitter Palace casino, a life-altering altercation with a deadly ancient vampire leaves Amara lying unconscious in an alley near the famous casino.
Doctor, geneticist and genealogy expert Dante Luceres, dedicated to research that will keep his fellow werewolves safe and healthy, is attending a mandatory yearly event of the House of Luceres. Coming across Amara, he saves her life, though vampires and werewolves are forbidden from interfering with each other in the supernatural world. There are dire consequences for interfering with another supe’s domain, and he expects that soon both the vampires and the werewolves will be after them, but he can’t leave the beautiful, vivacious little human to suffer alone.
Drawn to each other, the pair must hide from the world. But with everyone against them, including Dante’s clan and an evil vampire hellbent on having Amara for his own, how can they find a path to a shared future…and true happiness?

EXCERPT

“Wait! We’re going the wrong way.”

“My Harley’s out back. Quickest way out of town.”

“I’m wearing a dress. And I’d prefer an Uber or cab. No offense, but I don’t know you.” She jerked her arm to pull away, but I hung on.

“You’re in mortal danger. I’ll figure out the explanation for all this”—I gestured between us—“later when I have access to records and blood testing.”

“Blood tests? What are you talking about? And why does it affect you?”

She exaggerated my hand movements demonstrating the connection between us back in my face. I did note that her hand also trembled, causing an odd emotion to come over me. She was trying to be brave, but it was costing her.

“Are you suggesting that you are not in touch with your obvious physiological responses?”

Anything was possible in this alternative world she’d just had thrust on her. Perhaps she wasn’t aware she had become aroused. Or refused to admit it. It didn’t matter, neither of us would be acting on it in this lifetime.

“You don’t understand. That beast that attacked you? He’s coming back, and he won’t be alone. I have to get you away right now.” I added a sense of urgency to my tone in efforts to persuade her.

She did look around with a more constrained expression, as if the boogey man was going to jump her.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let them take you.”

“Why would they take me? That makes no sense.” She had the cutest way of wrinkling her nose that made it wiggle a bit.

“You look like a movie star.”

“Yeah, right!” Now she gave a grimace as if I were fucking around with her.

“Yes. Marilyn Monroe. Only with dark hair. In a blonde wig, you’d be able to pass for identical twins. Your features, perfectly aligned and symmetrical, are above average in scope and dimension.”

I pointed at her face, as if drawing with my fingers in the air. “The distance between your eyes in one exact eye, the length of your face equals three noses. Space from the lower eyelid to the upper eyelid is the same as space between the upper eyelid and eyebrow. Also demonstrated to perfection. And width of the face across the cheeks is equal to two lengths of the nose. Finally, eyebrows begin on the same line as the corner of the eye nearest to the nose. There you have it, a perfect oval face!” I always appreciated sharing such proof positive.

Instead of thanks for pointing out her perfection, what did I get but a rolling of her eyes before she burst into gales of laughter?

“Is that the line you try on women to get them into bed, by any chance?”

AUTHOR Bio and Links

January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and full-blown thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create books that features strong women who live life to the fullest, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks. She can only hope her stories will capture your imagination.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with her furry baby, Ling Ling. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

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Review – Every Which Fae by Amber Garr #AmberGarr #Fantasy

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Amazon / KindleUnlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love reading paranormal romance and Amber Garr’s Every Which Fae is chock full of magical and supernatural creatures. There will definitely be some romancing going on in a friends to lovers relationship.

Sadie is a fighter and her bite is worse than her bark. She is an investigative reporter with KPWTV, and fights for those who aren’t strong enough to fight for themselves. She has her best friend, Tris, at her side, armed with a camera. They make a great team.

The adventure begins when Sadie finds out she is a halfling, half fae and half human…and her father is missing, her biological father, who she has never met.

Blake comes knocking on her door and before Sadie knows it, he becomes a member of the team. He is Mac’s, the missing father, employee at the porn shop he owns. I liked that touch and it gave me a chuckle or two when Sadie and Tris make their first visit to the shop.

Gallus is a vampire and joins the group as Sadie searches for clues to where her father has been taken. It’s not long before Wylen makes an appearance. He cracks me up and we do have some fun situations arise. He is more than he appears and sticks to Sadie like glue…most of the time. The more she learns, the more determined she is to get to the bottom of things.

I have read some of Amber Garr’s other work and loved it, so picking up Every Which Fae was easy to do. I am curious what the target audience is for Every Which Fae. For me, definitely an adult that loves violence, blood and guts, and hot sexy scenes…HA HA HA…I would rate Every Which Fae a three.

For a teenager, or young adult I would rate it a four. Every Which Way is filled with adventure, intrigue, mystery, danger, romance, humor and snark. The characters are marvelous, each adding a certain something to the story.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Every Which Fae by Amber Garr.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Our dark family secret has finally caught up to me.

For years, I’ve made it my priority to deliver justice and bring down those who prey on the weak. Shifty landlords, deceitful realtors, and dirty politicians cannot hide from me. As an investigative reporter with a special ability for digging up the facts, my life has been good.

Until the evening my mother tells me I’m not human.

My biological father is missing. I’m falling in love with my best friend who is struggling with a crushing reality that could tear us apart. And now, a full-blooded fae with smoldering eyes and a royal attitude has me second-guessing my entire existence.

I never thought the truth could hurt so much. Staying away from a mystery is hard, but am I ready to sacrifice all that makes me human and trust in a world I never knew?

Every Which Fae is a paranormal romance featuring a friends-to-lovers romance, dangerous fae politics, and a halfling caught in the middle of a greater conspiracy. Grab it now and get tangled in the suspense!

ABOUT AMBER GARR

Amber Garr spends her days as a scientist and nights writing about other worlds. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain she has a supernatural sense of smell. Amber is a multiple Royal Palm Literary Award winner, author of the bestselling The Syrenka Series, The Leila Marx Novels, the award-winning The Water Crisis Chronicles, and the The Second Rising Series. When not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

Website / Facebook / BookBub

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Review – Baby Talk, Book III, The Exorcism by Mike Wells @MikeWellsAuthor #Horror

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Baby Talk, Book I is FREE, or you can get Books I & II for $4.99

Below is the Kindle cover for Baby Talk Book III by Mike Wells. Below that is the book cover from Goodreads and the audiobook cover. Which do you like best?

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

We open with Neal at the Central State Psychiatric Hospital in Midgeville, Georgia. General Sherman’s troops had camped there during the Civil War, and it has been all downhill since. He is housed with a couple hundred other criminally insane patients, BUT…

Neal knows exactly what’s going on around him, though they think he is catatonic. He is silently plotting and planning his escape. He must find Natasha and stop her.

The courts had given the baby to Susan, a nurse who had saved baby Natasha from her criminally insane father. Her mother had left her in a car with the motor running, and it didn’t end well for her either. Susan is in for a rude awakening…

I thought it was ‘funny’ that Dunwoody, Georgia was mentioned. I lived there for a short time.

Neal recruits Father Meginnis to perform an exorcism, and this is where the book took a twist I didn’t see coming…and I LOVE IT! I had to laugh.

The Baby Talk series by Mike Wells never let me go once I started reading it. Thank goodness, or should I say Mike, because I had all three books. The first is free and I highly recommend dipping your shoes into the fire.

The Baby Talk series had me thinking of Damien in the Omen, Rosemary’s Baby, Chuckie… brace yourself for the an adventure in Hell on earth. And, if Mike wanted to, the series could continue. Is Natasha still talking to you Mike? Whispering in your ear?

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Baby Talk, Book II by Mike Wells.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

It’s been six months since Neal Becker was convicted of the murder of his mother-in-law.

He’s been committed to the Central State Psychiatric Hospital for life.

Meanwhile, ‘poor, innocent’ Baby Natasha is in the custody of Susan Matlow, the compassionate nurse who helped ‘rescue’ her from her criminally insane father.

Neal knows what his daughter is. And he knows he only has one chance to stop her from causing more death and destruction.

He has to break out of the asylum, avoid the intensive statewide manhunt, track down Natasha, kidnap her…

…and take her to an exorcist.

ABOUT MIKE WELLS

Email me at mike (at) mikewellsbooks.com or follow me on Twitter (@MikeWellsAuthor) and get a FREE copy of one of my bestselling books. I’m an American author best known for my Lust, Money & Murder series and and written more than 25 other thriller and suspense novels. I also have taught in the Creative Writing program at Oxford. I’m known for my super fast-paced, ‘unputdownable’ books.

Please visit my website/blog at: http://www.mikewellsbooks.com/

And please join me on Twitter and Facebook

MY MIKE WELLS REVIEWS

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Review – Sleigh All The Way by Amanda Siegrist @amanda_siegrist

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

“So why do we hate Christmas today?”

Serenity doesn’t need a reason and her sister knew that. Too bad Cam didn’t. He thought she loved Christmas, seeing she was so good at hiding her hate for it. He had the perfect gift for her and I was amazed at what he created. And, I was wondering why she hated it so much. Was there a tragic reason for it? Bad memories?

Serenity didn’t know what she would do if her, and her children, lost Cam’s friendship, so he was firmly locked into the friendship zone. He felt the same way. A little communication would have solved their problem, but even in real life, people protect themselves, holding their feelings close, reluctant to put their hearts on the line. How else would anyone find out, if they didn’t take a leap of faith?

“I’m going to help you get that man in bed. Bone him hard. For me.”

Amanda Siegrist writes some heartwarming romance that puts a smile on my face and chuckles can erupt at any time. She develops her characters so well, they seem real. Their struggles and happiness come to life on the pages.

Her children…She is a tiger protecting her cubs and I love that she didn’t shy away from putting people in their place. Serenity is divorced, with two boys and an absentee father…sort of. Cam is more of a role model than her husband is…and the boys know it. Children always know more than their parents think they do.

Amanda Siegrist’s love of Christmas shines through in the A Holiday Romance series. It’s rare when a clean romance novel can evoke so many emotions, a tear here, a smile there, and an urgent need to know how it will all become a happy ever after, but Amanda does it so well. I always look forward to her next holiday romance novel at Chistmastime.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Sleigh All The Way by Amanda Siegrist.

4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

From USA Today bestselling author Amanda Siegrist comes a heartwarming holiday series that will fill you with the Christmas spirit and lots of love.

There’s no such thing as too much holiday cheer…right?

If there’s one thing Cam is good at, it’s working with his hands. So making a sleigh for the woman who loves Christmas with a passion seems like a foolproof plan to win her heart. He’s done being stuck in the friend zone. Except he’s a little rusty with dating. After keeping women at a distance for so long, he’s going to need more help than he realized. Who knew he’d get it from where he least expected it—her twin boys. This should be easy-peasy. But one thing Cam has learned: nothing ever works out like he plans.

Serenity doesn’t like it known, but she hates Christmas. With a passion. The last thing she can do is let anyone know, especially her boys. She’d never ruin the holiday for them. Besides faking holiday cheer, she finds herself having to resist the one man who is impossible to resist. Cam is everything she always wanted in a guy: kind, caring, always there for her when she needs him. But they’re friends, and losing him from her life can’t happen. Venturing into the sex-zone would ruin it all. If there is one thing she’s good at, it’s pretending. All she has to do is make him believe being friends is for the best.

The entire Holiday Romance series (Each book can be read as a standalone):

  • Merry Me (Book 1): Elliot & Lynn
  • Mistletoe Magic (Book 2): Aiden & Theresa
  • Christmas Wish (Book 3): Bentley & Emma
  • Snowed in Love (Book 4): James & Erin
  • Snowflakes and Shots (Book 5): Stu & Chasity
  • Holiday Hope (Book 6): Mase & Hope
  • Sleigh All the Way (Book 7): Cam & Serenity

ABOUT AMANDA SIEGRIST

Amanda Siegrist

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

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

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

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook / Instagram

MY AMANDA SIEGRIST REVIEWS

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Review – Vampire For Christmas by Felicity Heaton @felicityheaton

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have read a book or two from Felicity Heaton. They are Hot, Hot, Hot and Vampire For Christmas is too. Shannon and Rafe are looking forward to their last mission for the agency. Yeah, like I’m buying that. It may be a novella, but I found myself laughing out loud, through the battles and death. I loved the slime. It reminded me of a Ghostbusters clip, so it was easy to visualize…and that’s all I’m saying about that. So, if you are looking for a quick read that will heat you up on cold winter’s night, look no further.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

New York Times and USA Today Best-selling paranormal romance author Felicity Heaton presents

Vampire for Christmas
It was one last mission. Shannon, a demon hunter with the agency, is looking forward to leaving behind the small town and the vampire she’s been stuck with for the past two years. Things are getting complicated fast and she wants out. A fresh start, free of her vampire partner, awaits her if she can survive their final mission and the lonely Christmas holidays.

It was one last mission. Rafe, a vampire doing time with the agency, watches it approach with dread weighing heavily in his stomach. Two years of working with Shannon has been difficult, especially since he started falling for her, but he doesn’t want their partnership to end. He has barely a few days to make her face her feelings and stop her from leaving, and he intends to do just that.

When a slimy demon threatens the season of peace and goodwill, it’s the chance Rafe has been waiting for and the moment Shannon secretly fears. Rafe’s determination to prise open her heart and her own resolve to keep it closed clash as violently as they do with the demon, and threatens to end as messily.

Can Rafe make Shannon see that his love for her is real and that she feels something for him too? Can Shannon face her fears and her past, and stop herself from running away from both? Will a wish on a star bring her what her heart truly desires—a vampire for Christmas?

Other paranormal romance books by Felicity Heaton
Her Angel romance series (Read the first book, Her Dark Angel, for FREE on Amazon Kindle)
Eternal Mates romance series
Vampire Erotic Theatre / V.E.T romance series (Read the first book, Covet, for FREE on Amazon Kindle)
Vampires Realm romance series (Read the first book, Prophecy: Child of Light, for FREE on Amazon Kindle)

ABOUT FELICITY HEATON

Felicity Heaton is a New York Times, USA Today and international best-selling author writing passionate paranormal romance books. In her books she creates detailed worlds, twisting plots, mind-blowing action, intense emotion and heart-stopping romances with leading men that vary from dark deadly vampires to sexy shape-shifters and wicked werewolves, to sinful angels and hot demons!

If you’re a fan of paranormal romance authors Lara Adrian, J R Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Gena Showalter and Christine Feehan then you will enjoy her books too.

If you love your angels a little dark and wicked, the best-selling Her Angel series is for you. If you like strong, powerful, and dark vampires then try the Vampires Realm series or any of her stand-alone vampire romance books. If you’re looking for vampire romances that are sinful, passionate and erotic then try the best-selling Vampire Erotic Theatre series. Or if you prefer huge detailed worlds filled with hot-blooded alpha males in every species, from elves to demons to dragons to shifters and angels, then take a look at the new Eternal Mates series.

You can find out more about Felicity at:
Website – http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/
Blog – http://www.felicityheaton.co.uk/blog/
Twitter – http://twitter.com/felicityheaton
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/felicityheaton
Pinterest – http://pinterest.com/felicityheaton/

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