I am an avid fan of Abigail Owen’s and will read anything she writes! That being said, The Stolen Throne, Book 2 in the Dominion series, is even better than The Liar’s Crown. Each book has grown in depth and detail, from the world building to the characters growth. There is no shortage of action and danger.
I am a huge fan of book covers. Once I read that someone saw a lobster on the pretty cover of The Stolen Throne, I couldn’t stop looking at it. Check it out for yourself. Great cover, Elizabeth Turner Stokes. And, I love maps. Kellerica did a great job on the maps of Nova.
I read a lot of teen and young adult novels. Many times I cannot give them a five star rating, through no fault of the author or the story. It’s just not deep enough, engrossing enough, sexy enough, violent enough…well, you get the drift.
The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen is an exception to my normal. The book was long, so I couldn’t finish it in one sitting, but I would have if my eyes didn’t start to cross, blurring the words. I was so engrossed in the details, wandering the worlds with Meren and her unlikely group of heroes, traveling through portals to places I never would have dreamed of on my own. I feel their pain, their struggles, their love, their loyalty…to the twin of the Queen, who was meant to be disposable.
I have a people to protect. I have a bondmate to save. I have a king to destroy.
We have moments to smile, even laugh. Moments to drown our sorrows in those lost. Moments of hope and inspiration, like Abigail Owen’s inspiration for this novel, which starts with an obscure Hans Christian Anderson fairytale about a man who shed his shadow, and when the shadow turned real, he took over the man’s life. She found her villain and her hero. I love when one character can fit both roles. It makes for a more interesting character.
I loved everything about The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen.
I can hardly wait for The Shadows Rule, Book 3, due for publication in January 2024.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Stolen Throne by Abigail Owen.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
My twin sister is the true queen of Aryd. She survives, hiding and clinging to life in the desert, while I reign as the false queen alongside the monstrous King Eidolon. There’s only one escape from this gilded prison: Reven. My Shadowraith. My heart. Only the shadows that he struggles to control are growing more sinister, more powerful.
It’s just a matter of time before they turn on him…and on me.
Even escape doesn’t mean true freedom, though, when we’re still on the run from Eidolon’s unstoppable armies. And when we discover there’s a traitor among us, I have no choice…I must become the queen I was never meant to be.
Because as one evil hunts me, the other loves me more than himself.
And my fate lies with both.
The Dominions series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 The Liar’s Crown Book #2 The Stolen Throne Book #3 The Shadow Rule All
460 pages, ebook
Expected publication May 2, 2023
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.
Sue Coletta has a collection of thrillers that have given me hours of reading pleasure. Her covers are always amazing and covers have such a huge influence on me, so I invited her and her cover designer, Elle J Rossi from Evernight Designs, to share their thoughts.
Behind-the-Scenes Peek at Cover Creation
Sue: When Sherry approached me about writing a guest post with my cover designer, I thought it was a great idea. Readers only see the finished product, but a lot goes into each cover. Today, I’ve teamed up with my designer, the amazing Elle J. Rossi from Evernight Designs, to peel back the curtain on how we created the final cover for Restless Mayhem.
Ready? Let’s do this…
Before I approach Elle, I have a vague idea of what I want. For Restless Mayhem, the two most important elements were the wolf and dreamcatcher. Once I find images that somewhat match my mental picture, I send Elle multiple links to photo elements to either build from or use a guide. Included in the email, I also include the overall emotion I want convey. For Restless Mayhem, I wrote “dark but hopeful.” How she interprets that first email is beyond me. But somehow, she does.
Elle: Once I receive Sue’s email, I look over all the images she’s sent for review and start to get a good idea for the concept she’d like to see for the cover. Some authors will also send comps of covers in their genre/subgenre that they like. Since Sue’s most recent cover is part of a series, it’s important to stay on brand while also allowing the book to stand out as a new addition. As a fellow author (https://www.ellejrossi.com/), I know how important this first impression of someone’s book is. Humans are visual creatures, and Sue and I want to take advantage of that.
Once I have an idea in my head, I start the mock-up process. Ideally, I like to send the author a couple of rough options and get their feedback before purchasing the images we’ll use on the final. Once I have those completed, I shoot them off to Sue to get her thoughts.
Here are the mock-ups I sent for Restless Mayhem…
Sue: Both are awesome, right? I had to sleep on it to decide where I wanted to go. Plus, a snowstorm knocked out our power and I’d been trying to work via cell phone all day. Needless to say, I was absolutely fried when the mock-ups landed in my inbox. In the morning, I emailed Elle. Here’s what I said…
New day, and the brain’s working again. 😉
Okay, here’s what I’m thinking. I love the black wolf, but I don’t want anyone to think werewolves. The characters are saving Eastern Gray wolves. I’d prefer the dreamcatcher to be more of a focal point and the wolf to be secondary. If we took the dreamcatcher, red sky, and wolf from the first cover and made it clean and crisp like the second, added in a couple trees where the wolf can emerge from, I think it’ll be awesome.
Or…
Using the first cover again, pull the dreamcatcher forward and push back the wolf so he’s more of a ghostly, shadowy outline, and make it clean and crisp (without the added texture), that may be even cooler. Thoughts?
Once again, somehow Elle unscrambled that nonsense.
Elle: Sue may think that her feedback was rambling or nonsense, but it made perfect sense to me. So, I sat back and analyzed the two covers while considering her thoughts and reworking the cover. I used the same dreamcatcher from the first sample but completely replaced the wolf, added a new background, and blended the two together. I did the same on a fourth mock-up but with another wolf. I also omitted the tagline area and then sent those 2 options to Sue for more feedback.
Sue: I loved them both. Here’s where Elle and I had to pick apart the finer details of each cover and choose the elements that most resonated. I’ve worked with Elle for so many years, I value her input. So, I emailed…
OMG, I absolutely love them. Can’t decide between the two. Is it the same background behind the howling wolf as the other wolf? The skyline and dreamcatcher are absolutely perfect.
Elle wrote back…
I’m so glad you like them. Similar backgrounds but not the same. I think it comes down to the actual wolf. I’m torn, but lean slightly toward the non-howler. 😁
I agreed. The non-howler was a better fit. My only addition was Poe, sitting on the S in Restless. True to form, Elle surprised me again. I’ll let her explain what she did.
Elle: I loved the idea of adding in Poe as it brought in another element from some of the previous covers. This, again, was another way to stick to the brand. However, when I added him in, he kind of disappeared into the background and was completely lost, which defeated the purpose of adding him in. I pondered on how to make him stand out. Of course, we could have him glow, but this isn’t that kind of book. J I could lighten him, but crows are black and should stay black, so that wouldn’t work. I opted to try lightening a portion of the background. That worked for multiple reasons: Poe is clearly seen, and it added another color which really made the cover come to life. I sent that latest version off for Sue’s approval, but I had a feeling this was THE ONE.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this behind-the-scenes peek at cover creation. The most important aspect of any partnership is mutual respect and trust. She does her job, I do mine, and the cover(s) reaps the rewards.
You can find out more about Elle’s design services here: https://www.evernightdesigns.com/
I love the amazing cover for Restless Mayhem by Sue Coletta, which was done in collaboration with Elle J. Rossi from Evernight Designs,. Mr Mayhem and Shawnee have come a long way since I first met them. I never would have predicted that Mayhem, Shawnee and her grandfather, Jacy Lee, would become eco-warriors to save the wolves and wolf dogs they found being trafficked. Buy one to hunt it down and kill it. How cruel.
I have so many highlights in my ereader, I confuse myself. LOL
The crows…sure the wolves are the stars of Restless Mayhem, but the crows are always there, always vigilant, always helpful, and their personalities shine through Sue Coletta’s writing. I find them fascinating and often refer to reality to confirm the authenticity of her writing. I worry for them, as much as I do their human friends. Shawnee and Poe’s ‘problems’ go back a long way and their interactions are laugh out loud funny, but when push comes to shove, he will be there. I wonder…will their feud ever end. 🙂
Shawnee…I love this woman. Maybe these quotes will give you an inside glimpse into who she was, is, and is becoming.
“Between the cougar attack and the bees, I couldn’t catch a friggin’ break. What’s next, a moose stomping me to death?”
Mayhem…
“True warriors are born with an inbred fight response rather than merely flight. And you, dearest Cat, have many of the same attributes.”
Sue Coletta richly details Shawnee’s training, and when they went flying through the trees, I slowed my reading, intrigued, trying to picture it in my mind. It was wild. Walking through the woods, making nary a sound, as they stalk the hunters. I have heard of that before and I love that Sue is able to make Restless Mayhem seem so real, except I don’t think Mayhem, Shawnee and Jacey Lee would get away with the things they do in the real world. Money, influence and prejudice hold too much sway. And…is there such a thing as a Wendingo?
Everything has a place in this world and when you remove an element, the environment reflects that loss. The Native American culture and environmentalists the world over have voiced their concerns and warnings. I love books that can incorporate all these elements into a cohesive novel that grabs me from start to finish.
I could go on and on and on and on, but I think you get the gist. I love, love, love the Mayhem series, since I cracked open the first book, but Sue Coletta supplies enough back story that I believe Restless Mayhem can stand alone. So, don’t be afraid to grab Restless Mayhem, then I am sure you will want to go to the beginning and see how we came to be where we are now.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Restless Mayhem by Sue Coletta.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Amidst a rising tide of poachers, three unlikely eco-warriors take a stand to save endangered Eastern Gray Wolves—even if it means the slow slaughter of their captors.
Deep in the woods of Jackson, New Hampshire, an ancient evil lurks. Armed poachers patrol a secret enclosure, holding captive a pack of majestic Eastern Gray Wolves. But three unlikely eco-warriors are determined to free the wolves, embarking on a dangerous mission to end their torture.
With courage and conviction, Shawnee, Mayhem, and Jacy Lee march onward, even if it means risking their own lives to take down the poachers and restore freedom to the wolves. It’s a battle between justice and injustice, and the eco-warriors are determined to win—no matter the cost.
But what if something even more evil lurks in those woods? What if Shawnee’s not ready to answer the cry for help?
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 26, 2023 by Crow Talons Publishing
ABOUT SUE COLETTA
Sue Coletta is an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as one of the “Top 100 Crime Blogs on the Net” (Murder Blog sits at #5) for four years in a row. And recently, she appeared on an Emmy award-winning true crime show.
Sue also blogs at the Kill Zone, a multi-award-winning writing blog, and writes two serial killer thriller series (Tirgearr Publishing) and narrative nonfiction/true crime for Globe Pequot, trade division of Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group.
For readers, she has the Crime Lover’s Lounge, where members will be the first to know about free giveaways, contests, and have inside access to deleted scenes (if available). As an added bonus, members get to play in the lounge. Your secret code will unlock the virtual door.
BONUS: When you join Sue’s community you’ll receive two free killer reads!
Sue lives in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire with her husband, and begins each by feeding all the wildlife in her yard. Her favorite “pets” are a murder of crows who live free but come when called by name.
“I have imagined us having sex more times than I can count,” Just check out my ceiling. “But we can’t see each other again after today and having sex’ll it harder to let go.”
I have enjoyed Mimi Jean Pamfiloff’s humorous writing style and am curious to see what happens to Huff in Just Mr Love. He was a wimp, a nerd, but after an accident, he developed super powers. Of course, something given, something taken. I’ll leave it to you to find out for yourself. But, just to entice you a bit more, here are my thoughts.
I didn’t get as involved in Just Mr Love as I did in Mr Ultra Mega Love. Can’t say exactly why, but I still enjoyed the story. Not only is Huff trying to just survive, he has to deal with betrayal, danger, and loneliness. He makes some risky moves with the help of a new friend. Could she end up being a love interest? She is willing to put her life on the line forhim, and for a new start for herself. It will be interesting to see what develops.
I hate cliffhangers, but I love Mimi Jean’s writing, so that’s okay. Sometimes things happen.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Just Mr Love by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.
3 Stars
GOOREADS BLURB
( Reading book 1 isn’t required, but this is a series. Fun, new drama in every book!)
From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a semi-raunchy Rom-Com with a dash of the impossible and a whole lotta dirty language, Just Mr. Love.
Is he a love machine or a weapon of mass destruction?
My name is Huff, and I used to be a wimpy nerd, but after an unfortunate event, I now have the strength of a hundred men along with other interesting abilities. Even my, eh-hem, man part is pretty special—a recent discovery. “I can’t believe it can do that!”
No one knows exactly how this happened, but now I have enemies. Some want to reverse engineer me, and others want me dead.
The only thing keeping me from losing my sh*t is River, the girl I’ve loved since the second grade. I’d do anything for her. Anything.
But every time we try to move out of the friend zone, something gets in the way. This time, that something is me.
I just might be deadly in bed.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2023
Published April 14, 2023 by Paper & Silver, Inc.
Language: English
ABOUT MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF
MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who’s sold over one million books around the world. Although she obtained her MBA and worked for more than fifteen years in the corporate world, she believes that it’s never too late to come out of the romance closet and follow your dreams.
Mimi lives with her Latin lover hubby, two pirates-in-training (their boys), and their three spunky dragons (really, just very tiny dogs with big attitudes) Snowy, Mini, and Mack, in the vampire-unfriendly state of Arizona.
She hopes to make you laugh when you need it most and continues to pray daily that leather pants will make a big comeback for men.
WOW. The Deadening by Kerry Peresta is a suspense/thriller novel that keeps on giving, until the very last page is read and I do love the awesome cover. That’s right, even the ending was a total surprise. I am sooo happy that I have the next two books in the series, and I will be cracking open The Rising as soon as I finish writing this review.
I have read amnesia books before, so I thought I would like The Deadening by Kerry Peresta, but I had no idea how great a writer she was. It made me think of a Bones episode, when he literally tripped over her bloody body, except Olivia is alive. The pace and tension level kept me flipping pages, unpredictable moments coming one after another.
When Olivia first becomes aware of…well…anything, it totally creeps me out. Imagine, not being able to open your eyes, speak, move even a finger tip, yet able to hear what is going on around you. Hear people talking at you. Sarah, the nurse is an awesome character. The brain in an amazing organ, doing its best to fix itself when broken.
The characters are well developed. Of course, Olivia develops throughout the story, as memories return and she finds herself. Monty is a total dick, a wonderful villain, one I loved to hate. Niles…sometimes people get caught up in something and can’t find their way out. I had empathy for the man. The girls are girls. Sophie her mother is a fabulous, realistic character. Hunter, the detective who answers her every call, helps her unravel the mystery.
I am having a hard time reining in everything I want to say. I will tell you this, if you are a suspense/thriller fan, Kerry Peresta is an author you want on your reading list.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Deadening by Kerry Peresta.
5 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Olivia Callahan’s quiet, orderly life is shattered when she regains consciousness in a hospital and discovers she is paralyzed and cannot remember a thing. The fragmented voices she hears around her help her piece together that an apparent assault landed her in the hospital, but nobody knows who attacked her, or why. After a chilling struggle to survive, she awakens from a coma unable to remember what happened to her or anything at all, except she has been told she is an entirely different person. Or is she?
Now, in spite of a brain injury that has rewired her personality, Olivia is on a mission to reclaim her life. As clarity surfaces and she starts to understand who she was, she is shocked. Had she really been that person? And if so, does she want her old life back?
Kerry Peresta’s publishing credits include a popular newspaper and e-zine humor column, “The Lighter Side,” and short stories in the published anthology, “That One Left Shoe,” and her first novel released in 2013 by Pen-L Publishing, “The Hunting,” contemporary women’s fiction. She spent twenty-five years in advertising as an account manager, creative director, and copywriter before deciding to devote more of her time to writing. She is currently working on her next novel, and the most current one, The Deadening, fiction, suspense; releases Feb. 23, 2021 and will be available for pre-order mid-January. Kerry has been published in several local magazines, including Local Life, Island Events, Bluffton Breeze, and Lady Lowcountry. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and Island Writers Network of Hilton Head. She enjoys participating in writing conferences, and has served as chapter president of the Maryland Writers’ Association. Learn more about Kerry at www.kerryperesta.net, https://www.facebook.com/klperesta or https://www.instagram.com/kerryperesta(less)
The old time feel of the cover and the Route 66 sign made me pause and check out Three Mile Smile by Chad Lutzke. The premise, a diner cook and a hot female customer, made me think of a twisted version of Thelma and Louise. It’s not believable, but isn’t that the meaning of fiction? An author has artistic license to make the story whatever they want it to be.
I’ve seen Chad Lutzke’s name around the blogosphere and he has a lot of books to his credit, so I decided to give him a shot. He has a quirky writing style and I felt there was some humor involved, along with the danger and murder.
I gave Three Mile Smile by Chad Lutzke a three star rating, because, after reading it, I would still give another book a shot, and I think others may enjoy his writing style more than I. I did read it in one sitting. I had to know how it would end, and, there was a surprise or two, including the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Three Mile Smile by Chad Lutzke.
3 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Glover, Texas has three restaurants, two gas stations, and its very own underground crime syndicate. Other than that, the town’s about as lively as roadkill. That’s been Cake Donaldson’s experience, anyway.
Cake flips burgers at the local diner on Route 66 for the same mouths day in, day out. Life is simple. Too simple. So, when an attractive older woman shows up with a spontaneous proposition—a sex-filled road trip full of adventure—he bites the hook.
Unfortunately for him, she leaves out some details, like what’s in the trunk of her car, and just how bad her husband wants it.
A cat and mouse crime thriller that meets True Romance with The Graduate.
ABOUT CHAD LUTZKE
Chad has written for Famous Monsters of Filmland, Rue Morgue, Cemetery Dance, and Scream magazine. He’s had dozens of short stories published, and some of his books include: OF FOSTER HOMES & FLIES, STIRRING THE SHEETS, SKULLFACE BOY, THE SAME DEEP WATER AS YOU, THE PALE WHITE, THE NEON OWL and OUT BEHIND THE BARN co-written with John Boden. Lutzke’s work has been praised by authors Jack Ketchum, Richard Chizmar, Joe R. Lansdale, Stephen Graham Jones, Tim Waggoner and his own mother.
Protecting Hawk by Jane Blythe is Book V 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.
I have been reading Jane Blythe’s work for a long time now and her writing style fits me well. Protecting Hawk is Book V in her Special Forces: Operation Alpha – Prey Security series. I am familiar with many of the characters from previous books and am eager to see what she puts them through in Protecting Hawk.
The guys are hunks and the women are damsels in distress, sorta. But, be careful. You push them into a corner and they can bite.
A one night stand and they are unable to forget? I can sure see why she can’t. LOL I guess if you are a guy back from a military mission, one who only does one night stands because he does not want a relationship, maybe…if he met the right one…she could be unforgettable. Is there such a thing as love at first sight?
Madeline Montgomery works as a victimologist, studying the relationship between victims and their attackers, working with police across the country.
She is on the run, because her work brought her to the attention of a serial killer, but it goes so much deeper than that. I am not going to tell you why, but it does tie into an issue that Prey Security has been dealing with.
She walks in. Eight months pregnant. Seeking help. Her life and her unborn baby’s life is on the line. She knows they are the best, so here she is.
The premise is a familiar one with romantic suspense. It’s hard to get around the push/pull, (mis or no) communication and keep the story going. After all, that is usually how it leaves her open to danger. And, real life, look how well we all communicate. LOL
After meeting Madeline, Hawk has started to reconsider his military career. Maybe it’s time to retire and accept a job at Prey Security. His family had been after him to join the firm and now he has a reason to consider it…if he goes after her. With all the skills his family possesses it would not be difficult to find her, he just has to make up his mind to do it. Before he has the chance…
It’s hard for me to imagine a scenario I don’t see coming, but Jane Blythe does manage to surprise me, when Ellen walked into the room….
Thank you, Jane, for the hours of unputdownable entertainment. Keep it coming.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Protecting Hawk by Jane Blythe.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
It was only supposed to be one night.
When Madeline Montgomery finds out she’s carrying her one night stand’s baby she’s shocked, but without his name she can’t find him, and determines to raise her child alone. With a stalker upping his ante and the cops refusing to take her seriously, she runs to Prey Security for help. Stunned to find her baby’s father is a co-owner of the company, the two grow close, bonding over their son’s birth. However a threat is hovering over them, one their fledgling relationship might not survive.
Hawk Oswald doesn’t believe relationships last, yet he can’t stop obsessing over the one night stand from eight months ago. When the woman in question shows up as a client at Prey, pregnant with his child, he realizes maybe he does want a family of his own. But someone is out to get him and his siblings, and when evidence suggests Maddy might be a part of it, he’s going to have to decide whether or not he believes in the woman he’s falling in love with before its too late.
Military, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense and Thriller Fiction
Kindle Edition
Published November 22, 2022
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!
Tagline: One prophecy, a thirst for blood, and a tangled web of lies…
MY REVIEW
I am always up for a vampire story, so when I saw Prophecy Of A Vampire by Tania Gold, I grabbed it. I didn’t find anything unique or original in the story, but I did enjoy it. That part, what happens next, was a disappointment, because it is a series…
“Because the doctor is dead. His entire family has died. Just like the rest of us will. Except you.”
We start out in 1924, during the Los Angeles pneumonic plague epidemic.
We have Zachary Phillips, who is under Connor’s, his twin brother, control. He wants out. Connor is a vicious vampire, reveling in destroying humans. When Zachary hears of the Vampire Queen prophecy he sets out to find her. If he delivers her to Connor, he will be free. Stella, his witch friend, helps guide him on his mission.
Ivy Litt, a new vampire, has no clue what’s going on, but when she meets Zachary, he helps explain what is happening to her and an attraction blooms.
Oh my gosh. My body is on fire. When Zachary and I were discussing arousal during feeding, the pulsations in my nether region started a party of thumping. It was like a frickin’ nightclub down there.
I busted out in laughter. Zachary is helping her learn what it means to be a vampire and doing his best to ignore his attraction to Ivy. She is meant for Connor. Does he feel guilty for all the lies he is telling her so she will come along peacefully?
Her best friend, Damien, has turned on her, when he learns she is a vampire. She finds out he is a werewolf, determined to kill her. Most everyone likes the way things are and believe she will change their world when she becomes Vampire Queen. So, she must go.
We have some battles along the way, as the werewolves try to stop them from getting to Connor. The longer it takes, the more Zachary is rethinking things, wanting Ivy for himself, but Ivy feels she must fulfill the prophecy.
Prophecy Of A Vampire by Tania Gold may be predictable, but I did enjoy it. I think some of my problem was I didn’t really connect to the characters, and I may never know how everything pans out, seeing it is a series. I find many times, I enjoy the second book more because it gets into the meat of the story, the first book setting the foundation. Some may enjoy it more than I did, so give it a try and find out for yourself.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Prophecy Of A Vampire by Tania Gold.
3 Stars
Book Description:
It’s been almost a century since Zachary Philips was turned into a creature of the night. A brooding man with a thirst for freedom and for blood. When he hears of the prophesied Vampire Queen being reborn, he hatches a plan to gain his freedom. Soon, their lives collide and although they are opposites, their sizzling sexual chemistry binds them together.
It doesn’t take too long before Ivy Litt finds herself ensnared by Zachary. She also realizes she can’t stay away from him. If only she knew about the web of lies he was spinning.
Will Zachary’s past and cry for freedom ruin his one chance of happiness, or will Ivy’s thread of humanity change the course of what could be something special?
“Ivy, there is nothing you can do about it anymore. You might
think that what you did was bad, but you protected yourself and it also
happened to be in the natural way, for a vampire, that is. Which you are now,
so you must learn to understand, and live with the knowledge that this will be
a part of your future. You will get angry, you will get thirsty, and that
thirst will be to kill whoever stands in your way. In this case, the mutts were
advancing on you, and you did the natural thing and retaliated with fangs.”
I give her another
light squeeze, which then turns into my thumb, rubbing circles on her shoulder,
just as I have done in the past. I feel her loosen up a little and all the
anxiety and distress fleeing her body.
About the Author:
Growing up with a passion for writing, Tania Gold, a wife and mother of two from Sydney, Australia, has always enjoyed delivering exciting stories to an audience. An avid reader of Fantasy and Romance novels, she had dreamed of creating her own world full of exciting and loveable characters.
“Her Alibi is another example of where reality trumps fiction and Schmidt must be commended for finding the courage to pen this book.”
– Readers Favorite
Title: Her Alibi Author: Mary L. Schmidt Publisher: M. Schmidt Productions Pages: 76 Genre: Forensic Memoir / Forensic Psychology
MY REVIEW
Her Alibi by Mary L Schmidt is one of those books that jump out at me. It may be only 76 pages in print, but the evil that oozes off the pages is endless. How could a mother do the things Marguerite does to her children? A psychopath wants what they want, regardless of the cost to others. Mary is one of those people whose inner strength keeps them moving forward, sharing their past so others may know they can have a future too.
I grew up in the sixties, so I can see how child abuse would go untreated. We had a big family, six children and my parents. The haircuts are familiar, as are the clothes. We entertained ourselves a lot, but never did I feel the need to hide from my mother. I remember The Beatles, The Monkeys and playing Cats Cradle, and the occasional treat.
I want to thank Mary L Schmidt for having the courage to share her story.
4 Stars
ABOUT HER ALIBI
Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Paul? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?
“Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”
Before I get to this shooting, I want to fill in background so that you understand sociopathic people and the rage they can present to another person or persons. My mother was a sociopath. Her rage was uncontrolled, and she acted fast, aggressively, and with vengeance. It’s important for the reader to have a full background.
As I grew up, I wanted to believe that my mother was a good mother, but sadly that never happened, she never was. My mother, Marguerite, always seemed to think that she was the best mother, perfect even, but not all mothers are made the same as I found out from a very young age.
I remember my second Christmas at age two years. We had a cedar Christmas tree with lights and tinsel. Somehow, I found some small, glass Christmas lights and I had them in my hands. No one stopped me. Possibly no one noticed. I took my pretty treasures and sat behind the heating stove in our small house on North Grand Avenue. For some reason only a two-year-old would understand, I put one of the light bulbs in my mouth and bit it down. I broke the glass, and I didn’t get hurt, and I thought oh that was a cool sound and so I broke the other one in my mouth! My mother, older brother and sister were in the same room, and my mother found me bleeding from my mouth behind the heating stove. She went into a ballistic rage! I was in trouble. She beat my butt and yelled at me all the way to the hospital in Lyons, KS, and she was quiet only while my stomach was pumped. No glass was left inside me, and I had one little cut on my tongue, and no stitches needed. I will never forget her rage at me, and that is probably why I remember the incident.
More…
About the Author
Mary L. Schmidt writes under her given name and a pen name, S. Jackson, along with her husband Michael, pen name A Raymond. She grew up in a small Kansas (USA) town and has lived in more than one state since then. At this time, Mary and her husband split their time between homes in Kansas and Colorado as they love the mountains and off-road four-wheeling. Traveling is one of their most favorite things to do and Mary always has a book to read on her Kindle. Books are one of her favorite things. When she was younger, it seemed like every time she turned around, a new library card was needed due to the current one being stamped complete. Diving into a good book made any day perfect and you would be surprised at the number of books she read over and over.
As a child, Mary drew paper dolls, and clothes for them, using watercolor as her medium when painting scenes, especially flowers. She continued with art in high school exploring a wide variety of mediums such as jewelry making, ceramics, leather works, drawing, painting and more! Her creative loves to be an amateur shutterbug and she has an online art gallery.
In college, she went into the sciences, and received a bachelor’s degree in the Science of Nursing. Throughout her nursing career, Michael assisted Mary in her work with The American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Cub and Boy Scouts, and sponsored children alongside his wife on music trips. Mary’s nursing career was highly successful, and she hung up her nursing hat in December 2012.
Mary and Michael love to read, fish, play poker, go Jeeping, and travel, especially to visit their grandson, Austin, and granddaughter, Emma.
Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold is a departure from her normal writing of police procedurals and thrillers, veering off into the world of cozies, and I am eager to see how she does. The cover looks fun…sooo….let’s go bowling.
Sara Cain is a detective by day and a writer by night. An evening run has her meeting Magnum, a beagle, who leads her to his murdered owner. Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler. Douche Detective Davenport is on the case. He is incompetent, choosing the easy way out to close his cases. She is drawn into the case, when her mother makes the request.
Sara and Sean are partners….and that’s all. They both acknowledge their attraction, but she won’t let it go any further. No mingling in the work place.
Sean is a kind and compassionate person and a kindness given reaps Sean more than he ever could have imagined. He is so romantic, so sweet. How has he not been snatched up yet? Sara better be careful.
Carolyn Arnold handles her foray into cozy mysteries with the same panache as her police procedurals and thrillers. The writing flows smoothly, leading me from page to page, devouring the words, becoming involved with the richly developed characters, walking with them step by step to the very end…enjoying every minute of it.
I am eager to see what adventure comes next for Sara and Sean.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bowled Over Americano by Carolyn Arnold.
4 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
Sara Cain isn’t your typical thirty-two-year-old woman. Murder detective by day, writer and… sleuth by night? Just as long as there’s enough coffee to keep her going…
When her first novel gives her trouble, Sara goes for a walk to clear her writer’s block and ends up stumbling right into a real-life murder mystery. Magnum, an adventurous beagle, comes running off leash toward her in the local park, and she returns him home only to find his master dead on the entry floor.
Cliff Cunningham was a championship bowler with a mean streak and a temper, and police are pegging his Golden Pin bowling trophy as the murder weapon. While any number of people could have clocked a strike by knocking him on the noggin, the prime suspect is a friend of Sara’s mother—and she expects Sara to prove the woman’s innocence. A tall order, as the case isn’t officially hers and belongs to a rival detective.
But a promise is a promise, and Sara soon finds herself sleuthing undercover—and off the clock—in a world of polyester shirts and rental shoes. It’s not all bad, though, as she’s taking her friend and partner Sean McKinley along for the ride. They are better together than they’ve ever been split, and they’re not amateurs at finding killers.
Despite being up against small-town hijinks and colorful characters who threaten to roll their efforts into the gutter, they are having fun. That is, until they get close to the killer and a dangerous twist puts their lives at risk.
A completely addictive caper full of twists that offers up a serving of murder, a dollop of romance, and a dash of humor. This perfect blend of robust and sweet is bound to hit the spot with readers who are fans of Verity Bright, Tonya Kappes, and Agatha Frost.
ABOUT CAROLYN ARNOLD
CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.
Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.
She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.
A forest retreat. Isolated. No wireless. A storm. A family of psychopaths. What could possibly go wrong?
The pretty cover of The Family Bones by Elle Marr makes me think romantic suspense. I read the blurb and I thought, this will be a different kind of serial killer story and I was eager to begin reading. It didn’t go like a thought…
The point of view shifts between Olivia, a family member and podcaster searching for answers to the question – nature or nurture, Birdie, and influences and podcaster specializing in missing women, and a Journal.
The mystery begins to ramp up when a body is found floating in the lake. The police are unable to reach them due to the storm and thinking they would be all right. After all, it is a family reunion.
I feel like I am lost in a B movie, unraveling it through the written word. The story felt dry. I thought with the murder(s) it would be more suspenseful, but it just didn’t read that way to me. More of a mystery than a suspense novel.
I will say, there were so many suspects, I would need a murder board to try to figure it out. I know the story is fiction and I am usually able to let the author lead me wherever they want me to go, but this time, I just couldn’t get there. Was it the storyline?…or just me?….
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Family Bones by Elle Marr.
3 Stars
GOODREADS BLURB
What makes a psychopath? A young woman delves into her family’s shadowy legacy in a terrifying novel by the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of Strangers We Know.
Psychology student Olivia Eriksen’s family is notorious among true-crime buffs. Faced with a legacy of psychopathy that spans generations, Olivia has spent much of her academic life trying to answer one chilling question: Nature or nurture?
Although she’s kept a safe distance from her blood relatives for years, Olivia agrees to attend a weekend reunion. After all, her fiancé is eager to meet his future in-laws, and the gathering may give her a chance to interview her elusive grandfather about the family traits.
But nothing is ever peaceful among the Eriksens for long. Olivia’s favorite cousin is found dead in a nearby lake. Then another family member disappears. As a violent storm isolates the group further, Olivia’s fears rise faster than the river.
And an uninvited guest is about to join the party. True-crime podcaster Birdie Tan has uncovered a disturbing mystery in her latest investigation—and she’s following it right to the Eriksens’ mountain resort. There’s a deadly twist in the family plot that even Olivia doesn’t see coming.
318 pages, Paperback
First published March 7, 2023
ABOUT ELLE MARR
Elle Marr is a #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of thrillers. Her latest book THE FAMILY BONES earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly, which called it a “mesmerizing psychological thriller.” Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master’s degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She now lives and writes in Oregon with her family.
Coming in Spring 2024, her next book THE ALONE TIME is available for pre-order now. YOUR DARK SECRETS, a thriller in the vein of Flight Attendant meets I Care A Lot, will publish Summer 2024.
For more info, check out www.ellemarr.com or follow her on social media.
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