5 Star Review for The Grave Artist by Jeffrey Deaver & Isabella Maldonado @jefferydeaver @isabellambooks

NEW RELEASE

GOODREADS

Fanfrickintastic. I am loving the Sanchez and Heron series by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado. The multiple plot lines and villains that are found in The Grave Artist kept my mind spinning, and the authors kept me on my toes from beginning to end.

Carmen Sanchez is an agent for Homeland Security Investigations. Her partner, Jake Heron is a security expert. They are the only two members of a newly created division, I-Squared. Governmental politics will rear its ugly head, but that’s to be expected. They find a way to work around it.

Carmen and Jake first meet the Honeymoon Killer when a groom is murdered. They quickly discover he has struck in other countries, but for some reason, when they try to contact them, they get no response. We learn who the serial killer is from the very beginning and see the world through his eyes. It does not detract from the story, it only enhances it.

Declan is Jake Heron’s computer. He is analytical and creative. If you didn’t know he was a computer, you might think he was a person when you are talking to him.

Silena, Carmen’s sister, is on the hunt for their father’s murderer. Everyone thought it was a suicide, but they were convinced he found out something he shouldn’t have and it cost him his life. Carmen had told her to hang tight until she closed the Honeymoon Killer case and she could help, but… Carmen and Silena are kickass characters, sometimes putting themselves in danger by not waiting for the Calvary to come.

Tristan Kane, from the first book, Fatal Intrusion, puts in an appearance. making their investigation even more complicated.

It took both of their skills to answers all the questions I had, and I didn’t get the answers until the very end…and that ending…it keeps on giving. Every time I thought the characters trials and tribulations were over, Jeffrey and Isabella found something else that made my jaw drop. Awesome. Spine tingling. Mysterious. 

I want to thank Thomas & Mercer and MB Communications for the opportunity to read and review The Grave Artist by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

Perfect couples are his perfect victims. Now he’s hunting those hunting him in a riveting thriller by New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Isabella Maldonado.

A wedding reception is coming to a close in the Hollywood Hills when the blissful day is shattered by the death of one of the newlyweds. Though the incident appears to be an accident, Homeland Security Investigations agent Carmen Sanchez and her partner, security expert Jake Heron, discover that the tragedy is the third in a series of similar deaths and conclude something far more sinister is at play.

The two uncover chilling evidence pointing to a serial killer who has taken evil to the next level. Dubbed the Honeymoon Killer, this man isn’t interested in his victims but in creating his own macabre masterpiece from their graves—focused on the survivors and reveling in their grief. And now his dark obsession has turned to Carmen and Jake…

The Honeymoon Killer has decided they are the perfect next target. Take one out and delight as the other crumbles. Time is running out as a deadly game between predator and prey begins.

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
  • 396 pages, Paperback
  • Expected publication September 9, 2025 by Thomas & Mercer
  • Series: Sanchez & Heron, Book II, Stand Alone

#1 international bestselling author of over thirty novels and three collections of short stories. His books are sold in 150 countries and translated into 25 languages. His first novel featuring Lincoln Rhyme, The Bone Collector, was made into a major motion picture starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. He’s received or been shortlisted for a number of awards around the world.

Website

Wall Street Journal bestselling and award-winning author Isabella Maldonado wore a gun and badge in real life before turning to crime writing. A graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico and the first Latina to attain the rank of captain in her police department, she retired as the Commander of Special Investigations and Forensics. During more than two decades on the force, her assignments included hostage negotiator, department spokesperson, and precinct commander. She uses her law enforcement background to bring a realistic edge to her writing, which includes the Special Agent Nina Guerrera series, the Special Agent Dani Vega series, the Detective Veranda Cruz series, and the Sanchez and Heron series (co-authored with Jeffery Deaver). Her books are published in 24 languages. For more information, visit www.isabellamaldonado.com.

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Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious – Original Sinner by Kait Ballenger @kait_ballenger

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

OMG!!!!!! I am blown away by Original Sinner by Kait Ballenger. Think Lucifer, the TV series, meets Fifty Shades Of Gray. I love everything about Original Sinner, from the fabulous cover to the last word read. Once I began reading, I couldn’t stop. The seven deadly sins are running wild in New York City and Lucifer reigns supreme. They’re waiting for God to make an appearance, for Lucifer to receive redemption. Charlotte had run from her abusive religious father and the man she was given to. Through a series of stumbles she becomes Lucifer’s fake fiancee. BUT, once Lucifer has her, he will face heaven and earth and everything in between to keep her. They don’t hide who they are. In the days of social media, it wouldn’t work anyway. The paparazzi have them in their sights. Sexual tension runs throughout and when they do have sex it’s sizzling hot with plenty of dominating and submissive kink.

There are all kinds of triggers for some people, so check it out good before reading. It doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, I revel in their delicious wickedness and debauchery. I want more. Lots more. I love, love, love it!!!!! So, I’m moving on to the sequel in the Original Sinners series, Wicked Believer.

I bought my copy of Original Sinner and it was worth every penny of it!!!!!!!!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

Seven deadly—and ultrarich—sins rule NYC, and though she came here to escape her past, one woman’s true path to freedom might be the devil’s bonds in this scorching hot romantasy from Kait Ballenger.

The seven deadly sins keep high profiles in the Big Lust runs brothels, Sloth’s a media streamer…you get the picture. Pride, though, he’s more mysterious. You might know him as Lucifer—temptation irresistibly embodied. The paparazzi are dying for some burning-hot gossip. So when someone publishes my scathing but private rant about him, they eat it up. And now my job is on the line. After all, he is my boss.

With his vicious siblings vying for his power, Lucifer needs to distract the press, so he reframes my tirade as a lovers’ spat, demanding I play the devil’s fiancée. I need to be a good girl, smile for the cameras, nothing more.

But cocky and cruel as he is, his darkness awakens something wicked in me. Sexy and in control, he might just be the cure—an extra dose of sin to heal me from a lifetime of shame and subservience.

And I like it.

  • Genre: Angels and Demons, Dark Romance, Fantasy, Fiction, Paranormal, Romance, Supernatural
  • 346 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published March 25, 2025 by Montlake
  • Series: Original Sinners
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    Kait Ballenger is an award-winning author of dark romantasy and paranormal romance. She is obsessed with tales of morally gray, sometimes villainous heroes and can’t resist a spicy redemption arc. When Kait’s not busy writing kinky paranormal fantasy, she can usually be found with her nose buried in someone else’s naughty books. She lives in Florida’s Bible Belt with her husband and two adorable sons—and will gladly use that belt to whip you.

    For news on future releases, exclusive bonus scenes, and NSFW character art, sign up for Kait’s newsletter: https://bit.ly/3t7zXLA

    You can also find Kait on TikTok @kaitballenger or Instagram @kait.ballenger

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      Sizzling Hot – Review – Wicked Desires by Cora Kent #corakent #wickeddesires

      Amazon / Goodreads

      If it’s the pill, I’ll flush them down the toilet. If it’s an IUD, I’ll pull it out with my teeth.

      That is the ultimatum that Saverio delivers to Lucia, his soon to be bride. She will be his and she will bear his child. No matter how she struggles against him, she cannot deny him.

      Saverio is going to kill me, Brooklyn, her date, and mine. Then he’ll probably kill himself so he can kick all of our asses in the afterlife…

      There are plenty of light and loving moments amongst the danger and death that surrounds Lucia and Saverio. Two families, that are mortal enemies, but Lucia felt that hers and Saverio’s lives had always, and will be always, intertwined.

      There will be plenty of blood shed before the story is told and some smokin’ hot sex. So, brace yourself and dive into the world of the Terlizzis.

      Thanks Cora, for the opportunity to read and review Wicked Desires.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      Marked by vengeance, branded as mine—Lucia Terlizzi will be the key to my revenge.

      Dante Terlizzi has to pay.
      Two years ago, he broke his betrothal to my sister.
      Two months ago, his brother stole the bride meant for my best hitman.
      There’s an unwritten rule about family members and children…
      But f*ck the rules.

      Lucia is the baby of the Terlizzi family.
      Now I’m going to put my baby in her.
      We’ll see how Dante likes it when I take what’s his.
      I’ll dress his pretty little sister in the finest clothes.
      I’ll shower her in diamonds and jewels.
      I’ll make Dante regret ever double crossing me.
      And in the process, I will make my heir.

      All I need is a bouquet of roses, a bottle of bourbon, and a good girl to bend to my will.

      Tropes: Mafia Boss, Birth Control T*mpering, Arranged Marriage, Soul Mates, My Wife, Older Man, Possessive Hero

      Wicked Desires is Saverio and Lucia’s story. This novel features dark themes, steamy scenes, and mature content. Please read the first chapter for a full list of TWs.

      Each book in The Terlizzis series can be read as a standalone novel.

      • Genre: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Erotica, Fiction, Mafia, Romance
      • 316 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Published November 19, 2024
      • Series: The Terlizzis #2

      Cora Kent fell for her first villain before she even knew what romance was. Ever since Scar was denied a happily ever after, she’s been on a mission to give all the dark, dangerous anti-heroes the endings they deserve. If the Big Bad Wolf had swept Little Red off her feet, it might have saved the fairy tale—so that’s exactly what Cora does in her novels: grants her bad boys redemption through passion, power, and the women who can handle them.

      When she’s not spinning tales of morally gray heroes and forbidden desires, you’ll find her snuggled up with her cat, sipping a margarita, and watching Grey’s Anatomy.

      Website

       

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      Review – Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner @LisaGardnerBks #kisshergoodbye

      gardner1
      gardner2
      gardner3

       

      GOODREADS

      Lisa Gardner was a must read author for me before I began blogging. This woman can write and her love of research shows through the words on the pages of her books. I have not read any of the Frankie Elkin novels, but after reading Kiss Her Goodbye, I plan to remedy that. I was quickly hooked by the character. She’s tough, persistent, and once she sets her sights on something, she will stop at nothing to achieve her goals.

      Kiss Her Goodbye bounces between Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi’s past and the present. When she goes missing, her best friend seeks Frankie Elkin’s help. Frankie has had a rough life and I love that she travels light, with a brown leather messenger bag and a small rolling suitcase. She’s not trained in finding people, but she is good at it.

      Lisa Gardner writes about the Afghans that helped the Americans, especially those left behind. I wondered if what she shared was true…and it is. I found it fascinating. It lends a feeling of reality to the novel.

      I love a book that twists and turns and takes me down an unexpected path where I am unable to foresee the outcome. I felt anger, dread, suspense and sorrow. I couldn’t stop reading, yet I didn’t want the story to end.

      My thanks go out to Grand Central Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner returns with the 4th installment in her bestselling Frankie Elkin series, in which Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend suspects she is in grave danger, before it is too late.

      A young mother haunted by war, determined to make a fresh start. But sometimes, the sins of the past aren’t so easy to escape.

      Recent Afghan refugee Sabera Ahmadi was last seen exiting her place of work three weeks ago. The local police have yet to open a case, while her older, domineering husband seems unconcerned. Sabera’s closest friend, however, is convinced Sabera would never willingly leave her three‑year old daughter. At her insistence, missing persons expert Frankie Elkin agrees to take up the search through the broiling streets of Tucson. Just in time for a video of the young mother to surface—showing her walking away from the scene of a brutal double murder.

      Frankie quickly realizes there’s much more to the Ahmadi family than meets the eye. The father Isaad is a brilliant mathematician, Sabera a gifted linguist, and their little girl Zahra—she has an uncanny ability to remember anything she sees. Which given everything that has happened during the girl’s short life, may be a terrible curse. When Isaad also disappears under mysterious circumstances and an attempt is made on Zahra’s life, Frankie realizes she must quickly crack the code of this family’s horrific past.

      Someone is coming for the Ahmadis. And violence is clearly an option. When everything is on the line, how far would you go to protect the ones you love?

      Frankie is about to find out.

      • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
      • 410 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Expected publication August 12, 2025 by Grand Central Publishing
      • Series: Frankie Elkin #4

      Lisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.

      Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!

      Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!

      Website

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      Review – Beasts Of Prey by Geoff Jones @Jonesy_Geoff #beastsofprey

      THE PRESERVATION OF SPECIES

      The Preservation of Species I: Rule of Extinction by Geoff Jones

      The Ender is coming.

      The Preservation of Species II: Struggle for Existence by Geoff Jones

      Escaping Earth was just the beginning.

      The Preservation of Species III: Beasts of Prey by Geoff Jones

      Humanity is on the brink of extinction.

       

      Beasts Of Prey by Geoff Jones is the thrilling conclusion of The Preservation Of Species Trilogy. I spent days with the intriguing characters and the monsters they encountered. I loved the original idea for this apocalyptic/dystopian novel, merging horror and science fiction seamlessly, creating such an amazing story I hated to see it end.

      It all began when the aliens targeted Earth with a comet that wiped out billions of humans and animals alike. They kept a small amount of specimens in a zoo like setting, and their motives for doing so are horrifying.

      We will see the best and the worst that humanity has to offer. There was one character in particular that I had my eye on. I empathized with him, but I was afraid he would betray the others. He has been pushed to his limit.

      “Sometimes you have to do something truly awful,” Reggie said quietly. “To prevent something even worse.”

      I was amazed with The Preservation Of Species series. Geoff Jones has created a unique experience with aliens and monsters, both human and animal. I found it easy to visualize many of the scenes, seeing they were described in such vivid detail. Geoff did an excellent job of wrapping up the series, tying up all the loose ends in a very satisfying package.

      Many thanks go out to Geoff Jones for the opportunity to read and review The Preservation Series. Be sure to read it in the order it is written.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      Earth has been devastated by a comet.

      Just before impact, alien caretakers collected human specimens and placed them in a wildlife preserve on an orbiting starship. A small group led by Sierra Preston and David Williams escaped, only to find the ruins of Earth inhabited by vicious creatures known as gorgers.

      The group returned to the alien ship, determined to convince the caretakers to release the remaining human specimens and help them defeat the gorgers.

      Unfortunately, the aliens have a different agenda.

      The Preservation of Species trilogy comes to a thrilling conclusion in Beasts of Prey , a post-apocalyptic science-fiction adventure filled with unforgettable heroes, terrifying monsters, and heart-pounding action.

      • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction
      • 492 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Expected publication October 28, 2025 by Breakaway Delusions
      • Series: The Preservation Of Species #3

      Geoff Jones graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado. His honors thesis was a novella about dragons taking over the world.

      Geoff worked as a Video Game Designer, writing story and dialog for licenses such as STAR WARS, INDIANA JONES, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, LEGO, and MARVEL SUPERHEROES.

      After a stint as Director of User Experience for a business software company, Geoff became a full-time writer and stay-at-home father to two girls.

      His first book, THE DINOSAUR FOUR, is an R-rated B-movie time-travel dinosaur thriller. His second project, THE PRESERVATION OF SPECIES trilogy, is a post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure about a small group of everyday people who survive the end of the world.

      Geoff lives in Colorado, where he enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, spending time with his family, and seeing classic films on the big screen.

      Website

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      Excellente – The Last Voyage Of Mrs Colding by D V Sullivan @bydvsullivan #TheLastVoyageOfMrsColding

      GOODREADS

      Excellente! The Last Voyage Of Mrs Colding by D V Sullivan is off the charts, fantastic. I can’t say enough good thiings about the Lair series. Come on board for one of the wildest rides of your life.

      I thought Mrs Colding would be a fabulous story and D V Sullivan did a great job writing it from the female perspective.

      The Steward vs the chief stewardess

      Captain Refearn and Mrs Colding were going to rescue his daughter, Penelope, from Mr Colding. They will put their lives on the line, repeatedly. They will work together and nothing will stop them. They may show fear, but their courage will see them through.

      We have tons of blood, guts and gore…and I LOVE IT! I was hooked from the opening pages and the story never let me go. I raced through the pages, occasionally laying the book down so I had time to savor all the goodness. I didn’t want the story to end….

      I want to thank D V Sullivan for the opportunity to cruise the seas with these fabulous characters, the good and the wickedly evil.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      An abuse survivor. An ex-husband turned vampire. A confrontation with the past that will leave her reborn—or wed again to darkness.

      Mrs. Colding has helped rescue the daughter of her lover, Captain Redfearn. But they soon learn that Penelope Redfearn is still trapped in a trauma bond with her captor—who happens to be Mrs. Colding’s abusive ex-husband, now a vampire.

      What follows is a cat-and-mouse game in which Mrs. Colding must find a way to free Penelope from her vampiric trance, while resisting the allure of her old manipulator hot on their trail.

      Will she spare her lover’s daughter from what happened to herself? Or will she be drawn back into her own trauma bond with her abuser?

      • Genre: Fiction, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampires
      • 296 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Published June 3, 2025 by Tranmarinia Press

      D.V. Sullivan has been a deckhand in the Mediterranean, a bartender in New York and an English teacher in China. Now that he’s no longer hosing salt off yachts during high-wind gales, he writes from his lair in the Pacific Northwest.

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      Review – Struggle For Existence by Geoff Jones @Jonesy_Geoff #struggleforexistence

      GOODREADS

      Struggle For Existence by Geoff Jones is the second book in The Preservation Of Species trilogy. It picks up where Rule Of Extinction, the first book in the trilogy left off. I LOVE apocalyptic and dystopian novels, and I am super excited to share this series with you.

      We have some familiar characters and new ones are introduced. We are not going to like all the characters. We have to have some villains…right? Randall is a good villain, a character we can love to hate. I love authors that can create such a despicable character. I also like to see them get what they deserve by the time the story is told.

      The monsters are fabulous and I do wonder about the caretakers. And that’s all I’m saying about that.

      There is so much I want to tell you about this fabulous series, but I don’t want to give it away. I loved finding out for myself, and I want you to have that experience also. I will tell you that the story moves at a rapid pace, danger oozes off the pages and you need to be careful about choosing a favorite character. They may not survive to return in Book III, Beasts Of Prey.

      As much as I loved the first book, Rule Of Extinction, I loved the second one, Struggle For Existence even more. From the moment I picked up my ereader, I didn’t want to set it down. I ‘flipped the pages’, eager to find out what would happen next, at the same time I wanted to slow down and savor the story as it unfolded.

      I can hardly wait for Beasts Of Prey!

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      Escaping Earth was just the beginning…

      The Preservation of Species trilogy continues in Struggle for Existence, a post-apocalyptic science-fiction adventure filled with unforgettable heroes, terrifying monsters, and heart-pounding action.

      • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction
      • 370 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Expected publication June 24, 2025 by Breakaway Delusions
      • Series: The Preservation Of Species #2

      Geoff Jones graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Creative Writing from the University of Colorado. His honors thesis was a novella about dragons taking over the world.

      Geoff worked as a Video Game Designer, writing story and dialog for licenses such as STAR WARS, INDIANA JONES, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, CONAN THE BARBARIAN, LEGO, and MARVEL SUPERHEROES.

      After a stint as Director of User Experience for a business software company, Geoff became a full-time writer and stay-at-home father to two girls.

      His first book, THE DINOSAUR FOUR, is an R-rated B-movie time-travel dinosaur thriller. His second project, THE PRESERVATION OF SPECIES trilogy, is a post-apocalyptic science fiction adventure about a small group of everyday people who survive the end of the world.

      Geoff lives in Colorado, where he enjoys hiking, reading, traveling, spending time with his family, and seeing classic films on the big screen.

      Website

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      Review – The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark #julieclark #netgalley #theghostwriter

      NEW RELEASE – 6.3.25

      GOODREADS

      I was scrolling through NetGalley, checking out the new arrivals and saw The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark. I haven’t read any of her work, but I was intrigued by the premise of the story. Julie Clark was able to grab my attention from the opening pages and keep me engrossed in Olivia’s story until the very end.

      Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont is having financial problems, so when she was approached to ghost write her father’s memoirs, she said yes.

      Her father, Vincent Taylor, a famous horror writer, has Lewy body dementia, which creates difficulties when it comes to figuring out what is true and what is false. Olivia will have to face her father’s past. His family had been murdered and he was the only one left standing. That fed the rumor mill. Was he involved? Did he kill them himself?

      We float from past to present and I loved Poppy as much as I loved spending time with Olivia.

      I quickly became involved in Olivia’s story, watching the past unfold, wondering what was true and, even when the story was finished, was it the truth? I love an author that can keep me flipping pages, unable to put the book down, having to know, having to reach the end and have all the secrets exposed.

      I love when I find a new author to love, keeping my eyes open for new books to come.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      Ghostwriter Olivia Dumont has spent her entire professional life hiding the fact that she is the only child of legendary horror author Vincent Taylor, famous not only for his novels but for being the prime suspect in the brutal slaying of his siblings. On the brink of financial ruin, Olivia reluctantly agrees to ghostwrite her father’s last book, not realising she will be forced to reckon with the ghosts that live at the centre of her family.

      • Genre: Mystery, Psychological, Suspense, Thriller
      • 368 pages, Hardcover
      • Expected publication: June 3, 2025 by Sourcebooks Landmark

      Julie Clark is the New York Times bestselling author of The Ones We Choose and The Last Flight, which was also a #1 international bestseller and has been translated into more than twenty languages. She lives in Los Angeles with her family and a golden doodle with poor impulse control.

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      Review – I Am Jayvyn by Peter D Brown #peterdbrown #iamjayvyn

      GOODREADS

      WOW! I had high hopes going into I Am Jayvyn by Peter D Brown and he did not disappoint. His research and the ability to create a storyline that rivals any other Black & African American Historical Fiction novel is at the top of the list.

      We start off in Africa. Jayvyn is twelve years old, looking forward to his right of passage ceremony coming up, when his village is raided by English slavers. The trek to the slave ship left many dead and there would be many more that would succumb to the ocean voyage. Jayvyn kept telling himself, just stay alive and, maybe, some day…

      I Am Jayvyn is 509 pages of raw emotion. I laughed and I cried with the characters. The brutality was savage. I cannot understand why one human being thinks they are better than another. The slaves were treated like chattel. How much work can you get out of someone that is being beaten and starved?

      Every time something good happened to the slaves, I waited for something horrid to follow. What an emotional roller coaster. I felt all the emotions, happiness and sadness, disgust and anger, sorrow and rage. I love that, no matter how much they tried to beat him down, Jayvyn held on. There were those around him that helped him grow into a man that persevered, learning life’s lessons.

      I Am Jayvyn by Peter D Brown is an in your face, thought provoking novel. An historical novel that blends truth with fiction, showing the slaves ability to believe in something larger than themselves, seeing the good amongst the evil.

      I highly recommend I Am Javyyn by Peter D Brown. It was everything I anticipated and more. This is Peter’s first book, but I now have him in my sights and look forward to reading more of his work.

      Thank you, Peter, for the opportunity to read I Am Jayvyn. Well done.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      I AM JAYVYN,” is a compelling work of historical fiction positioned to remind readers, at a critical time, of the key role that the enslaved played in the development of America and the systemic racism that still plagues the US today.

      Cir. 1710: On a beautiful morning full of hope and promise, twelve-year-old Javyn’s world is suddenly shattered when English slavers raid his peaceful village. His father is killed, he is separated from his mother and little sister, and his home is left in flames. In a whirlwind of change, Jayvyn survives the horrors of the middle passage alone, landing in Barbados, where he endures two years of ‘seasoning’ on a sugar plantation. His adolescent development progresses under the tutelage of Andrew, a fellow enslaved African, in desperate circumstances he could never have imagined.

      In time, Jayvyn is sold again and survives another harrowing ocean voyage to South Carolina, where he is auctioned off to the owner of a growing rice plantation. Jayvyn lives his life amongst a diverse cast of fellow enslaved in a world where love, hate, and cruelty coexist as families are formed and separated at the whim of masters who see the enslaved as nothing more than chattel property. Colonial history unfolds while this resilient community of enslaved Africans adapt to an ever-changing world of oppression and subjugation.

      Over the course of his life, Jayvyn gains a healthy perspective on the virtues and flaws of humanity—even transcending the high threshold of forgiveness—leaving readers with abundant food for thought delivered in an appalling tale of pain and suffering, but also one of true faith and deliverance told through the clear lens of history.

      • Genre: Black & African American Historical Fiction
      • 505 pages, Kindle Edition
      • Published January 12, 2025, Independent

      Peter D. Brown is a Maine-based author of historical fiction with a deep interest in social justice and a passion for preserving history. His writing relies on a deep commitment to historical accuracy while aiming to illuminate stories of the oppressed or misunderstood. Presented alongside proclivities typical of the human condition, he challenges his readers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with the complexities of the human experience.

      Retired now from formal enterprise, Peter lives in a quiet, pastoral township in Maine with his loving wife and two dogs, where he enjoys ample quietude and peace to gain inspiration, sort out his thoughts, and bring them to life.

      Through his work, Peter hopes to promote thoughtful conversations about the enduring impact of history on contemporary society.

      Website

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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      5 Star Review – Daughter Of Destiny by Rebecca Parcha #rebeccaparcha #daughterofdestiny

      Goodreads

      I am sooo in love with this series!

      I had a feeling about the Untish Series and as soon as I read the first book, Fangs Of Fate, I fell in love with the characters, both good and bad. Daughter Of Destiny picks up where Fangs Of Fate left off, so the series does need to be read in order.

      “Sounds like I may be a badass.”

      The story is told from multiple points of view. Tate is definitely a badass and she grows to know it, as do others. She is part vampire, part dragon and part fae. With a combination like that, I foresee great things in her future. I love that she has a handicap and she does not let it hold her back.

      I am not surprised that there is a prophecy. A lost heir will be found and she will restore balance. Of course, I know who that lost heir is, but that does not take away from the steps we have to take to discover it.

      The characters gain more depth and come into their own as the story progresses. We have some great villains…and I do love my villains. There is one in particular that I have my eye on. I wonder if he can, or will, redeem himself. He sure does go through hell.

      The romance is a bit steamy. but it does not take away from the story.

      The battle is good against evil. It gets very dark, and I do love walking on the dark side. The battles are vicious and many will fall. The world Rebecca Parcha has created is rich in detail. There is another cliffhanger, but I am hooked, so I will be eagerly waiting for the next book.

      There is so much I want to tell you, but I won’t. You will need to find out for yourself. If you love fantasy, dragons, vampires and fae, this is a must read.

      Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
      5 Stars

      “Fourth wing but with vampires!”

      “It’s a unique fantasy world, that has vampire and dragons as I’ve never seen in any other fantasy series. The FMC and MMC are just… chef’s kiss! I need more Tate and Aether like I need air!”

      “Absolutely phenomenal! The ending was so shocking and beautifully done. Can not wait for the next one to find out what happens! Definitely a must read!”

      Tate Aaralyn is more than just a vampire, she is a Untish dragon shifter. Aether Brychan isn’t just a charming embodiment of violence, he’s intricately connected to her. Together, they must untangle the web of lies and half-truths, and learn to trust one another while being hunted by their very own.

      Love has never tasted so good or cost so much.

      Chance Dale is awakening—leadership is corrupt, evil stalks on taloned limbs, and his very cells are altering with newfound power. As he wrestles with the lure of magic, he must also uphold his vow to protect his country and the values he holds true to himself. Morality has never been so damned murky, and only he can determine which way his inner compass points.

      A storm is coming, and only one will remain.

      Until blood burns…

      I love all things fiction, specifically, fantasy. Add a little romance, or sometimes a whole heap, and you’ll find my specialty: romantasy. As an avid reader and devourer of all things Fae, dragon, and magical, my work (as you may have guessed) is centered in that world. I love a strong female protagonist who defies the patriarchy while learning to love and trust.

      I am one of the lucky ones; I married my high school sweetheart and am a mother of two adorable, rambunctious boys. As a Colorado native, I love the sunshine and crisp air while enjoying the outdoors with my guys…have I mentioned I’m outnumbered?

      Stories have always held me captive—they are the air I breathe. It is my purest pleasure to share with you the tales that have been burning in my heart. To see a full list of my works, please visit my website at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51397939.Rebecca_Parcha

      • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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      • Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
      • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
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