Category Archives: Reviews

Review – Detour by Jeff Rake & Rob Hart #jeffrake #robhart #detour

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Earth is not the home they left behind.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Detour by Jeff Rake and Rob Hart is the first book in the science fiction Detour series.

Ryan, a Washington DC policeman, was in the right place at the right time to save John Ward, a billionaire, from assassination. Because of that, John has offered him a chance in a lifetime, to go into space. Myself, I would have said thanks, but no thanks. I can’t imagine being trapped in a tin can, floating through space, hoping nothing goes wrong.

Ryan Crane, Padma Singh, Alonso Cardona, Della Jameson, and Mike Seaver will share their points of view, as they struggle from the aftermath of their trip. Lies and betrayal flow smoothly throughout the story. None of them know what is really going on, so that puts them in danger. Secrets are to be kept…and John Ward will do anything to keep them.

I do have a problem with all the series I get caught up in. Now, I’m hooked and I really want to now what comes next. The suspense and danger increased as the story unfolded, making me curious about where the authors will take the next book in the series. Is it a cliffhanger? Not in an urgent sense of the word, but I will still need to read the next book to find out how the character’s stories end. And, I do want to know. My mind is already running through scenarios. So, Jake and Rob, I hope you are writing fast.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

A space shuttle flight crew discovers that the Earth they’ve returned to is not the home they left behind in this emotional, mind-bending thriller from the creator of the hit Netflix series Manifest and the bestselling author of The Warehouse.

“If The Martian and The Twilight Zone had a baby, it would be Detour—a thriller that messes with your head as you scramble to piece together what’s really going on.”—Steve Netter, Best Thriller Books

Ryan Crane wasn’t looking for trouble—just a cup of coffee. But when this cop spots a gunman emerging from an unmarked van, he leaps into action and unknowingly saves John Ward, a billionaire with presidential aspirations, from an assassination attempt.

As thanks for Ryan’s quick thinking, Ward offers him the chance of a lifetime: to join a group of lucky civilians chosen to accompany three veteran astronauts on the first manned mission to ******’s moon Titan.

A devoted family man, Ryan is reluctant to leave on this two-year expedition, yet with the encouragement of his loving wife—and an exorbitant paycheck guaranteeing lifetime care for their disabled son—he crews up and ventures into a new frontier.

But as the ship is circling Titan, it is rocked by an unexplained series of explosions. The crew works together to get back on course, and they return to Earth as heroes.

When the fanfare dies down, Ryan and his fellow astronauts notice that things are different. Some changes are good, such as lavish upgrades to their homes, but others are more disconcerting. Before the group can connect, mysterious figures start tailing them, and their communications are scrambled.

Separated and suspicious, the crew must uncover the truth and decide how far they’re willing to go to return to their normal lives. Just when their space adventure seemingly ends, it shockingly begins.

  • Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Science Fiction
  • 290 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Expected publication January 13, 2026 by Random House Worlds

ABOUT JEFF RAKE

Jeff Rake recently served as creator, executive producer, writer, and showrunner for NBC/Netflix’s Manifest. He previously developed and Executive Produced The Mysteries of Laura, which aired for multiple seasons on NBC and in more than 100 countries. His past credits include consulting producer on The CW’s Beauty and the Beast, TNT’s Franklin & Bash and Hawthorne, and Fox’s Bones. Jeff also executive produced ABC’s Cashmere Mafia and Boston Legal. On the feature side, he has written screenplays for MGM and Disney. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and many children.

ABOUT ROB HART

Rob Hart is the author of the USA TODAY bestseller ASSASSINS ANONYMOUS. He also wrote THE PARADOX HOTEL, which was nominated for. Lambda Literary Award, as well as THE WAREHOUSE, which has been sold in more than 20 countries. He also wrote the Ash McKenna crime series, the short story collection TAKE-OUT, the novella SCOTT FREE with James Patterson, and, with Alex Segura, the comic book BLOOD OATH and the novel DARK SPACE.

His short stories have been published widely, including “Due on Batuu,” set in the Star Wars universe, which appeared in FROM A CERTAIN POINT OF VIEW: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and “Take-Out,” which appeared in BEST AMERICAN MYSTERY STORIES 2018.

He’s worked as a political reporter, the communications director for a politician, and a commissioner for the city of New York. He is the former publisher at MysteriousPress.com and class director at LitReactor. He lives in Jersey City. Website: http://robwhart.com/

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Review – Killer Of Killers: Vision by Charles Welch @CharlesDWelch #killerofkillers

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MY REVIEW

I love books about the paranormal and supernatural world, serial killers, and vigilante justice. In Killer Of Killer: Visions, we have all of those elements. Kalen is a normal man, with a wife and child, but he also has visions of killers. His visions are of the past and the future and when he sees a killer, they become his target. Makes me think of Dexter…and I love him.

Kalen had lost the only person who showed him love when he was a child, and each killer he seeks out helps to make up for the pain he had suffered…until he came across a killer known as BTK. Could he have a connection to his past?

Once I started Killer Of Killers by Charles Welch, I didn’t want to stop. I was drawn into Kalen’s life and wondered what would happen if his wife found out. The story moved at a steady pace, the suspense building as it unfolds. I didn’t anticipate the ending, but I love it. Surely makes the opportunity for future novels possible.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Kalen McDonald is a normal man in every way but two. He is married to the love of his life; has a son he adores and enjoys his career as a real estate agent.

The exceptions to his mundane existence are, secretly, Kalen is a serial killer, and, secretly, Kalen has a special gift. He murders other killers, each death a temporary elixir for the pain of a past loss. As a child, the one person in his life who showed him, love, was brutally slain by a madman.

Kalen loves his family, and he has compassion for those less fortunate than himself, but when it comes to the killers in the world, those who take the lives of the innocent, Kalen is a cold-hearted, remorseless murderer.

Using the gift of the visions that have come to him since childhood, Kalen tracks and eliminates those who steal lives, those who destroy the good in the world. He seeks revenge for the painful loss of his dear sister and his childhood.

Kalen is an executioner, happy to kill those who kill, but a crisis arrives in the form of a man only known to the authorities as B.T.K

Is this maniacal serial killer trying to emulate the notorious killer of the past?

Kalen will find out soon, as this new fiend touches the life of the one person he loves the most. In his most crucial moment, Kalen will need to rely on his finely crafted skills. The woman who Kalen considers the very essence of his life is in a killer’s crosshairs and she needs him. She needs the Killer of Killers.

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Paranormal, Serial Killer, Supernatural, Suspense, Thriller, Vigilante Justice
  • 238 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published April 30, 2022

ABOUT CHARLES WELCH

Charles Welch has been a home designer and builder, a middle school and high school teacher, education administrator, corporate learning and development professional and writer, previously publishing the spiritual book Walking Softly. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Teaching, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology, and an Educational Doctorate in eLearning.

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Review – Storming His Heart by Nicole Blanchard #nicoleblanchard #storminghisheart

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MY REVIEW

Storming His Heart by Nicole Blanchard was previously published as Spark. Its a novella, a second chance romance, #0.5 in the Battleboro Fire & Rescue series. We start out with a hurricane in Northern Florida. I love it, seeing it takes place in my neck of the woods. The first time I experienced a hurricane warning, my brother and sister threw a hurricane party, so when that was mentioned in Storming His Heart, I chuckled. Something else that I have in common with the story. Other than that, I have nothing in common with Avery.

When Avery crosses the street to rescue her neighbors that are stuck in their damaged home, Walker just happens to appear. They had a one night stand, before he headed out of town. She never told him her secret. Could they have a second chance at love? Why not?

I do love a little bit of angst before the happy ever after. Sure, it’s predictable, but I enjoyed the journey. A great introduction to the Battleboro Fire & Rescue series.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

One night with him changed my life forever and I didn’t even know his last name.

I’m a small-town girl who’s never ventured even close to crossing state lines.

He’s a Wildland Firefighter working across the country most of the year.

The only thing we have in common is that for one night, we don’t want to be alone.

It can never last. He has to leave to go be a hero and I have obligations I can’t abandon.

I thought that would be the end…

Until a twist of fate brings us back together and he learns the spark we had may not be the only thing left between us.

Previously published as Spark

  • Genre: Fiction, Firefighters, Military, Romance, Second Chance Romance
  • 104 pages, Paperback
  • First published August 11, 2021
  • Series: Battleboro Fire & Rescue #0.5

ABOUT NICHOLE BLANCHARD

Nicole Blanchard is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the TikTok-viral dark romance Toxic, a wildly addictive bestseller that has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Known for her morally gray antiheroes, off-the-charts heat, and jaw-dropping twists, Nicole’s stories drag readers deep into love’s darkest corners—where no one escapes unscarred.

When she’s not crafting twisted love stories that break your heart and then heal it, you can find her soaking up beach sun with a glass of sweet tea, getting inked, or running a farm full of lovable misfit animals.

You may learn more about Nicole and her work at www.authornicoleblanchard.com. Join her mailing list for updates at http://www.authornicoleblanchard.com 

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Review – The Quantum Revelations by Stuart Heinrich @goddessfish #stuartheinrich #thequantumrevelations

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THE QUANTUM REVELATIONS by Stuart Heinrich

GENRE: SciFi Mystery Thriller

MY REVIEW

I am usually pretty good at picking novels that fit my preferences. I read the first sentence of the blurb for The Quantum Physics Revelations and requested a copy. I was disappointed. It’s not what I was thinking…at all. There is a lot of science, and I mean a lot, and some religion. It was light on the apocalyptic climate crisis, but it did give me some food for thought. I was expecting more mystery and thriller.

I am trusting Stuart Heinrich when It comes to all the research he did for the novel. I don’t know how to rate the book, but I hate to penalize the writing just because I chose a book that was over my head, so I stayed in the middle. I did finish the book and at times I was into the story, curious about the ending.

So, if you are heavy into physics, looking for a novel to put a different kind of spin on science, this could be for you.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
3 Stars

BLURB

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic climate crisis and quickly spiraling out of control into a dystopian nightmare. As everything collapses around them, two scientists struggle for relevance in their quest to build the world’s first practical quantum computer. They discover so much more. A mystery of physics that goes deeper than they could have ever imagined..

EXCERPT

The importance of this seemingly mundane research could not be overstated. If things were really as bad as he feared, world leaders needed to know the truth, and fast. The very future existence of mankind might depend on it.

No, it was worse than that. He laughed to himself at the sad truth, that even this seemingly over-exaggerated description failed to capture the full gravity of the importance of their mission. It was not just the future of mankind that depended on it, but the future of all life on Earth. The very habitability of the planet was at stake. Every tree, every blade of grass, every insect. The future of every living thing, from the largest blue whale down to the smallest microbe hung in the balance.

Humanity had achieved much to be proud of. But like Icarus, mankind had been too greedy, and had flown too close to the sun: pushing forward mercilessly in pursuit of uninterrupted exponential growth and consumption. Mankind had become a scourge upon the Earth.

If humanity destroyed itself, he would have no sympathy. It was the rest of the natural world that he felt sorry for. The caribou of Alaska, the tropical birds of the rainforest, the elephants of Africa, the dolphins of the sea, the giant redwoods of California, and every other unsuspecting life form on this planet. They were the true innocent victims. They had done nothing to deserve what was coming.

 

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Stuart Heinrich is a computer scientist with a PhD from NCSU and a passion for studying the fundamental nature of reality and physics. He is known for his unique theories on the Relativity of Existence (ROE), the Maximally Biophilic Principle (MBP) and Quantum Fluid Dynamics (QFD).

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Review – The Viruses Enigma by Hazem Abdelmowla

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MY REVIEW

The Viruses Enigma by Hazem Abdelmowla is one of those books that tempted me with the blurb. Since Covid, books about pandemics always strike a cord with me. Also, to read about a man that will sacrifice much to make the world a better place and to avert another catastrophic pandemic, is a man I want to learn about. What drives him? How much is he willing to give up? How much will be demanded from him? Where will he draw the line?

The Viruses Enigma is deep into the science side of things, while, I am more into the people side of things. I followed a lot of what was happening, how the pandemic had killed millions of people and changed the world. The virus apocalypse delved into the human psyche and the best and the worst of people and one doctor’s drive to stop the next pandemic from killing more. There are those who are for him and those who are against him. It made me think of our reality, when Covid stopped the world.

Another plus to The Viruses Enigma is that Book II, The Last Nuclear War, is already out, so Rami’s story will be told. I vacillated between a 3 and a 4, and when that happens, I round up. I enjoyed the story, but you need both books to get all the answers.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Can an ordinary doctor who cares for his family come up with a new idea that will make us triumph over future viral pandemics?Will he have the courage to go down the road? What’s his success rate at reaching it? What will he do despite the lack of resources?After COVID-19, the world was on a date with a new pandemic that threatens humanity, which may not be the last. Rami, a doctor who works in the capital’s hospital, came up with a new idea that could be a revolution and humanity’s last hope for the treatment of future viral diseases. But it seems that the road is not as expected.

What is the idea? What are the requirements for its implementation, what are the obstacles that he will encounter in the way? What sacrifices does he need to bring it to reality? What is the unknown path he has to take to achieve his childhood dream of saving the world and solving the mystery that has puzzled scientists throughout history?

  • Genre: Apocalyptic, Dystopian, Fiction, Science Fiction
  • 283 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published August 31, 2024
  • Series: Future Novels #1

ABOUT HAZEM ABDELMOWLA

A dental surgeon, an entrepreneur and a writer who simply dreams of a better world.

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The Tiger Among Us by Chris Warner #chriswarner #thetigeramongus

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One day I walked into Florabama, a fabulous bar that sits on the Alabama Florida Line, the Redneck Riviera, and lo and behold there was Chris Warner with a stack of his books. How could I say no?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I bought a signed copy of The Tiger Among Us by Chris Warner from the author during a visit to Florabama. If you are looking for some southern reading that’s a bit outside the norm, come join me.

First off, I would like to salute and send out a huge THANK YOU to those who serve and protect to keep us safe.

We will be doing some traveling from Louisiana to El Salvador and Washington DC.

Michael Stein was born to be a Marine. Two years and he’s out…until…the NSA wants him. The NSA is an independent entity but operates under the Department of Defense. It’s purpose is to encode and decode intelligence communications and protect us from hackers taking sensitive classified information on government computes. Echelon…does it exist?

LSU…here he comes. It had been his goal to go to college, but not this way. Michael thinks the LSU chicks are hot, especially when he meets his teacher, Kimberly. Rule #1…Don’t get sidetracked…broken. He’s not a virgin, but ten years in the military as a Recon Marine, his life was not conducive to relationships. He is a hard man and when he metes out punishment, he does it with no hesitation, no remorse.

Being at LSU, ya can’t have a story without talking about food, fun and football.

WOW…as I was reading along, watching the Seal Team operate, I was impressed with Chris Warner’s ability to bring to life the action, the bangs of bullets and booms of claymore mines.

The twist wasn’t what I expected, though should have. I think I was distracted because of my mood. The troubling times we are experiencing through Covid and protests makes me realize that there is no reason to heap more on our military by asking them to battle those they are sworn to protect…us.

I got way more than I expected and I can recommend The Tiger Among Us by Chris Warner.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

…in the spring of 1990 a terrorist cell of Muslim computer science students exacts a brute force hack into the computer system of the Counter-Anti-Terrorism-Assistance-Program (CATAP) at Louisiana State University. Two traveling Israeli Mossad agents teaching counter-terrorism at the LSU instructional program are murdered in Athens, Greece outside their hotel. It is perceived as an international terrorist incident. Dr. Bobby Lee Broussard of the National Security Agency (NSA) discovers a terrorist cell at LSU trying to undermine the government’s efforts to combat terrorism. The United States civilian masters order a lone Marine Corps operative to LSU to locate, exploit and eliminate the terrorist threat in the name of national security…Michael Stein is an exemplary 28-year old Recon Marine. Nearing ten years of service, he is ready to retire from the military and pursue a degree and a family. However, Michael is offered a mission that alters all plans… Louisiana, his area of operation, is unlike any he’s encountered, containing a host of pitfalls and distractions… Stein survives these worldly impediments to fulfill his deadly mission in a thrilling, unforgettable climax.

MY CHRIS WARNER REVIEWS

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Do You Want To Play A Game – Sara’s Game by Ernie Lindsey @Ernie_Lindsey

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MY REVIEW

I snatched Sara’ Game by Ernie Lindsey on a free day on 10.23.23. The cover talked to me and I am a sucker for a great cover. This psychological thriller is sure to mess with your mind.

The question of the day:

Are you ready to play the game?

Sara Winthrop has tragedy hanging over her head. First her husband goes missing, then her three children. What the hell is going on and why is she a target for such wickedness. It had me wondering. It takes a strong character like Sara to save the day…and I do love kickass women. The tempo of Sara’s Game by Ernie Lindsey makes me want more of such a great character.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Two years ago, Sara’s husband left for the gym one morning…and never came back. His car was found. He wasn’t. Unbelievably, the police report said, “No foul play suspected.” There were a few unreliable sightings over the following months, but little else.

Now, on the last day before summer break, her three children have gone missing from their schools, all at the same time.

And the note under her windshield wiper asks one simple question: Are you ready to play the game?

  • Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller
  • 263 pages, Kindle Edition
  • First published January 1, 2012
  • Series: The Sara Winthrop Thriller Series, #1

ABOUT ERNIE LINDSEY

Ernie Lindsey grew up in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia, working on the family farm and reading, and has spent his life telling stories to anyone that will listen. He currently works as a freelance writer and is the author of five Mystery & Suspense novels and numerous short stories. When he’s not writing, you can find him tackling the gigantic To Be Read list on his Kindle or the never-ending stack of books in his office.

Ernie and his family live in Oregon, along with a multi-fingered Hemingway cat named Luna.

Head over to Ernie’s site where you can pick up some free Kindle books. Join him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ErnieLindseyFiction.

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Review – Cruel Scars by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor #brutalscars

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MY REVIEW

We are back with Prey Security: Bravo Team #4, Cruel Scars by Jane Blythe, a romantic suspense novel that is sure to be sizzling hot and filled with danger. But two strangers will meet and fall in love, getting their happy ever after. We just don’t know what torment and torture they will have to go through to find it.

Stephanie Fuller is on a vacation, but that was not to be. She was snatched off the street and whisked away. She wakes up naked and afraid, laying on the cold concrete. She wasn’t alone for long. A man is stripped of his clothing, chained to the wall, naked. Stephanie meet Patrick “Trick” Kramer. I don’t know how they will save themselves, but Patrick only needs one chance. Will they come close enough, thinking he is no threat? Of course. 🙂

I love when Patrick describes her as a superhero in training. Gotta have a little light to overcome the darkness.

I love this series and I love to see familiar faces. The team is family and when one is in danger, they all are. You need help and healing, this family will supply it. Sure, we have some cheesy moments, but that is a common theme with the genre. But, not everything is predictable. So brace yourself for a wild ride.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

To survive two strangers will have to rely on only each other.

Stephanie Fuller has had the year from hell and a vacation to Mexico was supposed to be a way to find her equilibrium again. Instead she’s snatched off the streets and wakes up in a dark, dank underground prison. Nothing could prepare her for what’s going to happen to her there, or the connection she builds with her fellow captive.

When Patrick “Trick” Kramer wakes up in a small cell and learns he’s not alone he quickly puts together the pieces of who took him and why. Despite a rocky start in life he’s a protector, and there is nothing worse for a man like him than having an innocent woman who needs his protection but being unable to save her from the hell that’s coming.

There is no way Stephanie won’t hate him for what he has to do.

  • Genre: Fiction, Military, Romance, Suspense, Thriller
  • 236 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published April 9, 2024 by Bear Spots Publications
  • Series: Prey Security, Bravo Team

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 – Brutal Scars by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor #brutalscars

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MY REVIEW

It is so nice to be back with Jane Blythe’s hunkalicious military men in Brutal Scars, the third book in the Prey Security: Bravo Team series. We start out hot and it doesn’t end until the happy every after. Brutal Scars is filled with action and adventure and Jane has no qualms about putting her characters through the proverbial wringer.

In Brutal Scars, we will get Jessica Bowen and Mason “Scorpion” Markson’s story. Mason thinks he knows Jessica’s story, but he is in for a rude awakening when he volunteers to join a cult to rescue her. We know Jane Blythe writes about strong female characters, so we know Jessica is no shrinking violet. She feels his appearance is going to ruin everything.

Jessica had a horrendous childhood and Mason is in for a big surprise when she tells him like it is. He is looking forward to coming face to face with her brother, David. But, first, they will have to survive their time in the cult. The cult leader has an agenda and feels anyone that doesn’t believe his way of life is the only way, they plan to eliminate. It’s up to Jessica and Mason to save the day.

I love romantic suspense novels. Sure, they all have a similar format…Damsel in distress, knight in (un)shining armor comes to save the day and they live happily ever after…and that is what I am looking for.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
4 Stars

AMAZON SYNOPSIS

He’s the last person she wants messing up all her hard work.

Jessica Bowen knows responsibility, learned it at a young age. Living through something horrific she somehow managed to hold most of her family together and build a life for herself. A life that isn’t the one she planned but it’s one she can be proud of, where she can make a difference and save lives. Until he shows up threatening to destroy everything she’s worked so hard to achieve.

Mason “Scorpion” Markson was looking forward to a vacation when he gets a call that the spoiled, selfish sister of an old friend is in trouble. He shouldn’t go into a cult after her, it’s more hassle than its worth, and yet he owes it to his friend to save his sister. The last thing he expects to find when he goes undercover is a calm, competent, capable woman who has a whole lot of anger and hostility towards him.

She’s not who he was led to believe she was, so why did her brother lie about her?

If you loved USA today bestselling author Jane Blythe’s inclusions in Susan Stoker’s Operation Alpha world, you’ll be thrilled with BRUTAL SCARS, the third book in the Prey Security: Bravo Team series.

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 – Facing Nightfall by Michael B Chikondi @M_B_Chikondi #facingnightfall

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MY REVIEW

Facing Nightfall: The Sunrise Saga by Michael B Chikondi is his first novel and I am glad that he brought it into the light. This dark, gothic, eerie novel can be described as a coming of age novel for Abbey Sharp. I love that she climbs out her window and has a hideaway on the roof where she observes her surroundings while smoking cigarettes.

Abbey and her friend, Lewis, wander the streets at night fighting against the darkness that calls to them. They will face more than the supernatural. They will question their life, their loyalty will be tested and it will take a lot of strength to resist the evil taking over the town.

MIchael B Chikondi blends the supernatural with humanity, making the characters question their choices. I found Facing Nightfall to be an original take on a familiar tale and I do love my vampires, so getting lost in Abbey’s story was exciting, making it hard to stop reading. It’s 419 pages of deliciousness.

I have read numerous novels by Michael B Chikondi, but this is my favorite.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

When the quiet town of Masham falls under the shadow of something ancient and merciless, Abbey Sharp finds herself drawn into a struggle far larger than late-night smokes on the rooftop and her parents’ weary routines.
As night stretches on, whispers of missing people, strange broadcasts, and creatures that shouldn’t exist unravel the fabric of normal life. Abbey and her friend Lewis are forced to confront a terrifying the town is infested with vampires, and survival demands more than just keeping the lights on.
But in a world where allegiances blur and even family can change overnight, Abbey must decide how much of herself she’s willing to sacrifice. Is she strong enough to resist the seductive pull of power, or will she lose everything in the fight against the darkness?
Facing Nightfall is a gothic, atmospheric vampire tale where loyalty is tested, blood is bargained, and the night never truly ends.

  • Genre: Fiction, Gothic, Horror, Paranormal, Supernatural, Vampires
  • 419 pages, Kindle Edition
  • Published October 31, 2025

ABOUT MICHAEL B CHIKONDI (from Amazon)

Michael B. Chikondi is not to be trusted, but the creature agrees to a meeting in its burrow. We enter with trepidation, given that the thing has no doorbell. As we crawl through the narrow tunnel, gored out by its own teeth, by the texture, we hear what can only be described as a hacking cough.

“Can we approach?” we call.

“No soliciting.” the voice returns.

“You sent for us; you told us to ask you questions. You know, for promotional reasons.”

“Ask.” the dread voice responds.

“Alright, who are you?” we try.

“A creature of mist and shadow, half-mad, I used to go out, I did, and know those…humans. Not now, not since…the pen.”

“You found a pen? That’s why you became a writer?” we ask, now terrified, trying to gauge how fast we can leave the burrow. The photographer has already left us, chewing off his own watch, caught on a tree root.

“Yes, but now…I hunger…”

We are not proud; we turn tail and flee, before it can leave its den. We aren’t paid enough to get a full bio. We can only pray someone buys its books, so that the thing never comes out on its own.

Ed. What the hell is this? This isn’t what we requested. Just some nonsense and an artist’s rendition of what one of my people saw before he contracted rabies? Eh, whatever. Plenty more writers in the sea.

MY MICHAEL B CHIKONDI REVIEWS

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