Tag Archives: read in 2022

Review – Yuletide Guard by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

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Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Yuletide Guard is Book II of Jane Blythe’s Bodyguard Christmas Trilogy and I am looking forward to reading of damaged characters, a villain that won’t take no for an answer, and the knight in shining armor’ that will come to her rescue. The thing is, the knight has issues of his own.

Samara has a great job, great friends…and a stalker. Stories like Yuletide Guard is truly frightening to me. It’s a good thing she has friends that are bodyguards and FBI, but still, if a stalker wants you…

Samara doesn’t believe in a happy ever after for herself. She feels she doesn’t deserve it.

Michael carries his own guilt and baggage and feels the same. Can they heal each other?

Stories like Yuletide Guard read like true crime to me, and the thought of a stalker, where the stalker has no repercussions except to take it, makes me angry. What would I do? What would you do? It brings to mind so many questions as I read along. Would I turn vigilante? Would I become the hunter instead of the hunted? Would you?

I bounced between a three and a four rating, because I found nothing new in the story. It was predictable, but I gave Yuletide Guard a star for keeping me reading and hoping they would find a happy ever after and the whole stalker thing is soooo creepy. Of course, I knew they would, but…and I do love the warm, fuzzy feelings I got when I am done.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Yuletide Guard by Jane Blythe.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Is it possible to move on from your past?

Samara Patrick is being stalked. She doesn’t know by who, or where she came into contact with this person, but when the stalker makes an attempt to kidnap her she knows he’s not going to go away. It’s bad enough suffering through her least favorite time of the year but now on top of everything else she’s got a bodyguard who makes her feel things she’s not ready to accept.

Michael Stein did something he can never forgive himself for. Now he’s lost down a path he can’t find his way back from, but when his friend Samara needs him he’s there for her. Developing feelings for her wasn’t supposed to happen, but he sees through her veneer of perfectionism to the deep pain she tries to hide and it calls out to his own pain. Only problem is his issues have the power to destroy them both.

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

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

Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

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

Why now?

What’s happening?

Two worlds collide and it is explosive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

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

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

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

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

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

ABOUT HEATHER GRAHAM

 Also published as Heather Graham Pozzessere and Shannon Drake.

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

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

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

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

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MY HEATHER GRAHAM REVIEWS

ABOUT JON LAND

Jon Land

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

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MY JON LAND REVIEWS

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Review – The Sixth Discipline & No Safe Haven by Carmen Webster Buxton @CarmenWBuxton

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Carmen Webster Buxton writes some amazing stories. I am working my way through all her books. Today, I am sharing my reviews for The Sixth Discipline and No Safe Haven, a duology.

You can get The Sixth Discipline for FREE

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I have numerous books by Carmen Webster Buxton. I love her writing so much, I am working my way through her entire body of work. The Sixth Discipline & No Safe Haven are a science fiction duology and I don’t want to waste any time getting right to it.

Kidnapped and dropped into a foreign world, Ran Del has no idea why he was taken.

Francesca’s father has a problem…and a plan. He feels Ran Del may be the answer.

Even though Francesca’s world is familiar to me through Carmen Webster Buxton’s writing, Ran Del’s is not. He is a Sansoussy, growing up in the Sansoussy Forest. The Sansoussy have a very distinct mental and physical Discipline. The world building makes me feel Ran Del’s world is a simpler world, more respectful of the nature that surrounds them. But, there are always complexities that are not revealed to outsiders. But Carmen is willing to share their hidden world.

The characters, especially Ran Del, are the stars. It was fun watching him and Francesca grow, mature, and develop into more well rounded characters through their experiences. He’s from the woods, she’s from the city. An arranged marriage. But, there was more going on than meets the eye. Isn’t that how it usually is?

As Ran Del learns about the city and Francesca learns about the Sansoussy way, I do too.

The writing kept the story flowing smoothly, danger and intrigue amongst the every day doings. Ran Del and Francesca feel each other out, learn to share their thoughts and feelings. Can they actually fall in love? Become a family? Hold the fort against those who are determined to take them down?

I have Book II, No Safe Haven, so I will begin that pronto.

I vacillated between 3 and 4 stars. I think it was more me than the book. When that happens, I round up, so 4 stars it is.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Ran-Del Jahanpur is a warrior of the Sansoussy Forest, trained in both the mental and physical Disciplines of his people. He thinks he’s prepared for any danger the forest might hold, but his skills prove useless when he’s caught in a hi-tech trap. Soon Ran-Del finds himself in a city so alien it might as well be another world—machines speak, vehicles fly, and his captors’ weapons can inflict pain without touching him. Every time Ran-Del tries to escape, he’s foiled by a technology he doesn’t understand. As terrifying as the city is, his kidnapper, the enigmatic Baron Hayden, exudes a jovial affability that worries the Sansoussy even more. What can such a powerful man want with a Sansoussy warrior, who can neither read nor write and knows nothing of city ways? The Baron’s daughter Francesca clearly knows more than she’s saying, but Ran-Del’s psy sense tells him only she’s being truthful, not what she’s thinking. And it’s only after it seems that Ran-Del has escaped the city and its dangers, that he finds out how thoroughly he has been caught.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I am now totally invested in Ran Del and Francesca’s lives…and so are they.

I have learned of Ran Del’s psy talents and Francesca’s ability to run the House of Hayden empire. They learn to work together and forge a marriage of love and commitment.

When danger strikes and life changing decisions have to be made, strange bedfellows will make for unlikely partners.

Freddie, as I learn about his situation, his heart, he doesn’t seem like such an arrogant, bad guy, as he did in The Sixth Discipline. Carmen Webster Buxton shows us that a book cannot be judged by its cover. People put up a front, give up when hitting a brick wall…or at least it seems they do. Give people a chance and they might surprise you.

Freddie will play an important role in the House of Hayden’s future.

The clan shaman had said Ran Del’s destiny was in the city and his life will come full circle.

As all the forces come together, I love how Carmen brought the story to an end. I did not see it happening the way it did, but it makes perfect sense. Well done Carmen.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Ran-Del Jahanpur still doesn’t know what his clan shaman foresaw in his vision of the future. Whatever the old man saw made him force Ran-Del to leave the forest and marry Baron Hayden’s daughter. In spite of minor jealousies, Ran-Del and Francesca have forged a strong marriage. Ran-Del is still a warrior, but he’s comfortable in the city partly because few people know of the psy abilities that make him so useful to the House of Hayden. Francesca is happy Ran-Del can see her thoughts well enough to know her feelings for her old flame Freddie Leong have cooled. Fortunately, psy talents are rare in the city, and no one knows the true circumstances of her marriage, not even Freddie. As heir to House Leong, Freddie has his own problems; he spends his days trying to escape his mother’s iron control and ensure she never kills his father.
But not all the dangers of Haven lie in the cities. In the mountains to the north, the fiercely independent people known as the Horde have changed their ways. Instead of fighting among themselves and raiding in force, they now use cunning to get what they need. When the Horde strikes, Ran-Del and Francesca face a threat far worse than either of them ever imagined. And then finally, Ran-Del confronts his destiny.

ABOUT CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON

Carmen Webster Buxton

Carmen Webster Buxton spent her youth reading every book published by Ursula LeGuin, Robert Heinlein and Georgette Heyer. This combination of far-future worlds, alien cultures, and old-fashioned courting customs influenced her writing, especially in her ThreeCon series.

Carmen was born in Hawaii and experienced a peripatetic childhood, as her father was in the US Navy. Having raised two wonderful children, she now lives in Maryland with her husband Charlie, and a beagle named Cosmo. She writes science fiction (often including a romance, and mostly set in the far future), and the occasional fantasy.

Carmen has published many books:

WAKANREO SERIES
Alien Bonds
Alien Vows
Alien Skies

HAVEN SERIES
The Sixth Discipline
No Safe Haven

THREECON SERIES (can be read in any order)
The Nostalgia Gambit
Saronna’s Gift
Shades of Empire
Tribes
Worlds Apart

ALTERNATE HISTORY
King of Trees

YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION
Turnabout
Drifters

FANTASY
Where Magic Rules
Bag of Tricks
Hidden Magic

THE NAMELESS WORLD SAGA (coming in 2021)
The North Edge of Nowhere
Oaths and Promises

Carmen often blogs about ereaders, digital publishing, writing, and speculative fiction. Visit her blog to see what’s coming out next! To ask questions or to provide feedback on her books, send email to carmen.webster.buxton (at) gmail.com.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

MY CARMEN WEBSTER BUXTON REVIEWS

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Review – My Daddy The Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik #CindyKovacik

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The above cover is from an old like I found on Goodreads. The below cover is the newer one. Which do you like better? Me….the top one.

Amazon / Goodreads / B&N

MY REVIEW

OMG! I LOVE the cover and the title….well, it says it all. I knew I had to have it!

Brutal. Bloody. Savage.

An open basement door.

A beach ball.

She was six years old when she ‘met’ her first woman.

Her favorite toy was no longer. Would she be punished for destroying it?

Her daddy had changed…become mean.

Her father writes for the Harlington Post. At first the article would start out innocuous, then take a darker turn. Like the cat that falls out of a tree and is OK, but the boy that tries to save it falls and breaks his arm.

I felt the book could go one of three ways: Become him. Leave him. Kill him.

I quickly became immersed in the story of Katelyn Deason. My heart went out to her. At six years old, she can’t fight back. Even though I loved the story, I felt there were no surprises for me. The writing flowed smoothly. Katelyn grew older. I couldn’t imagine tip toeing around the house, flinching at just the sight of her daddy, no mommy, no friends, being bullied.

I do wonder what happened to her mother, but I think it is pretty easy to surmise her demise. Why does no one come to her aid? Her daddy is a sweet talker, a charmer…until he isn’t.

My Daddy The Serial Killer is the only book I see by Cindy Kovacik, but I must say she did a superb job of grossing me out, pissing me off and keeping me entertained (don’t judge me).

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of My Daddy The Serial Killer by Cindy Kovacik.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Katelyn Deason was young, naive, and innocent at six years old.

That is, until she made the mistake of descending those cellar steps and viewing the first of many horrors down below.

You see, her father wasn’t who she thought he was. He wasn’t the loving and “normal” daddy that all the other kids had. He was very different.

She soon realizes how different as the years pass and unspeakable things begin to happen.

Will Katelyn be able to cling to her sanity after witnessing all of Daddy’s horrors?

ABOUT CINDY KOVACIK

Words cannot express how much I love the horror genre. I have finally accomplished a life long goal of writing a horror novel and getting it published. It took a long time and a lot of hard work but was worth it in the end. I am a 35 year old mother who likes to push herself to always do better and work harder. Now that I have a published book, I would like to start writing book #2. My biggest influences have been Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe. I have been reading and writing since I was a little girl and I hope to continue as I get older and wiser.

Amazon

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Review – Back In The USSR by Patrick D Joyce #PatrickDJoyce

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MY REVIEW

I think Back In The USSR by Patrick D Joyce is a book that young adults and teens would love, an adventure of mystery and political intrigue. AND, if you grew up with The Beatles like I did, and love adventure, I think you may interested too.

Harrison George and Prudence accidentally become involved in the search for the missing White Album by the Beatles. There are others that want it too, gangsters and spies. Harrison grows up quickly, as he and Prudence try to figure out WHY.

I would, normally, give a book like Back In The USSR, a three rating, but Patrick D Joyce gave me more than I expected. It is well written, with a pace that kept me turning pages, wondering what all the fuss is about. He includes much of the Russian culture, their ‘fear’ of the West and the music that could cause a rebellion.

Running through the streets of Russia, dodging the bad guys, Harrison and Prudence learn how far music lovers will go to feel a moment of freedom and joy.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Back In The USSR by Patrick D Joyce.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

They ban rock.

They breed fear.

But one record spins out of control.

When Harrison George, teenage son of American diplomats, arrives in Cold War Moscow for winter break, he plans to daydream and hang out with his friend Prudence Akobo, street-smart daughter of foreign correspondents.

Instead, he and Prudence stumble onto the trail of the Album, a long lost Beatles relic and priceless symbol of freedom in a country where rock music is banned.

Chased by treasure hunters, gangsters and spies, they don’t know who to trust. If they don’t find the Album first, they could end up missing — or dead — themselves.

Harrison and Prudence face a choice. Will they be pawns in a game of global conflict, or can they help a maverick KGB agent on a mission of personal redemption?

For fans of young adult thrillers like Alex Rider, Code Name Verity, and I Must Betray You, and readers of all ages who love the music of The Beatles.

ABOUT PATRICK D JOYCE

Patrick D. Joyce grew up in diplomatic outposts throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas. He writes thriller novels and poetry, and has been a newspaper reporter, political scientist, and medical practice manager. He’s a huge Beatles fan and loves all kinds of music.

Website

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YAY…A New I Am Legion Novel: Stranger Sins by Michaelbrent Collings @mbcollings

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I was so excited when I got my hands on a copy of Stranger Sins by Michaelbrent Collings. I have been with Legion from the beginning and eagerly open each book, not knowing what is to come, but sure it will keep me on the edge of my seat.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Yes, Michael, I appreciate the warning your wife suggested you include, but I too like walking on the dark side. I do like being freaked out while I laugh, or laugh while I am freaked out. I love a villain I can be empathetic with, maybe even condone their actions? I do love the blood, guts and carnage that Legion will leave behind. This time, though, he won’t be alone when he does it. That makes Stranger Sins different from the previous books of the series and adds a wonderful element to a series that keeps me on my toes, eager for more.

He is used to pain. He is used to noise. He is used to confusion. But silence?

In this Dexterish style thriller, I am immersed, engulfed, lost, devouring the words, unable to stop reading.

I have been trying to figure out what made ‘Dinatha and Marnie’ so important. It took me a long time, about halfway through, for things to START to come together.

A mother of a nine year old girl, forced to learn things others could never dream of or need to to stay alive and face an evil that will stop at nothing to get all she desires…and needs to stay alive.

I LOVE a dark, disturbing story that can make me smile and give me hope amongst the carnage the ‘teacher’ leaves behind. At 70%, I laughed while wiping the tears from my eyes. It is so hard not to share why, but I WILL NOT spoil things for you. These characters and their lives are things that need to be experienced first hand.

The characters and storyline are so richly developed, the writing and pacing so smooth, the hours pass in a blur, everything around me ignored, because I have to know how it ends. Michaelbrent Collings is always able to surprise me at where his stories lead, making me know when I dive in that I am along for a wicked ride and an ending that leaves me with my mouth hanging open, thinking, wow, how does he dream this stuff up. I would love to be a fly on the wall of his brain. Wonder what a scan of his brain would look like. LOL

THE BEST ONE YET! I can see this series going on for a very long time…and I hope it does.

I believe Stranger Sins is written in a way that it ‘can’ stand alone. Michaelbrent Collings includes Legion’s history that can be a refresher for a faithful reader, or a glimpse into his world for a new reader. That being said, I have been with Legion from the beginning, and highly recommend grabbing the entire series if you enjoy walking the dark side of vigilante justice.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Stranger Sins by Michaelbrent Collings.

5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

What happens in Vegas…slays in Vegas.

Legion is a teacher. An avenging angel. A murderer.

A madman.

Raised in the underground hideout of an insane father, he now travels the world searching for those who torment the weak, who harm the innocent. He uncovers the secrets and sins of evildoers, and teaches them how to leave those mistakes behind.

Even if it means killing them to do it.

But this time, the tables have turned. The ghosts of Legion’s past have come for him; the victims of his madness have returned to torment and destroy him. Wounded, weak, near death: for the first time, Legion is not predator, but prey.

Now, aided by a woman and her daughter—who have themselves been surviving in secret terror for a decade—he must survive long enough to battle his past, to destroy the ghosts that have come for his sanity and soul…and to kill all who would harm his new friends.

Tracked by a crime family more twisted than anything he has ever seen, threatened by a madman whose strength is greater than anything he has ever experienced, Legion has never been closer to danger. They want his pain. They want his death. And they will stop at nothing to achieve their aims.

But Legion is a good teacher. So he will run. He will hide.

And then, when the students are ready…he will teach.

And his lessons are always murder.

ABOUT MICHAELBRENT COLLINGS

Michaelbrent Collings

Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally-bestselling novelist, multiple Bram Stoker Award nominee, produced screenwriter, and one of the top indie horror writers in the United States.

He hopes someday to develop superpowers, or, if that is out of the question, then at least to get a cool robot arm.

Michaelbrent has a wife and several kids, all of whom are much better looking than he is (though he admits that’s a low bar to set), and also cooler than he is.

Michaelbrent also has a Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/MichaelbrentC… and can be followed on Twitter through his username @mbcollings. Follow him for cool news, updates, and advance notice of sales. You will also be kept safe when the Glorious Revolution begins!

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Giveaway & Review – Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P Roman @ireadbooks @caroleproman

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MY REVIEW

Grady is in middle school with his best friend Aarush, who is on the autistic spectrum.

Kids…autistic, asthmatic, overweight, bullies, insecurity…This coming of age fantasy has it all. I was captivated with the world and characters that Carole P Roman has created. I loved watching them learn and grow.

Grady, Aarush and many of their classmates want to go to Templeton Academy, a place to discover your ‘hidden talents and develop them into formidable powers.’ Sounds a bit Hatty Potterish, doesn’t it?

The kids who gravitated to Grady learned to work together for a common goal. I can see a moral to the story and I feel all who read Grady Whill will leave with a smile on their face.

It is hard to describe the story without spoiling it, but I will say it was…unputdownable.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P Roman.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos
5 stars
Book Details:

Book Title:  Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Young-Adult Fiction (18 +), 286 pages
Genre:  Action-Adventure/Fantasy
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   July 30 2022
Content Rating: PG. The author thinks the book is G-rated. A reviewer said it had some curses. Some may consider “Holy crap” is a curse.



“If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It’s filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters.” Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers’ Favorite

“Harry Potter meets Sky High. If you’re a fan of young adult stories where protagonists go to mysterious schools to train their superhuman abilities, don’t miss out on Grady Whill and The Templeton Codex.” Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite
 
“Carole P. Roman has created a world that is unique, inhabited by characters that young people can easily relate to because of their similar concerns about growing pains… This book has a strong message and theme that deserves to be read.” Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Reader’s Favorite

Book Description:

Templeton Academy- the superhero high school is finally open! The prestigious institution is recruiting the best of the best to enroll in its student body. The school is as mysterious as it is exclusive.

Grady Whill thinks there is nothing special about him to make the grade. However, his best friend, Aarush Patel has been selected and thinks Grady has the right stuff. Even school bully Elwood Bledsoe is attending.

If Grady is fortunate enough to be picked, his guardian has forbidden him to attend. Will a family secret prevent Grady from becoming the superhero he was destined to be?
Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
add to goodreads
Also from the Pen of Carole P. Roman:

Book Details:

Book Title:  Giggles Galore Jokes, Riddles and Fun Facts for Kids of all Ages by Carole P. Roman
Category:  Children’s Fiction , 170 pages
Genre:  Humor
Publisher:  Chelshire
Release date:   August 2022
Tour dates: Nov 7 to Dec 2, 2022
Content Rating: G. 
Book Description:

What’s more fun than a rainy afternoon?

A rainy afternoon with Giggles Galore!
Treat yourself and your child to this fun-filled book of jokes, riddles, and exciting bits of information.

Entertain your friends and family with a wide variety of jokes that include funny foods, animal antics, jolly jungles, farcical farms, dizzy dinosaurs, hilarious holidays, and a host of humor from all over our wacky world.

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout the book and give a welcome relief from all the giggles.
There’s even a section where budding comedians can learn to create new jokes.

Lastly, join Carole P. Roman’s beloved character, Susanna Maya Logan, for a short story about why we must use humor wisely, or it may not be considered funny by everyone.

A great tool to help a reluctant reader, Giggles Galore is the perfect way to practice social skills and develop friendships.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N 

Meet the Author:

Carole P. Roman is the award-winning author of over fifty children’s books. Whether it’s pirates, princesses, spies, or discovering the world around us, her books have enchanted educators, parents, and her diverse audience of children of all ages.

Her best-selling book, The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids: 800+ Jokes! has reached number one on Amazon in March of 2020 and has remained in the top 200 books since then.

She published Mindfulness for Kids with J. Robin Albertson-Wren.

Carole has co-authored two self-help books. Navigating Indieworld: A Beginners Guide to Self-Publishing and Marketing with Julie A. Gerber, and Marketing Indieworld with both Julie A. Gerber and Angela Hausman.

Roman is the CEO of a global transportation company, as well as a practicing medium.

She also writes adult fiction under the name Brit Lunden and has created an anthology of the mythical town of Bulwark, Georgia with a group of indie authors.

Writing is her passion and one of her favorite pastimes. Roman reinvents herself frequently, and her family calls her the ‘mother of reinvention.’ She resides on Long Island, near her children and grandchildren.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:
GRADY WHILL AND THE TEMPLETON CODEX Book Tour Giveaway



MY CAROLE P ROMAN/ BRIT LUNDEN REVIEWS

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Gorgeous Cover Lured Me In – Green Shoots by Ben Westwood @benwestwood

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Green Shoots by Ben Westwood is his debut novel. I loved it soooo much. I want to thank Book Sirens and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for the opportunity to read and review Green Shoots by Ben Westwood.

The beautiful cover caught my eye. The title made me curious. And this line from the blurb finished me off:

Green Shoots is a story of grief and revenge, a gripping crime thriller with an ecological heart.

Amazon / Kindle Unlimited / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

Green Shoots is Ben Westwood’s debut novel and it blew me away. Green Shoots is very well written with a storyline that captured me, making me flip pages as my emotions ran wild. Reap what you sow may be an appropriate description for these characters that worship the almighty dollar. I loved everything about Green Shoots by Ben Westwood.

Nightmares haunt him. He wants to die. He visualizes it. I’ve heard people mention, when they first wake up, there is a moment when all seems normal, then reality smacks them in the face, and their sorrow and despair hit them. John’s wife dies in South America and he feels he is not being told the truth. He has to know.

A USB drive. A file folder named Blakely. A voice on the phone breathes life into John, an investigative reporter. But, is the voice that of a good person? Made me think of Dexter and that is always a good thing.

A message: Out of their ashes, green shoots will grow.

I love books that deal with real life problems. Ecological fiction novels like Green Shoots grab me and never let me go. It gets all my emotions roiling, sadness, anger, despair, hope…logging, deforestation, mining, poisoned water, habitat loss…for animals and indigenous people.

By 7% I was fully invested in John’s story. As he checks out his wife’s blog, he realizes her research into ecotourism, community projects and good practice morphed into something sinister. Anger breathes life into John, and my rage escalated too.

He found his love in Ecuador, now he is going back to find out who or what took her away from him. There is danger from many sources.

So much of the book read like an expose, a documentary, with some fiction thrown in. The rich get richer, the poor get poorer…and sometimes they are eliminated because they are in the way. Definitely thought provoking.

I used to watch Whale Wars and when I read Green Shoots it made me think of it, the lengths the people would go to save a whale or butcher a whale, was an eye opener. Sure we all hear about it, but how often do we see it? Definitely a thought provoking novel.

It is hard for me not to go on a rant, but it is not about me. It is about John and his story.

If a debut novel can have such a WOW factor, I am eager to see what Ben will write next.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Green Shoots by Ben Westwood.

5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

OUT OF THEIR ASHES, GREEN SHOOTS WILL GROW

Green Shoots is a story of grief and revenge, a gripping crime thriller with an ecological heart.

Brought back from the brink of suicide by a mysterious phone call, grieving journalist John Adamson is desperate to know the truth about his wife Christina’s death in South America. The man on the phone gives John clues to what really happened, but also tips him off to investigate a spate of deaths of businessmen, all found with the same cryptic message: “Out of their ashes, green shoots will grow.” From the protest-filled streets of London to the ravaged jungles of Ecuador, John is unwittingly drawn into a lethal plot, but who is behind these murders and what is the connection to his wife’s death?

ABOUT BEN WESTWOOD

Ben Westwood is a journalist, author, lecturer and performer with more than 20 years’ experience in the media and education. His first novel, the eco-thriller Green Shoots, is available now.

Ben is a former Daily Telegraph journalist and has written several travel guidebooks on destinations from Ecuador, Galapagos and Peru to London. He currently combines freelance writing with lecturing at University of Brighton. Ben is also an experienced musician and has released two albums as a singer-songwriter.

Website / Twitter / Instagram

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Giveaway & Review – Wall Men III by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff @XpressoTours @MimiJeanRomance

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MY REVIEW

Well, we have come to end of The Wall Men Trilogy, Wall Men III: A Vow Kept and I was not disappointed. I don’t know how Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes up with her original, creative stories, but I couldn’t stop turning the Kindle pages, devouring the words.

We start out with Lake in Monsterland, feasting on the blood of one of the giants. She’s now a vampire, the queen of Monsterland. She’s married to Alwar, King of the War People, and leader of the Wall Men. She has to get her blood lust under control or all will be lost. Her goal is to seal the wall between their worlds…after she gets back home.

Lesson #1: Kill or be eaten

Lesson #2: Trust No One

I was lost in Lake’s world that was so vividly created I could smell the rot. The supernatural creatures all posed their own danger. I wonder how Lake is going to find her way home, when she feels there is no one she can trust. She plugs along, making the best of the choices in front of her. Lots of action and danger follow her. As she discovers the truth, I too am amazed. The twisty road is full of surprises, and they kept on coming until the very end…which was…

Fantastic. BUT, it is open ended, so we will see if the characters have more to say.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wall Men III: A Vow Kept by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff.

4 Stars

Wall Men: Book Three, a Vow Kept
Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Publication date: October 29th 2022
Genres: Adult, Dark Fantasy, Fantasy, Suspense

From New York Times Bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes the third book of the Wall Men Trilogy, a suspenseful Dark Fantasy filled with monsters, vampires, giants, and love.

HER PLAN IS SIMPLE: FIGHT LIKE HELL!

I never asked for any of this. Not to be taken to a strange, violent land. Not to be married off to a giant or get stuck between warring kingdoms filled with ravenous monsters.

Nor did I ask to be turned into a vampire and placed on the throne. Ruler of them all. This is crazy!

But now that I see what these creatures have in store for my world, I have to step up, even if it terrifies me. Because no one is coming to save my little town back home or the rest of the world I love despite its flaws. I’m the cavalry.

Lucky me, I have a plan. Unlucky me, I just discovered that my fifty-foot-tall warlord husband might be the key to carrying it out.

If only I could trust him. But I can’t.

And if only I weren’t in love with the ghost of his dead brother. But I am.

And if only I knew how this is going to end. I don’t.

But today, I fight. Today, I risk it all for what I love.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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SNEAK PEEK:

He suddenly lunges and hurtles toward my mouth. Not for a kiss. For an invasion. I feel Bard’s ice-cold form slide down my throat and push inside me.
I scream, and Master barks loudly, protesting on my behalf.

Is he punishing me because I won’t do as he says? No Ones used to be the equivalent of the Monsterland police, the creatures who hunted you down if you broke one of the vows written on my body. Then they’d eat you, heal you, and eat you again. Apparently they’re gifted at healing and killing. I don’t know what their role is these days. Bard keeps his cards close.

“Get out of me!” The pain is intense as he passes through my organs, veins, and head. I feel him moving around like a blizzard beneath my skin. “What are you doing?” I bellow, throwing back my head, grabbing fistfuls of sheets.

Master doesn’t stop barking. Someone pounds at the door—probably one of the guards. I can’t get up or move.

Bard did this to me once before, back when I was human. He scratched around inside me, looking for something, until I ejected him.

That’s what I need to do. Push him out. I flex every muscle in my body, planning to squeeze him like an orange until he pops from my mouth, but suddenly, something happens. The burning hunger in my stomach cools. My mind calms. I almost feel like me again.

Is Bard healing me?

I exhale, and a plume of smoke comes from my mouth. Bard’s eerie face is over mine, a smile on his lips.

“What did you do?” I whisper.

“Sleep, Lake.”


Author Bio:

MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF is a New York Times bestselling author who writes insane plot twists that will have you burning through the pages. Whether it’s Romance, Suspense/Thriller, or Fantasy, there are always big heroes to root for, smart and resourceful heroines, and a ton of heart pumping excitement in every story.

Mimi lives with her extremely patient husband (“Be right there! Just one more page, honey!”), 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.

Sign up for Mimi’s mailing list for giveaways and new release news!

www.mimijean.net

Website / Goodreads / Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Instagram / Amazon / Bookbub / TikTok / Pinterest


Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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MY MIMI JEAN PAMFILOFF REVIEWS

MY M O MACK REVIEWS

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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
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Review – Born To Magic by David Wind @david_wind

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Amazon / Audiobook / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I love the cover for the amazing adventure I had with Areena and Mikaal. The world David created is vividly detailed, filled with creatures, magic, evil, love and hope. Taking place in the future, sparks of our possible reality mesh seamlessly with the magical world. The danger is not over, but this adventure finished with a happy ending. I am curious about their next adventure, and hope to be there for it.

4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Welcome to Nevaeh— a world where technology no longer exists, but magic does.

Long ago, the violence and radiation of the terrorist wars killed America. Those left dwell in a world of ritual and magic where ten dominions struggle for supremacy and a dark power rises to claim all.

Areenna, the only daughter of the King of Freemorn, is barely eighteen, yet her psychic ability is strong. She is summoned to ‘The Island’ and learns that the fate of her world is in her hands. She must undertake a perilous journey to save Nevaeh from destruction. But she will not travel alone.

Mikaal, the son of the High King of Nevaeh, has as much at stake as Areenna. Their quest takes them through haunted wastelands filled with mutants while an evil force does everything in its power to stop Areenna and Mikaal—for it wants Nevaeh as its own.

ABOUT DAVID WIND

International award winning author and double B.R.A.G. Honoree, David Wind, has published forty-three novels including Science Fiction, Mystery, and suspense thrillers. He lives in Florida, with his wife Bonnie. David is the past President (2020) of the Florida Chapter of the Mystery Writers of America.

A Hybrid Traditional and Independent Author, David became an independent publisher, author, and writer in 2008 with Angels in Mourning, his ‘homage’ to the old-time private detective’s of the 50’s and the 60’s. (He used to sneak them from his parents’ night tables and read them as a young boy.) Angels is a contemporary take on the old-style noir detective and won the Amazon.com Book of the Month Reader’s Choice Award.

The first book of David’s Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Series, Tales Of Nevaeh. Born To Magic, is an international Amazon genre Best Seller, a Kindle Review of Books finalist for Fantasy Book of the year, and winner of the Silver Award from Ireland’s Drunken Druid International Awards for Literary excellence. Over 80,000 copies of the Tales of Nevaeh series have been download. The first two books of David’s new series, (a prequel spin-off to Tales of Nevaeh) The Journals of Solomon Roth, is the story of how Roth became the Warlord of Nevaeh.

His mystery, suspense, Police procedurals, and thrillers are The Hyte Maneuver, (a Literary guild alternate selection); The Sokova Convention, The Morrisy Manifest, Out of the Shadows, and, Desperately Killing Suzanne. He wrote the Medical Thriller, The Whistleblower’s Daughter, with Terese Ramin. The idea for this Medical Legal Thriller came shortly after the death of a close friend. David said, “I couldn’t help but wonder about the medication….”

David’s Contemporary Fiction novel, published in December of 2017, and based on the Harry Chapin Song, A Better Place To Be, received the Bronze Award for Literary Excellence, from Ireland’s prestigious DD International Awards; A Better Place To Be was named a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree, signifying a book of the highest literary quality and written by Independent writers.

David wrote his first nonfiction book, The Indie Writer’s Handbook, to help authors who have completed their manuscripts and want to publish Independently, navigate the online publishing experience. The Indie Writer’s Handbook was David’s second book to be awarded the B.R.A.G. Medallion for literary excellence.

David’s novels have been translated into 11 languages and published in 15 countries.
–Follow David on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/davidwindauthor
–Follow David on Twitter at https://twitter.com/David_Wind
–Visit David’s Website at http://www.davidwind.com

You can see my Giveaways HERE.
You can see my Reviews HERE.
If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
Look on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
Product images are linked/I am an Amazon affiliate.
Thanks for visiting fundinmental!