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Showing posts from June, 2022

Book Review: The Precious Jules

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  Description A deeply felt family narrative that examines the fine line between selfishness and what passes for love. After nearly two hundred years of housing retardants, as they were once known, the Beechwood Institute is closing the doors on its dark history, and the complicated task of reassigning residents has begun. Ella Jules, having arrived at Beechwood at the tender age of eight, must now rely on the state to decide her future. Ella’s aging parents have requested that she be returned to her childhood home, much to the distress of Ella’s siblings, but more so to Lynetta, her beloved caretaker who has been by her side for decades. The five adult Jules children, haunted by their early memories of their sister, and each dealing with the trauma of her banishment in their own flawed way, are converging on the family home, arriving from the far corners of the country—secrets in tow—to talk some sense into their aging parents and get to the root of this inexplicable change of heart.

Book Review: The Devil's Revelation

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  Izzy: I thought he was going to be different, but Torque is the same as every other man when they see a female mechanic. He assumed I was applying for a job as a receptionist to try and lure him into my bed. Well, screw him. Now I’m working for another shop, but not everything is as it appears. I try to ignore it and just work, but when things go south, I have nowhere to turn. Except for one man and his club. Sparks fly, and I realize fighting him might be a losing battle. Except, neither of us realizes things are about to take a turn no one expected, and I’m caught in the middle. Torque: I don’t want a woman, which is probably why I was a jerk to the one person qualified for the job at my shop. Now she’s in danger and turning her away isn’t an option. I’ll protect her, but I quickly realize that I want Izzy for myself. The only problem is that there’s more than one danger coming, and loyalties inside our club are about to be tested, with Izzy caught in the crosshairs. Will I be able

Book Review: Blissful Perdition

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  They call us heretics. We call them corrupt. Only it’s me who’s being corrupted now. She’s an image of pure innocence, but I’ve always been able to see her soul… and it’s on fire. Only those flames are anything but holy, and they feel so good when they lick my skin. And hers tastes like every sin I’m not even supposed to know exists. Our community is holy. We are raised as unyielding servants of God, and we must worship through prayer, purity, and pain. And I want Him in my soul, I want Him in my heart, I need his forgiveness and seek his salvation, because I fear her more than the prospect of punishment for my filthy sins. Only God has been quiet, and Serafima’s heart is beating louder and louder for me. My name is Vera Voight, and this is my journey to perdition. __________________ Blissful Perdition  is a beautiful Short Story between two women who grew up in a strict religious sect. If you like opposites-attract characters, forbidden love stories, and dark themes, then you’ll enj

Book Tour Review: Her Dark Reflection + Giveaway

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Welcome to my stop for this gorgeous dark fairy tale retelling by Hailey Jade called Her Dark Reflection! Read on for more info and a chance to win a great giveaway!   Her Dark Reflection (The Dark Reflection #1)   Publication Date: June 15, 2022  Genre:  Dark Fantasy/ Dark Romance/ Fairytale Retelling Midnight Tide Publishing   “They called me the Whore Queen. Some even called me the Evil Queen. But they could call me whatever they wanted. I was still queen.”   Rhiandra Tiercelin hungers for power and her charm has always been her sharpest weapon in hunting it. So when a brutal attack leaves her physically scarred, desperation drives her to make a deal with Draven, a magic-wielding stranger who is inexplicably compelling and definitely dangerous. She knows she can’t trust him, but he when he offers to make her a queen, the temptation is too enticing to resist. Armed with a glamoured face and an enchanted apple, Rhiandra is determined to scheme her way into a crown, even if it m

Book Review: Stealing Infinity

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  These days, I’ve been killing it when it comes to letting people down. Now I’ve been kicked out of high school, arrested, and accepted into a remote, off-the-grid school owned and operated by an inscrutable billionaire tech guru. Gray Wolf Academy is looking for a certain kind of student. Ones that no one will miss. Like me. Then there’s Braxton. The beautiful, oddly anachronistic guy who showed up right when the trouble started. And he’s a total enigma—which means that I definitely can’t trust him, even if there’s something about him that makes me want to. They all tell me I have a gift. A very rare gift. And Gray Wolf Academy wants me to learn it. To use it. Because if what they say is true, I have all the time in the world. And that makes me the most dangerous high school student you’ll never know… My Review I like the concept of this book. The time travel drew me in, and it was done well. What I was not expecting is the tarot cards, which got me excited. I have read a few books t

Book Tour Review: The Cosmic Principle

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  When corruption surrounds her, she can either give in… or fight. One hundred years ago, a galactic cataclysm decimated the Centaurus galaxy, leaving only the planet Bersama unscathed—a world now divided into five struggling sectors. Captain Caldera Keane, an explorer for the Vanguard, is growing tired of going on pointless missions ordered by the king of Tellis. The people are suffering, and she wants nothing more than to exact real change for Bersama. But when Caldera gets escorted to the palace after nearly botching her last mission, she is certain she’s in trouble. Instead, she receives shocking news: King Quill is dead, and she’s the sole heir to the unstable throne he left behind. While balancing her new role as queen and contending with the corruption surrounding Bersama’s most powerful leaders, Caldera becomes entangled in a dangerous conspiracy related to the former ruler’s death. With no idea who she can trust, she must find a way to protect her friends, save her people, and

Book Review: The Chosen Sacrifice

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  WARNING: This book contains mature scenes, disturbing situations with abuse: physical, sexual, and emotional.  Strong language is frequently used, and a distorted view of religion. Multiple points of view.  Portions of the story are told from the serial killer, who is a deranged psychopath and twists religion to fit his needs.  Proceed with care! For ten years, Tammy has been haunted by the murder of her sister.  Since then, her life’s mission has been finding justice for her sister and other victims alike.  Last month, Tammy was stalked and escaped an attempted abduction, which has left her at the mercy of her anxiety.  In moments of distress, she knows the one person she can call. James, her partner, doesn’t hesitate to show up when Tammy calls.  His protectiveness kicks in, knowing she’s struggling.  He can’t heal her past, but he can walk by her side.   Once Tammy gets approval to officially open up the cold case for her sister,  the team is shocked to learn that evil is no longe

Book Review: Two for Tripping

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  Awkward. Adrift. Alone. Fresh out of college, Will Morrison finds himself at a loss. Graduating top of his class was all well and good, but with no idea of what to do next, it’s all meaningless, and his recent mistakes have put him on tenuous ground with his best friend and sister. His championship hockey teammates are moving on without him, he has too many choices for what to do next, and no clue what makes his heart sing… Until a one night stand with a fiery red-head turns his world upside down. Quinn’s everything he’s not: outgoing, brave and driven. Being with her shines a light on his dark side. But following the road to redemption means more than making amends with friends and family. Can he forgive himself, and accept that he doesn’t need to know the full path to take the first step? Or will his inability to love himself mean losing her, too? My Review I am a fan of this series. With each book I have grown to become more familiar with the characters as if they have been my fri

Book Review: All Our Flaws

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  Not all souls are pure. Some are made of scars, sins, and sorrows. And mine? It’s dipped in all of the above. Four years ago, losing my high school love wrecked me to the core. I was sure I’d never find a reason to live my life without Khloe. But then, I met someone… A girl whose scars were as deep as mine. She covered them with ink, dark eyeshadow, and long black robes. But underneath her darkness, there was the light I craved to touch. We licked each other’s wounds and healed our bleeding hearts. And at some point, we went too far… She said she was falling in love with me, and I told her to leave, too scared to feel things and betray my undying love for Khloe. And now, the girl I’ve been resisting for so long is back in town, all grown up and stunningly dazzling. And me? I’m still obsessed with the idea of sinning with her… A standalone story that continues to tell about love, hatred, betrayal, family secrets, young love, and second changes. My Review This book may be the second on

Book Review: Amico

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  (Publisher warning: This book includes dark subject matter, violence, language and light Bdsm. Reader discretion is advised.) Mia I wanted to be alone. I didn’t need anyone. Never have, never will. Or so I thought. Until an Italian God shows up, sweeps me off my feet, introduces me to his power. His control. His dominance. He warned me about him. He told me to run. But how do you leave someone who completes you? Who captivates you. Who makes you feel full when all you’ve ever felt is empty. I wanted to be alone. But that was he took what he wanted, gave me what I craved and left me knowing I would never feel the same again. Not without him. Leonardo I’m used to keeping secrets. Used to not trusting anyone. My day job keeps me hidden. My life a mystery most will never know. But she bewitches me with her charm. She fascinates me with the way she shines so bright. A light in a world full of darkness. I seduce her for my pleasure. I want her only for one night. But once you experience he

Book Spotlight: How To See A Man About A Dog

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  How To See A Man About A Dog is a collection of experimental short stories, powerful poems, and pulp fiction prose that will take you on a wild, hilarious, and heartbreaking journey. Surrealist short stories, memoiristic poems, and haunting jokes guide you through the wild imagination of emerging writer Samuel Knox's mind. "In the light of the moon, a stack of diet pancakes glisten on the dining room table. 'Steven!' The kitchen erupted! 'It is five past your 3 AM Pre-Breakfast Dunch.' Stephen knew all too well that he was late for his self-imposed good therapy, the latest in in-home, trans-fat free therapy." - Holy Cannoli, How To See A Man About A Dog For the reader looking for a wholly original and experimental mixed-media approach to stories, How To See A Man About A Dog is a much-needed fever dream tour-de-force. "One size fits all never fits me. Hell, what a size. I supposed, sometime once in my early childhood, that it was all a curse."

Book Review: Beneath Cruel Waters

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  Holt Davidson, a Kansas firefighter, hasn’t been back to his hometown of Thompsonville, Colorado, for more than two decades, but when he learns that his estranged mother has taken her own life, he returns for the funeral, hoping to make peace with her memory. He spends the night at his childhood home, rummaging through each room, exploring the past. But instead of nostalgic souvenirs, he discovers a gun, a love letter, and a Polaroid photograph of a man lying in his own blood. Who is the dead man? Was his mother the one who killed him, and, if so, why? Who sent the love letter? And what role did his sister, institutionalized since she was a teenager, play in this act of violence? As his own traumatic memories begin to resurface, Holt begins an investigation into his mother’s and sister’s pasts—as well as his own.A wrenching psychological thriller in the vein of Tana French’s In the Woods, Jon Bassoff’s Beneath Cruel Waters reminds us that the sins of the mothers are the sins of the s

Book Review: Into the Violet Garden

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  The year is 2024. A ruthless cartel dominates Latin America, and the FBI's Troy Levi gets commissioned to intervene. A cyborg for the bureau's Virtual Division, Levi delivers a devastating blow to the cartel's power but encounters a wave of social resentment in the aftermath. As the people's feelings for cyborgs grow bitter, former black-op cyborg ally and CIA operative Soriana Salazar finds herself caught between sides. Eliminating the cartel destabilized the region, fueling anti-cyborg sentiments in neighboring countries and afar. But tough decisions await Salazar after civil unrest forces the agency to sever all cyborgs ties. And that's only the beginning… Betrayed by the government, hated by the people, a vengeful league of cyborgs spawns a sinister scheme of liberation. And While Levi searches for Solace amid the turmoil and Salazar seeks balance, both will have to take a grave stand if they hope to stall the impending chaos. My Review I was drawn to this boo

Book Tour Review: The Beginning of Forever

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  Harlow and Acyn have their happily ever after… Or so they thought. When their wedding is in jeopardy from outside forces and well-meaning family members, they decide to take matters into their own hands and escape to the Oregon coast. Follow their journey from there to the Beginning of Forever. This is book 2 in the Sunshine + Ace series. Book 1 is All I've Wanted, All I've Needed. My Review This is the second book I have read by author, A.E. but it will not be the last book. I did not realize that this book is book two in the Sunshine and Ace series. The first book is All I've Wanted, All I've Needed, which I have not read yet. Although, the book I did read was Colliding With Fate in which Harlow and Acyn did make appearances in.  Despite having not read book one I still felt like I had established emotional relationship with Harlow and Acyn. Therefore, I was able to read this book with ease. I could really feel the strong love that these two had for each other. It w

Book Review: Her Darkest Secret

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  When a cold-case serial killer returns, FBI special agent Fiona Kelly has one last chance to stop him before he claims the prize he’s always wanted— her . The sight of a goose feather at a murder scene modeled after a children’s poem is enough to make FBI special agent Fiona Kelly's blood turn to ice. Almost two decades ago, a feather was left with her sister's body—and with every subsequent victim of the Nursery Rhyme Killer. Now he's back. Only this time, his latest gruesome murder is a message to the only one who ever got away: Fiona. Finding “Rhyme” is an obsession that's fueled Fiona's career—and destroyed her marriage to fellow FBI agent Asa Kodiak. Now Fiona and Asa have to put their past tensions aside and work together one last time. But Rhyme is watching, and catching this killer may force Fiona to reveal her biggest, darkest secret…the one only he knows. My Review FBI Special Agents, Fiona and Asa worked well together. They did not let their past interf

Book Spotlight: The Commoner's Destiny

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I am so excited to let you all know that the next exciting instalment in The Red Crest series is now available! Read on for more info about The Commoner's Destiny and grab a copy today! The Commoner’s Destiny (The Red Crest Series #2) Genre:  Epic Fantasy/ Historical Fantasy/ Asian Fantasy Publication Date:  May 5th, 2022 His past is dark. His intentions are cloudy. When lies pull him out of hiding, can he fight off imminent destruction? Ancient China. For Chen Han, honor sits above all. So when his name is unjustly slandered and his former brothers-in-arms rise against him, he doesn’t hesitate to counter the falsehoods. But his heart burns for vengeance after he learns his beloved father figure has been murdered by a hidden villain… Joining forces with a beautiful archer, Han treks to a dangerous island only to spring a deadly trap. And as he discovers a plot that could drive the entire Middle Kingdom into civil war, he must become the very traitor he swore to destroy

Book Review: The Man Who Came and Went + Giveaway

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Welcome to my stop on the book tour for The Man Who Came and Went by Joe Stillman! Read on for more info and a chance to win a signed copy of the book! The Man Who Came and Went Publication Date:  March 1st, 2022 Genre:  Mature YA/ Literary Fiction/ Magical Realism Publisher:   City Point Press Distribution:   Simon & Schuster   The Man Who Came and Went , a novel of the new west, is a magically realistic story for the modern era that will tease your understanding and beliefs, and draw you into the mysteries of the universe, from the brilliant mind of Joe Stillman, acclaimed Academy Award nominated co-writer of “Shrek.”  Fifteen-year-old Belutha Mariah, our storyteller, is the oldest of three kids from three different fathers. Her life’s goal is to keep her dysfunctional mom, Maybell, from procreating yet again and then to leave the coffin-sized town of Hadley, Arizona the second she graduates high school. Along comes the new grill cook at Maybell’s Diner, Bill Bill, a