January 15, 2017 · 5:00 am

Once and Forever by M.S. Kaye (Book Review)

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Eden, a nun, is constantly struggling against her dark past of living on the streets, and her attraction to Trace, an ex-convict farm worker. After a twelve-year separation, Eden is finally reunited with her brother, Thomas, but why hadn’t she reached out to him in all those years? As Eden and Trace grow closer, confessing their pasts to each other, will they be able to resist getting too close?

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Life is all about choices. What to eat for supper. What school to attend. What job to take. And, whom to love or not to love.

In Once and Forever, Eden and Trace had every reason not to act on their desires. She was thisclose to taking her final vows (nun). Trace was dealing with his past and the inability to atone for all his past sins in the eyes of everyone in town.

However, the heart wants the heart wants. All I can say is thank heavens Eden realized her love for Trace surpassed her desires to take her final pledge for God and the nunnery. In my opinion, like with any calling in life, you must chose the path which is best suited for you.

Yes Trace was an ex-con but his past wasn’t so cut and dry. He had a heart bigger than the brightest star. He was generous, kind, and a man worthy of any woman! Once you start reading the tale, you’ll soon figure out how truly giving he is to those around him.

Once and Forever wasn’t a face-pace gripping tale. In actuality, it had a rather slow pace from beginning to end. However, it had a powerful message behind each word.

Like a book, don’t judge someone by their outer shell. A person’s actions will tell you what kind of man or woman they are. Make sure to always allow only good, gracious people to be a part of your story. 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

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WANT MORE?
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Book One
 
 
Her first and also her once.
Jonathan and Rebecca’s paths cross at exactly the right moment, when each most needs to hear what the other has to say.
But Jonathan is three days from entering the priesthood, and Rebecca leaves him to his peace. But he is unable to find peace.
Without each other’s comfort and strength, they must each struggle to forge a new path, with only memories of the one day that changed everything.
But are they able to forget and let go?
—> Kindle Purchase Link <––
 
 
Book Two
 

She was once his secret desire… Will she be again?

Father Aiden, an ex-marine and new priest, falls in love with Maylynn, but he struggles to stay away from her. He’s successful for many years, though he can’t keep her out of his dreams.

Then one day she shows up for a pre-marital counselling session with her fiancé, Davis. Aiden soon realizes Davis isn’t who he says he is, but what does that mean for Maylynn, and for himself?

 

Get your KINDLE copy today at  Amazon.
Add to your to-read on Goodreads.
 
 
 
M.S. Kaye has several published books under her black belt. A transplant from Ohio, she resides with her husband Corey in Jacksonville, Florida, where she tries not to melt in the sun. Find suspense and the unusual at www.BooksByMSK.com.
To receive news on upcoming releases, sign up for email updates on her website.

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January 13, 2017 · 5:00 am

The Crimson Shamrock by Michael Hughes (Book Showcase)

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A scotch-swilling DUI attorney, a cynical congressional staffer, and a retired bomb- sniffing German Shepherd are just some of the characters Chuck Wesson meets after he takes a travel assignment from his new boss, mysterious Silicon Valley entrepreneur Axel DeWilde. Chuck has been sent on a flight from San Francisco to Boston in order to demonstrate the Crimson Shamrock, a breakthrough portable communication device code-named the RedClove.

However, Chuck begins to suspect that all is not as it seems after a robber tries to steal the device at the airport, and his flight later has to be diverted to the Twin Cities after a threat is made. After his meeting is relocated to the D.C. suburbs and does not go according to plan, Chuck flies back to California to discover who and what are behind his travails.

 

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After dropping Blake off at the VC headquarters, Axel drove me back to the office.  As we got inside, Axel began to go on one of his euphoric monologues.

“You see, Chuck, all of the opportunities that we are presented with!”  I was afraid he was going to shatter the glass front door given how enthusiastically he had shut it.  “Just look how eager Blake was for our product!”

“Is he OK with our timeline, do you think?” I asked.  I turned on my computer and took a seat as Axel continued to pace around the floor.  I was half afraid he was going to start dancing.

“Why, of course!  All things take time, and Blake and his people understand that very fact.  We are, in a way, building up the anticipation even more, yes?”

That didn’t seem like the soundest logic to me, but who was I to tell Axel this?

“That’s one way of looking at it, I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“Oh, yes,” he said as he almost tripped over himself on his way back to his desk.  “The anticipation of the new product is key. Absolutely, essentially, key.  Key, key, key.”

I twiddled my fingers as I waited for my computer screen to turn on.  Luckily, I didn’t have to wait too long.

“I think you’ve done enough work for the day,” said Axel.  He looked at my computer, walked over, and turned it off.  “You should head home and get some rest.  Next week is going to be a learning experience for all of us.  We are going to have to have the boys finish engineering the prototype, and then we will have to have it transported to the East Coast for its demonstration.”

“How are we going to get it over there?”

Axel grinned.  “The method of its transport is in this room.  He, I should clarify, is in this room.  I generally try to avoid flying.  You are free to draw your own conclusions.  Shall I see you tomorrow, ten o’clock, no?”

 

 

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I’m 25 and currently work for a bank in compliance in Los Angeles.  Pumpkin Farmer and The Crimson Shamrock are my two published paperback novels; I also self-published a novel titled Loafing by La Brea. 
 
 

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January 11, 2017 · 5:00 am

Wolf of the Tesseract by Christopher D. Schmitz (Book Review)

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After merging with her copy from an alternate reality, Claire must work with an interdimensional soldier in order to stop a warlock from shattering the laws of existence. As they flee his wrath, she must decide if these romantic feelings for her guardian belong to her or the alternate-self whose soul suddenly inhabits Claire’s mind.

Zabe, the only remaining member of the royal Guardian Corps escaped the warlock’s conquest of the Prime Dimension and wages a one-man resistance. As he sneaks through an enemy camp he discovers they plan to use their sorcery to annihilate all the aligned planes of reality. To stop it, Zabe must break the forbidden dimensional barriers, reach Earth, and hide the key to the dimensional rifts. If he fails and the Warlock acquires the prize, it could spell the end of all existence.

After a dimensional shift, Zabe discovers the key is really a human woman: a college student named Claire Jones whose blood holds the ability to unlock cataclysmic power. The enemy seeks her desperately, yet Zabe and Claire fight–knowing that her blood could rip open a cosmic fissure if even the slightest detail of their plan goes awry.

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 

Within the first few minutes of meeting someone, you know if you’re going to like them or not. You get a sense of their attitude, personality, and take note of how they interact with others. Maybe their facial gestures speak to you more loudly rather than their lack of action. For instance, a quiet/shy person tends to smile coyly, silently laugh. Whereas an overly cocky person might fold their arms, look annoyed, and give off a sense they don’t want to be there. In a nutshell. it’s the smallest things that sometimes can make or break a budding relationship.

I treat a new book like I treat meeting a new person because, really, that’s what I am doing — meeting a new person or group of new people. In the first few pages/chapters, I get a sense if a book is going to be a hit or miss (for me). If I am going to enjoy its company and possibly want to revisit it again. Rarely does my opinion change the longer I read a tale unless something epic happens to blow my mind.

When I began Wolf of the Tesseract, it was apparent that Christopher D. Schmitz meant to make an everlasting impression on me, the reader. This science fiction story literally had an explosive start and the action continued on until the final chapter.

Christopher’s imagination seemed limitless, his plot flawless, and the ending left it wide open for a highly-charged sequel.

The only thing missing from Wolf of the Tesseract was a terminology page — a point I made to Christopher on 12-2-16. With all the science fiction lingo, unworldly creatures, and/or beings, I thought the readers would benefit from a cheat sheet. He absolutely agreed. His exact words were this, “You are very right. I’ll make sure that future versions of the book include that.”  

Sci-fi/fantasy readers, grab this book and be prepared to encounter fire demons, werewolves, snake creatures, warlocks, and huge ass worms. Basically, everything you love about the paranormal world and much, much more! 

 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

 

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January 9, 2017 · 5:00 am

The Power of Love and Murder by Brenda Whiteside (Book Review)

The Love and Murder Series,  Book 4

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Penny’s secrets can ruin a presidential contender, got her family murdered…and mark her as the next hit.

For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.

Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.

With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique)  

First, let me start off this review by stating that any woman who wears Black Widow and Batgirl pajamas to bed is already cool as heck in my book. Penny (aka Jianna Ricci), you have fantastic fashion sense!! 

Ok pressing on….

Like the other “Love and Murder” books in the series, Brenda crafted a story full of mystery, corruption, bit of romance, and ended it all with a happily ever after. Along the way though, many tears were shed and not just by the heroine — Penny. Jake and his parents were dealt a mighty blow that tore out their hearts and left them asking why and how come. Have no fear, readers, justice was served — eventually. 

Before Mandy’s murderer is caught and Penny’s troublesome past is finally put behind her, readers will embark on a journey of a crocked politician and FBI agent, cover-ups, fraud and embezzlement, and multiple murders. 

Also, we watch an ex-rock star regain his life after kicking a drug habit and the collapse of his band. We watch him fall in love with a woman who’s afraid of letting him in. We watch her (Penny) stop running and start fighting. She intended to avenge her family and get her HEA… which she did.

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 

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WANT MORE?

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BOOK ONE

Lacy Dahl never questioned her past until the deaths of her adoptive parents and her husband. A husband who wasn’t what he seemed. Her research uncovers secrets about the mother she never knew; secrets that dispute the identity of her father and threaten her life. 

Sheriff Chance Meadowlark is still haunted by the murder of his wife and the revenge he unleashed in the name of justice. When he meets Lacy he is determined not to become involved, but their pasts may make that impossible. As they move closer to the truth, saving Lacy may be his only salvation.

Lacy begins to think the present is more important than her past…until Chance’s connection to her mother and a murder spin her deeper into danger and further from love. Will the truth destroy Lacy and Chance or will it be the answer that frees them?

Paperback  / Kindle 

 

 

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BOOK TWO

Writing murder mysteries is all in a day’s work until an obsessed fan brings Phoebe’s stories to life.

Mystery writer, Phoebe Anderson, owes her success to killing her first husband on paper seventeen years earlier. Now, someone has actually done it. When she decides to take a few days away on the ranch of her best friend’s brother-in-law, she doesn’t expect romance to find her…or murder to follow her.

Mason Meadowlark is happy with his wild cowboy ways, avoiding love since the death of his baby and the end of his marriage twenty years ago. When Phoebe shows up, he fights to control his emotions, but soon wonders if she just might be worth the risk of opening his heart again.

With an obsessed fan close on her heels, Phoebe is thrown into her own murder mystery…and the next target on his list is Mason.

Print Purchase Link / Kindle Purchase Link

 

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BOOK THREE

In Austria to meet her great-grandfather and explore his castle estate filled with priceless art, August Myer arrives to find he’s died suspiciously. As one of the heirs, her life is in danger, turning this fairytale Alpine adventure into a nightmare of unexplained accidents, neo-Nazi threats, and murder.

Inspector Tobias Wolf splits his time between his profession and fighting the spread of neo-Nazism. But when the beautiful, intriguing American crosses his path during a murder investigation, ensuring her safety challenges his priorities…and his heart.

When August learns the handsome inspector’s involvement with a major female Nazi is more than he’s admitted, and the death of her great-grandfather is somehow connected, she takes the investigation into her own hands. The outcome could be the death of both of them.

Kindle / Print (Amazon) 

 

 

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Brenda and her husband are gypsies at heart having lived in six states and two countries. Currently, they split their time between the pines of Northern Arizona and the RV life. At home or in the RV, she spends most of her time writing stories of discovery and love entangled with suspense. 

 Website / Facebook Link / Twitter  / Amazon Author Page  / Goodreads Page 

 

She blogs on the 9th and 24th of every month at http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com

She blogs about prairie life on her personal blog http://brendawhiteside.blogspot.com/

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January 7, 2017 · 5:00 am

Author Showcase: Jeffrey L. Kohanek – “The Buried Symbol (The Runes of Issalia)” ~ (CONTEST INCLUDED)~

We are a week into the the new year and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a FREE PRINT BOOK OFFER courtesy of Jeffrey L. Kohanek. If you haven’t heard of him or his science fiction creations, then let me proudly introduce to you The Buried Symbol,  book one in The Runes of Issalia series. 

After you read the book summary and my thoughts on it, please leave us a comment or question because your feedback makes you eligible to WIN THIS SIGNED BOOK.

(Contest is open to anyone residing in the United States. It also runs from now until  January 8th, midnight – central time. Winner is selected January 9th and his or her name will be posted on a comment below!) 

 

~~ CHECK OUT THE PRIZE ~~

 

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Discover a lost magic, long buried and forgotten…

Without a rune marking his role in society, Brock is doomed to a life below the lowest rung of the social ladder. Unwilling to accept his fate, the teen risks his life to obtain a fake rune that marks him as a member of the Empire’s ruling class. He then embarks on a quest to join an institution where the Empire’s future leaders are trained.

As a student of the Academy, he soon uncovers a chain of secrets kept hidden for centuries, secrets that expose cracks in the foundation of Empire society. Among his discoveries is a powerful magic, long buried and forgotten.

Brock’s compassion and sense of justice are seeds that sprout tight friendships and a blossoming romance. An unwillingness to be bullied earns him a dangerous enemy, growing into a feud that escalates to a climactic showdown.

 

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(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

No matter your race/religion/gender/nationality, at one point in time you’ll do something to improve the quality of your life. Maybe it’ll involve going to college, switching jobs, or your address. No matter the how, it’ll occur and you have a 50/50 chance your decision was for the better. Brock took steps to improve his station and he brought his friend Tip along for the ride.

Tip didn’t have a rune placed on his head, he wasn’t off to the Ministry academy, but he was content remaining an Unchosen because he had a roof over his head, food in belly, a bed, and a wonderful woman whom he loved dearly.

Brock, on the other hand, felt he was meant for more and his assumptions proved true. He turned out to be a great and powerful student. He was able to harness the power of the Order and Chaos. Not an easy feat. Like his best bud, Tip, he found love — Ashland, a great healer.

~~Other notable characters~~

Cameron (Cam): tough on the outside but gentle on the inside.

Benny: the inventor who brought life to all his scenes.

Corbin: He reminded me of Draco Malfoy from Harry Potter series. Both characters you’ll love hating.  😈 

 

~~ Favorite scenes~~

1.) The boys trying out the Hedgewick Roller (bike). As a mother who’s just watched her daughter learn to ride a 2-wheeler this summer, I had to laugh at their attempt to ride the crazy contraption. Pure hilarity! 

2.) Couple years back, my son was assigned the talk of creating a working catapult. It was a happy moment when he finally got the marshmallow to soar across the garage. If I recall, he got an A on the assignment! Thanks for triggering the memory, Jeffrey!

 

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Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤1/2

 

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Kindle Purchase Link

 

 

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Jeffrey L. Kohanek grew up in rural Minnesota where comic books sparked his young imagination, inspiring fantasies of heroes with super-powers saving the day. His tastes later evolved to fantasy epics featuring unlikely heroes overcoming impossible odds to save worlds born from the writer’s imagination.

Now residing in southern California, Jeff uses that imagination to weave tales of engaging characters caught in fantastic plots to inspire young adults and the child within us all.

Website Link

Twitter Link 

 

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