Tag Archives: greed

September 12, 2025 · 7:00 am

The Greed Beneath the Empire: Vol. 7-10 by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (4 Book Spotlight)

Volume Seven

Control the system, and you control everything.

Victor Clayton has spent his life bending the world to his will, but his latest ambition is his most dangerous yet. Manipulating elections, silencing opponents, and stacking the courts, he’s poised to become the most powerful man in America—without ever running for office. But the deeper he digs into the foundations of power, the more he risks his empire collapsing under the weight of his own greed.

Opposing him is Caroline Sawyer, a fearless activist who knows the stakes are higher than ever. As protests erupt and secrets are exposed, the battle for democracy becomes a fight for the soul of the nation.

In The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 7: The Puppet Master: Victor’s Political Game, the line between savior and tyrant blurs in a thrilling exploration of power, corruption, and the fight for justice.

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Volume Eight

He lost everything in his pursuit of power. Now, he’s determined to save the world—or is he?

Victor Clayton’s empire of influence once spanned industries, governments, and media. But after his political downfall, he faces his greatest challenge yet: proving he can use his wealth and power for good. From eradicating homelessness to offering free healthcare, rebuilding education systems, and leading the charge in green energy, Victor positions himself as the architect of a new world order.

But as his vision unfolds, not everyone is convinced of his motives. Is Victor Clayton a reformed hero driven by redemption, or is his new empire just another ploy to consolidate control over society?

The Greed Beneath the Empire Vol. 8: Rebuilding the Future is a thought-provoking thriller that blurs the lines between ambition and altruism, challenging readers to question the cost of progress.

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Volume Nine

How far would you go to redeem yourself?

Victor Clayton built an empire through manipulation and greed, but it cost him everything—his family, his reputation, and his peace of mind. Now, he’s determined to use his wealth and power for good, launching global initiatives to bring clean water, education, and healthcare to the world’s most neglected regions.

But the path to redemption is anything but smooth. As Victor fights against corruption, corporate sabotage, and a scandal that threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for, he faces a question that haunts him at every turn: Can a man who once thrived on greed truly change?

With his family watching from the sidelines, Victor battles to prove that he’s no longer the villain he once was. Victor’s Redemption is a heart-pounding journey of transformation, second chances, and the price we pay for the lives we choose to lead.

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Volume Ten

He built an empire on greed. Now, he must lead a nation with integrity.

Victor Clayton had it all—power, wealth, and control. But when his past catches up to him, he’s sentenced to serve time in the very luxury prison he built for men like himself. Behind the walls of The Haven, Victor begins a transformation from disgraced billionaire to unlikely reformer.

What starts as a personal journey of redemption evolves into something far greater. Victor envisions a new kind of empire—one where former power brokers, ex-cons, and forgotten communities unite to rebuild a broken nation.

When his conviction is overturned, Victor doesn’t return to comfort—he runs for president.

Faced with smear campaigns, media warfare, and political assassins with microphones, Victor fights not just for votes, but for the soul of a divided country. Can a man haunted by corruption truly change the system—or will the system crush him before he gets the chance?

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Click HERE to shop for all ten books!

Meet the Talented Team!

Lamar and Liana Golden are a dynamic father-daughter duo on a mission to captivate hearts, inspire minds, and leave a lasting legacy through the power of storytelling. With a shared passion for imagination and creativity, they weave tales that transport readers of all ages—from whimsical children’s stories that ignite wonder to gripping YA adventures and thought-provoking novels that linger in the soul.

For the Goldens, storytelling is more than a craft—it’s a family tradition. Lamar brings years of life experience, wisdom, and a knack for spinning unforgettable narratives, while Liana infuses their works with youthful energy, fresh perspectives, and a deep connection to the dreams and struggles of today’s readers. Together, they create a symphony of stories that resonate across generations.

Beyond their writing, Lamar and Liana share a zest for life’s simple joys. They’re adventurers at heart, often found savoring delicious food, laughing over spirited games, and seeking thrills at theme parks. These moments of connection fuel their creativity, reminding them of the importance of building a legacy of love, imagination, and goodness in the world.

Their dream is simple yet profound: to inspire readers everywhere, one story at a time, and to leave behind a world just a little brighter for having shared their journey. Join Lamar and Liana Golden as they open the door to extraordinary worlds and unforgettable adventures—you won’t want to miss a single tale.

You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden

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Tagged as activist, book series, corruption, courts, democracy, elections, empire, government, greed, green energy, industries, justice, media, nation, opponents, political downfall, power, quick read, secrets exposed, shady practices, under 100 pages, wealth

August 29, 2025 · 7:00 am

Green Horizons by Lamar Golden and Liana Golden (Book Spotlight)

What would you sacrifice to save the future?

In a world where climate disasters are engineered for profit, BioCore reigns supreme—controlling resources, governments, and lives. But when Skye Parker stumbles upon evidence of their crimes, she becomes the face of a global resistance determined to bring them down.

With a team of misfits by her side, Skye launches a bold campaign to expose BioCore’s greed and corruption. But as the stakes rise, so do the risks. Facing devastating betrayals, impossible choices, and BioCore’s final gambit to destroy everything they can’t control, Skye must rally the world to stop a company willing to sacrifice it all.

Green Horizons is a gripping dystopian thriller that blends high-stakes action, complex characters, and a powerful message about resilience and hope. Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner, this heart-pounding story will leave you breathless—and ready to fight for change.

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The Price of Progress

The sky was dying, bleeding ash and fire across the horizon. Below, New Angeles teetered on the edge of ruin, its crumbling skyscrapers jutting like broken teeth from the rising tides. To those who could afford it, there were climate sanctuaries, domes of clean air and artificial sunlight. For everyone else, there was this—a world of unbreathable air and endless survival.

Seventeen-year-old Skye Parker adjusted her gas mask as she crouched on the edge of a dilapidated rooftop. The mask fogged slightly with each exhale, a constant reminder of how far humanity had fallen. In her hands, she held a damaged drone, its sleek frame scarred by something sharp and unforgiving. Its blinking red light cast faint, uneven pulses against her gloved fingers.

“Think it’s worth anything?”

Skye didn’t look up. She didn’t need to. That was Leo Martinez, her best friend and resident pain in the ass, leaning against a rusted railing like they weren’t perched above a city ready to devour them whole. His usual smirk was audible in his voice.

“It’s not about worth,” she muttered, her focus on prying open the drone’s casing. Wires spilled out in a tangle of frayed circuits, and her hands worked with practiced precision. “It’s about what it knows.”

Leo tilted his head, watching her like one might watch a stray cat deciding if it wanted to trust you. “You keep chasing ‘what it knows,’ and one day, it’s gonna know too much. You know BioCore doesn’t like when people get curious.”

Skye’s grip on the drone tightened, her voice sharpening. “Yeah? Well, I don’t like BioCore. So I guess we’re even.”

Leo snorted, crouching beside her. His spray can rattled faintly in his bag. “You’ve got a death wish, you know that? What’re you even looking for?”

“Answers,” she said flatly. “And maybe a way to fix this mess while I’m at it.”

Leo’s laughter was dry, bitter. “Fix it? Skye, this mess doesn’t get fixed. It gets bought and sold by guys in suits who’ll never set foot in a place like this.”

Skye finally looked up, her eyes sharp behind the mask. “That’s what they want you to think.”

Before Leo could reply, the drone in her hands crackled to life. Its embedded screen flickered, displaying a distorted image—a set of coordinates, a timestamp, and a single word.

EMBER.

I hope you enjoyed a look at the story’s prologue. It’s not all of it. Only a portion to (hopefully) peak your interest.

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Meet the Authors!

You can contact us at lamar.golden1@gmail.com or via X (Formerly Twitter) @LNLGolden

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Tagged as action, betrayals, big businesses, climate disasters, corruption, dystopian thriller, engineers, global resistance, greed, Post-Apocalyptic, review, save the world, sci-fi, science fiction, scientists, scifi, storms, super storms, survival story, suspense, teen, thriller, under 100 pages, YA, young adult

November 5, 2021 · 7:00 am

Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halverson (Book Review)

Two Florida State geology students found the pages written by Ponce de Leon’s chronicler in a dry limestone cave in the northwest panhandle. The original Spanish papers, five hundred years old, were found in relatively good shape, protected from time and moisture in a heavy triple-walled leather case. They chronicle Ponce de Leon’s second expedition to Florida in search of the fountain of youth.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from iRead Book Tours. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

In history, it is pretty well-known explorers took land from the Natives. Power was the name of the game. Explorers wanted wealth and notoriety, while Kings aimed to increase their wealth, power, and control of lands.

Speaking of explorers, readers will recognize the ones mentioned in the story. Most children study them in middle school; my daughter did, so she knew who Ponce de Leon was and about the Fountain of Youth.

Through lessons, we know that when explorers traveled to new lands, they brought with them diseases. Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth by Jim Halverson did note this and how the Natives got revenge on foreigners by giving them an STD, which they brought back to their homelands. (If you haven’t spoken to your child about STDs yet, then this might be a good time to explain it.)

There were no graphic scenes or questionable topics (besides the STD passages), so middle school children could read this on their own. At less than 160 pages, it shouldn’t take them too long to read it. If your family homeschools, maybe have your child write a review on the story or complete a book report. I’m sure they’ll have plenty to talk about: snake bites, runaway rooster, greed-filled men, “magic water,” and much more.

While Ponce: What Actually Happened at the Fountain of Youth did lag for me a bit, I did find it amusing how the white men underestimated the Natives, and how Ponce was on the constant verge of having an absolute hissy fit.

The ending was superb too!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤

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Meet the Author:

Jim Halverson grew up in the rural, gold-mining town of Mokelumne Hill, CA and received his MBA from Golden Gate University. He spent part of his life on a ranch and is an avid student of psychology. He recognizes the struggles of all men and women seeking equality and respect. Jim and his wife, Gail, spend their time traveling from their small farm in Forestville, CA.

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website ~ goodreads

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Tagged as cave, Christopher Columbus, church, expedition, explorer, Fountain of Youth, gold, greed, historical fiction, horses, king, magic, Natives, poison, Ponce de Leon, priest, queen, review, royalty, satire, secret affair, ships, snakes, soldiers, std, voyages, water

October 10, 2021 · 7:00 am

Blood Like Rain by Tracy A. Ball (Book Review)

Dylan would do anything for his brother. Even if it means riding his motorcycle into hell… Or Rain, a town with a terrible past and a dark secret. They say the trouble is in the water, and that’s partially true. There’s poison in the ecosystem. But, the trouble is in their blood.

Nile could solve his problem. She could save them all. But, she doesn’t want to.

When mercy’s a sin, falling in love is not an option.

…Not that it matters.

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

Blood Like Rain by Tracy Ball was a book, unlike anything I have ever read before. Its plot was twisted but plausible. For the most part, Tracy had me scratching my head, wondering who the actual good guys were and what the heck was going on in the town of Rain!

When bits and pieces of the mystery were revealed, the story became even more twisted. Blood Like Rain showed what greed can make a person do, what desperate people will do to survive, and the depths a person will go to protect those they love.

Blood Like Rain speaks of horrendous crimes against humanity. The crimes are so outrageous I hope they stay in the world of fiction forever.

In summation, the plot was unique and a perfect read for any science enthusiast. For those who adore love/romance books, Tracy has you covered there as well.

BUY THE BOOK!

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest)
Score: ❤❤❤❤❤

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Meet the author – Tracy A. Ball

Made entirely of rum and snacks—International Bestselling Author, Tracy A. Ball is a native Baltimorean and veteran West Virginian, whose family is a mashup of cultures. She writes real and raw interracial romance with an intensity that burns because she has been busting stereotypes while teaching interracial/generational healing for more than a quarter of a century.

Tracy engages with folks from every twist of fate and all manner of experience. She has hung out with murderers and dined with people who have dined with the Pope, which is why she needs the rum…and a nap.

Her published works include: Blood Like Rain, Welcome to BBs, The Other Shore, “Mercury Chain Thomson” Death’s Desire, Big Guns & Bullsh@t, “Imogene’s Flowers,” “Thorns,” “Black’s Magic” “Truly, Madly, Kiss Me,” “Cumberland Christmas,” Civil Warriors, Dragonfly Dreams, “An Angel with Dirty Wings,” “Tsarina,” KAYOS: The Bad & The Worse, The Tiger & The Snake, The Right Way to Be Wrong, “Left on Marriottsville,” “The Train Ride,” Mail Duty, White Russian Lies.

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Tagged as antidote, bakery, betrayal, blood, contemporary, cure, dark romance, deception, disease, DNA, experiments, family, FBI. EPA, food, government, greed, Interracial Romance, laboratories, labs, life and death choices, love, money, Multicultural Romances, mystery, pesticide, romance, science, scientists, secret labs, showcase, spotlight, survival, suspense, thriller, toxic, toxin, water

October 5, 2021 · 7:00 am

Blood Like Rain by Tracy A. Ball (Book Showcase)

OUT NOW !!!!

Nile could solve his problem. She could save them all. But, she doesn’t want to.

When mercy’s a sin, falling in love is not an option.

…Not that it matters.

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“What’s the worst thing that could happen?” Dylan asked. The sky was clear, the air was crisp, and the trees around them were vibrant with color. It didn’t feel like the world was ending.

“Mob rule,” Nile said. “They lose their minds and try to intimidate us. Or, worse, punish us. We’d be forced to retreat until everybody gets sick. But the toxin is like cancer…it’s worse than cancer. People are in different stages. A lot of innocent people could die. If we’re shut down for any significant length of time, the original mission of eliminating us, might happen.”

“Wow.”

“The next worse scenario is a town war, which mom’s declaration might take us to. Our roots are deep and entangled. If you go back far enough, everybody is somebody’s third cousin or family friend for fifty years. People are going to come down on one side or the other. If they think we’re abusing power, or the opposite, not strong enough, that will add to the chaos.”

“Every time I think I understand, there is more, and it’s dark. This is crazy.” Dylan couldn’t see the fall colors or the blue sky. He was too numb to feel the air.

Her eyes were sad. “That’s not the heartbreaking part.”

He already knew the heartbreaking part. It was breaking his heart. “Jake and I are going to fall on different sides of this.”

She nodded. “You might. You and I might fall on different sides of this.” She wiped a tear.

He put his arm around her, for her comfort and his.

She laid her head on his shoulder. “I have the ability to save lives, but the reality is, I’m going to let some people die.”

“Circumstance gave you a gift, Nile. But, you’re not God. You’re not picking and choosing. Circumstance is.”

She kissed his cheek and wrapped her arm around his chest, being careful of his wound. “Thank you.”

He kissed her hair and for a while they let the quiet soothe them.

When he could talk again, he asked, “What’s the best we can hope for?”

She thought for a moment. “That Maya is completely innocent. At that point, it would be best to let her go.”

“That’s great for Jake, but what about me?”

“You don’t live or work here, Dylan. Whatever happens, you’re leaving anyway.”

Nothing logical, sensible, or reasonable made his heart beat the way she did. “I never got that dinner date.”

“Let’s go eat. It could be the last chance we get.”

Dylan thought it best not to point out they were in different places. She was preparing for goodbye. He was contemplating ways to stay. He stood up behind her and appreciated her ass as she climbed out of the boat.

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