Tag Archives: novella

Influenced Innocence: A Fictional Novella for Gambling Addictions in Young Adults by Jacob Martin (Book Review)

Sports gambling has flourished in the shadows of American society for decades. For some, it becomes a life altering addiction. Influenced Innocence is a fictional story that emphasizes how casual betting can turn into an uncontrollable urge.

The novella focuses on a group of middle school students forming a recess football league. The league is designed for students to have fun, healthy competition. With the introduction of “Nether Bucks”, a currency students can earn from getting good grades, the league inevitably becomes corrupt as students use the currency to bet on games.

Eventually Justin, the protagonist, recognizes the negative impact the gambling has on his group of friends. After witnessing suspicious incidents, he also begins to believe that those in charge of the league may be fixing the games in their favor.

Throughout the story, there are multiple topics discussed such as real scandals that happened in the professional sports world, sports psychology for athletes, the rapid development of a gambling addiction, how the addiction affects relationships between friends and family, and how a child’s upbringing influences their behaviors.

The story also emphasizes how the American sports industry and its relation with gambling companies and media outlets collectively prey on the individuals seeking to make money through sports gambling.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

As I read the young adult chapter book, I was left speechless several times. It was disturbing how quickly a casual pickup game at recess could turn so dark. Relationships became strained, some ending altogether. Players intentionally injured opposing teams. And why? Greed. 

As a new year started at Netherfield Middle School, Principal Oli addressed the students about a learning incentive. For every B on a test, a student would receive Nether Bucks. The higher the grade, the more bucks a student would earn. Students could cash in the fake bucks for items in the gift shop located in the school’s library. Jewelry. BMX bikes. Game consoles. There were numerous prizes up for grabs, and kids who would lie, cheat, and hurt others to fatten their wallets to purchase an item. 

No matter which of the four teams was facing off, the writer made you feel like you were watching the game on the sidelines and listening to hurtful taunts from the crowd. Not surprisingly, the hate-filled words took place on social media, too. What made this book a page-turner was the real-life elements. Adult sports spectators do lose control of their emotions and scream at players and coaches, and sometimes let their fists do their talking. Kids see this volatile behavior as normal and begin mimicking it, just like in this story. 

I was stunned by how many kids developed a gambling problem and how they craved violence and asked for it. The fate of one particular student stocked me. I was surprised by the depths students would go to win a football game. I couldn’t fathom how the faculty, especially the principal, failed to see what occurred at recess. With all the STARTLING scenes comes a lesson learned. Maybe reading how gambling can ruin a life and how unsportsmanlike behavior can lead to devastating results will teach readers NOT to take sports so seriously and to think twice about gambling. 

I recommend sharing this book with your elementary students, followed by a nice chat about the dangers of gambling, bullying, and unsportsmanlike conduct! 

 

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

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Waiting For Christmas: A Hot Holiday Romance by Cynthia Eden (Book Spotlight)


Unwrap a hot holiday romance.

How long has he been waiting?

His whole life. That’s how long Wyatt Roth feels like he has been waiting for Christmas “Christy” Sharpe to realize she’s meant to be with him. But gorgeous and vivacious Christy has always seen him as just her little brother’s best friend. One ridiculous year—he’s only younger than her by one year—and doesn’t she get that he’s grown up? He’s a doctor, part of an elite special operations surgical team—a team that has been trained in medicine and in military battle. There is no fight he can’t win. He won’t give up on her.

She’s home for the holidays…but running scared.

The last thing he expects is to find a terrified Christy on his doorstep just days before Christmas. But a stalker has sent her running to the only place she has a safe haven. Wyatt takes her in and vows to protect her. No one will be hurting Christy on his watch. And with her finally under his roof—finally staying close 24/7—he can show Christy that he’s been there for her all along.

Right. There. Waiting.

When did Wyatt Roth get so big? So dangerous? So…insanely sexy with all of his muscles and that tempting grin? Christy can’t believe it when the tall, hot doc answers the door and immediately vows to protect her. She has an ex who won’t let go, and the guy has been scaring her so badly that she had to rush away in the middle of the night. But now Wyatt is promising to keep her safe, the magic of the holiday season is surrounding her, and when she finds herself sharing a passionate kiss with Wyatt under the mistletoe Christy realizes…

Maybe what she’s wanted her whole life has been right in front of her.

What happens when the boy you knew grows into a rugged, too sexy to be true man? A man who has deadly skills, wicked wit, and an amazing kissing ability? During the magic of the holidays, anything can happen. But you have to be careful, because danger is always close, and the thing you want most in the world…just might be lost in the blink of an eye.

Time for some holly, jolly romance…with a side dose of suspense. WAITING FOR CHRISTMAS is a hot holiday novella (33,000 words) designed to get you in the ho-ho-ho spirit. Fall in love, get your heart racing, and prepare to be both naughty and nice as you sink into the story.

 

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CLICK HERE TO READ A STEAMY SCENE!!

 

 

Meet the Author

Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.

Cynthia is a “hybrid” author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Avon, Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate.  Her favorite hobbies include hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

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Happy Holidays!

 

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Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation by Simon Dauphinee (Book Review)

Planning a renovation or home construction project? Want to find the right contractor but don’t know where to start? Avoid costly errors and delays. Being prepared is of the utmost importance!

Books in this space are often long-winded and full of fluff. No homeowner needs to, nor has time to, read a 300-page book on renovating or construction, so don’t waste your time! Home In Good Hands is concise and free of fluff, so the reader can fit it into their undoubtedly busy life.

Read Home In Good Hands to learn all you need to know to successfully plan and execute your project. Make sure your home is in good hands!

Includes bonus tools and tips to help keep you organized and on track. Tricks of the trade inside!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery.  I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Simon Dauphinee, a contractor with nearly two decades in the industry, wants your renovation to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation will show you what approaches work and what does not work. He’ll walk you through all you need to know, from project start to finish. 

First, let’s find a contractor! The writer points out referrals are best, but if you don’t have one, there’s always plan B. As a person who loves spreadsheets, I will keep his template in mind for future projects. Oh, and the script was excellent! 

As someone who selected a contractor based on price and not likability, I agree wholeheartedly with the writer’s following statement. “Compatibility with a contractor on a personal level is very important, as you will be hosting this person and their crew and working with them daily until project completion (9).”

The writer gives sound advice in every section, but the visual of the quote is quite valuable. It explained what to expect and look for in a sample job. Your future project might not resemble the picture, but it’s an excellent reference point. Oh, another sound tip…ask for references! 

Home In Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation discusses “reviewing contracts,” “orders of operations,” and “the construction process,” but chapter 8 interested me greatly. “Advice from Homeowners” contained real-life testimonials from the author’s past clients. They’ve been there and done that, so their input intrigued me. After each testimonial, Simon Dauphinee gave a “key take-away.” It was a nice personal touch I hadn’t seen on other renovation guides before. While the entire book was beneficial, I could’ve read more client advice. 

Simon Dauphinee gives excellent advice to those seeking to renovate and should ease the stress out of a potentially stressful endeavor. I highly recommend you read it if you require outside assistance. 

 

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

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Simon Dauphinee is an author, entrepreneur, and business owner with nearly 20 years of experience in the residential renovation/ construction industry. Simon has worked with hundreds of clients, led teams of employees, and was even featured in HGTV’s ‘Marriage Under Construction,’ Season 4.
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Kiss Me This Christmas: A Steamy Holiday Romance by Cynthia Eden (Book Spotlight)

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…absolutely nothing. Because he had no idea that he was my true love. What a jerk.

Noelle Lennon has been in love with Brady Breckridge for as long as she can remember. A sad, unrequited love that causes her nothing but trouble as she pines over her brother’s best friend. Now the gorgeous, muscled, secretive special ops bane of her existence is back in town, back in her life…and because a few dangerous incidents may have happened recently, Brady is suddenly declaring himself her personal protector. So unnecessary. Also…so strangely hot.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me…Too much temptation to handle.

Brady thinks Noelle is in danger, so he vows to stand between her and any threat. Full disclosure? He’s been obsessed with Noelle for years and learning that she’s in danger, that she could have been hurt or killed while he was a continent away…that truth has rocked him to his core. Brady knows he has to fight for the woman he wants, and what better way to win her over than to use the magic of Christmas in his battle? Christmas has always been Noelle’s weakness, and he is not above using that weakness to his advantage.

On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me…A final chance at love.

Brady will keep her safe, and he’ll charm Noelle into falling for him. His plan has to work because Brady can’t imagine his life without her. But as the nights grow colder and the fierce desire Brady feels for Noelle rages ever hotter, he knows that his control won’t last long. He wants one thing for Christmas this year…just one thing…his true love. And he will do whatever it takes to win Noelle’s heart.

Author’s note: Tis the season for steam, a little suspense, and lots of romance! KISS ME THIS CHRISTMAS is a fun novella containing 30,000 words and a guaranteed happy ending. Get merry and bright and read all night!

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

About Cynthia

A picture of Cynthia Eden.

Cynthia Eden is a New York Times, USA Today, Digital Book World, and IndieReader best-seller. Cynthia writes sexy tales of contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and paranormal romance. Since she began writing full-time in 2005, Cynthia has written over one hundred novels and novellas.

Cynthia is a “hybrid” author. She has published extensively with New York (her New York publishers include Avon, Kensington, Grand Central, and Harlequin), and she has also enjoyed success in her indie writing career.

Cynthia lives along the Alabama Gulf Coast. She loves romance novels, horror movies, and chocolate.  Her favorite hobbies include hiking in the mountains (searching for waterfalls) and spelunking.

Website Link

 

 

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The ‘Annie Oakley Mystery Series’ by Kari Bovee (Book Series Spotlight)

Book 1
GIRL WITH A GUN (an Annie Oakley Mystery) by Kari Bovee

2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards: finalist in historical fiction
2019 New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards: first place in the mystery/crime category
2019 Hillerman Award for Southwest fiction
 
 

She’s on the rise to fame and fortune, but her sudden notoriety comes with some deadly consequences.

Annie Oakley thrives as a sharpshooter in the Wild West Show. Finally, she has a chance to save her family’s farm—and make her dreams come true.

But her act misfires when she discovers her Indian assistant dead in her tent. Uncovering a shocking secret from her assistant’s past, the girl with the gun believes it’s murder. Determined to find the truth, she ruffles some horse feathers, making enemies along the trail.

​But, when her prized gelding is stolen, Annie realizes she might have been the target all along.

Can Little Miss Sure Shot save her equine friend and find the killer before everything she’s worked for is destroyed?

​If you like a cunning mystery, a feisty heroine, and a fast-paced plot that keeps the pages turning, you’ll love this wild ride with the iconic Annie Oakley in the saddle.

 
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Book 2

Shoot Like a Girl (a prequel to the Annie Oakley Mystery Series) by Kari Bovee

She would do anything for her loved ones, even if it meant she’d be lost to them forever.

Young Annie Oakley never expected to be saddled with responsibility so soon. Following her father’s sudden death, the spirited girl finds herself shipped to a nearby county working for a couple promising a good wage. But when she discovers they are not what they seem, Annie suddenly fears her life may be in peril.

Determined to help her mother and siblings, she endures the hardships and mistreatment from the couple. But when that cruelty is targeted at the beautiful Buckskin horse who is her only friend, Annie decides to take matters into her own hands.

Will the spunky teen return to her loved ones, or will her decision land her in jail?

Shoot like a Girl is the prequel novella to the Annie Oakley mystery series. If you like a fiercely loyal heroine who won’t be anyone’s victim, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s thrilling story of America’s best-loved sharpshooting sensation.

 

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads
 

 
Book 3

Peccadillo at the Palace (An Annie Oakley Mystery) by Kari Bovee

She’s outgunned her opponents at every turn, but will it be enough to solve a royal case of murder? Annie Oakley can’t believe her good fortune at an imperial invitation.

Queen Victoria wants Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show to perform for her Golden Jubilee. But during the voyage to England, a royal escort is murdered and the gun-slinging star finds herself at the center of an assassination plot against the crown.

Determined to catch the killer, Annie tracks down the clues. And by the time they reach London, she thinks she’s right on course. But when her husband falls mysteriously ill, and an assassination attempt is made on the queen, the sharpshooting amateur sleuth may find herself out to sea before her ship comes in.

Can the clever markswoman solve the double-barreled mystery before it’s too late?

Peccadillo at the Palace is the second novel in the Annie Oakley Mystery Series. If you like a fast-paced mystery with unexpected plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end, you’ll love this riveting historical mystery featuring America’s favorite sure-shot.

 

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
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Book 4

FOLLY AT THE FAIR (An Annie Oakley Mystery) by Kari Bovee

She never misses a target. But unless she can solve this murder, she’ll become one…

Chicago World’s Fair, 1893. “Little Sure Shot” Annie Oakley is exhausted from her work with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. But when a fellow performer scuffles with a man who threatens her harm, she has to keep her eyes peeled. And when the heckler is found dead under the Ferris Wheel, Annie won’t rest until she proves her defender is innocent.

Before she can rustle up any clues, an old friend asks Annie to protect her young daughter. And as more bodies turn up around the grounds, she’s going to need all her sharpshooting skills just to stay alive.

Can Annie live up to her reputation and put a bullseye on the killer?

Folly at the Fair is the third book in the Annie Oakley mystery series. If you like strong heroines, Wild West adventures, and suspenseful twists and turns, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s fast-paced whodunit.

 

Buy the Book:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Meet the Author:
Autor Kari Bovee

 
When she’s not on a horse, or walking along the beautiful cottonwood-laden acequias of Corrales, New Mexico; or basking on white sand beaches under the Big Island Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovee is escaping into the past—scheming murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined, and helping them to find order in the chaos of her action-packed novels. Bovee writes the award-winning Annie Oakley Mystery Series and the Grace Michelle Mystery Series, and has more ideas than time for many, many more.

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