Struck is listed under horror, dark fantasy but I think paranormal fantasy might be a better description since it’s not terribly dark. The stories main character is Gwen, who during a storm, is struck by lightning. She survives the strike and remembers very little about it until she’s visited by Julian: A ghostly vestige of the devil (?) who… Read more »
Bad Bloods is a solid work of dystopian YA that will delight any fan of the genre. It also includes an angle that is too often overlooked by other authors in the category. Serena was born a bad blood–a person with strange unique powers. In the city of Vendona, that’s an automatic death sentence. Before Serena can be executed, a prison… Read more »
Venom & Vanilla is a paranormal urban fantasy and is the first book in the Venom Trilogy. I have to admit that paranormal fantasy is not a genre I normally read and Venom & Vanilla, while well written in some ways, did not change my mind. The basic plot finds Alena, owner of a bakery in Seattle, and many… Read more »
Mary Beth McIntire just wants a quiet summer in 2017. Mark Ryan wants to know what’s hidden in the basement of the same house in 1959. When Mark discovers a key and a few mysterious crystals, he gets his answer and Mary Beth’s quiet summer is ruined thanks to his appearance. The summer vacation that follows was more than Mary… Read more »
I had the wonderful pleasure of beta reading for Valerie before she published any of her work. Since then, I have read each of her pieces as she’s published them and promised myself I would do a review. But am I really qualified to review her work? I’m not sure I am. But, I know I have to. I… Read more »
The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland is a fantastic story, loaded with insight and messages. Insight and messages not just for teens but, for everyone. The story centers around four teens from different parts of the United States. Each has their own issues, which is why they have been sent to Camp Padua, in Michigan, a summer camp for at-risk… Read more »
This is the second novel of Heldt’s that I’ve read and I’m beginning to think he can do no wrong. His dedication to portraying history in all of its nuances, layers, difficulties, and beauty is admirable and his ability to craft brilliant and unique stories shines across the lines of genre and time alike. When Cameron Coelho began his doctoral… Read more »
Heir to Gold and Ashes is a fiction, horror story loaded with all your (or at least my) favorite creatures: Vampires, Witches, Demons, Fae and other monsters. It also borders on a new world fantasy, horror story, with the new world being a Los Angeles that has been taken over by a host of dark creatures. The story captured… Read more »
Alpha Male is an interesting thought experiment about the world of superheroes and their actions, but the areas where superhero stories usually shine, the characters and the action, it falls a little flat. Thanks to Alpha Male, the city has grown quiet. As a result, few people see any real need for him and treat him either as a celebrity… Read more »
So, when I received a book recommendation from my 92-year-old grandfather, I was cringing inside. Not because I think he has bad taste; quite the opposite in fact. But, I just wasn’t sure I’d find something interesting in something he felt was such a hit. I recall him telling me the beginning of the book, my inner laughter unstoppable. I… Read more »
Meet Clara Andrews is the first book in a series that I’m sure will find a place in everyone’s heart. If book one is any indication, and I’m sure it is, this series will have you instantly falling in love with Clara and laughing at her antics on every page. Clara lives in London and works as a designer… Read more »
The Island Escape is a “feel good romantic comedy”. However, the first thing you’ll read both the cover and description are deceiving. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If you’re like me, the cover will immediately take you to the tropics. Sorry. Wrong part of the world. Likewise, while there are several funny scenes and discussions, there are some… Read more »
Well researched and brilliantly executed, The Mine is a vivid, memorable step back in time with a love story that could “rival The Notebook (Pen Possessed).” In the year 2000, Joel Smith enters an abandoned mine in Montana out of simple curiosity. Thirty minutes later he emerges in the year 1941. With a band of colorful friends at his side,… Read more »
A Matter of Trust is a Contemporary Romance with a typical but slightly different plot. The British company, founded by his family and now owned and run by British financier Bennett Sterling, hires Devon Sinclair, a brilliant economist, recruited from America. Instantly, there is an attraction between them. But, as you would expect, each has their own issues and… Read more »
Witch for Hire is the first book in N.E. Conneely’s, A Witch’s Path; a humorous, urban fantasy series. If this first book is any indication of the series, you’ll want to order book 2 before you finish Witch for Hire: Which, I found to be an enjoyable, well-written fun read that will have you laughing a lot and instantly… Read more »
