My Book Reviews

Category: Book Reviews

This section categories all the posts that I have written for my book reviews.

  • The Glow by Leo X. Robertson

    The Glow by Leo X. Robertson

     

    The Glow

    The Glow by Leo X. Robertson

    Release: October 11, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Aurelia Leo
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, Bookshop.org

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    When Lily loses her job, she also loses the last thing that kept her from heading to Southend-on-Sea, in search of her estranged sister, whom she suspects has joined a dangerous new cult.

    The Glow are so named for their bioluminescent plastic island, which floats in the North Sea. In a near future rife with plastic pollution, they have no shortage of material to keep their island growing. It’s rumored that the inhabitants draw power from an asteroid that once landed there-but anyone who has ever gone in search of answers has disappeared.

    Will Lily make it to the island and find her sister? If so, will she make it back out alive?

    About the Author:

    Leo X. Robertson grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, met his husband in Gijon, Spain, and eventually moved to Stavanger, Norway, where he works as a process engineer, writes fiction, and makes short films with the Stavanger Filmmakers Club. An author of unclassifiable fiction that tends towards the dark and speculative, he has short stories published by Helios Quarterly, Flame Tree Publishing, and Pulp Literature, as well as novellas published by Unnerving and Nihilism Revised. On his podcast, Losing the Plot, in association with Aphotic Realm magazine, he interviews other authors about anything and everything (hence the show’s title.)

    He appears to be at work on numerous novels, short stories, and short film scripts. Also, he loves his sister dearly and, if necessary, would easily take a boat out to a plastic island and feign interest in joining a cult for her.

    Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    The Glow Review:

    “The Glow” is a very creative, science-fiction horror that I can easily see in a movie/TV series format, and it was an exciting read.

    If you are a reluctant reader but love a good fantasy, science-fiction horror, then you must pick up this book. While the story is short, it is powerful. A LOT happens in each chapter as our main character Lily goes on a mission to see her sister Joanna. I liked Lily in the lead and thought she was intelligent and courageous to undergo the task, knowing the challenges she would face.

    The author also builds the world nicely, and I thought the concept of Glow Island was genius. We see how detailed the author describes the Island Lily enters the Island and meets Summer, and goes on the tour. Some disturbing scenes make the book memorable on what Lily experiences while she is there. Moreover, the plot is swift, leading to an exciting climax that I immensely enjoyed. The story’s entire premise was gripping and had my interest glued to it. There are also character moments, like the conversation between Lily and Joanna, that give depth to the characters.

    Perhaps the only reason why this was four stars was that everything happens so quickly. I would have loved to know more about Patricia, Summer, Melodie, and their backstories. Also, while we got details about the Island, there were still some unexplained questions. I would love this book to be set as a prequel for a new series and revisit these characters, especially Patricia and Gabriel.

    Overall, “The Glow” is a fun, exciting read worth picking up, and you can quickly finish it in one reading.

    Giveaway Details:

    1 Winner will receive a finished copy of THE GLOW, US Only

    Ends October 25th, midnight EST.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    The Glow

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Glow by Leo X. Robertson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-10-10-2022
    GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-10-11-2022
    @shangread_la-IG Review-10-12-2022
    Brandi Danielle Davis -IG Review/TikTok Post-10-13-2022
    Jeff_of_allmedia-IG Review-10-14-2022

    Week Two:
    Book Reviews by Taylor -Review/IG Post-10-17-2022
    Wanderingwitchreads-TikTok Review/IG Post-10-18-2022
    The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-10-19-2022
    the.bibliophile.michelle-IG Review/TikTok Post-10-20-2022
    @just_another_mother_with_books-IG Review-10-21-2022

  • Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

     

    Sands of Sirocco

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack

    Release: September 27th 2022
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Annabelle McCormack
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N

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    Egypt, 1917: British nurse Ginger Whitman thought she escaped the intrigue that devastated her family. The events that threatened her life on the desert sands of WWI Palestine. But when she’s drafted into an investigation for the Cairo Intelligence Department, she uncovers forces at work. A work to destroy the man she loves: intelligence officer Noah Benson.

    As an old enemy resurfaces, Ginger and Noah are pulled into a minefield of lies, greed, and political deception that threatens the stability of the British alliance. With an enemy that knows their secrets, no one they love is safe. But nothing is what it seems—and a far more nefarious foe may be toying with them both.

    Sands in Sirocco is the second novel in the Windswept WW1 Saga, a historical fiction series featuring a strong female protagonist. A story of spies, family drama, romance, and epic adventure, it is set in the British Middle Eastern front of the First World War. This novel contains violence and romantic, steamy moments.

    About the Author:

    heartfelt romance, and complex family dynamics with strong female protagonists to make things interesting. She graduated from the Johns Hopkins University’s M.A. in Writing Program. She’s a sucker for pizza (cheese, bread, and tomatoes are the perfect foods) and mangoes, loves baking and photography, and never wants to do laundry again. She lives in Maryland with her hilarious husband, where she serves as a snack bitch for her (lucky-they’re-cute) five children and three boxers.

    She’s half-Costa Rican and speaks fluent Spanish, so you can always drop her a line in either English or Spanish. Pura vida!

     Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack
    Review:

    “Sands of Sirocco” is a beautiful continuation to “The Windswept Saga,” and I could not put it down.

    I loved “Windswept” last year and was excited to read the continuation. The highlight of the tale is Noah and Ginger. No matter their obstacles, I loved how they sparked as individuals and came together romantically. The two have to deal with the conniving Stephen in the story, as Noah tries to locate Jack and Ginger tries to find out about the mysterious Freddy. Throw in other shady characters like Osborne and Lord Helter, and I could not turn away from the story. You don’t know the supporting character’s true intentions, and as we progress, you see how intricately the author has carved the backstory of the supporting cast to connect with the main. I love Ginger again in the tale because of the guilty conscious she faces for her earlier actions while trying to manage her new mission and her feelings for Noah.

    Moreover, the author adds many exciting adventures, from bomb threats to secret dealings, and our leads go through quite a lot in their journey. At the same time, you also have touching moments, like when Ginger chats with Lucy, or her new friend Jane, over their love of medicine. Moreover, I despised Stephen so much. He is ruthless and conniving and always seems two steps ahead; I wanted to see how Noah beats him at his game. Even Victoria surprised me in certain scenes and added a good dynamic to the Noah/Ginger storyline. The author adds so much that each chapter reveals detailed information, so you don’t get bored for even a minute.

    Overall, “Sands of Sirocco” is a fantastic continuation of the series, and I cannot wait to revisit these characters in the next book!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Sands of Sirocco

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Sands of Sirocco by Annabelle McCormack Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

  • The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    The Rainwater Secret

    The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw

    Release:30th March 2017
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Monica\Shaw
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    “The Rainwater Secret” is a deeply moving, historical fiction novel about a woman who becomes a missionary in Africa after the death of her mother.

    Single and feeling there is nothing left for her in small-town England, Anna embarks on an adventure as a volunteer with the Medical Missionaries of Mary to teach the leper children in Africa.

     Anna’s life changes forever, as she learns the culture that would banish its sick, disfigured, and crippled to the jungles. There are Sights of dying babies on roadsides, children living on their own by  whatever means they can find. Also there are abandoned aged people

    Anna’s daily life is an adventure as she travels from one village to another across a hostile land. There are few passable roads. And rickety bridges threatening to fall apart and cast its occupants on the jagged rocks far below. More so, weather that turns a calm river into a roiling death trap.

    In spite of the trials, Anna also manages to find love and family in this godforsaken land.

    Follow this adventure through disease, weather, strife, death and determination to turn a few acres of land into a loving home for the outcast lepers of Nigeria

    About the Author:

    Monica Shaw is a native of Dallas, Texas where she has been a successful entrepreneur.  She  graduated from Woodrow Wilson Highschool and got her Geology/Petroleum Engineering degree from UT Austin.  Her debut novel, The Rainwater Secret, started off as a personal research project looking into the life of her great aunt who became a missionary teacher.  Monica has 3 children.

    A portion of the proceeds from the book goes to The Medical Missionaries of Mary who are still doing great work all over the world. 

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Rainwater Secret Review:

    “The Rainwater Secret” is a beautiful historical fiction with strong characters and a compelling premise that absorbed me into Anna’s world as she finds her calling in Nigeria.

    Let me start by saying I enjoyed how the author narrated the story. Anna, our main lead, experiences a lot of conflicting situations and culture shocks as she finds herself as a missionary in Nigeria to help the children fight leprosy. The author writes the story in a simple yet strong manner that made me feel like I was standing next to Anna. She realistically depicts the cruel yet beautiful life that the natives live, and I was fascinated to see how she progressed. Also, the author tells parts of the story in an epistolic style of letters between Anna and Molly, which I thought added nicely.

    Anna is outstanding in the lead. She has a strong yet vulnerable side. On the one hand, she tries to do as much as she can for the natives, and on the other hand, she opens her heart to people like Thomas and Grant. I enjoyed how the author incorporated the romantic angles and was surprised by what happened to some core characters. Moreover, I adored Anna’s relationship with Clarence and how they bonded. Some of my favorite moments are when Anna finds out about Grant or her feud with Sister Flores.

    The story, in general, is motivating and powerful because it shows the sacrifices people make to make a difference and how life is short and you have to make the most of it and do something meaningful. Overall, “The Rainwater Secret” is a lovely story worth reading.

    Book Tour Schedule:

    The Rainwater Secret

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Rainwater Secret by Monica Shaw Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

  • Secrets of the Deep by by Marisa Noelle

    Secrets of the Deep by by Marisa Noelle

     

    Secrets of the Deep

    Secrets of the Deep by by Marisa Noelle

    Release: 22 June 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independently Published
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Cordelia Blue is afraid of water.

    Cordelia is also a mermaid.

    It’s been five years since she lost half her family to the ocean, and as the anniversary of their death approaches, Cordelia is determined to conquer her fear. But when she learns of her mermaid ancestry and all the devastating secrets the ocean brings, she no longer knows who she can trust.

    Entrusted with a magical relic, she must keep it away from an opposing race, the selachii, and their nefarious intentions. When she discovers that her boyfriend is one of these mysterious shape-shifters, Cordelia is forced to choose between love and race.

    Cordelia doubts her every decision and the intentions of those around her. Trusting her heart will lead to a path of betrayal, but she might just get her family back. If she chooses her head, the mermaids may stay cursed to remain in the ocean forever.

    About the Author:

    Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep.

    She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels.

    When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words.

    Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77 or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Secrets of the Deep Review:

    I loved reading “Secrets of the Deep” and thought it was a wondering start to the “The Mermaid Chronicles” series.

    Let’s begin with Cordy. I liked how the author portrayed the character and how she tried to sort out her feelings of grief and loss for her family and her romance with Wade. Wade was also a question mark initially because I didn’t know his intentions. The author wrote their dynamic cutely (albeit, at times, it felt a bit rushed), and I wondered how their relationship would survive once the secrets started coming out.

    Secondly, I enjoyed how the author built the world of mermaids and selachiis, including the legend of Atlantis, with adventure and fantasy elements. The author has blended the myth of the mermaids yet created her unique world. Many moments stood out for me, like when Cordy has her first scare in the bathtub, what happens to Trent in the surfing competition, or when the group comes up with their action plan to set things right.

    Thirdly, the cast of characters also made the story so entertaining. Trent and Dylan brought their charm, and I loved Maya, Trent, and Cordy as the trio of friends. While Maya might not have a significant role compared to others, I loved her fondness for Mermaids, and the various shark facts, prophecies, and other trivia she spoke. Perhaps the only very minor criticism is how the book is so fast at times that you don’t get a chance to see Cordy adjust to her feelings when something shocking happens in her life.

    The story ends nicely and sets the pace for the next book, where you wonder what other adventures await our characters. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and am excited to see how it continues.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Quest For Atlantis

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

    Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

    Quest For Atlantis

    Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle

    Release:29th September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Marisa Noelle
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    THERE IS HUNTING OF MERMAIDS…

    They are no longer safe in the human world…

    When they imprison, one of her closest mermaid friends in a science lab for investigation, Cordelia insists on taking up the quest to find the lost island of Atlantis, a sanctuary for all the water species. But the dragon kings guard the island. They are an ancient and formidable race with a determination to keep it for themselves.

    Together with her best friends and her boyfriend, Wade, they must travel to distant pockets of the earth to collect the three magical jewels that open the portal to Atlantis.

    But no one remembers how the jewels work. The instructions are non-existent, and tensions are rife as Wade’s ex-girlfriend, Stephanie, appears on the scene. Plus, Cordelia must learn to harness her own emerging powers and discover if she really is the fire mermaid.

    With the support of Wade’s parents, Stephanie determines to win him back. Cordelia’s heart breaks as she watches the love of her life waver. They must be united in their quest, or the jewels will refuse to reveal themselves.

    If they can’t repair their broken relationship and defeat the dragon kings, the mermaids will be captured by the humans and face the threat of extinction.

    About the Author:

    Marisa Noelle is the writer of middle grade & young adult novels in the genres of science-fiction, fantasy & mental health including The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds Trilogy (The Unadjusteds, The Rise of the Altereds, & The Reckoning), and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep.

    She is a mentor for the Write Mentor program that helps aspiring MG & YA authors. With dual citizenship, Marisa has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and uses settings in both the USA and UK as inspiration for her novels.

    When she’s not writing or reading or watching movies, she enjoys swimming. In the pool she likes to imagine she could be a mermaid and become part of some of her make-believe words.

    Despite being an avid bookworm from the time she could hold a book, being an author came as a bit of a surprise to her as she was a bit of a science geek at school. She lives in Woking, UK with her husband and three children. You can find her on Twitter @MarisaNoelle77 or her website www.MarisaNoelle.com

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Quest For Atlantis Review:

    Wow, “Quest for Atlantis” was a fantastic sequel compared to the first book. From sea witches to dragon kings and Seattle to submarines, this book just had everything! The sequel feels so vastly different from the first book. It’s as if the author decided to amp up the adrenaline, pack the book with adventure and romance, and give it more oomph.

    Firstly, let’s talk about the drama. Oh my goodness, so much activity was happening with our core characters! I wondered if their relationship would survive the secrets and scandals. I loved Stephanie in the picture to stir up Wade and Cordy’s relationship. Similarly, the Dylan, Trent, and Maya triangle was so good, and I liked how Maya got importance in the tale. Even Cordy’s relationship with Dylan is intriguing, and you see the strain it causes on Cordy.

    Secondly, the author fills us with adventure as they go to save a mermaid from the lab, fight creatures in a cave and encounter a sea witch, to name a few. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author built on the fantasy world, where we see people hunting down mermaids like a prize as social media spreads their existence. There are so many shocking twists that I didn’t see at all, especially toward the end.

    Thirdly, I adored some of the new additions. Gal is one of my favorite characters in the story, and I enjoyed how complex the author made his storyline. Similarly, even Merida is memorable and gets more presence. There were minor consistencies (like how we don’t hear about the ashrays), but the story is so good that I ignored it.

    Overall, I loved this book and hope the author continues the series.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Quest For Atlantis

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Quest For Atlantis by Marisa Noelle Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

    BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

    Believed

    BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger

    Release: October 4, 2021
    Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
    Publisher: Michael James Emberger
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, 

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    Kelsea Jones is like a lot of girls at the University of Northern Minnesota. She has a boyfriend, she works at a coffee shop, and she’s on the swim team. But she’s not a girl. She’s a mermaid.

    Trouble brews when star hockey player Chad Andersen takes an interest in her. She tries to avoid him, but he won’t leave her alone. A son of wealth and privilege, he takes what he wants, and he gets away with it. He wants Kelsea, she says no, and so he rapes her. Kelsea stands on a tail and two fins to fight the most painful trial of her life. Despite her trauma and a crisis of faith, she speaks the truth of what Chad did, but will she be believed?

    A note from the author:

    1 out of 4 college girls experiences rape or sexual assault. That breaks my heart. It’s a crime that has affected people I love, and it has to stop. This novel is my way of raising awareness and showing survivors that someone hears them.

    Believed is a product of my friendship with a survivor who is an author and advocate. She opened my eyes to a world of trauma and PTSD that had been largely invisible to me before I met her, and it was life-changing. I needed to share that with others. The burden on my heart was too great to not say something, and fiction is the method I know best to convey the thoughts, truths, pains, and struggles that I see.

    Sexual assault is not my story. I haven’t experienced it, I don’t live with the resulting trauma, and I do not wish to profit from the pain of survivors. This is a book for them. It’s a book for those who love them. It’s a book to encourage readers to think and to empathize and to consider the realities of so many whose lives have been affected by this crime. If you purchase a copy here, know that the prices are the minimum allowed. I make no royalty on print copies. If you would like to read for free, you can download the book at my website: michaeljamesemberger dot com/believed

    If you find value in this work, please consider donating to an organization that fights against sexual violence or offers support to survivors. Tell your family and friends about the book. Review it online. Let the survivors in your life know that you care, that you believe them, and that you are there for them

    About the Author:

    Michael James Emberger is an author of thrillers and suspense residing in Wilton, NH. He enjoys weaving narratives of conspiracy and misguided intentions around divisive topics. Where there is debate, there is always room for a villain with goals far out of alignment from either side. Michael is a graduate of Messiah College, where he studied Engineering and met his wife racing solar cars cross-country. When he’s not working on home renovations or writing, he enjoys visiting the ocean and exploring the majesty of God’s creation on the summits of New Hampshire’s mountains.

    Michael wrote Believed, a heartbreaking and inspirational tale of a Mermaid in college in Minnesota. It was the most difficult book he’s ever written, but also the most important. He’s made it available for free in audiobook and e-book formats, and he hopes it will encourage and inform.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

    BELIEVED Review:

    Wow! This book was riveting from the first page, and I found many elements to appreciate. For starters, I loved how creative the author told the story by incorporating mermaids and building a world where we live with them. How the author describes the characters is natural; you can easily connect with Kelsea and the other merfolk. Moreover, I also loved how the author took Hans Cristian Anderson as an example, built on his life, and incorporated the Anderson family in a negative light, which was so interesting.

    Secondly, the experiences that Kelsea goes through are gripping. The author portrays her emotions so well that your heart goes to her. I thought the author highlighted the theme of assault and the survivors powerfully. Moreover, there are also elements of faith and trust in a Higher power, which added beautifully to the plot. One of my favorite moments was when Kelsea wrote the Dark Potato story mirroring her life’s events. I was glued to the pages even in the second half and thought the author wrote the courtroom scenes grippingly.

    Thirdly, the cast of characters is also dynamic. I loved Kelsea in the lead and her emotions on dealing with the events and knowing who to trust. The plot will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride and immerse you as you root for Kelsea, especially when she goes through so much trauma. You see how lost she is and hope the choices she makes are right, even at times when it doesn’t feel worthy. Even the supporting characters, like Erin and Noah, made the story memorable. I particularly loved the moments she shared with her mother.

    Overall, “Believed” is a beautiful and powerful young adult novel that I recommend reading.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Believed

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the BELIEVED by Michael James Emberger Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. 

     

    Week One:
    Viviana MacKade-Excerpt 2-9-1-2022
    BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-9-2-2022
    A Dream Within A Dream-Guest Post/IG Post-9-3-2022

    Week Two:
    Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-4-2022
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt 2-9-5-2022
    Epic Book Society-Guest Post/IG Post-9-6-2022
    pick a good book-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-7-2022
    @allyluvsbooksalatte -IG Spotlight-9-8-2022
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-9-9-2022
    A Blue Box Full of Books-IG Spotlight-9-10-2022

    Week Three:
    Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-11-2022
    Nerdophiles-Review/IG Post-9-12-2022
    Lady Hawkeye-Excerpt 2/IG Post-9-13-2022
    @jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Spotlight-9-14-2022
    Beersbooksandboos -Review/IG Post-9-15-2022
    Wanderingwitchreads-TikTok Review/IG Post-9-16-2022
    GryffindorBookishNerd -Review/IG Post-9-17-2022

    Week Four:
    OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-9-18-2022
    Book Reviews by Taylor -Review/IG Post-9-19-2022
    Write. Read. Live-Excerpt 1/IG Post-9-20-2022
    Books With A Chance of Traveling-Review/IG Post-9-21-2022
    The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-9-22-2022
    I’m Shelf-ish-Review/IG Post-9-23-2022
    Brandi Danielle Davis -Review/IG Post-9-24-2022

    Week Five:
    Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt 2-9-25-2022
    @jypsylynn -Review/IG Post-9-26-2022
    More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-9-27-2022
    @enjoyingbooksagain -Review/IG Post-9-28-2022
    RavenzReviewz-Review/IG Post-9-29-2022
    hodophile_z-Review/IG Post-9-30-2022

  • Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Blacktelligence Rules

    Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj

    Release:1st October 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: SpellBound Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours

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    THE MOST THOUGHT-PROVOKING AND CONTROVERSIAL THRILLER YOU’LL READ THIS YEAR

    Adam Benedict, a 28-year-old researcher, comes across a startling discovery about race and intelligence. Then he sets in motion a deadly chain of events.

    As he tries to get his results published, he finds his work is tampered with to make it appear riddled with errors. He is discredited and denounced as a fraud, a liar, and worse. He endures a storm of criticism in social media . And is hounded by the press for spreading views that are deemed toxic.

    It becomes clear there is a conspiracy against him, and the conspirators will use any means possible to silence him, up to and including murder.

    As Benedict races against the clock to clear his name, he realises the truth is more likely to get him killed than set him free.

    And he has to make a decision: is a truth that will change the way humanity views race worth laying his life on the line for?

    About the Author:

    Andrew Komarnyckyj has been a lawyer, odd-job man, PR Consultant, hospital porter, and plongeur among many other occupations. It’s the classic work history of an author but it wasn’t planned that way. It was a happy accident which has stood him in good stead for writing novels.

    His literary tastes range across every fiction genre including – perhaps inevitably – postmodernism, with which he has a love-hate relationship.

    When not writing or reading he loves conversation, listening to anecdotes, craft beers, and hiking in mountains.

    On a personal note he’s married with two adult daughters.

    Website | Twitter 

    Blacktelligence Rules Review:

    When I started reading this story, I didn’t expect “Blacktelligence Rules” to be so fast-paced. The author makes the story so thrilling that I was at the edge of my seat in the second half, wondering what would happen to Benedict. As the plot deepens, your heart goes out to Benedict because you see just how much danger surrounds him and wonder what will happen to him. Some notable moments that stood out are when intruders come and Adam blacks out, the events behind the Netlopedia entry, and the exciting climax. The last four chapters in the book were like high adrenaline, where you couldn’t miss reading a word.

    Adam Benedict is great as the lead. The author wrote him well, where you see his paranoia settle about conspiracies as he tries to figure out who is trying to ruin his name. Moreover, the supporting characters blend in nicely. I enjoyed Benedict’s relationship with Fay and how he gets protective. Similarly, I enjoyed the scenes with Father Spike and the words of encouragement. Even Powell, Bron, and Thorne added nicely to the plot.

    Thirdly, I enjoyed the theme of the story that the author touches upon, on race, and highlights some of the racial injustice and problems we face in society in a very indirect but effective manner. On a side note, the book also inspired me to research more on the Rwandan Genocide that the author highlights. My only criticism of the story was in connecting the character names. For instance, the author refers to Bron as “Bron” in a few places and “De Souza” in others. It would have been nice to use the same name for consistency.

    If you love action-packed, fast-paced thrillers like “The Bourne Identity,” you should read “Blackintelligence Rules.”

    Book Tour Schedule:

    Blacktelligence Rules

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on Blacktelligence Rules by Andrew Komarnyckyj Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

    The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

    The Intruder

    The Intruder by Daniel Hurst

    Release:21st September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    Getting into their house was easy. The hard part was getting out.

    Maria and William seem to have it all. Two happy children. A beautiful house. A thriving business.

    But when their home is invaded by David, an ex-employee with a score to settle, the couple face a terrifying fight to survive.

    During the course of one hellish night, David picks apart their carefully constructed life. Secrets are unearthed, truths revealed.

    And soon David begins to wonder if he’s bitten off more than he can chew. It is because he’s discovering Maria and William are not the defenseless couple he imagined. By the time he realizes who these people really are, it may already be too late…

    Who will make it out alive?

    One couple. One intruder. Several shocking secrets…

    About the Author:

    Daniel Hurst writes psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people. He has written all his life, making the progression from handing scribbled stories to his parents as a boy to writing full length novels in his thirties. He lives in the North West of England and when he isn’t writing, he is usually watching a game of football in a pub where his wife can’t find him.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Intruder Review:

    “The Intruder” is an intriguing suspense thriller that makes you wonder how well you know the people around you.

    The story’s highlight is how many thrills the author puts into each chapter. I didn’t expect much for a domestic thriller, but I was surprised that there was a new revelation in almost every chapter, where you learn something new about the character or the plot. Moreover, as we got the perspective of different characters toggled each section, it was fun to see how they all reacted differently to the situation.

    I also liked Maria in the lead. She goes through quite a lot, and I was surprised to see how she dealt with the changes. The story’s villain (I’m not going to see who) also turns out to be someone compelling and manipulative and made me glued to how Maria would escape them. Some notable exciting moments include when Maria sees David in her house or when she gets locked in the trunk of the car. Some of the scenes are, in fact, pretty creepy and gruesome but also made the story very atmospheric.

    The only downside to the story is how the story takes a different turn in the second half. While I enjoyed the plot, I felt the story shifted to another tangent. For instance, a person I thought was a core character in the first half disappears in the second, making me feel like the story’s title didn’t do the actual plot justice.

    Apart from that, “The Intruder” is a decent thriller that you will enjoy as a quick read if you love the genre.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Intruder

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Intruder by Daniel Hurst Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

     

  • Tracy’s Hot Mail by T.A. Belshaw

    Tracy’s Hot Mail by T.A. Belshaw

    Tracy's Hot Mail

    Tracy’s Hot Mail by T.A. Belshaw

    Release: September 2, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Independently published
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours. 
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,

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    Tracy’s the new girl in the office.

    A sassy nineteen year old with an eye for cloned fashion and an ear for the latest gossip. She reveals all in a series of emails written to her friend, Emma.

    Tracy doesn’t spare anyone’s blushes as she dishes the dirt on friends, family, and foes. If something is worth hearing, it is worth telling. Everyone gets the Tracy Treatment, her benefit-fiddling father, her porn obsessed boyfriend, even her pocket billiards champion boss. Not forgetting the office’s serial bum pincher and his latest conquest, the office tart.

    Behind Tracy’s wide eyed innocence and reassuring smile lies a muck spreader of the highest calibre.

    No secret is safe.

     

    About the Author:

    T A Belshaw is from Derbyshire in the United Kingdom where he shares a house with his chatty rescue cat, Mia. He writes for both children and adults. A former miner and computer technician, Trevor studied Advanced Creative Writing at the Open University. He is the author of Tracy’s Hot Mail, Tracy’s Celebrity Hot Mail and the noir, suspense novella, Out of Control. Following the sudden death of his wife in 2015 Trevor took a five-year break from writing, returning during lockdown in 2020, when an injury forced him to take time off work. The result of this new creative burst was the Dual Timeline, Family Saga, Unspoken and the Historical Cosy Crime Whodunnit, Murder at the Mill.

    Trevor signed his first contract with Spellbound Books Ltd in April 2021. He signed a further mullti-book contract with them in the spring of 2022.

    His short stories have been published in various anthologies including 100 Stories for Haiti, 50 Stories for Pakistan, Another Haircut, Shambelurkling and Other Stories, Deck the Halls, 100 Stories for Queensland and The Cafe Lit anthology 2011, 2012 and 2013. He also has two pieces in Shambelurklers Return. 2014

    Trevor is also the author of 15 children’s adventure books written under the name of Trevor Forest.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Tracy’s Hot Mail Review:

    “Tracy’s Hot Mail” is a delightful read because of the main character and her quirky experiences in the office.

    I liked the epistolary style in which the author tells the story, as we discover what Tracy goes through with her letters to Emma. Tracy seems like someone I could easily befriend, and I loved her snarky sense of humor.

    Even the supporting characters are fun. I enjoyed reading about Olivia’s turbulent office affair with Mr. Blunt and Tracy’s run-ins with Martine and found myself laughing out loud when Tracy gets Kiwi as her new roommate. The author has a beautiful style for writing comedy, and reading this book lightened my mood.

    Moreover, some exciting moments stand out, like what Tracy experiences with the trick-or-treaters at Halloween or the shenanigans at the Christmas party. The story never feels dull because even if there are chapters where nothing much happens, I still enjoy reading about what Tracy went through.

    Perhaps the only criticism I have of the story is the book took a good two to three chapters for me to get the hang of what’s happening. The author introduces all the characters at once, and I had to recollect who was what. From the first page, we jump into Tracy’s life, where she interacts with all her colleagues, friends, and family, and I wondered what was happening.

    However, I thoroughly enjoyed the plot once I got used to it. Overall, “Tracy’s Hot Mail” is a fun, exciting start to the series, and I would love to see how it continues.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Tracy's Hot Mail

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Tracy’s Hot Mail by T.A. Belshaw Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

     

  • They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    They Come At Knight

    They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe

    Release: September 13, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: ‎ Thomas & Mercer
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,  Audible, B&N 

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    For elite assassin Nena Knight, eliminating dangerous players on the world stage is part of the job. The Tribe, a powerful business syndicate in Africa, ensures that she has those opportunities. But for Nena, the Tribe is more than just her employer; it’s an organization that supports the African people—until it turns on itself.

    As Nena embarks on a new mission, a violent siege by a paramilitary group throws the Tribe into chaos, and mysterious acts of violence plague the Tribe’s territories. While the attacks escalate, Nena suspects a different kind of enemy at play: someone on the inside, determined to undermine the Tribe’s leaders.

    As this new threat closes in on her own family, Nena enlists a team to root out the danger. But as she gets closer to the truth, she will have to risk everything to protect the future she holds dear—even if it means facing off with an enemy she never expected.

    About the Author:

    Yasmin Angoe is the debut author of the bestselling and award-winning thriller Her Name Is Knight. She is a first-generation Ghanaian American and has worked in education for nearly twenty years as a middle and high school teacher and instructional coach. Currently, Yasmin works as a developmental editor and sensitivity reader for publishers and authors.

    Yasmin received the 2020 Eleanor Taylor Bland Award for Emerging Writers of Color from Sisters in Crime of which she is a member. She is also a proud member of numerous crime, mystery, and thriller writing groups and organizations like Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

    When she’s not writing, Yasmin’s editing for clients, searching what show or movie to binge, absorbed in an audiobook, or obsessing about the fact she should probably be writing at that very moment. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    They Come At Knight Review:

    “They Come at Knight” is a gripping continuation of the Nena Knight series, and I loved reading one of my favorite characters.

    The story’s highlight is how the author focuses on character relationships. For instance, I enjoyed reading about the bond between Keigel and Nena. While we only see Keigel briefly in the first book, I loved how prominent he was in this story, and he even brought a touch of humor. Similarly, I loved Nena’s chemistry with Elin and how they tried to get back what they had. The author also touches on Nena and Cort’s relationship, which was one of the highlights for me because I wondered how Cort would get together after the first book’s events.

    Moreover, I liked how half the story takes place in Ghana, and the people come together. The mystery behind who is disrupting the operations was also intriguing, as the author soon reveals a bigger picture, with shocking twists that I did not expect, especially towards the climax.

    However, while I enjoyed revisiting the characters, I felt the book missed its spark from the first. In the first book, we see the torture that Nena endures before she meets the Knights and how she surpasses them all and becomes a tough, formidable protagonist. In this book, the story turns out to be more of a ‘whodunit’ plot, which feels different from the first book. Moreover, there are many references to the first book’s events, so I am not sure if a reader would get the same impact reading it as a standalone.

    But, the series, in general, is fantastic! Be sure to read “Her Name is Knight” to learn of Nena’s past to get the full impact of this book.

    Book Tour Schedule

    They Come At Knight

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on They Come At Knight by Yasmin Angoe Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours