Tuesday, May 28, 2019

A Buzz about Campus: The Oak Grove Chronicles: Book 1 Review

A Buzz about Campus: The Oak Grove Chronicles: Book 1

Without gratuitous gore and steamy sex, A Buzz About Campus is a captivating mystery. In the fictional California county of Oak Grove, the university’s provost dies in his office, the victim of an apparent heart attack. But the autopsy reveals that he was murdered–by a means most diabolical.
The unusual crime is investigated by Alan Bluestein, Senior Detective in the sheriff’s department, and Professor Laura Mancini, a forensic archaeologist at the university. Bluestein and Mancini enjoy an evolving relationship based on mutual trust and respect even though lust simmers just below the surface. Insights into faculty life and pokes at administrators will amuse readers familiar with universities. Taking unexpected twists and turns, the quest to identify the killer is a warmhearted blend of silly and serious that will intrigue and delight the reader.

 “A Buzz About Campus” by Annette Schiller and Michael Brian Schiffer is a wonderful start to a new series – Oak Groves series – and I am so looking forward to the next book coming out!!!
The story takes place in Oak Grove California. It takes place on the Oak Grove campus – where the university’s provost dies in his office. The death is thought to be a result of a heart attack – but the autopsy reveals that he was murdered. Alan Bluestein – Senior Detective in the sheriff’s office – and Professor Laura Mancini – a forensic archaeologist at the university – enjoy investigating the crime together and a relationship grows as a result. I don’t write spoilers – BUT, you will find that once you start reading this book that it will be hard to put down until you reach the ending!!!

I’m sure that you will enjoy this book as much as I did!! Now just need to know when the next book of the series will be released!!

About the Author -Born in 1948 in Chicago, Illinois, Annette’s family moved to Los Angeles when she was one year old. She had what she considered to be a very typical life in a household with a father who worked at the family dry cleaning business, an at-home mom (from whom Annette gets her silly side and somewhat warped imagination). Annette considered her life to be ordinary until she met the love of her life, Michael Brian Schiffer, at the ripe old age of 17. They got married during their senior year at UCLA, graduated, and continued on what has been a life-long adventure together. After Michael finished graduate school at the University of Arizona, they lived for two years in Fayetteville, Arkansas and spent almost 40 years in Tucson, Arizona where Mike was a professor at the U of A. They retired to Alexandria, Virginia.
Follow Annette and Michael on Facebook (Boulangerie Press), their web page, www.boulangeriepress.com, Instagram, boulangeriepress and Twitter, @MichaelBrianSc1.

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Book Review- Without Wings: Gambling on a Soul by Thomas Joseph Beck

J.J. Dunleavy is a family man and owner of Mom's Place Diner in Delray Beach, Florida. J.J. is a church going man as well as 'Little League" baseball coach. Everything in his life is moving along smoothly. J.J. had his two best friends working along side of him running the Diner. Then his partner ran off with $100,000 of their money. J.J. began to gamble thinking he could "earn" the money back. Instead, he became a degenerate gambler. And, his partner's wife begins to look very appealing to J.J. 
He begins to think having an affair might bring some excitement in his life. You see J.J. is being tormented by the combative Angel, LUST. In one of his desperate moments, he prayed. He did not believe that praying worked. What he does not realize is that the Angel, SERENITY, heard his faint mumbles and has decided to help. 
 So, now Jonathan Joseph Dunleavy will learn the meaning of "be careful what you pray for." Look out Delray Beach ... Daniel Peter is on his way! 

Review -
I'll start by saying that you really need to read Book 1 of Without Wings prior to reading book 2. Things will make a whole lot more sense to you!!! And both books are awesome!!!

J.J. Dunleavy is the main character of Book 2. He is the owner of Mom's Place Diner in Delray Beach, FL. JJ is a family man, church going and a Little League baseball coach. When his partner runs out on him, JJ begins to gamble - trying to make money quick. JJ has lots of issues that a tormenting him and then Daniel Peter is there to try to help him back to the straight and narrow. I don't write spoilers -- but OMG, this is like real like battles that he is facing!!!

This is an awesome book that you will find hard to put down!!!

 About the Author My name is Thomas Joseph Beck , I live in Boca Raton, FL with my wife Elizabeth. I have been writing bad poetry and short stories for 20 years. “Without Wings Book 1 (To Save a Soul)” is my first published work, it has been called an alternative spiritual allegory. I am now working on the second book, in this series of six. I hope my stories entertain and inspire all who read them.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Book Blast and Contest- Mystery twisted with YA Romance by Sara J. Bernhardt

Mystery twisted with YA Romance by Sara J. Bernhardt

BRAND NEW completed series.
Running from a painful loss, Jane Callahan fled to Oregon and met an unusual boy named Aidan Summers; but his ghastly secret could destroy… everything.

Available in Kindle Unlimited
Jane Callahan is a reclusive, seventeen-year-old high school student dealing with the death of her beloved brother. Her home in Southern California with her mother is a constant reminder of her loss and pain. In hopes of escaping her past she moves to North Bend Oregon to live with her father, where she meets a beautiful boy named Aidan Summers.

Young Adult Mystery Series

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Sara J Bernhardt is an author and poet who has been writing since a very young age and is a winner of several poetry and short story contests. It is clear that Bernhardt writes in a realistic tone while still creating the enthralling feeling of fantasy. Her writing puts readers in a world that they will truly love to be a part of.


Enter to win 1 of 3 Cat Necklaces
Open to US continental US 18+. Fill out the form below to enter.




Thursday, April 4, 2019

Book Review - I Like That Word: The Daily Gripe Strikes Again

Humor is everywhere you look. You’ll find it in a Boy Scout camping trip, a day at the beach, or on full display in the cafeteria. “I Like That Word” is the second installment in “The Daily Gripe” series, an insightfully hilarious collection of articles that finds the fun in everyday living, masterfully brought to you through the unique style of one of today’s best humorists.

Sue's Review -
WOW - this is really a cute book to read.

This book is made up of a bunch of small stories about all kinds of things -- Learning to play an instrument, learning to play football, camping, etc, etc, etc. It will make your laugh about things that you might remember happening to yourself.

This book is a fast read and oh so funny!!! I recommend it if you are looking for something fun and relaxing to read!!!

Monday, March 25, 2019

Book Review and Contest The Palisades Ronald J. Wichers

What nameless thing sustains us? Religion? What does it mean to be religious? And what sort of woman would faithfully minister to the needs of a dying husband, a man who has neglected her and betrayed her? A woman with no ties to any religious tradition.
And how many among us would remain loyal to a nation embroiled in a war that many believe should never have been allowed to happen—a conflict in which the mightiest nation on earth waged war on one of the very poorest?
And what is faith? Is it only rote learning of prayers and hymns, moral laws and historical facts? Or is it something that only a few among us are given—a seeking of something, of someone that resides in the heart of all things?
Take the journey through The Palisades and wonder.

Buy on Amazon

Sue's Review - 
This is the first book that I have read by Ronald J. Wichers and I can say that it had me interested throughout the whole book!!! With being a new author for me, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I did enjoy the book totally.

The main characters of the book are Elisabeth Applegate and Lawrence Matson. It is the story of their meeting in college and falling in love. It also covers Elisabeth trying to learn about the Catholic religion after she and Lawrence get married. We follow her journey through time when the Vietnam war is beginning and more. I don’t like to write spoilers and believe me – as intense as this story could get at times – that is hard to do. It is an awesome book with a lot content that totally caught me off guard but really opened my eyes!!!

This is an amazingly informative book to read that will totally keep you on the edge of your seat throughout

Enter to win a copy of the book HERE

Monday, March 18, 2019

New Release and Free Ebook - Illusion (Dark Musicals Book 5) by Laura DeLuca

New Release and Free Ebook - Illusion (Dark Musicals Book 5) by Laura DeLuca

Rebecca Hope-Patko and her husband, Lord Justyn, are living their dream. After a successful stint on Broadway, the super couple are heading Down Under for a special showing of Phantom Returns, where their son Erik will join them for his professional debut.
As soon as their plane touches down, they discover that a serial killer is stalking Melbourne. At the theater, a strange series of accidents leaves Rebecca fearing for the safety of her family. Rebecca struggles to unravel the mystery while coping with insecurities about her career which cause tension between her and Justyn.
It’s clear a very real Phantom is lurking among them, but Rebecca is no kid anymore. She’s tired of the villain getting the upper hand. This time, Rebecca is setting the trap. This opera diva will put her life and her marriage on the line to shatter the illusions surrounding Queen’s Theater and stop the serial killer before they can strike again.
The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card. Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars-Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist. Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty-first century phantom finally be revealed.

Dark Musicals Trilogy Box Set 

Free in Kindle Unlimited


Whisper of Suffering (Dragon of Eriden Book 1) $.99 Sale March 18th – March 24th and Contest

On Sale March 18th – March 24th  99c
Whisper of Suffering – Dragon of Eriden #1
BRAND NEW completed read-in-order series
From Sam Jacobey, this light fantasy is the incredible tale of a dragon princess imprisoned in human form. Will she discover her inner self in time to save the magical kingdom of Eriden?
King Ziradon… Supreme Dragon of Eriden, he is overthrown; imprisoned in a stone fortress to watch as his kingdom is plundered by his once trusted advisor, Gwirwen.
Princess Kaliwyn… Dragoness and heir to the throne of Eriden, she is cursed to human form, stripped of her memory and cast out of the magical kingdom.
And so, the Dragon of Eriden begins…
Amicia Spicer led a simple life, until she discovered it had all been a lie…
On her deathbed, Arely Spicer confessed to her only daughter that she had been found by, not born to her mother and father. Sad news to be certain, the idea of having a family of flesh and blood waiting to be reunited sent the young, independent woman on the adventure of a lifetime. Little did she know, a dragon’s heart beat within her chest and her journey would be more perilous than she could have imagined…

From Sam Jacobey….Twenty years ago, traitors stripped her wings and cast her from the magical kingdom… but the dragoness has returned to save her beloved realm.
Suffering… Darkness… Honor… Ruin… Don’t miss this fantasy love story!
WHISPER OF SUFFERING – http://mybook.to/WhisperDOE1
JOURNEY OF DARKNESS – 
http://mybook.to/JourneyDOE2
BETRAYAL OF HONOR – 
http://mybook.to/BetrayalDOE3
KINGDOM OF RUIN – 
http://mybook.to/KingdomDOE4
 
Prize: Steampunk dragon necklace and a signed paperback. Must be 18+ Open Continental US

Friday, March 15, 2019

Devil's Den: A Gripping Supernatural Thriller (A Nephilim Thriller Book 1) & pre-order

A former spy with a dark secret and a past he can’t outrun. A mysterious cult that steals beautiful teenagers. A looming battle between the forces of light and dark, and the girl who drags them into the middle of it all.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, says, “Readers who enjoy an injection of the supernatural rather than a story based entirely on otherworldly forces will appreciate just the right blend of paranormal tension and intrigue that bring this thriller to life…. [A] vivid, winning tale of a former couple’s confrontation with themselves, each other, and a wider-ranging threat that grabs the reader from the beginning and proves nearly impossible to put down. Thriller audiences will find Devil’s Den more than a notch above others in the genre.” [Pick of the Month – September 2018]
WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award – Summer 2018 – Best Thriller
Steven Cabbott sees demons, and has even had to fight a few. That might have something to do with his past. His mother killed his father when Steven was young, claiming he was a demon. He figured she was nuts. Now he’s not so certain.
Sixteen years of silence between Steven and Kate, the love of his life, end with a cryptic one-word message: Help! A mysterious cult has kidnapped Kate’s teenaged daughter. Steven risks everything to save the young woman, but he’s caught in a fight between forces much larger than he can imagine.
Can he overcome his own demons to save Kate’s daughter, or will they both fall victim to the Devil’s Den?

Buy on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited

An amazing new technology engineered to make people smarter, a series of gruesome murders, and a mystery so dark, it threatens everyone.
I’m a Nephilim, born of a fallen angel father and a human mother. This makes me special in ways I don’t fully comprehend yet.
A war is brewing between angels and demons, and like it or not, we’ll all have to choose sides. I’ve chosen the side of angels, a curious decision for me, not only because I’m a killer, but because I enjoy killing. Still, an angel promised me that redemption is possible—even for me—and he needed warriors on his side. Did he tell me the truth? I hope so, but who can I trust?
In a small, sleepy, tourist town, an old friend asks me to help solve a series of gruesome murders that have been plaguing the town, but these aren’t just random crimes. Somehow, they’re connected to this war between angels and demons. I prefer working alone, not having to worry about others, but I team up with a self-described anti-technology hooligan, and a beautiful bartender I immediately fall for. If only they knew what I know. The foe we’re facing is way more powerful than anything they can imagine.
I must solve the mystery before it’s too late, because I’m certain of this one thing: everyone’s soul is at stake.

Pre-order on Amazon


Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of “telling stories,” he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, was his debut novel. Shatter Point, a thriller, published by Evolved Publishing was his second novel. It won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Thriller, Fall 2014.

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Book Review and Contest - Casting Stones by Jay Beck

Jay Beck has continued writing about the fascinating adventures of political consultant, Mark Young, in his next book, “Casting Stones.” Set in Greece during the 1985 elections, the historical novel pits the United States against the Soviet Union in a battle over Greece’s future political economic soul.
The novel is set in the turbulent times of airline hijackings, terror bombing and assassinations. The Soviet KGB, Greek secret police and terrorists all conspire against Mark Young as he tries to win a national election while simultaneously rescuing the most valuable ancient sculpture ever created.
Mark is torn between the turmoil in Greece and a critical situation threatening to end his relationship with his girlfriend, Vicki back in Washington, D.C. All of these diverse threads come together in an unexpected and thrilling conclusion.
Buy on Amazon
Wow – this was an amazing book!!! Jay Beck does an amazing job of writing and can keep the reader totally engrossed in the story!!! This is a historical novel – so as well as being a good story, you might just learn a little history while you are at it!!! The story is set in Greece during the 1985 elections. The story is written in the perspective of Mark Young – who is a political consultant. The story tells a lot of the battle between the United States and the Soviet Union – in regards to the Greek election. I don’t write spoilers – BUT, I will warn you that once you get into this story, that you will have a hard time putting the book down until you reach the ending. (I would be awake all hours of the night reading!!)
By writing fiction, I’ve try to expand on my history and the events I have observed. I still have a long way to go in tapping into all of that rich material, particularly since politics and entertainment so often go hand in hand, as I hope I have demonstrated in my work. These will be exciting areas for me to investigate and discuss while I continue to write about them. As I mentioned earlier, the third book in the trilogy concerns the interactions between the campaigns and the time of history of Ross Perot, Bill Clinton, and George Bush, a vast political world for me to plumb. I have stories to tell.
Enter to win a paperback

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Book Review and Contest Nikki Loves Her Hair by Nailah Jones

Nikki is a young girl who loves everything about her natural hair. She loves all of the hairstyles she can do and matching with mommy and friends!
Buy on Amazon
Sue's Review -
Nikki Loves Her Hair is an awesome story!! Starting out, Nikki wants to look like her Mom and her friends. Then she finally realizes that she should just look like herself and be happy with her hair. While reading this book, I had a lot of thoughts about how my great niece loves her hair. How she never wants it cut or styled -- just want to wear it long and straight. I really think this is a wonderful book for young girls to read and learn that being themselves is a good thing!!!
Nailah Jones is a natural haired girl from Snellville, Georgia. After years of getting relaxers, she realized her natural hair better fit her identity and later decided to go back to her natural roots. She has now had locs for two
years and counting. Nailah thinks that it is important to let other natural girls in her community know how beautiful their natural hair is, so they never have to wonder!

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Review and Contest - Break Up! With your rental by COURTNEY POULOS

Break Up! With your rental by COURTNEY POULOS

Break Up! With Your Rental is the go-to primer for the professional woman who flirts with buying real estate, but doesn’t know where to start. Whether your taste is in investment, flipping, or buying to occupy, Break Up! With Your Rental will break down what to consider, how to plan your financing, and how to get over searching for THE ONE when there are so many fish in the sea! Read inspiring stories of women who started from scratch and built their wealth through creative real estate buying and selling, and imagine that is time for YOU to consider your next move! Break UP!
“COURTNEY POULOS, expert real estate broker, skillfully shows how linking the buying of real estate to dating can liberate you from culturally entrenched beliefs. Not only will you overcome all of these mental blocks by the end of this masterful book, but you will also learn a set of practical and applicable tools for your own journey into the world of real estate, whether you are interested in buying a place to live, rent out, or renovate and sell for a profit. You will also read the stories of numerous women, from a variety of different backgrounds, who have used real estate to improve their lives. This book, which I highly recommend, essentially shows how you can own a home all by yourself, build equity, and leverage it to create financial independence.” -J.J. Hebert, #1 Amazon Bestselling Author
Buy on Amazon / Audible
Book Review - 
OMG - this book was not what I was expecting but was filled with valuable information. Being a widow and deciding to sell my large home and purchase a garden home, this book seemed to make a lot of sense to me. Even though I wasn't breaking up with a rental -- it was inspiring and gives you a ton of practical information!!! I don't know that I would be investing in any other real estate at my age, but for someone who is younger than myself, it would be a good inspiration for moving forward and handling investments. Book is so full of useful information for investing in property.

BOOK HIGHLIGHTS

Break Up! With Your Rental: The Professional Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth Through Real Estate features real life examples of women who have taken control of their financial future.

 
The author 
Courtney J.E. Poulos is the broker/owner of ACME Real Estate, a design-savvy boutique brokerage focusing on brand marketing and real estate sales. She is a member of Forbes Real Estate Council, a repeat panelist at Inman Connect and Awesome Females in Real Estate, and is a panelist and emcee for the California Association of Realtors WomanUp!® Initiative. She recently was the host of FYI Network’s “My City’s Just Not That Into Me,” where she played real estate matchmaker with buyers and sellers nationwide. She has been selling real estate since 2005.
Courtney’s stated mission is to help women achieve financial independence through real estate investment. Her latest book, Break Up! With Your Rental: The Professional Woman’s Guide to Building Wealth through Real Estate, will be available nationwide in November 2018.
As co-founder of the Northeast Los Angeles Business Culture, Courtney brought together over 50 small business owners in a transforming neighborhood to create community and cross-promotional opportunities, applying social media marketing and outreach.
Courtney hails from the East Coast, graduated from University of Maryland at College Park’s esteemed Phillip Merrill College of Journalism with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations, and spent 9 years working in arts and entertainment public relations prior to entering real estate.
In her free time, she enjoys being a mama, maintains the brokerage website for design and real estate, www.acme-re.com, military-style workouts, singing karaoke at dive bars, and enjoying a nice glass of Malbec under twinkle lights.
Follow on Website Facebook / Instagram

Monday, March 4, 2019

Review and Contest - Heart of Gold by Stephen Ellis Natelson MD

Heart of Gold by Stephen Ellis Natelson MD

Heart of Gold by Stephen Ellis Natelson MD
This is the tale of an android who works for the NSA told in nine episodes. I have attempted to enhance the reader’s experience by presenting music, poetry, and interesting factual information in context.
Had I the technology, I would provide a button for the reader to push to hear the actual music, with the ability to turn it off or on at will. Instead, there are links to the web, where the music can be enjoyed for free.
Perhaps the whole project would work as a TV series or a film.
This is the first book that I have seen by Stephen Ellis Natelson MD. BUT, even though that was the case, it was still a great read!!! The story is about an android who works for the NSA. The way that the scenes are described make you feel like you are there witnessing it all. I also enjoyed the way that the music lyrics were inserted into the story - to where you could almost envision listening to the music while you are reading the story. I don't write spoilers - so you will just have to read it for yourself to see what happens!!! Once you get into this story, you will find it hard to stop reading until you reach the ending.

Monday, February 25, 2019

Blood Borne Series Book Review and Contest

REIGN DROPS (BLOODBORNE SERIES BOOK 1)

A simple Mayan girl. A powerful spirit. A bloodthirsty monster. All leading to a desperate quest.
When the Mayan calendar ended some people scoffed while others joked and a few waited for the end of the world. After living half her life apart from her native people, Dalia no longer believes in the supernatural and monstrous things that the final cycle predicted.
But unbelief is not protection.
Going home draws her into a fight against mythical creatures, limitless power and a battle for humanity’s survival. Can Dalia balance an outsider’s knowledge and tribal wisdom to give the world a fighting chance? Or will she choose to stay blind and let the world collapse around her?
Reign Drops is the first book in The Bloodborne Series, a saga of urban fantasy novels. If you like tenacious heroines, Mayan legends, and new twists on magical beasts, then you’ll love Chris Patt’s spellbinding series.

BUY 

WOW – this is the first book that I have read by Chris Patt – and I can honestly say that it won’t be the last!!! This author is definitely an awesome writer!! I love how the author starts off with explaining the details of the Mayan prophesy. Covering the details of the ancient prophecy about a coming war that is predicted to annihilate her people. Then when the story jumps to the modern day of when the prophecy comes to life. 

Dalia is the main character in regards to how the story is told. She was born in the jungle but was taken to a distant city and raised by nuns in a monastery for most of her life. When the prophecy is threatening to come true, Delia is suddenly called upon to return to the jungle and her family. 


When spiritual encounters start to make her realize that Dalia is the one chooses to save her people. I don’t write spoilers – so I will just say that you really need to read the book and find out what Delia does and how it all takes place!!! 


 I really loved this book and am looking forward to the next book of the series!!!

SUMMER SINKS (BLOODBORNE SERIES BOOK 2)

An adept student with a powerful mentor. A diabolical witch huntress . Two friends working to avert a tragic twist of fate.
Dalia and her dragon’s quest for the histories of magic and humanity, and a long lost dragon tribe, lead them to Texas. While building her magical reserves, and satiating the dragon’s need for knowledge, they stumble across a powerful hex.
A curse that could cost her everything she loves.
Battling an unknown enemy, Dalia wonders if she can find the answers before time runs out. Finding enemies close and new allies in unexpected places it comes down to a battle of magics. Will the more powerful witch retain the upper hand, building on her generations of training? Or will Dalai’s faith in others be the end of her?

BUY 



TEMPLE ORIGINS SHOW US HOW THE FATE SISTERS CAN TURN A PROMISE INTO CURSE. A CURSE THAT WILL LEAD TO THE BLOODBORNE LEGACY. FOLLOW ALONG AS WE TRACE THE PATH OF THE AMULET. DEATH SHOWS US THE WAY, AS ONLY HE CAN.


Chris Patt lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, three cats, two dogs and DJ the turtle. She writes as often as she can, but perhaps not as often as she should. According to the husband it is possible she reads too much.

Enter to win a $40 Amazon GC. Open to anyone that can receive an Amazon Gift Card.Click the book tour to enter to win.