Month: April 2023

They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark by Francesca Maria Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Francesca Maria takes readers on a journey into the depths of darkness to explore the shadowy nature of fear and control in “They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark”.

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The Synopsis

Who are we if not for the monsters that we keep?

They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark collects thirteen chilling tales that weave through the shadows, exploring the nature of fear, powerlessness, and control.

– A series of murders in a New England colony

– An untamed beast in pre-revolutionary France

– A mysterious stranger who invades 18th-century Ireland

– A traveling circus that takes more than the price of admission

– A gathering of the Dark, telling tales on the longest night of the year, and more.

Come play with vampires, werewolves, ghosts, zombies, ghouls and the devil himself. Make sure you check under the bed and don’t turn out the lights.

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The Review

The author does such an incredible job of weaving together a moving yet horrifying collection of stories. The way each story flowed smoothly and kept a great pacing, while still allowing the tension to build and the chills to build up in the reader’s mind made for a truly compelling and captivating collection. 

To me, it was the author’s use of both emotional storytelling and shocking horror moments that made each story shine. Some of my favorite stories in the collection touched upon the dark side of some of my favorite things, from ancient Egyptian mythology in the story “Imhotep”, to the shocking real story of Christmas in “Spreckles” and the gasp-worthy finale in the story “Wendigo”, each story wove between the horrors and emotions of reality with the twisted nature of the strange and the bizarre side of our world and cultures. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Francesca Maria’s “They Hide: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” is a must-read collection of horror short stories that is one of my favorite short story collections of 2023 thus far! The suspense, drama, and heartfelt connection readers make to the characters of these stories and the rich world-building that the author employs throughout this collection will keep readers engaged and eager for more as the last story ends and a new one begins. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Francesca Maria writes dark fiction surrounded by cats near the Pacific Ocean. She is the creator of the Black Cat Chronicles, a true horror comic book series narrated by a mystical black cat. And her short story collection; They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark will be out in April 7, 2023 from Brigid’s Gate Press. Her short stories and essays can be found in Crystal Lake Publishing’s Shallow Waters series and anthologies and Death’s Garden Revisited.

https://francescamaria.com/

https://twitter.com/Writer_of_Weird

Knight Kisses by Athina Paris Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young woman who lost too much and closed her heart off to love’s possibility finds herself taking refuge in a relationship of convenience to avoid a troubling situation and to get her little sister the security they need in author Athina Paris’s “Knight Kisses”. 

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The Synopsis

After losing her mother to cancer, Gabrielle swears off love. Because loving hurts too much when things go wrong. Then, she travels to Africa to meet her father – a man whose existence she was oblivious to. Before long, there is also a baby sister to look after, and intuitively she knows that she needs to protect her. Promptly, there is another tragedy, and more than ever, Gabrielle realises how wise she is to lock away her heart. But that was before she met Jonathan Knight, a man who amuses and confuses her, and Paul, his best friend, who is just as smart and funny. Through an unfortunate sequence of events, she finds herself in a troublesome situation, but being who she is, she tries to handle it alone, unwittingly sinking into a morass of danger. A solution comes in the form of Paul, who makes a harebrained suggestion, which Jonathan – for reasons of his own – grabs and presents her with the providential arrangement. Instinctively, she declines the proposal, but Jonathan is persuasive and paints a wonderful picture of security. She accepts out of need, but soon, Jonathan’s ulterior motives unravel, and nothing is as it should be. But she can’t disclose the truth, for her secret could undo the safe future she is trying to create for her little sister.

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The Review

This was an emotional and twisty romance thriller. The author does an incredible job in this book of crafting a narrative that felt cinematic and yet relatable all at once, bringing high-octane action and drama with the inclusion of international intrigue, shady mob deals, and family drama with the more intimate moments of emotion regarding loss and love. The heavy atmosphere the author crafts in this book and the thoughtful approach to the story will keep readers invested as Gabrielle’s story unfolds.

To me, this narrative was all riding on Gabrielle’s evolution as a character. The struggle for her to build any sort of relationship, let alone a romantic one, as she fights to take care of her sister and fend off the shady mobsters whom her father brought into her life was so endearing and heartbreaking to read, and the emotional connection she makes with Jonathan as time goes on and the buildup of both the romance and suspense surrounding her all bring readers into the narrative over and over again.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and entertaining, author Athina Paris’s “Knight Kisses” is a must-read romantic thriller novel that readers won’t want to put down. The twists and turns in the narrative, the imagery that brings the narrative to life on the page, and the emotional connection readers form to Gabrielle’s story, made this a truly compelling novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Athina Paris spent her formative years in Mozambique, where she was born. Years in convents and boarding schools prompted a deep curiosity, which quickly developed into an avid interest in reading and storytelling that led to a lifelong obsession with the written word and books. By fifteen she had discovered ancient civilizations and became fascinated with various mythologies.

She became a spectator of human nature, but quiet and shy, she preferred recording conduct, and so built a treasure-trove of relationship observations from which she eventually drew backgrounds for the characters in her romantic novels.

She studied Interior Design then turned to Creative Writing, and followed that with Script-writing.

Set in faraway and exotic places, Athina’s epic romances take her characters on voyages of self-discovery while dealing with catastrophic love lives in an imperfect world.

A stint as a high school English teacher polished her skills but she now concentrates on her professional goals of writing, editing, and proofreading.

http://www.authorathinaparis.com/index.html

https://twitter.com/athina_paris

Hex and the City (Canadian Werewolf Book 6) by Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. 

As true love blossoms, an ancient evil is unleashed that is tied to their love and threatens to destroy humanity in authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City”, the sixth book in the Canadian Werewolf series. 

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The Synopsis

HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE.

Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long.

But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses – it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.

Now they must choose: battle the evil forces out to destroy them, or continue to meet in secret while the rest of the world burns.

If you like thrilling action, paranormal adventure, and quirky humor, you’ll love Hex and the City. Read it today!

Though this is book six in a series, it can be enjoyed as a stand alone novel. A “the story so far” summary is available for readers.

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The Review

This was a captivating and emotional read. The authors did an incredible job of creating a novel that stands on its own two feet while also paying homage to the wild entries in the series that came before. The action and magical suspense that the narrative delves into with the curse and the impact it begins having on the world around them brought the reader into the fantasy and paranormal thriller elements that this series has become known for.

For me, the heart of this narrative rested in the balance of mythos, romance, and world-building. The shock and awe that comes with this prophecy revelation hit the main characters immediately, and the shocking way it connects the events of the rest of the series made this story really flow. The heartbreaking reality of their circumstances made both Michael and Gail’s journey so emotional and kept the reader invested as the stakes got higher and higher. Getting to learn more about Gail’s family and connection to the paranormal world was fantastic to watch come to fruition.

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The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thrilling, authors Mark Leslie and Julie Strauss’s “Hex and the City” is a must-read paranormal romance thriller and a great addition to the Canadian Werewolf Series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt finale will have fans tearing up and hanging off of the author’s every word, as the future of the series takes an all-new direction. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark is a writer, editor and bookseller who was born and grew up in Sudbury, spent many years in Ottawa and Hamilton and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

When he is not writing, he tacks “Lefebvre” back onto his name and works as a book industry consultant, having been a bookseller since the 1992, the same year his first short story was published.

Apart from publishing novels and non-fiction paranormal explorations under the name Mark Leslie, having works occasionally appearing on his mother’s refrigerator door under the name Mark Lefebvre, and podcasting and consulting about the book industry under the name Mark Leslie Lefebvre for his Stark Publishing/Stark Reflections brand, Mark is a lover of craft beer.

When he’s not enjoying craft beer or playing around with his three given names, he can usually be found wandering, awestruck through bookstores or libraries.

MARK LESLIE
https://twitter.com/MarkLeslie

Julie lives in Southern California with her husband and four kids. She homeschools them. “The kids, I mean,” Julie says. “Not the husband.”

She likes to eat dark chocolate and drink good wine and read lots of books and doesn’t usually bother with housework.

Julie warns anyone who might read her blog or her books: “You should know that I have a foul mouth and complain about the heat all the time. I speak in movie quotes, but they tend to be the obscure, random quotes that no one understands except me. I crack myself up. You’ll get used to it.”

Julie used to publish romance novels under the pen name Emma Foster. “But it turned out,” she admits, “I’m way too lazy to keep up two online profiles in addition to all the other personalities inside my head. So I dumped the pen name, and now you can find me at social media places as Julie Wrote A Book. I’d make a terrible spy. (Or maybe the Best Spy Ever. You’ll never know for sure.)”

https://juliewroteabook.com/

Death’s Pale Flag by Gary Simonds Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A renowned brain surgeon begins struggling as he sees evidence of ghosts and spirits in author Gary Simonds’s “Death’s Pale Flag”. 

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The Synopsis

Brain surgeon and unlikely war hero, Ryan Brenan, has it all. A booming practice, a beautiful home in an idyllic setting, and a happy loving family. Then, the apparitions begin.

Subtle at first, but soon there’s no doubt about it, he’s seeing ghosts, spirits, the undead. Of course, he could just be going nuts, cracking under the pressure of his constant exposure to death, mayhem, and tragedy. But, he believes he has proof that the ghosts are very real, and that they are specifically haunting him.

We join Ryan as he tends to the sick and injured in his hospitals’ trauma bays, intensive care units, and operating rooms, all the while seeking to understand why he has become a target of the dead. Will he break down? Will he lose all that is precious to him? Will he be drawn to the other side of the great divide?

The unique storyline, similar to the works of Blake Crouch and Jeff VanderMeer is a chilling thrill ride, straddling the real world and that of the paranormal.

This riveting psychological thriller uniquely blends a detailed peek behind the curtains of modern day neurosurgery with a fantastical journey into the paranormal. Written by a highly experienced neurosurgeon who takes the reader on an immersive journey into the behind the scenes world of the operating room where few people have ever been.

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The Review

This was a compelling and captivating medical thriller meets paranormal fantasy read. The author does an amazing job of grounding this story in as much reality as possible, tying the paranormal aspects of the narrative into the protagonist’s work in the medical field. As someone interested in the paranormal and who has become fascinated with doctor’s studies and theories regarding life after death, the setting and atmosphere the author created in his work really struck home in terms of the tone they were trying to achieve.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character growth and the emotional core related to the protagonist’s personal life and work-life imbalances. The way the author was able to bring realism and expertise to the protagonist’s story and work in the field of brain surgery made this a compelling read, and the way work and the experiences as a surgeon would impact his home life set the stage perfectly for the paranormal aspect of the narrative to come into play, making for an exciting story.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining, author Gary Simonds’s “Death’s Pale Flag” is a must-read medical thriller meets paranormal novel of 2023! The grounded realism of the characters and backstory with the engaging paranormal twists and fascinating connection between the mind and the paranormal the author touches upon made this a truly amazing novel to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gary Simonds practiced the full breadth of neurosurgery for decades in the US Army, Geisinger Clinic, and as the Chief of Neurosurgery at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. He has performed thousands of highly complex procedures on adults and children and cared for tens of thousands of patients. In addition to his expertise in neurosurgery and the neurosciences, he is interest in an array of related subjects including: medical ethics, medical socioeconomics, humanism, doctor patient interactions, patient advocacy, and burnout and psychological distress in healthcare workers. He has co-authored with Clinical Psychologist Wayne Sotile three non-fiction books on burnout and resilience in healthcare workers and has recently written a related award-winning novel, Death’s Pale Flag. Gary stepped away from clinical neurosurgery in 2020 but still teaches undergraduates and medical students at Virginia Tech. He lives in Black Mountain NC in a log cabin with wife, Cindy, and border collie, Hamish, and is excited to connect with his readers and interested parties over a range of subjects.

https://twitter.com/garyrsimonds

Boys in the Valley by Philip Fracassi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An ancient evil is unleashed in rural Pennsylvania during the late 19th century/early 20th century in author Philip Fracassi’s “Boys in the Valley”.

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The Synopsis

The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass, in Boys in the Valley, a brilliant coming-of-age tale from award-winning author Philip Fracassi.

St. Vincent’s Orphanage for Boys.

Turn of the century, in a remote valley in Pennsylvania.

Here, under the watchful eyes of several priests, thirty boys work, learn, and worship. Peter Barlow, orphaned as a child by a gruesome murder, has made a new life here. As he approaches adulthood, he has friends, a future…a family.

Then, late one stormy night, a group of men arrive at their door, one of whom is badly wounded, occult symbols carved into his flesh. His death releases an ancient evil that spreads like sickness, infecting St. Vincent’s and the children within. Soon, boys begin acting differently, forming groups. Taking sides.

Others turn up dead.

Now Peter and those dear to him must choose sides of their own, each of them knowing their lives — and perhaps their eternal souls — are at risk.

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The Review

This was a truly compelling read. The author does an incredible job of immediately setting up a haunting atmosphere. The balance of a historical setting meeting an almost gothic horror atmosphere really set the tone early on and allowed for the blend of religious undertones and rich mythos to take hold in the reader’s minds. The action and world-building were top-tier, giving a very cinematic approach to the narrative as the story progressed.

To me, the heart of the story rested in the rich character development and the unique blend of genres. Seeing the balance between historical fiction, coming-of-age storytelling, and chilling horror vibes helped sell this story as the haunting gothic read it proved to be. Yet it was the development of this cast of characters, much like an iconic Stephen King novel like It or Salem’s Lot, where each character had a unique perspective on the developing story and added an emotional depth as the story began to intersect and merge together in the climactic final moments, that the narrative really began to shine through.

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging, author Philip Fracassi’s “Boys in the Valley” is a must-read horror novel of 2023. The unique contrast between faith and identity, and the gripping theme of sacrifice, made this story come to life on the page, and the haunting final moments of this beautifully written novel will both captivate and bring readers to tears as the story plays out its bloody hand. If you haven’t yet, be sure to preorder your copy today or grab a copy on July 11th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Philip Fracassi is the author of the story collections Beneath a Pale Sky (named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine and a finalist for the Bram Stoker award) and Behold the Void (named “Best Collection of the Year” by This Is Horror). He is also the author of several novellas, including Sacculina, Shiloh, and Commodore.

His novels include Don’t Let Them Get You Down, A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, and Boys in the Valley.

Philip’s books have been translated into multiple languages and his stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Black Static, Southwest Review, and Interzone.

The New York Times calls his work “terrifically scary.”

You can follow Philip on Facebook, Instagram (pfracassi), and Twitter (@philipfracassi), or at his official website at www.pfracassi.com.

https://twitter.com/PhilipFracassi

Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time by Forest Fox Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A father and his children find themselves on an adventure through time and space when they are shipwrecked on an island filled with pirates who never age, Jurassic-age creatures, and a group of people known as the Children of Eden in author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time”, the first book in the Pirates of Marauda series. 

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The Synopsis

Technology from the age of Eden… Out on one of their treasure-hunting diving adventures, brothers Eli and Zoe and their Dad come upon an earthshaking discovery when a powerful tropical storm leaves them shipwrecked on an unknown tropical island. In the jungle, they encounter nineteenth-century buccaneers who never age but can barely fend off the Jurassic creatures who rule this place. As they all try to escape the island, they come upon Shakti, a captivatingly beautiful princess, who leads them to her people, the Children of Eden. They soon learn that these people from another world have been conducting a desperate experiment with their crystal technology, in which the trio themselves have become the unintended victims. Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time is Book 1 of the Pirates of Marauda trilogy, an adventure through space and time.

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The Review

This was a fast-paced and captivating YA read. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the adrenaline and wonders that the characters experience as they come into contact with this shocking new world. The world-building and mythos the author delves into were richly developed, and harken back to some of the myths, legends, and conspiracy theories that have found a resurgence in our modern world today, including the ancient land of Mu and Lemur, among other things. 

The character growth and rich imagery really helped bring readers into this narrative naturally. The chemistry between the father and his sons was jumping right off the page, and the way the author was able to incorporate elements of their own lives and bring them into the background of these characters added a depth of naturalness and relatability that the narrative needed. The setting of this narrative was so expertly brought to life, and the descriptive way the world was brought to life elevated the action and adventure elements of the narrative completely.

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The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author Forest Fox’s “Pirates of Marauda: Circles in Time” is a brilliant YA Sci-Fi and Fantasy novel and a great first entry into the Pirates of Marauda series. The twists and turns in the narrative and the rich mythology the author develops bring such a depth of world-building for the reader to get absolutely lost in, making this a stellar read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author FOREST FOX brings his love of adventure to the page in this whirlwind fantasy saga, The Pirates of Marauda trilogy, about what happens when he and his two sons, while on a treasure hunting, diving expedition in the Bermuda Triangle, find a sunken flying saucer that turns out to be the craft that brought Adam and Eve to this planet.

The germinating idea for the story was inspired by a drawing by his son, award-winning artist Eli D’Elia. The author delights in weaving fact with fiction and folklore in this highly original tale, which also serves as a whimsical medium to depict his unconventional philosophy of life.

The author is also a SF Bay Area singer/songwriter and recording and performing artist.

Known in the world of paintball as Magic Carpet Bob, he was 1991 World Paintball Champion with his Team Ironmen, and is resident pro at Paintball Jungle in the Napa Valley.

https://www.forestfoxpress.com/

The Improv Mindset: How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success by Keith Saltojanes Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Keith Saltojanes takes readers on a journey to discover how improvisation can help with matters of business in the book “The Improv Mindset: How to Make Improvisation Your Superpower for Success”.

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The Synopsis

We improvise every day, but how many times do we get stuck in our heads overthinking?

Now you can learn how to leverage the skills of improv for your life.

Improv isn’t just for actors, comedians, and writers, but is one of today’s most powerful tools for success in business, social situations, public speaking, communication, becoming a more fearless person, and just plain having more fun in life. Being able to think quickly on your feet, be in the moment, and to roll with any sudden changes makes any person more confident.

This book will break down these techniques with exercises you can practice both at home and put to use in real-life settings. You’ll learn:

  • Thinking (and responding) quicker
  • How to sharpen your sense of humor & creativity
  • Letting go of mental blocks to become more outgoing
  • Ways to initiate conversations when you don’t know what to say
  • Making the most out of every moment (even when you’re nervous)
  • Owning your own personality and using it to accomplish your goals

You don’t have to be born witty to apply these methods, you just have to be taught them and that’s what this book will do.

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The Review

This was a well-written and captivating book. The author does an incredible job of showcasing the art of improvisation to its fullest. It was great to see the author not just lay out the work that goes into improv in an almost monotone style of education but rather blended a small amount of storytelling and experience into the book before highlighting each exercise and technique that went into the study of improv.

Yet despite all of the techniques showcased, it was the impact improv has on the reader that really made this a standout book. Rather than hone in on the performative aspect of the art of improv for comedians or performers in general, the book does a remarkable job of showcasing how this art form can help improve the lives of those who struggle with communication and expression overall. Whether you have always had a lifelong case of shyness or suffer from extreme social anxiety, these exercises can help expand the mind and find new ways of expression that can help improve your life in social, business, or professional circumstances. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, interactive, and educational, author Keith Saltojanes’s “The Improv Mindset” is a must-read nonfiction book on self-improvement, improv, and business. The insights and knowledge the reader will gain from the author’s lessons and the approachable writing style and willingness to allow readers to tackle each chapter one at a time and come back to the book later to make this a truly one-of-a-kind story to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today through preorder or grab your copy on June 6th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Keith Saltojanes is the Founder of Improv-LA, the internationally known creative training center based in Los Angeles. He has taught improv techniques to everyday people in over 10 countries and for executives at some of the biggest companies around (including Disney, Netflix, Amazon, IBM). He also has a Guinness World Record for the Longest Improv Show and has written for National Lampoon and for comedians from SNL, MADtv, In Living Color, and Mr. Show.

http://keithsaltojanes.com/

https://twitter.com/keithsaltojanes

Pinned by Liz Faraim Blog Tour

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book EventsLeave a comment
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Pinned - Liz Faraim

Liz Faraim has a new lesbian mystery thriller out: Pinned. And there’s a giveaway.

“Rowdy” Randy Cox, a woman staring down the barrel of retirement, is a curmudgeonly blue-collar butch lesbian, who has been single for twenty years and is trying to date again.

At the end of a long, exhausting shift, Randy finds her supervisor, Bryant, pinned and near death at the warehouse where they work. Upon the news of his death, she battles to find a balance between the joys of an exciting new relationship and the struggles of processing her supervisor’s unexpected passing.

The manner of her supervisor’s death leaves Randy unsettled and suspicious as she gets sucked into both a criminal investigation led by the police and an administrative investigation conducted by her employer.

As Randy seeks the truth, trust erodes, key friendships are strengthened, and more loss awaits her.

Warnings: violence, cancer death.

Publisher | Amazon | Universal Buy Link

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Giveaway

Liz is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47198/?

Excerpt

“Yeah. You wanna ride the canyon?” Bear asked as she ran her fingers through her wild salt-and-pepper hair. Buck and I both nodded. I stowed my snacks and slid on my helmet.

“Okay. Everybody’s all gassed up, right? Last gas station before the canyon is at the casino.”

“We’re good. Filled up before crossing the causeway. Now stand back,” Bear said as she did a Jackie Gleason style windup before hoisting her short leg over the saddle of her bike.

We’d ridden many miles together and I was happy to see that her bike, a massive 1600cc Road Star, which she had lovingly named Champagne, was still on the road.

Buck fired up her Harley with a bone rattling rumble. I reminded myself to ride in front of her. When I rode behind her the engine noise was too much. I paired up the Bluetooth and Spotify again and picked a 1980s hits channel. Van Morrison sang to me about tupelo honey as I pulled out behind Bear, with Buck taking sweep behind us.

As we rolled slowly by PJ’s, the checker was walking out of the front door, gazing down at her cell phone. She looked up just in time to knock me out one more time with her bright eyes and toothy smile, making my heart race. I had to force myself to focus back on riding as we pulled out of the parking lot onto the main road.

We dodged big groups of college kids on bicycles as we passed through intersections until Dairy Glen turned back into farmland. Long, ramrod-straight county roads that ran between tomato and sunflower fields took us to the next county. The coastal mountains rose in the distance, the only thing to break up the scenery of the flat valley floor except for the occasional barn, well pump, or windmill.

Before long the three of us were weaving our way through the green rolling hills of Capay Valley, the two-lane road gently curving around orchards and dormant row crop fields. I saw some farms with livestock, including a few llamas and emu. We passed through the small towns of Madison, Esparto, and Capay.

Around the bend we got to Brooks, where the small farmhouses gave way to the casino, looming large, overlooking vineyards and the foothills. A massive banner strung across the front advertised an upcoming big-name concert. After the casino we passed through Guinda, and the road narrowed further as the terrain changed from wide-open valley floor to canyon, with steep wooded hillsides. The temperature dropped several degrees in the shade of the hills.

I did my best to stay focused on the ride and the road, but the heart-stopping smile I had gotten earlier in Dairy Glen, those blue eyes locked on mine, were a big distraction. I hadn’t given any woman a second look in years, let alone have one get my heart and mind racing.

Bear cruised along, never in a hurry, taking the curves with ease. I checked my side mirror now and then to make sure Buck was still with us, her aftermarket exhaust pipes echoing through the narrow canyon. There were hardly any other vehicles on the canyon road, though we did pass a few packs of cyclists decked out in spandex, riding fancy road bikes. As we rolled by a group of bikes on a steep climb, I watched one guy’s chiseled leg muscles working hard to pedal. The lady in front of him blew a snot rocket over her shoulder and he didn’t even flinch. I was glad to have an engine between my legs and opened the throttle to climb the last bit of the hill.

At the top of the hill, we zoomed by another gaggle of cyclists, resting after their climb. They were all off their bikes, panting and sweating even in the cold. One lady was throwing up in the bushes. Her jersey said “Veni, Vidi, Vomiti.” The slogan rattled around in my brain, drawing me back to my father trying to teach me Latin as a kid. I figured it meant something like: I came, I saw, I barfed. Another lady stood by, leaning on her bike frame, totally unbothered, sucking on one of those goo energy tubes.

My fingers and toes had started to go numb from the cold despite wearing thick socks and boots, and winter riding gloves. While on a short, straight stretch I took my eyes off the road again to turn on the heated grips. I pressed the button and looked up just in time to see Bear dump her bike over farther than I thought possible. Champagne, nearly on its side, cut over into the opposite lane and back.

I scanned the road for the hazard and had just enough time to register a small rockslide, scree and baseball-sized chunks of rock bouncing down the steep hillside and onto the road. I spotted a small gap and rode straight through, pebbles pinging off my helmet and shooting out from under my tires. I checked my mirror and watched as Buck, who’d had the most time to respond, swung out wide and avoided the whole thing with little fuss. That was Buck for ya.

Bear parked in a turnout a few hundred yards up the road. I pulled in behind her to catch my breath. I yanked off my helmet and pulled the bandana down off my mouth, heart doing somersaults.

Bear slapped her chest and let out a roar that reverberated through the hills and down the canyon.

“Awooo! Jesus Christ! Did you see that, Randy?”

“I can’t believe you didn’t dump it. That was some fine goddamn riding.”

“Wasn’t my first time, won’t be my last.” She gasped and shook her hands out.

“Good thing you’ve been riding since before you could spell motorcycle.”

We laughed wildly, which helped me relax and steady myself as the adrenaline rush faded. Buck pulled in behind us, tires crunching on gravel, and killed her engine.

Author Bio

Liz Faraim

Liz has a full plate between balancing a day job, parenting, writing, and finding some semblance of a social life. In past lives she has been a soldier, a bartender, a shoe salesperson, an assistant museum curator, and even a driving instructor. She focuses her writing on strong, queer, female leads who don’t back down.

Liz transplanted to California from New York over thirty years ago. She now lives in the East Bay Area of California and enjoys exploring nature with her wife and son.

Author Website: https://www.lizfaraim.com

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