All We Keep Hidden by Kristen Martin Review

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

A karmic vigilante finds herself the prime suspect in a murder investigation and must unravel her past lives and the dark secrets hidden within in author Kristen Martin’s “All We Keep Hidden.”

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The Synopsis

A gripping urban fantasy from International Amazon Bestselling Author Kristen Martin where magic collides with modern life, unleashing danger, destiny, and an anti-heroine you won’t forget.

What if the concept of karma wasn’t just wishful thinking, but an actual duty that’s guaranteed to be fulfilled?

For 30-year-old Maren Cordeau, it is. Having been through multiple incarnations and a daunting number of past lives, she’s finally landed among the ranks of the Noires—karmic vigilantes who carry out the eternal sentences of those who have ultimately chosen to “sell their soul”, be it for riches, fame, power, or something much, much darker. It’s no surprise that invoking nightmares to carry out said sentences has become one of her favorite pastimes… How could it not when she’s exacting justice for the innocent and defenseless?

Such a dangerous role requires the protection of a Sigard, assigned to all Noires at the time of incarnation. It’s a shame it’s Brant Colborn, her rival from previous lifetimes; but, regardless of their blatant animosity toward one another, they always find a way to work together—and actually grow to do a little more than tolerate each other this time around. But when Maren receives her next assignment, a trip into the underbelly of the shopping district to gather supplies turns into a nightmare of her own—her go-to shopkeeper, the Elder Witch of a coven, turns up murdered, in which she’s the number one suspect.

With so many things working against her, Maren can’t help but wonder if this is her own twisted rendition of karma playing itself out. But, as she revisits past lifetimes, what she discovers is much more than she’d bargained for… and could alter the very fabric of reality of years past and subsequent years to come.

The Review

This has been one of my anticipated reads of 2025, and I was not disappointed. The first thing that strikes the reader when delving into this narrative is just how atmospheric and haunting the world the author has built is, while also bringing a great sense of imagery to the writing itself, transporting readers into each visceral scene. There was one scene that offhandedly described a character’s movements and actions in a manner reminiscent of those of Harley Quinn from DC Comics. Immediately, I was able to picture the scene in my mind, and this happened frequently throughout the novel.

The character development and rich mythology were the standout features of this story. The chemistry between Brant and Maren both created the heat one would expect from an adult dark fantasy novel, while also adding to the tension and tone of the narrative that hangs in the air as Maren explores how deep their connection goes. While I love the exploration of various gods and magic from different cultures and mythologies, what stood out to me was the metaphysical aspect of the story, particularly the concept of past lives and the idea that we shape reality at all times. This thought process has been a driving force in much of my paranormal and metaphysical research, and seeing it so effortlessly tied into this plot and explored with nuance and care was a great literary device the author implemented in this work.

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The Verdict

With reflections of humor in the dialogue, emotional connection with the characters, and an outstanding balance of mystery, intrigue, and passion, author Kristen Martin’s “All We Keep Hidden” is a must-read dark fantasy novel that fits well into the upcoming spooky season, and a contender for Best Dark Fantasy Novel of 2025! The protagonist and the mythos the author creates were intriguing, and I instantly became invested in the story. The twists that unfold in the novel’s climax, along with the open ending of the story, bring both closure to the narrative and leave enough room for readers to crave more of these incredible characters and this world overall. If you haven’t already, be sure to grab your copy on October 7, 2025, or preorder it today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

KRISTEN MARTIN is the International Amazon Bestselling Indie Author of THE ALPHA DRIVE trilogy and SHADOW CROWN series, the standalone novel BEYOND THE STARS AND SHADOWS, as well as nonfiction works, SOULFLOW and BE YOUR OWN #GOALS. She is also a writing coach, a YouTuber, a podcaster, and a full-time creative entrepreneur. Living in Southeast Texas with her husband and their six kids, she loves all things young adult, science fiction, and fantasy.

Kristen prides herself on helping aspiring authors reach their dreams of publication through her coaching program, Valiance. She loves connecting with other writers and readers, so be sure to reach out!

Stay connected on:

Instagram @authorkristenmartin

YouTube /authorkristenmartinbooks

Facebook /authorkristenmartin

Pinterest @authorkristenm

https://www.kristenmartinbooks.com/

https://amzn.to/46Ur8rS

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Interview with Author Airie McCready 

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I started writing at the age of seven. We were given a poetry assignment in class, and I never stopped! My first poem was about a greyhound. I was fascinated with dogs and fairies, and the sighthounds (greyhounds, salukis, whippets, Irish wolfhounds, Scottish deerhounds), anything with those long, tapered legs that could run so fast.

My second poem was slightly better. Golden Fawn was the title; I composed it upon the death of my beautiful golden hamster. Writing about animals that I loved, or that were a part of my life, just came naturally to me. The imaginary kingdom that most people couldn’t see started weaving itself into my writing very young as well.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Every single poem or story, photograph, or drawing in this book is heartfelt. Again, my beautiful pets cross back and forth to the ether realm, making pictures of themselves in the sky or even in my bedroom. Their births, lives, and deaths are commemorated here. Often, instead of saying, “I wrote a poem,” I’ll say, “I poemed,” like giving birth to a piece of writing. 

Inspiration comes from intense emotions, whether it’s about a pet or something I’ve experienced in my life — unfortunately, a lot of abuse — but out of that is born writing that can help others. 

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

That it’s okay to feel deeply about your pets, whether they’re a cat or a dog, hairless or furred, people are beginning to understand that it’s okay to grieve for a pet like you would for a person. A relationship between two species possesses inherent magic; so it’s okay to give voice to that magic and the love that you have for your cat, dog, horse, or whatever. Animals are children, too.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Initially, I frowned upon long writing assignments; writing a poem, a short essay, or a story was easier for me. Now I have the freedom to write whatever I wish, but I value poetry’s capacity to traverse lifetimes, periods, or annum, truly anything. I love finding the words to express exactly what I’m feeling or what I want others to feel.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook is number one for me. From 2013 to lockdown, I had a store online that made clothing for cats. My wish remained to write, though the garments rose in popularity, restricting my availability, leaving no time for writing. So, what I would do is, when I felt something forming in my mind, I would type it into my Facebook feed and see what kind of response it’d get. A lot of it got an excellent response. I waited, confirming that it was not simply loved ones offering praise, but those I admired and respected who offered honest praise. Then my Facebook followers kept saying that I should make a book or a coffee table book because they also liked my photography and art. This took years to bring together, so this debut is for my followers. 

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

This is one of the most challenging questions I get asked, because we’re all very different. I would say, find your voice first. Don’t copy others except if you like the cadence they’re using in their poem. You can use it in yours, but don’t steal. For instance, I tried to write a vampire story, and I love Anne Rice, but it started sounding too much like her voice and not mine. So, I stopped, and I do have a novella coming out now, working title: Bella and Lee and Me. It has immortal creatures, some that you’ve never heard of before, and a lot of spiritual, but differently stated storylines that are truly my own. 

Find a Facebook group that has a lot in common with your tastes, and you can show them something that you’ve written, but be sure to write all rights reserved and your name underneath.

7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I have several new books and development poetry books, one a novel, one a novella, all almost all the way finished. I have several chronic diseases, which limit me in my day-to-day life and in my writing as well. However, writing is something I continue to do, whether by typing or using speech to text.

Aber Stoat, my publisher, is wonderful for working with indie authors and has been great with me.

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About the Author

Airie McCready got her journalism degree, but spent her early years in fine art, computer graphics, and freelanced as an art director for photo shoots. After her marriage ended, she changed her name in order to get out from under the shadow of her ex-husband‘s writing and set out on a journey of self-discovery, which led to her mission today, helping people understand the love of cats. After observing cats’ behavior for over 20 years, Sphynx and Devon Rex specifically for over 10 years, she now shares her expert knowledge with others. She views her bond with her cats as deeply spiritual, describing it as a symbiotic unit.   

Links:

https://linktr.ee/airiemccreadybooks

https://aberstoatpublishing.com/caught-in-a-cat-romance

https://amzn.to/4o9jWz6

15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness by Kim Lengling Review

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

Author Kim Lengling shares the inspiring ways pets shape our lives in the book “15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness.”

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The Synopsis

What if your greatest teacher of kindness was sleeping at your feet?

In this uplifting mini-eBook, author Kim Lengling, a veteran, pet lover, and creator of Nuggets of Hope, shares 15 beautiful reflections on how pets gently remind us to slow down, forgive more, love deeper, and be kind to ourselves and those around us.

From tail wags to purring snuggles, our pets offer unconditional love, patience, and a powerful presence that can shift even the hardest days. Each short chapter is paired with a simple kindness prompt to help you carry their lessons into your own life, one paw print at a time.

Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or simply seeking a little hope and inspiration, this cozy companion will leave you smiling, reflecting, and maybe reaching for your furry friend.

20% off your first order with code FAMILY20

The Review

This was such a heartfelt and compelling read. While a short book, the author’s words and message pack an emotional punch that any pet parents or animal advocates will instantly understand. The poignant, often introspective yet heartfelt messages of hope that these passages bring to life on the page for readers are both reflective of life as a whole and strike a resonating chord for those of us who have both lost and loved pets throughout our lives.

The themes and messages this story plays with are memorable, from taking the time to live in the moment and utilizing our dog’s ability to stay grounded to remember that, to taking the time to pause what we are doing and take in our surroundings, much like our dogs do when they stare out a window or go on a walk. The author’s ability to offer daily prompts to help promote these ideas, combined with the reflective nature of these passages, will keep readers engaged throughout the book.

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The Verdict

Emotional, heartfelt, and compelling, author Kim Lengling’s “15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness” is a must-read nonfiction book of thoughts and motivational inspiration that will keep readers grounded. The important lessons, love for pets and animals in general, and overall connectivity of the book’s themes are perfectly elevated by the book’s ability to draw readers back in time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

As a multi-published author, Kim shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.

She is the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023.)

In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, spotlighting people who make a positive difference in the world, whether by writing, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding non-profits, and more.

You can regularly find Kim drinking copious amounts of coffee and taking long walks with her dog.

https://www.kimlenglingauthor.com/

PREORDER HERE: https://amzn.to/4mNXKte

Heir of Flame and Shadow (Rings and Chains Book 2) By Ahlam Faris Review

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

A young woman must find new allies and heal a broken friendship as she faces her inner demons in author Ahlam Faris’s “Heir of Flame and Shadow”, the second book in the Rings and Chains series. 

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The Synopsis

The Chains are weakening—and what waits beneath was never meant to be freed.

After stealing the Royal family’s golden rings, Mina is pursued by the Royal guards. With no choice but to flee the kingdom, she finds herself stranded in the southern desert.

Mina has lost far more than her home—haunted by a death she caused, a shattered friendship, and her guardian spirit seeming to be weaker than ever. Now, she must confront her inner demon alone.

In Heir of Flame and Shadow, Mina discovers new allies, faces old enemies, and attempts to heal a broken friendship that could become something deeper. But sinister forces have been guiding her steps all along—are they allies or enemies in disguise?

The Review

The world-building and mythology were so incredible that I became wholly immersed in this world. The reader is truly thrust into this world, with the unforgiving and gritty tone that the beginning of this story brings, along with the cruel desert setting and the troubled way many treat the protagonist due to signs pointing to her association with Jinn, making this world feel both dangerous and heavy in lore and magic. The imagery that the author’s writing conjures is as powerful as the Jinn that are discovered early on in the narrative, and the expansion upon the mythology that speaks to both the main characters’ origins and the world that existed beyond the Veil was terrific to see come to life on the page.

What stood out to readers, though, was not just this mythos, but the heavy themes the author explores and the emotional connection readers will have with the protagonist and this cast of characters. Themes of identity, as the protagonist grapples with the duality of her power and her mysterious past, as well as themes of grief, loss, and regret, all play a beautiful symphony on the page, as readers become lost in the overwhelming nature of the protagonist’s struggles. The emotional rollercoaster readers go on with her, and the way it elevates the action and suspense of this story will keep readers invested as the story progresses.

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The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Ahlam Faris’s “Heir of Flame and Shadow” is a worthy addition to the Rings and Chains series and a must-read fantasy thriller. The twists and turns in the story, along with the shocking revelations about the protagonist’s origins and the villain she must soon face, will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for the next installment in the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ahlam Faris is an award-winning fantasy author known for crafting immersive worlds filled with magic, intrigue, and powerful characters. Her debut novel, Daughter of Light and Dark, received critical acclaim and won the 2024 Reviewers’ Choice Award from Book Nerdection.

https://ahlamfaris.com/

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heir-of-flame-and-shadow-ahlam-faris/1148136375?ean=9782918764250

https://amzn.to/3IsYoOM

PRESS RELEASE: WAITING FOR THE PIANO TUNER TO DIE BY HARRIET RICHARDS

Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards’s acclaimed short story collection, to be
re-released in a new edition September 30 by Shadowpaw Press Reprise

Shadowpaw Press Reprise in Regina, Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce the release on September 30 of a new edition of Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, the acclaimed short story collection by Harriet Richards, a finalist for Book of the Year at the 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards.


“These ten stories summon environs and echoes from as far away as my four-year-old self, and showcase fictional versions of a few of my dearest and not-so-dear fellow travellers in life,” says Richards. “What a wonderful journey this has been to revisit these worlds and bring them to light once again.


“It’s been a joy for me to read these stories for the first time, and I’m thrilled to be able to re-introduce them to the reading public,” says Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press. “Shadowpaw Press Reprise exists to bring out new editions of notable, previously published books. Waiting for the Piano Tuner to
Die is a perfect example of what the imprint was designed to return to life.”


More about Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die


Finalist, Book of the Year, 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards


“There are forces at play so simple, natural, and accidental that nobody can figure them out
and see them coming.”


In a small prairie town, a teenage girl’s unexpected pregnancy upends her family’s quiet
rhythms, revealing the tender absurdities of love and loss. In shadowed ravines and forgotten
sheds, a child confronts the rats of her nightmares and the fragile bonds of friendship. A boy
chasing turtles and salamanders discovers the razor-thin line between joy and oblivion, while
siblings navigate a mother’s surreal transformation amid whispers of art, betrayal, and
unspoken curses.

In Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards weaves ten haunting tales of ordinary
lives cracked open by the extraordinary―heartaches, spectral visitations, forbidden desires,
and the quiet violence of human connection. From a woman’s escape from a controlling lover
to a daughter’s reckoning with her mother’s final romance, these stories pulse with dark
humour, poignant insight, and the raw poetry of the everyday, exploring the ties that
bind―and break―us, in a world in which “there’s lots more sorrow flying around people’s
heads than there is joy.”


Even though that sorrow may be heartbreaking, and occasionally horrific, the reader is
constantly reminded, with the quiet, clear-eyed, and sometimes mischievous irony of Harriet
Richards’s voice, that in this world―in the least likely places―we may entertain angels
unawares.


Praise for Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die


Finalist, Book of the Year, 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards


“Richards, at her best when she enters psychological terrain, maps psychic contours with chilling
accuracy and eerie pulchritude . . . A piano tuner adjusts the instrument’s strings to ensure it
sounds harmonious. The same might be said of Richards’s talent for creating organically unified
short fictions of the first order.”—The Globe and Mail


“In Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards has once again proven her considerable
skill as a writer of literary fiction. Her first book, The Lavender Child, a quiet but shimmering
novel concerning three generations of one family, showcased Richards’ knack for
characterization . . . the author has followed up with a collection of stories that holds its own
among the best in the genre.”—Saskatoon Star-Phoenix


“While lyrical and affecting, there is nothing precious, nothing sentimental in this collection. It’s
edgy fiction grounded in the flat and vast Saskatchewan landscape: the environments are
expansive but the stories dig deep.”―Planet, the Welsh Internationalist


More about the author


Harriet Richards was born in Toronto, Ontario, as the fifth of seven children to a Welsh father
and an American mother. Her family relocated to the prairies during her childhood. Initially
pursuing a career as a visual artist, her creative focus shifted when an obstinate painting,
inspired by a recurring dream, evolved into her first short story.


Richards is the author of three acclaimed works of fiction. The Lavender Child (1998) was a
finalist for the Fiction Award and won the First Book Award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards.
Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die (2003) was a finalist for Book of the Year, and The Pious
Robber (2013) was also a finalist for Book of the Year and won the Fiction Award. Her short fiction has appeared in literary journals in Canada and Wales, and her paintings have been
featured on book covers in both countries.


Richards has guided emerging writers through the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild and edited
numerous works of fiction and literary essays for authors across Canada. She resides in
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.


About Shadowpaw Press


Shadowpaw Press, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was founded in 2018 by award-
winning author Edward Willett. Shadowpaw Press is a member of Literary Press Group (Canada)
and the Association of Canadian Publishers and publishes an eclectic selection of books by both
new and established authors, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books,
nonfiction, and anthologies.

PRESS RELEASE: At Least I’m Trying: A new Young Adult thriller by the critically acclaimed author of Chasing Through Time, Tara Hodgson

Blinded by his love bombing and the desperation to shed her perfect image, Reese plunges head first into their world.

It feels instantly thrilling… until it’s not.

Girls are disappearing from nearby towns, however no one in their quiet small town seems
concerned.  But when Liam’s behaviour grows darker, Reese’s new life begins to unravel. She ignores the warnings. The red flags. The little voice screaming to her that something’s not right. Until she’s far from home, trapped in a nightmare she can’t escape.

With no one left to trust, Reese has to fight to reclaim the life she was so eager to leave behind. She wanted freedom. Now, she just wants to go home.   At least she has to try.

Told with searing honesty and lyrical depth, At Least I’m Trying is a poignant novel about mental health, girlhood, and what happens when the version of yourself you’ve worked so hard to become starts to fall apart.

https://bit.ly/atleastimtrying

More From Tara!!!

The friendship becomes a lifeline for both girls. Their lives bear striking similarities, yet the differences are equally profound. While Sarah is spared from the perils of social media, she gains self-assurance and begins to discover herself. In contrast, Emma’s struggles intensify as she faces dire consequences for her actions online and misguided romantic entanglements.

Sarah watches helplessly as Emma’s life unravels, yearning to help but bound by the constraints of time. Emma’s perilous descent accelerates, and the danger of not receiving the help she desperately needs looms large. Sarah, trapped twenty years in the past, must find a way to intervene before it’s too late.

This gripping tale of bridging the gap between eras explores the enduring power of human connection, the complexities of teenage life, and the lengths to which a stranger will go to save a life.

https://bit.ly/chasingthroughtime

Tara Hodgson has been teaching junior high for the past sixteen years. She spends her days surrounded by teens and has witnessed the changes that technology, especially social media, has had on the teenage experience. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs. Information about Tara can be found at:  TARA HODGSON – Home

PRESS RELEASE: Doug Lawrence, critically acclaimed author and now multiple Book Award Winner

Critically acclaimed author Doug Lawrence is now a multiple Award Winner. His critically acclaimed non-fiction book, Grief: The Silent Pandemic was the recipient of several awards at the prestigious Global Book Awards including the Silver Award for Spiritual Growth, and two Bronze Award wins for Psychology and Grief and Bereavement. 

About Global Book Awards

The Global Awards aim to discover new talent as well as recognize fine examples of self-published books. As such, we hope they will give self-published authors the recognition they deserve, whether that is in their writing creativity, or in the way they have marketed their books to attract new readers. In this modern age of self-publishing, books need to be appraised not only by their content and writing style, but also by the way they present and market themselves to the prospective buyer, whether that is in the good ratings it has on important stores like Amazon, its book cover and description, or the number of reviews it has collected. They must also appeal to new readers so part of the evaluation included a survey asking avid readers to select the top 5 books they enjoyed the most.

About Doug Lawrence

Doug Lawrence is the founder of TalentC® and is focused on all things mentoring as a solution provider. Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Practice – Mentor and the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor in the world today.

He has over 30 years of mentoring and leadership experience and is recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space. Doug authored the book entitled, “The Gift of Mentoring” and his second book entitled, “You Are Not Alone” became an Amazon #1 Best Seller in North America and the UK and is a  Silver and Bronze medal recipient in the Global Book Awards. Doug is an International Best – Selling Author.

Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in his accumulation of 3,400 hours of mentoring (in person and virtual), 235 hours of speaking opportunities and 672 hours teaching others how to effectively mentor. Doug has been the guest on approximately 200 podcasts in the past year on the topics of mentoring, mental health and grief.

PRESS RELEASE: She Looks Like Fun: The stunning debut thriller by film producer and author, Constantinos Koumontzis

The book is available worldwide in all formats by Whitechapel Trading Co

 Ann Bonny hides beneath the façade of an innocent schoolteacher in Chicago but spends her nights a call girl. She masquerades herself through an online escort service to carry out her violent desires. Her two worlds collide one night as her dark tendencies cross paths with her ‘normal’ life. Miss Bonny is about to spiral into madness while trying to keep her two lives from combusting.

She Looks Like Fun – Kindle edition by Koumontzis, Constantinos. Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

“Where has this author been. An enlightening commentary on our societal norms. I found myself routing (out loud) for the killer. Wonderfully written. Looking forward to the sequel or the TV series. A MUST READ!_ A Book WR

This isn’t the type of book I would normally read, I’m a little squeamish, but a friend suggested it and wow, this book is fantastic! The outrageous story of a female serial killer is entertaining and well crafted. The characters are intriguing and the descriptions are so meticulously detailed they jump right off the page. Koumontzis does a masterful job of keeping the reader engrossed in this wild ride of a gruesome tale. I thoroughly enjoyed and totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and thrilling read”_ Jennifer Lieberman, Award-winning author of Year of the What

About Constantinos:

Constantinos Koumontzis graduated from DePaul University Chicago with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. 

He was awarded the Mary Zavada writing endowment and honed his craft while studying abroad in London at the University of Westminster.

He produced the short film “Touch” in 2024 and currently lives and writes in Los Angeles. 

His debut novel, “She Looks Like Fun” is out now and available on Amazon, Kindle, Audible, and several major bookstores. More information about Constantinos can be found at:  Constantinos Koumontzis | She Looks Like Fun