Tag: book review

BLOG TOUR: CHAOS KIN By Sheryl R. Hayes (A Jordan Abbey Novel Book 3)

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, Book Events, Book PromotionLeave a comment

I always seen to get a question when people find out that I’m an author. “How did you start writing?”

You would think that is an easy question to answer.  I don’t know about other authors, but I have a few different answers. Which one I give depends on what is meant by ‘start writing.’

I’ve always told myself stories.  Some were about characters I saw on different characters on TV shows and books interacting.  Sometimes they were about characters I made up.  The earliest I vaguely remember had to do with me traveling to Narnia after I read C. S. Lewis when I would have been around ten years old. But I never actually wrote those stories down, so don’t have the details of my adventures with Aslan, Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter.

Oddly enough, I never channeled that into my English classes in school beyond the necessary creative writing assignments.  Probably because at that time I had an interest in fantasy and science fiction, and I kept hearing from teachers that no woman who wanted to write seriously would write in those genres.  So giving into a misogyny that I didn’t comprehend at the time, I kept those stories to myself as daydreams.

Then two things happened in the early nineties. I discovered the television show The X-Files, and I also got online.  My sister mentioned that she had seen an X-Files forum on America Online (yes, I was one of those people).  From there,  discovered online fandom in general, and fan fiction specifically.  I finally had a name to put to what I had been doing for years. So now my stories had a place to be shared.

Around the same time I also found an anthology titled originally enough Werewolves.  It was the first time I had come across stories about werewolves outside of the horror genre.  Mind you, the book did have short horror stories, but there was also humor and romance focused stories.  And it got me thinking.

The focus of my fanfic stories shifted from trying to stay relatively close to the canon of the series to an original creation.  A friend and I had both were complaining about being stuck on stories we were writing.  So we decided that we’d both create a character, toss them together, and see what happened.  What happened was a 200 chapter, meandering paranormal romance that pulled in aspects of some tv shows, but had mostly original characters.  I learned about world-building, creating canon for your stories universe, sticking to that canon as you go forward in the story, and how to create the structure to hang your plot on.  It still exists on our hard drives, and occasionally I go back to peek at it.  While it was an incredible effort, it was ultimately unpublishable.  

My friend and I are still writing, by the way, but we’ve shifted our focus.  We are currently working on a paranormal romance series.  The first book in it will be released later this year.

At this point, I had been going to conventions and met authors both in person and online.  It was at one of these conventions I had the seed of the idea for what would become the Jordan Abbey series. Using all I had learned over the years of writing as a hobby, and learning a lot more, I completed Chaos Wolf.  In the middle of writing what I thought would be a standalone book, I realized that there were a lot more stories in this universe that I could tell.

Chaos Kin is the most recent of these stories. I have a few more misadventures of Jordan Abbey that I hope to share, as well as a few more story seeds that I want to make bloom.

New Release: Chaos Kin - Sheryl R. Hayes

Sheryl R. Hayes has a new MMF paranormal book out (bi, poly), Jordan Abbey book 3: Chaos Kin.

In the town of Rancho Robles, can one werewolf protect the Children of the Wolf and the Bat? Chaos Wolf Jordan Abbey has made friends among the Black Oak Pack even though she refuses to join it. The same can’t be said of the vampires, but her life has taken a turn for the better.

That is until Enya Blevins, sister to the werewolf who turned Jordan, arrives in Rancho Robles. She wants to know who killed her baby brother and is less than impressed by the Chaos Wolf. Enya wants revenge, starting with Jordan and ending with the vampires infesting the area.

Jordan is prepared to flee, but a technicality makes her an Alpha Werewolf. Now she must stand her ground to protect her nascent Pack and those she loves.

The past has come back to bite her. Does she have the fangs to bite back?

About the Series:

In the Northern California town of Rancho Robles where the Children of the Wolf and the Bat share an uneasy coexistence. One werewolf woman threatens to upset that balance.

Universal Buy Link | Liminal Fiction | Goodreads

Giveaway:

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

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47323/

Excerpt:

MEME 2 - Chaos Kin

“You ready for this?”

Jordan nodded. She and Montgomery had pulled over three blocks from the entrance to the Black Oak Pack’s compound for one last quick discussion. “Got the Uber request programmed in to meet me here. If things go wrong, we run.”

Montgomery shook his head, hand tightening on the steering wheel. “No, you run.”

Jordan’s expression tightened. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Jordan, you have to run without me.” Montgomery stared at her until she looked away. “I know you’re afraid of what will happen to me. But they won’t harm me. To do so is to risk open conflict with Elder Marcus.”

Jordan bit back her response. Alpha Shane may have a vested interest in living in peace with the Elder of the Conclave of Rancho Robles. That didn’t mean that these strangers who came from far away would have the same desires. Add to the fact things were personal between Montgomery and Enya, and the odds were that they wouldn’t be thinking about insulting the vampires in the area.

She sighed and recited the plans they had come up with the night before. “If things go south, I run back to the Cataluña and wait for you or Thorn. If after twenty-four hours, neither of you show up, I ask Elder Marcus for help getting someplace safe. You and Thorn will join me once you’re able to.”

Montgomery smiled and nodded. She noticed a tear in the corner of his eye. “Hopefully, it won’t come to that.”

She didn’t bother to say that he didn’t sound like he believed it any more than she did.

Jordan closed her eyes but lifted her head as she and Montgomery drove up to the gate of the Black Oak Pack’s home territory. As if by mutual consent, neither of them spoke as Sentry Rodriguez waved them through. There was no point hashing out their plans further. In the next ten minutes, they would know if she would have to run and hide with her tail between her legs.

The silence continued as they walked to the front door. Angela opened the door before she had a chance to knock on it, focusing on Jordan instead of Montgomery. The blonde blond werewolf arched her eyebrows in a question.

Jordan shook her head ever so slightly.

Angela’s lips pressed together as she narrowed her eyes. Jordan could hear her thoughts. Why am I not surprised? Instead, she gestured them inside. “This way please.”

The entire pack was gathered, clumping together in little knots around the room. Pamela met her eyes and then turned her attention back to her conversation with Tran. Alpha Shane, Envoy Blevins, and Talespeakers stood by the cold, dark fireplace. Angela took her place with the rest of the younger people in the room. The tension in the room ramped up as the four highest-ranking werewolves focused on her and Montgomery. Alpha Shane dipped his head in greeting. “Chaos Wolf Abbey, Mr. Cooper.”

Enya was far less formal, not giving Montgomery and Jordan a chance to greet them. She assessed Jordan, head lifted so she stared down her nose. “Were you able to retrieve the fangs?”

Jordan drew herself up to stand straight and as tall as she could. “No.”

Everyone around her tensed, which she expected.

“This isn’t her fault,” Montgomery said. “She didn’t know—”

“Silence, vampire!” Enya snapped. Her focus was on Jordan as she paced forward. “It’s not completely your fault. I blame you as much as I blame him.” She nodded towards Alpha Shane. “And him.” Her gaze turned towards Montgomery.

Alpha Shane’s shoulders hunched. He shifted his weight but said nothing.

She felt her ears flatten, an impressive trick as she was in her human form. Jordan opened her mouth, trying to force her words through her snarl. To her surprise, Billy, Juan, Tran, and Maria surrounded her and Montgomery with Angela taking the point in front of Jordan. Jordan couldn’t see her expression, but the young woman stood stiffly, legs apart, and fists braced on her waist.

Confused, Jordan looked at Billy on her right, eyes wide. “What’s going on?” she whispered as Montgomery put a hand on her shoulder.

“We’re saving your skin,” he said. “Now, shush.”

Angela looked at Enya. “Jordan shouldn’t be treated as a chaos wolf. She is—”

“Angela!” Alpha Shane barked, glaring at her.

His daughter didn’t stop speaking. “—An alpha wolf in her own right.”

Author Bio

Sheryl R. Hayes can be found untangling plot threads or the yarn her three cats have been playing with. She is equally likely to be shooing one of them off the keyboard as she is working on her novels and short stories. In addition to writing, she is a cosplayer focusing on knit and crochet costumes.

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

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/sherylreneehayes

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/sherylrhayes

Author Mastodon: https://mastodon.online/@sherylrhayes

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sherylrhayes/

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16468770.Sheryl_R_Hayes

Author Liminal Fiction (LimFic.com): https://www.limfic.com/mbm-book-author/sheryl-r-hayes/

Author Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/sherylrhayes

Other Worlds Ink logo

Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood (Deadwood Humorous Mystery Book 14) by Ann Charles 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 heist to unload 80-plus mystical clocks from a detective to evade the grim reaper turns into chaos in author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobbers in Deadwood,” the latest entry in the Deadwood Humorous Mystery series. 

The Synopsis

Violet Parker has big troubles these days—the ticking kind. To duck the Grim Reaper, she needs to get her hands on eighty-plus rare, mystical clocks locked up tight by a thick-headed detective.

The solution? Hijack the truckload of ticking time bombs out from under Johnny Law’s nose.

But no caper ever goes according to plan. What starts out as a game of clocks and robbers twists and turns into a chaos of cops and clobbers.

Will Violet beat the detective in time? Or will she spend Valentine’s Day behind bars?

The Review

What a fun and engaging supernatural meets humor thriller. The natural way the author was able to infuse the supernatural world into this series showcases the depth of world-building and mythology the author was able to layer throughout the narrative. The author’s writing style’s imagery made the reader feel transported into the story effortlessly. It gave readers the fast-paced adrenaline that this series has become synonymous with.

Of course, the highlight of this narrative was the character-driven narrative and the humor the author brought to these characters. Including deep-cut mythological figures and items such as poppets and how the author brought these items into a modern-day heist setting was fun and engaging for a reader to get lost in.

The Verdict

Memorable, witty, and entertaining author Ann Charles’s “Cops & Clobber in Deadwood” is a must-read supernatural thriller meets humorous heist read. The twists and turns in the story and the continuous character growth of the protagonist and her posse allow the reader to quickly hone in on the fun and charm the series banks on. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Ann Charles is a USA Today Bestselling author who writes award-winning books that are splashed with humor, mystery, suspense, romance, supernatural elements, and whatever else sounds fun. 

Currently, she has many fiction books available in several different on-going series. 

From her ongoing multi-award winning Deadwood Mystery Series:

NEARLY DEPARTED IN DEADWOOD (book 1–multiple award-winning book for both mystery and romance/mystery); 

OPTICAL DELUSIONS IN DEADWOOD (book 2); 

DEAD CASE IN DEADWOOD (book 3-one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2012 books); 

BETTER OFF DEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 4); 

AN EX TO GRIND IN DEADWOOD (book 5–Grand Prize winner in Chanticleer Review’s Paranormal category; 

MEANWHILE, BACK IN DEADWOOD (book 6–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2015 books);

A WILD FRIGHT IN DEADWOOD (book 7–one of Suspense Magazine’s BEST OF 2016 books); 

RATTLING THE HEAD IN DEADWOOD (book 8)

GONE HAUNTING IN DEADWOOD (book 9)

DON’T LET IT SNOW IN DEADWOOD (book 10)

DEVIL DAYS IN DEADWOOD (book 11)

NEVER SAY SEVER IN DEADWOOD (book 12)

TIMEREAPING IN DEADWOOD (book 13)

Also available from Ann in her on-going Jackrabbit Junction Mystery Series: 

DANCE OF THE WINNEBAGOS (book 1)

JACKRABBIT JUNCTION JITTERS (book 2)

THE GREAT JACKALOPE STAMPEDE (book 3)

THE ROWDY COYOTE RUMBLE (book 4)

A Thanksgiving novella titled, THE WILD TURKEY TANGO (book 4.5)

A Christmas novella titled, JACKRABBIT JINGLE BALLS (book 4.7)

IN CAHOOTS WITH THE PRICKLY PEAR POSSE (book 5)

TWISTY TORTOISE TUSSLES (book 6)

LOOK WHAT THE WIND BLEW IN (book 1) and MAKE NO BONES ABOUT IT (book 2), the first two books in her on-going Dig Site Mystery-Archaeology series set in the Maya jungle, are available on Amazon, too. These books star Quint Parker, the brother of Violet Parker–the heroine in her Deadwood Mystery series. They are filled with mystery, humor, adventure, and a plenty of heat.

She has a western paranormal Deadwood Undertaker Series in process that is co-written with Sam Lucky:

LIFE AT THE COFFIN JOINT (book 1)

A LONG WAY FROM ORDINARY (book 2

CAN’T RIDE AROUND IT (book 3)

CATAWAMPUS CHRISTMAS CAROL (book 3.5)

THE BACKSIDE OF HADES (book 4)

She has several short stories as well–DEADWOOD SHORTS: SEEING TROUBLE (book 1.5), BOOT POINTS (book 4.5), COLD FLAME (book 6.5), TEQUILA & TIME (book 8.5), and FATAL TRADITIONS (book 10.5). These are all short stories from her Deadwood Mystery Series. Also, she has THE OLD MAN’S BACK IN TOWN, a short story from her future Goldwash Mystery Series.

In addition, Ann has two novellas in the AC Silly Circus Co. Mystery series: FERAL-LY FUNNY FREAKSHOW and A BUNCH OF MONKEY MALARKEY.

Stay tuned for more new books by Ann coming soon!

Ann has a B.A. in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. She is a member of Novelists, Inc. She is currently toiling away on her next book, wishing she was on a Mexican beach with an ice-cold Corona in one hand and a book in the other. When she is not dabbling in fiction, she is arm wrestling with her two kids, attempting to seduce her husband, and arguing with her sassy cats. You can find her on all major social media platforms.

Home

Miranda Fights (A Miranda Quinn Legal Twist) by Gail Ward Olmsted 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. 

With young women disappearing and a ruthless organization behind it all, the former host turned lawyer Miranda Quinn must work to save these young women before it’s too late in the book Miranda Fights by Gail Ward Olmsted.

The Synopsis

Miranda Quinn is back in the courtroom working as a legal aid attorney when she’s asked to represent Lennon, the daughter of a high school friend currently serving time in prison. Still struggling with guilt from the role she played in her friend’s downfall, Miranda agrees to help.

The former assistant DA has given up a lucrative career as a legal talk radio host to better serve her community. In her spare time, she volunteers as a counselor for at-risk teens. It’s challenging but rewarding, at least until the young women begin to mysteriously disappear. As Miranda struggles to find out who is responsible, it becomes clear that Lennon is in danger as well. As the police piece together Miranda’s clues, they realize they’re dealing with a much larger and farther-reaching organization than they had expected.

Miranda has faced her share of adversaries, both in and out of the courtroom. To expose the sex traffickers preying on the group of girls she has sworn to protect, she’ll need to keep her eyes and ears open. But to save the one young woman who needs her most, she’ll have to open her heart.

She’s in for the fight of her life.

The Review

The balance the author found in persona development for her star protagonist and the chilling realities of the crime she investigates is very on point here, a Gail Ward Olmsted staple that has drawn readers throughout this series. The exploration of Mirandas’ friendship with her high school friend Charlene and the consequences of their friendship’s end on Charlene’s daughter years later make the narrative entirely compelling and easy to get lost in.

While the overarching story of the protagonist and her exploits are part of this growing legal thriller series, what always impresses me is that the author makes each novel stand out on its own, allowing each narrative its opportunity to shine. The horrors of human trafficking and the brutal fight against it are thoroughly explored here, and the descriptive nature of the settings allows the story to pop off the page.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thoughtful, and entertaining, author Gail Ward Olmsted’s “Miranda Fights” is a must-read legal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the exploration of more domestic relationships, and the bonds that Miranda makes with Lennon will stay with readers as the story progresses.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Gail Ward Olmsted was a marketing executive and a college professor before she began writing fiction on a full-time basis. A trip to Sedona, AZ inspired her first novel Jeep Tour. Three more novels followed before Landscape of a Marriage, a biographical novel featuring landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, a distant cousin of her husband’s, and his wife Mary. Miranda Fights is the third book in the Miranda Quinn Legal Twist series. Olmsted enjoys writing about quirky, wonderful women in search of a second chance at a happy ever after. When not writing, she loves being on the water, especially in a kayak. She is well known for her blonde brownies, and coffee is her love language. For more, visit her on Facebook at gailolmstedauthor.

New Trails (New Trails Book 1) by Jody Norman 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 man without purpose or direction finds himself transported to another world and must rely on the help of a local energy worker and guardian to escape the clutches of a dark guardian in author Jody Norman’s “New Trails,” the first in the New Trails series.

The Synopsis

Trapped in a life without purpose or escape, Troy is suddenly thrust into a different world, one of mystery and magic, where he must learn to trust — in his companion Kieran, and in himself and his own learning as he navigates this strange and wondrous place.

Kieran, a stubbornly independent Guardian and energy worker in this new world, makes his own way until Troy crashes into his life, bringing change like a hot desert wind. The young men must grow together, slowly recognizing the bond of mind and soul that lies between them, one with the potential to make something greater of them both, if they have the courage to accept it.

Together they must face Aodhan, the Dark R’Guardian who wants to enslave Troy, using the outworlder’s very soul to destroy Aodhan’s own world in the name of saving it. And Kieran, junior to Aodhan, is the only one who can stand between them.

Will either of them take the journey they’re called to, or survive it if they do?

Finalist in the New Mexico-Arizona Book Award and the Page Turner Award

The Review

What a breathtaking and compelling read! The author created an incredible world with this larger-than-life fantasy-driven narrative while injecting a healthy dose of realism into the character development. The author’s imagery throughout the book brings a sense of magic and wonder to the setting, similar to how this reader felt the first time they watched Return of the Jedi and saw the heroes walking through the forest moon of Endor. It evoked a sense of magic yet ancient and familiar territory as if you could walk right into it.

The themes that the author brought to life in this narrative were powerful and engaged with the reader. The sense of identity and purpose that the story played with, both with Troy and Kieran, as well as the sense of identity that came from their growing bond and the use of energy and nature itself to enforce that bond, was so thought-provoking. The use of synchronicity, energy work, and how it plays into the way the world works not only elevates the story but also allows the reader to connect with this world more fully. 

The Verdict

Memorable, authentic, and entertaining author Jody Norman’s “New Trails” is a must-read fantasy novel. The main protagonist’s realism, origins, and the real dilemmas he faces throughout this fantasy journey add more depth to the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, especially the shocking cliffhanger finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

I’m an award-winning author who loves thresholds, and portals, and passing through them.  Places where you’re not quite here and not quite there.  Or in other words, liminal spaces.  To me, this is where potential and opportunity wait for the unwary passersby, and I really enjoy placing my characters in these places and seeing them revealed for who they truly are and can be.

Nature and myself have an intimate relationship, and it’s key to all my writing, running through my novels like the fractal veins of a watershed.  And since I believe that nature includes our place in the universe, astronomy and quantum physics and cosmology inform the structure of my fantasy worlds.

I’ve taught English to high-schoolers, citizenship to immigrants, sustainability to college students.  I fell in love with cities and all that they could be in my masters degree in city and regional planning, and I’ve written articles for publications as varied as Dog Fancy and Colorado Gardener and Graduating Engineer and Computer Careers.

I have an almost forty-year love relationship with my same sex partner, and together we’ve moved in eight-year cycles from Tucson, Arizona, to Boulder and Denver, Colorado, to Atlanta, Georgia, and finally to Silver City, New Mexico.  We’re looking at various places for our next stop. I really want to know what it’s like to be a world citizen, so maybe somewhere out of the US!

Please check out my book at Goodreads, my Bookbubs Author page, and sign up for my newsletter to hear how the sequel (Hidden Trails) is progressing!  And keep an eye on my blog, which addresses the issues we all face as our civilization moves forward.

Jody Norman

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551887456347

https://books2read.com/new-trails

The Last Breath Before Death by Alan Golbourn 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 artist and paranormal investigative reporter must seek answers to his missing brother when he disappears in Germany and in the process discovers an unparralleled evil in author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death”. 

The Synopsis

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER

A missing brother … An imminent phenomenon …

Award-winning comic book illustrator and artist Jimmy Cochran is also a freelance reporter in New York City, specialising in the supernatural. Upon hearing that his estranged brother, Quentin, has gone missing with his best friend over in Germany, Jimmy becomes concerned — unable to shake off the feeling of foreboding and dread. Things worsen when he quickly learns that the missing two are in great danger from an unequalled evil, which is connected to an upcoming, ominous and phenomenal event.

A mysterious ‘man’ with a terrifying tale …

With time running out, Jimmy investigates further, in spite of the strong warnings and the danger to his own life — particularly after he is contacted by a peculiar and mystifying man with a horrific, nefarious past of his own, linked to old Serbian and German folklores and a sinister, secret brotherhood.

The Review

Another compelling supernatural thriller from author Alan Golbourn. The author does a remarkable job of simultaneously creating atmospheric supernatural stories and a cult following. The imagery in the author’s writing brought the European setting and folkloric atmosphere to life on the page in a way that will stay with the reader.

The heart of this novel was in the balance the author found between relatable character development and deep, folkloric mythos. The unique spin on the classic “vampire” that the author found through Germanic folklore was so inspired and added a depth of terror that few vampire books manage to capture these days. The protagonist’s complex familial bonds with his brother and mother and the relatable life experiences he exudes throughout this narrative will instantly draw readers in.

The Verdict

Haunting, detailed, and entertaining, author Alan Golbourn’s “The Last Breath Before Death” is a must-read supernatural horror thriller. The unique twists and turns that this narrative takes, the relatability of the protagonist, and the chilling nature of this take on vampires will stay with readers long after the final chapter ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Alan Golbourn was born in Essex, England. He has enjoyed writing stories since a young age, when he was recognised early for his writing abilities. Amongst several interests and hobbies, including football and computer games, he holds a love and compassion for animals.

Silent Promises by Jessica Leed 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 mourning her husband’s loss and desperate to get help for their daughter turns to a psychologist. She begins to develop a close bond with him in the process as new secrets are uncovered in author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises.”

The Synopsis

In a journey of healing and rediscovery, Maddie, Caleb, and Lila navigate the complexities of love, loss, and healing, learning that sometimes, the people who understand our pain best are the ones we least expect.

In the wake of her husband Dylan’s tragic death, Maddie struggles to connect with their daughter Lila, who has fallen silent since losing her father. Desperate for help, Maddie turns to Caleb, a new psychologist at Dylan’s former workplace.

As Caleb works to break through Lila’s emotional barriers, rumors threaten to derail their progress, pushing Lila further into rebellion. Grappling with her grief and uncertainties, Maddie finds herself drawn to Caleb.

But when Lila’s behavior reaches a crisis point, Maddie and Caleb are forced to confront their fears and secrets. As they unravel Dylan’s hidden connections and the truth behind Caleb’s presence in their lives, they discover a shared loss that binds them closer than they ever imagined.

The Review

A truly powerful and moving read, the author did an incredible job of layering the narrative with powerful themes and compelling character arcs. The way the author captured the steady yet sudden journey that a loved one’s decline in health and subsequent loss maintains in life was so heartbreaking yet relatable for anyone who has ever lost someone close to them. The way the story allows both the mother and daughter to look back on their time with the husband and father and intermix it with the grief and journey through grief that they both endure in their terms was heartfelt and compelling to engage with as a reader.

The story’s surprising character developments and emotional pull were at the heart of this novel. In the grand scheme of things, Caleb’s connection to Maddie and Lila is a shock, and the emotional weight of Dylan’s loss impacts that connection significantly. The dips into romance that the story takes in exploring Maddie’s relationship with Dylan and the complex relationship between Lila and Maddie as they navigate post-loss life as mother and daughter will resonate with many readers.

The Verdict

A heartbreaking yet relatable and engaging story of loss, love, and moving forward, author Jessica Leed’s “Silent Promises” is a must-read romance meets genre fiction drama. The author does a marvelous job of tapping into the emotional turmoil that comes with any loss, and the twists and turns in the story and these characters’ arcs will leave a lasting impression the reader will not soon forget. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Jessica Leed hails from Victoria, Australia, and has lived in the United States since 2021. An elementary teacher, former dancer, and fitness professional, she now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two beloved cats. Jessica finds joy in books, coffee, long walks, the beauty of autumn, and cooking hearty breakfasts.

Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters by Michael Swerdloff 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 powerful and moving story of the impact toxic masculinity has on those growing up and the way it drives others to become what they fought so hard not to drive author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters”

The Synopsis

This is a story about a boy who wanted to be kind and loving but was raised by wolves and monsters who taught him to choose violence and aggression. As the boy grew to be a man, he wanted to be a protector of women but ended up being what girls and women needed protection from. He lied, cheated, and scammed his way through life until he couldn’t.

This memoir is his moving account of discovering healthy masculinity from the inside out. His journey has been sensational at times and unbelievable at others, but for many readers, it has been absolutely inspiring. Will the hungry wolves outlast the desire to be loving and beautiful? Can men truly change?

There is hope in witnessing the depth and commitment of a person willing to try to be better without knowing exactly how. This memoir captures one man’s struggle to transcend his past and imagine an entirely new future for himself premised on compassion, care, and advocacy.

We do not have to be what they did to us, but it’s our responsibility to do something about it.

The Review

The author’s story’s raw honesty and emotional impact were refreshing and memorable. The way the author can honestly depict and write out the painful experiences of his childhood, as well as the actions he himself took to continuously perpetuate this harmful lifestyle and the transformative experience of bettering himself, made this such a phenomenal memoir. The imagery found in his writing style and the importance of his ability to hone in on the conversational aspect of his writing, allowing readers to feel as if they have been having a true heart-to-heart with the author, made this an engaging read.

The true heart of this story is both the author’s transformative journey and the theme of toxic masculinity, and the impact toxicity can have on child development as a whole. The heartbreak of the author’s experiences in childhood, primarily his father’s actions, and the role addiction and toxicity played in his life were so poignant. The author never shies away rom the challenging moments, from his lying and cheating to his hospitalization in a mental hospital and the reformative path he found afterward in healing energy and Reiki as a whole. 

The Verdict

A remarkable testament to the power of forgiveness and transformation as one man shares his journey to overcome the toxic traits that defined his early life, author Michael Swerdloff’s “Raised by Wolves, Possibly Monsters” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The way the author can creatively paint an image of each and every experience he shares and can find a way of bridging the gap between the lessons he grew up with and the path to better-helping others, especially women, after the way he acted in his youth, made this a stunning message of hope and the path of change that hope can provide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

MICHAEL SWERDLOFF is an Ordained Minister of Natural Healing from The Seminary Training Program and a Reiki Master. His work is Brief Holistic Counseling/Coaching. Michael has received training from His Holiness the Dalai Lama, The Gottman Institute, and other revered teachers and healers. He has been a counselor, coach, social worker, community organizer, educator, writer, and DJ for more than twenty-five years. Along with his private practice, Michael is the Program Manager at Dance New England, a volunteer-centered non-profit that hosts dance events that cultivate a vibrant multi-generational community. Michael facilitates retreats in New England and globally. He lives by the water in Rhode Island, which is not an island.

MedEvac by Andrew LaFleche 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.

Author and poet Andrew LaFlechce shares a heartfelt and honest poetry collection in the book “MedEvac.” 

The Synopsis

From award-winning author and veteran Andrew Lafleche, MedEvac is a raw and reflective poetry collection. It delves into the harrowing realities of combat in Afghanistan, the anguish of divorce, the loss of a child, and the destructive force of alcoholism. With brutal honesty and unflinching introspection, Lafleche captures the weight of grief and the search for meaning, both in life and in faith. In MedEvac, poetry becomes a vehicle for self-examination and spiritual reflection, making it a powerful read for those familiar with trauma.

“I will not cry here, at least

I cannot let him see me cry in this place, even

though I’ve come to learn that being a man

isn’t the ability to hold back tears, rather,

understanding the things in life which matter

most when lost will make you weep. Still,

brave for him, faking it for me. “I knew you’d

come, daddy. They told me you might not

make it in time, whatever that meant. But

I knew you’d come.”

—MedEvac

Written with heartsick honesty, the collection concludes in collision with an acceptance that will break your heart. It offers refuge for those who wish to find peace:

The Review

The wellspring of emotion that this collection inspires is gut-wrenching and heartfelt, speaking with an intensity and honesty that is truly impactful. Each poem’s imagery paints an emotional picture in the reader’s mind, allowing these haunting themes to give beautiful life on the page.

The Themes, of course, are this collection’s driving force, covering everything from grief, war, alcoholism, divorce, and so much more. The personal and honest nature of the poems allows these themes to rise and delve into the heart of what it means to be human, never once shying away from the messy side of these painful memories yet using an artist’s mind to find beauty in the chaos. Through that chaos and beauty, the writer finds a universally beloved voice everyone can relate to, naturally connecting the author’s experiences to the reader.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and emotionally driven, author Andrew LaFleche’s “MedEvac” is a must-read poetry collection. The heartfelt delivery of each poem, the relatability of the poems and their powerful themes, and the way the author has given life to the buried pain and grief so many share in life made this a remarkable collection that is not to be missed. Be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Andrew LaFleche is the award-winning poet and novelist from St. Catharines, Ontario. He served under Operation Enduring Freedom during the Afghanistan War. Following his duty as an infantry soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lafleche received an M.A. in Creative and Critical Writing from the University of Gloucestershire. He is inspired by the philosophy that when young men become readers, they become better men.

Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan by Sharon Curcio 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 autistic teen must navigate and stop a Shogun in power in author Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi: An Autistic Teen’s Journey to Topple a Shogun in Medieval Japan.”

The Synopsis

There’s harrowing tension in being Asayi. But join Asayi’s circle to oppose a punitive regime. Court intrigues swirl, underbelly characters from different levels of society emerge, deceptions reign, yet truth emerges at the end.

Layers of nuance unfold: the vulnerability of an autistic young woman in a merciless time period; political unrest, physical survival, secret identities, and finding one’s tribe and love while facing injustices and revolts that are just as real as today’s inequities and discontents.

The underdogs prevail in this remarkable medieval Japanese saga replete with true to life characters, political and personal sagas, and the enduring Asian cultural icon: the ghost.

The Review

This was a compelling blend of historical fiction and paranormal suspense. Readers’ unique perspective when dealing with this genre, namely from the perspective of an autistic protagonist, as they face a powerful and ruthless regime, added depth to the story that very few historical fiction tales have. The exploration of life at court in the Shogun life and the political intrigue of this culture was so fascinating to behold. 

What stood out from other historical fiction reads was how the author presented many aspects of hardship and struggle through the protagonist’s character growth. The character was not only a woman but an autistic woman who drew more rage and wrath from those around her than sympathy and understanding. Her steadfast journey of staying mute in the face of abuse due to her being autistic helped amplify her story. Going from a very timid and submissive person in the face of great injustice to a strong and dignified spirit who underwent a remarkable transformation was a brilliant way of showcasing the unique Japanese culture of that era and highlighting the protagonist’s evolution as a whole. 

The Verdict

A story of resilience, hope, and finding one’s place in the world was a powerful way of introducing readers to Sharon Curcio’s “Asayi,” a powerful historical fiction meets paranormal suspense thriller exploring Japanese culture and a powerful autistic protagonist. The twists and turns in the narrative and the heartfelt and emotional pull of Asayi’s journey, especially when connecting with her lost parents and beyond, made this memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Sharon Curcio graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University with a B.A. in Humanities and from Washington University (STL) with an MBA. Sharon worked in marketing for major corporations in the New York area, and even landed her dream job as copywriter for a Madison Avenue Ad Agency (Benton & Bowles). Next Sharon moved to Miami, where she taught as an adjunct professor for several universities (Florida International University and the University of Miami), earned her Florida Teaching Credential, taught high school English and joined the USAR as an Intelligence Analyst. 

Sharon lived in Miami for a decade before moving to California in 1992. 

In California Sharon served as a project officer for the Army Reserves for six years and then returned to high school teaching. From 2003-2004 active duty called Sharon to Guantanamo Bay to conduct intelligence analysis. Sharon retired from the USAR as a CW-4 in 2012, then retired from teaching in 2018. In retirement Sharon wrote five screenplays, two with co-writer, Diana Saenz, and in October of 2022 heard her libretto for the oratorio “Contemplating Fire” onstage in Michigan. In 2024 she published the Asian novel “Asayi.”

In August, 2024 “Asayi” won a Gold Star from Literary Titans.