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Julia Song is Undateable by Susan Lee 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 CEO grows close to her dating coach as she tries to find a husband in author Susan Lee’s “Julia Song is Undateable.”

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The Synopsis

CEO seeks dating coach

Julia Song, CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, is at the height of her career. Then why does she feel like such a failure? Maybe because she’s thirty and single, with a terrible track record at dating. And in the eyes of her Korean family, that is just unacceptable. It never really bothered her—that is until her beloved grandmother drops the bomb that she is sick and her dying wish is for Julia to get married. Impossible. So in a moment of weakness, Julia asks her family for help. Set her up on three dates to help her find The One. But it will never work—Julia is undateable. If only there was a coach for that…

Tae Kim knows about the weight of familial expectation. He’s currently unemployed, living in his parents’ basement to care for his ill father. Sure, he’s become somewhat of a fix-it man for the Korean community around town, but that’s not a real job. And the pressure to get his life together is getting to be too much. So when the Julia Song—his childhood crush—asks for his help, it may be just the distraction he needs. He’ll do whatever it takes, even coach her for these three dates. Problem is, the more time they spend together and the closer they get, the more Tae wonders if anyone is good enough for Julia…including him.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping slow-burning romance. The rom-com style of storytelling worked well here, making light of Julia’s family dynamics and the classic friends-to-lovers trope, where Tae became the confidant and friend who helped Julia navigate these troublesome moments in her dating life, while they grew closer together. The imagery in this story was strong, bringing both the Southern California setting and the rich Korean community background to life with ease.

The emotional depth of Julia and Tae’s separate and intertwined stories, along with the rich character dynamics, was the big hook for this story. The exploration of Korean culture and its impact on how success is measured, as well as the way readers can relate to and connect with both Julia and Tae, and resonate with their emotional struggles, makes this book feel alive on the page. The strength that Julia demonstrated in her professional life, as a badass boss girl, when combined with her dating insecurities, made her character arc deep and engaging. At the same time, Tae’s good guy and best friend vibes as he puts Julia’s needs ahead of his own growing feelings for her will instantly have readers drawn to him and their growing relationship as well.

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The Verdict

Fun, dramatic, and entertaining, author Susan Lee’s Julia Song is Undateable” is a must-read romance comedy novel and one of my top picks of the romance genre for 2025. The humor, witty dialogue, emotional depth of these character arcs, and the way these characters draw readers into the narrative will instantly hook readers and make them eager for more from this fantastic author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Susan Lee is the author of the critically acclaimed and reader favorite young adult romantic comedies SEOULMATES and THE NAME DROP. Her work has been featured in national outlets such as Buzzfeed, NPR, and Pop Sugar. Kirkus Reviews calls Susan’s voice “honest, fresh and thoughtful”. A graduate of UC San Diego, Susan built a career as an HR executive at some of today’s hottest companies, until she realized that writing stories was a more impactful and powerful form of resistance and change. 

Now she channels her energy into writing Happily Ever Afters for those historically underrepresented in Romance. When she is not writing (or painfully procrastinating from writing), Susan can be found down the rabbit holes of her many obsessions including listening to Kpop, binge watching K-dramas, collecting sneakers, building mechanical keyboards, and obsessing over her two adorable, but ill-behaved chihuahuas.

SOCIAL LINKS:

Author website: https://www.susanleewrites.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanleewrites/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@susanleewrites 

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@susanleewrites 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5001894.Susan_Lee 

BUY LINKS:

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/julia-song-is-undateable-susan-lee/a33951623b2be3cf 

B&N:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/julia-song-is-undateable-susan-lee/1146730873 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1335402527?tag=harpercollinsus-20 

Please Enjoy this Excerpt from “Julia Song is Undateable”

BRIBE BAGS

JULIA SONG HATED being the center of attention.

So standing here at the head of the conference table, expect-ant eyes of Very Important People all on her, was pretty much torture.

But Julia was the CEO of Starlight Cosmetics, this company was her baby, these VIPs the executives she hired to help grow the business. And the news she had to share with them was monumental.

She scanned her memory for the advice from her executive coach for this kind of situation. The only thing she could remember was, contrary to everything she’d ever been told before in her life, never try to picture your audience naked. It would make the nerves even worse.

And, of course, now that’s all Julia could think of.

She closed her eyes for a moment to clear her mind of all the unfortunate images fighting to run through her head.

What was that one thing her coach told her?

Squeeze your butt cheeks to hold the plank. Wait, no, that was her abs coach.

If the recipe calls for garlic, double it. Wrong again. That was her cooking coach.

Oh, screw it. What was the use of having all these people to help Julia better herself when she couldn’t call upon the advice when needed?

She cleared her throat and decided to wing it.

“I know you’re all busy, so I’ll make this quick. Look, it’s not how I wanted to do this . . .”

Her dream, rather, was to one day point at each of them and tell them an exorbitant dollar amount for a bonus. Enough money for them to buy new homes in the hills or on the beach, whichever they preferred.

“Wait—are you firing us?” someone cried out from the other end of the table.

Julia’s eyebrows shot up to her hairline. “What? No, of course not. Don’t be ridiculous.”

Always start with something personal and positive to get people excited about what you’re going to say. Oh yeah, that’s the brilliant advice her coach had mentioned.

“Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so ominous.” Julia quickly backtracked. “It’s just that, well, at the risk of get-ting too squishy in a work meeting, I really wanted to thank you all for taking a chance on me way back when all of this was just an idea in my head.”

Julia swallowed the emotion building in her throat as she looked around at the team she’d put together to lead this company. They were the ones who took her idea to merge the best in the Korean skincare market with the high demands of the US consumer and built what was now one of the fastest- growing organic, clean K- beauty brands in America.

“I just want to tell you how much I appreciate your hard work and loyalty. I don’t know that any of us anticipated this kind of success. But honestly, none of it would have happened without each and every one of you and your contribution. And now, I have some really great news. As you know, Starlight’s Lotus Bamboo Essence was selected for Allure’s Best of Beauty awards. Which was a dream come true for us. But it doesn’t end there.”

Julia inserted the dramatic pause her public speaking coach had encouraged her to use. The looks of anticipation around the room fueled her excitement.

“I’m thrilled to share that the same Lotus Bamboo Essence has also been selected as one of this year’s Oprah’s Favorite Things!”

There was a silent pause of shock, followed by an eruption of applause and cheers, high fives, and hugs shared around the table.

“We’ll need to reforecast sales projections. We’re gonna blow up with the exposure . . .”

“We’re gonna have to update a comms plan . . .”

“We have to think of how we add this to the packaging design . . .”

“We need to make sure the supply chain can handle the increased distribution . . .”

“Oprah still has major influence on Gen X consumer spending. It’s a big win for a product . . .”

Yup, that was her team  .  .  . no- nonsense, capable, loyal, honest . . . and the hardest- working, most talented people in the industry. And they were all business, just like her.

Her chest swelled as she watched them leave to get back to work, patting each other on the back as they walked out, taking the noise with them.

Julia started this company at only twenty- six years old. She’d disappointed her parents by changing her major from pre- med to business administration. She lived off ramen and PB&J sandwiches for a good year just to scrape by as she worked tirelessly to research the hadn’t exactly welcomed her with open arms. And she stomached the start- up community’s boys’ club as she tried to secure funding for the company.

And four short years later, they were on the verge of something huge. Hard work and dedication had brought them to this level of success. So yeah, she was proud of them, proud of herself. And at only thirty, she was finally in a position financially to take care of her family without worry.

When the last person left her office, Julia turned to look out the windows, the hustle and bustle of Santa Monica ten floors below. She took a deep breath.

“That’s right, motherfuckers,” she screamed, while pumping her fist. She shook her hips back and forth, adding in some aggressive hair throws and, why the heck not, followed it with a body roll. “Oh yeah, uh- huh . . .”

“Oh dear, that’s something I’m not likely going to forget seeing.”

Record scratch.

Julia halted her celebratory dance and quickly patted down her hair, trying to tuck her I- knew- I’d- regret-these bangs behind her ear as her assistant, Annette, entered the office.

“Unlike what your schedule says on paper, you’ve only actually attended that hot yoga class once. Should you really be try-ing to move your body like that?” Annette asked. “I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“You’re fired.”

Annette passed her the cup of black coffee in the Morning Person mug that she knew was a lie, along with a multivitamin and a probiotic. Breakfast of champions.

“Just remember that I know where the bodies are hidden. Oh, and I have those pictures of you from that one holiday party . . .” 

“Okay, fine, you can stay,” Julia conceded. 

“Is it a good time to ask for a raise?”

Julia tried to shoot Annette a glare but couldn’t keep back the smile. It was a secret to no one that Annette was invaluable to the Starlight team, and most days she was the one bossing Julia around. Julia shook her head and took a seat at her desk. “Can you forward the O magazine email to the team so they know all the details?”

“You betcha,” Annette said. “Have you told your folks yet?” 

“No, not yet. I don’t think they’d even understand what a big deal this is.”

“Make sure to tell them.” Annette wasn’t only her assistant, she was also her work- mother as well. “Oh, and here is the updated short list of investors we might want to approach for global expansion. One bad meeting doesn’t have to halt progress.”

One bad meeting was an understatement. The last time Julia had met with an investment firm for an informational meeting, they kept asking about her significant other, driving home that they were a family- run business built on traditional values. They looked at her as young and inexperienced not because of her age— she knew plenty of male CEOs who were thirty— but because she wasn’t married with children. In their eyes, Julia wasn’t reliable because she wasn’t settled . . . settled down, that is.

Her accomplishments, alone, weren’t enough.

I’ll show them, she thought to herself as she gritted her teeth. Julia grabbed the list from Annette with a little bit more force than necessary and nodded. “Thanks.”

“Hey.” Annette softened her voice like she so rarely ever did. The one word in that tone made Julia surprisingly emotional. “It’s a good day, boss lady. You should be proud.” She patted Julia on the shoulder before walking back to her desk just outside Julia’s office.

Excerpted from JULIA SONG IS UNDATEABLE by Susan Lee. Copyright © 2025 by Susan Lee. Published by Canary Street Press, an imprint of HarperCollins.

Incidents Around the House by Josh Malerman 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 girl begins questioning the motives of the woman who secretly visits her in author Josh Malerman’s “Incidents Around the House.”

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The Synopsis

To eight-year-old Bela, her family is her world. There’s Mommy, Daddo, and Grandma Ruth. But there is also Other Mommy, a malevolent entity who asks her every day: “Can I go inside your heart?”

When horrifying incidents around the house signal that Other Mommy is growing tired of asking Bela the question over and over, Bela understands that unless she says yes, her family will soon pay.

Other Mommy is getting restless, stronger, bolder. Only the bonds of family can keep Bela safe, but other incidents show cracks in her parents’ marriage. The safety Bela relies on is about to unravel.

But Other Mommy needs an answer.

Incidents Around the House is a chilling, wholly unique tale of true horror about a family as haunted as their home.

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The Review

I know this book was released last year, but it has been one of my most anticipated reads in recent years, and I couldn’t think of a better time to review it than now, on Halloween. This was definitely one of the scariest reads that I’ve had the pleasure of reading in years. Not since the first time I read Stephen King’s It have I felt such chills, and what made this book stand out was the perspective from which the story was told —through the eyes of a young child. The protagonist, Bela, is innocent and clearly struggling through a great deal in this story. Readers will instantly connect to her unique viewpoint and desperation to keep her family together and safe, while experiencing the confusion and pain that this situation rightfully causes.

Yet Other Mommy steals the show as one of literature’s newest yet most haunting horror creatures. Not a typical ghost story, this haunted house meets paranormal horror story brings to life a being whose name not only instills dread from the outset, but whose appearance constantly shifts, and for which each subsequent appearance becomes increasingly unsettling. By the time the parents of Bela begin to take notice of Other Mommy, things have taken quite a dark turn. The imagery and atmosphere she conveys in this story send chills down the reader’s spine. The tension builds quickly as the ghost of this story soon becomes a hungry monster, and every tactic the parents try to protect their child leads to more dire consequences.

The Verdict

An emotionally compelling and gripping horror thriller, author Josh Malerman’s “Incidents Around the House” is a must-read for this Halloween. The twists and turns this story takes, the time the author takes to balance the scares out with deep human connection and shocking revelations between the two parents, and the hopeful yet frightful journey Bela takes as Other Mommy’s true purpose comes to life, will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Josh Malerman is a New York Times best selling author and one of two singer/songwriters for the rock band The High Strung, whose song “The Luck You Got” can be heard as the theme song to the Showtime show “Shameless”. His book Bird Box was made into a Netflix film of the same name, starring Sandra Bullock and John Malkovich. He has been nominated for 10 Bram Stoker Awards and has written 40 books, many of those (14) prior to the publication of Bird Box, his debut. Incidents Around the House is his 13th published book. He lives in Michigan with his fiancee, the artist/musician Allison Laakko and their many brilliant pets.

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Interview with Author Wendra Colleen 

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

– I’ve been writing on and off since birth, probably since my mom is a writer, but I really started taking myself seriously in 2011. It’s not easy to get published nor build a fan base, but I can’t imagine life without writing. To paraphrase a famous movie line, writing completes me.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

– I was inspired by a dream in which I met a ghost who was saying all the things she planned to do. I said, “But…you’re dead!!” and she responded that just because she was dead didn’t mean she couldn’t still make a difference. 

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

– I hope they realize that nothing is ever truly hopeless, that there is always someone to call for help, and that they should always live as honestly and openly as possible because you never know what’s going to happen. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

– I have to again thank my mother. She has been talking to me about ghosts and supernatural phenomena since I was a kid. And while I’m not someone who desires to see a ghost, I’m endlessly fascinated with reading about paranormal experiences. 

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

– My first thought was that I’d shake J.T. and say, “HOW COULD YOU BE SO MEAN TO SYLVIA??? HOW??” However, I know exactly why he did it (and he tells the reader, too), though it still upsets me a lot as someone who experienced her fair share of bullying. 

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

– I am HORRIBLE with social media so it hasn’t helped at all, to my knowledge, because I’m only on there once a week for five seconds! That said, I love putting out a monthly newsletter. If anyone wants book reviews and tales of the supernatural, reach out to me at wendracolleen@wendracolleen.com

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

– The only way you fail is by quitting! Whether you go traditional or go indie, GIVE IT ALL YOU’VE GOT. Join critique groups, get beta readers, submit to magazines, query agents, try it ALL, see what WORKS. And just keep writing! 

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

– Yes, I will be putting out a third book next October called MYTHFITS:

When Michael transforms from human to random shapeshifter and joins a tribe of monster misfits, he only wants to be human again. But when a group mortally threatens his best monster friend, he gets to know a human female vet to gain intelligence on them, leading him to question being human versus monster as he races to help the tribe he once tried to flee.

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About the Author

Wendra Colleen’s motto is “Embrace your weirdness.” Her dark and humorous short stories, screenplays, and novels show how unique, unusual, and unconventional individuals transform adversity into empowerment. Funky facts include that she has a PhD in experimental psychology and deployed to the Iraq War as a civilian, all of which was a breeze compared to learning how to embrace her unique, unusual, and unconventional qualities in high school. Want to learn more about Wendra’s work, how to be a writer, or how to be empowered? Check out www.wendracolleen.com

Social Media:  @wendracolleen.bsky.social [I’m also on FB and Insta, but I really prefer Bluesky]

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Never Fire Anyone: A Leader’s Guide on How to Lead People Not Companies by Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh Review

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

Author Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh shares the power of leading a business by working with people and not focusing on the company’s optics and bottom line in the book “Never Fire Anyone: A Leader’s Guide on How to Lead People Not Companies.”

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The Synopsis

Delightfully obvious, just like All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. This book takes some unique and colorful perspectives on Leadership, Business, Talent, Communication, Artificial Intelligence, Contradictions, DEI, Giving Up, Slowing Down, Forgiveness and the Stupidly Obvious. A lot we may already know, but forget to practice.

When you grow up in Vineland, NJ you grow up everything Philly. Broad Street Bullies. Today’s Brotherly Shove. Sarcasm that can almost pierce skin. It really is the City of Brotherly Love. Tough Love. Mark Morgenfruh lives and writes in blunt, colorfully-worded, provocative and logical Philly-style prose. Not everyone’s cup of tea, to be sure.

But if you can get past the initial cold-water shock, and believe kick-ass leaders can be taught to stop the avoidant “happy talk” that’s fatal to teams and organizations, the level of success you’ll have is obscene.

Let’s disagree. Let’s even get angry. Then when all the cards are on the table, let’s talk it out and solve problems, lead others with clarity, and go have an ice-cold beer when it’s all done for the day.

The Review

The first thing that stood out about this book was the author’s straightforward writing. The unapologetic way the author confronts the need to step up as a leader in business was powerful to feel, covering everything from the bias that exists when hiring, to being able to be empathetic to others in a work environment, and even how to confront and properly work with those who may be underperforming in their duties. 

The author’s honesty and bold writing style really do a great job of connecting with readers. Authenticity and accountability seem to be two cornerstones of the author’s leadership philosophy, tackling the truth behind why DEI in the workplace is so important and why it needs to be appropriately utilized to maximize potential and foster a culture of growth. The book also tackles topics such as AI integration and so much more.

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The Verdict

Detailed, compelling, and thought-provoking, “Never Fire Anyone” by author Mark Kenneth Morgenfruh is a must-read nonfiction book on leadership and business. The practical applications managers can apply to their leadership skills, and the way the author relates to those in management positions and connects with them to confront the things that make life difficult, make this book invaluable and well-written. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Morgenfruh is an HR practitioner with more than 30 years of experience across mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, compensation and benefits, cultural transformation, organizational development, performance metrics alignment, and HR technology. He is a trusted Senior Advisor to multiple organizations, offering expertise in human capital due diligence, post-close integrations, total rewards design, and HR strategy, delivery, and technology.

Since 2017, he has successfully operated his own consulting practice, building on a foundation of leadership experience from executive roles in prominent global and domestic organizations.

Recently publishing his first business book, Never Fire Anyone, Mark has started to distill more than three decades of observations and experience into his first of what he hopes will be many creative works. It is a brilliant new model and way to think about how we should stop leading “companies” and start to lead the people that are the cause of success.

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Witches of Dubious Origin by Jenn McKinlay Review

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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 face her family’s past and discover their legacy in author Jenn McKinlay’s “Witches of Dubious Origin.”

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The Synopsis

When a librarian discovers she’s descended from a long line of powerful witches, she’ll need all of her bookish knowledge to harness her family’s magic, in this enchanting cozy fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay.

Zoe Ziakas enjoys a quiet life, working as a librarian in her quaint New England town. When a mysterious black book with an unbreakable latch is delivered to the library, Zoe has a strange feeling the tome is somehow calling to her. She decides to consult the Museum of Literature, home to volumes of indecipherable secrets, some possessing dark magic that must be guarded.

Here, among their most dangerous collection, the Books of Dubious Origin, Zoe discovers that she is the last descendant of a family of witches and this little black book is their grimoire. Zoe knows she must decode the family’s spell book and solve the mystery of what happened to her mother and her grandmother. However, the book’s potential power draws all things magical to it, and Zoe finds herself under the constant watch of a pesky raven, while being chased by undead Vikings, ghost pirates, and assorted ghouls.

With assistance from the eccentric staff of the Books of Dubious Origin department—including their annoyingly smart and handsome containment specialist, Jasper Griffin—Zoe must confront her past and the legacy of her family. But as their adventure unfolds, she’ll have to decide whether or not she’s ready to embrace her destiny.

The Review

This was such a compelling, gripping cozy contemporary fantasy read. The balance of action, world-building, and mythos that the author develops over time in this book is perfect, allowing readers to immerse themselves in a world of magic and mythology. The author found perfect moments of humor and wit in the dialogue, such as when the BODO introduced the protagonist to the library and a particular book of Norse origin, which is very humorous. 

The heart of this story, however, was in Zoe’s progress as a protagonist. The development of her character was brilliant and compelling, with the reader feeling the depth of emotion as she dealt with her trauma growing up with her mother and the connection she shared with her and her grandmother. The shocking revelations of her family’s past and the hardships she faced were perfectly paired with compelling character dynamics, from the frosty relationship with BODO member Olive to the connection she shares with Jasper, making this story all the more convincing.

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The Verdict

Cozy, spooky, and engaging, author Jenn McKinlay’s “Witches of Dubious Origin” is a must-read contemporary fantasy. The twists and turns in the story, the emotional depth of Zoe as a character, and the wealth of character development will keep readers invested in this narrative and eager for another entry in what could be a promising series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.

Visit her website at: www.jennmckinlay.com

Or follow her:

Facebook: JennMcKinlayAuthor

Instagram: @mckinlayjenn

Twitter: @JennMcKinlay

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The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane by Steve Schlam 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 broken and used man must contemplate the truth behind his own existence in author Steve Schlam’s “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane.”

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The Synopsis

Haystacks Kane is a professional wrestler. A 607-pound professional wrestler. He has been preyed upon, handled, his innate kindness and gentle good nature harvested by unscrupulous promoters and his conniving manager, an ex-wife and fellow denizens of the seamy netherworld he inhabits, the ravenous crowds with a thirst for violent cheap thrills-and sometimes for blood.

Now, gravely injured and unable to speak, he lies motionless in his hospital bed, immobilized, his body broken. Visitors from his past and present enter and leave the room-or perhaps only his disordered inner world. They offer up counterpoint to his own silent ruminations as he drifts in and out of consciousness seeking to uncover the deeper truth of his existence, rummaging through the trunk of his memories to discover exactly what ‘it’ is-the ‘it’ that has deprived him of his wife, taken every member of his family from him, laid him low, and the ‘it’ that will release him from the bonds of his history and transport him to Greece, the Eden he dreams of, his true self set free at last.

The novel’s final moments prompt the reader to decide for him- or herself what Haystacks’ ultimate fate will be-a decision that will reveal in turn the reader’s own worldview, where he or she can be found on the continuum of hope vs. fear.

The Review

What instantly stood out in this story was the unique writing style the author deployed here, giving readers a stream of consciousness style of writing that really did a fantastic job of invoking that sense of an out-of-body experience that someone in the hospital, either in a coma or on death’s door can experience as they dip in and out of memories and the present day. The narrative’s reflective nature was a direct result of this writing style, and the reader was left reeling with emotion and curiosity about Haystack’s journey that brought him to this pivotal moment.

The concepts of legacy and dreams are well-woven into this narrative. Haystacks and his ambitions, and how others manipulate those ambitions and good intentions to use him, are pivotal to the story. The introspective nature of his time reflecting on those choices and the purpose of his life overall is a stark reminder for everyone to live life with intention and no regrets, and to consider the path we tread every day carefully.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, thought-provoking, and engaging, author Steve Schlam’s “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is a must-read literary fiction novel. The profound emotional depth and compelling character study this narrative offers, and the skillful, almost haunting writing style and detailed imagery the author pours into it, will keep readers invested until the book’s contemplative, open-ended finale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

STEVE SCHLAM first gained entry to the City of Words through the doors of the public library in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born and spent a good part of his childhood; and has maintained his residency ever since while living in cities and towns across the United States and in Mexico. An actor as well as an author, he has performed on stages in all the places he has called home, and earned a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing and English under the tutelage of Joseph Heller, renowned author of “Catch-22.” He lives currently in Southern California in a pretty little Craftsman bungalow with orange and lemon trees growing in the backyard, in the company of his wife, Liora. “The Harvesting of Haystacks Kane” is his first published novel.

https://www.steveschlam.com/

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Blade Rider by Jaime A. Sevilla Review

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

A young woman strives to be the first woman to become an Air Ranger and explore the cosmos in author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider.”

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The Synopsis

In a future where stars map the last frontier and infinite space paves the road to dreams, Raven stands at the precipice of her world. In a vibrant, multi-species society filled with possibilities, she yearns to fly amongst the stars as an Air Ranger, an elite group of space pilots that navigate the cosmos and safeguard the world.

There’s only one catch: females aren’t allowed.

As Raven gets closer to her aspirations and learns what it takes to join them, she discovers lasting friendships, new challenges, and what it ultimately means to be a ranger.

Can Raven push beyond the boundaries of societal norms and break through the stratosphere of glass ceilings, or will her star-filled quest for acceptance remain out of reach? Join her on this high-stakes, interstellar ride and experience her exciting journey as she blazes her own path amongst the stars.

Based on the musical by Jaime A. Sevilla, Blade Rider spins an electrifying and poignant tale of courage, determination, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

The Review

Immediately, what stood out to me about this incredible sci-fi novel was the seamless integration of music and songs into the narrative. As a companion to a musical album, the story naturally took on a lyrical style, not only infusing it with actual songs but also conveying intense emotional moments and powerful imagery throughout. The world-building and compelling character dynamics the story introduces helped balance the poetic quality of the author’s writing, which came to life on the page, and the music readers can listen to alongside it was equally mesmerizing and enthralling.

The heart of this narrative was in the strong themes the author explored. The sci-fi genre was very prevalent throughout this story, and the development of the Air Rangers, the politics and expectations that plagued the program, and the protagonist’s fight against them not only reflect problems in our own world but also showcase Raven’s evolution and growth as a protagonist. The compelling bond that forms between Raven and one of her allies in the story, and the way the narrative homes in on how both women and aliens are treated in this program, make the story so engaging and easy to get lost in.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jaime A Sevilla’s “Blade Rider” is a must-read (and must-listen to) sci-fi epic! The twists and turns, the inspiring and motivating themes, and the infusion of music, a hint of romance, and heart-pounding action will keep readers invested and eager to listen to the accompanying album. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy of this book on November 11th, 2025, or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Discover Jaime A. Sevilla, a lifelong musician, veteran educator, and accomplished composer who has skillfully combined his experience in the arts with music and storytelling as an emerging author.

With credentials from the Manhattan School of Music and New York University, his music has graced the stages of numerous concerts and festivals around the world. As both a musician and educator for over 20 years, Jaime has inspired countless students and audiences, working to cultivate a new generation of musicians.

His sources of inspiration include various types of caffeine, the soundtrack of cacophonous children (a daily remix), and his original music, which he eagerly shares with the world.

Connect with Jaime A. Sevilla for a glimpse into his exciting projects and explore his caffeinated world of music and literature.

https://jaimeasevilla.com/

https://amzn.to/476vSMe

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Death at the Door (A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery Book Two) by Olivia Blacke 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 woman and the ghost who lives with her must work together to solve a murder in author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door”, the second book in the  A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery series.

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The Synopsis

The odd couple of crime-solving returns in Olivia Blacke’s Death at the Door, where a ghost and her living roommate find another mystery on their doorstep.

Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate―the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job.

When Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, the new life she’s been building hangs in the balance. The last time Cordelia dragged Ruby into a murder investigation, it was almost two ghosts living in the apartment, not one. Determined to protect Ruby, Cordelia tries to shield her from the investigation, but Ruby has other ideas. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light.

The Review

This was a brilliant cozy mystery read. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life in a way that was accessible to new readers while also building on the events and character development of the first book. The imagery in the author’s writing style was fantastic, capturing the cool Massachusetts vibes and the stylish, laid-back, and community-driven atmosphere of Ruby’s work life.

The heart of this narrative was the book’s character dynamics, especially between the two protagonists. The unique relationship Ruby has with her ghost roommate Cordelia, and their communication without Ruby being able to see or hear Cordelia, is fascinating to watch unfold in each scene, leading to both tense and humorous exchanges. The introduction of characters like Tosh and Cordelia’s brother elevates the story to a new level, and the mystery they find themselves in will keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

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The Verdict

Compelling, entertaining, and a perfect blend of spooky and fun, author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door” is a must-read cozy mystery. The twists and turns in the story, the captivating character development, and the shocking finale will keep readers eager for more in this fun and cozy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mysterious, Spooky, Cozy & Kooky! Olivia Blacke (she/her) is the Anthony Award-winning author of the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, as well as the cozy Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She had her first ghost encounter when she was five, but wasn’t involved with an active crime scene until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology degree, she channels her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up.

https://oliviablacke.com/

https://amzn.to/47Ep5ti

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-at-the-door-olivia-blacke/1146701017?ean=9781250336705

Aria’s Compass: Happiness Playbook for Tweens and Teens by Parul Sharma 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’s discovery of a family secret helps her navigate the science of feelings in author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass.”

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The Synopsis

What if your feelings had a voice, and it sounded a lot like you

Aria worries. A lot. About friendships, school, being “too much” or “not enough.” 

But everything changes the day she finds a tiny AI companion named Zylo and a glowing compass hidden in her late grandfather’s trunk in her attic.

As Aria follows the clues he left behind, she uncovers a hidden Echo Room, and a family secret tied to her emotions. With the help of her friend Eli and the tech her grandfather built, Aria begins to understand the science of feelings, and the power of listening to them.

Aria’s Compass is a story for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed, invisible, or different. It’s about curiosity, courage, and finding the tools to navigate your own inner world.

Because sometimes, the bravest thing you can do… is feel.

The Review

This was such a compelling read. The author does an incredible job of building a story and a cast of characters that feel relatable and enthralling. The unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi elements, such as the AI companion and the connection this tech had to a person’s emotions, was a great way to highlight the story’s emotional core. The power of the author’s use of imagery was astounding, capturing the sensory aspects of anxiety and the protagonist’s struggle with creativity and wit.

The short yet powerfully introspective story is best when readers connect with its characters, especially the protagonist, Aria. The reality of anxiety and the stresses teens face these days, especially in social situations, was expertly navigated through Aria’s journey. The lessons the author poured into the narrative, primarily through narrative devices like the compass Aria discovers or anything of her late grandfather’s tech, made this a story filled with emotional depth that readers can connect with.

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The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Parul Sharma’s “Aria’s Compass” is a must-read sci-fi, coming-of-age novel. The fast-paced narrative, its twists and turns, and the emotional depth of its themes will keep readers invested in the characters and in the sense of warmth and hope the narrative inspires. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I am a global leader, neuroscience coach, speaker, and strategist, blending science, psychology, and leadership to help people unlock their highest potential. From boardrooms to brainwaves, my work focuses on future-ready Women and leadership

Think Ahead. Act Boldly. Lead Consciously.

https://www.instagram.com/ariascompass

https://amzn.to/47vkglX