Tag: humor

Best of Friends Trilogy (Books 1-3) by Sherry Brantley 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 group of friends must navigate the dangers of exposed secrets in the midst of a media storm in author Sherry Brantley’s “Best of Friends Trilogy.”

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The Synopsis

The Fabulous Five , Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J. and Quineeta, were bound together by secrets they’d all collectively swore to carry to their graves. Not a word to anyone outside of their close-knit, circle of trust. But with the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ exposing the ‘Secret of the Blanket,’ will the Fabulous Five find themselves desperately being consumed in a modern-day media frenzy that is threatening to consume them?

Will the Fabulous Five be able to survive the onslaught of the public revelation of their past deeds? Or will they crumble under the weight of their unexpected circumstances? And upon introspection and personal reflection–will they be able to confront their own conscious with the long-ago, secret vows they agreed to as a group?

With the uncovering of the ‘lost necklace’ and their seemingly apparent connection to it, will this group of close-knit friends continue to stand united? Will they be able to successfully maintain their semi-innocence? Or will the damaging ‘circumstantial evidence’ prove to be a hurdle they did not create; and surely cannot escape?

Travel with the Fabulous Five: Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J., and Quineeta as once again, they attempt to weather the storms of adversity that threaten to decimate their bond, their friendship, their past! Will the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ prove to be the final nail in their coffin? Or will they vow to continue to ‘deny ’til they die,’ their involvement in the dark mystery they’re shrouded in?

Read the much-anticipated finale` of the ‘Best of Friends’ trilogy, for the explosive conclusion of this series that leaves no stone unturned!!

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping series. The trilogy does an incredible job of creating these intersecting webs of storylines that take the reader on an emotional and relatable journey. The heart and passion for which the author crafts these narratives and the natural way the author infused elements of spirituality into the story and the character’s lives was heartening as well. The books did a great job of delving into the lives of these friends in an innovative way, first bringing readers the present day storyline in Best of Friends that begins with a tragic loss and evolves into the complicated lives each of the friends lives through, then by going back to the moments these secrets were formed in Before Best of Friends, and finally seeing the aftermath and how these friends lives evolve in the wake of so many secrets being found in Still Best of Friends.

To me, the character dynamics and worldbuilding the book took on was equally matched by the strong themes of the narrative. Elizabeth in particular was a strong protagonist, and a relatable one, as her loss and her protective nature are tested by not only her secrets but her need to constantly keep the peace amongst both her friends and her family, and the weight of that burden finally taking her to her breaking point felt so relatable for so many different readers. The strong themes explored in this narrative, from the power of secrets and lies to the nature of friendship and so much more, not only highlighted the fact that everyone has secrets, no matter how seemingly perfect a person’s life seems, and the emotional depth that shows how friendship such as the Fab Five’s is sometimes all a person needs in order to get through these difficult moments in life. The balance between the friendships and each woman’s particular romantic pursuits and/or failings was well rounded and kept the reader invested throughout the entirety of this narrative.

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The Verdict

Imaginative, relatable, and enthralling, author Sherry Brantley’s “Best of Friends” trilogy is a must-read. The book felt like a more mature, adult version of the acclaimed We Were Liars series with a splash more humor and spirituality. The powerful dynamic between the friends, the complicated lives they lead and relationships they have in their own lives, and the memorable imagery in the author’s writing really brought each book together well, and felt like a perfectly meshed and cohesive tale that readers will deep dive into 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

Sherry Brantley is an author/speaker and Certified Life Coach specializing in: “From Goal-Setting to Goal-GETTING!’ Her STEPP book is based on a program she developed. S.T.E.P.P.- Start To Exercise Personal Power, which details how one can tap into their Personal Power to effect positive change in their lives on a daily basis, while respecting the Personal Power of others.

Her explosive trilogy, ‘Best of Friends,’ won National Awards for Best Fiction of the Year! Meet the ‘Fabulous Five.’ Elizabeth, Kim, Kiona, A.J., and Quineeta as once again, they attempt to weather the storms of adversity that threaten to decimate their bond, their friendship their past! Will the ‘Dastardly Duke Discovery’ prove to be the final nail in their coffin? Or will they vow to continue to ‘deny ’til they die,’ their involvement in the mystery they’re shrouded in?

sherrybrantley.com

I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises: Dad Jokes, Puns, Quips, Laughs, Groaners, and Playful Pensive Ponderings by Mark Leslie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Mark Leslie shares a collection of dad jokes and humor to inspire and brighten anyone’s day in the book “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises.”

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The Synopsis

Ready to groan, grin, and giggle?

Rediscover the joy of wordplay with this collection of puns, dad jokes, and clever one-liners that promises to lift spirits and inspire smiles—one groan-worthy punchline at a time.

Born from a simple mission of collecting and sharing dad jokes to brighten his neighborhood during tough times, this book gathers well over 1000 of his beloved daily chalkboard jokes into a single, joy-packed volume. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves language, humor, or just a good laugh. Inside, readers will find everything from meta-jokes that play with the very idea of humor, to rapid-fire dad jokes, music-themed zingers, and even a cheeky adults-only section. Each chapter is crafted to appeal to pun enthusiasts, casual joke collectors, and anyone in need of a smile.

This book makes the perfect gift for that incorrigible mirth-spreader in your life, and includes hilarious funnies perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even strangers who could use a laugh. I Think It’s A Sign That The Pun Also Rises is more than just a joke book—it’s a celebration of connection, resilience, and the simple magic of a well-timed pun. Open to any page, share a joke, and make your world a little lighter—one groan at a time.

The Review

This was a heartfelt, light book filled with laughter and joy. The author does a great job of filling this book with a wonderful collection of jokes and quips that will elicit classic and beloved eye rolls and groans that are the staple of any good dad joke. The range of jokes the author covers, from meta and personal jokes to holiday-themed and cultural jokes about music and even shower thoughts, allows readers to have a joke for any occasion and to reference the book time and time again.

What stood out to the reader was the author’s voice and tone. The humor that comes through in the jokes is grounded in the relatability of the author’s life experiences and in where these jokes arose, bringing light to tense situations and to the darkness that emerged following the COVID-19 Pandemic, and to the need for laughter and joy again in those times. This gave readers a foundation that allowed these jokes to really hit home.

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The Verdict

Memorable, humorous, and entertaining, author Mark Leslie’s “I Think It’s a Sign That The Pun Also Rises” is a must-read nonfiction book of humor and dad jokes. The collection is vast and serves as a great reference book to return to whenever the reader needs a refresher, and the lightness the book promises makes it well worth the effort to pick it up and laugh out loud. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales he also writes horror and the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions include fan appreciation/trivia books about the modern classic 1980s films and sharing stupid dad jokes.

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd,” Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book. He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

MARK LESLIE

https://www.instagram.com/markleslielefebvre/

https://amzn.to/4qvTosK

Horny: Sex Without Scruples by Brad Deep Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Brad Deep explores the way power and control, especially within the confines of sex, have shaped our world and our minds in the book “Horny: Sex Without Scruples.”

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The Synopsis

Brad Deep didn’t just peek into the male sexual psyche—he lived in it, banked it, and sold the tickets.

One day, a young Brad heard Francis Ford Coppola say in a documentary, “If an aspiring filmmaker wants to make a movie, he must do whatever it takes.”

Brad took that literally. He hired a few girls, opened an erotic massage parlor, and planned to use the profits to fund his movie.

What he didn’t plan for was front-row seats to the raw, unfiltered reality of male sexuality—the desires, the lies, the awkward kinks, and the desperate confessions men never make sober… or to their wives.

Horny: Sex Without Scruples is a savage, brutally honest, and laugh-out-loud demolition of dating myths, gender games, and the absurd mating dance we call relationships.

Written by a man who saw it all—the office bosses, the preachers, the boyfriends, the husbands—this isn’t therapy; it’s a strip search of the male libido… with sarcasm as the lube.

With stories you’d never tell your priest, real data that proves just how far the depravity runs, and chapter titles that slap harder than your ex’s mood swings, Horny is the book men pray women never read… and the one women can’t resist picking up.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what men are really like when nobody’s watching—this is your backstage pass.

Just don’t read it at church.

The Review

Honesty is the first word that comes to mind when delving into this book. The author honestly speaks to the raw, often savage, and at times haunting nature of sex and how it impacts men. As someone who has had to witness female family members deal with men through the dating scene over the years, the author does capture the male psyche and their attitudes towards sex and relationships with brutal honesty. The author’s writing style is both creative and savage in nature, characterized by crude, humorous, and visceral elements. It does an excellent job of conjuring powerful imagery as the reader is immersed in this philosophical and psychological exploration of the role sex plays in everyone’s lives.

Yet aside from those hilarious segways or savage take-downs, the author also does a remarkable job of delving into the social commentary aspect of this topic. With brutally honest stories from working a job in the sex industry, the author showcases the horrors and struggles many women, both in and out of the sex industry, must contend with. These stories lean into the author’s commentary on the importance of consent and how men and women are not only hardwired differently, but are taught at a young age far differently than they should be on how men should act and how women should be treated with respect. The need for boundaries and equality has never been more evident, and the author expertly weaves this theme into conversations around workplace behavior, relationships, and so much more.

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The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and compelling, author Brad Deep’s “Horny: Sex Without Scruples” is a must-read nonfiction satire and humor book on sex, relationships, and human connection. Readers will be taken aback by the author’s savage take-down of alpha male behavior, and what this reader appreciates is the author’s commitment to donate partial proceeds to organizations supporting survivors of sexual assault. This worthy cause needs more honest and open discussion to end this violence. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brad Deep doesn’t write to make friends. He writes like he’s swinging a sledgehammer in a library—loud, unapologetic, and bound to piss someone off. His pages drip with the kind of truth most people choke on, served with enough filthy laughs to make a nun sweat.

He lives clean—no booze, no smokes, no drugs—running instead on cycling, weight training, and five-finger solos that would make a drummer jealous.

When it comes to women, he’s old school: natural beauty or nothing. No dye jobs, no Botox, no filler, no bolt-on boobs. Ask if he’d live with a woman again, and he’ll tell you yes—but only if she’s easy on the eyes, smart, and he’s lost his damn mind.

https://www.braddeep.com/

https://amzn.to/46v35AJ

GOD MOB: A Gritty Glance at the Travesty of Religion by Brad Deep Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Brad Deep unleashes a fiery satire on readers, exploring the inner workings of religion in the book “GOD MOB.”

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The Synopsis

GOD MOB: When Faith Met Firepower


They told you not to question. Brad Deep says, “Fuck that!”

What happens when a lifelong Catholic kid grows up, kicks open the church doors, and lets every skeleton in the sacristy come marching out?

Brad Deep’s first crack in the stained-glass window came in the first grade, sitting in a wooden box, forced to confess “sins” he didn’t commit to a man in a white robe. If God’s all-knowing, why the hell did He need a middleman?

GOD MOB is the full demolition — 33 chapters of scorched-earth satire, blasphemous truths, and holy hellfire. With the wit of Carlin, the fire of Hitchens, and the fury of a prophet gone rogue, Deep peeks under priestly robes, torches the gods of every religion, and rips the gold-leaf mask off the billion-dollar circus hiding behind the curtain of faith.

And just when you think the sermon’s over, here come the Nine Epilogues of Brad Deep’s Inferno—a final gauntlet of unfiltered, take-no-prisoners religious roasting designed to leave every altar smoking and every pulpit shaking.

One chapter for every year Jesus allegedly wandered the Earth—plus a few bonus chapters, because if everyone’s gonna make shit up, Brad’s cashing in too.

This isn’t theology. This is your Holy Exit—and the doors are wide open.

Read it if you dare. Or better yet… confess it.

The Review

While I have always been open about accepting all belief systems and authors who practice faith on my site, I’ve never hidden the fact that I myself am not religious. As long as no one tries to use my platform to preach, I am open to reviewing books that speak to a particular audience. Yet I’ve always made it known that I am not religious, having been brought up in a Christian faith and, since the age of 12, having distanced myself from that faith. Author Brad Deep hilariously and expertly crafts a book that resonates with me and highlights the particular hypocrisies of organized religion in general, in a way that makes me laugh and prompts me to take a step back to look at situations with a fresh perspective. 

The book begins with a punch, immediately connecting the roles of figures like God and Jesus to a mob family, and quickly pinning the corruption on where it belongs: the people who propagate the faith and use it to gain fortune and power for themselves. The wit and elegance with which the author pierces the veil of these falsehoods and hilariously exposes the human element behind organized religion are incredible. There was a passage about halfway through the book that addressed a point that had always lingered in my mind, namely, how the rest of the population came into being when God only created Adam and Eve. They had sons together, highlighting the troublesome stories that became the foundation of the entire Christian faith. 

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The Verdict

Humorous, insightful, and engaging, author Brad Deep’s “God Mob” is a must-read nonfiction satire book on religion. The scorched earth humor and the way it breaks down corruption, human fallacies, and the twisted aspects of organized religion as a whole, as well as its impact on shaping our world, will keep readers invested until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Brad Deep doesn’t write to make friends. He writes like he’s swinging a sledgehammer in a library—loud, unapologetic, and bound to piss someone off. His pages drip with the kind of truth most people choke on, served with enough filthy laughs to make a nun sweat.

He lives clean—no booze, no smokes, no drugs—running instead on cycling, weight training, and five-finger solos that would make a drummer jealous.

When it comes to women, he’s old school: natural beauty or nothing. No dye jobs, no Botox, no filler, no bolt-on boobs. Ask if he’d live with a woman again, and he’ll tell you yes—but only if she’s easy on the eyes, smart, and he’s lost his damn mind.

https://www.braddeep.com/

https://amzn.to/3VId13C

Gods of Glenhaven by Stephen Statler Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A quiet suburban neighborhood turns into chaos when troublesome Greek gods move in to cause trouble in author Stephen Statler’s “Gods of Glenhaven.”

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The Synopsis

From comedy writer and McSweeney’s contributor Stephen Statler comes Gods of Glenhaven, a David Sedaris-meets-Tom Perotta, fast-paced, bighearted comedy about love, sex, death, and rock and roll–and everything that happens when our white-knuckle grip on life gets pried open against our will.

When Greek gods sweep into the quaint suburban town of Glenhaven to untangle their messy love lives, the helpless mortals don’t stand a chance.

Christian Orr, struggling with work and erectile dysfunction after discovering his wife’s infidelity, has just moved into what his daughter Francesca calls the Divorced Dads Apartment Complex. His high-powered attorney ex, Sloan, is jaded and restless, leaving precocious Francesca caught in the crosscurrents of change.

Enter Dionysus-“Dee”-the god of wine, sex, and questionable decisions, who shows up searching for his estranged wife Ari and their teenage son Maron. After three thousand years of Dee’s antics, Ari has had enough. She’s struck a deal with Zeus to start fresh-as a mortal suburban mom. And what’s more normal than falling for a regular guy like Christian? If only Dee would stop tearing through Glenhaven in his quest to win her back.

Drunk on Dee’s wine, the residents of Glenhaven form chanting covens in the woods, participate in ecstatic rituals, and experience divine revelations-all while Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” loops faintly in the background of their lives.

Gods of Glenhaven is a hilarious, poignant, and confronting novel about the universal fears and follies of the human condition, and the joy and freedom we can experience by letting go.

The Review

This was such a fun and engaging mix of dark humor and mythological fantasy-driven narrative. The quick wit of the cast of characters stood out immediately, as did the way the author was able to infuse Greek gods and mythology into the story effortlessly. The way the author was able to bring laugh-out-loud suburban satire and humor that closely examines personal relationships with the madness and chaos that are often associated with the Greek gods was both hilarious and enthralling.

For every hilarious, funny piece of dialogue or ridiculous yet entertaining mythological event that took place in this story, there was an equally underlying emotional character development that played well into the idea of identity and love. The loss of a sense of self that Christian goes through, along with the disconnect Sloan feels with her daughter and the way the gods and their actions inadvertently help these individuals find themselves in the process, was a rewarding and thoughtful portrayal of modern relationships and personal development.

The Verdict

Memorable, hilarious, and entertaining, author Stephen Statler’s “Gods of Glenhaven” is a must-read dark humor and mythological fantasy narrative. The twists and turns the story takes, the dark satire that portrays life in the suburbs, and the heartfelt character development will keep readers invested in the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Stephen Statler is a comedy writer whose work has appeared in McSweeney’s Internet Tendency, Points in Case, and other magazines. The Breathing Show, a feature film he wrote and directed, was distributed by Film Threat. A screenplay, Big Time, co-authored with Mouncey Ferguson, is currently under option by Gulfstream Pictures. Statler lives in the Bay Area with his wife and two children.

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Interview with T.M. DALIGGR

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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


I’m T.M. Daliggr, a playful explorer of language and culture. Writing has always been my way to connect worlds—whether it’s through stories, humor, or breaking down generational slang. I got into writing because I love capturing the quirky and often hilarious ways people communicate, especially across different age groups.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?


Skibidi Ohio Rizz was inspired by the hilarious, baffling, and sometimes downright confusing slang I overheard between kids, teens, and adults trying to keep up with the newest lingo. I wanted to create a fun, approachable guide to help parents, teachers, and anyone curious decode Gen Z and Gen Alpha slang without feeling totally lost.

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


I hope readers walk away with a smile and a better understanding—that language is always evolving and staying curious and open-minded is the best way to connect across generations. Plus, it’s okay to laugh at yourself a little while learning something new!

4) What drew you into this particular genre?


I love humor and education wrapped into one. The idea of turning something as dynamic and playful as slang into an entertaining guidebook was irresistible. It’s a genre where I can bring levity to communication and help people bond through shared understanding.

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


Amazon has been great! Its vast, engaged reader community perfectly matches the vibe of Skibidi Ohio Rizz. Reviews and recommendations help bring the book’s spirit to life and reach curious readers. I’m also working on building a presence on TikTok to connect with even more fans through fun, creative videos.

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


Write what excites you—authenticity shines through. Don’t be afraid to experiment and blend genres. And most importantly, engage with your community; readers want to connect with the real you. Patience and persistence go a long way!

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


I’m cooking up more playful language guides and maybe diving into some creative fiction inspired by the same vibe. I have two middle-grade chapter books on the horizon that I hope to publish soon. There’s always new slang, memes, and cultural moments to capture, so expect more fun, fresh projects coming your way!

Interview with Author Lars Bo Appel 

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I began writing and creating art in a more focused way in 2020. Before that, I lived what many would call a “normal life.” I built companies—mostly within the advertising industry—and worked as a creative director at several major U.S. firms. Eventually, I built my own company in Denmark, which grew to around 50 employees and earned 77 international advertising awards. Nice houses, nice kids—it all looked good from the outside, but looking back, it felt a bit trivial.

Then COVID hit. I still remember watching the first Danish press conference in March 2020. It felt disturbingly staged—something was off. As the lockdowns began and fear took over, I noticed how quickly people chose compliance over questioning. I felt I had to respond, and art became my outlet.

2) What inspired you to write your book?

My creative response began with Wilderness State, a poetry and illustration book I made during the first lockdown. It was a raw and honest reaction to what I was seeing in the world around me. The main poem, “Rather Free Than Loved,” became more relevant over time than I ever could’ve imagined. I’ve attached it here with this interview—it captures the emotional and psychological shift I experienced better than anything else.

But by 2022, I realized we still couldn’t talk openly about what had happened. The atmosphere was too divided, too reactive. That’s when Stupid Goose was born—along with the entire Villa Viva universe. I needed a new, symbolic way to explore what we had all gone through. Through simple, animal-like characters, I could look at our behavior from the outside. Stupid Goose became my way of continuing the conversation—without ever needing to say “COVID.”

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

The core theme is about reclaiming independent thought and resisting groupthink. Villa Viva was my way of processing this—through symbolic, layered storytelling that holds up a mirror without being preachy. The world I created invites people to reflect—with humor, honesty, and hopefully a bit of courage.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I chose a naive and simplistic storytelling style because what I was trying to say was deeply complex. That simplicity became a strength—it let the deeper truths rise to the surface. Once the characters came to life, I fell in love with them. They started driving the story, and I followed.

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

I’d sit down with the Lazy Dog. He’s not the most likable, but he’s definitely the most complex. I’d ask why he stays in Villa Viva. What does he really think would be best for that little society? I’m not sure he’d answer. Maybe he doesn’t care. But that says something too.

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

Instagram has been useful, especially for sharing the visual side of my work. But most of the real traction has come from word of mouth and real conversations. I try to connect directly with people who resonate with the message, rather than just chasing numbers.

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

Speak your truth—whatever it is. Don’t water it down to make it more acceptable. We live in a time that’s desperate for honesty. If something feels wrong to you, say it. Don’t get swallowed by comfort or groupthink. Art still has the power to break through. Use it.

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

Yes—depending on how Stupid Goose is received, I already have two more Villa Viva books on the way. That world is still growing. I feel like it’s just getting started.

Website – https://wildernessstate.com/

Amazon Link – https://www.amazon.com/Fables-Villa-Viva-Independent-Responsibility-ebook/dp/B0DK5T6DPT/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MEJ57Z25LDEW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.T9zCaayV9QeQ6jM_AY0RIA.QAjM39Z7pvlquHixm4_dnUXwTzAYIvDxl1D60RfgwQA&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+stupid+goose+villa+viva&qid=1731938129&sprefix=the+stupid+goose+villa+viv%2Caps%2C338&sr=8-1

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wildernessstate/

Can I Have a Hug First? By Mary Paula Hunter 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 unique blend of humor and tragedy comes to life as author Mary Paula Hunter turns years’ worth of performance art into short stories in the collection “Can I Have a Hug First?”

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The Synopsis 

CAN I HAVE A HUG FIRST? is a short story collection born out of author Mary Paula Hunter’s career as a performance artist. Her monologues turned short stories feature midlife adults struggling to align their crazy minds with an equally crazy world. Hilarious and tragic in a high energy mix, these stories will get the reader questioning what came first— the whacked mind or the whacked world?

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The Review

What a powerful and memorable read. The author establishes a tone of humor and realism in the narrative of each story very early, showcasing the haunting realities that so many women have to face on any given day and how some people cope with those realities. The originality and artistry behind the prose the author utilizes will stay with readers within each story, as the tension in each story is undercut by humorous dialogue or observations of the everyday life people encounter during these situations.

The themes and feelings of strength and paranoia in each story resonate with the harsh experiences that so many women are left to face. The unique delivery of the stories as an almost first-person monologue in a way allowed the reader to feel as if these stories represented personal conversations between the reader and the author. The titular story is an excellent example of this, with the narrator gradually becoming more and more afraid as she has strange encounters and is soon face to face with a unique outcome. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, performative, and engaging author Mary Paula Hunter’s “Can I Have a Hug First?” is a must-read fiction and speculative fiction genre. The poignant and carefully crafted narrative behind each story and the rich character dynamics built in such a short amount of time in each story made the collection both relatable and alive on the page. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mary Paula Hunter is a writer living in Providence, Rhode Island. She received early praise for her writing when as a dancer and choreographer, she told stories about her eccentric Midwestern family while she danced.

Laurie Stone, in the now-defunct VILLAGE VOICE wrote that Mary Paula’s writing was brilliant. Jennifer Dunning in THE NEW YORK TIMES also praised her hybrid work, especially the honest storytelling.  Finally the writing won out… although she still creates dances (mainly in her kitchen), and works on performance art projects.

Visit Mary Paula Hunter’s Performance website.

https://www.marypaulahunterwrites.com/

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.

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