Tag: review

The Dark Mountain (The Rise of Penumbra Book 2) by Yona Katz 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 soldier’s faith is put to the test as a new recruit’s innocence makes him question their leader in author Yona Katz’s “The Dark Mountain”, the second book in The Rise of Penumbra series.

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The Synopsis

Hosheh, a banished Star, seeks sanctuary on Adama. The Dark Mountain has become his residence and the headquarters of his clandestine military group. The archenemy of the Stars has ambitious intentions to conquer his former home with the help of his devoted army of Adamians.

Kadmiel, Hosheh’s faithful aide and General of the Dark Army, diligently works toward realizing his master’s grandiose vision. Steadfast in his allegiance to the Dark Master, Kadmiel has earned Hosheh’s full trust.

Ranan, a fresh recruit in the Dark Army, catches Kadmiel off guard with his innocence. As Kadmiel battles the monsters of his past, Ranan’s purity unexpectedly begins to thaw the icy walls around Kadmiel’s heart.

However, appearances may be deceiving. The line between grappling with inner demons and becoming one is blurred. The beasts that were once buried deep down are now breaking free.

The Dark Mountain is the second book in the series The Rise of Penumbra.

This is a YA/NA dark fantasy adventure with no explicit content.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping sequel. The change in perspective for this series, following the humans being trained to fight the war with the star people, was a unique and fresh change of pace, giving readers a new look at the world of Adama. The author’s use of imagery in their writing style puts the fictional world into a creative frame of mind, transporting the reader into the heart of the Dark Mountain and more.

The chemistry between Kadmiel and Ranan was so engaging, as it showed how they both evolved and grew over time, and the bond they formed shaped the direction the story took overall. The mystery and intrigue that Kadmiel found himself in, especially towards the book finale and the partnership with Naomi, will add depth to the lore of this world, and the grim reality of the society that runs many of the Star People will put the human’s perspective in a whole new light.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and enthralling author Yona Katz’s “The Dark Mountain” is a must-read LGBTQ-driven fantasy and a promising sequel. The narrative’s twists and turns, some characters’ mysterious fates, and the return of some fan favorites from the first book will keep readers invested until the book’s final page, eager for the climactic conclusion of this trilogy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A citizen of the universe, Yona Katz is a financial director during the day. But as soon as the night falls, numbers and reports are chased away by the stories that live in the stars. One day, Yona has decided she is brave enough to share these stories with you.

Taking Time: A Tale of Physics, Lust and Greed by Mike Murphey 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. 

An unlikely candidate for time travel pioneer finds himself thrust into the spotlight as both the military and corporate sides of the projects funding go to war with one another in author Mike Murphey’s “Taking Time”, the first book in the Physics, Lust and Greed series.

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The Synopsis

The year is 2044. Housed in a secret complex beneath the eastern Arizona desert, a consortium of governments and corporations have undertaken a program on the scale of the Manhattan Project to bludgeon the laws of physics into submission and make time travel a reality. Fraught with insecurities, Marshall Grissom has spent his whole life trying not to call attention to himself, so he can’t imagine he would be remotely suited for the role of time travel pioneer. He’s even less enthusiastic about this corporate time-travel adventure when he learns that nudity is a job requirement. The task would better match the talents of candidates like the smart and beautiful Sheila Schuler, or the bristle-tough and rattlesnake-mean Marta Hamilton. As the project evolves into a clash between science and corporate greed, conflicts escalate. Those contributing the funding are mostly interested in manipulating time travel for profit, and will stop at nothing, including murder, to achieve their goals.

The Review

I am a big fan of time travel sci-fi stories, and this one hits that genre perfectly. The rich character interactions and relationships brought humor and intrigue to this narrative, as did the engaging use of imagery in the author’s writing style. The vast world-building and atmosphere that the author created instantly make the reader feel immersed in the story.

The two things that made this story stand out the most are the technical aspects of the time travel elements and the themes of corporate greed and government oversight. Early on in the book, the use of time travel shows the characters merging with their past selves, giving a different take on the time travel story. Meanwhile, the exploration of how corporations and governments interact with one another, the drawback of greed taking hold, and how it impacts the work being done made this a thoughtful first entry into this series.

The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and engaging author Michael Murphey’s “Taking Time” is a must-read sci-fi novel. The detail and incredible world the author created, along with the blend of humor and wit in the dialogue, helped push through the twists and turns this narrative needed and made for a brilliant first chapter in this series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michael Murphey grew up in Eastern New Mexico, and spent nearly thirty years as a newspaper journalist in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest. Following his retirement from journalism in 1998, Murphey began his second career in baseball, where he is one of three partners in a company called Dave Henderson Baseball Adventures, which produces the Oakland Athletics and Seattle Mariners fantasy camps as well as other adult amateur baseball events throughout the country. His life as an old man baseball player has also afforded him time in recent years to resume writing. He has been an avid lover of the written word all his life. He divides his time among Spokane, Washington, Phoenix, Arizona, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Bon Echo and The Competition by Colette Bos 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 science competition leads a young woman to discover the secrets of her family and a means of protecting the world from grave threats in author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and the Competition”, the first in the series. 

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The Synopsis

Meet Maven, a young woman of rare brilliance and insatiable curiosity. She is a true original, and her unique perspective on the world around her makes her a captivating friend on this thrilling journey to uncover the world’s most elusive secrets. Join Maven as she re-reads her much-loved diary, recounting adventures with her fellowship, her newfound love, and her awesome feathered friend, a “Hybrid Owl Technology,” as she discovers ancient secrets about her family’s past and the true origins of her feathered friend. These secrets may be vital to protecting the planet from some of its greatest threats. All meet while competing in one of the world’s biggest high school science competitions. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves a thrilling adventure story filled with captivating characters, mesmerizing natural settings, and an all-consuming romance that will leave you feeling like you’ve witnessed an extraordinary love. Follow us at “Bon Echo and The Competition,” an exciting science-based quest filled with surprising adventures, discoveries and true love.

The Review

The author’s powerful grasp on relationships and the impact those relationships have on our journey was fantastic to see come to life on the page. Readers are immediately enthralled with protagonist Maven and her connections with the supporting cast. The relatability of the tension between her and her brother and the camaraderie between her and her friends instantly draws the reader into the narrative.

The theme of climate change and the impact we as a civilization have on the climate was a powerful message to embody throughout this book. The use of journal entries to give a first-person perspective on the narrative was inspired, as it gave more insight into Maven as a protagonist. The concept of hidden histories and forgotten civilizations was engaging and left readers eager for more from this YA sci-fi novel. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, imaginative, and entertaining author Colette Bos’s “Bon Echo and The Competition” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heartfelt romance that blooms between the protagonist and Thomas, and the world-building that kept the protagonist engaged with the adventurous path she found herself on made this a memorable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Colette is a talented writer and web developer who has turned her passion for science fiction and environmental causes into a new creative writing direction. With a background in Geography, she has taken a more focused approach to exploring ecological themes in her work. Her debut book, “Bon Echo and The Competition,” the first in the Bon Echo Science Fiction series, is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. Set in a world where environmental issues are at the forefront, Colette weaves a beautiful story of adventure and love that will captivate readers until the end. With her remarkable talent for storytelling, Colette is sure to leave a lasting impression on the science fiction genre.

Diomedes in Kyprios (Diomedes Series Book II) by Gregory Micheal Nixon 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. 

Traveler and hero Diomedes returns for his lost love, only to find himself dealing with the avatar of Aphrodite and a need for redemption for his past in author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios”.

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The Synopsis

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt). But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he would die for her.

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people’s self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

The Review

This was a powerful and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing great detail into the narrative, exploring the ancient cities and states of the old world before they became what we know today, from Kyprios being Cyprus to Aigyptos becoming Egypt. The imagery in the author’s writing style brought these ancient cities and their peoples to life perfectly, and the evolution of Diomedes and Lieia as characters really took off, giving them each new role and path to explore. Seeing Diomedes adjusting to life after the first book’s events and trying to become a creator more than a destroyer was such a great story, and the compelling journey of Lieia as Aphrodite’s avatar was mesmerizing. 

The balance of genres in this book was really what brought the whole story together. The emotional connection and story between Diomedes and Lieia were great uses of romance. At the same time, the military action and adventure of the narrative added depth to the fantastic historical fiction storytelling of the book, allowing readers to feel embedded into the conflicts that would follow, including an attack on the Sea People from what would be the Ancient Egyptians. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, engaging, and thrilling author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “Diomedes in Kyprios” is a must-read historical fiction novel. The twists and turns that follow and the rich infusion of mythos capture what makes history and mythology so vibrant and exhilarating to many people worldwide. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

I have been writing all my life, beginning in our small town in Saskatchewan. Most my adult life was spent as university professor, so my publishing to this point had all been academic (but still accomplished). As an avocation, in my off hours I studied the Mycenaean era of Ancient Greece, as well as theories of myth & ritual and the mythic mind. Once I retired, I returned to a novelistic venture I had been dreaming of since reading Homer’s Iliad at 15 years old: bringing to life the further adventures of the hero, Diomedes. When at last I dedicated myself to novel writing two years ago, my dream was reinvigorated. However, my characters insisted on entering the Hittite Empire, probably because its capital, Hattusa, came down in flames only a few years after Troy (Ilios). I followed their wishes and brought Hittite royalty into my tale, including Suppiluliuma II, the last of the Great Kings. I immersed myself in Hittite studies, and finally this unusual book emerged — an historical fiction with a strong portrayal of mythic consciousness at the time of the Bronze Age collapse..

Interview with the Devil by Michael Harbron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

A writer with a lifetime of religious struggle comes face to face with the devil in author Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil”.

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The Synopsis

Joseph Banbury’s life takes an extraordinary turn when he’s drawn into an otherworldly dialogue with the Devil himself. Tasked with documenting this unparalleled interview, Joe dives into a narrative that blurs the lines between myth and reality, good and evil. As he navigates the complexities of the Devil’s tales, Joe uncovers secrets that challenge the foundations of his beliefs and the world’s understanding of the celestial balance. Faced with a prophetic warning about a pivotal choice that could reshape the universe, Joe’s journey becomes a testament to the power of questions and the search for truth. “Interview with the Devil” is a compelling tale that invites readers to explore the depths of their convictions and the possibility of redemption in the darkest of narratives. Through a tapestry of philosophical exploration and cosmic intrigue, this novel questions the essence of humanity and the intricate dance of fate and free will.

The Review

This was such a powerful and captivating read. The author expertly combined a blend of modern-day psychological horror and iconic religious mythology. The memorable and thoughtful approach to the relationship between mankind and religion and how it impacts everything from family relationships to careers made the novel feel engaging from the start.

The character development was memorable and the true heart of this narrative. The evolution of Joe as a protagonist was everything, showing the chilling encounters with the darkness he had as a child and how a religious household and those encounters shaped his cynical viewpoint later on in life. The haunting nature of his conversations with the Devil later in the story and the grey areas of life with which these two opposing forces collided made this a compelling story to get lost in.

The Verdict

This book was for religious horror novels, while Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire was for gothic horror. Michael Harbron’s “Interview with the Devil” has amazing world-building and shocking horror elements that make it a must-read horror novel. The narrative twists and turns and the cliffhanger finale will make this story one that readers turn to 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

Michael Harbron is an American fiction writer who brings a unique, yet traditional approach to the horror and supernatural genres. From a young age, Harbron was captivated by the eerie and unexplained, a fascination that has deeply influenced his writing. His works aim to unsettle readers through suspense and psychological depth, revisiting the shadowy corners of childhood fears. His debut novel, “Interview with the Devil,” exemplifies the blurred lines between reality and the unimaginable. Harbron’s storytelling resurrects dormant fears, proving that true horror lies not in what is seen, but in what is felt.

The Author Page

Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories by Elizabeth Bruce Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews2 Comments

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

Author Elizabeth Bruce takes readers on a journey to discover the different ways to view a dollar in the collection “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories”.

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The Synopsis

In Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories, Elizabeth Bruce gives readers 33 ways of looking at a dollar. Her empathetic, humorous, and disarming embrace of plain-spoken people searching for a way out, charms and provokes. These are bittersweet stories of resilience and defiance.

In “Universally Adored,” a color-obsessed artist draws a facsimile of a dollar—a masterpiece universally adored—to win her girlfriend back. While checking for spare change in the laundry, in “Bald Tires” a Tennessee housewife with a malcontent husband finds an unused condom in his Sunday trousers. In “The Forgiveness Man,” a runaway teen with a newborn follows a vagabond healer absolving the bedraggled godless through hugs of forgiveness. And in “Magic Fingers, a ladies’ room attendant tracked down by her abusive ex finds refuge in a cheap motel with a 1970s era bed massager.

Riffing on the intimate object of a dollar, Bruce’s humane short fictions—from a great mashed potato war to the grass Jesus walked on—ring with the exquisite voices of characters in analog worlds.

The Review

This was a memorable and thoughtful collection of short stories. The author artfully captures the complexities of the human condition through the lens of a one-dollar bill, perfectly capturing the monetary journey that most of the working class finds themselves on. The short yet poignant imagery found within each story’s writing style allowed the reader to feel transported and engaged with each story’s protagonist in a visceral way. 

The title story, Universally Adored, sets the tone of the collection, allowing the reader to feel the story’s emotional pull and the stories that would follow. Exploring relationships and the complex nature of individuality versus close relationships in general, the story showcases the dangers of personal goals undermining a relationship and the lengths a person will go to to make things right. Themes of struggle, desire, and beauty found in the least likely of places, the stories found within the collection will draw readers in and speak to them in an honest and hopeful voice.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, composed, and strikingly emotional, author Elizabeth Bruce’s “Universally Adored & Other Dollar Stories is a must-read collection. The profound themes and rich imagery build a crescendo of storytelling that readers can easily get lost in, and the powerful relatability of these stories and the engaging way the author writes will stay with readers long after the book concludes. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Elizabeth Bruce’s debut story collection, Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories, is forthcoming in January 2024 from the Athens, Greece-based Vine Leaves Press. Her debut novel, And Silent Left the Place, won Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s Fiction Award, ForeWord Magazine’s Bronze Fiction Prize, and was one of two finalists for the Texas Institute of Letters’ Steven Turner Award for Best Work of First Fiction. Bruce has published prose in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Sweden, Romania, India, South Korea, Malawi, Yemen, and The Philippines, including in FireWords Quarterly, Pure Slush, takahē magazine, The Ilanot Review, Spadina Literary Review, Inklette, Lines & Stars, and others, as well as in such anthologies from Paycock Press’ Gargoyle series, Weasel Press’ How Well You Walk through Madness: An Anthology of Beat, Vine Leaves Literary Journal: A Collection of Vignettes from Across the Globe; Madville Publishing’s Muddy Backroads, Two Thirds North, multiple Gargoyle anthologies, and Washington Writers’ Publishing House’s This Is What America Looks Like. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Righteous Rebellion by James Hooker 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 daring move by a religious movement leads to a southern state seceding from the United States, leading to a domino effect that will change the landscape forever in author James Hooker’s “Righteous Rebellion.”

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The Synopsis

In the waning days of the Great Republic, a small, conservative southern state, having lost faith in the country and being led by an overzealous “servant of the Lord,” decides to secede from the Union.

In the process, we meet characters from both sides of the culture clash, including a mad pastor, a delusional Nazi pervert, religious zealots, a self-interested wanna-be “President,” a scheming real estate developer, a mysterious Middle Eastern monarch, a crazy ayatollah with a dangerous scheme to embarrass America, an oversexed administrative assistant, a territory-grabbing drug kingpin, an unhinged “First Lady,” a befuddled General Staff, and a beleaguered American President who tries to keep the whole wild world in check.

Can the United States keep itself in tact in the midst of a “Righteous Rebellion?”

The Review

This was a gripping read. The author did an amazing job of capturing the heart of the political divide that has become the heart of the American political machine. The imagery and atmosphere of the novel allow the reader to feel the rising tensions across the nation, and the way the author blends in humorous dialogue through these characters helps underscore the stakes at play for the narrative.

The heart of the story rests in the massive character arcs played out throughout the narrative. Early on readers see the influence religion and old school mentality has on modern day politics, and the way each character’s motivations impact the story were greatly felt. The story doesn’t just impact the nation, but the world as a whole, and highlights how much the United States influences how the  rest of the world turns at this point in time.

The Verdict

A brilliant blend of Stephen King’s The Stand meets Civil War, author James Hooker’s Righteous Rebellion is a must-read political and historical fiction. The use of satire and real-world political divides allowed the reader to get fully immersed in the minds of these figures, and see how that divide impacts the world stage as a whole.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

James Hooker is an American writer who explores various genres, from humor, satire and historical fiction. In the realm of literary achievements James Hooker stands out as a brilliant writer with a boundless imagination. Recent books include “Redneck Riviera” and “Righteous Rebellion”. He entices his readers to believe that true meaning can be found not just in the destination but in the journey itself.

Satirical & Humorous Stories

Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh by Reenita M. Hora 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 couple from very different communities must find each other and safety before an attack that will be heard around the world in author Reenita m. Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh.”

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The Synopsis

In a politically tense Amritsar, India, Aruna, an Anglo-Indian schoolteacher, and Ayaz, a feisty Muslim law student, fall in love only to discover that courting openly is easier said than done. Not only are they from different communities, but his political activism during the tumultuous year of 1919 comes at the cost of their romance.

Against the deadline of a military order, Aruna, who is only nineteen, must find her lover and warn him about Colonel Dyer’s impending attack on Jallianwala Bagh. An attack that is eventually heard around the world.

Playtime at the Bagh during Baishakhi is a metaphor for Colonel Dyer’s rain of bullets released upon thousands on the one fateful day of April 13th, 1919.

Love, hate, denial, and betrayal are wrapped inside a single love story capturing today’s hope with yesterday’s despair.

The Review

This was such a powerful and emotional read. The historical romance of the novel is prevalent from the beginning, allowing the relationship between Aruna and Ayaz to grow and develop naturally, allowing the reader to form an emotional bond with the characters. The author’s intense and heavy atmosphere throughout the narrative brings the reader into the shocking and heartbreaking realities of this historical moment in time.

The large-scale struggles of the conflict to come may be the setting of this novel, but the personal struggles of the two protagonists as they deal with their love for one another, his political protests, and the clash of cultures that make their relationship a struggle overall made this novel so enthralling. The attention to detail that the author puts into the historical side of the story showcases the tragedy and horrific nature of what so many people had to live through and helped put into perspective so much of what the Indian community had to endure during that time.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, engaging, and powerfully written author Reenita M Hora’s “Vermillion Harvest – Playtime at the Bagh” is a must-read historical fiction romance novel. The twists and turns in the story, the heartbreaking realities that the people faced during this event, and the rich and dynamic character arcs made this one book readers woulnd’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Reenita, the ‘Nora Ephron’ of South Asian storytelling, spinning yarns as eclectic as Mumbai’s iconic ‘Bhel Puri’ – a tantalizing concoction of flavors with an occasional bug for that extra crunch! Her stories star a motley crew of characters caught in the whirlwind of imperfect scenarios, all while stubbornly refusing to sell out. Her writing, unapologetically Indian, pulses with the colors and rhythms of her culture, deftly blending humor and authenticity.  LA Weekly spotlighted my unique approach to weaving Indian humor and culture into the American tapestry, celebrating the innovative narrative of Operation Mom. Read the LA Weekly Article here.

In her previous life, Reenita was a journalist, editor, and writer for platforms like National Geographic Kids, Disney India, Cartoon Network Asia, the New York Times, CNN, Radio Television Hong Kong, and Bloomberg. Her awards and accolades include the Eric Hoffer Book Award, IndieReader Discovery Award, Santa Barbara International Screenplay Award, Script2Comic, Launchpad, and Emerging Screenwriters awards, and second round consideration (OPERATION MOM) for the Sundance Institute Development Slate. No one-trick pony though, she’s the brains behind not one but two rib-tickling podcasts: the ‘True Fiction Project’ (where reality takes a hilarious nosedive into the scripted world) and ‘Shadow Realm’ (a magical portal to riveting narrative fiction).

Reenita has honed her screenwriting skills through topnotch programs like Writers’ Bootcamp and Roadmap Writers, so you know she means business. She has optioned her book, ’Ace Of Blades,’ and her screenplay, SHADOW REALM. Brace yourself for her upcoming books, ‘Festival of Lights’ published by HarperCollins and ‘Vermilion Harvest: Playtime at the Bagh’ published by Indignor Press, coming soon to a bookshelf near you! Dive headfirst into her world fantastical tales, and laugh-out-loud moments at http://www.reenita.com. And, don’t forget your bug spray!

Patience by Jaire Sims 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 man must navigate his first relationship and a new job in author Jaire Sims LGBTQ adult romance novel, “Patience”.

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The Synopsis

After surviving a harrowing high school attack and making a life for himself, Carver Goodman is ready to move forward and find love. Using his photography skills, he uploads pictures of himself to a dating site and waits patiently for someone worth pursuing to contact him.

Ricardo Ramirez, Ricky to his friends, has a secret he’s kept from everyone, but when he sees a similarity between his past and Carver’s, he feels he must confess. After having dated Carver for months, he admits his transgression.

Will Carver be able to overcome Ricky’s sordid past, or will Carver’s past interfere with his future?

The Review

This was an emotional and compelling read. The exploration of Carver as a young adult and making his mark on the world was so fascinating to get lost in. The relatability of the character, from both a sexuality perspective and a personality perspective, will resonate with so many readers, and the thoughtful use of imagery brought the city of Chicago to life all around the characters in this narrative.

The emotional journey of Carver and Ricardo was truly the heart of the story. The physical and emotional connection they share as their journey evolves, and the shocking revelations of Ricardo’s past challenges Carver in ways he never expected. The romance gets very adult in its delivery, and the personal nature of Carve as a character, from his challenging past and his experiences on the Autism spectrum, to the first romance as a gay man and exploring what that means to him made this story so engaging.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, refreshing, and memorable, author Jaire Sims’s “Patience” is a must-read novel. The rich character dynamics and notes of growth and hope that the author evokes throughout this book will leave readers eager for more from this amazing writer. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jaire Malik Sims was born and raised on the far southwest side of Chicago. Even at a young age, Jaire was not known for his talkative behavior. He was able to make casual friends in elementary school and high school, but he never succeeded in making those friendships close or intimate.

Sims strived to get good grades and often made the Honor List in elementary school. He was a straight “A” student in high school and became class valedictorian.

Although Sims excelled at grades in high school, his difficulty with socializing began to manifest as a teenager. Due to his quiet nature and frequent experiences with social anxiety, Jaire was an easy target to teasing and bullying during his adolescence. His difficulties with socializing during his college years subsequently led him to see a clinical professional counselor and take a mental health assessment. While twenty-one, and a junior in college, Jaire was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. A year later, he graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.

Jaire has restricted interests, which makes it difficult for him to have and maintain casual conversations with people. He developed an interest in all things Disney in high school and still enjoys talking about his favorite Disney films and songs.

Educators often told Sims that he had strong writing skills. This encouragement played a part in motivating him to write his first novel, Getting By. His debut novel was named a finalist in the African American (Fiction) category in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards.

Jaire hopes his book will reach certain demographics who share commonalities with him and perhaps inspire them to write their own stories while taking inspirations from their life experiences.

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