Tag: thriller

The Ashes of Coral Cove: Murder and Mayhem in Paradise by J.J. Macaw 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 violent storm and a powerful fire reveal a shocking death that unravels a small town’s hidden secrets in author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove: Murder and Mayhem in Paradise.”

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The Synopsis

A massive storm sweeps Coral Cove. Townhall consumed by flames. The city clerk’s tragic death sparks suspicion.

Maxine Harper, (Maxy) is a renowned investigative reporter who returned to her childhood hometown, steps into the web of confusion and chaos with Tony Blane, high school sweetheart turned therapist. Tom Mitchell, a retired cyber sleuthing expert and local bookstore owner, adds his unique skills to the investigative team. Recalled intimacy sparks between Maxy and Tony as they dig through the town’s past..

The arson investigation smolders under the fire chief’s incompetence, and the community’s trust burns out quickly. With remarkable skill and steely determination, the trio unravels a puzzle of cyber clues, red herrings and long buried motives.

A forgotten victim turned villain lurks amid the ashes. With vengeance in his veins and decades of rejection in his heart, he continues his arsonist rampage, targeting Coral Cove’s historic buildings.

As embers cool, the team races against time to uncover the truth before Coral Cove’s history turns to smoke. A shocking confession halts the town’s heart.

The Review

This was a short yet powerful story. The author did a great job immediately captivating readers with vibrant scenery and relatable characters they could invest in. The emotional drama and intimate relationships the story explores, while adding weight to the suspense and mystery this narrative provides, kept the short story feeling balanced and engaging.

This narrative powerfully felt the rich history of this small town and explored small-town life. It explored the all-too-familiar theme of forgotten people and what happens to those forced to live on the fringes of a society, whether that be by choice or circumstance. The emotional heartbreak of that situation and the steady pace at which this mystery unraveled throughout the story made this a standout read.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author J.J. Macaw’s “The Ashes of Coral Cove” is a must-read small-town cozy mystery and suspense thriller. The mystery’s twists and turns, and the attention to detail the author paid to developing these rich characters, will make readers eager for more stories from the author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His  prose reflects  the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent.  It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.

J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs.  He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.

There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.

J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home  a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.

https://www.jjmacaw.com/

Mission Thaw: A Kaitlyn Stewart Spy Thriller by Kay Sparling 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 promising CIA Agent must infiltrate a cartel by posing as an opera singer and discovers a far more sinister plot at work than anyone realized in author Kay Sparling’s “Mission Thaw: A Kaitlyn Stewart Spy Thriller.”

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The Synopsis

Near the end of the Cold War, Kaitlyn Stewart lands an apprenticeship at the Vienna State Opera. Soon after arriving, she is recruited by the CIA as the only female high profile operative in Mission: THAW. Both CIA and MI6 are in a race against time to uncover a human trafficking cartel set up by fascist Western politicians who are in business with the East Germans and KGB. They are exploiting refugees from the former satellite countries of the USSR. Mission: THAW must infiltrate the cartel in order to shut down the trafficking and destroy the slave labor in East Germany. If the GDR economy fails, the Berlin Wall will come down. Covering as an opera singer, Kaitlyn infiltrates the inner circle of the KGB and neo-Nazis, only to find out that they have a much more deadly, lucrative plan in the making: blueprints for a dirty bomb. MI6 agent Clive Matthews, who is considered the best secret agent in the free world, skillfully guides Kaitlyn through the crazy maze of the mission. Based on fact.

The Review

What a fun and engaging spy thriller! The author did an incredible job of capturing the tension and heavy atmosphere of the Cold War era, a time when spies were prevalent in the social fabric of our world. The action and suspense that came with the narrative of this novel, from the perils of human trafficking to the danger of a dirty bomb and the fate of entire nations as a whole, played well on the page and kept the reader invested efficiently.

This narrative’s unique character development, perspectives, and themes were spectacular. The protagonist, a mix of James Bond meets Clarice Starling with an opera singer twist, is such an engaging protagonist to root for, and her humorous takes on the world help elevate the tension and fear of her mission as it takes on a life of its own. The particular time frame that this novel takes place in, at the end of The Cold War, was a great new perspective to bring readers, and the themes of patriotism, morality, and the power secrets hold were greatly threaded into the story and gave readers a fresh take on a fan favorite genre.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and gripping, author Kay Sparling’s “Mission Thaw” is a must-read spy thriller and suspense novel. The narrative’s twists and turns, the fantastic pacing that kept readers interested while hinting at growing plot points, and the characters’ emotional development made this a memorable novel that readers won’t want 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

Kay Sparling is an international opera and sacred singer. Now retired, she lives in the Upper Midwest with her feline writing buddy, the invincible Paducah. When not teaching voice lessons or writing, Kay enjoys gardening, hiking, adventure travelling, and cooking for family and friends.

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The Washashore by Marshall Highet & Bird Jones 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. 

In the Prohibition-era Martha’s Vineyard, a young woman forced to live with a mysterious Aunt must adjust to high society and discover the truth behind the disappearance of her Aunt’s friend in the novel The Washashore by Marshall Higher and Bird Jones.

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The Synopsis

Martha’s Vineyard, 1929. Prohibition is in full swing, and Emily, a Midwest transplant, has never met her wealthy Aunt Isabel. That is until, after her mother’s death, the courts declare Isabel her guardian. Their first meeting is a disaster. Emily’s clumsy curtsy earns her only a frosty glare, and she quickly realizes she’s in for a crash course in East Coast high society. But manners take a back seat to mystery when Isabel’s dear friend, an accomplished sailor, vanishes at sea. Convinced it’s murder, Isabel recruits her niece to catch the killer, pointing the finger at two dangerous men: a ruthless Mob boss and the fastest rumrunner in the harbor. While Emily crosses paths with gangsters on the island, she may just find home on its miles of coastline and among its quirky inhabitants-her stoic Aunt Isabel included.

The Review

This was such a profound and gripping mystery novel. The balance between historical fiction, mystery, and suspense was perfectly captured in this book. The intrigue and tension the authors built throughout the narrative feel like the perfect amount of atmosphere in the story, allowing the readers to get lost in the danger and violent nature of prohibition and the shocking realities that the lifestyle brought during that era. 

The heart of this story is in the grand themes the authors explore and the rich character dynamics that show their evolution and progress throughout the novel. The relationship between Emily and Isabel, especially as readers begin to understand the losses they both endured and how that bridges the gap in both their societal upbringings and emotional connections, was so heartfelt and gripping, while the exploration of class systems during this historical period, the negative impact Prohibition had on society and organizzed crime alike, and the way others see us versus how we see ourselves were perfectly brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

With an atmosphere that fans of The Great Gatsby and Somewhere in Time will love and a mystery element that harkens back to the days of Agatha Christie novels or more recent films like Knives Out, authors Marshall Higher and Bird Jones’s “The Washashore” is a must-read historical fiction mystery. The twists and turns in the narrative will keep readers on the edge of their seat and the emotional character growth will keep readers invested in these strong protagonists that exude a sense of feminism in a time that didn’t often get to show feminism as a whole, a standout that made this novel feel even more potent in its writing style. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on June 10th, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

MARSHALL HIGHET is a professor and writer. Spare Parts—her YA sci-fi novel—was published in 2014 and has an educational bent, with science as its foundation. Hold Fast, written with Bird Jones, is a swashbuckling adventure with historical facts holding it up. Blue-Eyed Slave came out in 2022. Currently living in Baltimore, Marshall’s newest venture is brewing her own kombucha. 

BIRD STASZ JONES holds a doctorate from Syracuse University and is a professor Emerita of Elon University. An ethnographer by training, her love of stories and story collecting has taken her from Appalachia to Central Asia. There she worked in collaboration with ministries of education, global donors and village teachers to support innovation in the literacy classroom. Awarded a Fulbright, she was able to visit and work in the farthest most school on the Afghan/Tajik border—literally the roof of the world. Bird has published in academic journals and spoken at conferences.

https://www.theothersideofthefire.com/washed-ashore

The Murder at Whispering Pines by Lai Holmes 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 series of mysterious deaths brings a young journalist and the local sheriff of a small town together in author Lai Holmes’s “The Murder at Whispering Pines.”

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The Synopsis

The charming town of Whispering Pines holds more than nostalgia for Joanna Gaines. Inheriting her aunt’s bookshop brings her face-to-face with the past, while leaving behind her hard-earned present. After a sudden death occurs in the town shortly after she arrives, Joanna can’t resist putting her journalism skills to work. Alongside her childhood crush, she is determined to find the truth, even if it means biting off more then she can chew. Together, they uncover the town’s carefully kept secrets. As time ticks down, Joanna must confront the mysteries of the town—and her future. Will her courage and inquisitive mind be enough to uncover the truth and protect their town?

The Review

A truly compelling and engaging novella, the author perfectly captures the cozy mystery and suspense thriller genres with a hint of magical realism. The atmosphere the author manages to create and the tension as the mystery unfolds allow the reader to feel transported into this small town, and the inclusion of a romantic twist into the narrative gives the stakes of this mystery more gravitas. 

The story’s fast pace and rich character development made it a memorable read. The closeness that formed between the protagonist and the supporting cast, especially the local sheriff, was palpable and thoughtfully written. This allowed the characters a well-rounded and relatable journey as they tackle loss, family, and finding purpose in life. 

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thoughtfully crafted, author Lai Holmes’s “The Murder at Whispering Pines” is a must-read cozy mystery meets suspense thriller. The twists and turns and the hint at a deeper mythology of this town’s history will make readers eager for more stories about the small town of Whispering Pines. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.

Rating: 10/10

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Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel by Barry Harden 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.

In author Barry Harden’s novel Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel, a band of citizens rises up to fight against the corruption of 1980s London.

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The Synopsis

It’s the 1980s, and London is crumbling under the weight of political corruption while the have-nots are further victimized by unfettered rogue gangs. Children are lured into the dark, lurid chambers of Whitehall, some never to be seen again. Citizens are coerced through intimidation and threats of harm against their families. Utter chaos reigns. Amanita Virosa, a courageous Roma fighter who fled the horrors of war-torn Bosnia, sought refuge in the heart of North London, only to discover that the specter of corruption and injustice haunts her adopted home. Forming an alliance with Everard, a young, homeless firebrand, and Doris, a feisty pensioner, the group embarks on a daring mission to sever the insidious grip of Whitehall’s corruption and the extortion and violence perpetrated on the innocent. Sedition, conspiracy, murder and betrayal all have a voice; some are quickly silenced, while others persistently challenge the very existence of those bold enough to defy the status quo. Loosely based on actual sociopolitical events in eighties London, Amanita Virosa is a riveting warning about the perils of government overreach and the indomitable power of the individual to resist oppression. Will their collective courage be enough to shatter the chains of oppression, or will they become casualties in a war that demands the ultimate sacrifice?

The Review

This was a compelling and intriguing read. The author established a visceral, gritty atmosphere and tone that set the stage for a unique setting that has not been widely discussed in modern history. The action and graphic violence the book depicts highlight the narrative naturally, allowing these relatable and impactful characters to grow and evolve at an even pace as the story and the stakes escalate. 

This fast-paced read prominently displayed the themes of greed, power, control, and fighting against corruption. The way the author stepped into this grim reality immediately allowed the reader to feel the desperation and how these characters became fed up and disillusioned with how those living on society’s fringes were treated. The personal connections these characters form with one another and the emotional bond they form with one another, especially Amanita and Richie later on in the book, keep the reader engaged and invested in this growing and dangerous world the author has brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

Author Barry Harden’s “Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel” is a must-read thriller that is memorable, engaging, and chilling. The real-life connection to historical events in London during the 80s and 90s and the adrenaline-fueled action gave readers a unique perspective and thrilling narrative that is nearly impossible 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

Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, five novels, two books of poetry and a collection of short stories in the genres of political thriller, satire, Gothic fantasy poetry, and allegorical short stories. An animal rights, environmental protection, and civil rights proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings.

“Words can be like gems or sticks. A coalition of words can become a diamond necklace or a broken picket fence, whichever way one wishes to use them, and as such, I use them for my works of fiction and poetry. Dark fantasy can be alluring but dark reality is sometimes unavoidable and can cascade one’s imagination deep into the hollowed skulls that litter the subsoil beneath our feet, to be returned once again to the world in the voice of a poet.” ~Barry Harden

Some of Mr. Harden’s poetry can be viewed in video format on YouTube: Dark Gothic Poetry and Stories.

www.barryhardenauthor.com

Shafted (Nemesis Series Book 1) by John Mahaffey 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 rising superstar in the world of golf must reclaim his self-worth amid a criminal investigation that threatens to tear his family apart in Luthor John Mahaffey’s “Shafted,” the first book in the Nemesis series.

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The Synopsis

Trey McCall, an up-and-coming superstar on the golf circuit, staggered past a mirror and gasped at his reflection; horrified, he froze and stared at his pathetic image—sweating profusely through a torn and faded Bob Seger tee shirt, eyes blood red and glazed, hands shaking, mouth dry and scratchy as sandpaper. The disciplined essence of an athlete, a thing of the past—each intoxicated day mirrors the last and the next—lured from his principled sheltered life on The Circle M Ranch by unscrupulous forces in the real world.

Suddenly fully aware—he must escape this highway to nowhere—to regain purpose in and for his life. The obstacles were infinite—four truths, his only vehicle:

He would need significant help to get there.

He must own his past to have a future.

Karma is real.

Trust is earned.

Lucky Richards, his nefarious business manager—a catalyst for disaster—vanishes, leaving in his wake an international trail of egregious felonies implicating McCall and his family. Survival becomes Trey’s primary concern, as golf takes a backseat.

Find out who steps in to help set Trey straight. Can McCall reclaim his self-worth on his journey back from rock bottom and come out on top in the unfamiliar territory of organized crime investigation?

The Review

As far as mystery and suspense novels go, this book took the cake. I was thoroughly surprised and engaged in the direction this story took. The character development of this book, especially the protagonist, showcased his arc from up-and-coming popular pro golfer to disgraced athlete to head of a heroic company, which was unique and creatively done. It showcased a more extraordinary world-building and mythos developed by the author for this series, which will instantly draw readers in.

The powerful themes running through this book, from the toxicity that can come from pursuing money and fame to the need for resilience in the face of failure and hardship, kept me as a reader invested in these characters. The balance the author found in really honing in on the struggles and temptations that those in professional athletics find themselves with, the mystery and suspense surrounding organized crime, and the formation of a force for good made this such a compelling novel.

BOGO 30% off S&W with code SW30

The Verdict

Remarkable, highly creative, and thoroughly entertaining, author John Mahaffey’s “Shafted” is the grand opening narrative in the Nemesis series and a must-read mystery. The twists and turns in the story and the affluent journey readers are treated to as the protagonist evolves and grows throughout the novel make the book feel accessible and engaging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Version 1.0.0

John Mahaffey is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Between 1973 and 1999, he won ten events on the PGA Tour. His last PGA win was on the Champions Tour, at the 1999 Southwestern Bell Dominion.

Two of John’s most exciting years on the PGA tour were 1978 and 1979. In 1978 he won back-to-back tour events: the PGA Championship followed by the American Optical Championship. He also won the World Cup individual that year, plus the team event paired with Andy North at Princeville on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. John played on the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team and the World Cup team that same year in Athens, Greece, with Hale Irwin as his partner.

In 2003, John was successful in making the challenging transition from pro golfer to announcer/analyst on Golf Channel covering the Champions Tour.

Off the course John released his first book Hogan’s Boy: A Journey In Golf, plus he hosts a monthly radio show called A Glimpse of Greatness, on Sirius 208 XM 93 PGA Tour Radio.

John also delivers motivational keynote speeches filled with great stories about golf and life.

In his spare time John enjoys fishing and writing, and he always enjoys promoting the game of golf.

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A Gilded Redwood Coffin (The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series by Cecelia Tichi 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 mission to save a young woman’s life turns into a twisted murder investigation in the Gilded Age in author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin,” the latest entry in The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series.

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The Synopsis

Western silver heiress Val DeVere expects nothing but joy at an elegant Newport picnic in 1899, only to be abruptly summoned to New York by a close friend’s urgent and cryptic plea: “PLEASE HELP…THEO B.”

In New York, Theo confides in Val, begging her to save his lively cousin Phoebe from a cunning Irish manservant who, he claims, is plotting her “accidental” death in the Rocky Mountains—just as he allegedly orchestrated the death of her twin sister in Boston a year earlier.

Determined to help her friend, Val, now Mrs. Roderick DeVere, tries to convince the headstrong Phoebe to delay her trip to the Rockies. Yet the Irish servant, whom Theo accuses of murder, reminds Val of her beloved late father, an Irish immigrant and “Silver King,” whose charm and brogue are unsettlingly familiar.

When Phoebe is found murdered in her New York apartment, suspicion falls squarely on the Irishman, appearing to wrap the case up neatly. But for Val, the truth feels far more elusive. Is she blinded by sentiment, or is there another killer lurking in the shadows? As doubt creeps in, Val faces a race against time to uncover the real culprit, all while risking arrest as an accessory to murder.

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The Review

It is a genuinely tremendous and engaging read. The author does an excellent job of finding the means of balancing the high society background of Val’s character with the mystery and intrigue that the narrative provides. The imagery and atmosphere of the Gilded Age translate perfectly on the page, and the historical aspect of the setting draws the reader into the story more and more.

The character arcs in this novel were engaging. Val’s strength and resilience showcased her character’s overall growth throughout the series, yet the book allows new readers to jump into the story quickly. The haunting nature of the case and the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more adventures in this fantastic historical fiction thriller. 

The Verdict

A brilliant fusion of high society meets gritty murder mystery, author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin” is a must-read historical fiction meets mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the author’s story and how the narrative builds upon the character development of previous entries in the series will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

AUTHOR LECTURER PROFESSOR

A fresh start for every new book, and author Cecelia Tichi’s zest for America’s Gilded Age and its boldface names draws this seasoned writer to a crime fiction series while uncorking the country’s cocktail cultures on the printed (and ebook) page. Tichi digs deep into the Vanderbilt University research library to mine the late 1800-1900s history and customs of Society’s “Four Hundred,” its drinks, and the ways high-stakes crimes in its midst make for a gripping “Gilded” mystery series that rings true to the tumultuous era. The decades of America’s industrial titans and “Queens” of Society have loomed large in Tichi’s books for several years, and the titles track her recent projects:

Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (and What They Teach Us)

Jack London: A Writer’s Fight for a Better America

What Would Mrs. Astor Do? A Complete Guide to the Manners and Mores of the Gilded Age

Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Golden Age

Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Roaring Twenties

A Gilded Death (crime fiction)

Murder, Murder, Murder in Gilded Central Park (crime fiction)

A Fatal Gilded High Note (crime fiction)

COMING SOON IN THE ‘GILDED’ CRIME SERIES:

A Gilded Free Fall.

She enjoys membership and posting in Facebook’s The Gilded Age Society. You can read more about her work by visiting www.cecebooks.com.

Delicious Surrender (Dominant Billionaire Series Book 1) by Luce Sutherland 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 writing a novel and a gruff billionaire find their worlds colliding in this steamy Erotic thriller from author Luce Sutherland, “Delicious Surrender,” the first book in the Dominant Billionaire Series. 

The Synopsis

Brynne Larimore is going back to her three-date rule. Her judgmental ex-boyfriend is history, and her steamy BDSM novel needs an injection of real-life experience. Club Dominus promises an education, if she can get past the icy Scottish billionaire who owns the place. Too bad his arrogance makes her want to rattle his cage, not follow his rules.

Gage MacLeod has been called a grumpy alpha-hole, and he wears the label proudly. Ruthless and unyielding, he protects his London club’s elite clientele and refuses to be tempted by the willful, curvy redhead pretending to be submissive. His pr*ck might be intrigued, but rules are rules.

When Brynne attracts the attention of a notorious Russian club member known for devious tactics of seduction, Gage must make a choice: protect her or walk away. But when she betrays his trust and puts his business at risk, his wrath knows no bounds.

Scorching chemistry draws them together and a very public scandal tears them apart. Will they untangle the web of secrets and lies before it’s too late?

Delicious Surrender is a grumpy-sunshine, boss billionaire, dom/brat, lovers-to-enemies to a-sex-tutoring-truce between two people with trust issues. There is plenty of spice, angst, and suspense and a hard-fought HEA. This is a standalone with no cliffhanger. Please follow me for news of the next book in the Dominant Billionaire Series.

This book contains explicit sexual content. For a full list of content and trigger warnings, please visit: lucesutherland.com.

The Review

For anyone who is a significant fan of erotica and BDSM-forward erotica in particular, with an element of thriller and action thrown in as well, this was the perfect read for you. The author found an outstanding balance in the novel between the steamier, more erotica-driven scenes between the two protagonists and the complex character developments that brought them together and drove them apart as the story progressed. 

The enemies-to-lovers and lovers-to-enemies tropes blended well in this novel. The spiciness of the main character’s encounters with one another and the twist on the relationship that comes later when a personal loss takes Brynne to Skye intensify their connection in ways neither of them could have seen coming. 

The Verdict

Heated, passionate, and engaging author Luce Sutherland’s “Delicious Surrender” is a must-read for fans of erotica and romance. The infusion of action, suspense, and character-driven narrative will instantly grab fans of the genre and keep them enthralled with this new erotic series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Luce Sutherland has been reading juicy, erotic romance since before it was mainstream… when you couldn’t hide behind a Kindle, and you had to bring the illicit book to the register – and be judged by the cashier.

When those books became harder to find, she resorted to writing her own stories with delicious, dominant alpha heroes and the bold, sassy heroines they aim to tame. Luce lives with her own alpha husband in the Sunshine state, even though she gets sunburned walking from the car to the grocery store. She is passionate about living each day to the fullest, which includes nurturing authentic friendships, savoring Maui coffee, indulging in Scottish gin and being a devoted advocate for the benefits of self-care. Her motto is LIVE LIFE JUICY!

Please follow her on Instagram (lucesutherlandwrites) or check out her website: lucesutherland.com.

Ashme’s Song by Brad C. Anderson 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 with a unique ability must choose between the brother she is tasked with taking care of and the resistance group that needs her abilities to fight against the oppressive regime ruling over them in author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song.”

The Synopsis

Violence has an echo, growing louder with each reverberation . . . how do you stop its echo once it starts ringing?

Ashme is a New Mesopotamian—a “Meso.” She dreams of being a hero, fighting against the brutal Ostarrichi ruling her country. She is an indigo child, her DNA modified by sentient AI, enabling her to control computer systems at will. With this power, she has something to offer the Meso resistance. Her twin brother, Shen, however, suffers from a neurological disorder and needs someone to care for him. Increasingly, that task falls on her.

How can she become the hero her people need when her brother’s needs are overwhelming? If she continues caring for Shen while joining the resistance, she risks leading Ostarrichi forces to her home. If she leaves, then looking after Shen will fall to her cousin, who is already overworked caring for his frail grandmother.

As her society collapses into violence, Ashme must choose between her fellow Mesos, her family, and her values.

The Review

What a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and chilling yet engaging story. The world the author created felt both other-worldly and yet relatable all at the same time, forcing the reader to see the struggles of the Mesos as struggles others have faced at the hands of police brutality, racist, sexist, and even homophobic behavior. The world-building was incredible, and the author’s writing style and imagery made the reader feel easily transported.

The heart of this narrative was the complex character development, especially with Ashme as the protagonist. The choices she faced and the challenges that came her way were like a gut punch emotionally, with the line between what’s right and what’s often needed blaring in the face of the threat the Ostarrichi represented. The relationship with her brother and the struggle to provide his safety and freedom showcased the lengths the family was willing to go for one another.

The Verdict

Author Brad C. Anderson’s “Ashme’s Song” is a must-read sci-fi thriller. Its harrowing, entertaining, yet emotionally driven plot follows a shocking turn of events, and the close examination of the fight that sometimes is needed to make big and needed changes to society overall makes this a compelling story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Brad Anderson lives with his wife in Vancouver, Canada, and they own the cutest dog on planet earth. Previously, he worked in the biotech industry in areas such as drug manufacturing, regulatory affairs and business development. In addition to writing, he currently teaches at a local university.

Ashme’s Song