Today on my blog I’m excited to feature Barry Maher’s darkly comic supernatural thriller, The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon. If you love stories that bend reality, dive into the occult, and keep you turning pages late into the night, you won’t want to miss this one.
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SYNOPSIS
In 1982, failed songwriter Steve Witowski is running from both the law and his past when a reckless act of heroism—saving a woman from a brutal assault—pulls him into a world far darker than he ever imagined. That woman, Victoria, has just purchased a decaying church steeped in sinister history, and with her comes a web of occult rituals, crypts, and grave-robbing secrets that refuse to stay buried. As Steve becomes entangled in her dangerous world, the presence of a desperate demon closes in, blurring the line between delusion and reality. Haunted by visions, hunted by forces he refuses to believe in, and marked by the face of the man he killed, Steve is dragged deeper into a nightmare of dark magic, betrayal, and blood-soaked revelations where survival may cost him his soul.
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EXCERPT
Back in the 60s . . .
On Wednesday October 13th, 1968, a faculty panel recommended the dismissal of Professor John Harris—in absentia, as no one at Harvard had seen or heard from him in weeks. Harris later bragged about delivering his final lecture on “one shitload and a half of LSD.” According to the recording made available to the faculty panel, this was the sum total of that lecture:
“Good afternoon. Wow. American Literature, hunh? Let’s see. Moby Dick today. Right?”
“Moby Dick?” asked a confused voice. “No. What happened to The Scarlet Letter?”
“Right. Moby Dick,” Harris continued. “Great book. None of you have read it. None of you are going to read it. Nobody ever does. What you need to understand is that as far as I’m concerned—and I’m the fucking professor—Moby Dick is the same story as The Great Gatsby, which some of you may read. I call it, ‘the half-assed struggle of the individual to put their world to rights in the face of a failure that threatens to define their life.’ I think that’s from my thesis. Though maybe it’s not pretentious enough.”
Harris laughed. “Hey! How about this? Great Gatsby/Moby Dick: same story, different era, right? So, if someone someday tries to write that story for this generation, they should call it The Great Dick. That’d be perfect, wouldn’t it? The Great Dick. Alright, that’s got to be almost fifty minutes. See you next . . . whenever. Wow.”
SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 1982 Two Women and One Corpse
“Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to lie well.” —Samuel Johnson
CHAPTER 1
Okay, let me start out by admitting that I was an asshole. I know that. The ludicrous amount of fame and acclaim and money I’ve had dumped on me since that time only makes it more glaring. The fact that we lived in a different world back in 1982 is no excuse. It was the same world. It just wasn’t the world we thought it was.
I remember it was a Sunday night. Sundays always feel different. Looking back now and Googling a 1982 calendar, I’d guess it was Sunday, March 21st. I remember waking up and within minutes making the decision to leave. Quickly, before I could change my mind, I eased myself out of the rickety hide-a-bed.
Immediately, Maria rolled over into the spot I’d just vacated, breathing loudly through her nose and mouth, not quite snoring. I hate to say it, but she looked every minute of her thirty years. Her thick dark hair clung damply to her face; her heavy arms stretched outward. The cast on her left wrist looked like a giant manacle.
The grandfather clock beside the cigar store Indian read 1:37, though a few minutes before, it had chimed four times. That made as much sense as anything else in my life. I was thirty-five years old, a Harvard grad who’d spent the previous two years faking his way through a $13,500 a year job as a territory rep for the Richmond Tobacco company. That $13,500 was the most money I’d ever made. You’re probably thinking that when you adjust for inflation and translate that $13,500 into today’s dollars, it’s a lot more impressive.
No, it’s not.
I slipped on my jersey and my jeans and gathered the rest of my things in my old gym bag. Fortunately, enough moonlight crept in around the edges of the tattered drapes to give the room a dim glow. I wondered if it would be safe to hitchhike out of there, or if Indiana had already notified the California Highway Patrol that I was wanted.
My situation was bad. But not bad enough to, say, crawl into a grave with a rotting corpse.
That would come later.
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GUEST BLOG POST
Where Do You Get Your Ideas from?
A while back, I was speaking on an Asian cruise when I realized I could no longer figure out what the hands of the clock meant. The next day, during a session, I introduced the ship’s captain. Twenty minutes later I picked him out of the audience and asked him what he did for a living. (The uniform did look a tad familiar.) That same day, I gave up trying to understand foreign currency. Even American money was getting tricky. In Viet Nam, I handed a vendor two hundreds and a five for a $7.00 baseball cap. It was a very nice cap.
Back home, the first thing my doctor did was have me draw a clock face at ten to three. The second thing he did was take away my driver’s license. Then he sent me for an immediate MRI. The nurse there wouldn’t comment on the results, but when I asked where the restroom was, she said, “I can’t let you go in there alone.”
I explained that bathroom visitation was a particular expertise of mine.
“Like telling time?” she asked. “You need to talk to your neurosurgeon.”
“I have a neurosurgeon?” Just what I always wanted.
I also had a brain tumor—the size of a basketball. Or maybe the neurosurgeon said “baseball.” I wasn’t tracking too well at that point. Still, I quickly grasped he was planning on carving open my skull with a power saw.
“I don’t really need to tell time,” I said. “Or I can just buy a digital watch.”
Everyone said my neurosurgeon—or, as I thought of him, “Chainsaw Charlie”—was brilliant. My problem was that I’ve spent my life around intelligent people, and I’ve always believed human intelligence was overrated. To me, on a scale of everything there is to know in the universe, the main difference between Einstein and Koko the Wonder Chimp was that Einstein couldn’t pick up bananas with his feet. (As far as I know.)
Still, I went under the knife—or in this case, the power saw. Maybe I had a seizure. The doctors weren’t sure. That might explain what happened. Because I came out of the surgery with Lady Gaga singing non-stop in my head and an unforgettably vivid story, like a memory of something that I’d just witnessed.
Reacting to the intrusion, I suppose my brain could have given me Citizen Kane or a nice rom/com or a few episodes of Seinfeld. Instead I got open crypts, bizarre spells, sudden death and the Ralph Lauren version of the Manson Family. “How did my operation go? Well, I’m doing well, but the people in my head—or wherever they were—they went through Hell.”
Lady Gaga went away after a day or so. But the story stayed with me. And when I was able, I spent a couple of years putting it all down, working it out, trying to get it just right. And that became The Great Dick: And the Dysfunctional Demon.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barry Maher’s career has been anything but ordinary. He’s been an award-winning (if modestly so) poet, a magazine writer with bylines across the country, a speaker for some of the world’s largest corporations, and a man who once lived literally on the beach, seagulls and all. His syndicated column Slightly Off-Kilter and his darkly comic fiction reflect that same unpredictable spirit. Media appearances range from The Today Show to CNBC, with features in The Wall Street Journal and even Funeral Service Insider. Connect with him at BarryMaher.com or on Facebook.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rabei A. Wazzeh shares how everyone has a story and a voice that matters in the book “The Masterpiece of Nature.”
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The Synopsis
The Masterpiece of Nature is a quietly powerful exploration of what it means to grow, endure, and live meaningfully in a world that often demands noise over presence, certainty over curiosity, and speed over depth.
Through poetic reflections, real-life stories, and a compassionate voice that meets the reader like a trusted friend, this book reframes resilience not as forceful triumph, but as steady return. Not as perfection, but as honesty. Each chapter is a gentle invitation – to stand inside your own questions, to reimagine courage, to find strength in softness, and to keep moving even when the path disappears beneath your feet.
From the silent determination of Viola Davis to the devoted practice of Kobe Bryant, from the handwritten code of Masako Wakamiya to the return of Diana Nyad to the sea at sixty, this book brings to life the quiet human choices that shape not only our days – but who we become.
You won’t find loud formulas or self-help demands here. What you will find is a steady companion for the in-between spaces – the invisible steps, the tender thresholds, the places where meaning begins.
This is not a guide to becoming extraordinary.
It’s a gentle remembering that you already are.
The Review
This is such a unique and inspiring book. The balance not only in writing style, moving from poetic prose to essays and engaging dialogue with the reader, but also in the use of historical and public figures as examples for each chapter, was spot on in every respect. The emotive and connective way the author writes will leave a lasting impact on readers as the book delves into questions of existence and philosophy with ease.
The heart of this book, the idea that friendship and connection are nature’s version of a masterpiece, is such a thought-provoking and heartfelt ideal to strive for and to accept in our hearts. The stories range, of course, but each packs a punch that resonates with readers, from the origins of McDonald’s, starting with one single store, showcasing how a forest begins with just a seed. It matters not how early or late in life you start, but that you start to begin with, to the story of a renowned cellist who showed that daily returns, who continues to improve on one’s craft, is not a means of becoming great, but of showing our love and respect for what moves us daily.
The Verdict
Inspiring, heartfelt, and engaging, author Rabei A. Wazzeh’s “The Masterpiece of Nature” is a must-read book. The inspiring stories don’t leave readers with questions to ponder or steps to follow, but instead engage them on an emotional and philosophical level, allowing the reader to feel the weight of these people’s choices and how one small act can change the world, making everyone not only connected but also proving that everyone truly matters. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rabei A. Wazzeh writes from the quiet center of a life shaped by listening -not only to people and systems, but to the deeper questions that live beneath both. Though his professional path has led him across boardrooms and ministries, his truest work has always been quieter: noticing what matters, holding space for what’s unfolding, and walking with people through the uncertain middle of change. At heart, he is a humanist -drawn to psychology, to philosophy, and to the soft strength that emerges when presence is given time to speak. His writing does not seek to impress, but to companion. It offers no grand solutions – only a steady hand on the shoulder and a quiet reminder: your life still holds meaning. You are still becoming. The Masterpiece of Nature is not a presentation of what he knows. It is an offering of what he’s still learning about resilience, about tenderness, and about the quiet power of staying close to what is true.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author G. Riley Mills shares the experience and skills needed to empower readers and leaders alike with the means of growing their business and life as a whole through effective communication strategies in the book “Synergy and Sparks.”
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The Synopsis
Become a Standout Leader with Intentional Strategies Tailored to Your Role and Industry
Synergy and Sparks: Unlock Excellence through Communication, Collaboration, and Influence is more than just a business book—it’s a definitive, practical guide for thriving as a leader in an ever-evolving world. Written by the Emmy Award–winning co-founder of Pinnacle Performance Company—one of the world’s leading communication skills training firms—this book unveils the proven, award-winning methodology behind Pinnacle’s global success.
Blending the art and science of communication, Synergy and Sparks equips leaders with the tools and insights that Fortune 500 companies have relied on for decades. It offers a hands-on roadmap filled with current research, real-world examples, engaging stories, and actionable exercises—empowering readers to lead with clarity, influence, and intention.
Each chapter is designed to spark growth, foster collaboration, and help you apply these transformative strategies directly to your own leadership journey. Throughout the book, readers will learn:
The six most important aspects of modern leadership: communication, presence, influence, storytelling, connection, and collaboration
The skills needed to communicate a clear vision, drive productivity, and retain top talent
Time-tested performance techniques that professional actors have utilized for centuries to project confidence, influence emotion, and motivate action in their audiences
Synergy and Sparks is the perfect resource to help frustrated leaders achieve their full potential and motivate their teams to action.
The Review
The author’s insights and knowledge were on point in this book. The author’s ability to communicate and educate readers on the effectiveness of communication through historical, pop culture, and business-related examples was both inspiring and relatable, and the conversational tone of the book’s writing style effectively emphasized the power of communication.
Social awareness, balancing stress and performance, and even using storytelling devices in communication techniques are just a few of the compelling ideas that the author brings to life in this book. The way the author explores a post-COVID world and how it has changed the business landscape was amazing. One of the unique concepts the author brought to the conversation of modern business communication is the idea of “Yes, and”, which challenges leaders to embrace change and find ways of growing and building upon that change as a result.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author G. Riley Mills’s “Synergy and Sparks” is a must-read nonfiction book on business and communication. The author’s education and experience, combined with a personable and straightforward writing style, will keep readers coming back to this book time and again to seek knowledge about business communication. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
G. Riley Mills is a three-time Emmy Award-winning producer, writer and entrepreneur. He is the author of Synergy and Sparks and the co-author of The Pin Drop Principle and its follow-up The Bullseye Principle (all published by John Wiley & Sons). He was included in the list of “Top Leadership Speakers” by Inc. Magazine and has taught effective communication to executives and CEOs on six continents. He presented his TEDx session “Are We Killing Communication?” at the Shanghai American School, Shanghai, China and consulted on the MSNBC program “All In America: Chicago” which won a 2018 Emmy for Outstanding News Discussion and Analysis.
Mills has guest-lectured or delivered keynotes at such events and institutions as Columbia University, London Business School, ATD International Conference, London Chamber of Commerce, SHRM International Conference, New York University, Utrecht University (Netherlands), Singapore Management University, MENA Conference (Saudi Arabia), Manchester United and The Royal Household at Buckingham Palace.
As a writer, Mills has written for Forbes and Fast Company. He has twice been awarded the Joseph Jefferson Citation for Best New Work, in 1998 and 2001. His acclaimed musical, The Hundred Dresses, premiered Off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City. His play, Lift Every Voice, was acquired by Dramatic Publishing Company and won the 2022 Distinguished Play Award from the American Alliance of Theatre & Education. Mills is a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild as well as the Forbes Coaches Council. He produced the award-winning film Bed which premiered at the 2021 Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal. He co-wrote and co-produced The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Trial in the Delta for NBC and Collaboraction Theatre (streaming on Peacock) which won a 2022 Emmy Award (Chicago/Midwest) and was a finalist for the 2023 Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association. Mills also won a 2024 Emmy Award (Chicago/Midwest) for The Lost Story of Emmett Till: Then and Now, which was produced by NBC and won Outstanding Regional Documentary.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Cory McCray shares the untapped potential that can be found when taking on apprenticeships in the book “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life.”
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The Synopsis
“I realized that learning a trade was more than just mastering a skill—it was about gaining control over my future.”
How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life tells the inspiring story of one man’s journey from Baltimore’s tough streets to a life of purpose, stability, and impact.
Cory McCray was on a path many young men know all too well—one shaped by struggle and limited opportunity. But when a single decision led him into an apprenticeship program, everything changed. Through hands-on training, grit, and an unshakable commitment to growth, he found a way to rewrite his future.
In this candid memoir, McCray shares the highs and lows of his journey, illustrating the transformative power of skilled labor and mentorship. Individuals will discover how his experiences as an apprentice shaped not just his career but his life, providing him with the foundation to become a Maryland State Senator dedicated to empowering his community. Alongside these personal stories, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life delves into the lasting impact apprenticeships can have, particularly for those who might be overlooked by traditional educational paths.
For anyone who believes in the power of second chances and the untapped potential within every community, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life is a powerful reminder that sometimes the right opportunity can change everything. Dive into this transformative story and explore how one apprenticeship not only saved a life but sparked a movement.
The Review
The first thing that stood out to me was how genuine and honest the author was in expressing the events of his life that led him to the path he found himself on. The way the author delved into the hardships and struggles of his youth, and both the impact on his community and the lack of available resources, and the social pressures many young men in his community were presented with, could be felt in the author’s writing with an emotional depth that readers could feel.
The balance of nonfiction narrative as the author expands on his life and journey, with the lessons and education he imparts to young readers, is astounding. The straightforward candor of the author’s voice in the writing style was superb and drove the lessons forward with ease. The idea and inspiration this book inspires in young people to embrace change and the unknown and to see for themselves the future they deserve will keep readers inspired and invested as the book progresses.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Cory McCray’s “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” is a must-read nonfiction book. The author did a great job of helping young people through the process of mentorship and becoming apprentices in trades, from working with difficult people to the interview process and so much more, and this is one of those books readers can return to time and time again for guidance and inspiration. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Cory McCray is a journeyman electrician, father of four, and public servant who proudly represents East and Northeast Baltimore in the Maryland State Senate. As the only member of the Maryland General Assembly to have completed a registered apprenticeship, he brings an unwavering commitment to expanding access, uplifting working families, and removing barriers to opportunity.
Raised in Baltimore City, Cory’s life was transformed through an apprenticeship with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 24. That experience not only gave him a career, but a calling—and led him to invest in real estate as a tool for stabilizing neighborhoods, win elected office, and pass over 100 pieces of legislation aimed at equity and economic mobility.
His debut book, The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life, is a blueprint for those navigating the “earn-while-you-learn” path and a call to action for educators, policymakers, and mentors to see the potential in every young person.
When he’s not in Annapolis or working in the community, you can find Cory cheering on his daughters at track meets / tennis matches or walking his sons into basketball practice—deeply grounded in family, faith, and the future of Baltimore.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
As far back as I can remember, I have loved to write. Starting in high school, I earned praise from my teachers about my writing skills – which led me to focus more on my writing talents. In college, recognition of my writing abilities continued, and I earned the highest score in my Legal Research & Writing course during my first year of law school.
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What inspired you to write your book?
The first book that I wrote was Inside the Insurance Industry. I wrote it after encouragement I received from my oldest son. He wanted me to share things that I had learned during my insurance career and as the owner of a risk management consulting business. As an amateur songwriter, I can share that writing songs is like writing books. Sometimes the words come easy and sometimes they do not. My first book was an easy endeavor.
What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
My intent in writing each of my nonfiction books has been to provide information that is not available elsewhere. Readers learn useful things about the ins and outs of the insurance industry in my insurance-related books, and learn about the life and times of Tompall Glaser in my The Great Tompall: Forgotten Country Music Outlaw biography. This book about my uncle was so interesting to write since it shares stories about an interesting life and time that were so different than mine – and different than most other people, as well.
What drew you into this particular genre?
While I have dabbled in writing fiction – and most songs I have written contain fictional situations – I have always enjoyed learning and sharing facts. While many people write nonfiction books, I try to set myself apart by writing about things that others have not written about and doing so in a way that differs from others.
What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Honestly, the area of social media is something that I need to work on. For now, I rely on my website (www.rtsidecreationsllc.com), my Author’s Page on Amazon, Baker & Taylor, and several eBook sites to promote my book. Social media is something that I intend to learn more about to take advantage of its wide potential.
What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
When people find out that I have written books, quite a few times they have told me either that they have always dreamed of writing a book themselves, or they will tell me that they are planning to do so. When I hear these types of comments, I chuckle to myself a little bit because most people have no idea of how difficult it is to become a successful author. While anyone can type words on a page, few finish a manuscript, and even fewer attempt to find an agent or publisher, or to otherwise try to actively promote their books themselves.
So, my first piece of advice to aspiring or new authors is not to underestimate the amount of work it will take to become a successful author. However, I realize that people have different aspirations and definitions of success. Some may want only to write a book and offer it for free on a website, which is a relatively low bar to jump over. While others want to sell thousands of book copies and to make book writing a career. If the later applies, just know it takes a lot of time, money and time spent learning about the industry.
What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Since I just published Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition, I am spending a great deal of time promoting it and have not started working on anything new. But I do have some new book ideas rolling around in my head. So, there may be more books on the horizon for me…stay tuned!
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About the Author
Inside the Insurance Industry – Fourth Edition: Insurance Help for Individuals and Businesses is Kevin Glaser’s most recent book. This edition expands prior topics, contains several new ideas to help readers save money, and assists with making informed decisions. Ultimately, it helps to avoid out-of-pocket payments resulting from inadequate coverage or failing to address uninsured risk exposures.
He has written other well-received books. Inside the Insurance Industry – Third Edition is a consumer-focused book that describes topics such as the inner workings of insurance companies and how insurance is sold. By better understanding the insurance process consumers can both save money and obtain broader coverages.
The Great Tompall: Forgotten Country Music Outlaw is an in-depth biography of Kevin’s uncle, Tompall Glaser, an iconic and influential country music performer and business owner during country music’s outlaw era. Tompall often stood alone in his fight for artistic freedom for Nashville musicians and he paid the price. While he became the “forgotten outlaw,” this book explains the significant roles he played in the development of country music during the 1950’s through the 1980’s.
Glaser’s primary occupation involves providing insurance and risk management consulting services, litigation support and expert witness testimony across the USA.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve worked as a technical writer in IT, but honestly, there has always been a whole universe inside my head — thoughts, ideas, contemplations, tricky questions that still have no clear answers, and even problems humanity keeps wrestling with.
As a kid, I tried writing little stories. Sometimes I’d watch a TV series that inspired me so much, I just had to write my own version. But to be honest, I’m not great at writing fictional stories. My imagination is rich, but my plots never quite come together.
What I do have, though, is a very analytical mind. My real talent lies in looking at things from unique angles most people wouldn’t think of and wrapping those ideas in a fresh, non-standard format of storytelling. I also love finding solutions to problems (something I do daily in my analyst job).
That’s why I gravitate toward writing about life-related problems people struggle to solve, as well as big, hard-to-answer questions. The topics I choose are sometimes spicy, sometimes controversial, often emotional, and yes — sometimes they invite judgment or even hate from others. But I’m learning not to be afraid to speak up. And in fact, that’s what my first book (“The Shadow of Wealth”) is about.
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
I wrote Shadow of Wealth by combining Jungian shadow work with millionaire mindset principles, because money mindset is one of those evergreen topics. Everyone needs money, and there should be no shame in admitting it.
But here’s the thing: I always hated most books in this genre. Too many of them talk about “magical ways to step into abundance,” with the core message being, “Just believe, and it will happen!”
The problem is, “Believe” isn’t a command you can simply follow. And it’s incredibly hard to believe you can be wealthy when your reality is screaming the opposite.
Sure, people get inspired by the idea of manifesting wealth through positive thinking. But years pass, and most of them stay exactly where they started. The only thing that changes is that their thoughts aren’t as positive anymore, and their faith in “abundance” is fading.
I analyzed ALL the bestseller books about money mindset and noticed that none of them were using shadow work as a tool to shift mindset and improve finances. I’ve personally used shadow work to transform many areas of my life — especially my financial situation — and the results are incredible if you approach it with curiosity and the courage to face what you’re not ready to admit about yourself.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
The main message I want readers to understand is this: no matter how hard you believe, manifest, or visualize, you won’t move into action unless you remove the inner resistance holding you back. Shadow work is one of the most effective ways to do this.
Inner resistance is like having your hands tied. You can’t untangle it with vision boards or positive affirmations, because it’s built from old traumas, fears, and painful emotions most of us don’t even realize we carry.
Another takeaway I want for readers is clarity on how to actually move forward with building wealth. In my book, the strict Shadow character doesn’t just help uncover emotions and insights — it also pushes readers to think about their next steps. Along the way, I’ve included practical guidance based on millionaire wisdom I’ve studied from many sources.
So instead of just saying, “Now you know you have a fear of failure, go deal with it,” the book frames it more like: “Here’s what millionaires do to succeed. Here’s what’s stopping you from doing the same. And here’s what you can actually do to change that and succeed too.”
By the end, the big question — “What do I actually need to do to build wealth right now?” — becomes a lot clearer.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
It comes down to my willingness to solve problems for others in a way only I can — by offering perspectives and approaches that not many people have tried. I love suggesting alternative points of view that can shift the way someone thinks about their struggles.
5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
Oh, I wish someone had asked me that earlier!
You see, while working in IT, I never really had time to grow my social media presence. My days were filled with talking to customers, writing documentation, traveling for business trips, and helping build products.
Even now, I’m still engaged in those activities. But recently, I finally started an Instagram account: @shadowwork_money. Right now, it’s centered around my book, but eventually, I plan to branch out and share more personalized content on a variety of topics. I have so many ideas, and I can’t wait to bring them to life. It’s going to be an interesting journey.
6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
First, I’d say: enjoy the creative writing process. There’s nothing like watching something truly unique come to life from your imagination.
Second… study marketing. Being creative is one thing, but selling your work is a whole different story. Honestly, I was shocked at how many so-called marketers out there are actually scammers, ready to empty your pockets with promises of hundreds or thousands of sales. My painful experience cost me almost $6,000 (a story I’ll share in detail soon), and it almost made me want to give up on writing altogether.
Because of that, marketing has become both my obsession and my playground. My advice: beware of fake promises, because scammers are very convincing these days.
Right now, I’m actually writing a series of LinkedIn articles about marketing techniques that are genuinely useful for authors who want to sell more books. If you’re looking for knowledge or support, come join me there!
7) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Oh my, absolutely! New books are definitely on the horizon.
I already have a few topics waiting for their turn: infidelity, parenthood, the things we believe in, and even the genetic lottery. Each of these requires deep research before I start writing, but my notebooks are already bursting with ideas.
I truly hope to meet you again on the pages of my future books. And more than anything, I hope my stories don’t just resonate with you — I hope they spark useful revelations, provoke deep thoughts, and inspire lasting positive change in your life.
By day, I work in IT, but beyond my job, I have a deep passion for Jungian psychology and writing. I love expressing my thoughts and sharing powerful insights – and nothing lights me up more than hearing how those ideas have helped others grow or shift something in their lives.
I’m especially interested in the topic of wealth. And I’ll be honest – I feel no shame about it. Wanting more, desiring abundance, and striving to live your best life is a good thing. (Even if many of us were taught to feel guilty about it.)
At one point in my journey, I realized I was on a meaningful path toward building real wealth. That’s when I felt I had something valuable to share—something honest and hard-earned about how wealth is actually created.
But just to be clear: it hasn’t come from any magic trick or overnight success. It’s been the old-fashioned way – through years of working, creating, investing, and selling. It’s taken over 15 years, and the journey is still unfolding.
And honestly?
I believe it could have happened much faster if I had met my Shadow earlier.
Once I experienced the power of shadow work firsthand, I couldn’t keep it to myself. My creative side wouldn’t let me. I felt this undeniable urge to share what I had learned—in my own way, in my own voice.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman seeking to open up her own speakeasy-style bar and restaurant must contend with feelings for a longtime friend as complications arise in author Taj McCoy’s “The Dating Prohibition.”
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The Synopsis
In this spicy new rom-com, an ambitious entrepreneur working to get her speakeasy supper club off the ground is pushed off balance when her childhood crush turns up, hotter than ever–– then tells her she’s off-limits.
Now that Kendra’s returned home, she can’t help feeling like a kid again—back in her big brother’s shadow, trying to get her restaurant off the ground while his new venture is flying high right out the gate. It doesn’t help that everyone refuses to stop calling her Keke, the childhood nickname she loathes.
The only bright spot is her longtime crush BJ. He’s been her big brother’s best friend for most of her life, and he’s always been that cool, chill guy who was easy to talk to and made her laugh. Now he’s looking at her like she’s all grown up, and there’s nothing childish about the chemistry brewing between them. Even better, he takes her dreams seriously, and he’s ready to help her make her supper club a reality.
But then BJ extinguishes the sparks flying between them, insisting nothing romantic can ever happen because she’s “off limits.” As her investors fall through and her best chance at fulfilling her professional dreams points toward leaving home again for a fresh start, will BJ be ready for love before Kendra moves on? Or will he sweep her off her feet when she least expects it?
The Review
The balance of spicy romance and compelling character development was evident from the get-go of this stellar rom-com. The will-they/won’t-they tropes that went into this multicultural romance were so passionately written and kept readers invested in the narrative from the start. The story featured a strong family dynamic, both positive and negative. The struggle for protagonist Kendra to step out of her big brother’s shadow and the lack of support from other members of her family were balanced with the support of her cousin, her brother and his wife, and other close friends, and the way this played into both her professional and personal aspirations was both relatable and engaging.
The heat between BJ and Kendra was palpable to be sure, and yet the divide that kept them apart (BJ’s struggle to move on) spoke to the impact grief and loss can have on a person, and how it can impact relationships as a whole. Often, the ear and the idea of losing someone close to us again can drive us to push those away who could be good for us, and the author perfectly illustrated that in the rich dynamic between these two characters. The history and cultural explorations of both the restaurants the characters worked in and aspired to open, as well as the themes the restaurants embodied, added depth to this narrative.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, spicy, and entertaining, author Taj McCoy’s “The Dating Prohibition” is a must-read rom-com. The twists and turns in the story, the yearning and the need these characters feel for one another, and the dynamic culture that was brought into the narrative will resonate with so many readers as the climactic final chapter comes together. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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Oakland-born law grad Taj McCoy is committed to championing stories that include Black and multiracial women of color, plus-size protagonists, Black love, Black joy, and strong senses of sisterhood and familial bonds. Taj started writing as a small child, enjoying her first publications in elementary school. When she’s not writing, Taj may be on Twitter boosting other marginalized writers, practicing yoga, sharing recipes, or cooking private supper club meals for close friends.
Snort! Kendra jolted awake, her face pressed against the cool window shade. She forced a cough to clear her throat, her cheeks coloring as she realized she’d been snoring. Her eyes darted around to see if anyone in the neighboring seats had heard, and she rushed to wipe the side of her mouth, checking for drool. No one in the row in front of her seemed to have noticed anything, and she was thankful that most of the first- class passengers were wearing noise-canceling headphones and watching in-flight movies.
Pull yourself together, girl. Taking a deep breath, she covered her face with the palms of her hands, willing herself awake.
The sweet woman next to her patted her arm with a chuckle. “You must have been tired, dear. You missed the meal and everything!”
Thank god I didn’t have to pay for this upgrade. Kendra yawned and nodded in agreement. “I’ve traveled quite a bit in the past two weeks. I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep.” I could honestly go back to sleep right now.
“Are you heading home?”
Home.
She smiled tightly. “Yeah, something like that.” Truth was, she’d been a tumbleweed for the past two years. Home was wherever she decided to rest her head, though she’d been craving a place to plant her roots—something she hadn’t been sure she’d ever do when she left. And she never fathomed that she’d have a desire to return to the US to do so.
A chime sounded before a flight attendant spoke over the loudspeaker. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our de- scent into Reagan Washington National Airport. As we pre- pare for landing, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright and locked position. Your lap- tops should be put away and . . .”
Kendra offered a small smile to her neighbor. “Are you returning home?”
The woman shook her head, the scent of her gourmand perfume wafting over Kendra in waves of vanilla and toffee. “My daughter’s. She’s going to be induced next week. My fourth grandbaby!” She grinned with pride and rummaged through her purse, which she cradled in her lap protectively.
“Aw, congratulations! That’s so exciting.” A cell phone was shoved in her face, showing three smiling kids, two missing their front teeth. “They’re very cute.”
Once they landed and arrived at the gate, Kendra helped her row mate with her bag and headed toward baggage claim as her phone pinged with a text message.
Lani: Is you here yet?? Inquiring minds (aka your nosy brother and your parents) want to know . . .
Kendra: The eagle has landed.
Lani: Tuh! I know you haven’t returned from Gulliver’s travels with a big ass head SMH. Make sure you look like somethin before you waltz your ass up in here . . .
She rolled her eyes and sent her cousin a middle finger emoji before tucking her phone into her pocket. Returning home hit different now that Kendra was deemed a failure—it felt like tucking tail and admitting defeat after desperately trying to carve an uncharted path with nothing but hope and a blunt instrument. Whether anyone would admit it, the hushed tones of the family whisper network turned up the volume on every inadequacy and failed attempt, and once again the grumblings shone a spotlight directly onto Kendra. Always the fucking black sheep.
Kendra sighed, muttering to herself as she approached her fifth red light in a row. “Now they’ll get to harp on the fact that I’m late.” She glanced at the clock on her dashboard and shook her head with annoyance.
Having run home just long enough to drop off her suit- case and pick up her car, she’d rushed back out before her family started blowing up her phone. DC traffic was only predictable in that it was inevitable, and finding parking was next to impossible. Sometimes, the search for parking took as long as the commute. That never stopped Kendra from wanting to drive—yes, one could take the Metro or ride- share to a destination, but that meant having to depend on too many outside variables when she was ready to leave— she was too much of a control freak to depend on the time- liness of others, and when she wanted to go, she wanted to go. Waiting on others to do what she was more than capable of doing herself drove her up the wall. Being the baby in the family didn’t mean that she was any less capable than Big Bro.
Being away from home for two years left her second- guessing directions and she cursed under her breath as she missed her exit from the same traffic circle twice. At some point, people enjoying the park would begin to think she was casing the neighborhood. Kendra bit her lip, her eyes widen- ing as a car sped into the lane to her right as she attempted to maneuver over to catch the exit on her third try. She slid into the lane behind the Prius that had come out of nowhere and finally made the right turn out of the roundabout from hell.
Kendra zipped through the congestion on Rhode Island Avenue, having dropped all of her belongings off at the English basement apartment below her brother’s row house. The family golden boy. Logan had stopped offering the basement as a vacation rental when Kendra announced her return to town, and she’d eagerly agreed to help launch his new business for a month or two of free rent. Her best friend and cousin’s name appeared on the center console screen of Kendra’s Audi Q3, and she pressed a button on her steering wheel to answer her phone via the car’s Bluetooth system as she stopped at a traffic light. “Hey, girl, hey!”
“You’re late, you know,” Lani quipped in a hushed tone, evoking an immediate eye roll out of Kendra. “Everyone’s waiting for you to make an appearance! Logan said he hasn’t even seen you yet.”
“Yeah, that’s the beauty of smart locks—there’s no longer a need for me to knock on Logan’s front door and ask for a key to his basement. It’s bad enough that the prodigal child has to return and immediately ask her big brother for help for the umpteenth time.” Kendra chewed on her bottom lip, willing her face to express less of her reluctance to come back to the DMV area. It wasn’t that she didn’t love DC—she did—it was just that she was always hidden by Logan’s shadow. It wasn’t his fault, and Kendra looked up to Big Bro for everything he was able to accomplish, but sometimes his success sucked up all of the oxygen in the room.
“Now, don’t be dramatic, Keke,” Lani chided in her sing- songy voice.
Kendra bristled at her childhood nickname. “And remind me again why you couldn’t just let me come and stay at your place? You know that I’m not above bumming it on a couch.”
Lani tsked nonchalantly. “Come on, girl, no one should be subjected to that much sex. Can’t have you telling my aunt and uncle about my sexcapades. Your mom already thinks I’m too fast anyway.”
Kendra smirked. You are. “She already knows you’re fast, heffa.”
“You told her?!” Lani’s hushed growl made Kendra cackle. “You really don’t remember trying to sneak a boy into our house when you were staying with us for spring break?” She’d been grounded for the rest of high school and subjected to regular lectures about the birds and the bees. Auntie Mack refused to be a grandmother early, so she made herself an impactful prophylactic. Logan and all the boy cousins were tasked with looking out for Lani and Kendra, as if the lot weren’t all
pussy-whipped themselves.
“Uh, that was a teenage mistake. Does Auntie Al think I’m fast too? You haven’t told her anything recent, right?” Lani’s whispering was more of an exasperated shout with the volume turned down. “If she thinks I’m up to anything, she’ll tell my mom, and then I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“Girl, your mom has known since you started wearing all that eyeliner in middle school,” Kendra chuckled. “And that mulberry lipstick? You thought you were serving. You’d hit ’em with the duck lips and hands on your hips anytime some- one tried to take a picture.”
Lani groaned. “Shut up, there’s a difference between duck lips and a smize. And thought? Bitch, I was stuntin’ on them hos.”
Kendra could practically hear the hair flip on the other side
of the line. “Mmmkay, well, back to what I was saying. I could be at your place hearing sex-foolery, but instead I’m up under Logan . . . again.” Thankfully there was a main floor between Kendra’s unit and her brother’s bedroom, so she was absolved from having to hear his sexcapades, but still.
“Well, but it’s only temporary, and besides, the savings is
good for you while you’re still in the planning stages of opening up your own spot.”
“Why must you be reasonable?” Kendra whined. Every- thing Lani said was true, but the closer she got to the bistro location that Logan and his wife, Shonda, were opening together, the more Kendra’s stomach performed a Simone Biles– level floor exercise—one of those extra good ones that would eventually be named after her because no one else could perfect it the way she could.
“One of us has to be reasonable, so suck it up, buttercup. Now, what’s your ETA?” Lani was resistant to Kendra’s shit— she had a no-nonsense approach to pretty much everything and didn’t believe in coddling unless she needed it herself. It didn’t help that, as cousins born two weeks apart, they’d been best friends since they shared a playpen. Lani knew all of Kendra’s tactics.
“I’m about to park. Give me a minute or two to gather myself, and then I’ll be in.” Well, maybe five minutes.
“Bet. Oh, and be careful when you walk in here, Keke—
Stanley just waxed the floors.”
“Noted.” Kendra steered her car into the first open parking spot. “I’ll be in there in a few.”
“’Kay, bye.”
The phone disconnected, and Kendra took a deep breath. What is awaiting me inside? She cursed herself for not asking who all would be present to help put the finishing touches on the restaurant before its opening in a few days. As she closed her eyes to meditate, her phone rang again. She jabbed at the button on her steering wheel. “We literally just hung up, Lani.”
“Well, don’t sit out in your car forever either. Someone already mentioned that they saw you pull up.”
Kendra rolled her eyes, kissing her teeth. “Get off my phone, ma’am. I need a sec.” Leave me be!
Lani dropped her voice to a gruff whisper. “Bring yo’ ass
in here, ho. A certain someone been askin’ about you.” She drew out the last word teasingly. “Take a fuckin’ hint,” she whispered through gritted teeth.
Kendra’s face scrunched up as her head tilted, her mind racing to run through the list of everyone she expected to be present in these final days of prep before the big launch. “Who?”
“Mr. Big and Sexy, the chocolate drop himself.”
Huh? Kendra blew out a breath loudly, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Cousin, that description applies to half of the brothas in the DMV. Can you be more specific?”
“If you don’t carry your behind on You know what?
We don’t have time for this.” Lani’s hushed tone changed to a loud call. “Hey, look, y’all. I think that’s Keke’s car right there!” Voices in the background converged into a jumble drowned out by a peal of villainous laughter.
I’m gonna kill her. “Lani!” Kendra snapped as the call disconnected. So much for a moment of peace. She inhaled deeply, exhaling through her mouth before wiping the scowl from her face and climbing out of the car into a light breeze that made her pull her coat lapels closer to her neck. She flung her tote bag over her shoulder as she crossed the narrow side street to enter the front door of the brightly lit restaurant with a giant banner and the word PALATE set between a set of cutlery. “Here we go,” she muttered.
As Kendra stepped onto a narrow welcome mat just inside the glass door, which had been propped open to allow in the sharp almost-spring air, the scents of fresh paint and oranges wafted toward her. She peered around the dining room in search of the chocolate drop Lani was hinting about, making eye contact with her brother, Logan, and her sister-in-law, Shonda, whose face brightened as she headed toward the end of the bar to show some love. “Hey, you made it!”
“Yeah, I . . . whoa shit!” Kendra took one step forward and slipped, fully expecting to be met with the well-polished lacquered hardwood when a pair of strong arms wrapped around her and righted her, the warmth of a large hand imprinting the small of her back as her legs wobbled. “Right, careful with the floors . . . Thanks,” she laughed with embarrassment.
“Been a long time, Kenny,” a gravelly baritone voice caused her head to jerk upward. His sturdy six-foot frame drew closer, holding her against his hip so that she could steady herself. The scents of smoky oud and tobacco emanated from his skin. Kendra gulped as her eyes widened. Damn, he got even finer.
BJ Stephens glowered at her curiously, the same way he had when they were teenagers, and Kendra’s cheeks warmed as she took in his smooth umber skin. She’d never seen him in jeans and work boots before, but the look suited him.
“Hey, B, long time. How you been?” She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck as his wound around her waist. As she turned her head to peck his cheek, he moved slightly and her lips landed at the angle of his jaw, just below his ear, his closely-groomed beard soft against her skin. Her eyes bulged as she stepped back, unsure whether he’d think she tried to kiss his neck on purpose. Clumsy and awkward . . . we’re off to a great start. She made space between them, willing her cheeks not to broadcast her embarrassment. She cleared her throat before looking up at him.
BJ’s dark, spectacled eyes trained on her, his expression unreadable. “Good. But you’re the one who’s been gone. How were your travels? Last I heard, you were cooking your way through Asia and Europe.”
Kendra beamed, nodding. “I loved every minute of it. Ap- prenticed under a few chefs, caught up with a few cousins when I hit Thailand and the Philippines. Collected a ton of cooking techniques and recipes. Made some new friends and gave a few lessons on Creole cooking.”
“You didn’t make new friends at the expense of old ones, I hope.” The corners of his mouth twitched, drawing Kendra’s attention to his full lips. It always took a lot to make BJ smile. A laugh was even more rare but craveable. As long as Kendra had known her brother’s best friend, she never was good at reading him. Once in a while, he’d allow his face to show his playfulness, but most of the time, his underwhelmed, almost gruff expression remained constant. Joy, pain—even annoyance—were less common expressions than the general grumpy-observer vibe he gave off. But behind the prickly mask was an intelligent, loyal, good human who often put others before himself.
“Never that,” she laughed. They’d known each other for over two decades—ever since her family had relocated from New Orleans to the nation’s capital. Kendra had been in middle school, and Logan was just about to start high school. He met BJ his first day of classes, and they became fast friends after almost coming to blows over the attentions of the same girl. Logan had brought BJ home for some of Momma’s cooking to make amends, and the rest was history—Momma won over many hearts with her Creole family recipes, and BJ’s was no exception. Logan had been lucky. Truth be told, BJ would have whooped his ass.
BJ was a gym rat to the core, but as focused as he was on macros to build muscle mass, he made two exceptions without question: Momma’s cookin’ and good whiskey. As he solidified his place within the family’s inner circle, he’d always been the one to mediate Kendra’s arguments with her brother—a dependable voice of reason who wasn’t quick to pick sides.
Kendra and Logan never fought physically—Momma would never allow that—but Kendra would cut to the white meat with her words, and when she went low, Logan went straight to the depths of hell. “You still enjoying the professor life? I heard you were awarded tenure while I was out of the country. Congratulations are in order! I was really excited to hear the news. You’ve worked so hard to get to this place.”
His head bobbed as he smoothed a hand over his facial hair. The top half of his dark, shoulder-length locs were twisted and tied back away from his face as he regarded her intently. “Thanks! Yeah, it’s been good so far, but I’m on sabbatical this semester. I need to do some research for my next book proposal.”
BJ taught courses on historic preservation, focusing on heritage conservation, architectural history and preservation, urban planning, and adaptive reuse. Most of it went over Ken- dra’s head, but she loved that he focused a good amount of his work on Black heritage tourism. The way that he highlighted the importance of transforming abandoned sites to frame and highlight pivotal points in history had always been a source of inspiration for her.
Kendra tilted her head. “About that, actually, maybe I can pick your brain about something later. I’ve got something brewing businesswise, and it’s right up your alley.” She tapped his arm with her fingers and admired the results that his hard work in the gym had developed.
BJ’s eyebrows rose, but Lani slid across the floor Risky Business–style right into Kendra’s arms before he could respond. He nodded brusquely and sauntered back toward the bar, where Logan was installing some shelving.
“Bitch, you made it!” Her cousin squeezed Kendra tightly before stepping back to assess her appearance, a wrinkle forming between her eyebrows. Lani was all about vibrant colors, and Kendra’s palette was much more neutral, so she was al- ways being bullied to step outside of her comfort zone and into prints that she found too busy, too bright, too attention- grabbing. Lani was in a pair of ripped, acid-washed blue jeans and a loud color-blocked sweater with bright red sneakers. She narrowed her eyes at what she would consider to be low frequencies emanating from Kendra’s look.
Kendra dropped a hand onto her hip and posed. “Don’t play me, I know I look good.” Her coffee-colored duster over a white cropped tee and white high-waisted jogger pants hugged her curves and made her feel clean, like fresh air after a hard rain. She’d pulled her thick, silk-pressed tresses into a sleek ponytail, and per usual, her shades sat on top of her head like a headband. Kendra ran her fingers through her pony- tail, curling the ends around her index finger, and popped her tongue playfully.
Lani leaned forward, her eyes wide. “Mmm-hmm. And a certain someone noticed too.”
“Who? Stanley? I wouldn’t exactly describe him as a chocolate drop. Maybe more like a hazelnut latte.” Kendra tilted her head, assessing the occupants of the room. There was Logan and Shonda, BJ, Auntie Al, Shonda’s sister Bree, Kendra’s par- ents, and Stanley, who was staring at Lani like she stole some- thin’. Logan had a team of people that he’d walked back toward the kitchen, who Kendra assumed were the new restaurant staff. BJ was carrying cartons of wine and spirits down to the basement cellar. Kendra’s mom and Aunt Alisa were pretending to wipe down the counters, but they’d been hovering over the same spot at the bar pointing at Kendra and whispering. The family motto should be: “Subtlety? We don’t know her.”
Stanley’s tall and lean build was squeezed behind some shelving that he was putting together for a wall display. Ken- dra’s dad, Braxton, was reading the assembly instructions aloud to Stanley, whose attention remained trained on Lani, who seemed completely unaware. Kendra made eye contact with Shonda across the room, gesturing slightly with her chin toward Stanley, and Shonda’s smile grew wide. She nodded slowly, steepling her fingers like a mastermind with an evil plan. Kendra winked in response.
“Not Stanley, silly. BJ was asking about you,” Lani whispered, her arm entwined with Kendra’s to keep her from slip- ping again.
BJ? Kendra’s face screwed up into a giant question mark. “Huh? Why?”
Her cousin shrugged. “I’ve been clocking it for the last week. Anytime your name was brought up, he was all ears.”
“I mean, we’ve known the guy a long time, so that doesn’t feel out of the ordinary to me. We haven’t seen each other in years.” Kendra’s last post before her travels was in Silicon Valley. She often returned home for the holidays, but BJ al- ways went to be with his parents in Charlotte. When Kendra had been laid off from her role as a chief data officer for a thriving startup that was absorbed by a tech giant, she’d taken her generous severance package and savings to do some soul- searching around the globe. BJ had checked in once in a while to ask where she was and how she was doing. He’d always been thoughtful in that way.
After visiting family in Thailand and the Philippines, Kendra went to parts of Europe and finished off her trip in New Orleans spending quality time with her Granny. Each destination brought her new adventures and lessons in the culinary world and in determining what tools she would use to pave her path. Everyone in the family had built a legacy in their own way, and it finally felt like Kendra’s turn.
“There’s my ray of sunshine!” Kendra’s dad opened his arms and wrapped her into a warm hug, the scent of tobacco smoke lingering on his jacket.
She squeezed him tight, tucking her chin for her father to kiss her forehead. “Daddy! Mmm, what cigar were you smoking? It smells spicy.”
“Your brother bought me a box of maduros, so we decided to have some coffee and sample them before we got started today.” Her dad’s bronzed skin and thick, straight hair was tousled with some sort of product. Born in Los Angeles to a Filipino mother and a Thai father, he was the embodiment of California, wearing a jean jacket over a light sweater and slacks. When he met his wife, Regina, at George Washington University, he embraced DC with her, setting down roots, eventually convincing Auntie Al and Uncle Ronnie to move up from New Orleans to experience all four seasons. Their time in DC was cut short as they moved back to New Orleans when they started their family––free childcare was worth the return, thanks to Granny and PawPaw.
Once Kendra and Logan were old enough to fend for themselves, Braxton and Regina moved back into their DC home, which they’d rented out while down south. Auntie Mack fell in love with Charleston, and Kendra’s maternal grandmother remained in New Orleans alone now that Paw- Paw had passed. Her paternal grandparents remained in Los Angeles, giving her a reason to get some California sunshine whenever possible, but she’d caught them on their annual trip to visit family during her time in Asia.
“That’s a bold move to start with a maduro, but you know I like those. Especially if the coffee happened to be Irish.” Kendra shared a knowing glance with her father as she pulled back, his arm still around her waist.
Braxton Porter kissed his daughter’s cheek, lowering his voice to barely a whisper before winking at her mischievously. “Your brother and I may have already had an Irish coffee or two out on the patio. Don’t tell your mother.”
Kendra giggled, raising her hands in surrender. “Your secret is safe with me.” They walked toward the bar area, which was painted a deep emerald green with creamy quartz countertops and golden fixtures. The herringbone pattern in the cherrywood flooring gleamed with gradients of reddish browns. “Wow, this place is gorgeous,” she gushed.
Natural light flooded in through massive picture windows dressed with velvet curtains the color of the faintest blush. On the windowsills were decorative vases and small plants, like succulents and snake plants—ones that didn’t require a lot of attention. On the walls were several blown-up photographs from Logan and Shonda’s travels as they’d hit different countries on their bucket list and sampled different cuisines to find the right balance of flavors to feature on their menu of global fare. BJ had busied himself hanging another portrait, and Kendra studied his profile, taking in the broadness of his shoulders and the way his Henley sleeves were pushed up to his forearms, the fabric over his chest and arms hugging his physique. This man just gets better with age . . .
“Yo, can you chill, cuz? You are lookin’ at him like he’s a
four-course meal and you wanna come back for seconds . . .”
Kendra froze, her neck and cheeks immediately coloring at Lani’s observation. “Say it louder, I think the kitchen staff didn’t hear you!” Kendra hissed, her attention snapping away from the strong arms lifting a black-and-white photograph of a wine cellar full of barrels on a long wall leading toward the unisex bathrooms.
BJ glanced in her direction before returning to his task and leveling the frame. Heat crawled up the column of Kendra’s throat, her skin boiling as she stared her cousin down.
“If he heard you, I swear on all things holy that I will tell your mom all about how her favorite cashmere sweater got ruined.” Kendra wiggled her fingers like she was casting a spell on her cousin.
“You wouldn’t.” Lani’s eyes darted around in a panic. As teenagers, she and Kendra snuck out to meet some boys, and Lani swiped her mom’s ultrasoft cardigan to wear over a barely there tank top and coochie cutters. The fast heffa swore the sweater added a level of sophistication to her look. Suffice it to say that it was St. Patty’s Day, and she spilled a green pint of beer on the luxe creamy knit, leaving a giant mint-colored swatch that she couldn’t explain. Instead, Lani framed the family dog and asserted that he’d dragged the sweater outside into the grass. Auntie Mack was devastated.
Kendra’s sinister smile spread like the Grinch stealing Christmas. “Try me.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Airie McCready shares a heartwarming collection of poetry and photography surrounding cats in the book “Caught in a Cat Romance.”
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The Synopsis
A love letter for cat owners, this beautiful photo-poetry book combines stunning cat photography by Jeff Bray, heartfelt poetry, and the unique art of Airie McCready, an expert on Sphynx and Devon Rex cats. McCready shares her personal collection of poetry, which she wrote about her feline family, beginning with the joy of a kitten and then walking us through each stage of life to the end. Caught in a Cat Romance is a celebration of the magic and deepest connections between these beloved creatures and their human.
The Review
This was such a unique and compelling read. The balance between the author’s moving poetry and exploration of what makes these two specific types of cats so fascinating, combined with the beautiful and focused imagery of the photographs, made this book a truly memorable read. The creativity and artistry of the poems themselves brought their own sense of imagery to the page, infusing heart and emotion that speaks to anyone who has ever felt the call or been a pet parent in their lives.
The realism of the photography and the way these beautiful cats popped off the page was incredible. The images helped bring a face to the loving poems that showcased the author’s knowledge and experiences, and the earnestness, and the way each page captures both the highs and lows emotionally of being a pet parent made this one book that readers would instantly connect with.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and heartfelt, author Airie McCready’s “Caught in a Cat Romance” is a must-read nonfiction book of poetry and photography. Whether readers use this book for emotional connection, stunning photography, or simply as a conversation starter, it will instantly resonate with them and become a sensational read altogether. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Airie McCready earned her B.A. in journalism, then set out on a journey of self-discovery. After her marriage ended, she changed her name to shed the shadow of her famous ex-husband’s writing, which led to her life today; strengthening the bond between humans and cats. She’s now an expert in Sphynx, Devon Rex and Domestic Cat behavior, professionally writing and informally counseling others. She views her bond with her cats as deeply spiritual, unique and symbiotic. https: //aberstoatpublishing.com/airie-mccready
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Alex Brent shares the psychological and emotional insights that lie hidden in a person’s mind, shaping their financial path in the book “The Shadow of Wealth.”
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The Synopsis
Some people have millions, while others live paycheck to paycheck, wondering what they’re doing wrong. It feels unfair, doesn’t it?
But lasting wealth isn’t just about working more. The most successful people have done something most never think to do — they’ve faced what’s hidden beneath the surface and taken control from the inside out.
What if the reason you’re not wealthy… lives in the shadow of your own mind?
There’s more than enough abundance to go around. And the untapped power to create the life you want is already within you — waiting to be unlocked.
This book is your key.
Mastering the Millionaire Mindset through Shadow Work leads you on a journey into the forgotten corners of your psyche — where beliefs, fears, and hidden emotional wounds quietly shape your financial destiny.
You’ll uncover the “shadow code” — the unconscious forces that block your success and drain your power. As you unravel them, you’ll begin to rewrite your story — not just with goals or affirmations, but with truth, courage, and radical inner transformation.
This isn’t just another “success manual.”
It’s an immersive, poetic initiation. A deeply personal journey where your shadow speaks — and for the first time, you listen.
As you meet the characters within and reveal buried truths, you’ll feel a shift. Not just in mindset, but in reality. This is where true wealth begins: from the inside out.
Most success books tell you what to do. This book shows you why you haven’t been able to do it — until now.
It’s not about more action. It’s about reclaiming your power.
You won’t just read this book — you’ll live it. And you’ll emerge different.
The shadow has waited long enough.
Click “Buy Now” and begin the journey. Your future self will thank you — in every currency.
The Review
What a truly insightful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of laying out the inner struggles that a person faces, and that often prevent them from achieving the financial success they crave. The author takes a unique approach to discussing these problems; rather than using straightforward tactics and strategies, the author reveals how the deeper, more personal insecurities and self-sabotage that we often exhibit can be the cause of our own downfalls and struggles to achieve the financial freedom we crave.
What stood out to me was the way the author presented these ideas to the reader. Rather than merely coaching or preparing a strategy, the author lays out the lessons they learned from this shadow work by creating prompts and archetypes through characters that speak directly to the reader. From The Visionary and The Trickster to the Alchemist and the Shadow, these characters delve into the deepest parts of a person and their struggles, and then showcase the paths they take to achieve success directly. This creative and inventive narrative effectively conveys the lessons the author learned, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
The Verdict
Insightful, engaging, and memorable, author Alex Brent’s “The Shadow of Wealth” is a must-read blend of nonfiction inspiration, business strategies, and fictional prose and poetry. The creativity and inspirational narratives found within drive home the lessons and empowering nature of finding success that entrepreneurs, creative individuals, and coaches can utilize in their careers and journey moving forward. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
My name is Alex.
By day, I work in IT, but beyond my job, I have a deep passion for Jungian psychology and writing. I love expressing my thoughts and sharing powerful insights – and nothing lights me up more than hearing how those ideas have helped others grow or shift something in their lives.
I’m especially interested in the topic of wealth. And I’ll be honest – I feel no shame about it. Wanting more, desiring abundance, and striving to live your best life is a good thing. (Even if many of us were taught to feel guilty about it.)
At one point in my journey, I realized I was on a meaningful path toward building real wealth. That’s when I felt I had something valuable to share—something honest and hard-earned about how wealth is actually created.
But just to be clear: it hasn’t come from any magic trick or overnight success. It’s been the old-fashioned way – through years of working, creating, investing, and selling. It’s taken over 15 years, and the journey is still unfolding.
And honestly?
I believe it could have happened much faster if I had met my Shadow earlier.
Once I experienced the power of shadow work firsthand, I couldn’t keep it to myself. My creative side wouldn’t let me. I felt this undeniable urge to share what I had learned—in my own way, in my own voice.
