Contemporary Fantasy Review: Where Have All the Elves Gone? by Christian Warren Freed

Where Have All the Elves Gone?
by Christian Warren Freed

Description:
Light Elves. Dark elves. Dwarves. Trolls. A dragon living under the city who spends his time watching reruns of 80s shows and a Grateful Dead loving Giant wearing tie dye and forging weapons?

Fantasy author Daniel Thomas never imagined the mythical creatures he wrote about actually existed and wishes they weren't. Daniel is about to embark on the longest and worst night of his life as he is drawn into an elf civil war happening in Raleigh, North Carolina. The only thing keeping him alive are two dwarf brothers who smoke too many cigars and have more guns than the US Army.

Making matters worse is a secret government organization determined to keep it all a secret.

Where Have All the Elves Gone? is part James Bond, part Eddie Drood, and all chaos as Daniel sets out to save two worlds before they collide.


My Review:
The story is set in and around Raleigh, NC, an area with which I am very familiar. As such, much of my enjoyment was in recognizing the locations and in picturing the epic fantasy-meets-reality clashes between humans, dwarves, elves, and gnomes. In particular, the zoo scenes, my adopted hometown, and the fairgrounds. It's obvious the author has done his research or is a local.

As for the fantasy, it's interesting. I always enjoy a new take on "what if" elves, dwarves, etc. are real, and in this story, that is paired with "what if" an author's stories reflect reality. Besides that, I found a few of the features of the fantasy creatures a bit too convenient, and I was getting hung up on how they were going to cover up the destruction.

Overall, worth a read. I enjoyed it because I like fantasy/reality mash ups, reluctant heroes, and action.

I received the review copy of this book from NetGalley.

About the Author:
Christian W. Freed was born in Buffalo, N.Y. more years ago than he would like to remember. After spending more than 20 years in the active duty US Army he has turned his talents to writing. Since retiring, he has gone on to publish over 20 military fantasy and science fiction novels, as well as his memoirs from his time in Iraq and Afghanistan, a children's book, and a pair of how to books focused on indie authors and the decision making process for writing a book and what happens after it is published.

His first published book (Hammers in the Wind) has been the #1 free book on Kindle 4 times and he holds a fancy certificate from the L Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest. Ok, so it was for 4th place in one quarter, but it's still recognition from the largest fiction writing contest in the world. And no, he's not a scientologist.

Passionate about history, he combines his knowledge of the past with modern military tactics to create an engaging, quasi-realistic world for the readers. He graduated from Campbell University with a degree in history and is pursuing a Masters of Arts degree in Digital Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

He currently lives outside of Raleigh, N.C. and devotes his time to writing, his family, and their two Bernese Mountain Dogs. If you drive by you might just find him on the porch with a cigar in one hand and a pen in the other. You can find out more about his work by following him @ https://www.facebook.com/ChristianFreed or on Twitter @christianwfreed.

Thriller Review: Transcend (Transcend Duet #1) by Jewel E. Ann

Transcend (Transcend Duet #1)
by Jewel E. Ann


Description:
“In another life, she was my forever.”

An unexpected tragedy leaves Professor Nathaniel Hunt a widower alone with a newborn baby.

He hires a nanny. She’s young, but well-qualified, with a simple life, a crazy name obsession, and a boyfriend she met at the grocery store.

Over time, he discovers she knows things about him—things that happened before she was born—like a hidden scar on his head, his favorite pizza, and how he cheated on a high school Spanish test.

She speaks familiar words and shares haunting memories that take him back to over two decades earlier when he lost his best friend in a tragic accident.

“I’m afraid of what’s going to happen when you realize I’m not her.”

Transcend is a sexy, mind-bending journey that uncovers possibilities, challenges beliefs, and begets the age-old question: is there life after death?


My Review:
This was an interesting read. I kept thinking it would turn into some sort of love triangle, but it didn’t. It was rather refreshing.

Overall, I’d recommend this to folks who enjoy a bit of a thriller, some uncomplicated romance, and a bit of the paranormal.

I purchased my copy of this book on Amazon.


About the Author:

Jewel is a free-spirited romance junkie with a quirky sense of humor.

With 10 years of flossing lectures under her belt, she took early retirement from her dental hygiene career to stay home with her three awesome boys and manage the family business.

After her best friend of nearly 30 years suggested a few books from the Contemporary Romance genre, Jewel was hooked. Devouring two and three books a week but still craving more, she decided to practice sustainable reading, AKA writing.

When she's not donning her cape and saving the planet one tree at a time, she enjoys yoga with friends, good food with family, rock climbing with her kids, watching How I Met Your Mother reruns, and of course...heart-wrenching, tear-jerking, panty-scorching novels.

Visit her and sign up for updates at: www.jeweleann.com, Twitter @JewelE_Ann, or Facebook www.facebook.com/authorjeweleann.

Drop her a message at author@jeweleann.com. She'd love to hear from you!

Bio sourced from author's Amazon profile.

Romance Review: Helping Her Remember (Crawford Falls #1) by Kate Carley

Helping Her Remember
by Kate Carley

Description:
Kelly’s back.

How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?

Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.

Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.

But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.

While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.

Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.

My Review:
Helping Her Remember is a tale of forgiveness wrapped up in a steamy package. Betrayal cuts deep, but the spark’s still there, and where there’s a spark, there’s hope.

I enjoyed Kelly and Dylan’s romance, particularly because it doesn’t come easy for them. I also dug their troupe of friends and am looking forward to seeing which of them will get their own books.

Dylan’s father and his challenges brought some heart into the story and also threw some monkey wrenches into the works. And of course, AJ was much more than a plot twist. He was sweet and added a dynamic that really upped the stakes for Kelly and Dylan, which in turn made the story more of a page turner.

Then again, this story did fall into some expected patterns, and I didn’t feel too surprised by the outcome. Most of the intrigue I felt was spawned by the supporting cast and side plots. Kelly and Dylan, although this was there story, seemed just a small part in a greater drama.

Overall, good story. I think fans of steamy romance with complications might dig this. It wraps up just fine as a standalone, but sets up nicely for the next in the series for those who want to read on.
I received the review copy of this book from the author.

Add it on Goodreads!

About Kate Carley:

How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset.

With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota.

When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

New Release and Review: Giving Her Promise (Crawford Falls #2) by Kate Carley

Giving Her Promise (Crawford Falls #2)
by Kate Carley

Description:
Who plans a two-week engagement?

It’s a valid question. But Claire Bronstad—a tenth-grade biology teacher and aspiring fiction author— doesn’t have time to analyze it. Her flight home to Crawford Falls is in a few hours, and there is no way she’s missing her brother’s wedding. Her roommate, Greyson Westcott, apparently isn’t feeling that same time crunch, announcing he’d like to take their platonic relationship to the next level. “I’ve been thinking it’s time we start exploring us.”

Exploring us? Is that code for sex?

Another solid question. One Greyson answers by stopping Claire’s heart with a passionate, toe-curling kiss. Oh, yes! Exploring the possibilities could be simply scrumptious.

But is having sex with her closest friend a good idea?

Not without jeopardizing their friendship, a risk Claire refuses to take. Reeling with uncertainty, she meets sexy groomsman, Jesse Morland, and after a night of slow dancing in each other’s arms, he has a question of his own:

“Come home with me tonight, Claire?”

As Claire’s feelings for Jesse blossom, she finds herself at odds with Greyson while their close friendship all but unravels, leaving her grasping at threads and questioning the true motivation behind his kiss, not to mention, the authenticity of their entire friendship.

Can Claire find all her answers in the picturesque river town of Crawford Falls?

My Review:
Giving Her Promise is a book about trust, giving it and losing it and getting it back. Paired with that is quite a steamy romance.

I enjoyed Claire’s dilemma regarding Greyson and Jesse. I particularly thought it interesting that Claire trusts too much, and Jesse too little. Then there’s Greyson. While I had guessed how things would go with him, he still managed to surprise me.

Again the family and friend dynamics play an excellent counterpoint to the romance, and the next pairing is set up nicely. It was cool that Dylan and Kelly are still involved, though they take a back seat. Ras’s progression and history are explored more deeply and explain some aspects of Claire’s story.

Overall, I really liked this story. There was a lot more intrigue in this one and even some danger. Fans of romance with some meat will like this.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.

Add it on Goodreads!

About Kate Carley:

How Kate Carley went from majoring in mathematics and computer science in college to writing steamy contemporary romance still remains a mystery. She broke out into the indie publishing scene in 2015 with her debut novel, Challenged, a 2017 RONE award winner. Two more books completed her romantic suspense trilogy, Changing Krysset.

With three published works under her belt, Kate is excited to launch her new contemporary romance series. Just like her first novels, the Crawford Falls series is set in a small town in Kate’s home state of Minnesota.

When Kate isn’t busy at her desk writing, you’ll find her dreaming up new characters and plotting perfect ways to make their lives miserable before giving them their happily ever after.

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Instagram | Pinterest

Contemporary Romance Excerpt and Tour Stop: Helping her Remember by Kate Carley

I am excited to share HELPING HER REMEMBER by Kate Carley. Fans of second-chance romance will find this heartwarming story of redemption. Follow the tour for exclusive excerpts, reviews, and a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card + three runner-ups will get an ebook copy of HELPING HER REMEMBER.

Helping Her Remember
by Kate Carley

Release Date: February 26, 2018
Series: The Crawford Falls Series
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Description:
Kelly’s back. How can two simple words make Dylan Bronstad’s heart ache and sing at the same time?

Even seven years ago, Kelly Anne Leeson had possessed that power. Back then, all Dylan wanted to do was drink and make love to her. Really, it was no wonder she’d climbed out of his bed and walked out of his life, leaving him with nothing but a nasty hangover and the lonely memories of their time together.

Today, Dylan’s life is on track. He’s sober with the support of his family and his tight-knit group of friends. But Kelly could derail all he’s worked to accomplish. Unfortunately, he can’t seem to stay away from her.

Lured by the offer of her dream job, Kelly returns home to Crawford Falls and the friends she’d abandoned a lifetime ago. Mending those broken relationships will require some honest answers and a fair amount of forgiveness.

But facing Dylan will take a lot more—like maybe a suit of armor to protect her battle-weary heart and the secret she fears she’ll never be able to keep.

While Kelly searches for a way to maintain the safe life she’s created for her son, Dylan works to remind her of the relationship they once had.

Just as they rekindle their relationship, secrets and half-truths threaten to destroy everything.

Buy Now: Amazon | iBooks | B&N | Kobo | Chapters


Read on for an excerpt...

Review: Only Tim Sent Flowers by George Kaplan

Only Tim Sent Flowers
by George Kaplan


Description:
Mary Louise, a bookish, redheaded, freckle-faced, eighteen-year-old virgin, who is unaware she has Asperger’s Syndrome, dispenses with Tim, her loving but far too serious and conventional high school boyfriend, then thrusts herself, groin first, into the 1960s sexual revolution, pioneering concepts such as friends with benefits and serial monogamy, while earning two college degrees in statistics. Nicknamed Tookie by her doting father, she engages in often humorous escapades with innumerable unsuitable lovers, whom she seduces with her oral virtuosity. But through it all, the one thing she really wants escapes her—a man who will truly love her, despite her faults, and give her a daughter.


My Review:
Only Tim Sent Flowers reads like a memoir. The main character, Mary Louise, or Tookie, becomes obsessed with experiencing and learning everything about sex.

I actually thought her relationship with her first boyfriend, Tim, was kind of sad. He’s very sweet and respectful, and he loves her, but it isn’t enough for Mary Louise. She loses interest in him when her attempts to get him to be her first fail. I kind of wanted her to get back with him, but the story is true to both her own and Tim’s personalities. He needs more and she wants less, or perhaps just different. It’s just too bad.

Anyway, that set aside, a good chunk of the book is Tookie cycling her way through as many fellows as humanly possible, studying and applying what she learns exuberantly. Some of her actual relationships are pretty interesting side stories, but again, I found them sad. Her sense of accomplishment and self-worth come at a cost I don’t think she realizes. She wants love, but only knows one variable in the formula.

I thought the fact that she has undiagnosed Asperger’s Syndrome added an interesting dynamic. Her behavior and preferences seem over the top until you take that into account. This characteristic is only overtly mentioned in the book’s description and the author’s note at the end, but it defines her.
As for the sexual encounters, well, nothing is left to the imagination. It’s very straightforward and detailed. One is left without a doubt about every one of Tookie’s likes and dislikes, and why. Some of the Asperger’s characteristics seemed to come out in these as well, which I thought showed some pretty good attention to detail. It is definitely meant for adult readers as there is a nearly constant stream of sex and sexual pursuit.

As for the storytelling, it comes across as rather factual and direct, a style typical of memoirs. This book should not be mistaken for a romance.

Overall, I thought this was a really good book, though it can be sad at times. I think the book might appeal to adults who enjoy fictional memoirs.

I received an ARC of this book from the author.


About the Author:
After a career of chasing, and being chased by, spies and assorted thugs across national monuments while being mistaken for Cary Grant, George Kaplan hung up his shoulder holster and used the money to buy a computer to serve as his word processor. Although well versed in writing after-action summaries, Kaplan had no experience with writing fiction, other than his expense reports. Government repercussions about modeling characters after his cohorts and enemies would have been far too risky, so he fabricated a heroine who has qualities he'd seen a few of on each of a number of women he'd rubbed shoulders (and sometimes more) with, during his long career undercover. Kaplan's first novel, Only Tim Sent Flowers, launches his Tookie series about an undiagnosed Aspie girl who perseveres through numerous unexpected adventures.
Author's website https://blackopalbooks.com/george-kaplan/

Other links:
Book Trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAHvbJ7MEac
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Only-Tim-Sent-Flowers-Revised/dp/1626947295/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36176303-only-tim-sent-flowers

YA Review: Lakeside by Amanda Linehan

Lakeside
by Amanda Linehan

Description:
Badminton, Trivia, Evil Spirits. Welcome to Lakeside...

Seventeen-year-old Jemi is the new girl in town. Again.

After moving with her mother to the town of Lakeside, Jemi finds herself thrown into a busy life with new friends. Amid an array of new activities, she volunteers to clean up the town lake and its surrounding park, which is rumored by superstitious locals to be controlled by evil spirits.

When her project is sabotaged by a jealous classmate, Jemi is ready to throw in the towel. But with the help of her friends, an eccentric millionaire, and an array of memorable townspeople, Jemi takes back her project and learns that sometimes the way to success is to hang on and let go.

Because in Lakeside, there’s always more than what meets the eye.


My Review:
Jemi just wants to get in enough community service hours to graduate. Instead she finds herself heading up an impossible project to bring to life Lakeside’s embarrassing namesake.

The story is all about finding strength in yourself and following your vision, even when you feel inadequate to the task. Jemi feels real in how she, as a teenager, handles a challenge that quickly becomes more than she expected. Even so, there is a glimmer of the paranormal and a small hint of romantic interest, just enough to up the complexity and interest in the story.

Besides that, I’d have liked to know if there were some background behind the spiders. They seem to be linked to the spirits Jemi learns about, but why?

Overall, I really enjoyed the story. I think folks who like reading about teens who overcome obstacles would like this book, while readers who expect more than a glimmer of the paranormal may be disappointed.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.


About the Author:

Amanda Linehan is a fiction writer, indie publisher and INFP. She has published three novels and a couple handfuls of short stories. Her short fiction has been featured on Every Day Fiction.

She lives in Maryland, likes to be outside and writes with her cat sleeping on the floor beside her desk.

Links:
Amazon
Goodreads
Twitter @amandalinehan
Author Site: http://amandalinehan.com/


Other books I've read by this author:

Cover Reveal: All That Glitters by Tracy Krimmer

Today is the cover reveal for All That Glitters by Tracy Krimmer. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The cover is designed by K Creative Designs.

All That Glitters (Songs of the Heart #1)
By Tracy Krimmer
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: summer 2017

Blurb:
Country-music star, Dory Walker, never wanted to come back to the small town of Sycamore Bay. But after her fairy-tale life is flipped upside down, and her marriage becomes a casualty, she has no choice.

Harris Malone is a man with few commitments. He keeps a low profile most days while he cares for his young daughter and helps run his dad’s hardware store.

But when he and Dory run into each other at the local gas station, all either can think about is the searing kiss they shared many years ago.

Can a woman who only wants to rekindle her career and a man who enjoys a no-strings attached lifestyle find everlasting love?

You can find All That Glitters on Goodreads

About the Author:
Tracy's love of writing began at nine years old. She wrote stories about aliens at school, machines that did homework for you, and penguins. Now she pens books and short stories about romance. She loves to read a great book, whether it be romance or science fiction, or any genre in between, or pop popcorn and catch up on her favorite TV shows or movies. She's been known to crush a candy or two as well. Her loves include fitness, reading, coffee, dogs, and naps (not in that order), and her dislikes are blue cheese, cold weather, and burpees.

You can find and contact Tracy here:
- Website
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Instagram
- Newsletter

Blog Tour Stop: Crawdad by Lisa Cresswell

Today I'm pleased to host a blog stop for Crawdad by Lisa Cresswell. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to beta read this some time ago. A very good read. Hope you can check it out.


Welcome to the Crawdad Book Blog Tour!
For the whole month of January, my new contemporary young adult novel Crawdad, will be featured on the blogs of some of my besties - authors and book bloggers who support the readers and writers of  diverse YA - and I couldn't be more pleased. I hope you can visit them all and enter the giveaway.  ~Lisa Cresswell

Here's the schedule:
Magic of the Muses - Eileen Schuh January 1
Rich in Variety January 8
Beth Fehlbaum Books January 15
CJ Burright January 22
Twinjas Book Reviews January 29

Crawdad

by Lisa T. Cresswell

Description:

Seventeen-year-old Jamil Ramos grew up on Alabama’s Gulf Coast believing his mom, Loretta, was his only living relative. She put a trumpet in his hands as a toddler and sparked his love of jazz. But when Loretta drops a bomb on Jamil from her deathbed- she’s not his mama and his daddy is still alive, living in Charleston, S.C. – his world is turned upside down.

Now, with the only mama he’s ever known gone and the Loyola University trumpet audition less than a week away, Jamil has trouble feeling his music. When his band teacher tells him to get it together, Jamil decides to hitchhike to South Carolina over to find his father and get his questions answered. All he has is a name –Leon Ramos.

Jamil relies on the kindness of the strangers he meets-a gay teen kicked out of his home, a runaway prostitute, and a street musician-as he makes his way across Florida and Georgia trying to avoid the cops along the way. But when Jamil is robbed of his most prized possession, his trumpet, his plans go anywhere but where he’d hoped. That trumpet was supposed to be his ticket for a scholarship, the only way to college his mama could give him. Lost and alone without it, Jamil wonders if finding his father is worth risking his future.

You can find Crawdad in print and e-book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads!

About the Author:

Lisa T. Cresswell has been writing middle grade and young adult books for what seems like a mighty long time. She can never seem to make up her mind if she likes reality or fantasy, so she writes both. She also likes lemon jasmine green tea, dark chocolate almonds, and lots and lots of coffee. And of course, BOOKS. ALL THE BOOKS!! You can see all of her work at www.lisatcresswell.com.
 

Enter the Giveaway:

Enter to win one of three copies of Crawdad to be given away in January!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release: Holly Jolly Nothing by Vincent Daniels

Holly Jolly Nothing
by Vincent Daniels

Description:
Detroit native Vincent Daniels delivers a hilarious retelling of his absurd childhood as a mixed-race Jehovah's Witness whiz kid in an all-white Catholic-dominated community. Add in some energetic cult conventions, a neighboring halfway house, an unhealthy dinosaur obsession, a couple zealous, quirky parents, and a doozy of an imagination, and you've got one hell of a funny memoir here. This essay-style collection of stories is a great choice for fans of David Sedaris, Jenny Lawson, Allie Brosh, and Justin Halpern.

Daniels' sharp wit, fearless humor, and penchant for shining in even the strangest fiascos keeps his book consistently fun and relatable. In addition to a laugh-out-loud peek into what it's like to be a holiday-avoiding, door-to-door mini preacher, Holly Jolly Nothing sends you on a grandiose trip back to childhood, complete with first crush freak-outs, sleazy after-school jobs, grade school victories and debacles, head-scratchingly odd neighborhood kids, and other coming-of-age awesomeness - all penned with a strong dose of warmth, wonder, and belly laughs.

Don't let the idea of childhood nostalgia fool you though. These stories aren't mild salsa. There's enough spicy adult humor here to set up a lifetime of Judd Apatow movies. And for fans of Daniels' first book, Meaty Balls, don't worry - the author's voice-of-the-people, gleefully-less-than-PC perspective is present on all levels, as is his self-targeting, sincere humor. Daniels' musings are on par with the best Louis C.K., Aziz Ansari, or John Mulaney stand-up comedy. In summary, if you think laughter is the best medicine, don't walk, RUN, to get yourself a copy of Holly Jolly Nothing!

My Thoughts (not a review):
Well, I haven't read this yet, but I plan to buy and read it, and soon. Why? Because Meaty Balls, the first book I read by this author, is my absolutely favorite memoir, ever. I remember reading it in public and laughing out loud anyway. Check out the original review of Meaty Balls here.

This one promises to be just as funny and every bit worth buying for those who want a good laugh based on real, and really funny, events. Not for the easily offended, I'm guessing, based on the other one. 

I happened across Vincent on Facebook some time back, and his posts are just as irreverent and grin inducing. Anyhow, when I saw the new book come out, I sent him a message telling him I'd like to feature his new book and asked if he'd like to share anything personal for the post. Here is what he said:

You're literally too good to be true, Trish! So, first, obviously I appreciate this. Second, I can't think of much to add book-description-wise in addition to the Amazon write-up I "meticulously" crafted a few days ago. A link to my personal Facebook page would be cool though. I'd love more internet friends so I can feel meaningful in our cyber-culture.
As far as a personal message goes, how's this: When I finished Holly Jolly Nothing, I realized the best two things about moving out of my parents house years ago have been: 1) Being able to write just-shy-of-PC, non-PG-rated books that poke fun at religion and rules, because what I write would've never flown in the strict religious household I grew up in, but I'm having an awesome time doing it! And 2) Never having to eat canned green beans again. To even out the list, I'll add that the worst thing I've noticed about moving out is that I'm late for everything without Mom and Dad there to wake me up. And while that may make me sound like a kid, to set the record straight, I'm actually more of a kid-man-robot sentinel.

Also, feel free to add my recommendation that your blog readers can show their appreciation for your kind personality and book reviewing ways by knitting you soft mittens and cozy socks and mailing them to you, perhaps with candy. You can tell them this was solely my idea, not yours. 

Thanks again, Trish! I look forward to seeing the blog!

I like the sound of that cozy socks and mittens thing. Candy couldn't hurt either, lol.

About the Author:

Ok, so one of the things that made me pick up his first book was his over-the-top profile. So, here it is, right from Amazon, the author bio of Vincent Daniels:

Hi, I'm Vincent Daniels, author of Meaty Balls - a collection of essays, expositions, and insightfully elegant potty humor (which I heard you like). It's got like a million chapters (thirty, actually). I also just released a new book titled Holly Jolly Nothing. It's a memoir recounting absurdities from my religiously-stymied childhood along with other awesome coming-of-age stuff. If you have any semblance of a heart, I think you'll dig it. Even some of you heartless A-holes will get a kick out of it too.

If you're asking, "What makes you so special that you get to write hilarious books that I'll love forever?" Here's why: I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness and was out preaching to strangers about Satan's hooves as a nine-year-old. I wasn't allowed to celebrate birthdays or holidays but went to a public school where that stuff made up half the curriculum. Plus all the wonky beliefs and cult conventions are funny, in retrospect. Also, I'm half-Asian, which isn't intrinsically funny in itself, but being the only foreign-looking kid in an all-white hillbilly suburb is funny, also in retrospect. Additionally, I was married into a Puerto Rican family and gained two hundred spicy in-laws who swear enough to make Martin Scorsese blush.

In addition to those balls-out hilarious things about me, I now live in Detroit, which has a large black population and a lot of crime. I'm certainly not insinuating the two are related, I'm simply stating those things because that's what people usually think of when the think of Detroit. Though both are true, I've never been mugged or murdered by anyone black (or any race). Okay, this is coming out all wrong. One of my best friends is actually black! I'm tempted to rewrite this paragraph because it sounds suspicious, but I told myself I'd write this once and not edit it. This is getting wordy, so I'm going to list the other reasons I'm capable of writing a funny book without as much explanation:

5. Starting with "5" because technically there are four "Reasons I'm Funny" written above. I'm going to start a new "Number Five" because this one got ruined by this explanation.

Real 5. After being married to the Puerto Ricans, I got divorced...and divorce is hilarious! (After you've moved on, lost weight, and bought a bigger TV.)

6. I'm an auto-industry stooge who gets paid to design auto parts while actually writing essays in a word processor minimized in the bottom corner of my screen. Don't tell my boss. (That includes you, PC-monitoring IT guy!)

7. I go to dive bars and drink a lot. I look foreign. I'm divorced. I have a black friend. We have sweet hip-hop dance moves. Antics ensue.

8. I'm a part-time musician who plays guitar, writes mushy love songs, and says, "Yeah, I've sold a bunch of MP3s," even though I've only sold ten over the past five years and barely made enough money to buy a combo meal at Taco Bell.

9. I have a gigantic collection of rocks & fossils, comic books, '80s toys, movie memorabilia, weapons (non-functioning replicas), old-school video games, dinosaur books, hockey jerseys, lawn equipment, and button-up shirts that I never wear. The point being, I'm an expert on everything and exceptionally geeky in a sexy and sophisticated way that'll make you feel pretty cool.

So my advice is this: Nab a copy of Holly Jolly Nothing and/or Meaty Balls like the good-for-nothing nabber that you are, and live the remainder of your life, or at least a few measly days, in a cozy, orgasmic reading bliss. Let's cuddle after!                

Author Links:
Twitter @quite_meaty
Goodreads Vincent Daniels
Facebook Page Author Vincent Daniels

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Intrigued, pick both up on Amazon!

Read it Again! Cinnamon Twigs by Darren Freebury-Jones

Cinnamon Twigs
by Darren Freebury-Jones

Read again in July 2016:
Gosh, I think I love this even more! I had to up my star rating. Anyway, bought my copy for this go around since I don't hang on to the read for review copies. Highly recommended for folks who love memoirs (this one's fictional, but feels real) and stories that really suck you in.

Original Review from June 2013:
Intelligent, poignant, believable...

These are the three words I'd use to describe Cinnamon Twigs. This fictional memoir follows the rise and fall of Daniel Mace from childhood, through college, love, loss, fame, and finally redemption. Daniel falls in love with drama as a child, and this early love molds his life and guides him towards greatness as an adult. His memories of youth include best friends Lisa and Elliot, making home movies, and playing small parts in school productions. Not all is perfect even then. His friend Lisa's father is abusive and violent, his mother is bipolar, his own father abandoned him and his mother.

From there, the story progresses into his teen and college years. Daniel meets best friend, Michael, and their adventures play out in the youthful illusion of invincibility. His love of theater matures at this stage of life, and romantic love also blooms. However, as in real life, the path to true and lasting love isn't an easy or direct route.

Even after he hits it big, success isn't all he'd expected it to be. The people are fickle and easily swayed by the tabloids and press. This works in his favor when these institutions paint him in bright rosy colors, but when they turn to darker shades for the sake of a better story, his life takes a turn for the worse. A disintegrating marriage, self-destructive social life, and growing addiction lead him to a drastic solution.

Having recently read a few non-fiction memoirs, I must say the author has pulled off the format and feel in Cinnamon Twigs. While reading, I kept having to remind myself "this isn't real." So much insight, feeling and personality filter through from the narrator, that it's easy to forget. Though most of the story is told in linear fashion, an occasional detour into the past or a glimmer into a future yet unknown to the younger Daniel give the feeling that a real person is behind the words, that these things truly happened.

This leads to one of the things I most enjoyed about the story: guessing just how much of it comes from the author's personal experience and how much comes from his imagination. One of my guesses is that he is exploring an alternate branch that his own life may have taken had he decided to follow his dreams rather than finish his PhD or had he made other, equally life-altering decisions. The author's take on the power of the press to guide and control public thought and opinions, the futile quest for immortality through pursuit of fame, and the intertwining natures of love and loss flow naturally from Daniel's experiences, the people he meets, and the path his life takes. The line between fiction and non-fiction is delightfully blurred.

Another thing that I found both challenging and enjoyable was the quality of the writing. This story is written at a reading level much higher than I'm used to and I found myself whipping out the virtual dictionary and Google Translate with some frequency. I'm pleased to say most of my contextual guesses for both the unfamiliar English vocabulary and the multi-linguistic phrases were at least somewhat correct, but I'm glad I decided to check behind them. I took notes for quicker reading next time.

All in all, I enjoyed this book. Cinnamon Twigs forced me to think, broadened my perspective, and entertained me. And, though challenged by the sophisticated language and writing style, I was not overwhelmed by it.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy literary fiction, contemporary fiction, social commentary shrouded in fiction, and fictional memoirs. Besides that, I recommend having your dictionary and a translation application of choice handy.


I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest, non-reciprocal review.


View all my reviews

Excerpt and Review: Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor by Meena Jelks

This is my stop during the book blitz for Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor by Meena Jelks. This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and runs from 11 till 15 July. View the tour schedule here

Read this book for free!
From 11 till 15 July Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor by Meena Jelks will be free on amazon.

Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor
by Meena Jelks
Genre: Teen Fiction/ Contemporary
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: 31 May, 2016

Blurb:
Fifteen year old Gaby swore she’d always put books before boys. She could solve an algebraic expression faster than anyone in her class, play Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor with better technique than her music teacher, but couldn’t tell her best friend Anna that she secretly adored her older brother, Josh.

Gaby’s secret feelings tormented her for almost a year. Now that they were all going to be counselors at Camp Sesquahade for the summer, Gaby wondered how long she’d be able to keep her own secret.

Surrounded by temptation, she worries about shattering her good-girl image. Will Gaby get through summer without falling victim to her furtive feelings?
How can she be with Josh while standing firm on her values and morals?

My Review:
Teenage Temptation and Personal Honor is a coming of age story about a practical girl named Gaby. She’s got her eyes on getting straight As, getting into college, and following her dreams. She also has her eyes on Josh, her best friend’s brother. But she is practical, as I said, and cautious, doing her best to resist temptation, despite pressure from her friends, pleadings from Josh, and even her own wants.
This story caught my eye because of the description, mainly because the main character reminds me of myself as a teen. Good grades, inexperience with boys, and yet still someone with crushes and a desire to fit in. I thought the story did pretty well at making Gaby a realistic girl, and though at times things get tragic and might seem out there in the realms of probability, I remember some of my friends actually experiencing the things the kids in the book do. Shocking things. Tragic things.

And that leads me to the moral of the book, and yes, this is one of those rare YA books where there is an actual purpose beyond entertainment or selling more books. All these things are happening around Gaby and to her. She questions her decisions, but consistently chooses brain over heart, while her friends often seem to do the opposite.

All of these other stories about her friends and family are almost like glimpses into the future of possible choices. If this, then that. But the moral isn’t to follow your brain and ignore your heart. It’s actually that we all make decisions, and there isn’t really one right or wrong way to go, but all of those decisions do affect our lives, for good or bad. That’s the main one, I think, but as Gaby learns more about herself, many insightful philosophies shine through. On the downside, the book sometimes reads more like a cautionary tale than a teenage romance or coming of age. 

As for the book itself, it goes a little fast in places, particularly in the dialog. I think a little more attention to the non-verbal behaviors that go along with talking might have helped with those parts. Also, my copy of the book had no paragraph indents, which sometimes made it difficult to tell where one person stopped talking and another started, and sometimes that also made it seem a bit choppy. On the other hand, some of the descriptions and language in the book are truly beautiful. The author has a particular knack for describing the diverse characters in the book. I usually don’t picture a person in detail when I’m reading, more just an image, but I found it easy with these. And again, the language used to describe them was quite nice, unique, and enjoyable.

Overall, I somewhat liked this story. Folks who like coming-of-age and teenaged drama might also like this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author via Lola’s Blog Tours in order to provide this review.
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You can find Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor on Goodreads

View the book trailer for Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor here on Youtube

You can buy Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor here:
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback
- Amazon UK

Note from the author:
My YA novel, Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor, is finally complete at 74,059 words. Fifteen-year-old Gabrielle Perez is a straight A good-girl musical prodigy. Gaby comes from a hard-working, two parent, loving home, lives in an upper-middle class neighborhood in a small town in upstate NY and has lived a pretty sheltered life up until now. With her junior year ending and summer camp looming around the corner, Gaby isn’t sure how long she can keep her secret from her best friend, Anna. What’s her secret: she is in love with Anna’s older brother Josh. Gaby is forced to deal with her hidden feelings this summer as they all attend Camp Sesquahade as summer counselors.

Over the summer, Gaby gets a taste of her first kiss, first crush and first heartache. She realizes quickly that being book smart isn’t the same as being street smart. And that being into a boy doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to give into your desires. Gaby is faced with the decision to follow behind what all her friends are doing, or staying true to her values and morals. But Gaby’s life is changing with unexpected and meaningful relationships that broaden her sense of what love and loss is. These new relationships along with the discovery of love, maturing and following your dreams leads Gaby down a path of uncertainty and confusion. How will she ever learn to balance it all?

This is a coming of age story of self-discovery, self-empowerment and how the many shapes of love – maternal, romantic and platonic – lead to Gaby’s struggle to come to terms with growing up and owning your destiny.

This novel was has been a labor of love for so very long. I hope that you enjoy reading it. My personal experiences as a teenager (oh so many years ago) being exposed to similar scenarios and just having a longing for characters that realistically portray a young girl’s growing up.

About the Author:
Meena Jelks is a dreamer. From an early age, she developed a voracious appetite for reading, writing and daydreaming. Being a writer was always something she loved but never thought would ever come to fruition. That is, until she decided to take her writing seriously, bypassing the traditional limitations of the literary industry as a whole.

A fan of punchier, pacier, and chattier books, her love for Young Adult (YA) fiction cultivated her desire to do what makes her happiest--she believes you don't have to be a teen to enjoy reading or writing stories of self-exploration, new-found love, or uncharted waters.

Young Adult/Teen fiction is exploding now, it's finally getting the recognition that it deserves. Meena is so happy to be contributing to such an amazing movement right now. Her first book, Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor will debut May, 2016.

You can find and contact Meena Jelks here:
- Website - Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Amazon
- Instagram

Everything BluEmber Summer Swag Bag Giveaway
There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Teenage Temptation & Personal Honor. One winner will win an Everything BluEmber Summer Swag Bag (US Only).
This swag bag will include a BluEmber Books Cotton Zippered Tote filled with:
- an Amazon Fire Tablet
- BluEmber Books Silicon Wristband
- BluEmber Books Aluminum Water Bottle
- a Beach Towel

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Fantasy Review: Root of the Rule (Lizard Queen #9) by H.L. Cherryholmes

Root of the Rule (Lizard Queen #9)
by H.L. Cherryholmes

Description:
The surrounding nations are gathering for a war against Pliada, the Trotéjo and the Arañalianza are assembling before the mountain upon which La Reina’s castle sits, and stakes have never been higher. The quest to learn how Amy Darlidale must bring about the New Morphósis has brought her full circle and the truth about her destiny as Lacáruna finally seems within reach. But much blood continues to be shed as all sides race toward the inevitable conclusion of the journey. Amy must summon forces from deep within if she is to save this world—or is it too late?

My Review:
Wow, what a series! Book nine of nine in the Lizard Queen saga ruined several nights of sleep, night after night, leaving me reading with one eye open because I couldn’t manage both, turning page after page unable to put it down. Everything comes together and the final push towards the New Morphósis is exciting and satisfying.

So what I liked most in this one was the build toward the final encounter. It was relentless and awesome. A lot more action and surprises, even at this point in the game, but behind all the action, there’s still plenty of lore and figuring things out. The ending makes sense, but it isn’t what I expected, not exactly anyhow, and that’s a good thing. It made the whole thing worth reading, and now I want to read it again.

Overall, I loved this book and the series as a whole. For those who were holding out for the series to be complete, I’d say go forth and grab all of the books now. The ending is satisfying, and it’s quite an exciting journey getting there.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.

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Learn more about this series and the author:
 

On Amazon

 

On Goodreads

 

On Facebook

 

 

 

 

Fantasy Review: We Are the Waking (The Lizard Queen #8) by H.L. Cherryholmes

We Are the Waking (The Lizard Queen #8)
by H.L. Cherryholmes

Description:

Though she’s unable to finish reading the final Extiguo to determine her role in bringing about the New Morphósis, Amy Darlidale quickly learns that Runakopolis puts her and her friends on the threshold of another major discovery.

 

A new mystery seems to hold clues to the origins of the Trotéjo and the Arañalianza. Beginning to sense that the ideologies at conflict have been preserved not only by clergy and government but also by culture, Amy is drawn into an enigmatic society of scholars.

 

At first, pages missing from library books and a new theory about the first Morphósis don’t seem to be connected to the Lacáruna prophecy, but the lines of military, church, and academia continue to intersect and familiar faces and adversaries reemerge. Rumors of war are spreading quickly, and whispers that La Arañota will soon rise again are amplifying. This world seems on the verge of shrinking much faster than anyone anticipated.

My Review:
This is book 8 of 9 in the Lizard Queen series, and it doesn’t disappoint. It unfolds like a mystery as Amy and her companions chase lead after lead. The Extiguos, the books they’d thought would reveal the prophecy, didn’t pan out and now they’re struggling to figure out what’s next. 

I really liked how this book draws everything together from the previous books. All the little threads that were woven in but not explained previously are tightened up and start to take shape. Several of the characters are going through some tough times, trying to recover from traumatic experiences, which makes things interesting. Even Amy seems to be getting to the end of her tolerance. But still, it’s the new threads that kept me reading.

The new characters are as interesting as the established ones, particularly as good and bad get a bit fuzzy. I also enjoyed the revelations surrounding the Trotéjo and Arañalianza, as well as all the new theories some of the new characters bring to the table. It’s a very cerebral read in that respect, all full of lore and theory. Still, there’s some action and magic, and plenty of sleuthing, which keeps it moving in between the debates.

I did notice, however, that debates and dialog were quite heavy in this installment. I suppose it had to be as everyone’s trying to figure out together what’s going on and trying to understand what’s happened before, but I think it led to a lot less action than in some of the previous books.

Anyhow, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the last one. I’d recommend this to folks who enjoy fantasy with magic, parallel worlds, and lots of intrigue and mystery.

I received the review copy of this book from the author.

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Learn more about this series and the author:
 

On Amazon

 

On Goodreads

 

On Facebook

 

 

 

 

New Release Feature: The Lizard Queen, Books 8 and 9 by H.L. Cherryholmes

The Lizard Queen Book Eight: We Are the Waking
by H.L. Cherryholmes
Publication Date: May 4, 2016

Though she’s unable to finish reading the final Extiguo to determine her role in bringing about the New Morphósis, Amy Darlidale quickly learns that Runakopolis puts her and her friends on the threshold of another major discovery. A new mystery seems to hold clues to the origins of the Trotéjo and the Arañalianza. Beginning to sense that the ideologies at conflict have been preserved not only by clergy and government but also by culture, Amy is drawn into an enigmatic society of scholars. At first, pages missing from library books and a new theory about the first Morphósis don’t seem to be connected to the Lacáruna prophecy, but the lines of military, church, and academia continue to intersect and familiar faces and adversaries reemerge. Rumors of war are spreading quickly, and whispers that La Arañota will soon rise again are amplifying. This world seems on the verge of shrinking much faster than anyone anticipated.




The Lizard Queen Book Nine: Root of the Rule
by H.L. Cherryholmes
Publication Date: May 4, 2016

The surrounding nations are gathering for a war against Pliada, the Trotéjo and the Arañalianza are assembling before the mountain upon which La Reina’s castle sits, and stakes have never been higher. The quest to learn how Amy Darlidale must bring about the New Morphósis has brought her full circle and the truth about her destiny as Lacáruna finally seems within reach. But much blood continues to be shed as all sides race toward the inevitable conclusion of the journey. Amy must summon forces from deep within if she is to save this world—or is it too late?


I'm really excited about these. Should be reading them near the end of the month and planning to post reviews in June. We'll see.  Anyhow, if you've been following this series, these are the final two books.

Cover Reveal: Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling

Today is the cover reveal for Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Ella's Twisted Senior Year
By Amy Sparling
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: May 31, 2016

Blurb:
Having spent most of her senior year flying under the radar, the last thing Ella Lockhart expected was to have a tornado rip straight through her house, leaving her homeless. It’s bad enough that the whole school now pities her, but did her parents have to let the neighbors take them in?

Now she's sharing a house with Ethan Poe, her former best friend-turned-enemy. All those feelings she used to have for him are starting to rain down on her again. Too bad he's a jerk and his new girlfriend has territorial issues. Thanks to Mother Nature, Ella's house and her entire life have been turned upside down.

Ethan isn’t quite sure why Ella hates him so much, but he does know she wants nothing to do with him. He’s never quite gotten over the crush he had on her as a kid, and now that she’s living across the hall, it’s hard to stay away. His girlfriend isn’t helping the situation and when she shows her true colors, he doesn’t want to date her anymore. He wants to date someone like Ella. Too bad she hates him.

You can find Ella's Twisted Senior Year on Goodreads

About the Author:
Amy Sparling is the author of The Summer Unplugged Series, Deadbeat & other awesome books for younger teens. She lives in Texas and has an addiction to sparkly nail polish, taking photos of her cute dog, and swooning over book boyfriends.

You can find and contact Amy here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Goodreads

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Ella's Twisted Senior Year. These are the prizes you can win:
- a $10 Amazon gift card (Open internationally)
- a signed paperback of Ella's Twisted Senior Year by Amy Sparling (USA only)

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Cover Reveal and Giveaway: A Shot of Bourbon by A.C. Land

Today is the cover reveal for A Shot of Bourbon by A.C. Land. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

A Shot of Bourbon (The Bourbon Series #1)
By A.C. Land
Genre: Contemporary
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: March 29, 2016
Publisher: BookFish Books

Blurb:
In the little highway town of Bourbon, Missouri, deadly secrets lurk behind Southern charm.

Seventeen year old Charli Valentine didn’t expect to spend the last few weeks of summer break nursing a broken heart, icing a black eye, and watching her ex kiss another girl. Since being a good girl has gotten her nothing but heartache, Charli decides to give rebellion a try. She pigs out, drinks, and hangs with Luke Parker, the son of the infamous Bourbon Butcher.

But there’s more to Luke than meets the eye. His tough exterior and terrible dialect hide a good person despite his bad boy reputation. No matter how hard he tries to fight it, Luke is drawn to Charli’s innocence and finds her clumsiness too charming to resist. Though they’re from opposite sides of the tracks, neither can resist the magnetism drawing them together.

When Charli discovers a box in her mother’s closet, she pieces together the truth about Bourbon’s past and uncovers a deadly secret about her family. And once Luke learns of it, he vows to protect Charli no matter the cost.

Excerpt:
Charli
I stepped into line behind a guy I recognized immediately. Chills shot up my spine the way they did when I dipped my foot in a cold pool. He twirled a worn looking cigarette between his fingers. It slipped over his dirty knuckles before sliding between his thumb and forefinger. The cigarette had finger impressions all over the filter and dirty smudge marks across the white paper. I wondered how long he’d been twirling it for it to look that way. 

Lucas Parker had always fascinated me. I didn’t know what it was about him. Maybe the fact that he was overbearingly protective of his brother, Collin. Or that he worked so many hours at his incarcerated father’s failing auto shop. Or maybe because his family was the only one my mother had explicitly told me to stay away from.

About the Author:
Author of the Bourbon Series, A.C. Land has been a lover of stories since she first read about Peter Pan giving Wendy an acorn and teaching her to fly. A.C. always dreamed of telling big stories about small towns.

Residing on a cattle farm in Missouri, A.C. loves playing with her rambunctious Jack Russell, Riley, making decorative cakes, taking pictures, drinking pumpkin spice coffee, and hanging out with her nephews.

You can find and contact A.C. Land here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of A Shot of Bourbon. One person will win a 50$ amazon gift card!

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Review: Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer

Five Days Left by Julie Lawson Timmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Very well-done. Two distinct stories, not one. Link between them is tenuous. Both stories are gripping in themselves. One seemed to resolve a little to easily. A flip flop of situation. I very much liked this story, though I didn't expect that I would.

View all my reviews


So, that's probably one of the shortest reviews I've posted here. I borrowed this from the library and read it for book club, which this book seems made for. These are some of the things we discussed.

Book club topics:
Huntington's disease: knowing vs. not knowing, whether suicide in the case of terminal disease is acceptable, whether leaving while somewhat functional is better than staying beyond one's ability to even recognize family.

Adoption/foster care: motivations of families who decide to foster/adopt, resolving feelings of jealousy of attention (foster mother in this was jealous of her husband's attention to Curtis over the baby she was carrying), marital strain when one spouse wants to adopt while the other doesn't.

Suicide: Selfish or selfless, particularly in the case of debilitating terminal illness.

If you've read this, feel free to tell me what you thought of it in the comments.

New Release Spotlight: The Lizard Queen Books Five and Six by H.L. Cherryholmes

Today I'm featuring two new releases in a new series that has quickly become one of my new favorites. You know the kind that just resonates with you, that draws you in and feels good to read. I believe there are 9 of these in total, and we are on books 5 and 6 now. I really can't wait for the next ones, either. 

Fans of fantasy who enjoy richly developed worlds, interesting characters and intricate plots will likely love this series as I did. It might help to dust off your Spanish, but it isn't really necessary except you'd get some of the clues and interesting connections a little sooner.

Anyway, enough about that, here are the latest in The Lizard Queen series by H.L Cherryholmes.



The Lizard Queen Book Five: A Wedge Between

Release Date: August 14, 2015

As word makes its way across the nations that the prophesied Lacáruna has arrived, the forces against Amy Darlidale press on from unseen corners. Now the reach of danger seems to have penetrated the realm of her own mind. Although jolted by the sacrifices her protectors have had to make, Amy forges ahead as new relationships surface and new truths are revealed.

When the group is forced to turn in a new direction and it becomes less clear who to trust, Amy has no choice but to seek out the help of a Trotéjo comrade with whom she’s barely had a passing acquaintance in order to find the remaining Extiguos. Yet despite her resolve to fulfill the Promise of a New Morphósis, Amy understands that achieving this goal is going to be difficult. Because now it seems she’s not the only one on the Most Wanted List.

*~*~*~*

The Lizard Queen Book Six: Furious Angels

Release Date: August 14, 2015

Forced to rely on her own instincts, along with the limited knowledge she’s gained of this world in the quest to fulfill the Promise of a New Morphósis, Amy Darlidale must find a way to acquire the remaining three Extiguos to piece together the prophesy and reunite her team of protectors. But despite feeling constrained in her ability to combat otherworldly forces she cannot comprehend, she discovers she must now strive to overcome the darkest intent of those before her as an emerging foe poses an unimaginably sinister threat.

As new truths are revealed by those she thought she knew, Amy finds the lines between this world and her own continue to blur. Pushed to her limit, she shatters preconceptions about what she is capable of and takes charge of her fate. Forever changed, she pushes forward toward her destiny but finds she must reclaim what was left behind before she can move ahead.

*~*~*~*

Follow links: 

Want to know right away when the next one comes out? Follow the H.L. Cherryholmes' Amazon Page. While you're at it, check out his Goodreads Author Page, too, and give him a follow there.

Buy links:

Interested? Here's some links. You may find my reviews for each rather easily since there aren't many. If you pick one of these up, add yours to the mix. Even a few words and a rating help. :-)