November Reads & Reviews

Hello, fellow book lovers!
I'm back with a book review blog. Hurray! Prepare for lots of indie fun because I did some serious reading in November.

Jon Archer
by JB Taylor

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A crazy, fun adventure that had me shaking my head and chuckling more than once.

The Distant Sound of Violence
by Jason Greensides

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
I don't often read coming of age stories, but I was glad I decided to pick this one up. An excellent story about how every decision can affect your future and how real friendship doesn't die over time.
I enjoyed the struggles of the main characters and how we witnessed them grow and learn from them. Equally heartbreaking and enlightening, this is a book I would recommend for teens and adults alike.

Vulnerable
by April Wilson

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
This is your typical steamy romance. It doesn't offer much new as far as stereotypicsl characters and circumstances, but the style of writing draws you in and gets you hooked. Though I had read these characters a million times in other books, I still found myself caring about them and wanting to read more.
This is impressive for an author's first published work. If you are looking for sexy and heartwarming, this is the book for you. 

Necrograph
by Garrison Kelly

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
I have to give this book a solid 4 stars. The lyrics, though often angry, are riddled with truths about modern society and our strange priorities these days.
My favorites were "Chemicals," "The Meditation Song," "Micronism," and "Thou Shalt Not Steal."
A good read for anyone who lifts a middle finger to the world!

The Infinite: Witness for the Persecution #1
by Trevor Wooten

Rating: 3 Stars

Review:
A lot of background info is thrown at you in this first installment that may have been better to show us slowly throughout. It makes for a somewhat confusing, yet still interesting, story.

Sinsual Delights
by Cinnamon Sin

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
Hot!
I enjoyed this short, sexy, erotic story. I need to read more of the steamy going-ons in this magical world. More please!

Catching Whitney
by Amy Hale

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
This was a fun, warm-and-fuzzy read that had me smiling. Though there was the usual "misunderstanding" between the couple that seems so popular in romance books (I mean really, just talk!) this story was sweet and the characters real and amusing.

Carved Wooden Heart
by Elizabeth Horton-Newton & Starla Hartless

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
Though rather long and drawn out, this was a cute romance that left me smiling. Cutting the excessive action details would have made it a shorter and more concise read, though I wouldn't have minded hearing a bit more about Jesse's life in those lost five years. Dani's character was quite real and three dimensional. She made mistakes, grew a little, made a few more mistakes, and still kept her head, and that had me rooting for her.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read.

Full Exposure
by Amy Jo Cousins

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
Fun, sexy, and surprisingly deep.
I definitely enjoyed this sexy little story. It's always fun when a regular Joe gets to see the real side of a celebrity, and have amazing sex as well. Well written and naughty, a winner in my book!

Merry Chris Witch
by CK Dawn

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
Ho, ho, ho, and away we go!
What a fun and cute holiday story. I'm with Chris on the holidays: Halloween is my favorite and Christmas is kind of, eh. Good to know he found a reason to enjoy the holiday besides his birthday!
I highly recommend this one.

Pirate Dave & His Randy Adventures
by Robyn Peterman

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
Raunchy and hilarious!
If you are looking for a quick read that will make you laugh, look no further. Ridiculous, over the top humor and a silly story will keep you entertained.
Only recommended for those with a twisted sense of humor.



Well folks, that's all I have for you this month. I hope I can reach my Goodreads reading challenge of 120 books this year. Perhaps not, since I am only at 102 right now, but hey, reading over 100 books in one year is enough for me. 
I'll be back next year with more indie book reviews for you book worms out there. Have a wonderful holiday season, and happy reading!

I'm Not Dead. Yet.

Hello everyone.
No, I haven't died, though it does kind of feel like it. You haven't seen a book review post from me in some time because I took a long break from reading. I haven't read any new indie books in months, in fact.
Until now. This month I am trying to play catch-up and get through books that have been on my actual shelves or in my Kindle library for far too long. I have read two indie books so far, and hope to get through at least three more before the month is up. 
I can do this!

Meanwhile, holidays are coming and if you need a warm read on a cold night, I have a few suggestions. 
If you are looking for something a little dirty, try A Naughty New Year's Eve by yours truly. Hot sex between two vampires will be sure to melt the ice outside your window. Purchase links are in the sidebar.

If you are looking for something more wholesome for your holiday season, try Winter Wishes of the Heart by my alter ego, Ashley Uzzell. These four short stories are all kinds of sweet. Available November 30th, here are the pre-order links:
Amazon, Books2Read (includes B&N, iTunes, Kobo, etc.), and don't forget Goodreads.

Both books are only 99¢. Okay, now that I am done with my shameless self-promotions (If I don't do it, who will?) I can say Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
And as always, happy reading!

#Horrorweek

Hello, fellow readers!
To help celebrate #Horrorweek on Goodreads, I decided to get in on the fun and use one of the writing prompts they offer to authors. I used the prompt "And they were hungry." Enjoy the story, ladies and gents.


My breath hitched in my throat as I dashed inside the abandoned house. Slamming the door so hard that tiny splinters of wood broke off the edges, I leaned against it and tried to calm my frantic heartbeat.
What were those things? Where exactly am I now?
I had been running for far too long, caught up in the fear of being found. I tried to convince myself that this was a nightmare. I pictured myself waking up and laughing over such a silly dream. But my mind knew better. I couldn't lie to myself. Those things had been real. Those hideous monsters in the woods behind my house were not some figment of my imagination or trick of the dim light of dusk.
They were real. Their long ears and black skin. Their claw-like hands. Their huge blue eyes that searched for new prey. The clicking sounds that emitted from their puckered lips.
They were real, all right. And they were hungry.
What should I do? Where should I go?
How would I ever be able to get back to the safety, however false, of my own home when those things were still out there? Even as my mind reeled, my body was still in the here and now. And I realized that I wasn't alone in the old, dilapidated house. As my eyes focused in the dark around me, the last rays of light coming through a broken window nearby fading away, I saw something glimmer to my right.
It was almost like eye-shine, from a cat or dog. A soft clicking sound to my left had me whirling around to see what was there. More eyes near the window. As full dark fell over me, the eyes began to emit a soft blue glow. The same blue color as those freaky things outside.
And there were dozens of them, all low to the ground.
I hadn't escaped into the safety of a temporary hiding place. I had run right smack into the nesting ground of those monsters. These tiny, clicking terrors all turned their eyes on me, as if smelling my fear.
And they were hungry, too.


What did you think? Let me know! Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween, everyone.

Summer Indie Book Awards 2017

Hello, fellow readers. I hope your summer has been awesome. School might be back in, but the heat is still on, and I'm here to tell you about a hot event happening now.

I’m excited to announce that it’s that time of year again. The Summer Indie Book Awards are here!
Every year, Metamorph Publishing hosts this amazing event that focuses on indie books. Readers nominate their favorite books in a variety of categories and at the end of the summer, it’s voting time. Voting for the 2107 SIBA starts tomorrow, September 1st and ends on September 11th. You can vote in each category once a day.

This year, two of my books have been nominated in the Summer Indie Book Awards!
Under Anthologies, we have Reaching for the Light by myself and TL Katt. These two short stories talk about dealing with mental illness on a daily basis, with happy endings in store.
Under Horror, is Headstones and Dead Bodies. This collection contains two short stories that will chill you.

Please stop by and vote for our books! While you are there, check out the other awesome indie books that have been nominated this year. Vote for your favorites and discover some new-to-you authors.
For more information about the awards, and voting links, visit Metamorph Publishing's website or find the awards on Facebook.
Keep cool and have a great weekend!

New Release!

Hello everyone.
I wanted to pop in and tell you about my newest dystopian novel. The Benevolent Slayers is a bit of a western style fantasy that brings you to a future that is bleak for humankind. After a nuclear war that crippled our numbers and obliterated modern civilization, monsters and magical creatures run rampant. Here is the summary:

They are called Benevolent Slayers, though the name no longer holds the honor it once did. Those that take up the mantle travel the lands, defeating monsters and bandits that prey on the few surviving humans left after an ancient war destroyed their world.

Saber is a swordsman with powerful majiks. This sorceress may be tough, but her inner demons make her powers hard to control. She finds herself in debt to another Slayer, Brock the Rock, a man famous for his heroic deeds.

Terrifying and cold, Brock is a loner who has seen too much death to care about humanity anymore. He does the job because killing is all he knows. Though neither is thrilled by the arrangement, they decide to travel together and embark on an adventure that proves both tragic and enlightening.

Can Saber learn to let go of her past before it destroys her? Will she be able to harness the true power she holds within?

Will the mysterious Brock ever let his guard down enough to regain his humanity?

This story has a bit of everything I love in a good fantasy: swordplay, majik, fantastical creatures, a touch of romance, archery, detailed fight scenes, and characters that deal with their own inner struggles. The Benevolent Slayers is the first book in a new series I'm working on titled The Immortal Legacy. 
Check it out for some dark fantasy fun!

Goodreads
Amazon
Barnes & Noble and others

May, June, and July Reads & Reviews

Hello, all!
It has been a little while since I did a post about the indie books I have read and reviewed. Let's go ahead and do three months at once, shall we?

To Hate and to Hold
by Dakota Rebel

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
Loved it.
Whoa, this was a hot read from the start. I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this paranormal world that felt so natural and not over-explained. Every scene left me wanting more.
Sexy and sweet!

Teddy Bear Revolution
by T. E. Hodden

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
 
This was a great story that kids and adults can both enjoy. I loved the non-stop action and humor. The bears were adorable yet full of life and personality. Each short story was well-written and full of intrigue and suspense. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Gems of Strength
by The Sisterhood

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
A wonderful collection of varying short stories by various indie authors. Romance, action, science fiction, fantasy, and even a thriller, this anthology has it all.
Though there were one or two stories that didn't resonate with me, on the whole, I thought the stories were brilliant and certainly kept with the theme of strong women characters. Well edited and engaging, I highly recommend this one.

Ascension Within
by Julie Nicholls

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A wonderful conclusion to a sexy and action-packed trilogy. Mysteries, steamy moments, and suspense kept me turning pages. The characters are diverse and lovable and the happy ending was delicious. Another great read from Julie Nicholls!

Clover
by Moxie Darling

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A quick, hot read!
Though the sex may be taboo to some, Moxie Darling makes it feel perfectly natural in this steamy short story. A nice mix of sexy and sweet.

Beyond the Reach of Judgement
by Jo Bissell

Rating: 3 Stars

Review:
This was a pretty decent vampire read. Though parts were drawn out and Julien was kind of a whiney protagonist, the story itself was good. The ending was heartbreaking and left me wondering, though it could have come a hundred pages earlier.

Hannah: A Bride for Cowboy Warren
by Jenny Creek Tanner

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
This was a sweet short story with a vivid setting and relatable characters. A quick read that leaves you with warm feelings.

Heart of the Gladiator
by Lydia Pax

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
An intriguing story.
This was a great read that truly brought the entire world of the Roman gladiator to life. The setting details, interesting characters, and steamy romance made this hard to put down. I definitely recommend it!

Mark of the Beast
by Trevor L. Wooten

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A real page-turner!
Though the sheer amount of characters was a bit confusing at times, the story was fast-paced and exciting. The main characters had unique personalities that made them easy to relate to and the villains were intimidating but cheesy in ways even the protagonists could joke about. All in all, an enjoyable story.


I read some good ones these past few months. That Goodreads Reading Challenge is pretty much in the bag. If you aren't reading books by these indie authors, you are missing out. 
As usual, have a great week and happy reading!

A Giveaway!

Hello my fellow readers. Today is a pretty exciting day for me for a few reasons.

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and like every good American, I look forward to a day of relaxation while showing thanks for those that fought for our freedom as a country. Of course, most of that message has been lost over the years and fireworks and barbecues are the topic of the day now, but still, people need a reason to celebrate and make merry in trying times such as these.

Another reason I'm pretty stoked today is that I finally have 500 followers on Twitter! I have been on Twitter for seven years now, pumping out tweets about books, life, writing, and other random things. It simultaneously seems like forever and yet only yesterday that I first created an account there. I want to thank everyone who follows me there and reads my strange rants and book promos. It's been a blast so far!

Now for some really exciting news. The APC group on Facebook, better known as Author-Professional Co-op, will be doing monthly giveaways of indie books! This first month, one of my books will be featured along with books from five other amazing indie authors. This Book Bundle Giveaway is through Rafflecopter and requires NO purchasing or subscribing to newsletters. All you have to do to enter is Like the author's Facebook pages and follower them on Twitter. That's it! Pretty simple, huh?

I hope your week is fabulous and, as always, happy reading!

Indie Pride Day 2017

Hello everyone! Yes, I know, it's been a while, but I am back and ready to blog it up.

It is Indie Pride Day, and I am proud to support my fellow indie authors from around the world. Indie authors, musicians, and artists can sometimes have a bad reputation because they are not with a big-name company. People may not consider reading their books, buying their art, or listening to their music because they don't believe they take their craft seriously. I say that is bologna! Many of us choose not to go with such companies so we can have the freedom of doing things our way. That does NOT make our work sub-par!

We are passionate about what we do and put 100% into our work. We authors spend hours locked away in front of computers and tons of cash (that we sometimes don't have) to bring our stories to life. So show your favorite indies some love and share their Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, websites, blogs, etc.

Let’s get the word out and show everyone just how great indies truly are. Use the #indieprideday or #IndieBooksBeSeen hashtags on Twitter today! Visit the Facebook event for Indie Pride Day and discover some new-to-you authors!

April Reads & Reviews

I read a lot of books last month, but unfortunately for you, my fellow indie book lover, most of them were comics, manga, or mainstream. I do have a couple indies to share with you so hold on to your seats!

In the Presence of Knowing
by Valarie Savage Kinney

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
After reading the ARC for this, I have to be completely honest: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story was compelling and fun. The characters felt three dimensional with worries, fears, and flaws along with the parts that were easy to love and relate to.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out more about Knowing.

Echoes of Winter
by Various Authors

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
A great collection of varying short stories revolving around the holidays. Every story was a fun read that kept me entranced. I honestly couldn't pick a favorite because each story elicited different reactions from me and left me thinking about the characters for a few days. Can't wait to read more by these authors.


I hope to read more amazing stories next month so stay tuned for more of my reviews and recommendations in the indie book world.

Reaching for the Light

Hello everyone!
I wanted to tell you about an upcoming publication that I am excited about. T.L. Katt and I have joined forces to bring you a book dedicated to mental health awareness. We each contributed a short story for Reaching for the Light, an e-book whose proceeds will be donated to NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness. As a person who deals with depression and anxiety on a daily basis, this is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.
Here is the book summary:

Mental Illness affects people in all walks of life, all countries and all nationalities. It does not discriminate. Those affected are friends, family members and you. The proceeds of this book will be donated to NAMI. If you’d like to know more about NAMI please visit their website. Authors Marie Krepps and TL Katt have opened their minds and imaginations to assist in mental health awareness, something they both feel passionately about. Follow their characters as they reach for their light.

High Heels & Ice Cream by Marie Krepps
Brianna suffers from depression and anxiety, but she won’t let it stop her from moving in with the chatty and attractive Carla. When her attraction to her roommate becomes something more, Brianna has to decide if she will let her inner demons win and run away as usual, or face her fears and admit her true feelings.

Bloom by TL Katt
At the hands of Jen’s husband, the man who should love her unconditionally, she suffers one nightmare after another. His bombardment of mental abuse leaves her a shell of a human and her mind unable to let go of the terror, she relives it again and again. Jen’s actions become more impulsive and dangerous.
Can she reach the light and find solace to begin her coping journey from PTSD?

Reaching for the Light comes out April 28th and is available for pre-order on Amazon here, but it will be available in other formats on sites like B&N and Kobo in the future. We will be having an awesome Facebook event to celebrate the book's release so stop by, play some games, and discover a new-to-you indie author. Please support our Thunderclap to help get the word out about this book that supports a cause we can all get behind, mental health awareness!

March Reads & Reviews

Hello fellow book-a-holics! Last month was pretty busy, but I still managed to read a good many indie books. Who doesn't love indie authors? Here is what I thought of them.

Siren Slave
by Aurora Styles

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
Do not judge this book by its "typical romance" cover! This story has a goofy princess who loves alliteration, an OCD pirate into BDSM, a lusty sea witch who has a potion for everything (including manly problems), a fey "god" who loves bloodshed and wears a loincloth, a villain who dresses in drag and has a bit too much affection for livestock, mermaids, unicorns, and more. This magical adventure is a non-stop laugh fest with a dash of romance and politics thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend getting swept away on this voyage.

Kissing the Rain
by Jen Winters

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A nice, short prequel to Kissing Demons told from Alex's point of view. We see his constant struggle with the two forces warring within him and feel his fear about his father's call. I enjoyed getting in this character's head and hope to read more from this author soon!

Souls of the Reaper
by Markie Madden

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
This book was hard to put down! I enjoyed the first book in the series and the second one is even better. Though there were many instances of repetitiveness when it came to Lacey's past, I could overlook it because of the intriguing story. The characters were well developed and the pace perfect. A great read!

Something Borrowed
by Kimberly Kincaid

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:
This story had me laughing and falling in love with the characters from page one. I love a book that draws me in so completely in just a few paragraphs. I definitely recommend this one if you want a short, sexy, but sweet read.

Undefined
by Sylvie Nathan

Rating: 3 Stars

Review:
This was a nice little story about a girl who realizes that she is a lesbian. The realization came on rather quickly but was well done. However, I would have liked the characters fleshed out a bit more so I could truly relate to their struggles. Overall, an okay read.

Up in Flames
by Shyla Colt

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
A sweet, short story with a happy ending. It was enjoyable, but I would have loved more. A chance to delve more into the character's lives before the crash would have been great.

Roommate Menage
by Harmonie St. James

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
If you are looking for a short, sexy ride that will leave you hot and bothered, this is it. An unexpected event finds Chad invited into a threesome with his roommate and his roommate's hot girlfriend. Is this a one time deal? Will things be weird afterwards? You have to read to find out!

Looking Into the Abyss
by Various Authors

Rating: 4 Stars

Review:
An interesting collection of varying short stories. Each author brought their own unique style and I enjoyed discovering a few new authors.
My favorite stories would have to be "The Elephant" and "Bad Cadet".
A great read for a wonderful cause!


That wraps up last month's reads and reviews. Stay tuned for exciting news coming this month and happy reading!