Magical things are coming your way! Well, magical and science fiction-y. I will soon be publishing another book of short stories. These stories will contain fantasy or sci-fi elements, or sometimes both blended together. This will be my tenth published work and I am excited to bring these tales to life in the pages of a new book. Here is a teaser with a little sneak peek into "Four Items," a tale in Cyborgs and Sorcery:
Also coming your way early this year is an erotic thriller set in the 1930s. The Blood Files: The Case of Arnus Mortem is the first of a trilogy of horrific short stories co-written by myself and the wonderful B.J. Taylor.
Vampires running loose in San Francisco? Who better to investigate than a pair of P.I.'s? When Randall and Penny are given a missing person's case, they don't realize the true monsters behind what's going on are no mere mortals. Soon, they find out just how far the vampires and their minions will go to wreak havoc and destruction on the city. Can two humans save the day or will America be overrun with the undead?
I hope you are ready for some thrills and chills this year, friends. More amazing things to come!
Hello, all!
It's a new year and that means a new reading goal and new books to be discovered and enjoyed. My 2017 Goodreads Reading Challenge has started off well. I plan to read 120 books this year with 19 down already. I'm coming in hot!
So let's get down to it. Here are the indie books I read and reviewed in January.
He Left Her at the Altar, She Left Him to the Zombies
by Katie Cord
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I
enjoyed this collection of short stories involving zombies in one
fashion or another. Some stories were funny, some tragic, some sweet,
but all were well written. I hope to read more from this author soon.
Dead Men Don't Pay
by Tim Hemlin
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
For
such a short story, this was a well written mystery. Fast paced, but
with enough detail to draw you in, this "who-done-it" tale was a
pleasure to read.
Wedding Bands
by Ev Bishop
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
An
enjoyable read! The characters were flawed but relatable and the story
was parts fun, heartbreaking, and sweet. A great way to spend an
afternoon.
Hooked
by Ev Bishop
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
bit predictable, but still adorable, this story was a nice, cozy read
for a lazy day. Now I just have to read the next in the series!
Spoons
by Ev Bishop
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
This is a great read featuring characters with real world problems. Tears, laughter, and a happy ending within.
A Neophyte's Tale
by CK Dawn
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
This
was a heartwrenching glimpse into Abbey's life before she discovers who
she really is, and finds her place among a new family. Having already
read Cloak of Shadows, I enjoyed getting to know more about Abbey's
past.
After the Before
by Jessica Gomez
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
dark but interesting story with a satisfying ending. The plot was
intriguing, if not a bit cliche, with a female who constantly needs
saving and a hot guy that every girl he gets near throws themselves at.
There are also a good amount of editing issues that should be addressed.
Even so, the story shines through and I found myself riveted to the
page and rooting for the unlikely couple to get through the drama.
Little Brats: Taboo A-Z
by Selena Kitt
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
I
enjoy short naughty stories and this collection was pretty decent. The
taboo part wasn't too out there and it was nice that the characters had
varying looks and personalities. Unforunately, the sex scenes in each
story sounded almost exactly the same so after reading a couple, it was
basically a repeat with new characters.
There you go, faithful readers. I hope to read some more awesome indie books this year and share my finds with you. Happy reading!
Whew, am I glad that 2016 is over. Am I right? Not much good came out of last year, though I did read some amazing books! Here is my indie reading list from the last two months of the year. Check it out and find something new to enjoy!
Seduction in the Stacks
by Madam La Zuray
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A
hot tryst with a sexy guy who likes to read is a book nerd's fantasy
come true! This was a short, sexy read that left me smiling.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
The Princess, the Pea, and the Night of Passion
by Rosetta Bloom
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A short but sexy story that will leave you hot. A night of unbridled passion with a happy ending. What's not to like?
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
The Princess and the Penis
by RJ Silver
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Hilarious!
I
couldn't stop laughing! A fairy tale-like story with the funniest penis
jokes thrown in here and there, The Princess and the Penis is a short
story you just have to read if you need a good laugh.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Darkness Echoes
by Various Authors
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
An
interesting collection of short stories, some pretty creepy and some
magical. A fun read from some wonderfully talented authors!
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Kind of Like Life
by Christina McMullen
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Amazing storytelling
I
loved this book. The writing style immediately pulled me in and the
story just got better and better. The characters were relatable, the
idea is a great spin on some classic science fiction/fantasy stories,
and the tone of the book was just perfect.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
The Arrangement
by Lori Sorensen
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
A
sweet tale but too short for my taste. There was no time to develop the
characters and half of the story were events that had already taken
place, told repetitively from the main character's point of view. Needs
editing and more story, otherwise, decent read if you have a minute.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Chained in Darkness Novelette Series
by Nicholas Bella
1: Embrace
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A great start to what promises to be a dark and dirty trilogy. I was
drawn in immediately, though a little bit of back story about Noel
himself would help me relate to him more. Still, his attitude about
vampires is about to change in a way that is going to be seriously
painful for him, mentally and physically, and I can't wait to read the
next installment to see it happen!
2: Punishment
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
The second installment is just as dark and fucked up as the first but now I'm hooked. Will Noel finally learn to submit?
3: Lessons
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
There
are definitely some parts in here that are not my cup of tea, but
regardless, it was still well written and hot. Theoden is certainly
fucking Noel up mentally.
4: Submission
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
Noel
is finally giving in. He fought a bit too hard, in my opinion. After
going through so much, he held on to his pride too long for someone who
longed for death on several occasions. It saddens me to see it, though.
5: Control
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
Some weird shit that I am not into in this one but still, a good, hot read. Kind of funny towards the end, too.
6: Acceptance
Rating: 2 Stars
Review:
I
honestly have mixed feelings about this series. If you take a glance at
it, it is a sexed up vampire story about a Master trying to teach his
new kid to submit. On the other hand, it's a lot like 1984 but with sex
and rape. Theoden wants to completely break Noel so he can forge him
into whatever he wants him to be. The fact that he succeeds actually
leaves me pretty sad. I mean, of you have had your free will, even the
freedom of your own thoughts taken away, what the hell else is there to
live for? Apparently, mindless sex is the answer.
I want to like it but the underlying message is just too creepy.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Overall, some great reads for the entire of last year. All with indie books, if you include comics, graphic novels, and other mainstream books, I met my Goodreads goal of 100 books, and then some. I read 105 books! Yay me!
I hope this year takes you to some magical places in your reading universe. Happy 2017!
Hello, all!
October being the insane month it was, I had not the first blog post. Today I'm going to catch you up on everything I read in the past two months. Indie books, woohoo!
Pawper to Pedigree
by Angel M.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A fun read!
Though there are some jarring editing issues and the
constant POV changes can be confusing, the story shined through and what
a fun story it was. The characters were entertaining and relatable. Her
writing style flowed with ease. This was a whimsical ride with tons of
humor, a dash of romance, and cute pictures of the different dogs that
were just as entertaining to read about as the people.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
The Birth of Hope
by Eliza Blackwood
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
A beautiful, emotional story about friendship and love. Two battered
women find each other and make lasting friendships that give them the
support and hope they need to start over. A real page turner that had me
tearing up a few times.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Queen Joanna
by Kate Danley
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
A spooky enough short story but more detail would have made it truly frightening.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Taken by the Huntsman
by Mistral Dawn
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
Mesmerizing read!
I was completely spellbound by this story. I had to
physically make myself put down my phone to tune back into the real
world, I was so enthralled with the one Mistral Dawn created! Such
attention to detail as far as the setting, the governing bodies and how
they worked, and the characters themselves had me so completely immersed
in her world that I could almost taste the food and smell the air.
The
story itself was a classic one but done in a modern way of thinking
that made it more believable. The big strong man may have made off with
the woman he feels bound to against her will, but he understands the
repercussions and has no illusions that she will immediately fall in
love with him. The characters realize their shortcomings and try to deal
with the situations they are thrown into reasonably.
And those steamy scenes, whoa! I had to pause and fan myself a few times!
Excellent read! I cannot wait to read more of Mistral's stories about the world of Faerie.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Shock of Night
by P. Mattern
Rating: 3 Stars
Review:
A short, crazy story. Though I enjoyed the wild ride, I would have liked
a few more details about Hallie herself and maybe how crappy her
childhood was. I could see it as a short novel, with a bit more about
the strange world she was thrown into.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Squirrel Bait
by C.P. Davis
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
Attack of the killer squirrels!
This was a short
romp into a hilarious fantasy world. Curses, were-squirrels,
librarians, book theives, a wedding; what more could you ask for? If you
take it for what it is, a silly read meant to entertain, you will
certainly enjoy it as much as I did.
My only real complaints were
editing issues and maybe getting to know the two main characters a bit
more before the bloodshed began.
Were- squirrels!
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Shivers
by Heather R. Blair
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
These tales weren't as dark as I expected but they were cute and
entertaining. My only real complaint are some editing issues but other
than that, it was a fun ride.
Nice, quick read.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Heckled
by Valarie Savage Kinney
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
I was drawn to the story and the idea of this heckler who was like a
real person to the protagonist. As one who suffers from depression and
anxiety, I can relate to the feelings of worthlessness and despair. A
tragic read that gives you a glimpse of what depression can be like for
some.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Until Death Do Us Part
by James Fuller
Rating: 4 Stars
Review:
A sexy tale
Fast paced and fun, this sexy story was hard to put down. Have to read the sequel to find out what happens!
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
Untitled Beauty
by C.E. Wilson
Rating: 5 Stars
Review:
A heart wrenching yet beautiful story. The author creates a future where
only people considered beautiful can lead normal lives. Those who
aren't are treated like slaves and what makes this so horrifying is that
it seems less science fiction and more like a possible future society.
Eleven
hasn't given up hope that one day she can lead the life of a Beauty and
even in her darkest hour, her will to survive has me cheering her on.
Well written and deep, C. E. Wilson has created another masterpiece.
To purchase this title, find it on Amazon here.
I also read I Hate Fairyland #9, The Walking Dead Compendium 3, and the first three books in A Series of Unfortunate Events. All in all, good months book-wise!
Check out some of these awesome indie books that I enjoyed so much. Happy reading!
