Wired by the F.B.I. by Glenn Painter

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win $100 Amazon/BN.com gift card. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Christian Romano lives his life as a con-artist, burglar, drug dealer, and a ladies' man, using his good looks to con wealthy women out of jewels and money. When he is arrested and jailed in one of the most violent jails in the U.S. (Cook County in Chicago), a steamy affair begins with a nympho female jail guard. When he loses control of the romance, Christian must end the affair by reporting her to Internal Affairs. It turns out that she is already under suspicion for supplying drugs to various gang members inside the jail. He has to decide if he is "rogue" enough to help set her up for arrest. Meanwhile, the FBI wants to recruit Christian to gather information against a sadist ex-cop, Scott Mason, who has been arrested for murder. The risk? Christian must wear a wire and testify. The reward? Witness protection for Christian and his girlfriend and a modification of his prison sentence. Will Christian risk his life for a chance at freedom? Will the female sheriff "get even" with him? Or will his life end at the hands of the jail's drug lords or a lunatic former cop?

Read the Review

This is a stark look at life in the prison system and the life that led Christian Romano to prison. From all accounts, Christian was a good-looking, charming man who found it easier to make a living conning wealthy women our of their jewels and money. With money being that easy to come by, why on earth would he want to work? Alas, all good things must come to an end, and Christian found himself incarcerated.

The struggles he goes through in jail, as well as everything that happens to him out of jail, should at the least serve as a warning. The life he leads is not a pretty one - especially once he is busted and thrown in jail. And, even when he thinks he has found a way to get some of his own back, things do not work out the way he hopes.

Christian cannot rightly be called the hero of the book, nor is he even an anti-hero. He is however compelling to read about - but I don't think I would like to try and make friends with him. He's not a very likable person. But... as I said.... there is still something compelling about reading about him. I could easily see this made into an HBO movie...somewhere all the grittiness can be seen.

The book is well written and as hard to put down as it is hard to read emotionally. A compelling picture of a life told in an equally compelling way. I'ld be interested in checking out more of Mr. Painter's works. 4 stars.  

Read an Excerpt

Something’s wrong, my intuition told me, as I stepped out of the stairwell and into the chaotic frenzy of the main hallway running under Division One of the Cook County jail.

Sergeant Ricky Walsh opened the heavy, rusted steel door leading to the death trap—that is A-B stairwell—then turned to me. “Romano, take the stairs down four flights to the bottom, I will meet you there.”

There are four sets of stairs that lead to the main boulevard on the first floor. They are legendary for the infamous men who have been butchered there, the bloodstained walls are a testament to the violence that is the norm in this building. As I begin my descent down the narrow and poorly lit stairwell, the thought hits me: At least half a dozen men have been stabbed in this exact place. The words taunt me as I step slowly down the stairs so that Walsh will have time to beat me to the first floor in the old, decrepit elevator.

When I finally make it down, I breathe a sigh of relief. But it is not Walsh waiting at the huge, steel door I am to exit. Instead of the old mick—who looked and walked like a bulldog with his perfectly groomed hair and mustache—it was one of the lackey guards. They would often hang out on the main floor waiting to proposition some poor woman coming to visit her man. I open the door and step through quickly, not wanting to arouse suspicion. But my heart hangs in my throat.

During my trip down the stairwell, the heavy steel recorder slid down my pant leg, stopping on top of my right foot. The ACE bandage, meant to hold it in place, was also dangling and ready to pop out for everyone to see. Panic set in as my mind processed a million thoughts, but I couldn’t break my stride.

It was common knowledge that this is where inmates often came out stabbing when sent to attack a guard by one of the gang bosses. Looking past the guard, I saw Sergeant Walsh bearing down on us as fast as his stubby legs would carry him.

“Hey Walsh,” I said, “the food poisoning is getting worse, I’m gonna puke all over this guy.” These guards tolerated zero bull, especially from a smart-ass like me.

I decided that it was quicker and easier to shove the recorder under the waistband of my jail pants and pray it would stay. After splashing water on my face, I poked my head out.

Walsh fell right in line with my cover. “We’re going to the hospital, come with me!” he bellowed.

I exited the closet, pushing the recorder into my torso as we walked past another guard. We traveled down the long hallway. Once we were far enough out of earshot, Walsh found an unoccupied attorney visiting room. As he opened the door, I scurried to the far corner.

“The hallway is clear!” Walsh yelled.

I pulled the recorder from my waistband and looked at it with disdain. Then I wrapped it tight with the ACE bandage. Although the long recording wires had to be reconnected and it only took a few moments, it felt like forever.

Then it hit me: I’m wearing a wire against one of the most violent hitmen Chicago has ever known, and this prick had been a Chicago cop. He probably knows every person who works in this jail. Getting whacked in a place like this costs less than a carton of cigarettes. What the hell have I gotten myself into? But there was no backing out, and I still had to get back to my tier.

Walsh looked at me, his brow furrowed. He quietly asked, “You alright, kid?”

“I better be. I signed a deal with the devil, and it’s time to pay up.”

I drew in a deep breath as we headed to the hospital, so we could sign in and make it look legit.

How did my life get to this point? I wondered as I followed Walsh. Growing up in Chicago, I was exposed to police corruption, murder, drugs, gangsters, and sex, oh yes, lots and lots of sex.

I had no clue of what awaited me, but my unsavory legacy was about to go down in history like crap down a toilet.

About the Author:

Glenn Painter is single and lives in Central Florida. He became interested in writing at an early age but did not make it his career until 2014 when he published his first book, Beyond the Sentence.

Glenn has written this story from the notes by the man who actually lived it. However, extensive research was also require in order to make the story factual.

Glenn has also founded a company, ‘Prisoner Civil Right Services.’ He is an advocate for incarcerated individuals who have had their rights violated. He is in constant contact with these individuals, their families and the council. Most of his stories are inspired by ‘factual events’ that have happened to these individuals. This makes his stories both fiction and non-fiction.

Glenn says that writing is very challenging, and you must love the trials and tribulations that come with it. He believes that patience, perseverance and determination are required essentials to see a book through to being published. The journey is just as important as the destination.

Website: http://www.gapainter.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Glenn-Painter/e/B00NETNKU6%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9875593.Glenn_Painter
Twitter: https://twitter.com/author2663

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07WS6DQBT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

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Review: Sonar the Surge by B. Truly

This review is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a Sonar The Surge E-book and Sonar Book mark, Sonar Pen, & Sonar The Surge Magnet to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the rest of the stops on the tour.

Eclipsed by darkness, the Romelands must face the ultimate quest. If they are forced toward the umbra peak, they will be completely obscured.

Symone struggles with her most challenging battles … the conflict within herself. Losing loved ones steals part of her soul. Despair has created a gaping hole where her heart should be. Symone doesn’t even recognize herself. She has to determine if this is the person she’s turned into, or if it is who she has always been.

Nile is an attractive aristocrat whose charm and arrogance drives Symone insane. Beyond Symone’s control, Nile is spun into her life. But she’s not sure if she can have a relationship with him or where that could lead her. Embracing love could make her whole again, but it may also destroy her. Symone must travel through the opaque light in order to find where her destiny lies.

Symone’s family, Shiray and Syira, continue to fight in the feuds of their galaxy. Together they have to find the balance between compassion and sacrifice. Kadanans are being held captive, and they hold the fate of their world in their hands. They have only begun to understand the consequences of the devastating realities of war.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, is the philosophy the Romelands now abide by. With chaos and turmoil at every corner, they may forget what is worth fighting for. The surge for power has erupted. Only the strongest race will be left standing.

Review:

This was an interesting book; however, I had a little trouble figuring out exactly what was going on. This is the third, and finally, book in the series and I'm sure if I had read the first two books I would have had an easier time.

The book consists of several love stories-- couples who may (or may not) end up together. There are also some battle scenes and a lot of action involved in the story.

There was a little bit of difficulty getting deeply involved with the characters--- it may be because I've not read the first two and, so, do not really know the background of the story, or it might be that there is a lot of showing not telling in the story. We are told a lot about how the characters feel, but I did not actually feel it along with them.

Even with that slight issue, I think this book would be very enjoyable for older YA or New Adult readers. Many YA readers are fond of graphic novels, and this story reads like this to me. 4 stars. Read an excerpt:

* * * Symone * * *

Several days passed since I had told Nile about Amere. I’d been majorly pouting with Nile’s no touching rules. I wanted to just say screw it and throw him against the wall. But when I contemplated us being together, it made my heart ache. I don’t know why I thought if I kept him at a distance, it would keep him safe.

Cessar yanked me from my reverie. I jumped. I was in the casual dining area after dinner. He leaned against the bar table I was sitting at.

“Cessar, you scared me.”

“Sorry.” His chocolate eyes beamed. “I didn’t mean to startle you. I’ve been wanting to talk to you.”

“Okay, go on.”

He scanned the room. A few other Kadanans were eating and making idle chit-chat. “Can we go somewhere more private? What I want to discuss is personal.”

“Sure.” My heart pounded as I followed him into one of the living rooms. He closed the door, then came over to where I was standing.”

“What’s going on, Cessar?”

“Symone, I thought we had a connection. We get along great.”

“We do have a connection. I enjoy your friendship.”

“I want us to be more. I know you have been hanging with Nile. I needed you to know how I felt before it was too late. Are you and he already courting?”

“No, we’re not together officially. But I’m not going to lie. We have been spending a lot of time with each other.”

“I’ve known Nile for a while. He’s a womanizer.”

“I know Nile also, and there’s another side to him.”

“I would like for you to consider us getting together. I really care about you.”

He grabbed my hand and leaned in closer. I backed up slightly, but I couldn’t go any farther because I was against the fireplace. My stomach tightened. I couldn’t pretend anymore. I had strong feelings for Nile.

“Cessar, you’re a really great guy … I just don’t think we can be anything more than friends.”

The door whirled open. Nile walked in, took one look at us, and lost it. I quickly pulled my hand from Cessar but could only imagine what we looked like backed into a corner.

“What the hell is going on!”

About the Author:

B Truly has wanted to be an author since she was fifteen years old and is grateful to have accomplished this dream. She has very vivid dreams and a wild imagination. She likes to read, watch tons of TV shows, and movies. She is addicted to romance and gets a thrill out of action and suspense. She writes New Adult, Fantasy, Sci-fi, and Paranormal-Romance.

In the Sonar series, B Truly said, “It was fun to explore different elements of Sci-fi romance and create various realms of powers for my characters. I want to show my readers that Sci-fi can be fun, but also traumatic. I hope you guys enjoy the Sonar Series.”

B Truly has three wonderful children and a husband who defines the person she is today. She works full-time as an Ultrasound technologist in Sugarland, Texas.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E5ZKJME/ref=series_rw_dp_sw
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/627705
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29849791-sonar-the-surge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVlWYX8cRqw
https://twitter.com/BrandyTruly
https://www.facebook.com/TheSonarSeries/

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The Color of Clouds by J.C. Whyte - Book Review and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. J.C. Whyte will be awarding a free ebook to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other reviews on the tour.

Pedro’s on a mission. But not your everyday, run-of-the-mill type mission. Because Pedro is dead.

That’s right. Dead.

Spirit guide Pedro normally busies himself with conveying messages from departed loved ones through a psychic named Gwen. But when he encounters a recently deceased teenager, the boy’s anguish just about breaks Pedro’s heart. So the spirit guide decides to try and help this boy. Yet meddling in the affairs of the living is a troublesome business, as Pedro soon discovers.

Nevertheless, he convinces Gwen to take an ocean voyage, and that’s when the trouble begins. Within days of leaving port, two passengers on the cruise ship fall into a mysterious coma. Gwen seeks Pedro’s help to restore these passengers, but natural as well as unnatural obstacles keep getting in the way. And by the time the ship docks in Honolulu, the still-living are flat out scrambling for their lives!

A playful blend of science fiction and the paranormal, The Color of Clouds offers a glimpse into the unseen world while taking the reader on an extraordinary ride. The adventure includes danger, mystery, humor, sweet romance and even a dash of thriller.

But the clouds are not what you think.

Review:

What a fun story! These characters are so much fun to hang out with. We spend most of the time with the passengers on the Iron Maiden, with a side story that eventually entwines with the Iron Maiden story (see the excerpt for part of the side story).

We have a first person narrator for part of the book, Pedro, who is a ghost/spirit guide who helps Gwen help the living through their grieving by allowing them to connect with their loved ones who have passed over. I would have loved to see more of Gwen and her sister, Jo, and would love to see them in another story with Pedro.

The book is a blend -- it's not just paranormal with the ghosts wandering around: there's a solid base of science fiction to explain the other level/plane of existence as well as a murder mystery. It's quite well done and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

My favorite characters have to be the older couple: Ernst and Sylvie. If the author wants to bring them back in the next book, that's fine with me! They are a hoot.

A wonderful effort for the author's debut adult book! 4 flowers for me.

Enjoy an excerpt:

There was an element of danger in these dives, especially because of the predatory sharks in the area. Yet it was unlikely a shark would attack the divers. Tiger and Galapagos sharks were the most aggressive, but even they preferred fish, turtles, and seals to humans. So although he felt pretty confident, Drew still kept one eye on Carly.

But as the six divers began their survey, a strange light lit up one end of the reef, diffusing illumination as if a floodlight were shining upon it. This light was also inching closer and closer to the divers. When it was near enough to touch, Drew stuck his arm into the light and instantly the arm disappeared inside it. Frightened, he quickly withdrew his limb. Yet now the arm felt dead as it dangled at his side, refusing to respond to commands.

Carly was too busy taking measurements to notice. But the light kept moving. And before Drew could act, it fully engulfed his wife. She instantly collapsed, dropped from the reef and started to drift into deeper water. He charged after her, kicking harder than he knew he could. But with dogged determination and a single full-functioning arm, he managed to bring Carly’s limp body to the water’s surface.

Drew was now in a full-blown panic. Reaching the boat, he shouted for help; the others quickly pulled Carly on board.

“What happened?” asked one of the crewmen.

“I...I don’t know. Some mysterious light...” Drew coughed and gulped some air. “It passed over her, and she...” He shook his head in disbelief.

“Still breathing,” noted another crewman as he removed her mouthpiece from around her neck and pulled off her oxygen tank.

When Drew lifted Carly’s mask with his good hand, he was stunned to see her blank-looking eyes staring wide open at him.

About the Author:

J.C. Whyte discovered her love for writing while still in elementary school, creating children’s stories. But as an adult, J.C. had to face the harsh reality that such writing seldom pays the bills. So she earned degrees in both Journalism and Communications, and then turned to Public Relations, where for ten years she focused her creative energies into feature writing.

After marriage, kids, several more degrees and occupations (including stints as a travel agent and paralegal), J. C. entered law school. While there, she became a columnist for the school newsletter and later, one of her humorous articles was even published in The National Jurist.

Graduating and passing the Bar, J.C. realized within a few short years that creative writing was still what made her heart sing. So now, as a grandma, she has returned to where her life’s calling began, beginning in 2013 with publication of her children’s book Karmack and now in 2015 with her first novel for adults, The Color of Clouds.

Buy the book at Amazon.

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The Cottage on the Border by Hannah Warren - Review and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Hannah will be awarding a $10 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Jenna's earliest memory is of her mother's feet dangling in dust motes, as a three year old left orphaned while her mother's corpse hung from a beam. Her mother committed suicide, that's how she escaped and freed herself. When her own life falls apart Jenna's earliest memory becomes her anchor, she too wants to be free.

Vincent Van Son is Jenna's adopted brother, her psychiatrist, perhaps her only friend. He takes her to the Cottage for recovery, determined to rescue his sister from herself after her failed suicide attempt. The cottage on the border is at Oud Land, and is the location of many dark secrets.

Jenna's close call with death leaves her open to the psychic world, and in this cottage in the onset of a misty winter, Jenna hears them, the voices of the past, memories of what happened on the border. It becomes a journey to herself. She has to listen, to witness, she has no choice. Their stories are her story, and it is a long heritage of murder, deceit, ethnic discourse and betrayal.

Perspective returns to the introspective prima ballerina, she has learned the truth of her family, of this cottage of psychic confessions. She alone emerges from the rubble of six decades of troubled family history, a lone phoenix.

The Cottage on The Border is a tale of murder, mystery, intrigue, familial despair, heartbreak, and spiritual resurrection.

Our Review:

This is not only the story of Jenna and her recovery from her suicide attempt; there are other stories within the story that help explain Jenna's life - a masterful undertaking and a beautiful first book in the Jenna Kroon trilogy.

Ms. Warren weaves a beautifully written psychological mystery that reaches back into Jenna's family history. It's not a book to be rushed through -- there is the surface story and then there are the stories within the stories as Jenna psychically learns what happened in that cottage long before she was born.

It's hard to go into details of the stories without giving away spoilers, but if you are a fan of psychological dramas, family sagas, or just beautifully written prose, give this book a try. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. 4 flowers.

Enjoy an excerpt:

He aimed his Micro Uzi with almost leisurely ease. It was the first time his target was a human being and a powerful, undeniable desire, took hold of Markus. He sought out a young man with a bright blue shirt and brown pants, short curly hair, the ebony skin lighting up in the late afternoon sun.

With angry fists the black man was banging on the doors of the warehouse where the white men who had raped Gabra Telahun Ketsela were hiding. The distance was too great for Markus to hear what his target was yelling, but the degree of distress he displayed made clear he must be related to the girl.

Markus kept him in sight, following his elegant moves, the slim, tall body; pure anger in a naked soul. He took in every detail of the man and his entire life sprang up before him. How he had walked barefooted through deserts in his homeland, sat cross-legged in front of the family tent, drinking coffee, laughing, discussing the world. This was an intelligent man.

Born under different circumstances, in another country he could have been a doctor or a lawyer. But now he wasn’t going to be either, ever, anywhere. This nameless Ethiopian would have to pay for all Markus had never achieved himself, because he too was born under circumstances that could never lead to a better life. As he fired, Markus became one with the man that fell. He fell with him.

About the Author:

Hannah Warren was born in Paris (Fr.) in 1956 as a second child to a Dutch father and an English mother. She has lived in The Netherlands almost all her life but maintains strong ties with her own favourite triangle: France, UK and Holland.

Hannah studied Dutch literature and Mass Communication at the University of Amsterdam and later obtained a B.A. in English Literature and Language and a B.A. in Translation from Rotterdam University. After having been a lecturer and a translator for many years, she now works as a staff member at the International Office of HZ University of Applied Sciences in Vlissingen.

Her free-time is taken up by writing fiction and doing Yoga. She also likes going on long hikes while listening to audiobooks. After having been a single mum for nearly two decades, her three children have flown the nest. The great sadness that befell Hannah in March 2014 was the loss of her eldest child, daughter Joy, who died after an intense two-year struggle against bile duct cancer. Currently her second child, son Ivor, is fighting a brain tumour. Her whole life and the future of her children (-in-law) is totally upside down. Writing fiction is Hannah’s main outlet in her grief.

From the age of 8, Ms Warren has written poetry, novels and short stories but it took her over 50 years to become a published author. In the past four years she signed with two small Indie publishing houses, who released Hannah’s first two novels, a literary romance and a suspenseful family saga. She is currently writing the sequel to the second book and also a five-book series about five generations of daughters between 1876 and 2015. Hannah found her niche in writing fictional stories about strong women who lead challenging lives.

Hannah is very happy to have been accepted by the Irish publishing house Tirgearr Publishing in March 2015. On 22 May Tirgearr published Hannah’s two earlier published books Casablanca, My Heart and The Cottage on The Border, first book in The Jenna Kroon Series.

Website and blog: http://www.hannahwarrenauthor.com
Tirgearr author site with links to books: http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Warren_Hannah/index.htm
FB author page: http://on.fb.me/1MYgP5Q
Twitter: http://bit.ly/1FqXlpN
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1CJNNUE
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Shadows by Stella Barcelona - Review and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Stella will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter. Click the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Cataclysm. Now. Run.

A cryptic, urgent text message turns the peaceful life Skye Barrows has created for herself and her sister into chaos. She must follow her father’s instructions to the letter, but Sebastian Connelly is blocking her way. Telling Sebastian what she must do is not an option.

What He Doesn’t Know Will Get Them All Killed

When a prison break in the midst of a security system upgrade threatens to destroy the reputation of Sebastian’s company, Black Raven Private Security Contractors, he goes on the hunt for escaped prisoner Richard Barrows – a delusional and paranoid computer software genius.

Sebastian’s mission: find Richard Barrows and return him to prison, but stonewalled by Skye, who refuses to give him answers, and with the added complication of her special needs sister, Sebastian finds himself always a step or two behind vicious killers.

Nothing About This Case is Normal

For Sebastian, it should be simple, but this case will test him in ways he never imagined. As probing interrogation becomes urgent protection, the search for Barrows forces Sebastian and Skye into a murky world of shadows and illusions.

My Review:

I was intrigued by this book just from reading the blurb-- it sounded like it was just up my alley. And, it didn't disappoint. It is the second book in the Black Raven series, but can very much be read as a standalone. I've not read the first book yet and am looking forward to being able to.

The characters are very well-drawn-- neither of the main characters are perfect, but their flaws just add to their personalities and make you believe in them as real people. I love how the author shows them interacting with Spring - even when Skye and Sebastian are fighting, they still have to use their "nice voices" to keep her calm. It made a really neat counterpoint to the action and tension elsewhere in the book.

Unfortunately, the scenario they find themselves is all too believable--and it's a bit disconcerting to read such a plausible scenario--and a bit scary. I can only hope that should we find ourselves in a similar situation nationally, that there is someone like Black Raven to help protect us-- and that they prove to be just as honorable.

This romantic suspense comes very highly recommended with a 4 flower rating. Can't wait to read about the next member of the team in Ms. Barcelona's upcoming book.

Enjoy an excerpt:

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The number stream, the one and only communication she’d received on the phone that was dedicated solely to transmission of such a message, jolted the last sleep-induced blur from Chloe’s brain. Her hands shook as she mentally translated numbers to letters.

C-A-T-A-C-L-Y-S-M-N-O-W-R-U-N.

She gripped the phone tighter, checking her translation. Same result. It was the message she’d been hoping would never come. Maybe she’d made a mistake. Kicking aside the sheet and blanket, she turned on the lamp, opened the top drawer of the nightstand, pushed her revolver to the side, and pulled out a pen and paper. Drawing a deep breath, she started over, writing as she assigned letters to numbers.

Cataclysm. Now. Run.

Adrenaline surged through her veins, but as she stood, hope glimmered – maybe the message itself was a mistake. No. Not possible. A wrong-number text message would have made sense in a simple, uncomplicated life, rather than in her father’s private code. As her father’s daughter, her life was neither simple, nor her own. And despite her father’s propensity for paranoia, the cataclysm part of his secret code galvanized her into action.

‘Normal’ wasn't part of her father’s vocabulary. He wasn’t normal, but he was her father. While a majority of the world now ridiculed him, Chloe didn’t. Cataclysm wasn’t supposed to happen. The word meant only one thing in her father’s world, and she had instructions to follow. Without question. Well, maybe with questions. A train car full of questions, starting with how her father, who was imprisoned in a federal penitentiary, had managed to send her a text and why this particular message now. Yet she knew if he had a few minutes with a computer–any computer–he could do anything. Other questions bombarded her, but now was not the time to entertain them. Even with doubt, she’d follow the pre-arranged steps of his cataclysm scenario as though her life, and a whole lot more, depended on it.

About the Author:

Stella Barcelona has always had an active imagination, a tendency to daydream, and a passion for reading romance, mysteries, and thrillers. She has found an outlet for all of these aspects of herself by writing romantic thrillers.

In her day-to-day life, Stella is a lawyer and works for a court in New Orleans. She lives minutes from the French Quarter, with her husband of seventeen years and two adorable papillons who believe they are princesses. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Southern Louisiana Chapter of the Romance Writers of America. Her first novel, DECEIVED, was inspired by New Orleans, its unique citizens, and the city’s World War II-era history.

Her third novel, JIGSAW, a Black Raven novel, will be released in 2016.

Website: www.stellabarcelona.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stellabarcelona
Buy the book at Amazon.

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Fall Semester by Stephanie Fournet - Review and Giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post during the tour. Click the banner above for other stops on the tour.

A depressed English professor finds love in the most unlikely place in Stephanie Fournet's emotional debut novel, Fall Semester.

Despite his stunning good looks, Dr. Malcolm Vashal is perhaps the most detested professor on campus. A floundering career and the aftershocks of a painful divorce have left the thirty-four-year-old with more than a little self-loathing, which only grows when he meets Maren Gardner. The graduate student with the loyal heart and searching eyes is much too good for him. She is off-limits for more reasons than one, but Malcolm can’t seem to resist her.

Maren is facing the greatest loss of her life, and her family needs her now more than ever. Between caring for them and building her future, Maren doesn’t have time for a social life, much less a relationship, but she can’t push a certain green-eyed professor from her mind. She sees in him a goodness that others don’t, but that might not be enough.

As the two discover each other, their blossoming friendship soon turns into something more, but self-doubts, family tragedy, and personal demons stand in their way.

Can they overcome these odds and share a love that each desperately needs? Or will the end of the semester find them heartbroken?

MY REVIEW:

This is a powerful debut novel. Ms. Fournet has given us two unforgettable characters in Maren and Malcolm.  They are well-drawn, rounded characters--especially that of Malcolm. There was such a growth in this character over the course of the novel. I really enjoyed seeing him able to show his gentle side and his caring, because in the first chapter of the book, I didn't really like him at all.

The book started off a little slow, but it took on a pacing that worked for the story. There were several moments that I thought I knew what was going to happen next, but the author managed to avoid the obvious and take the story in another direction. Possibly the author missed a chance at adding another element of excitement to the story in avoiding these, but then it would have been a different story.

It was more a journey of self-discovery on Malcolm's part than it was an effort of the author to write a dark tortured student/professor relationship tome.  I was a little surprised about her family's reaction, but given the situation her family was dealing with (and their knowledge of Maren), maybe I shouldn't have been. 

Ms. Fournet's writing was almost lyrical in parts. It was a pleasure just to read her prose. All in all, this was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to her next book.  4 flowers.


Now enjoy an excerpt:

He had gotten through his second tomato—while The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “She Looks to Me” played— when the knock at his kitchen door stilled him.

It wasn’t that it never happened. Of course, the mailman came to the door occasionally. Or the UPS carrier. Chinese takeout. But Malcolm was expecting none of these. A wave of chills spilled down his neck because it could only be one person.

Impossible. It’s a Jehovah’s Witness or a Girl Scout.

In the two seconds that it took to cross to the door, Malcolm was aware of a sickening hope that coursed through him. He opened the door, and there she was.

Dressed for a run, Maren stood on his doorstep, biting her thumb, hesitant and unsure. Perspiration dotted her nose and upper lip, and her cheeks were flushed with exertion and, perhaps, bashfulness. Malcolm took in the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

She had come looking for him.

Before either of them said a word, Malcolm knew that he was a lost cause. He might be able to feign mere friendship, but he was a goner. Whatever she wanted from him was already hers. He didn’t stand a chance.

“Well,...this is a pleasant surprise.”

Stephanie Fournet lives in Lafayette, Louisiana—not far from the Saint Streets where her novels are set. She shares her home with her husband John and her daughter Hannah, their needy dogs Gladys and Mabel, and an immortal blue finch named Baby Blue. When she isn’t writing romance novels, she is usually helping students get into college, teaching AP English, or running. She loves hearing from fans, so you can follow her on Facebook, message her on Goodreads, or email her at stephaniefournet@icloud.com.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/FallSemesterNovel

http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Semester-Stephanie-Fournet-ebook/dp/B00FO5WDDS

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7351172.Stephanie_Fournet

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Love or Deception by Morgan K. Wyatt - review and giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post during the tour.

Also, this novel is up for a RONE award, along with many other indie books. If you'd like to support it (or others), click here.

Amy awakes to find her husband Mark missing, along with her memories. Her recollections of Mark include a whirlwind courtship and a beach wedding. Amy is determined to uncover what happened to her husband. How could a man who loved her so intensely just walk away?

The police have no interest in finding Mark. They reason he wasn’t ready for marriage and he walked. She wonders if his disappearance could be associated with her work.

Ryan, a close friend and co-worker, assists her in piecing together her missing memories. As the pair work together, they find that Amy’s actual past reveals a scenario that is so horrifying that it forces them on the run, not knowing whom they can trust. Will Amy’s newly recalled memories prove fatal to both her and Ryan?

MY REVIEW:

I'm a fan of this author, so nabbed this to review. The cover is eye-catching and the premise intriguing so I was excited to start.

Honestly, at first I think I was as confused as Amy ... this is likely partly because we're in her POV, but I still felt like a lot of things were put out there quickly. For me, they were a little too many to absorb right off.  But can I tell you how much I loved her aunt Remy?  She was such a hoot. She loved Amy to death, took care of her, put her in her place when she needed it and didn't take any crap.  I'm pretty sure she was my favorite character.. unless you count Sampson and Burton (a cat and dog, respectively).

Though the story started a bit slow and stumbled around, once it hit its stride it was non-stop excitement.  I never knew who to trust, what was happening, etc.  This was partly due to Amy having memory issues and being our POV character. That was such a good choice! We slowly get to find out what's happening along with her, and it made it that much more nerve-wracking.

The hero, Ryan, took a little while to grow on me.  I thought he was remarkably forward from the start, considering Amy had apparently just lost her husband.  Ryan dropped hints about being in love with Amy, touched her when he could, etc.  It felt a little stalkerish to me. But it didn't take long before I came to appreciate him as much as Amy did.  His change from a mild-mannered scientist to a sexy, sometimes dangerous lover was great to observe.

Ms. Wyatt did a great job building worry and anticipation and slowly giving hints to what the real danger was, without forgetting to let the characters continue to grow.  They mattered, and that's what makes a book good for me. I have to care about the characters, not just wonder about the plot.

Truthfully, while the ending of the dangerous part of this story was satisfying, I sort of felt like it was a little too easy.  This might have been different if we'd have been in other POVs so I could see what they were doing, too (like Simpson), but that would have ruined much of the rest of the story.  I'm a little torn about it.

All-in-all, though Love or Deception was a solid romantic suspense.  Top notch characters, good plot, and solid writing and editing.  I can definitely recommend this to any fans of the genre.

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

The tinny tingle of the bell drew her eyes as two guards from the center meandered into the diner. “Guards from the center.” When Ryan started to turn his head, she added. “Don’t look.”

Inhaling deeply, he leaned across the table blocking their view. “Do you think they followed you here? If so, what are you going to do?”

Her eyes measured the space from the table where the guards sat to the door. Too close. Maybe there was a back exit through the swinging doors. If nothing else, she could sprint through the kitchen. She had a feeling Trixie might be doing most of the cooking tonight based on her long disappearances. Cutting her eyes back to Ryan, she whispered, “It might be coincidental, but it won’t be good to see us together. I am heading to the restroom to find another exit, which means I am sticking you with the check.”

She fluffed her hair, pulling it up in clumps making it look more punkish. Retying her plain oxford shirt under her breasts created a midriff-baring top. Unbuttoning the remaining blouse top exposed her breasts with traces of the lace bra cup peeking out.

Ryan coughed. “If you want the guards not to look at you then I would say you are going about it the wrong way.”

The look on her companion’s face seesawed between concern and interest. She looked down at her breasts prominently displayed in her tied up shirt. It made sense, he was a man, and men responded to visual cues. No more than that or was it? Certainly not the time to explore her relationship with the doctor. “I just want them not to mistake me for the serious scientist type.”

“Trust me. If they do see you, I doubt they’ll even bother looking at your face.”

“Thanks, I think.” She slid out of the vinyl booth seat, squeaking as she went.

She refused to look back but put an extra sway into her walk, just in case the guards looked up.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Morgan K Wyatt believes in happy endings. When things don’t end well, she holds to the familiar Indian saying: If things don’t work out, then it’s not the end because everything works out in the end. She considers herself living proof after escaping an abusive marriage; she found and married her soul mate. While not every day is sunshine and roses, she writes about the possibility of flowers and chance meetings between strangers.

Her reputation as a plant rescuer has people dropping sick and dying plants at her house, and then speeding off in the night. The magic ingredient that brings the plants back to life is love and Miracl-gro. Morgan would love to hear from you. If you have a name for a character, cute dog pics, or gardening info, even better.

Social Media

Website http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt

Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Morgan-K.-Wyatt/e/B008EEC4EY/

Blogs

www.datingafterfortyeight.blogspot.com

http://www.thefrugaldivatellsall.blogspot.com/

www.lowcarbbeliever.weebly.com

www.writerwonderland.weebly.com

Buy Links

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Deception-Special-Circumstances-Morgan-Wyatt-ebook/dp/B00JOPQTX4/

AmazonUK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Deception-Special-Circumstances-Morgan-Wyatt-ebook/dp/B00JOPQTX4/

AmazonAU http://www.amazon.com.au/Love-Deception-Special-Circumstances-Book-ebook/dp/B00JOPQTX4/

AmazonCA http://www.amazon.ca/Love-Deception-Special-Circumstances-Book-ebook/dp/B00JOPQTX4/

BN http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-or-deception-morgan-k-wyatt/1119222092

iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-or-deception/id865287946?mt=11https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/love-or-deception/id865287946?mt=11

SCPublishing http://store.secretcravingspublishing.com/index.php?main_page=book_info&cPath=4&products_id=853

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The Light at the End of Judgment and Day by Marcia Colette - Review and giveaway

This review is in conjunction with a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will be awarding a $15 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post during the tour.

Violinist and angel, Yvette Mills has spent almost 200 years living among humans while rounding up ghosts to send into Judgment. Back on the mend from her last confrontation with a malevolent entity, she's ready to reenter the classical-music scene. One problem. She’s not facing one ghost. She's facing hundreds with a few demonic entities sprinkled in.

Dozens of tenants have left the Folsom Building in downtown Charlotte because of the strange goings on. When Yvette's agent goes for the bargain-basement rental prices and now has an office there, her mission is clear. Rid the building of the paranormal vermin to keep him and the few tenants left, safe. It won't be easy when a psychic, who's leading a team of paranormal investigators, discovers she can see ghosts, too. If they discover she’s truly an angel sent from the heavens, she’ll be the first to find herself thrown into the pits of hell.

My review:

A fascinating twist on ghost-busting!

I wasn't sure what to expect, exactly, going into this book. Watching Yvette juggle the "normal" life of being a concert violinist (at least in this life/body ... she's been several people over the past couple hundred years) and being an angel tasked with ridding this world of ghosts was both fun and fascinating. The author does a great job throwing us right into the action and helping us get to know Yvette and the other characters involved in this book.

The plot was pretty solid (it had a few hiccups and a couple of things that made me wonder if people were actually paying attention to things) and the characters were well-rounded and folks I totally enjoyed reading about.  The author has a way with words that really makes the story flow along and I never got jolted out of the story due to odd phrasing or editing errors--a big deal for me as I'm a bit of a grammar nerd.

The combination of believable characters, solid writing, humor and intense situations made for an intriguing read and it's long enough to be a full story, but short enough to read in one sitting.  I have a feeling (maybe it's just hope) that this is the start of a series.  If so, I'll be in line to grab book two when it's available.

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends.

Now enjoy an excerpt:

The elevator wobbled. I touched the wall to make sure there was something to hold onto in case the next wobble meant something else. I watched as the green numbers incremented by one on the wall above my head.

Another wobble.

What kind of rickety elevator was this? Surely, this wasn’t the top-of-the-line building on South Tryon Road, but the least I expected was to get to the nineteenth floor in one piece.

The lights blacked out and the elevator slowed to a stop. I stood on a dark, metal box with nervousness creeping across my shoulders. All sorts of horrible images about what could happen next assaulted my thoughts.

I should've been used to situations like this.

After a deep breath, I steadied my nerves. Death by elevator would be a new one, given the number of other ways I had died over the years. The only good thing about it would be I’d never feel the moment of impact. God was good.

Calmness blanketed me. I reached inside my purse and pulled out my cell phone. I pressed the button on the side to light up the screen.

A screaming, ethereal face appeared and disappeared with the speed of a flasher standing on a street corner and exposing himself to a pedestrian. That was why the elevator really stopped. Sighing, I slipped my phone in my purse and crossed my arms.

About the author: Bestselling author Marcia Colette didn’t discover her love for reading until her late teens when she started reading John Saul and progressed to works by Bentley Little, Stephen King and Laurell K. Hamilton. Her reading tastes convinced her to write paranormals where curses cause people to shift into spiders, psychotic and telekinetic mothers are locked away in attics, and murderous doppelgangers are on a rampage. Let's not forget about the hunky werecheetah coalitions who live throughout North Carolina. As long as she can make it believable, that's all that matters.

Born and raised in upstate New York, Marcia now lives in North Carolina with her mom and beautiful daughter. They’re not raising zombies in the backyard. There aren’t any hellhounds living in the den, only a rabbit and a cockatiel. So where she gets her ideas is as much a mystery to her as anyone else.

The best place to find her--when she's not stirring up trouble--is on her blog where she loves connecting with readers.

www.marciacolette.com

http://marciacolette.wordpress.com

http://twitter.com/MarciaColette

www.facebook.com/marciacolette

www.goodreads.com/marcia_colette

http://mochamemoirspress.com/ 

www.amazon.com/Light-End-Judgment-Day-ebook/dp/B00UMKPKAI/

www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-light-at-the-end-of-judgment-and-day-marcia-colette/1121407286

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Silk by Chris Karlsen - Review and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Chris will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What would you do to stay young: Lie, Manipulate..kill?

London-Fall, 1888

The city is in a panic as Jack the Ripper continues his murderous spree. While the Whitechapel police struggle to find him, Detective Inspector Rudyard Bloodstone and his partner are working feverishly to find their own serial killer. The British Museum's beautiful gardens have become a killing ground for young women strangled as they stroll through.

Their investigation has them brushing up against Viscount Everhard, a powerful member of the House of Lords, and a friend to Queen Victoria. When the circumstantial evidence points to him as a suspect, Rudyard must deal with the political blowback, and knows if they are going to go after the viscount, they'd better be right and have proof.

As the body count grows and the public clamor for the detectives to do more, inter-department rivalries complicate the already difficult case.

Silk on the skin—luxurious, luscious..lethal.

Read my review:

I absolutely love Victorian mysteries, so was very excited to have the chance to review SILK by Chris Karlsen. It's the first book in her Bloodstone series.

Detective Inspector Rudyard (Ruddy) Bloodstone are embroiled in another serial killer case as the Whitechapel police are worried about Jack the Ripper. The book is highly unusual, because it begins in the killer's POV with his first, albeit somewhat accidental, killing. From time to time during the book, the author gives us another glimpse into the killer's mind and life, adding another dimension to the story.

You also have the political aspects to the case which add yet another layer as well as getting to see a bit of Ruddy's personal life.

This is a departure from Chris's other books we've reviewed, but no less well-written. Her characters are three-dimensional, fully-fleshed out people with both good and bad points (including the killer). The setting draws you back to Victorian England and, while you are reading the book, you are there. Actually, even after I stopped reading it took me a few minute to re-acclimate myself to the 21st century!

This is definitely a series I'll be putting on my auto-buy list! 5 flowers.

Enjoy an excerpt:

Events of the day and the potential satisfaction of giving Napier a bloody nose dwindled. Questions about the murder crept back into Ruddy's thoughts. Morris joined him at his table in the rear of the pub with a Guinness, the popular beer of choice in hand. “You’ve got the look of a man whose thoughts are a long distance from London.”

“No, sadly my thoughts are fixed here in the city. I’m trying to figure out a clue. Ellis’s roommate said she’d sometimes meet with a well-dressed man, a man of means the victim indicated. They’d meet up at the fountain by the British Museum.”

“Don’t know the spot but then the museum isn’t my cup of tea.”

“Not the point. I’m saying it’s odd. What member of the upper class chooses to stroll through a public garden other than Hyde or Regents, where they can see and be seen by one of their own?”

“I agree the wealthy prefer the parks filled with others of their kind but it doesn’t mean a man can’t enjoy someplace different.”

“We interviewed the guard again. The one that discovered the body walks that half of the building. He told us the majority of their male patrons are natty dressers, but he never saw a man like that loitering by the fountain.”

“My guess is: the man is married and can’t afford to run the risk of being seen by a friend of his wife’s. Or, he might live or work in the area and the spot is convenient.”

“Or, he’s a murderer who’s noticed the victim walking through the park on a regular basis, saw it as an opportunity and cozied up to her.”

Ruddy took another swallow of his ale, mentally debating the merit of each theory. “I don’t think he lives in the area. If so, he’d have cut through the park more and been seen by the guards. Not sure about the married man having a tryst idea."

To Ruddy's way of thinking, if the man was married and looking for a tumble, he’d have met her someplace other than the gardens and at a better hour.

Instinct drew him back to his original sense of the culprit and crime. “I feel like this was a crime of opportunity. I’ve thought it all along and can’t shake the sense.”

“If he was just seeking a victim, then why haven’t you had more murders like this?” Morris asked.

Ruddy downed the rest of his beer and put his tankard on the edge of the table where June would refill it. “Everyone has to start somewhere. She might be number one.”

Enjoy the book video:



About the Author:

I was born and raised in Chicago. My father was a history professor and my mother was, and is, a voracious reader. I grew up with a love of history and books.

My parents also love traveling, a passion they passed onto me. I wanted to see the places I read about, see the land and monuments from the time periods that fascinated me. I’ve had the good fortune to travel extensively throughout Europe, the Near East, and North Africa.

I am a retired police detective. I spent twenty-five years in law enforcement with two different agencies. My desire to write came in my early teens. After I retired, I decided to pursue that dream. I write two different series. My paranormal romance series is called Knights in Time. My romantic thriller series is Dangerous Waters.

I currently live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband, four rescue dogs and a rescue horse.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4822048.Chris_Karlsen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorckarlsen
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriskarlsenwriter
Website: http://chriskarlsen.com/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Chris-Karlsen/e/B005HYTQQI
BN Author Page: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/chris-karlsen

Buy the book at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

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