An old mansion sits atop of a cliff, overlooking the ocean, in Santa Cruz, CA. A young realtor, Darcy Wainwright, manages to sell the dilapidated old house to Henry Childs, an obese nebbish who is obsessed with the property. In the backyard is a pool. Not an ordinary pool but a giant tide pool. In the tide pool is a siren with an evil agenda for revenge.
Henry Childs led a life of total inconsequence. He had no friends, no hobbies, no guilty pleasures. He had spent his thirty-eight years in the space behind his mother’s aggression, lacking the courage to reach for anything more than this pitiless world deigned to dish to him.
Edith Childs screamed at Henry from the other room, “Henry, I’m bored. I want to go for a drive.”
Henry’s face scrunched in disdain, and the folds in his ample neck turned red. There was no denying her, not that he had ever had the backbone to attempt anything so drastic. Henry Childs had spent his thirty-eight years in the space behind his mother’s aggression, lacking the courage to reach for anything more than this pitiless world deigned to dish to him.
With a stoic exhale, he paused his video game, gulped down his cinnamon roll, lifted his considerable bulk out of the comfort of his reclining chair, and began the routine that would eventually get his mother from her bedroom to her wheelchair and into the car.
He grabbed her yellow sweater to be sure that she would stay warm.
“Henry, I’m not a child. I know if I’m cold or not.”
He held up the cardigan and attempted to help her into it.
“I can dress myself, thank you.”
Then there was the transfer from her sitting chair to her wheelchair.
“For goodness sakes, Henry, you would think this was the first time you’ve ever done this. Move the chair closer. I’m not an acrobat.”
…the parade out to the porch.
“Henry, don’t scrape the wall. You’re always so careless. We have gouges up and down the whole hallway.”
…down the ramp.
“Don’t go so fast. Are you trying to launch me into outer space?”
…across the walkway toward the car.
“Do you have to hit every bump on the walk? Wait, go back, I think you missed one.”
…then finally into the car.
“Be careful of my head. I don’t want to lose what sense I have left.”
By the time the car door was closed, with his disintegrating mother safely ensconced inside, Henry had sweat running down his forehead and was breathing hard. His double chins were dripping from each crevice, and his shirt was beginning to stain from the accumulating moisture. He dropped her chair into the trunk, wiped his brow on his sleeve, and embraced his final moments of silence before he opened the door and plopped behind the steering wheel of his Nissan Murano.
Book Review – 4 stars
The Siren’s Scream will keep you on the edge of your seat. Full of twists and turns, it will keep you guessing. While I did enjoy the story, it took me a bit to get into it. Once I made it through the first chapter, I was eager to see what would happen next. This was my first time reading this author, but I’ll have to check out his other books.
*I received a copy as part of the book tour and have voluntarily left a review. The review above is only my opinion.
About the Author
Thomas White began his career as an actor. Several years later he found himself as an Artistic Director for a theatre in Southern California and the winner of several Drama-Logue and Critics awards for directing. As Tom’s career grew, he directed and co-produced the world tour of “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Out Of Their Shells”. The show toured for over two years, was translated into seven different languages and seen by over a million children. Tom served as President and Creative Director for Maiden Lane Entertainment for 24 years and worked on many large-scale corporate event productions that included Harley Davidson, Microsoft, Medtronic Diabetes, and dozens of others. The Siren’s Scream is Tom’s second novel that follows up Justice Rules which was nominated as a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association 2010 Literary contest.
It’s been months since the earth opened up and unleashed hell on us. Months scouring the decimated Midwest in search of a way to stop the spreading plague and save what’s left humanity.
Instead, I discover something far more vital.
Whatever hell unleashed is following us. He has the body of a gladiator and the cunning mind of a general. He also has the power to stop the plague at its source. And all he wants in return is me–willing or not.
But, in order to save what remains of the world, he’ll need to risk the one thing he wants most. Me. Perfect for fans of dystopian romance, frightening dark fey, and heroines with fire, Demon Defeat will take you to the edge of humanity–literally.
I’ve loved every book in this series, but for some reason, this one just didn’t wow me like they usually do. I think I had a harder time connecting with the characters in this one. They weren’t quite as three-dimensional to me as the previous books. It just felt like it was lacking the usual intensity, and while all the right words were on the page, the passion behind them didn’t feel like it was there.
I did enjoy the interactions between Andie and Molev, even though I wanted to smack her a few times. The secondary characters I either loved or hated. There was no inbetween. I’m curious to see what happens next, so I’ll be picking up the next book in the series. This one just didn’t wow me like the past stories have. I didn’t have the same connection as I typically do with the characters in this series, but it was still a good story.
*Disclaimer: The author did not request a review of this title. I purchased the book from Amazon and the review above is only my opinion.
FELICITY I try to keep on the sunny side of life, even when trying to find a date for my cousin’s wedding. But when a string of bad blind dates pushes me too far, I lose my cool. But thanks to my grumpy neighbor stepping in to save the day, literally and figuratively, I now have a date. Can I get this grump to warm up to me, or will my feeling be left hanging in the cold?
EMMETT
Since my disastrous failed wedding, I’ve sworn off love. Not even the bright ball of sunshine that lives next door is enough to change my mind. But when she needs my help, I can’t seem to stop myself from offering to help her out. Will this good deed backfire on me, or will this sunshine girl next door warm my cold heart?
CURVY GIRLS’ GUIDE is a series of short, sweet, and steamy romantic comedies about curvy girls trying to navigate the uncertain waters of modern dating and finding their happily ever after. Read DATING YOUR GRUMPY NEIGHBOR if you enjoy grumpy/sunshine romance, opposites attract, and witty banter! No cheating. No cliffhangers. HEA guaranteed.
Looking for a short, insta-love, super cute story? This is it!
I went into this knowing it was a short read, so I didn’t expect much in the way of character development or a big plot. Which is good because it has neither.
I thought Felicity and Emmett were so cute together! No matter how much he wanted to keep his distance, the moment he saw she was in trouble he went rushing to the rescue.
This is a perfect bite-sized read with an HEA for those wanting something to read on their lunch break. It’s guaranteed to leave a smile on your face.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.
I should break it off and push her away, but she’s just too addicting.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and Thomas West has always wanted Gabby to be his. He didn’t think it would ever happen. Thomas knew she had feelings for his brother, Dom. Why wouldn’t she? Dom is great. Hell, he lives in awe of his older brother, too. All the girls fall at his feet and he doesn’t have anything to hold him back.
Thomas isn’t jealous of his older brother, but he does wish things could be easy in his life, too. Still, he just wants Gabby, and when she seems to give him the green light, Thomas has never been happier. Yet, appearances aren’t always what they seem.
Betrayed, bruised, and broken, Thomas goes off to lick his wounds. The last thing he expected was to find a woman staring at him with hunger in her eyes—a woman who looks so much like Gabby that, at first, he thought she was.
It was wrong, but it felt good for a woman to want him around for a change–him and not his brother.
Lyla didn’t mind the way he spoke. She accepted him. Thomas didn’t count on Lyla being so potent—so irresistible…
Now… it’s much too late.
Welcome back to the Savage Brothers 2nd Generation! Dragon may have got his woman rather easily, but Thomas is finding out things aren’t ever going to be easy for him. Luckily, with his parents’ blood running in his veins he’s sure to rise to the occasion. This is a prequel to Breaking Her and should be read first as it ends where Breaking Her will take up.
Baby boy Thomas is definitely conflicted about his feelings but what he doesn’t know is, there’s no confusion, he has a broken heart, and because of it, he may lose the love of his life Lyla. She’s the sweetest person alive who just want someone to love her for her. These characters will be in for a world of pain, but at the same time I’m rooting for them, they’re so perfect for one another. Author Jordan Marie packed a punch with this one and I’m loving it!! Five flipping amazing stars all the way, I need more, GIMME GIMME GIMME…..
*Disclaimer: This book was purchased/borrowed through Amazon. The author did not request a review.
It was just another day in the life of being a small town cop.
I’m a protector at heart, and always have been.
Which is why I stepped up immediately after finding out I had a kid.
Well…to be honest, I didn’t believe it at first.
I actually thought it was a prank when the little girl was brought into the station.
It took a paternity test for me to really feel the gravity of the situation.
Fine, I didn’t handle it well at all.
But when I had proof Emily was really mine, nothing would stand in the way of me protecting her.
I may have gone a little overboard.
At least, that’s what my sexy neighbor thinks.
But what does she know? She let my kid drink out of a garden hose!
Sure, I did it as a kid, but I’m bald now. What if drinking out of a hose at such a young age ruined my chances of having a decent head of hair?
Am I really supposed to allow my child to be put in danger like that?
But the more I hang around with Katka, the harder I find it to ignore the logic in what she’s saying.
Maybe it’s the late night dancing she performs for me.
Or her crazy family that thinks I’m not good enough.
Whatever it is about her, it drives me to the edge.
All I think about is her.
All I want is her.
But she doesn’t want a kid.
Despite the passion building between us, I’m not the man she’s looking for.
I’ll just have to find a way to prove I’m exactly what she needs.
MY REVIEW – 4 stars
The Gutshot was a good read that kept me entertained. I enjoyed the characters, especially Lucas’ little girl. While I do like alternating POV in stories, the multiple characters did detract from the story a bit (for me). I’d have preferred staying in Lucas and Katya’s POVs, which made the first few chapters a bit of a slower read for me. But that’s just my personal preference. The writing itself was nicely done, and I did like the story as a whole.
Part of what I enjoyed the most about Katya’s character was that she wasn’t your typical heroine. I loved the fact she was a mechanic and could hold her own. And I’ve always liked LEO’s for heroes, so Lucas had my attention from the beginning.
A nicely done series finale!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion.
I’m a stay at home mom that loves to read. Some of my favorite titles are Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Horatio Hornblower. I started writing when I was trying to come up with suggestions on ways I could help bring in some extra money. I came up with the idea that I could donate plasma because you could earn an extra $500/month. My husband responded with, “No. Find something else. Write a blog. Write a book.” I didn’t think I had anything to share on blog that a thousand other mothers hadn’t already thought of. I decided to take his challenge seriously and sat down to write my first book, Jack. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed writing. From there, the stories continued to flow and I haven’t been able to stop. I hope my readers enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. Between reading, writing, and taking care of three small kids, my days are quite full.
Welcome to the book tour for gritty crime thriller, Dark Obsessions by Marie Sutro! Read on for more details and a chance to win a great giveaway!
“…a taut and terrifying descent into madness and redemption…brilliant psychological thriller—pop culture entertainment at its absolute best…”
—Jon Land, USA Today Bestselling Author of Strong Cold Dead
Dark Obsessions
Genre: Crime Thriller
Publication Date: April 26th, 2022
Reeling from the trauma of her last case, SFPD Detective Kate Barnes heads to the Olympic Peninsula hoping to heal the present by resolving the past. When the ravaged corpse of an unidentified teen is discovered, her search for personal peace takes a back seat to the quest for justice.
As Kate digs deeper, she discovers the victim was not the only one who had been taken against her will. Racing against the clock to rescue the remaining girls, she uncovers a complex series of ever-increasing horrors. In the darkest corners of Washington state, Kate Barnes will come face-to-face with an adversary so ruthless and powerful that it will take everything she has to save herself, let alone the girls.
DEPUTY JENNA WHEATON slammed the door of the patrol car shut. The sound bounced off the walls of the abandoned quarry, doubling and trebling before finally fading in the late afternoon stillness. Spinning on her heel, she cast a final warning glare at the two teenage passengers huddled in the backseat. Exhaling, she turned toward the abandoned warehouse which stood across from the edge of the vast mining pit.
The setting sun reflected off a narrow row of windows running above the structure’s main entrance, lighting the surrounding forest ablaze in a fiery glow. Averting her gaze, she strode toward the set of stairs leading up to the double door entry. Bits of gravel crunched softly under her boots as she walked, amplifying the overall sense of desolation.
Jenna’s shadow kept pace with her as she moved—exaggerating her lean, lanky, features topped off by a shoulder-length mop of blonde hair. Exuding the air of a woman not to be trifled with, she remained convinced she was on a fool’s errand. There was no way the old warehouse would yield the unimaginable find the teenagers had reported when they had burst through the doors of the sheriff’s office over an hour ago.
She had been finishing up a domestic violence report on the other side of town when the call had come in. The DV complaint had been a farce—an adolescent attempt to punish a parent for failing to buy a new cell phone.
Jenna had finally convinced the ill-mannered fifteen-year-old daughter to apologize to her overworked mother when her radio had come to life, recalling her to the station. Once there, two more teens had been dumped in her lap. There was every reason to believe the two wanna-be skater boys sitting in her patrol car were fueled by the same adolescent angst, wayward hormones, and abject stupidity.
Foregoing the rusted railings on either side of the stairs, she jogged up to the porch. The right-side door stood open; a broken chain dangled from the handle—the padlock still intact. Beyond the first few feet of the doorway, darkness pervaded.
She unholstered her flashlight and stepped up to the threshold, glad she had taken the time to lock the boys securely in the car. The last thing she needed was for the miscreants to pop up from behind and scare the shit out of her—just their way of passing a boring Friday afternoon.
Truth be told, she could not really blame them. Eagle’s Nest was high on nature but low on things to do. Other than the bowling alley downtown, there was little going on within the town limits. It was a reality she knew all too well.
Divorced at thirty-eight, with a nine-year-old son in tow, Jenna had ached for a change from the predictability of life in small-town America. She had been about to accept a position with the Seattle PD when a sudden heart attack had prompted Sheriff Selby to retire early. With no local candidates for the position, the town had been forced to look elsewhere.
After three months, they had found a unanimous favorite. Far more handsome than any of the local singles, Sheriff Luchasetti, who was only a few years older than Jenna, had immediately infected her with some form of Disney-esque brain fever. Abandoning her senses, she had turned down the Seattle offer.
In hindsight, it had been a ridiculous move. After a few months of intense flirting on her part, Tony had made his disinterest clear by turning down Jenna’s invite for a nightcap at her place. He had claimed he could not risk his new position by fraternizing with a deputy. But Jenna knew better. Any man who made it to forty-four without signing a marriage license or siring a child had no sincere interest in either one.
Swallowing past the year-old frustration, she stepped over the threshold into the cavernous space. Her right hand settled on the butt of her Glock as she entered, evidence of good training and experience rather than anticipation of actual trouble.
The beam from her flashlight was not strong enough to reach the back of the building, but she moved ahead anyway. Had she even partially believed the boys’ outlandish story about finding a dead body in the concrete pit up ahead, she may have proceeded with more caution.
She had only made it about five feet before a vile stench—reminiscent of a cross between motor oil and animal fat—hit her like a semi. Steeling herself against the aroma, Jenna focused on the goal ahead. If the boys had seen something, it was certainly nothing more than a sick animal that had sought refuge here in its final moments.
As she continued, the rubber soles of her shoes squeaked softly against the dusty concrete. Arriving at the fifteen-foot-square opening in the floor, Jenna pointed her flashlight down. Her eyes tracked the circle of visibility as it traveled down the opposite wall of the shaft.
A moment later, the light revealed a pale arm. As it swept over a mutilated breast, then worked its way across the rest of the slender human form, the deputy staggered backward. Her right hand clawed at her shoulder, grasping for the radio affixed to her uniform. When her fingers finally closed around the device, it took an entire minute before she was confident she could speak without shrieking.
First, let me say I’ve never read this author before, and jumped into the series with book 2. While I didn’t exactly feel lost, I think I would have understood the character better (and been able to immerse myself in the story more from the beginning) had I read the first installment to the Kate Barnes series.
The writing was well done, and the story itself kept me entertained. I liked that Kate wasn’t perfect. She had her flaws, which made her seem more real. The story wasn’t predictable and kept me guessing.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers, and want a gripping read that will pull you in, then you can’t go wrong with Dark Obsessions.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from R&R Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. The review above is only my opinion.
About the Author
Marie Sutro is an award-winning and bestselling crime fiction author. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime whose writing has been inspired by the combined service of her great-grandfather, grandfather, and father in the San Francisco Police Department.
Her bestselling debut novel, Dark Associations, was awarded the Benjamin Franklin Award for the Best New Voice in Fiction. A proponent for literacy, she volunteers with California Library Literacy Services, helping adults learn to read and write.
She resides in Northern California and is currently at work on the next Kate Barnes story. To learn more about Marie, visit her website at mariesutro.com.
My life can best be described as toil and servitude. Little did I expect that it would lead to love.
A human woman in an orc kingdom has little reason for hope in this blasted and ruined Earth. I thought my fate was sealed. To suffer till death claimed me and brought mercy.
That is, until a fierce, tortured soul of an Orc stole my heart away.
Inzo’s spirit is as scarred as war wounds on his body. The pain and suffering have taken a toll. Yet, I find his heart to be strong, and good.
But is there room for me in inside it?
The smell of ash and fire are on the wind. Danger threatens on the horizon. This broken, scarred, and fearsome Orc thinks he has nothing left to give. But he’s already given me the greatest gift of all.
His love.
Author’s Note: This is a full length monster romance that features a giant Orc with eyes for his beloved, curvy human. Action and adventure abound as well as steamy scenes between the tiny human and giant Orc. HEA guaranteed.
1 surly orc + 1 determined human = a match made in heaven
Only Carissa took the time to see past Inzo’s scowl and grumbling. Instead of running, like the orc intends for her to do, she sticks to him like glue, even invading his home and forcing her company on him. The dynamic between the two is comical at times, until Inzo realizes he’s not the only broken one. Once he sees that Carissa is more like than him than he ever realized, things change between the two.
Full of steamy goodness, some action, and a bit of drama, Mated to the Orc Warrior is a wonderful addition tot he series. I couldn’t put it down!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My name is Mia Solace. You know, the girl who will take them down all? That’s me.
When my cousin is returned to us by Pandemonium Academy in a glass coffin, in an enchanted sleep she isn’t expected to wake up from, I grab her diary and head to the Academy myself.
Because her diary, you see, tells of four cruel boys who bullied her and broke her heart until she sought oblivion through a spell.
Four magical boys, because that’s the world we live in now; heirs of powerful families attending this elite Academy where the privileged scions of the human and magical races are brought together in the noble pursuit of education.
As for me, I cheat to get on the student roster, and once I’m in, well… it’s war, baby. I’ll get those four sons of guns, steal their secrets, make them hurt. I’ll transform into an avenging angel for my cousin, for all the girls they’ve wronged, and I bet there are plenty of those.
While growing up, my cousin was my only friend. Now I’ll be her champion.
Only these boys aren’t exactly as I pictured them. Devastatingly handsome, deliciously brooding, strangely haunted, they’re getting under my skin and through my defenses.
Kissing them surely wasn’t part of my plan.
Getting into bed with them even less…
*OF BOYS AND BEASTS is a full-length paranormal reverse harem romance, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one of four, and it ends on a slight cliffhanger. There is a happily ever at the end of the series. All four books have already been written.
This novel contains enemies-to-lovers/love-hate adult themes, foul language and humor as well as explicit content with darker elements. May contain possibly triggering themes.By book 3 there will be mm scenes. For 18+ only.
COMING SOON!
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BOOK REVIEW – 5 stars
Seriously amazing! Bad boys who may not be as awful as they seem, a girl who’s more than she realized, and a few really big mysteries… I couldn’t put it down and am now craving book two!
I love Mia’s character! Despite the book being a fantasy, her reactions and doubts are very real. She’s a delightfully well-rounded character and I can’t wait to find out more about her.
The boys are a huge mystery. Clearly there’s something going on… I both like and hate each of them. Mostly I want to punch them in the face for being idiots.
Be warned… don’t start this book unless you have time to binge read… because it’s impossible to stop turning the pages!
Don’t miss the hit shojo fantasy romance, now available in two handy 2-in-1 omnibus volumes! Find out why Fruits Basket fans fell in love with a shapeshifting wolf-boy, and the girl who discovered his secret.
Includes Vols. 1 and 2 of That Wolf-Boy Is Mine!
After some traumatic experiences, Komugi Kusunoki transferred from the city to start a new life in rural Hokkaido. But on her first day of school, the school heartthrob Yu Ogami blurts out, “You smell good!” Despite the hijinks, Komugi tries to adjust to her new school, but it’s not long before she stumbles across Yu dozing off under a tree. When she attempts to wake him up, he transformed…into a wolf?! It turns out that Yu is one of many other eccentric boys in her class year–and she’s the only one who knows their secret…!
I picked up this delightful manga (and the next volume) during my last trip to the bookstore, and I’m so glad I did.
If you’re looking for a fantasy manga with a sweeter romance, That Wolf-Boy is Mine is an excellent choice. I had so much fun getting to know the characters and found myself reading the book cover to cover in one day. Each of the boys in this story has their own appeal, but Komugi only has eyes for Yu. Despite the fact he tries to keep an emotional distance between them, the tension builds as Komugi struggles to only be his friend.
There was so much happening with Komugi, Yu, the other boys, and their Sensei. I was so disappointed when it ended and immediately started the second omnibus. And then the most horrific thing ever happened — I ran out of story! Yes, I binge-read both in one day and wanted more.
My fingers are crossed we’ll see more of Yu and Komugi’s friends and they’ll each get their own tale. I’m off to find more manga by this author because I simply can’t get enough!
*Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book from Barnes & Noble. Neither the author nor publisher requested a review The review above is only my opinion.
Rescued from a horrendous carriage accident, Stella awakens at a gothic manor in the company of her saviors—a group of impossibly gorgeous young men. Their gentlemanly manners conceal a brutal, inhuman thirst. Can she unravel the mystery of their condition and escape before it’s too late to tell danger from passion?
En route to a new job that she hopes will turn her fortunes around, Stella almost loses her life! If not for the intervention of Levi and the other mysterious young men who inhabit an impressive mansion guarded by roses, she surely would have perished. With nowhere to go, and having caught the eye of these handsome men, Stella takes a job as their maid. But danger from the mansion’s denizens lurks around every corner…
I recently fell down the manga rabbit hole… In the span of one week, I binge-read more than five different series. While I was trying to find my next obsession, I ran across Rosen Blood. As someone who’s loved vampire books for as long as I can remember (thank you Bram Stoker & Anne Rice!), I was anxious to dig into this one.
I loved the artwork! And I found the male characters intriguing. The heroine seems typical of this sort of manga and doesn’t particularly stand out. In fact, there were times I wanted to yell at her. She seemed a little too accepting of her situation.
This particular story won’t be for everyone. There’s a creepiness to it that I enjoy, and the cliffhanger has opened up so many possibilities. There’s enough going on (tons of drama!) that I’m curious and need to know more. I’ll be ordering book 2 shortly, and can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Overall an enjoyable manga.
*Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book at a comic shop. Neither the author nor publisher requested a review. The review above is only my opinion.
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