Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Review: MONARCHS by Alex Chu

MonarchsMonarchs by Alex Chu
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MONARCHS by Alex Chu

MONARCHS is a suspenseful and surprising thriller, set primarily in New Jersey and New York City, with a side venture to modern Shanghai. A disgruntled worn-out call center rep receives a bizarre spam email, offering to fulfill his wildest dreams of wealth and status--in return for a human sacrifice. Arriving at his down point, the offer is neither faux nor fraudulent, catapulting Logan into an entirely new realm of possibilities. But the "one" sacrifice is never sufficient--until Logan's dilemma magnifies, and he crashes and burns. From that point, the thriller becomes more of a self-help exposition, as Logan determines to take charge of his own life.

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Sunday, November 20, 2016

Review_A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM by Adam Aust

A Glitch in the SystemA Glitch in the System by Adam Aust
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM by Adam Aust

This debut mystery is a thrill-a-moment highly suspenseful roller coaster ride, where surprises and twists abound and both reader and protagonist are kept heart-in-mouth. Readers are caught up from the first page, accompanying the female protagonist whose life and relationships are upended and turned inside out.

Angela Gianni is a university-degreed L. A. resident who makes her living as a psychiatrist. When her best friend reports a bad breakup, then disappears while supposedly returning to the ex's apartment to collect her clothes, Angela files a missing person report. Next a client also disappears, she receives threatening text messages and parcels, another client dies--and a bewildered Angela finds herself charged with triple homicide.

A GLITCH IN THE SYSTEM is breathless reading (and heaven for a conspiracy theorist like me.)

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Saturday, November 19, 2016

Review_LOVE YOU TO DEATH by Caroline Mitchell

Love You To Death (Detective Ruby Preston #1)Love You To Death by Caroline Mitchell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: LOVE YOU TO DEATH by Caroline Mitchell
(DS RUBY PRESTON BOOK 1)

An electrifying suspense thriller, LOVE YOU TO DEATH is also heartwrenching and horrifying, as Detective Sergeant Ruby Preston and the Shoreditch (East London) Serious Crimes Unit work without respite to identify a killer stalking, then murdering and staging, women who gave their daughters for adoption.

Author Mitchell weaves a compelling character in Ruby, as well as in her team and superiors, and her family and former love. Not a spare moment to catch breath in this powerful novel!

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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Review_HITLER; THE PSYCHIATRIC FILES by Nigel Cawthorne

Hitler: The Psychiatric FilesHitler: The Psychiatric Files by Nigel Cawthorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: HITLER: THE PSYCHIATRIC FILES by Nigel Cawthorne


Although the quantity of deaths for which he was responsible was far exceeded by both Stalin and Mao Zedong (Mao Tse-Tung), Adolf Hitler's infamy persists. More than 80 years after he determined to assume power, he is still an enigma, not for what he did, but for the reasons behind his actions. In this study author Nigel Cawthorne carefully examines the nature of Adolf Hitler's personal pathology.

Driven by his megalomaniacal conviction that “I cannot be mistaken. What I do and say is historical,” [quoted from text, p. 16], Hitler grasped at power first and foremost, without a cogent plan of action or a platform. As early as 1940, psychoanalysts and psychatrists began to formulate studies of the mind of Hitler, based on what available information existed, such as newsreels of speeches, and his writings.

Drawing on numerous extant sources, author Nigel Cawthorne delineates a clarifying portrait of a man whose obvious mental illness and shortcomings, in the natural course, would have resented in a life poor in quality, and likely homelessness. Yet this same individual managed to take power, become a dictator, and control a nation with his on-again, off-again, charisma and hypnotic gaze. HITLER: THE PSYCHIATRIC FILES makes for fascinating, thought-provoking, reading.

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Friday, November 11, 2016

Review_ SAFE WITH ME

Safe With MeSafe With Me by K.L. Slater
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review: SAFE WITH ME

Detailed and implactable, SAFE WITH ME is a portrait of madness "from the inside." There's a trite cliche holding that those who worry they have mental illness don't; the corollary is that the truly ill just don't know and can't recognize. Such is the case with this novel, stuffed to the brim with off-the-track personalities, ranging from the selfish mildly neurotic, to the definitely dangerous to self and others. In between, perhaps, are the morally lethargic, who experience a niggling awareness of "something is wrong," but for reasons of greed or ambition or personal loss, fail to act. Just as in the brutal murder of Kitty Genovese in New York City several decades ago, those who know, even if only an inkling or an intuition, and don't act, are guilty by omission of the inevitable tragedies.

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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

THE OTHER SISTER by Dianne Dixon_Review

The Other SisterThe Other Sister by Dianne Dixon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review: THE OTHER SISTER by Dianne Dixon

Early on THE OTHER SISTER truly captivated me. I loved the insight into lives and lifestyles unlike mine, and the clues planted every so often telegraphing hints of future events, kept me racing through the pages. The "slice of life" portrayal of various characters and the subtle realistic horrific events befalling several, vividly create the environs. I am reminded of the admirable English author Tina Seskis, in themes, execution, and quality of achievement.

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Saturday, October 1, 2016

Review_THE HAZE by James W. Hall [Bibliomysteries]

The HazeThe Haze by James W. Hall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Review: THE HAZE

Reading opens new worlds to our imagination--in this story, quite literally. An elderly nursing home resident fondly "recalls" his days as a contract killer. He is a voracious reader of crime, noir, and pulp fiction, provided by his not-so-devoted daughter, a bookstore clerk. In his mind, past, present, and fiction weave a fascinating new and adventurous life tapestry.

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Monday, September 19, 2016

Review of FARM DOGS by Janet Vorwald Dohner

Farm Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Guide to 93 Guardians, Herders, Terriers, and Other Canine Working PartnersFarm Dogs: A Comprehensive Breed Guide to 93 Guardians, Herders, Terriers, and Other Canine Working Partners by Janet Vorwald Dohner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of FARM DOGS by Janet Vorwald Dohner

"Farm dogs" are not only the kind we might see in Western films, herding livestock; or in photos of the British isles, with sheepdogs guarding. Farm dogs can be many disparate breeds, sizes, and of distinct categories of abilities. Author Janet Vorwald Dohner presents a well-thought-out guidebook to this topic, which is of use to pet owners and dog lovers everywhere, as well as to those who live and work on farms. Commencing with "A Short History of Man and Dog Together," author Dohner explores the nature and qualifications of the "working dog." She then delineates several major categories including dogs to guard livestock; dogs who herd; "terriers and earthdogs"; and a category of other breeds comprising "Multifunctional and Traditional Farm Partners." When the reader has completed the book, he or she will know much about the categories of working dogs, and which breed to choose for greatest effectiveness, according to the reader's need for a "farm" dog.



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Tuesday, August 9, 2016

BROKEN Series Box Set by Maegan Abel_Pre-Release Celebration!

Join Forever Red Publishing and Barclay Publicity in celebrating Maegan Abel’s bestselling The Broken Series by pre-ordering THE BROKEN SERIES BOX SET today for just $0.99! This sizzling box set includes 3 full length novels and one novella. Titles included are Perfectly Broken, Unforgivably Broken, Broken Holidays - A Broken Series Novella, and Silently Broken! Rafflecopter for The Broken Series Box Set Giveaway: Forever Red Publishing is offering one (1) lucky grand prize winner a Kindle loaded with selected Forever Red Publishing Titles! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:
Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29262/ About The Broken Series Box Set: Title: The Broken Series Box Set Author: Maegan Abel Publisher: Forever Red Publishing Release Date: August 23, 2016 Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance ISBN: 9781941853375 “Sometimes, when you take the broken pieces and combine them, you get something even more beautiful.” Life will never be the same. People always say things like that and you never really believe them, but it’s the truth. One day, you think you have your life all figured out and then a single event starts a chain reaction you can’t seem to stop… Zane Tishler and Lili Cortez fit in perfectly with the party crowd of Sin City locals. They’ve spent two years honing a finely tuned system to bag and tag tourists with no strings attached. Sex is just sex, after all. But when dangerous shadows from the past start to reappear, things get complicated. Best friends and roommates, they never expected to find what they’d both been searching for in each other, but sometimes those who know us best forgive our sins the easiest. Through shootings, fires, and a multitude of secrets and lies, can they both survive? Even if they do, can their love? Add to your TBR List: Goodreads Pre-Order Your Copy Now for $0.99 Today! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iTunes Excerpt: I stared as Lili moved with almost mechanical motions, making it seem like she was pausing for small fractions of a second between movements. When she pulled this off perfectly, the sound of the crowd around us surged. I was completely entranced as she continued dancing and her eyes landed on mine. She moved to me and pulled me to her before spinning to press her ass against me again. I wrapped my arms around her waist, resting both my palms flat along her stomach and abdomen as I bent my knees to lower myself while we swayed together. She was so close I could see the beads of sweat running down her neck, the tiny hairs curling along her hairline in an unruly fashion. I felt the bare skin of her stomach when her shirt rose and my fingers slid underneath, tugging her even closer. She threw her head back and I gripped her hips. Turning her to face me, I lifted her up, my fingers on her backside as she used the position to move against me. Wrapping her legs around my waist, she grabbed the back of my hair with both hands, her nails grazing my scalp. I groaned and pressed my lips to hers again without another coherent thought. The crowd went crazy when the song ended and Lili blinked, seeming stunned as she looked around. I glanced up from her to a sea of camera phones that no doubt captured Lizzie's embarrassing ass stomping by Lili. I grinned at her and let her slide slowly down my body but she looked past me. "And it's EX-wife, you… repulsive tramp!" Lili stuttered as she spat the words. With an irritated huff, she moved quickly through the crowd. I could barely see the top of her head as she passed through the door toward the street. I glanced at the table to see Tish and Kas were already moving that way so I turned to follow Lili. "Zane!" Lizzie whined, grabbing my arm. Half an hour ago, I would've fought myself not to fall About Maegan Abel: Maegan despises writing about herself in the third person. She also hates touting her accomplishments like she thinks she’s really done all this amazing stuff… Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, I’ll tell you what you need to know. I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I went to college in my late twenties and studied Stage Production Technology. I now work full-time in an alterations shop of a major department store and part-time backstage in the various theaters around the area. I’ve been an avid reader from a very young age and the top goal on my list of things to accomplish in my life was to write and publish a book. During the summer of 2013, while working backstage on The Lion King, I read eleven books in four weeks. It was during that time that the character of Lili was born and after the show left Tulsa, I sat down and began writing my first published book, Perfectly Broken. Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Publisher’s Website

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Review of HOW TO WRITE A BOOK LIKE A PRO

How to Write a Book Like a Pro: Top 10 Mistakes Beginners Do And How To Avoid Them How to Write a Book Like a Pro: Top 10 Mistakes Beginners Do And How To Avoid Them by James Holtenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review of HOW TO WRITE A BOOK LKE A PRO; TOP 10 MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM by James Holtenson

This inspiring short book will appeal to those who want to write, but have not yet begun, beginner writers, and any writers who wish to improve their craft. Author Holtenson breaks down ten types of mistakes, and then carefully addresses each, providing not criticism, but positive praise with every sentence. You will go through this book realising that you, too, can and should write, to follow your desires. I especially appreciated the author's emphasis on the importance of reading much as well as writing much. Polish your craft and work toward excellence!


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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Review of MOTIVATION: 8 SIMPLE STEPS TO MOTIVATION

MOTIVATION: 8 Simple Secrets to Motivation: Find Inspiration, Shift Mindset & Create Success (Motivational, Self-Help, Productivity, Happiness)MOTIVATION: 8 Simple Secrets to Motivation: Find Inspiration, Shift Mindset & Create Success by K. I. Cobarrubias


Review of MOTIVATION: 8 SIMPLE SECRETS TO MOTIVATION by K. Cobarrubias

The author offers 8 steps to increasing one's motivation, pointing out throughout that happiness and success are neither the same, nor exclusive of each other. A simple lifestyle can be abundant in joy and generosity while a wealthy lifestyle can be lonely. Instead, each of us needs to recover the wonder and ability to imagine and create that we possessed in childhood, then use that to intuit, feel, and proceed.

This short book can be read in one sitting, but will provide food for further thought and examination.

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