HAS ANYONE TAKEN A LOOK AT MY SECOND BOOK

Many of you who have followed by blog know that I've written a MG/YA Paranormal romance as my debut novel entitled "I Kissed a Ghost."

The thing is I've also self-published a second book entitled "Micro Fiction - An Anthology" which contains 100 Flash Fictions, the vast majority of which are only 5 sentences, with the longest having about 390 words. This book is quite different than the ones you usually read.

Well recently this book had received another 5 STAR review which I'd like for everyone to check out on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2CUNFAW8BE869

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-083 - WHO I AM: POETRY

From time to time as a Book Reviewer I love to read something other than the genres I normally would read, from children’s books to steamy erotic stories; and I’ve found reading poetry fills that desire quite well.

Poetry is able to communicate things such as feeling in a manner like no other form of literature can. Poetry comes from deep down inside its writer’s inner being which can’t really be done any other way. Poetry usually paints a certain imagery which is different to each individual reading it. So while no matter what an individual gets from reading a poem is correct as far as that individual is concerned; the question that arise here is whether or not this is what the writer of the poem wanted their readers to have after reading it.

Everyone who has ever read a poem and enjoyed it has wondered what had been going on in the poet’s mind when they wrote it. Haven’t you?

Unfortunately this tidbit of information has always remained a mystery as far as I know; which is why I loved reading this book of poems by Paul Travis.

In his book of poems Paul Travis has not only lifted the veil of mystery behind the writing of each poem, he has allowed his readers into his intimate and personal life. So in return for so aptly sharing his life with those who read this book, I’m giving it 5 STARS.

 

I read this book via a KINDLE unlimited download on Amazon-US.

 

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R22MZQJ5V1F4Y7

 

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RZ6ZG3TQ908OU

STATUS REPORT # 84

Since my last Status Report I can safely say that all of the pieces of the life I share with my dear OH have begun to finally fall back in place to the way it was before the onset of the calamity both of us have had to face in our daily faces. Yesterday, after about 15 months, we when to one of our favorite malls to do some much needed shopping for clothes and ate at one of our favorite dining spots in the Food Court, the place which sells the Chicken Teriyaki with the rice/noodles and vegetables. We know we’ll have to make at least two more trips before we’re finished. Can you imagine how it feels to get outside from our apartment again and finally do the things we used to do as a loving couple?  

I will be continuing not posting all of my book reviews here since I don’t want to overwhelm, you, my dear readers, with them. The book reviews which will continue to be posted here are those I’ve won through the various giveaways you know I enter on an on-going basis. I will also post some for those books I’m gotten myself which is not to say there’s anything wrong with those I don’t post here, so you’ll need to check my Amazon profile periodically or follow me there:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A19QLCLVPLZH0B

I’ve devised a schedule which I hope I can keep for working on my WIPs which now number 4, concentrating on my adult Contemporary romance, followed by my MG/YA Urban Fantasy, followed by about 5 pages a week for my two erotic romance novelettes.

I still would like to start posting interviews and guest blogs here on my blog to interest the variety of items here. So if anyone interested please feel free to contact me.

 

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-082 - WINTER WEDDING BELLS

One of the programs I loved to watch on my television in my younger days, single and still unattached was “The Love Boat.” Each weekly episode contained three interconnected vignettes, in which each of couple in the vignettes took the cruise in the hopes of finding romance for the first time, rekindled the one they once had so they could get a second chance in having a HEA, or even looking at whether or not they’ve made the right decision in marrying the guy who had proposed to her.

“Winter Wedding Bells” gives its readers three authors: Kristine Rolofson, Karen Rock and Jennifer Snow who have gotten together to write three individual novelettes [vignettes], with each one taking place at the Mirror Lake Ski Lodge in Lake Placid, NY.

In “The Kiss” by Karen Rock, what would you do if right before you were to say the “I Dos” you encounter your first love and with a little prodding by your mother, a mother who probably knows you better than yourself; would you proceed with your wedding plans or stop and reconsider your options? This is the predicament Julie has found herself in with regards to her relationship with her first true love, Austin. Don’t forget a second chance of a HEA can only happen once.

In “The Wish” by Kristine Rolofson, what you do if you’re an events planner and you’ve in a professional working relationship with a sexy, Italian chef, who’s the heartthrob of countless of beautiful women; but have been ignoring any and all of his advances simply because you don’t believe you’re good enough for the likes of him? What will it take for you to see the light of that his hunk can actually be yours? What will it take for your mind to finally listen to your heart? This is score of the relationship that Grace and Nico are facing to have a HEA happen.

In “The Promise” by Jennifer Snow, what would you do if you’re the maid of honor at your friend’s now cancelled wedding and you see her cousin, a guy you once had a decent relationship until it had turned sour. Back then you were your old self and he had been a conceited football player. Today you’re a professional woman with a successful career as lawyer who some consider to be uptight.  You know you’ve changed, but as far as you’re concerned this guy’s the same; and you’d love to avoid having anything do you with him. What does this guy have to do to change your mind so you’ll be willing to become his, a desire he’s desperately wants to become true? This is the second chance decision Alexis has to make regarding Liam, so there could be a HEA for both of them.

As you can see having the HEA all three of these women are looking for is not as easy it might appear. There are a lot of decisions which must be made, some easy, some hard.

While you always knew at the end of each week’s episode of “The Love Boat” that all of the couples in the various vignettes would find the happiness they’ve sought, the endings here is not as clear cut. How many of these three stories end in a HEA, with two being a much sought after second chance? Will it be three, will it be two or will it be none?

As a Book Reviewer I know the answer since I’ve read the, but for everyone else, the answers can be found when you read these three stories, each wonderfully written in the style of their individual authors.

Granted this is not the winter season, but with a collection of stories like these in doesn’t matter; so how can I not give this book 5 STARS.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R2APY3ROBLWHJ4

UK:   https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2O893AXCDNJSM

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-081 - UNDER AN ADIRONDACK SKY

I won a signed paperback copy of this from the author on a giveaway she had on her FaceBook page and the following is my honest opinion.

Have you ever been or have known someone who has had no time in their lives for anything else but taking care of those who are near and dear to them, and putting all of their dreams especially those of  romance on the back burner?

If you do, then you can totally relate to Adam Walsh, a guy fate seems to like teasing. Why did I say teasing? What else would you call having his father die, followed by his mother coming down with Alzheimer’s and losing the memory of her family, and leaving the family business in hands? What else would call when these things causes his younger brother to become so problematic that he faces being thrown out of school if doesn’t change back to the way he was before? What else would you call it if the only solution to Adam’s problem with his brother is the school’s psychologist, Rebecca Day; the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen, who happens to drop by his bar one night? And to this add Rebecca’s job being on the line, by seeing if she’s able to rehabilitate Connor and the rest of the teens under her watch, succeeding here will be her only salvation.

Karen Rock has taken these somewhat ominous fate cards and has crafted a wonderful romance story with just the right potpourri of sweetness and heat; and a bit of jealously/anger when Connor see his brother in a tender embrace with Rebecca causing him to sink to taking drugs and drinking alcohol, without regards to what it might do to her career and everything should her superiors find out.

I loved the manner in which the author describes where the areas in which the story takes place, not because it’s the area where she lives; but because it’s the area that for years my dear OH and I loved going to on vacation twice a year, too bad due to various family matters we haven’t been able to visit for the past 5/6 years. 

Will the issues Aiden has regarding his brother be resolved? But more important, will Rebecca and Aiden get the HEA they’ve always wanted?  Read this heartwarming story to find out.

For writing this endearing story and for making me somewhat homesick to visit this area again, I’m giving it 5 STARS.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R1EV08LXUDGJXP

 

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-080 - 52 LIKES

I received a KINDLE copy of this book from the author through a giveaway she had on LibraryThing and the following is my honest opinion.

What is THE MOST TERRIFYING experience any woman should ever have to face? Now image how this individual would feel if she had only been a teenager looking for an evening of fun at a party in an abandoned or vacant home and had gone to the wrong address, only to be viciously raped and nearly killed. You can image the intense impact this would have on the protagonist of this book, Valerie; can’t you. I know you can.

Being constantly bullied by her classmates had always plagued Valerie, but now, in addition, she not only had to face being taunted with nasty rumors of that fateful night; she also had no idea as to who her masked rapist was. Imagine looking at every guy passing by you and wondering if he had been the guilty culprit who had raped you.

While you would probably want to put this horrific incident of your life and the rest of the negative experiences of your life; Valerie definitely wants to.  What she didn’t know when she began her quest to return her life to a sense of normalcy, had been the psychological and metaphysical hurdles she’ll have to face. The most baffling of these had been why all of the eerie photos of the past victims of her rapist/murderer had 52 LIKES under their photos, something which had to be more than mere coincidence.

The author has done a wonderful in writing about Valerie’s real life experience and feelings connecting with spirits of the culprit’s victims, especially the angst she experiences before, during and after her rape; feelings her readers should feel as well as they read this book. But when all is said and done, at the end of the day, will Valerie ultimately become an unfortunate victim of her horrific ordeal, scarred for life; or will she triumph and become a survivor. You’ll have to read the book to find out.  As for me, I’m happy to give Ms. Sharif the 5 STARS it deserves.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R3FK60T5JUPXM2

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RDH8J9HV2ZFU8

ROBIN LEIGH MORGAN'S MARKETING/PROMOTIONAL IDEA # 11

Book clubs and similar entities can help you to sell several books a time. You can try using Meetup.com and other sites to find the book clubs in your area; once you do, I first would contact the group’s organizer so you can introduce yourself and naturally your book[s].

STATUS REPORT # 83

After stopping the use of the home attendants we’ve been using since June 2015 for my dear OH, and after the necessary paper work, etc. we’re finally returning to a sense of real normalcy, something I haven’t had since March 2015.

If take a look at the numbers of book reviews I’ve posted since my last Status Report you’ll count 5; but in reality I’ve actually posted 11 on Amazon and the rest of the book review sites I use. So if you’re interested in seeing those additional book reviews here’s the direct link to them. You might find your next book to read.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A19QLCLVPLZH0B

I’m also making progress on the rewrite of the first of my three WIPs, a Contemporary romance novel entitled, “His Darkest Secret.” Right now I’ve completed 14 chapters which accounts for about 44% of the book if you’re counting pages. Once this rewrite process is completed I’ll commence writing the rest of the book; looking at a completion date by the end of this August. Then it’s onto doing the same for my second WIP, a MG/YA Urban Fantasy novella entitled “The Secret of the Well.” Here in addition to the rewrite I’ll be looking at increasing the romance element in the backstory as well as adding some to main portion of the storyline. I hope to complete this undertaking by the end of October. In between all of this I’m also looking at completing the writing of my first erotic/shapeshifting novelette/novella which is currently entitled, “The Transformation.”

I’ve got several more ideas for the marketing/promotion of our books which is being spread out over the coming weeks.

I would like to start posting interviews and guest blogs from anyone interested.  If anyone is interested please contact me.

 

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-079 - DIARY OF A WICKEDLY COOK WITCH

With my TBReviewed pile waiting only to receive the books I’ve won from the various giveaways I’m continuously entering, so I decided to peruse the various free downloads being offered on Amazon, and I’m pleased that I chose this as it didn’t disappoint me.

Anyone who reads this book MUST keep in mind that it’s not written like a regular book with defined dialogues and narratives; but instead it’s diary-based with the writings of a young girl’s trials and tribulations and her “secret” inner thoughts regarding them, which is why you’ll find explanations of things in the storyline throughout the book. Mothers should try to remember what they wrote in their diaries, if they had one.

While Lily [short for Lilymandra] appears to all who see her as being a cute little 12 year-old, blonde-haired girl with freckles, she is in reality a 286 year-old witch. Lily has the power to “physically” step into a friend’s shoes so she could be with a boy she likes, a boy her friend Krystal once had as a boyfriend.  How many of you reading this wished you could have done that when you were young?

Lily knows what is right and what is wrong. So when she sees Tiffany, one of the school’s bad girl bullying her friend, Lily steps in, using her powers to tell the truth regarding another student while at the same time embarrassing herself. And in doing so the teaches about bullying, why it’s bad as well as what can/should be done to stop it.

The well-written storyline makes for a humorous/informative reading experience for girls between the ages about 9 – 13, and those who are still young at heart, which is why I’ve given Ms. Cullen and her book 5 STARS.  

NOTE: A handful of words/terms uses the British spelling.

US:   https://www.amazon.com/review/R1ARPIZR1UIFLA

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3KSC2H6CJ6QJ3

BOOK REVIEW # 2017-078 - WHEN IT HOOKS YOU

Almost any woman who has been madly in love someone, anticipating the day when her HEA is about to happen, but then getting the rug pulled from under her when the guy suddenly dumps her totally relate to what’s happening Trish Cerise. She should have accepted his marriage proposal when he had asked.

Not wanting to be hurt again you, like Trish, would set up some sort of mechanism designed to prevent history from repeating itself so tragically. In her case, she decides to limited dating any guy for more than three times, because statistically this is when relationship begin to take a nosedive, slowly at first, but then why wait for the inevitability to happen.

We both know, deep down inside, that this is merely a charade because what woman can go without getting her HEA before her biological clock stops. There’s always some guy who will cause the best laid plan to go awry. This is what happens when Adam Helms steps into her life at work. Adam is a guy who like Trish wants to keep any relationship from getting too serious. However a KISMET steps in and all of their held-fast rules get thrown out of the window because of how intense their relationship has become.

Is there a HEA for these two forlorn lovers? This is something I’m not going to say.

The story itself is well written with a good characterization of its two protagonists which made for an enjoyable reading experience for me.

One way I know has touched me is when I start hearing a song in my mind, which is what happened here. There are several songs which deal with topic of someone making someone else fall in love with them. But the song which I’m referring to goes all the way back to 1913, and has been sung by scores of singers, first of who was Al Jolson.  If you read the lyrics for the song you might feel the same way I do in regards to this book’s storyline

 

You made me love you

I didn't want to do it, I didn't want to do it
You made me love you
And all the time you knew it

I guess you always knew it.
You made me happy sometimes, you made me glad
But there were times, Dear, you made me feel so bad

You made me sigh for, I didn't want to tell you

I didn't want to tell you
I want some love that's true, yes I do, deed I do, you know I do

Give me, give me, give me what I cry for

You know you got the brand of kisses that I'd die for
You know you made me love you.

For giving her readers a romance novel which really represents a real life scenario I’m giving Ms. Elson 5 STARS.

I had received a mobi.file copy for this book through the author’s recent giveaway on LibraryThing and the above has been my honest opinion.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R1WSUVM92NKKSD

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RZVLSL3ZWYHO

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-077 - CAPTAIN FREDDY'S COUNT DOWN TO SCHOOL

Ms. Shreeve has done a wonderful job making an allegory of a child going to his/her first day of school, and blasting off into outer space.

While Freddy’s mother is making sure he’s getting ready for school, he pretends he’s off into outer space. His new shoes become space boots, his clean shirt becomes a uniform, and his backpack becomes a jet pack. Once in space, Freddy pretends his explodes, he fires his jet pack and eventually meets an alien.

When his mother comes to his wondering what’s happening and suggesting he’s in outer space.  When he states he’s met an alien and now they’re friends, she realizes he’s ready for school.          He then states school’s a big place, but since he’s been in space, he’s ready to blast off to school.

Any parent should be able to remember how they felt on their first day of school; fearful of a strange, new, big place and meeting lots of people they’ve ever met. And then finding out school’s not at all foreboding as they thought, and it’s a GREAT PLACE to meet MAKE NEW FRIENDS.

For trying to help in taking out the fear of going to school for the first time in the minds of this book’s young audience, I’ve given this book 5 STARS.

I received a KINDLE Edition of this book through a giveaway on GoodReads, and the above has been my honest opinion.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/review/R1MO5QN1QRBP04

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R31KW5V987XEMR

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-076 - BLAST OF THE DRAGON'S FURY

I won a PDF.file copy of this copy during Week 3 of the Grand Opening Celebration for YA Insider website and the following is my honest opinion.

Being a Book Reviewer as well an author I’ve learned to look pass any editing issues which might exist and concentrate on the story a book has to offer. [To err is human, to forgive divine.]

To begin with book is an allegory of things all young children should learn at an early age: acceptance of others. truth, honesty, integrity, and perseverance. These are concepts which are usually not easily to teach them; concepts which you can’t hit them over their heads nor should you try talking down to them in order to convey this idea - - they would tend to ignore it. [This is what I’d learned in a college Psych class I took years ago.] And I believe this book a wonderful job in trying to accomplish this task.

Andy Smithson there’s a local curse which has been around for 500, and his family feels the time is right to end the curse now, and he’s the one who gets chosen for the task since it was an ancient ancestor who had initiated the curse.

What happens when you thrust a modern-day boy who loves video games, loves to fantasize about knights, dragons and the like to a time when things had been a “reality”? You get the storyline for this book.

I never give away any spoilers from a book, and I’m not going to give any, especially here. While this book will hold the attention of the intend audience of readers, usually boys between the ages of 8 – 14 who are into reading books which are full of action/adventure, fantasy/magic, and of course dragons; there are some girls who will enjoy reading as well [parents will have to decide if their daughter[s] is one of them.

With all things considered, I’m happy to Ms. Lee 5 STARS for her endeavor here.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R3ODED9W5UZUTK

 
UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3TR2T04BDWFJ7

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-074 - KINK IN THE ROPE

I received a signed paperback edition of this book through a giveaway the author recently had on GoodReads and the following is my honest opinion.

Even before I’d opened the envelopment the book had arrived I had a basic idea of what to expect in the flash fictions being offered. But the moment I removed the book from the envelope I immediately saw how KINKY this book would be; for not only did the author wrapped the book with white paper which had been taped, but Mr. TREMBLE had ingeniously tied the paper wrapping with twine in a manner comparable to a master tying his ivory skinned slave into bondage. Luckily with a little patience I was able to release the book from its bondage without cutting the twine. To see a sample of the ways he uses twine in this matter, check out his account on Tweeter.

In regards to the Flash Fictions contained in this book; if you’re into erotic and especially BDSM, the few words being offered on each page is enough for you mentally paint an entire picture, complete with a narrative and dialogue. You also might also be able to feel the sensations the characters are experiencing. I know the skill it takes to do this successfully since I’ve written an anthology of Flash Fiction myself, albeit without anything sexual, and therefore applaud Mr. Tremble for his writing skill here.

The end of the book contains material essential to a meaningful relationship between a Master and his slave; such as an interview, how far a particular slave would go in regards to certain activities, etc.

For giving readers of this genre precisely what they’re looking for; I’ve given 5 STARS to this book.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R2OE0XKLVDZ4SI

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1ROJB2B0UEDIE

 

ROBIN LEIGH MORGAN'S MARKETING / PROMOTIONAL IDEA # 11

One way of attracting a more people for your book during a book signing event you might be planning is to get together with 8-10 other writers in your area. Tell them everyone could benefit from doing this since their collaboration for the event usually draws a larger audience of potential buyers, it might also get some media attention if they know about it in advance. During the event you might even consider cross-promoting each other’s book.

There’s a hidden advantage in doing a group event like this, it’s far less intimidating doing it as a team!

STATUS REPORT # 82

Yesterday, July 2, 2016 is the day I’ve longed for just over a year. The day I said goodbye to the home aide we’ve been using to help take care of my dear OH for the past 13 months. From now on I’ll be able to have access to our second bedroom where I’ve got my desktop computer 24 hours a day/7 days a week, especially as I said in my Status Report #80, during the hours before 9 AM and after 9 PM, what used to be the most productive hours for my writing.

I can see myself finishing editing the first of my WIPs, an adult Contemporary with a paranormal element which runs through the storyline, entitled “His Darkest Secret” within the next 10 days, and its completion about a month later.

I’m looking forward getting interviewed on other author’s blogs, and as soon as things get more settled down, and as I return more and more to the normalcy I once had previously I hope to return to having interviews / guest blog posts on my blog.  So if you’re interested in interviewing me just feel free to contact me with BLOG INTERVIEW in the subject field.  THANKS for your kind support in advance.

BOOK REVIEW # 2016-073 - PATRICK KEARNEY - THE TRUE STORY of the FREEWAY KILLER

Once again I’ve been fortunate to win a copy of this author’s books through a giveaway on LibraryThing, and the following is my honest opinion.

Unlike all of his other books I’ve read/reviewed, this has been the first time it has triggered a song I loved to listen to back around November 1980. However it wasn’t the song itself but a parody of it which fits the serial killer Mr Rosewood discusses in this book, Patrick Kearney.

The song I got on my mind here is Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.”

He just can’t wait to get on the road again

The life of killing young boys is like music to his hears
And he just can’t wait to get on the road again

On the road again

Going places that he’s seldom been
Killing young boys no one is ever see again

This depraved individual, Patrick Kearney, would pick up young, unsuspecting boys hitchhiking on the California freeways; then kill them so he could garner some sexual satisfaction, and then  dismembering their bodies prior to disposing of the remains.

One of the things which enabled him to carry out these horrific murder is the personae which he projected, a simple looking guy who was incapable of harming a fly.

For giving his readers an insightful look into the psyche of another serial killer I’ve given this endeavor 5 STARS.

US:  https://www.amazon.com/review/R32AK046J00X5R

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2GQ0SLVHCGC7K