BOOK REVIEW - Ékleipsis: the Abyss by Tamel Who

Ékleipsis: the Abyss

Author: Tamel Who

Genre: Short Story / Horror / Crime / Thriller
Publication Date: 29th October 2021

Book Description:

The seed of evil has been planted …

What will happen when its roots take hold?

Ékleipsis: The Abyss is the second short story collection by the award-winning author.

Tales of depravation and insanity are woven together with unrelenting style and depth, scrutinizing human nature’s degeneration when compromised by tragic, vicious circumstances.

These complex, wretched individuals and the irremediable conditions they are desperate to claw out of—or into—invoke the unfathomable question: What devastation are we truly capable of when left with no way out but down . . . into the obscurity of the abyss?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

After reading and enjoying the first anthology of short stories by Who earlier this year, I was happy to delve back into the dark and seedy reality that is Ékleipsis: the Abyss. This second collection of short stories takes readers on a journey into the seemingly bottomless pit of the greed and hunger of humanity. The collection explores various relatable themes and presents a very realistic portrayal of the dark side of human desires. The author explored various dark themes from suicide, kidnap, murder, serial killer to mental deterioration. It was an exciting and intruding collection that had me glued from start to finish. I especially liked how the way the stories ended in a chilling and unresolved way.

As much as I enjoyed all the stories, I have to say that two of the stories really stood out for me, and they were All Day and a Night, about an ex-con exacting revenge on his wardens and giving them a taste of their own medicine, and En Prise, about a young woman on her way to try her hand at a career in music and hitches a ride with a truck driver whose behaviour soon start to suggest a deadly intention. I did find some of the stories predictable at times, but that didn't bother me, because it's the way the stories unfolded and the authenticity of the portrayal that grabbed my focus and kept me entertained.

Another well-written collection from Who. I would highly recommend this book for all those looking for stories that will keep them on the edge of their seats.

VERDICT

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Calling Quarters by Jen Stevens

Calling Quarters

(Beacon Grove, #1)

Author: Jen Stevens

Publication Date: October 7th, 2021

Genre: NA Contemporary

Book Description:

I was raised to believe that towns full of witches were only in movies, and those spell books my aunt studied were just a silly pastime. I had no idea of the important role I play in a coven with zero knowledge of my existence, or the sacrifice my parents made by leaving behind everything they knew to protect me.

In the wake of my aunt’s mysterious death, I have no other choice but to return to my birthplace for answers. But Beacon Grove is a twisted place where distrust spreads like cancer, lies fester, and the truth is nearly impossible to find.

One thing I’m sure of is the danger that Remy Winters and our inexplicable connection pose to me as one of the Quarters of the Watchtower coven. Through painstaking research and placing my trust in this man who has been trained since birth to hunt me, I learn that my family is far more intertwined with the tight-knit town than I originally thought.

I could be exactly what they need to save their beloved Quarters, but admitting what I am to those who have been brainwashed into fearing me could put my life at risk.

Calling Quarters is a twisted tale of corruption, lies, and a love story written in the stars.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Cover Reveal - Kisser of Death by M.H.B.

Kisser of Death

Author: M.H.B.

Publication Date: October 21st, 2021

Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

One accident.

Two men.

Almost three years of despair.

Four beating hearts growing in pain.

Five lives forever changed.

Everything fell apart in the blink of an eye.

These days my own misery keeps me company.

I never thought this would be me—a twenty-four-year-old—stuck in a dead-end relationship.

Gone are the thrilling adventures with Harvey Stark.

Gone is his smile.

Gone is the sight of his dimples and the sparkle in his bright blue eyes.

He’s changed into a hollow version of himself and I’m just a shadow following him around our home.

Then I meet my new boss at a firm in Downtown Chicago. Damon Dreygon challenges me in ways I never knew existed and makes me believe in myself again. Our souls match instantly, and meeting Damon feels like a step towards peace.

Except it’s not. Because everyone grieves differently.

So while one man refuses to touch me, the other can’t love me.

And I’m crawling through the crippling chaos, barely holding on . . .

About the Author

M . H . B . graduated law from a Canadian University and loves spending time with her German Shepherd Dog. She has a passion for animals and enjoys the simple things in life: books, music, chocolate, sunny days and overall wellness. When she is not writing, her mind is in another world, with a book in hand.

Author Links:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - SOFIA by Summer Leigh

SOFIA

(Romanoverse, #1)

Author: Summer Leigh

Publication Date: October 4th, 2021

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Sofia Romano, eldest sister of the tight-knit Romano family, was one to be envied. A posh society darling since birth, proudly sitting atop the highest pedestal. So high that no one could see the cracks in her perfect façade, including that of her marriage, which was nothing more than a shelter from her parents’ death a decade ago.

And she was perfectly content, until now.

It’s the holiday season and she’s left alone, forced to face the cracks in her picture perfect life—the husband who’s never there, the home that’s always empty, and the heart that never had a place in her marriage.

All this culminates when she has a chance encounter with her brother’s new neighbor.

Eric Walker had just moved to New York. A big-hearted country guy exploring the city for his next book. He had a zest for life, no cares about what others thought, and a heart that leapt out of his chest the second he saw Sofia Romano waiting in his hall.

First impressions go awry; second impressions fail just as miserably, but as they say, third time’s the charm.

That country boy with a heart of gold is about to show this uptight city girl how great love can truly be. This will be a Christmas & New Year’s Sofia will never forget!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Book Launch Promo & Guest Post - Pets in Space 6: A Science Fiction Romance Anthology

Pets in Space 6: A Science Fiction Romance Anthology

Authors: S.E. Smith, Veronica Scott, Honey Phillips, Carol Van Natta, Cassandra Chandler, JC Hay, S.J. Pajonas, Greta van der Rol, Deborah A. Bailey, Melisse Aires, Kyndra Hatch

Publication Date: 5th October 2021

Publisher: Pets in Space Books for Chavanch Press

Cover Artist: Carol Van Natta

Pet Illustrations: Adrian DKC

Formats Available: eBook Only

Price: $4.99

ASIN: B0994RRBK2

Book Description:

Pets in Space® is back for a new year of adventures! 

Join the incredible authors in this year's Pets in Space 6 for another out-of-this-world adventure. This award-winning, USA TODAY Bestselling anthology is packed full of your favorite Pets in Space®. Featuring 11 original, never-before-released stories from some of today's bestselling Science Fiction Romance and Fantasy authors, Pets in Space 6 continues their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that improves quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities. Don't miss out on this limited-edition anthology before it’s too late!

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Apple | B&N | Google Play | Kobo | books2Read

Book Links:

Website | Newsletter | Facebook Group

Book Launch Promo & Guest Post - Ardennia: The Unlikely Story of Cinderella's Prince by Bruce Calhoun

Ardennia: The Unlikely Story of Cinderella's Prince

Author: Bruce Calhoun

Genre: YA Historical Fantasy

Publication Date: 5th October 2021

About the Book:

A Cinderella story like no other, *Ardennia* is a young adult historical fantasy that captures the magic, brutality and earthiness of the medieval ages.  It chronicles the many adventures of Cinderella's Prince as he undergoes his baptism of fire in the Battle of Paris, is charmed by Cinderella at a masquerade ball, and sets off on a quest to find her after she flees the ball at the midnight hour.  The quest takes him through strange lands supposedly inhabited by ogres, pixies, hobgoblins, man eating plants and giants, and peopled by extraordinary characters that include an epileptic bard, a bean counter who wagers his gold tooth in a dice game, a merchant who can never be too prosperous, a little girl who has a running feud with three bears, pilgrims that argue over who is the most pious and a beggar who has been cursed with leprosy for committing all the cardinal sins.  Be on the look-out for a bit of Chaucer-like satire in this adapted fairy tale that is the first book in the *Ardennia* series.

Ten Reasons to read Ardennia

10. It has a kick-ass Cinderella

9. The elf and the dwarf story told by Sir Guy

8. The lusty free knights and their tales

7. The love affair between Cinderella's stepmother and the hunchback

6. The pixies that haunt the forests of Comte

5. The adoration of the buffoon for the Count's daughter

4. Captain Hugo and his story about the fairy and the firefly

3. The androgynous knight and the Battle of Paris

2. Prince Henry's tete-a-tetes with the 14 ladies who attended the ball

1. The happy ending, marred by the cruel fate of . . .

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

October Group Promo - FREE & Discounted eBook

Welcome!

Check out all the free and discounted ebooks and giveaways on offer below. Sharing is caring. I truly appreciate your support.

Happy Reading!

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Claimed by the Moon by L.P. Dover

Claimed by the Moon

(A Royal Shifters novel, #6)

Author: L.P. Dover

Publication Date: September 28th, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

Sexy wolves and heart-stopping action await in Claimed by the Moon, the highly-anticipated continuation of the Royal Shifters series by New York Times and USA Today best-selling author L.P. Dover!

In his 200 years of life, Zayne Lyall has made his share of enemies. The most ruthless of all being Knox Channon, who seeks vengeance for a pack war that took place over a hundred years ago.

To gain information he can use to bring Zayne down, Knox reconnects with Amelie Graye, a past love who joined the Royal pack Zayne belongs to. Unfortunately, Amelie doesn’t know much about the royal arctic… despite a longing within her to be near him.

Amelie and Knox have a tumultuous past that ended after she and her family went rogue following an attack by the Sierra pack. While she has no details to offer about Zayne, Knox sniffing around her leaves his inner wolf snarling.

More than anything Zayne wants to charge in and protect the woman his heart aches for. But he has a secret… and it could cost him everything. Amelie is his fated mate. If Knox were to discover this, he would know hurting her would be the key to destroying Zayne. Torn between his desire to claim Amelie as his own and his ferocious passion to protect her, can Zayne find a way to bring down his malicious enemy? Or will an age old vendetta rob him of a blissful future with his bonded mate?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Soul of Love by E.X. Alexander

The Soul of Love

(The Soul of Love, #1)

Author: E.X. Alexander

Publication Date: August 31st, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

For generations, the Greek gods have been at war with each other; fighting to sit on the throne of Mt. Olympus.

Eros, the god of love and the most powerful of the ancients, has been waging his own secret war. For eons, he has been looking for his lost soul mate, Psyche; her return marks the beginning of the end of the reign of the Olympians, and the restoration to power by the primordial gods. But she has been reborn as a mortal, with no memory of him.

Psyche holds the key to the throne of Mt. Olympus. With her and Eros’ enemies coming out of the shadows to stop them, it is a race against time. If she cannot reunite her soul with Eros, her powers, memories, and the lives of the gods and mortals alike will be forever lost.

Content Warning: This book contains some scenes with mild violence, sexual situations, and references to suicide.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Walk on the Wilder Side by Serena Bell

Walk on the Wilder Side

(Wilder Adventures, #2)

Author: Serena Bell

Publication Date: September 23rd, 2021

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

His best friend’s sister is rocking his boat. In the best way possible.

Brody: What’s a bad boy doing hosting a book club? Excellent question. All I can tell you is, it’s not going well. I forgot the bug wipes, the extra TP, and the hand sanitizer, we’re out of wine, and… well, I may have made some people angry, if the reviews are any indication. The only way to dig myself out of this hole is to redeem myself by offering the best girls’ nights out in town.

Enter my best friend’s sister. I’ve gone out of my way to avoid Rachel, since despite her good-girl rep, I can’t seem to get her out of my head. Now she’s in my boat… and if I don’t watch myself, soon she’ll be in my bed. Things are going surprisingly well between us… but I know myself, and I’m not this guy. I’m the guy you want for fantasy fulfillment, not the guy you want for forever.

But what if I need this time to be different?

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

BOOK REVIEW: Analee, In Real Life by Janelle Milanes

Analee, In Real Life

Author: Janelle Milanes

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: 18 September 2018

Book Description:

Ever since her mom died three years ago, Analee Echevarria has had trouble saying out loud the weird thoughts that sit in her head. With a best friend who hates her and a dad who’s marrying a yogi she can’t stand, Analee spends most of her time avoiding reality and role-playing as Kiri, the night elf hunter at the center of her favorite online game.

Through Kiri, Analee is able to express everything real-life Analee cannot: her bravery, her strength, her inner warrior. The one thing both Kiri and Analee can’t do, though, is work up the nerve to confess her romantic feelings for Kiri’s partner-in-crime, Xolkar—aka a teen boy named Harris whom Analee has never actually met in person.

So when high school heartthrob Seb Matias asks Analee to pose as his girlfriend in an attempt to make his ex jealous, Analee agrees. Sure, Seb seems kind of obnoxious, but Analee could use some practice connecting with people in real life. In fact, it’d maybe even help her with Harris.

But the more Seb tries to coax Analee out of her comfort zone, the more she starts to wonder if her anxious, invisible self is even ready for the real world. Can Analee figure it all out without losing herself in the process?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one, especially after the first book I read from the Riveted by Simon Teen free read selection did not go over well, but I must admit, I quite liked being entertained by Analee and her crazy antics.

Analee Echevarria is a sixteen year old trying to get control of her life that somewhat spiralled after her mother passed away a few years ago. Following that traumatic, life altering event, Ana lost her best friend, Lily, who, from Ana's perspective, just shut her out of her life after starting a relationship with one of the popular boys at their school, Colton. If that wasn't bad enough, her father decides to invite his girlfriend, Harlow, and her eight-year-old daughter, Avery, to live with them, making her feel out of place in her own home. To add insult to injury, after only eleven months of dating and six months of living together, Ana's father announces his engagement to Harlow. Thankfully, Ana has her friend, Harris, to vent out all her frustrations. It's also a bonus that she has deep feelings for Harris, who may also feel the same way about her. The only problem is that she's never met Harris in real life, so she has no idea what he looks like or if he'll like what he sees. To complicate her life further, when her lab partner and school heartthrob, See Matias, suggest that they pretend to date each other to make his ex jealous and so Ana can become best friends with Lily again, Ana jumps at the chance to get her life back on track. The more Ana hangs with Deb, the closer they become to being friends and possible more than friends, which leaves her feeling more confused than she has ever felt since her mother's death.

I enjoyed Ana's journey as she tried to figure out who she was and what she wanted from her life. I liked the fact that there was a lot of interacting and bonding between Ana and her family as I feel that is often neglected in many YA books, so it was a refreshing addition. The only thing about this that had me not jumping out of my seat is the subtlety of plot and character development (not to say there wasn't any development as there was) and the lack of a climactic moment to leave a lasting impression. I liked Ana as a character, especially the fact that she wasn't a whiny character (thank goodness), and I am glad that her problematic situation wasn't fully resolved as though life can be fixed by a magic pill, but I would have liked more of a drive from her in terms of taking charge of her situation and taking risks (not with Seb, I must clarify) to accentuate her growth a little more. At the end, she still felt like the girl who was thinking too much instead of self actualising her thoughts as we saw in the beginning. Still, I did notice some growth despite its subtle portrayal.

A good and simple story about a girl on.a journey of self discovery.

VERDICT:

Rating: 3 Star

Source: Riveted by Simon Teen

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Demon Huntress: Love Me To Hell And Back by Elizabeth Mason

Demon Huntress: Love Me To Hell And Back

Author: Elizabeth Mason

Publication Date: September 18th, 2021

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Book Description:

A search for a cure. A journey fraught with danger. A fateful bond.

Determined demon-hunter, Maeve, must risk everything to obtain The Book of Raziel—a font of spells, divine magic, and ethereal knowledge—to cure her work partner of a deadly supernatural virus. And though she isn’t surprised to discover that the book is in the Garden of Eden, she is surprised to learn that the garden is situated in Hell!

Now Maeve faces her biggest challenge: fighting her inner demons¬, or be lost to the wanderlust of Hell forever.

Broken and reclusive, Ezra Virunas has one goal—kill the demon who stole the Sacred Seals, and, in return, he would regain his freedom. Never mind that Ezra has to use Maeve’s soul as bait to close the case, Ezra knows just how deceitful women can be, and he is convinced Maeve is no different. But he is mistaken, and despite fighting against it, her pure heart soon becomes a light to his darkened past.

As Maeve and Ezra’s bond deepens, so too does the danger awaiting them. Will they emerge from Hell unscathed?

Love Me To Hell And Back is a haunting tale of self-reflection and forgiveness.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Ultraxenopia by M.A. Phipps

Ultraxenopia

(Project W.A.R., #1)

Author: M.A. Phipps

Publication Date: December 1st, 2020

Genre: YA Dystopian

Book Description:

Betrayed by Family. Tortured by the Enemy. Destined to Destroy the World.

Wynter Reeves lives by three rules: Don’t stand out. Blend in. Remain invisible. In a world where individuality is dangerous, being forgettable keeps her alive.

Until she begins showing signs of a rare disease, drawing the unwanted attention of the State’s sinister research facility, the DSD. Apprehended against her will for testing, Wynter becomes the subject of the mysterious Dr. Richter, who is determined to make sense of her condition.

However, Dr. Richter’s intentions are less than noble, and after months of horrifying experimentation, Wynter jumps at the chance to escape her captors. But freedom isn’t what she expected, and as her symptoms worsen, she must make a choice. One that will determine not only her future…

But the fate of the world.

Buy Links:

Amazon US | UK | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

BOOK REVIEW: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars

Author: E. Lockhart

Genre: YA Coming of Age / Contemporary
Publication Date: 13 May 2014

Book Description:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

Read it.
And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE.

"Thrilling, beautiful, and blisteringly smart, We Were Liars is utterly unforgettable." —John Green, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

 

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I've had this book on my TBR list for so long, I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it. It was definitely worth the wait. I love the cover. It's the first thing that caught my attention, and after reading the blurb, I had to add it to my TBR.

We Were Liars follows Cadence Sinclair ("Cady") as she explores the dynamics of love, friendship and family and always feeling as though she can't quite get a grasp on her reality or her life. Every summer, Cady and her mother vacate to her family's island where she spends her days with her two cousins, Mirren and Philip, and Gat, who is almost but not quite family. The four call themselves the liars and are inseparable. They trust each other and love each other dearly. Behind the beautiful paradise, however, lies a very deep-seated resentment and envy among the adult members of the family surrounding the family inheritance, which threatens to come between the Liars, until one eventful summer when everything changed, leaving Cady injured and at a loss. The problem, however, is that Cady can't remember the events that took place, and no one is willing to share after her mother warned them that the doctor wants Cady to remember the events at her own pace. With everyone walking on eggshells around her and keeping themselves at bay, Cady begins to feel ostracised. As the memories of that eventful summer day start to return, Cady realises exactly why the Liars and the rest of the family have kept their silence. The truth might do more damage, damage Cady may never be able to overcome.

This one was a slow burner for me. I wasn't convinced at first, but I found my mind always wandering back to it after reading and wondering about the characters and their interactions. Albeit I did figure out the big twist before the big reveal, which is usually a turn off for me, but it wasn't in this case. The writing style and the characterisation won me over. The subtlety of prejudice and pride that plays throughout the book brought a sense of authenticity to the story that added much depth to the characters so that even if you don't like a character or you're not too fond of their mannerism, you're still able to reflect on their actions and comprehend their intention, which helps to better understand their reasoning.

This story is emotionally driven, and I believe it's because of the narrative writing style that we're able to get lost in Cady's world and feel as disoriented as she felt. While we may not necessarily be able to relate to her situation, speaking for myself, we can at least appreciate the weight of the burden on her shoulders.

An enjoyable story with an ethical dilemma.

VERDICT:

Rating: 4 Star

Source: Prime Reading

Cover Reveal - The Unbroken by Destiny Hawkins

The Unbroken

(The Descendants, #3)

Author: Destiny Hawkins

Publication Date: April 2022

Genre: Adult Dark Fantasy / Dystopian / Science Fiction

Book Description:

Best-selling author Destiny Hawkins brings you the third installment of a gripping dark fantasy where a powerless girl must survive in a society that doesn’t accept the weak…or the defective.

About the Author

Destiny Hawkins is a multi-genre author with a dark imagination and a love for magic.

She enjoys cooking, running, swimming, listening to music, reading, and of course watching anime filled with fantasy! Her favorite genres to read and work in are Fantasy, LGBT, Paranormal, Romance, Dystopian, Sci-fi, and young adult. She’s been a writer since she was nine years old, with Caged being her very first novel, and she has more to come!! Much...much more.

Author Links:

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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