Tag: #BookReview

New Release – Nectar and Napalm by TS Woolard

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Nectar & Napalm: A Collection of Dark Poetry

by T.S. Woolard

T.S. Woolard took us on a rollercoaster ride with Sugar and Cyanide of both sweet and dark, twisted love. Prepare for a macabre fairytale of adoration you have never seen before as his love for death traipses through daisies and he tiptoes through the tulips with each pain staking written piece of art. Ink didn’t bleed from his pen, his soul did as he leaves drops of it on each and every page you turn. Dive into his heart and explore an ocean of madness and chaos as you suckle the sweet Nectar and then get burned by the Napalm.

Our Reviews – 

Betsy

Nectar and Napalm is the newest poetry collection by horror author and poet TS Woolard.  Where his previous collection, Sugar and Cyanide took readers through the twists and turns of love, loss and death, Nectar and Napalm scorches your soul and breaks your heart.  In a few words this poet can both devastate and illuminate.  

An expert storyteller, he weaves that into a series of poems entitled Dead Man Talking.  He takes the reader into the mind of a killer where you think you know how it will end but in his true fashion you are dead wrong.  This series is sprinkled throughout the book so you are waiting to find out where it ends up.

The poems in this collection show the depth and breadth of his writing.  The few line haikus in this collection bear the same gut punch as much longer poems.  Each one twisting the knife in your heart just a little further.  With each poem the reader can’t help but feel the pain written in the page.The poet takes you on a road trip though his soul, stopping along the way to show you the painful, the real, the passionate and the dark places.  Each poem takes you further into the intimate and stunning relationship he has with the darker side of life.  In this collection you learn his one true love is death and anyone else will have to settle for simply being his mistress.  

Be Free Book Review

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Blurb –

The Southern Tale Spinner is back with a cult unlike any other. Most who leave behind their lives and make a break for Green Bay Community in Green Bay, West Africa believed to be leaving behind a world riddled with ungodly temptations and sinful lusts. Upon committing to the sanctuary as a member, they swore off money, sex, and anything deemed unfit for members to participate in. They were fed and all had necessary jobs around the commune to make this little piece of paradise move through time in synchrony. Women were subservient to the men and were treated as such by all male members of the community. However, once you join, and no matter what you are told, you can never leave. Your freedom comes at a price and many are ready to make a deal with the devil. Join those at Green Bay Community to taste that luxury… and be free.

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

Be Free is a captivating and disturbing view inside a cult unlike others.  You are introduced to enigmatic Father Arthur.  He has set up an “alternative devotion lifestyle” colony in a small town named Green Bay in West Africa.  However, a cult by any other name is still a cult.  The followers of Father Arthur live in an abandoned asylum that they have refurbished.  They live a simple life, inside the bounds of their community.

Men and women have extremely different lives within the walls however.  Men are by far superior to their female counterparts.  The women inside this cult are treated like servants to the men inside the walls.  Relationships between the sexes were not just frowned upon but could lead to severe punishment.

The story moves at a quick pace however it doesn’t feel rushed.  I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next to the characters in this story.  There are a few scenes that were difficult to read, however in true T.S. Woolard fashion, they served to move the story into the direction the characters needed to go.  I would not really call this “horror” in a true sense.  T.S. Woolard writes a horror that has far more of an emotional impact, taking you by surprise and stabbing you in the heart.

If you’ve read other stories in the author’s world you see this is a different part of his universe.  You’ll want to see how it fits in.  Of course, there are little crumbs in the story that make the reader wonder where else this story could lead.  Another amazing tale by the Southern Tale Spinner.

 

 

Thug by Scott Hildreth Book Review

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Blurb:

Price McNealy was a modern-day outlaw. He thumbed his nose at society’s rules, regulations, and laws, not caring what anyone thought of him, or the actions he somehow justified.

If I made a list of why “not” to be with a man, he’d check all the boxes.

He was also confident, trustworthy, and loyal. When he wanted to make a point, he did so with a brash elegance that I wouldn’t expect to come from a self-proclaimed thug.

In short, Price McNealy was trouble.

Big trouble.

I had every reason in the world to refuse him service when he sauntered into my bar.

For a fleeting moment, I thought about it. The next thing I knew, I was bent over with my pants around my ankles.

My bar was packed at the time, but I simply couldn’t say no to him. When it came to denying Price’s desires, I was in trouble.

Big trouble.

NOTE: THUG is a stand-alone romance. It has no sex outside the relationship, no cheating, and no sexual triggers. It ends with an HEA, and is a romance novel in every sense. It does, however, include a sex scene (or two) in a public places. These scenes are consensual and tastefully depicted and steamy as hell. If sexual depictions are beyond your romance realm, read the free portion and see if this book is for you before purchase.

The hero in THUG is the president of an outlaw motorcycle club. The book loosely depicts the life of a motorcycle club but does not include non-consensual sex, club whores, sex outside the relationship, cheating, or lying.

Our Reviews –

Betsy

Thug by Scott Hildreth is the first book in his new Hard Eights MC series.  This book was a fitting start to what I hope is another amazing series.  This is the story of bar owner Gray and MC president Price.  Both of these characters have their own codes and putting them together leads to a great ride.  The way each pushed and poked at the other led to a fantastic dynamic.  Gray wasn’t a pushover and Price wasn’t a love-sick puppy. Instead these two seemed to bring out the best in each other.  The story was fast paced but never rushed, had laugh out loud moments and others that made a girl sigh.  All in all I loved this book!

Tito by Scott Hildreth

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Blurb –

The only man in my life I felt I could trust was my father.

A detective assigned to San Diego’s gang crime unit; his focus was outlaw motorcycle clubs.

His nemesis?

A gang of thieves who had wreaked havoc on the city’s financial institutions for nearly two decades.

As fate would have it, I was preparing for a one-night stand with a tough-looking biker. As long as my father didn’t find out, everything would be fine.

If he learned of my fling with the tattooed bad boy, I could certainly talk my way out of it. The odds of Taddeo ‘Tito” Silva being in my father’s crosshairs was impossible.

Or, so I thought.

TITO is book 6 of a 6-book series and can be read as a Stand-alone. It has no cheating, no sex outside the relationship, and has an HEA.

 

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

Tito by Scott Hildreth is the sixth and final book in the Devil’s Disciples series.  This book is a fitting end to an amazing series.  Each book brought the readers to the eventual end however there is no way that they saw this coming.  The love story between Tito and Reggie was perfection.  Their matched wits and intellect was refreshing. The chemistry was also off the charts. However, it was the total story that made this a home run for me.  While it tied up the series with a nice bow, we also got glimpses of some of the characters that readers know and love from the author’s other books.  I give this two very ecstatic thumbs up.

 

 

Burden of Guilt by Steven Evans

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Blurb – 

BURDEN OF GUILT

Some DECISIONS linger long past when they’re made
Some REGRETS haunt you ’til you’re covered in the grave
For each of us, GRIEF is personal and private
When consumed with GUILT, life is stale and quiet
Love may conquer all but, not when it’s muted by SHAME
Death is never easy but, it doesn’t end the PAIN
Those left behind try to live with the memories
Yet, some choices remain vivid reminders; no tears can ease

Some decisions, time can not heal
Some regrets, you must always feel
Life is a damning, draining road of mistakes
A BURDEN OF GUILT only leads to self hate.

 

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

The story of a man having to make the decision for a loved one that no one should ever have to make.  Even when you know what you think your loved one would want, the guilt and pain still persist.

The author’s true story of having to make the ultimate choice for his father.  Anyone who has suffered through this type of experience can identify with the author and the emotions contained in the pages of this story.  A truly heartbreaking read.

Meghann – 

I was very intrigued when I read the blurb on this book. It sounded deep and real. Sounded like it would shake me to my core. It did just that…. but in the best way. I don’t want to give too much in this because I think everyone needs to read and experience this journey Steven takes you on through his words, but it was very powerful. So well developed that it was like I was there with these amazing characters. I definitely recommend this read. Very enjoyable. Go check it out!

Misti –  

This is a true story about the journey the author goes on when he has to make the decision that all of us hope we never have to.

You will feel the emotions on every page of this book. The pain he went through mixed with his confusion, fear, anger, and then his guilt over everything. The author bared his soul in this book.

Be prepared when reading this book by having Kleenex at your disposal.

His Nasty Nerd (The Halloween Honeys) by Derek Masters

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Blurb – 

When I get into a little “trouble” at my marketing job, never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine getting placed into a classroom full of some of the hottest college girls teaching a creative writing class on female fantasies. Because of my playboy reputation, the university assigns me a teacher’s assistant hoping that my “troubles” don’t follow me into the classroom.

When Sydney Lynn walks into my class for the first time, all I can think about is making her every fantasy come true. Assigned as my TA, this quiet and awkward sorority girl has no idea how sexy and beautiful she really is. I have a few tricks up my sleeve and have every intention of helping her discover the wild side she never knew she had.

 

Our Reviews – 

Antonette – 

This was a fun and sexy read by author Derek Masters. He’s no amateur to writing a sexy story and this story was a great example of that.

Dylan was just what Sydney needed to break out of her shell. And though Dylan came across as a huge player at first, a softer, sweeter side was shown which made them a good fit for each other. 

I also enjoyed the twist at the end which made me want more of this story. Overall it was a great read and I recommend it to anyone looking for something quick, fun and sexy.

 

The Day I Stopped Falling for Jerks (Jerk Duet Book 1) by Max Monroe

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Blurb –

I’m Luciana Wright.
Everyone calls me Lucky, but when it comes to love, I’m anything but.

I have a long history of dating the wrong men.

You know the ones I’m talking about.
The beautiful, charming guys who are quite literally too good to be true.
The ones who are impulsive in love and prefer short flings over long-term relationships.

I’m talking about the jerks.

The guys who taste so good, but are so very bad.

After going through the most ridiculous breakup in the history of breakups, I thought I’d learned my lesson. I officially put myself into jerk rehab and committed to changing my ways.

But, let’s be real here, love is never that easy.

Especially when an arrogant, charming, he-devil of a sexy alpha man gets involved.

Aussie accent.
Tanned skin.
Muscular, surfer bod.
Gorgeous brown eyes.
And the kind of sexy smile that brings women to their knees.

Oh, did I mention that he’s also my best friend’s brother?

Yeah. This story, my story, it’s a real doozy you guys.

The day I stopped falling for jerks, I met Oliver Arsen—the biggest jerk of all.

 

Our Reviews – 

Antonette – 

Another amazing 5 STAR read from Max Monroe. It doesn’t surprise me, though.

Max Monroe have a way with words. They have the ability to snatch you up and suck you in to their stories and make you not want to leave. Ever!

This book had everything I love reading about. The characters, the witty banter, the humor…the reasons why this was a great read are endless.

And of course, as the saying goes, things happen when you least expect them to and that was exactly what happened to Lucky.

Straight out of another break up (in a long line of breakups) Lucky needs a break. BUT, Ollie happens. And you’re going to have to read how everything unfolds because I would be doing you a disservice if I spoiled all the awesomeness that is this story.

I highly recommend this story as I loved every second reading it. I can’t wait to see what else Max Monroe has brewing for us.

Big Stick: An Aces Hockey Novel by Kelly Jamieson

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Blurb –

A brooding hockey hunk learns to embrace life—and love—from a single mom who takes the world one puck at a time.

“Kelly Jamieson is my go-to author for hockey romance.”—USA Today bestselling author Jami Davenport

Big move . . . Jodie’s motto is “Don’t wait for the perfect moment—take the moment and make it perfect.” And that’s just what she decides to do when she moves to Chicago with her two-year-old daughter. Now all Jodie needs is a place to live, and her best friend’s boyfriend has just the answer.

Big stick . . . Nick Balachov has zero interest in socializing, partying, or flirting right now. It’s not that he doesn’t like women. He loves them. It’s just that hockey, casual hookups, and hanging out at home are enough for him these days. Now Nick has a big problem—because the woman living in his empty coach house is a major distraction.

Big deal? The more Nick tries to keep his distance, the more Jodie needs him—around the house, that is. First he helps with the snowstorm, then the power outage. Nick even finds himself trying to impress her little girl. What the hell is wrong with him? Jodie represents everything Nick doesn’t want. But maybe she’s just what he needs. . . .

Advance praise for Big Stick

“Oh, the feels! Big Stick is a sexy romance that will leave readers begging for the next in the series. Kelly Jamieson has me hooked.”—Tracy Goodwin, internationally bestselling author of Ice Hot: A New York Nighthawks Novel

“Kelly Jamieson’s characters fly off the page. I wouldn’t kick grumbly hockey-hottie Nick out of bed––even if he did pass out on accident. One-click Nick and Jodie. You won’t be disappointed.”—Tricia Lynne, author of Moonlight & Whiskey

Kelly Jamieson’s USA Today bestselling Aces Hockey series can be read together or separately:
MAJOR MISCONDUCT
OFF LIMITS
ICING
TOP SHELF
BACK CHECK
SLAP SHOT
PLAYING HURT
BIG STICK

Don’t miss any of Kelly’s alluring reads:
The Bayard Hockey series: SHUT OUT | CROSS CHECK
The Last Shot series: BODY SHOT | HOT SHOT | LONG SHOT
The standalone novel: DANCING IN THE RAIN

This ebook includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

 

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

Nick Balachov is a confirmed bachelor and solitary guy who isn’t looking for a wife, kids and an HEA.  Enter Jodie, a single mom with a two-year-old who recently relocated to Chicago to be closer to her best friend Kendra.  Low and behold Kendra is the girlfriend of Nick’s closest friend Max Hallsey.

While trying to get everything set up for their business Josie and her daughter Zyana are staying with Max and Kendra until she can find an affordable place.  Max has the brilliant idea that Jodie could move into Nick’s guest house.  Needless to say, a little madness ensues

While this is kind of an opposites-attract story, it is so much more than that.  You see so much more in Nick and Jodie that what is on the surface.  Seeing how Zyana worms her way into Nick’s heart is endearing.  However, it’s the responsibility of dating a woman with a child that may prove to be Nick and Jodie’s undoing.

All in all, I loved this book and can’t wait to see these three pop up in a future Aces hockey book.

**I reviewed an advance copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.**

 

Solo Circus​ by T.S. Woolard

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Blurb – 

From the Southern Tale Spinner, T.S. Woolard, comes 15 Creepy Tales of Horror and Dark Transgressive Fiction unlike anything you’ve ever lived through before. There are stories where clearly someone is stark raving mad—and before you’re through—it may well be you. Open the door and step into Woolard’s World—if you dare.—Dona Fox, award-winning author of “Taking Ink.”

 

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

Solo Circus is a collection of fifteen short stories that take the reader on a journey between past and present, real and extraordinary, hopeful and horrifying. From “The Savior” all the way through to “Ashley”, each story pulled me in even more than the last. The imagery in “The Savior” made me think, trying to decipher each element. In “Non-Compliant” I was almost imagining the story as one of my favorite television shows. “Before Hell” makes you wonder how two people brought up in the same home can turn out so differently. The final story in the collection, “Ashley”, was by far my favorite of the group. A story that shows the long-lasting effects of abuse made even more disturbing with the addition of creepy dolls. While it is horror it is the psychological aspects of the stories that are more disturbing than any gore contained in the pages. I can definitely see myself rereading and discovering elements I didn’t see the first time around.

The Grindhouse: Diablo Snuff 2 by Carver Pike

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Blurb – 

Tobias, who writes under the pen name T.K. Tantrum, has received a special gift from his assistant. He’s going to an author retreat where he will get the chance to sit and write at the desk of his fallen idol, Melvin Morose, a sick and demented horror writer who hanged himself in the very room in which Tobias will be working. The Grand Georgina, the venue for the retreat, was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, but this hotel is much more than a haunted historical relic. It has become a sick and twisted playground for an evil, demonic company called Diablo Snuff. If you read book 1, you know how horrific Diablo Snuff is. Just wait ’til you read this one.

 

Our Reviews – 

Betsy – 

A fantastic story that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. In The Grindhouse, we follow writer T.K. Tantrum, aka Tobias, to a retreat held in an old estate turned hotel that is ground zero for some of the most horrific crimes. As soon as Tobias steps over the threshold he’s taken into a madhouse of sorts. Throughout the story, the reader is taken on a journey where you wonder what is real and what is his imagination. Could all of those things be real or are you sucked into the folklore of the setting? It’s not until the explosive ending where you see where all the madness lies.

Misti – 

A consistently eerie tale all the way to it’s smashing end!!!!

Just like any other book from this author he hits the ground running. Then the creepy and spine tingling action sucks you in right from the start.

Without giving anything away Tobias is an author who’s been given the opportunity to go to an author retreat and write at the very desk his favorite author use to write at. However, from the moment he gets to the grounds that he’s suppose to stay at he starts seeing strange things. He also meets up with Angelica and let’s just say they have lots of “fun” together. The longer he’s at this retreat though the more he knows something is WRONG. He’s not sure what but as he’s snooping he knows that if he doesn’t him and Angelica out of here now they will never leave.

The description of things throughout this book will put chills all over. This author gave me a story that will definitely be remembered for awhile.

Who would think when you go to an author retreat that you’d get a new career???