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Dueling with Snakes
Leila Wells had not had a great few years, but she knew exactly who to blame for the trouble, Bryan Foster. Now that she and her dark side, the Phoenix had decided his life must end, there was nothing anyone else could do to dissuade her. Fortunately, Lelia was surrounded by people with the same objective, others who had been hurt and beaten down and taunted by Foster, namely Dragunov, the Russian military agent who had saved her life two years ago and shared a similar dark side. As the world’s best fighters made their way toward Panordom for the Rulers of the Realms Fighting Tournament, Lelia, Dragunov, and their friends would have to use every tool in their power to remain focused if they want to fulfill their goal.
Dueling with Snakes, by Jessica Piro, is the third installment in the action-packed Phoenix trilogy. The book follows Lelia on her path to finally getting revenge for the pain and suffering she has suffered at the hands of Foster. Her support group is with her every step of the way, putting themselves at risk for the greater good. Lelia, the Phoenix, and Dragunov, the Dragon, make an imposing team as they enter the fighting tournament, with Lelia having a good deal of notoriety as the winner of the first one. This made for an exciting cast of characters that I enjoyed following.
Author Jessica Piro surrounds Lelia with a wide variety of characters representing a plethora of cultures and personalities, placing them all perfectly within the narrative of the book and crafting a complete world for them to exist in. Since this is the third book in the series, in order to fully enjoy the story I think it is best to read books one and two prior to reading this book. I feel that this book is deserving of five stars due to the groundwork laid in previous novels. Seeing the story and character arcs over the series gives you a much better appreciation for the things that happen in Dueling with Snakes. Since I have read both books, I know there is a lot of history to Lelia that was necessary to the plot, from how she ended up in Russia to her relationships with the other characters, to Foster’s involvement in her life and it made the story supremely enjoyable.
The author provides the reader with just the right amount of backstory without bogging down the pace of the book. The premise is well crafted and exciting, with Piro creating a significant buildup of tension that saw a release in all the right spots. I highly recommend this amazing series to those who enjoy a fast-paced and hard-hitting action.
Pages: 361 | ASIN: B0B2QJ2PR1
We Are Unleashed Into The World
Juliet was Wrong follows a high school graduate who is searching for herself before heading off to college; what she discovers could change the course of her well-planned life. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
The inspiration for this story is, quite frankly, many people’s experiences. When we graduate high school, we feel as though: this is it. Life is ready to begin. But, what about the past eighteen years? Did they not count? We are just looking for ourselves as teenagers, before we are unleashed into the world… worried about what we’ll be or where we’ll end up.
I pulled some of that from my own experiences. I think of the quote from the last chapter: how did becoming an adult happen?
And how do we make it stop? Because that’s how every single eighteen year old feels going out into the world. At thirty five, I still feel that way sometimes.
Katie goes through a challenging period of self-discovery in this novel. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Yes, absolutely. Although, Katie is who I wish I was in high school. So put-together and so self-aware. I was not that way at all! I imagined this girl who had her life so carefully planned… and then someone comes along and pulls her out of this bubble she’s created and forces her to experience things she has never experienced before. Someone to make her second guess everything she’s ever thought. And what better than a – quite average – eighteen year old boy? All four of those main characters are based on those I knew in high school – Josh is melded with my husband a bit.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Strong female relationships were very important to me writing this book. A teenage girl who had a normal relationship with her mother in a YA book? Say what? I feel as though the YA genre fixates on abnormal family relationships. But you can just tell Katie will grow up and her mother will be her best friend.
Katie & Sam are inseparable… there is this connection between them that sits under the surface that they will be there for each other literally no matter what. That was important to me to explore as well. Soulmates can exist amongst friendships.
And of course, the overall arching theme to always choose yourself. Always believe in yourself. You are good enough. No matter how many Joshua Parkers come into your life.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My name book is titled Same Time, Same Place and is due out April 4th, 2023! It is completely separate from Juliet was Wrong and is about a group of friends at summer camp throughout the years.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Yet in the past two months, her mother has picked her up from a hospital, she lied about where she was and one night, she didn’t even come home.
She blames him.
It is the day after high school graduation and Katie has one thing on her mind: getting the heck out of New Jersey. That is… until she meets him. Joshua Parker steps into view under the Ferris Wheel at the boardwalk and one look at him has Katie’s brain misfiring. The summer days fall into nights with Josh. Katie is soon discovering teenage experiences she’s been missing out on with her nose stuck in a book. The more time Katie spends with Josh, the more she begins to question everything she knows about love… and who she’s meant to be.
The path of Katie’s future has been perfectly paved since she was seven. But, she soon craves a new one: one with a boy she just met but cannot live without. The soon-to-be English major is standing at a crossroads, examining everything she’s learned about her beloved Shakespearean theatre. Do you ever get a second chance at true love? The events of that summer will decide.
You Find Out Who Your True Friends Are
The Covid Kid follows a young adult in his first year of college who has all his plans turned upside down with the emergence of COVID. What made you write a story about this topic?
The pandemic had such an overwhelming influence on us all. I simply could not ignore the impact on my upbeat protagonist, who always seems to come out okay in the end but never takes the straightforward path. Placing the most important person in his life at risk with COVID, under circumstances that might have been attributable to him, created suspense and concern for my readers.
Marshall’s plans for his first year of college change dramatically, and he has to adapt to many changes. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Boiled all the way down, it is a critical part of the maturation process from childhood to adult. Thankfully, most kids ease into adulthood without facing major trauma on the way, but they will have to deal with it at some point in their lives.
Marshall lived an admirable life with a sincere concern for others. I wanted to show that even the very best have problems, but his faith and perseverance won out in the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The pandemic was very serious business and should not be taken lightly, as it was by many young people. Marshall lost friends close to him and realized COVID must be dealt with seriously. Financial pressure can turn almost anyone to compromise their ideals and sworn allegiances, even a Hippocratic oath. When adversity rears its ugly head, you find out who your true friends really are.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next book in the Marshall Morris series is “The Battle of Sam Jacinto”. (Yes, “Sam”) Marshall aligns himself with a group of old vets who rally with slingshots and baseball bats at the planned destruction of a Vietnam era local hero statue for a shopping center. In the process he forgets the proliferation of slavery advocated by many of the monuments and impact on his girlfriend African American Mallory. The one after that with a working title of “Hugs and Drugs” is about half written. Hopefully out in time for Christmas.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The devastating loss of senior citizen war veteran buddies who survived combat bullets, but not this bug, leads him to become grimly serious about the pandemic, and he rails against young people who refuse to take precautions. His worst fears are realized when his precious mother is struck down by the dread disease, which he is certain he gave to her.
Though she worsens in an ICU he is unable to visit. He tries to keep busy working at a struggling real estate company. The owner, desperate for cash, becomes the middleman. in a bizarre international scheme to inject a bogus miracle cure into COVID patients at a local hospital. Marshall is shocked to learn the surely fatal drug will be given to his mother. He must get to her ICU before it is too late. The hospital’s COVID ward is a fortress. Can he get to her in time?
It Leaves The Reader Thinking
Deadly Attraction follows a woman who’s kidnapped by an emotionally hard man that slowly falls for her. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
This story actually came from a dream. The character development as far as Ace was my favorite part of the story. It leaves the reader thinking, nothing is ever as it seems and people can be so much more than what they were born into.
Reyna and Ace are intriguing and I enjoyed following their relationship. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
My mother would tell you, I put a lot of myself into Reyna’s character. I wanted that almost love at first sight aspect with their relationship, yet they approach with some caution. It does hit them hard and I personally have experienced a fast love like they experience in the book. It is all consuming and devastating when lost.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I really wanted them to have conflict in their emotions but not too much. Both never really believed in true love so it is nice to see them come together quick and realize this is what was missing in my life and I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep it. I wanted to show thought into why they were feeling the way they did but really not being able to explain it other than, it being kismet.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
My next novel will hopefully be the second book in the Legacy Series. But I do have others in the works as well. It will be a race to the finish to see which story speaks to me the most in the coming months. Information should be updated on my website soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Ace doesn’t do emotions. Brought up in a world of guns, violence, and bloodshed. He has seen every horror the world has to offer. Reyna is just another job to him…until she’s not.
Reyna says it’s kismet, but Ace doesn’t believe in fate. He must stop himself from falling for her, because he’s afraid that loving her will be the death of them both.
The Covid Kid: Another Marshall Morris Adventure
Robert John DeLuca’s The Covid Kid follows the misadventures of Marshall Morris, who we encounter as a high school student embarking on his first year at college. Having won an enviable football scholarship, Marshall expects his college experience to be full of sport and socializing — yet the encroaching presence of an unfamiliar virus threatens everything. As fear and tensions surrounding the virus continue to build, Marshall must decide what sacrifices he is willing to make for the good of his friends and the wider community. In the face of worldwide tragedy and conflicting opinions, the value of friendship is made clearer than ever before — something that the carefree Marshall must learn the hard way.
With its warm and humorous cast of teenagers, alongside ambitious antagonist Tommy Kinder, The Covid Kid encourages its readers to laugh ruefully at the hijinks and efforts of its characters — efforts which frequently backfire. There is a vein of tragedy that runs alongside this comic adventure, however — set during the rise of Covid-19, this story does well at balancing fun action with thoughtful commentary.
While I enjoyed the story, I felt that there were moments when we’re given a lot of exposition, and are told things about characters rather than shown. Otherwise, Marshall is a likable character that readers will enjoy following and the plot is compelling. The dialogue is straightforward and and delivers facts in a reporter-style of speech that serves an educational purpose, as characters’ fearful discussion of the impact of the virus marks a particular point in human history.
The Covid Kid successfully explores the effects of Covid-19 on society, particularly the younger generation. This is a compelling medical thriller that is as enlightening as it is entertaining.
Pages: 284 | ASIN: B09XWFMPR3
Deadly Attraction
Reyna and Lex head out on a romantic getaway to celebrate their anniversary when the unexpected happens. Their romantic getaway turns into a nightmare when Reyna is kidnapped. Luke tries everything to find his soon to-be wife. Held captive by a man named Ace, Reyna realizes that Ace, who doesn’t show any emotions or care for others, begins showing affection for her. Ace knows he cannot make a mistake and fall for Reyna or else that will be the death of them both.
Deadly Attraction, by Ashlee Lynn, is a thrilling romance novel that dramatically changes the fate of three people. This breathtaking shift is what kept me coming back to this story. The book sends these characters on an impassioned journey that weaves in and out of love and pain.
Reyna’s character first comes off as immature and oblivious, but I liked seeing her in different situations that challenged her, especially when it comes to Ace’s character. Ace is the tough guy who is soft on the inside and I liked watching his character grow as he began to have feelings for Reyna. His evolution as a character is an emotional aspect to the story that I really enjoyed. This attraction ups the stakes and puts both of their lives in danger, which adds tension and drama to the plot. The internal conflict that Reyna has about her relationship with Lex is intriguing and I wanted to know more. Especially since Lex is on a different page in their relationship and planning for their future together.
The plot alone makes this a romance novel that you cannot put down. The intimate scenes are an immersive experience that is filled with passion and excitement. The plot and characters take center stage in this story, so if you like character driven novels then this is a book you’ll devour. The writing reminded me of the Fear Street novels and the way in which those stories expertly use action and drama to keep readers engaged.
Deadly Attraction is a scintillating read that will appeal to readers who enjoy mystery and intrigue in their romance novels. Reading about the thrill of loving someone who you shouldn’t and fighting for it will make this book hard to put down.
Pages: 196 | ASIN: B0B33PTX8B
Paradise 69
When Scarlett De Santis and her friends planned an exciting trip as a celebration for finishing school, they didn’t know all they would have to go through. Scarlett, Vittoria, Adrianna and Giuliana are only eighteen, but they’re all looking for some reckless partying and to wildly enjoy themselves. They believe they are ready to experiment with their sexualities and can’t wait to meet new foreign men that will awaken their deepest fantasies. As they meet a bunch of mysterious rich and powerful men that are dying to hang out with them they can’t believe their luck, but soon they realize that not everything is as it seems.
This steamy romance novel grips readers from the start, as they wonder what it is that these girls are going to end up discovering on their trip. They are all chaotic, except perhaps Scarlett, who seems to be a bit more innocent. This characteristic will lead our main characters toward dangerous situations, as they desperately look forward to catching the gaze of hot men.
The location of the trip is the Tahiti Island. A paradise where any girl’s wild fantasies can materialize. However, the tone of the story soon becomes darker as more serious themes are dealt with such as sexual abuse and exploitation. The story takes some unexpected twists that were intriguing and kept me engaged.
The characters were charmed by everything going on around them and were not afraid to jump straight into risky situations, controlled at all times by lust and a deep wish to experiment with new things as they stepped into adulthood. The naivety of teen girls is illustrated throughout the entire story, bringing to light the always present predator that hides in the shadows awaiting his next victim.
While the characters are beguiling, I was left wanting to know more about their motivations. Some of the girls didn’t seem to make a distinction between what is harmless fun and what is abuse and exploitation. By the end, the line is blurred and the girls, possessed by lust, can’t wait for their new adventure. Will they fully enjoy their trip as their wildest fantasies come true, or will they have to come to terms with the harsh realities of the exploitative nature of things?
This is a thought-provoking novel with poignant themes and an alluring plot. The author plays with sexual fantasies and exploitation, forcing readers to wonder what happens when some things go too far. Paradise 69 by Ed Silva is a captivating novel that will quickly be devoured by romance readers looking for an intense and carnal story.
Pages: 289 | ASIN: B0B3S9R1NT
Innocence Derailed
Innocence Derailed, by Jane Catherine Rozek, is an inspirational book that turns the mundane events Kate experiences into a deep encounter each and every time. In today’s world, where everybody prefers the comfort and safety of one’s home, her story goes to show that there are people who opt to surround themselves with the outside world, specifically nature and all its beauty, and find out that there is a higher being within the smallest things one sees daily.
The author has written the book in a way that makes it feel personal even to its readers. The first pages makes the story seem like a romantic novel, but when the relationship ends, readers will see that there is more to this story than meets the eye. It motivates its audience to think about philosophical queries and reflect on their own answers. It also raises questions about rights, politics, and religion that are often silenced, not just during the 1970’s, but still today. Lastly and surprisingly, it also promotes the importance of taking breaks, may it be through the means of traveling, surrounding oneself with new people, or having a single day to yourself. You never know where your decisions will take you, and that is the fun of it all. In Kate’s case, her entire journey only brought her to a new one, only this time, she is now an enlightened woman; more prepared to take on what her next story holds.
Innocence Derailed is an emotionally-resonant coming of age novel that provides readers with a compelling exploration of a relatable and fascinating character. I would recommend this to young adults, because I personally share the struggle of not knowing where I am supposed to be in this age. The fact that the story is also based on true events will serve as a great inspiration for its readers, for it is a positive reminder that one’s path can progress with the will of God.
Pages: 315 | ASIN: B0B2D6KW88
