Author Archives: authoranthonyavinablog

About authoranthonyavinablog

Anthony Avina, (Born March 1990), is an author, a journalist, and a blogger. Born in Southern California, he has battled through injuries, disabilities, moves back and forth across the country, and more, yet still maintains a creative voice that he hopes to use not only to entertain but to inspire hope in even the darkest situations. He writes short stories and novels in several genres, and is also a seasoned journalist for the online magazine, On Request Magazine, as well as the popular site TheGamer. Having grown up reading the books of Dean Koontz and Stephen King, they inspired him to write new and exciting stories that delved into the minds of richly developed characters. He constantly tries to write stories that have never been told before, and to paint a picture in your mind while you are reading the book, as if you could see every scene of the book as if it were a movie you were watching. His stories will get your imaginations working, and will also show that in spite of the most despairing and horrific situations, hope is never out of reach. He am always writing, and so there will never be a shortage of new stories for your reading pleasure. http://www.authoranthonyavinablog.com

The Diomedeia: Diomedes, the People of the Sea, and the Fall of the Hittite Empire by Gregory Michael Nixon Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Advertisements

The story of legendary hero Diomedes grows in this never before told story from author Gregory Michael Nixon, “The Diomedeia”. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

A historically-based novel with authentic, legendary, & fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama of the Bronze Age Collapse in the Hittite Empire between the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean seas. Diomedes, previously a hero of the Trojan War, and the polyglot Peoples of the Sea raid inland into the Hittite Empire during its final months. It is both a study of ancient mythic consciousness and an exciting adventure of love, character, destruction, desperate survival, and the lived mystery of pagan rituals. It was a time of such chaos, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were burnt, and the power of the gods was thrown into doubt, yet the ancient Great Goddess, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

Diomedes, though prominent in Homer’s Iliad — a warrior the equal of Hektor or Achilleus, a thinker as cunning as Odysseus and as wise as Nestor, and the only man who dared wound gods — has seldom, if ever, been the chief protagonist in literature. He is given his due within. His own wandering adventures and suffering after the destruction of Ilios are traced as far north as Kolkhis (Colchis) in the Black Sea, through involvement with the last Hittite royal family in Anatolia, and as far south as Alasiya (Cyprus) in the Mediterranean. He ascends the heights of glory but also must descend into the dark Underworld in the attempt to save the one he loves.

Watermelon

The Review

This was a compelling, gripping ancient historical fiction read. As a longtime enthusiast in regards to Ancient Greek mythology and history, it was so fascinating to see the unique balance the author found between the educational, historical facts and mannerisms from the people of that era, with the exploration of mythology and the impact that belief system had on the people and their culture back in that era, including the reintroduction of the Triple Goddess and her role in people’s lives.

To me, the grand scale of the adventure and the depth of character that was found in Diomedes as a character was so powerful to read. The way the author was able to create a modern-day Iliad while still finding the tone and heart of what made Homer’s work so profound in that era was amazing, as was the complex mindset and actions of Diomedes as a whole. The attention to detail on the actions and culture of that historical period allowed the reader to feel pleasantly lost in that time, crafting a narrative that felt real and engaging.

The Verdict

Legendary, captivating, and entertaining, author Gregory Michael Nixon’s “The Diomedeia” is a must-read historical fiction read. The twists and turns in the narrative, the grand scale of the journey of Diomedes as a whole, and the thought-provoking story will stay with readers long after the final page has turned. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

I have been writing all my life, beginning in our small town in Saskatchewan. Most my adult life was spent as university professor, so my publishing to this point had all been academic (but still accomplished). As an avocation, in my off hours I studied the Mycenaean era of Ancient Greece, as well as theories of myth & ritual and the mythic mind. Once I retired, I returned to a novelistic venture I had been dreaming of since reading Homer’s Iliad at 15 years old: bringing to life the further adventures of the hero, Diomedes. When at last I dedicated myself to novel writing two years ago, my dream was reinvigorated. However, my characters insisted on entering the Hittite Empire, probably because its capital, Hattusa, came down in flames only a few years after Troy (Ilios). I followed their wishes and brought Hittite royalty into my tale, including Suppiluliuma II, the last of the Great Kings. I immersed myself in Hittite studies, and finally this unusual book emerged — an historical fiction with a strong portrayal of mythic consciousness at the time of the Bronze Age collapse..

An Owl without a Name by Jenna Greene Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Advertisements

A young injured owl must discover the true nature of one’s identity in author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name”.

Watermelon

The Synopsis

The charming story of a young owl’s strange and disorienting journey to discover who he is and where he belongs.

When a young Great Horned Owl wakes up to find himself on the ground with a broken wing, he can’t figure out where he is, how he got there, or how to get back to the tree where he lives with his parents and older sister. Is this a test, to see if he is ready to leave the nest? Is he being punished for something? Before he knows what is happening, he is whisked away to a rescue centre, where he meets other owls who are also recovering from injuries before being released back into the wild. Lonely, confused, and very self-conscious of the fact that he doesn’t have a name, the young owl slowly adapts to his new surroundings. He makes friends, finds his courage, heals from his injury, and realizes that identity is about more than a name that is given to you. It’s about the character that you develop, especially when you face hard times. Heartwarming, whimsical, and inspirational, An Owl without a Name is an uplifting tale for young readers.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Review

This was a heartwarming and engaging children’s read. The author does a remarkable job of crafting a story that felt wholesome and educational, yet brought the warmth and emotional structure that was needed to draw young readers into the narrative perfectly. The focus on storytelling allowed the author to stoke the reader’s imagination as well, capturing the use of imagery and atmosphere perfectly to hone in on the overall theme.

Yet it was the theme and story that really brought this book to life. The author was able to really capture the essence of animal conservation, from how we as humans need to interact and respect wildlife, to the care and dedication that wildlife conservationists and veterinarians bring to the field. The balance the author found in this powerful theme with the development of this Owl protagonist struggling to find his own identity and what identity even means made this a profound reading experience.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Jenna Greene’s “An Owl without a Name” is a must-read children’s book. The well-drawn-out journey that this baby Owl goes on in their recovery and the exploration of themes of animal conservation, identity, and finding one’s place in the world away from the comforts of home made this a truly fantastic book to come back to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Jenna Greene is a YA/ Children’s writer. She is also a teacher … as well as a clumsy dancer, enthusiastic dragon boat paddler, and a semi-professional napper.

Blog Tour: You Can Do Magic by R.L. Merrill

You Can Do Magic - R.L. Merrill

R.L. Merrill has a new MM rock ‘n roll fantasy/paranormal romance (bi, gay) out in the Carnival of Mysteries shared universe: You Can Do Magic. This is also book three in Merrill’s Summer of Hush series. And there’s a giveaway.

From the author of Foreword Indies Finalist Summer of Hush and BookLife Prize Quarterfinalist Brains and Brawn comes a new installment in the series, a contemporary gay romance with a side of time travel and magic.

Musical prodigy Kallos Alexandrou has played his calliope for countless visitors at Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, but his one-year residency has come to an end. Scars from a terrible tragedy in his past are the only explanation he has for his loss of speech and memory, but it’s time to move on, so when a music festival sets up next to the carnival, Mr. Ame sends him off with identification, a bottomless billfold, and a set of new clothes. Outside the carnival’s perimeter, Kal finds himself in an unfamiliar world surrounded by strange instruments and vibrant people like nothing he’s ever seen.

Ryan Wells is the troubled and celebrated lead singer of the metal band Backdrop Silhouette. He’s brought more than his share of baggage on the last cross-country Warped Tour, including harsh restrictions placed on him by his parole officer and the band’s label, but it’s the treatment from his bandmates that have him feeling unsettled. After a tough morning, he spots a strange young man playing carnival music on a keyboard backstage, and the sound takes him back to a particularly vulnerable time in his youth. Intrigued, Ryan asks the young man’s name, but he flees only to appear later as a replacement stagehand for the tour.

An invitation from the band Hush to ride on their bus gives Ryan and Kal a welcome distraction. They find the camaraderie and support they’ve both been craving…as well as a little magic and a fresh new romance. But the music business makes personal relationships difficult to maintain, and when the tour ends, Ryan and Kal will have to make a choice: move forward together on an uncertain path, or let fear keep them from trusting that sometimes you really can have everything you desire.

You Can Do Magic is part of the multi-author Carnival of Mysteries Series. Each book stands alone, but each one includes at least one visit to Errante Ame’s Carnival of Mysteries, a magical, multiverse traveling show full of unusual acts, games, and rides. The Carnival changes to suit the world it’s on, so each visit is unique and special. This book contains a Depression-era calliaphone, a Ouija board with a purpose, and tour bus hijinks that will warm your heart and make you gigglesnort. Reading Summer of Hush and Brains and Brawn before this book will give you the full Warped Tour experience, but You Can Do Magic can be read as a standalone as well as the other books in the shared universe. Recommended 18+.

Warnings: Mention of prior sexual abuse, off-page, no descriptions

About the Series

Welcome, everyone, to the Carnival of Mysteries! In this shared element multiverse, we invite you to partake of an array of stories by an eclectic group of authors. You’ll find action, intrigue, mystery, danger, sweetness, and sorrow, but, above all, true love! So grab your ticket, indulge in some treats, experience a few thrills, maybe have your fortune read… there is something for everyone at the Carnival!

Get It On Amazon


Giveaway

R.L. is giving away a $30 Spotify gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47298/?


Excerpt

You Can Do Magic meme - R.L. Merrill

Chapter One
Kal

A new day breaks
Under the blue skies above
A new crowd waits
All they need is a little shove
The Carnival is here
With mysteries galore
To satisfy your cravings
To leave you wanting more
We’re here today, gone the next,
Taking along our magic and song.
Come inside, take a peek
Surprises like these won’t wait long
Here we have the fantastical calliope,
come dance with our talented Kal
His music will delight and seduce you
With the power of the siren’s call
So step right up, and don’t be shy
For his time is coming to a close
Come shimmy and shake with this talented guy
And celebrate the last of his shows…

I’d memorized the ringmaster’s introduction, though it was more sensational than I deserved. And last night’s version had a new ending, one I’d been expecting, but hearing it brought a sliver of anxiety to my bones.

The instrument I played was actually a calliaphone—a more efficient and portable version of the forced-air organ—and I’d built it myself, that much I knew. It was my voice. It spoke all I knew to say, my own words lacking. I possessed the ability to speak, but I’d mostly forgotten how, therefore I preferred to let my music speak for me. I played for the crowds. I smiled for them, but I was transparent to the onlooker.

One year had passed in this way, one year of my life, and I had nothing of my own. No friends to help, no family to love, and no safe place to lay my head away from the carnival. What would I do, where would I go, and would someone see me for me?

The boss, Mr. Ame, told me soon it would be time to move on to the next phase. I’d no clue what that meant other than I would no longer travel with the carnival. There was nothing to pack, nothing to carry, only the clothes—and the scars—I wore on my body. I would miss my calliaphone and the crowds, but I knew it was time. My stay had been healing, educational. My time taught me plenty. The carnival would go on without me and my music, on to the next place to entertain…and seduce the locals. They’d fall under the spell of my fellow travelers. Some might even be chosen to come along.

I remembered little from my time before I, too, had joined the carnival. Humiliation and regret reverberated within the structures of my cells, but I didn’t recall more than that, much less the reason for the debt that forced me into servitude. The boss took me away from the darkness, and promised to set me free one day. But what was free, what would it mean, who would I be? A musician, a man, alone? I’d forgotten my past. I’d learned all I could in this place. Would I survive what lay ahead?

I took my questions to the man in charge, the one they call Errante Ame, and he confirmed that my time with the carnival was at an end.

“My dear, Kallos,” the boss said to me. “The world has done you wrong, not the other way around. You have been a part of something important here, and we shall never forget the joy your music has brought to our clan and our guests. But now it is time for you to move on, as all in the crew must do.

It is your choice where you’ll go once you leave the perimeter, what you will do with the time you have left.

“You have been invisible to our guests for so long, adored for your playing, of course, but who you are remains unseen, unspoken. A blank canvas, a puzzle. Only you can solve the riddle of your life. The time is near when you will set out on your greatest adventure, the journey to find your purpose. Being reborn can be frightening. You will have questions, but the answers you seek can be found within yourself. All you must do is follow your instincts, and your heart’s desire. Do what you feel is right and true. Be good to yourself and your fellow creatures, and walk the path of least harm.

“When the next sun rises, you will step outside the bounds of the carnival. You will have all that you need to begin anew. By the following sunrise, our carnival will have moved on. A traveling music festival will share these grounds with us tomorrow. Perhaps you can start there.”

I knew down deep in my bones that he was correct, that something momentous was about to occur.


Author Bio

R.L. Merrill

Whether she’s writing swoon-worthy contemporary romance featuring quirky, queer, and relatable characters or diving deep into the supernatural to give readers a shiver, R.L. Merrill loves creating compelling stories that will stay with readers long after closing the book. Ro writes inclusive romance for the Happily Ever After collective, contributes paranormal hilarity to Robyn Peterman’s Magic and Mayhem Universe, and pens horror-inspired tales and music reviews for HorrorAddicts.net. A mom, wife, daughter, and former educator, you can find her rocking out in her Bronco with Great Dane pup Velma, being terrorized by feline twins Dracula and Frankenstein, or headbanging at a rock show near her home in the San Francisco Bay Area! Stay Tuned for more…

Author Website: https://www.rlmerrillauthor.com

Author Facebook (Personal): https://www.facebook.com/rochellerlmerrill/

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/rlmerrillauthor

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlmerrillauthor

Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9828914.R_L_Merrill

Author QueeRomance Ink: https://www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/r-l-merrill/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/R.L.-Merrill/author/B00PI6Q1LI

Other Worlds Ink logo

Advertisements

Why I Love Ryan Wells…

Greetings and thanks for stopping by the blog tour for You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries. My story features a troubled rock star who meets a mysterious musical prodigy on the last cross-country Warped Tour. It’s a contemporary romance with a little magic and woo woo, which I think is becoming my brand! I’ve written both contemporary and paranormal stories, but several of my recent books have blurred that line a little more than usual. While I love vampires and shifters immensely, I’m also fascinated by the everyday magic that occurs when ordinary folks meet the extraordinary. When people are faced with the unexplained phenomenon such as spiritual intervention or the manifesting of the things in life you desire, that’s the magic I love to explore. 

Enter Ryan Wells, lead singer of metalcore band Backdrop Silhouette. Ryan is a conglomeration of several different real-life musicians I enjoy listening to and reading about. He’s the embodiment of sexuality, so naughty he can’t help himself. Never intentionally hateful, but never the best decision-maker, Ryan struggled through a childhood of neglect and abuse to become a star, only to plummet to earth after a series of bad decisions land him in prison. He’s out on parole and trying to make things better by following his 12-step program, going to therapy, and making amends to those he’s hurt. Through all of this, he’s taken responsibility for his misdeeds and is attempting to live a life in service to the people he cares about. But doing the right thing isn’t always met with acceptance, and Ryan is tired and on the verge of hopelessness when he meets carnival musician Kallos Alexandrou. Whose got secrets. Big ones. 

Ryan first appeared in my book Summer of Hush where he is a sort of playful rival of Silas Franklin, the lead singer of metalcore band Hush. The two have a mutual respect for each other, but Ryan tends to keep to himself. We soon learn that Ryan and the former guitarist for Hush—Gavin West, who committed suicide two years prior to the start of the books—became close friends and even wrote an album together after Ryan got out of prison, however Ryan’s label put the kibosh on their plans to produce it together. Ryan grieves with his acquaintances in Hush, and throughout the two books, he appears at times to commiserate with the members of Hush. I loved him from the start in all of his black-leather-wearing, ass-shaking, crotch-grabbing, sex-on-a-stick persona. This collaboration with the authors in the Carnival of Mysteries shared world was the perfect opportunity for me to give him his own book and show a bit more about his connection to Hush as well as to bring those characters back for more tour bus hijinks and backstage tomfoolery. 

Here’s a little bit from Ryan’s POV:

I stood in the bathroom of my band’s tour bus applying the day’s sunscreen, foundation, and eyeliner while I listened to the new guy bitch.

Getting ready for a performance, putting on makeup, was a ritual that helped me focus. I liked to get a little creative with the corners of my eyes and tops of my cheekbones, but I wasn’t good at makeup like Brains from Hush, or Chris Motionless from Motionless in White. I was more old school, like Scott Weiland maybe. He’d been one of my role models growing up. Same with Chester Bennington, Chris Cornell, Layne Staley. Notice anything those guys had in common? 

Yeah, me too. 

Every day I woke up was a gift. I had to remember that, especially when I was trapped on a tour bus with my closest friends and biggest detractors. Those two characterizations fit all the members of my band at one point or another. Over the course of a day they’d love or hate me within minutes. This was our fifth Warped Tour, and though I was sad it was going to be the last one, I was also ready for a break from touring. We’d only been on the road together about six weeks at this point, but that was enough. 

They were all on my last nerve, and I wasn’t their favorite person either. 

That should all be par for the course in a rock band, but we had some extra baggage thrown in there, namely my prison term, my parole requirements, oh, and my sobriety. 

I guess it was fair to say I was the baggage in this scenario. 

Someone pounded much louder than was called for on the bathroom door. “You almost done in there?”

I opened the door to find TJ, one of the two newest members of Backdrop Silhouette. When I got locked up, our previous rhythm guitarist and bass player quit the band. They weren’t original members either. 

Burke, Parker, and I founded the band seven years ago and were used to each other’s quirks. We didn’t have a lot of tolerance for assholes, and yet we kept ending up with them on the payroll. After my little “fuck up,” I guess I’d become one of them myself. Parker and Burke hadn’t come out and said it, but there was a deep, dark crevice between us that hadn’t existed previously. They’d tried to have me fired, but the label assured them they could hang up their instruments if they chose to do so. My face, my ass, my sparkling personality, my stage antics, and my voice were our moneymakers. Probably those five traits could be a band on their own. 

That thought had me chuckling to the point that I forgot TJ wanted something.

“What’s so fucking funny?”

TJ was four years younger than me, and damn he had a chip on his shoulder bigger than he had any right to have. I don’t think he’d always hated me this much, but lately he looked as if he wanted to throat punch me every other minute. For that reason, I delighted in fucking with him.

“Your face. Oh, come on. What did you think I was going to say?” I pushed past him, being sure to knock him off his unplanted feet. Dude should have been on his toes. I was always on mine. Prison will do that to you.

He stumbled over his words, scoffed, and told me to fuck off before slamming the door. 

“You’re going to pay for that when it breaks,” I said in my sing-songiest voice. 

“Do you have to start with him every morning?” Parker sat at the booth in the kitchen drinking coffee with Burke. My other big fan, Oscar, was out jogging. He ran every morning, which I admired. Fitness was important in this life we led, a fact some of the guys could stand to get on board with. I had my own routine that I’d done every day for the past three years save two days: the first full day I had out of Soledad, and the day my best friend died. 

I hope you fall in love with Ryan as much as I have. I spent 27 years of my life as an educator, most of which working with kids in alternative education programs, and I have a soft spot for the ones who work hard to make that second chance count for something. It’s for them that I wrote this book. 

Thanks for checking out You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries. I hope you enjoy! For more fun, check out the other stops on the blog tour and pick up the books in my adjacent series, Summer of Hush and Brains and Brawn, both in KU for a limited time. And Stay Tuned for More…

The Wise One (The Scottish Scrolls Book 1) K.T. Anglehart Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Advertisements

A young woman discovers her hidden ancestry and connection to powerful magic that could lead her to her destiny…or lead her to darkness in author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One”, the first book in The Scottish Scrolls series! 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

Mckenna’s never thought much of her nightmares, but on her seventeenth birthday, a vivid dream of burning at the stake awakens her dormant abilities, thrusting her into a world where faeries are real, spirits hold a grudge, and a High Priestess obsessed with a 16th-century prophecy is tracking her every move.

Now, her overprotective dads, Seán and Andre, are forced to tell her the truth—they know who her birth mother is, and her life is not the surrogate story she’s always been told. Abigail, Mckenna’s mom, is some sort of mystic, and Mckenna a Wise One.

Whatever the hell that means.

With the help of a persistent little wren and company of a newfound friend, Mckenna journeys to Ireland in search of her mother and real answers. Along the way, she learns to harness her innate magic and trust her intuition, as best she can anyway—Cillian, a kind and passionate delegate who crosses her path, is proving much harder to read.

Only her mother could truly help her halt her ill fate and prepare her for what’s to come . . . before she gives in to the darkness she knows is buried deep within.

Author K.T. Anglehart expertly weaves a story set in Ireland that is both timeless and unique, a perfect cross-market read for those searching for the next endearing urban fantasy classic.

Watermelon

The Review

This was a highly creative, inventive, and engaging new urban fantasy novel. The way the author is able to blend the Celtic mythos with modern-day New Age environmentalism was fascinating to see come to life on the page, as was the balance of teen angst with the emotional hardship that comes with a child learning their origins and the discovery of a parent they never knew existed. The imagery that the author’s writing style brought to life in this book allowed the Ireland setting to really thrive and flourish on the page, bringing the reader to this beautiful country.

The amazing character development with the thrilling magical storytelling really made this story thrive and develop naturally. The use of Celtic mythology that brought everything from fairies and spirits to magic wielders and ancient prophecies to life was an inspired choice and allowed the author to build a strong backstory to elevate the character development of the protagonist, as well as her fathers and the companions she brings along with way. 

The Verdict

Memorable, adrenaline-fueled, and entertaining, author K.T. Anglehart’s “The Wise One” is a must-read urban fantasy read and a great start to the “Scottish Scrolls” series! The twists and turns that this story takes, the unique setting (90s era Ireland), as well as the strong character development, allowed the magical and supernatural elements of the story to shine brightly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Katrina Tortorici Anglehart is an award-winning author from Montreal, with a multilingual prowess in English, French, Italian, and “Spanglish”. A dedicated academic, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a graduate certificate in Scriptwriting, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.

Inspired by the wizarding world, the land of Narnia, and parallel planes, she penned The Wise One, inviting readers to connect with nature and its ever-present magic. Her exploration of the landscapes and folklore of Ireland and Scotland greatly influenced her debut YA urban fantasy, marking the inception of The Scottish Scrolls series.

K.T. Anglehart is a passionate advocate for bunnies, thanks to her late Netherland Dwarf, Magic—the inspiration behind her imprint, The Magic Dwarf Press. When she’s not writing or diving into magical reads, she revels in hiking, antiquing, and Netflix binges alongside her high school-sweetheart-turned-husband, Andy. They currently live in Toronto with their three pets: Nessie, a mysterious rescue dog from Puerto Rico, and their whimsical bunnies, Onyx and Stirling.

Paw Prints on the Couch by Kim Lengling Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Advertisements

Author Kim Lengling shares stories of heart and heartache as she touches upon the impact pets have on our lives in the book “Paw Prints on the Couch”.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

Paw Prints on the Couch highlights the importance of our furry companions and the impact they have on our lives. The joy and yes, the heartache we experience when we have to say goodbye. Nonetheless, we celebrate the moments shared with our pets and the memories that will always be with us. What would our world be without our furry friends?

The stories acknowledge the joy that comes with opening your heart and home to a furry companion and is a testament to the eternal bond between humans and our animal companions.

With tales of loyalty, bravery, and above all, unconditional love, this book is a reminder of the powerful impact pets have on our lives. So grab a blanket, curl up with your own furry friend, and let the charming stories within “Paw Prints on the Couch” touch your heart and soul.

Matcha Green Tea by Purlisse

The Review

As a pet parent myself, I instantly identified with the author’s collection of stories from some pet parents who felt that same emotional connection to their pets as I do to mine. The honesty and depth of each story were greatly reflected in the author’s writing style, allowing these memories and experiences to come to life in a unique way. 

The emotional core of this story rests in the shared memories they have with their animals. I know better than most the pain and devastating feeling that losing a beloved pet can have on you, and the author was able to dive into that element of being a pet parent with grace and heart that allowed the reader to feel those emotions as well. The author was able to find their voice in these stories as well, allowing the subject of each story to have their moment in the sun while also bringing her own heart and experiences to the stories.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Kim Lengling’s “Paw Prints on the Couch” is a must-read nonfiction book on pet care and pet parenting. The passion and emotion with which the author brought these stories to life and the balance of heartbreak and heartfelt storytelling made this a compelling read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

As a multi-published author, Kim shares her love of nature, animals, living with PTSD, and her mission of tossing Nuggets of Hope into the world through writing and her podcast, Let Fear Bounce.

She is the lead author and coordinator of a collaborative 3-book series titled When Grace Found Me and two stand-alone anthologies, When Hope Found Me (released November 2022) and Paw Prints on the Couch (released August 2023.)

In addition to writing, she hosts the podcast Let Fear Bounce, spotlighting people who make a positive difference in the world, whether by writing, film production, philanthropy, teaching, founding non-profits, and more.

You can regularly find Kim drinking copious amounts of coffee and taking long walks with her dog.

Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure by Gretchen McCullough Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Advertisements

A professor and environmental activist accused of cybercrime must make his way to a safe haven, encountering unusual characters and situations along the way in author Gretchen McCullough’s “Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure”.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

Confessions of a Knight Errant is a comedic, picaresque novel in the tradition of Don Quixote with a flamboyant cast of characters. Dr. Gary Watson is the picaro, a radical environmentalist and wannabe novelist who has been accused of masterminding a computer hack that wiped out the files of a major publishing company. His Sancho Panza is Kharalombos, a fat, gluttonous Greek dancing teacher, who is wanted by the secret police for cavorting with the daughter of the Big Man of Egypt. Self-preservation necessitates a hurried journey to the refuge of a girls’ camp in rural Texas. Then a body turns up nearby that is connected to Middle East antiquities, and they are on the run once more.

Watermelon

The Review

This was a compelling and humorous genre fiction tale. The author did an amazing job of crafting a narrative that felt both original and literary genius at the same time, capturing the tone and thought-provoking narrative style that made the infamous Don Quixote so infamous. The imagery in the writing itself really brought these settings to life, showcasing the vast settings that these characters walked through in their adventures.

Yet it was the balance of character development and an almost episodic format to the novel overall that made this story shine so brightly. Each chapter and section took on an almost individualistic approach as if the story was a television show playing out across 24 episodes. The way the author was able to create these unique and original characters in the narrative while still giving the protagonist and his companion enough time on the page to fully develop made this a fantastic narrative to get lost in.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, memorable, and compelling, author Gretchen McCullough’s “Confessions of a Knight Errant: Drifters, Thieves, and Ali Baba’s Treasure” is a must-read genre fiction and humor novel. The twists and turns in the protagonist’s journey and the rich cast of characters will have readers eagerly devouring this book for years to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Gretchen McCullough was raised in Harlingen Texas. After graduating from Brown University in 1984, she taught in Egypt, Turkey and Japan. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama and was awarded a teaching Fulbright to Syria from 1997-1999. Her stories, essays and reviews have appeared in The Barcelona Review, Archipelago, National Public Radio, Story South, Guernica, The Common, The Millions, and the LA Review of Books. Translations in English and Arabic have been published in: Nizwa, Banipal, Brooklyn Rail in Translation, World Literature Today and Washington Square Review with Mohamed Metwalli. Her bi-lingual book of short stories in English and Arabic, Three Stories From Cairo, translated with Mohamed Metwalli was published in July 2011 by AFAQ Publishing House, Cairo. A collection of short stories about expatriate life in Cairo, Shahrazad’s Tooth, was also published by AFAQ in 2013. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Rhetoric and Composition at the American University in Cairo. 

Her website: www.gretchenmccullough.wix.com/gretchenmccullough

Blog Tour: The Magic Users of Greenford by Lisa Oliver + Exclusive Excerpt

The Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy - Lisa Oliver

Lisa Oliver has a new MM paranormal romance trilogy out: The Magic Users of Greenford. And there’s a giveaway.

Lucifer Fireborn is a high magic user with a taste for the high life. He spends his days, along with his anchor brother Darwin, chasing the rogue magic users who don’t follow the rules all magic users live by. When his brother claims his own fated mate, and can’t anchor for Lucifer anymore, Lucifer has to find someone else to anchor for him, or risk setting everything and everyone around him on fire. But there’s a problem… Lucifer really doesn’t want anyone drooling over him, because that’s what people do.

Stefan de Marco is homeless again. Ranking as one of the highest scoring anchors in the country doesn’t count for anything when a man leaves his employ just so he can keep his pants on. It’s not the first time he’s been in that situation, and with his familiar Garrick, Stefan gets by. He was raised in the Trades Sector and he knows the value of hard work. When his path crosses with a desperate Lucifer, sparks fly, but not the ones Lucifer was hoping for.

Underneath it all is the insidious Brethren who believe high magic users should be able to use their magic without the grounding effects of an anchor. They seek to enslave or kill anchors in their bid to gain attention. Lucifer and Stefan have to find a way to work together to bring down the organization, but it’s not an easy thing to do when the two men come from different sides of the track.

The Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy should be read in order. It follows the one couple, Lucifer and Stefan, as they learn to manage their magic, and their love for each other in the face of adversity.

Warnings: Some violence.

Get Them on Amazon


Giveaway

Lisa is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card with this tour:

a Rafflecopter giveawayhttps://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b60e8d47299/?


Excerpt

The Magic Users of Greenford meme - Lisa Oliver

“Why would I be angry with you?” Stefan was looking steadfastly out of the passenger window. They were on their way to the airport, as planned. It was just their destination that had changed.

“You have to admit the situation with Foster was unusual. His anchor, Ethan was never found.”

“I doubt anyone ever looked for him. Ethan was just an anchor after all.” Stefan sniffed. “As for Foster, we got told, once we dropped him off at the facility Monty recommended, that the hexing case was under New York’s jurisdiction and therefore not our concern.”

“You weren’t curious about where his new anchor Helen got the hex?” Lucifer checked the traffic, and then risked a quick look at Stefan. Who still wasn’t looking at him. Catching Creed’s glance in the rear-view mirror, Lucifer got the impression the dog was judging him, too.

“I might have been, under different circumstances.”

Yep, Stefan was still angry.

“I mean, if my mate was still working as a Wielder of the Magic Sword, which was his occupation when I met him, and Foster’s case came across our desk as an authorized case, I would’ve jumped right on it with you. But, no, my mate told his boss, Ben, in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t be doing that job anymore. I believe you told him that after our holiday, we were going to work at the Anchor Division.”

Stefan had an amazing memory. “Yes, I did say that.” Lucifer flicked on his indicator and took the turning for the airport. “But this case isn’t being investigated by the Council.”

“No. No, it’s not.” Stefan turned to face him then, and even out of the corner of his eye, Lucifer could see the hurt and anger on his face. “You’ve taken a case, on our behalf, from the one group of people who want to see people like me either subjugated, or completely wiped off the face of the earth.”

“If this is about the holiday…”

“What holiday?” Stefan didn’t have to raise his voice. He could snap out a sentence and make Lucifer feel as though he’d been whipped. “Are you talking about the holiday that you promised me nothing would get in the way of? That holiday?”

“I’m sure this won’t take long…”

“What the hell difference does it make how long this case takes? I’m not some spoiled society brat you have to appease with holidays and gifts. I’m from the Trades sector. I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“Then what…?”

“You really don’t get it. I can’t believe it, but you honestly don’t get it. Fine. Seeing as you clearly left your brain in your suitcase, I can tell you there are two things I’m upset about.” Stefan never used strong language, or interrupted Lucifer for any reason. But he was on a roll. “One. There’s the fact you didn’t consult me at all before you took the case. You reverted to Lucifer the arrogant ass, and made decisions for both of us, never once considering my feelings on the matter.

“And secondly, and by far the most important to my mind, did you miss the part when I said you’ve been employed by people who want to see me dead? Did you hear what they said about Technic? Council propaganda? Bad press? Excuse me? And that’s without the derogatory tones they used when they referred to me. How could you?”


Author Bio

AUTHOR LOGO - The Magic Users of Greenford - Lisa Oliver

Lisa Oliver lives in the wilds of New Zealand, although her beautiful dogs Hades and Zeus are now living somewhere else far more remote than she is. Reports indicate they truly enjoy chasing possums although they still can’t catch them.

In the meantime, Lisa is living a lot closer to all her adult kids and grandchildren which means she gets a lot more visitors. However, it doesn’t look like she’s ever going to stop writing – with over one hundred paranormal MM (and MMM) titles to her name so far, she shows no signs of slowing down.

When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate… and occasionally crackers. She has also started working out, because of the chocolate and the crackers.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers (I really do, lol). You can catch up with her on any of the social media links below.

Author Website: http://www.paranormalgayromance.com

Author Facebook (Personal): http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor

Author Facebook (Author Page): https://www.facebook.com/LisaOliverManloveAuthor/

Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa_oliver_author/

Author Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lisa-Oliver/author/B004WH4ZEE

Other Worlds Ink logo 

Advertisements

Exclusive Excerpt

Hello and thank you so much to Author Anthony Avina and your wonderful blog readers, for letting me share an exclusive excerpt with you today from my Magic Users of Greenford Trilogy. This excerpt is from book three in the trilogy – Validate – and Lucifer has put his foot in it again. I do hope you enjoy it. 

“You’re angry with me, aren’t you?” The question was a conversation opener and nothing more. Lucifer didn’t need to be a rocket scientist, or use his powers as a high magic user to realize his mate was furious. His mate’s anger throbbed through their bond like a boil on the point of exploding.

“Why would I be angry with you?” Stefan was looking steadfastly out of the passenger window. They were on their way to the airport, as planned. It was just their destination that had changed. 

“You have to admit the situation with Foster was unusual. His anchor, Ethan was never found.” 

“I doubt anyone ever looked for him. Ethan was just an anchor after all.” Stefan sniffed. “As for Foster, we got told, once we dropped him off at the facility Monty recommended, that the hexing case was under New York’s jurisdiction and therefore not our concern.”

“You weren’t curious about where his new anchor Helen got the hex?” Lucifer checked the traffic, and then risked a quick look at Stefan. Who still wasn’t looking at him. Catching Creed’s glance in the rear-view mirror, Lucifer got the impression the dog was judging him, too. 

“I might have been, under different circumstances.” 

Yep, Stefan was still angry. 

“I mean, if my mate was still working as a Wielder of the Magic Sword, which was his occupation when I met him, and Foster’s case came across our desk as an authorized case, I would’ve jumped right on it with you. But, no, my mate told his boss, Ben, in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t be doing that job anymore. I believe you told him that after our holiday, we were going to work at the Anchor Division.” 

Stefan had an amazing memory. “Yes, I did say that.” Lucifer flicked on his indicator and took the turning for the airport. “But this case isn’t being investigated by the Council.”

“No. No, it’s not.” Stefan turned to face him then, and even out of the corner of his eye, Lucifer could see the hurt and anger on his face. “You’ve taken a case, on our behalf, from the one group of people who want to see people like me either subjugated, or completely wiped off the face of the earth.”

“If this is about the holiday…”

“What holiday?” Stefan didn’t have to raise his voice. He could snap out a sentence and make Lucifer feel as though he’d been whipped. “Are you talking about the holiday that you promised me nothing would get in the way of? That holiday?”

“I’m sure this won’t take long…”

“What the hell difference does it make how long this case takes? I’m not some spoiled society brat you have to appease with holidays and gifts. I’m from the Trades sector. I’m not afraid of hard work.”

“Then what…?”

“You really don’t get it. I can’t believe it, but you honestly don’t get it. Fine. Seeing as you clearly left your brain in your suitcase, I can tell you there are two things I’m upset about.” Stefan never used strong language, or interrupted Lucifer for any reason. But he was on a roll. “One. There’s the fact you didn’t consult me at all before you took the case. You reverted to Lucifer the arrogant ass, and made decisions for both of us, never once considering my feelings on the matter. 

“And secondly, and by far the most important to my mind, did you miss the part when I said you’ve been employed by people who want to see me dead? Did you hear what they said about Technic? Council propaganda? Bad press? Excuse me? And that’s without the derogatory tones they used when they referred to me. How could you?” 

End excerpt. 

Have a wonderful day everyone, and a huge thank you again to Anthony Avina for allowing me to share my work here today. 

Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard by Mark Leslie Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Advertisements

Author Mark Leslie shares the behind-the-scenes moments and trivia that only a true fan of Die Hard could truly appreciate in the book “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard”.

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

“Come out to the coast, we’ll get together, have a few laughs.”

That line, from one of many quotable moments from Die Hard, was an on the spot insertion during filming by actor Bruce Willis and director John McTiernan. That’s just one of numerous ad lib or almost accidental elements added to the film which make it such a memorable modern classic.

When Die Hard premiered in July 1988 John McClane didn’t just become a fly in Hans Gruber’s ointment, he heralded in a new era of action movies, inspired countless knock-off action movies best described as “Die Hard in a” or “Die Hard on a” copycats, and created a franchise that spanned five decades (if you include the 2020 DieHard battery commercial). Even thirty-five years later it continues to inspire heated annual debates regarding the film’s status as a Christmas movie.

This guide, lovingly researched by a die-hard (pun completely intended) fan of the 1988 action-adventure blockbuster collects trivia, behind-the-scenes stories of the movie, the script, the actors, and the books and other written material that Die Hard and several of the follow-on films in the franchise were based on or inspired by.

If you’re a fan of Die Hard, then you’re going to love Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker! Welcome to the party, pal!

Matcha Green Tea by Purlisse

The Review

This was a fun and engaging trivia guide to one of the most iconic action films (and let’s face it, Christmas films) of all time. The author does a great job of presenting the history of this film and the events that occurred before, during, and after the film’s release to help inspire a cultural phenomenon. From the historical background of the terrorist groups who helped inspire Hans Gruber’s own criminal organization, to the creation of some of cinema’s most beloved quotable moments in the film, this book had a bit of everything.

The thing that stood out the most was the overwhelming sense of nostalgia this guide had as it dived deeper and deeper into the film. The way the author was able to analyze and detail the ways in which both hero John McClane and antagonist Hans Gruber made themselves into such iconic characters in the genre, from the actor’s performances to who they represented in the culture at the time, made this book feel so alive and vibrant on the page, and invigorating to get lost in this film’s complete history.

The Verdict

Thrilling, engaging, and mesmerizing, author Mark Leslie’s “Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard” is a must-read guide and trivia book that you won’t want to miss. The heartfelt love for this film and the nostalgia that the author infuses into each chapter will bring readers back time and time again to get lost in this iconic action film’s history. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Mark Leslie would be the first person to admit he’s still afraid of the monster under his bed. That might be why most of his books explore the darker side. In addition to penning a series of true ghostly tales (that include SPOOKY SUDBURY, HAUNTED HOSPITALS and CREEPY CAPITAL), he has written a few horror titles (I, DEATH, ONE HAND SCREAMING, and NOCTURNAL SCREAMS), is the editor of the horror anthologies CAMPUS CHILLS, FEEL THE FEAR, and SUPERNATURAL, and is the author of the humorous urban fantasy action/adventure ‘Canadian Werewolf” series.

His other passions within the non-fiction realm include fan appreciation/trivia books about the classic modern films Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (THE CANADIAN MOUNTED) and Die Hard (YIPPEE KI-YAY MOTHERF*****)

Proudly adopting the term “Book Nerd” for himself, Mark is most comfortable with a pen in hand, fingers on keyboard or with his nose stuck in a book.He can often be seen traveling to book events with a life-sized skeleton named Barnaby Bones.

Born in Sudbury Ontario, Mark has courted with a serious addiction to reading and writing his entire life. He has called both Ottawa, ON and Hamilton, ON home for about a decade each and currently lives in Waterloo, Ontario.

L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories REVIEW

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A new group of talented, future sci-fi writers bring their stories to the world in the latest edition of the “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” anthology. 

Take a Food Journey Around the World!

The Synopsis

Sci-fi and fantasy of tomorrow . . .

. . . selected by masters of today.

Where can you find the hottest new talent all in one book?

Right here. This year’s winning stories include a diverse collection of brilliantly realized worlds of dystopian politics, magical realism, post-apocalyptic adventure, and romance, dark fantasy and more.

You’ll love this anthology because these writers push the boundaries—and break beyond them . . . these illustrators envision the impossible—and render it real . . . these stories challenge the way we see ourselves—and present the world in a new way.

Buy Writers of the Future Volume 36.

24 Award-winning Authors and Illustrators

Bonus short stories by: L. Ron Hubbard • Katherine Kurtz • Jody Lynn Nye • Nnedi Okorafor

Art and writing tips by: Echo Chernik • L. Ron Hubbard • Mike Perkins • Sean Williams

Edited by: David Farland

16-page color Gallery of Artwork

Cover art by: Echo Chernik

Soar to new heights of Science Fiction & Fantasy.

Get to know tomorrow’s brightest creative talents chosen by some of today’s bestselling authors and celebrated artists including Kevin J. Anderson, Orson Scott Card, Larry Elmore, Brandon Sanderson, Dan dos Santos, and Robert J. Sawyer.

The future of science fiction and fantasy is in your hands.

Anthology includes: 12 award-winning stories, 16 full-color illustrations, 4 bonus stories, and 4 articles offering art and writing tips.

___________________________

4 bonus short stories:

“Borrowed Glory” by L. Ron Hubbard: For a single day of glory and the settlement of a dispute among immortals, a life can be a satisfactory price.

“The Green Tower” by Katherine Kurtz: The magic is strong in the Green Tower, and two young girls struggle to discover its secrets.

“The Phoenix’s Peace” by Jody Lynn Nye: The Phoenix has always been the guardian of Dembia. Now there’s trouble in the land, and mysteriously, the Phoenix has left two golden eggs.

“The Winds of Harmattan” by Nnedi Okorafor: A young woman seeks her destiny in the African winds of Harmattan.

Watermelon

The Review

These were truly great, compelling science fiction stories. The authors each brought a great balance of compelling character development and rich science fiction development to their stories. The incredible artwork the magazine features is breathtaking. The style was very reminiscent of late 70s, and early 80s sci-fi storytelling. The style plays well with the genre and the anthology as a whole, as it speaks to the futurism aspect of the narratives found within.

To me, the heart of these stories rested in the fantastic blend of imagery in the author’s writing styles and the fantastic character growth that the stories brought forth. One story in particular, Catching My Death, is a great blend of sci-fi and fantasy, incorporating ideas of the supernatural and death itself into a modern, tech, and business-savvy world and showcasing the balance between life and death in a whole new light. 

The Verdict

Mesmerizing, haunting, and entertaining, “L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 36: Anthology of Award-Winning Science Fiction and Fantasy Short Stories” is a must-read sci-fi anthology. The compelling narratives powerful illustrations, and exceptional talent of these future authors will both engage and thrill readers who are looking to see the future of this beloved genre. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements