Tag Archives: action

The Keresa Headdress by Larry Shackelford (Book Review)

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It’s just a routine case at the FBI’s Salt Lake City offices. The young woman’s boyfriend is missing, possibly dead. Agent Karen Adams thinks he’s probably just out with another woman—but then the Royal Canadian Mounted Police come calling. Why would they care about a wayward addict cheating on his girlfriend in Utah? Soon, Karen is involved in a case like nothing she’s ever seen, navigating through an international criminal network of drugs, sex trafficking, murder, and the black market trade of priceless archaeological relics. Her new partner Marcus “Playboy” McCoy—handsome, charming, and almost unbearably crass—is equal parts help and hindrance as she navigates a seamy underworld in the Utah desert. But she also finds assistance from some unusual sources: a graduate student in archaeology, a dissatisfied sister-wife from a polygamous commune, and an undercover Canadian Mountie. Together they become entangled in the web of international crime and the only way out is to find the most priceless artifact of all: the legendary Keresa Headdress.

 
Kindle Purchase Link

 

(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
When a writer constructs a story dealing with historical facts, it’s easy to get caught up in the finer details and suddenly your story takes on the image of a wikipedia page. In this case, Larry didn’t cross the line from entertaining to overly informative. Sure, you could feel the passion and respect Larry Shackelford had for the Native American culture. Through the use of his characters, (Derek and Ruth), we learned much about their history but it wasn’t presented in a stuffy, clinical way. Knowing when to pull back takes talent. Larry, congrats on possessing such talent. 
 
However, as much as I enjoyed the history lessons, I didn’t connect to some characters. 
 
Constable Lee Bergerman’s focus seemed to shift drastically from work to pleasure once he met Ruth. Guess his “other head” did all his thinking for a bit until work/case struck a little bit too close to home. 
 
I didn’t really see the importance of Marcus except for comic relief. But, if we look at all the great detective shows, there’s always one funny guy to help lighten up the tension filled cases so I guess Larry felt his story would’ve benefited from a funny guy too. Actually, it kind of did. 
 
Karen: When I think of an FBI agent, I picture a woman who comes across as a leader, not a follower. Basically, I felt everyone was leading her around by the nose. Her detective skills were also lacking. She should’ve been able to realize sooner that Marcus had been using her phone for personal pranks. Others caught on fast. Maybe go back to FBI training camp?
 
I could discuss my take on the various other characters but I won’t. I will say despite my lack of love for them, they didn’t turn me off from the story. With the historical info, Marcus’ pranks, I found myself enjoying the story. 
 
So would I recommend this story to others? Yes, yes I would. 
 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
 Score: ❤❤❤1/2
 

 

 
 
 

Larry was raised in southwest Missouri where he received his college degree, but he received his education after he graduated and began working in a maximum-security federal prison. After spending two years behind bars, he continued his law enforcement career as a criminal investigator, residing and working in eight states and two foreign countries. Larry retired from law enforcement after twenty-five years of service and resides in Salt Lake City with his wife and cat.

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Curse of the Gargoyles by Rebecca Chastain (Book Review)

 
Mika was trying to save a gargoyle, not doom the world…
 

Mika Stillwater isn’t known for her skills with combat magic. As a gargoyle healer, she spends her days mending broken appendages and curing illnesses in the living-quartz bodies of Terra Haven’s gargoyles. But when a squad of the city’s elite Federal Pentagon Defense warriors requests her assistance in freeing a gargoyle ensnared in a vicious invention, Mika jumps into the fray.

No one could have predicted that her involvement would ignite a chain reaction set to destroy the city, the world, and magic itself.

Brimming with epic magic and loveable gargoyles, Curse of the Gargoyles is the second story in the mesmerizing Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles trilogy. Fantasy fans young and old will delight in this highly original world and exciting, action-packed adventure.

 
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

 
If you’re in search of a book that’ll have non-stop, nail-biting action, then you should pick up Curse of the Gargoyles. It is worth every damn penny spent on it. 
 
From beginning to end, Rebecca will have you on the edge of your seat. She’ll also have you rooting for the gargoyles and wishing for just one more chapter. 
 
Of course, you know the good guys won but, seriously, what a helluva ride to the emotional finale. 
 
If I had only one wish, I would’ve had Marcus and Mika share a celebratory kiss. Just a small peck or two. 
 
There’s always next time……. 
 
Until then, I again encourage you to purchase this wonderfully constructed scifi/fantasy masterpiece. TODAY!! 

 

Heart Rating System:

1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 

Score: ❤❤❤❤

 
 
 

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling author of the Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer series and the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles, among others works. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in Northern California with her wonderful husband and three bossy cats.

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com
Newsletter: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/fantasy-newsletter/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels
Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

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Veronica Phoenix & Search for the Phoenix by Jim Proctor (2 Book Reviews)

 

Carl Wilkins, a successful man with a thriving business, loses everything and has to start over from scratch. His dogged determination quickly deteriorates when he finds that even his reputation is gone. With barely enough money to buy a cheap bottle of booze, and no prospects for employment, things look bleak until he receives an unusual job offer from a stranger who turns up just as Carl hits rock bottom. The perilous space salvage job is more than just a chance to rebuild his broken life. It is also a chance to strike back at SACOM, the people who ruined him. Carl, the best space salvage operator in the star system, bets his life that he can complete the job. Setting out in the Phoenix, a specially modified space freighter, Carl begins a dangerous mission to find and collect missing cargo pods from the dense asteroid belt. Struggling to remain alive in the belt while avoiding detection by SACOM ships, Carl learns that he may have as much to fear from the people who hired him as he does from SACOM. His chance to rebuild his life turns into a desperate race across the galaxy in hopes of finding a safe haven where no one will ever find him.

 
US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 
UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT
 
 
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 
 
If you enjoy books regarding space travel such as Firefly, then I think you’ve just found your next read. 
Veronica Phoenix will definitely please any bookworm who favors the sci-fi genre. 
There were bots, AI with holographic breasts, battle scenes, crashes, and much more. 
Interested yet?
Yeah, I bet I had you at holographic breasts. 🙂 JK
Speaking of Veronica/Billy (AI), five minutes alone with the AI and I’d be one bald momma due to pulling out all my lovely locks. After reading all their conversations, I can see why Carl found the AI infuriating to speak with. Its favorite word had to be “cannot”. 

After months alone together a ship, I’m surprised he didn’t go batshit crazy. 

Hell, I would’ve been one cranky chick over the food I had to consume. If you call goop in a squeeze tube food. Ok, I can get behind yogurt, applesauce, or pudding in a squeeze pouch but steak and eggs? That’s where I draw the line!! 

Before I wrap this up, I want to touch base on an edit related error. On page 57, in my print copy (supplied to me by Jim), John and Earl die first leaving Vince and Becca knocking on death’s door. Flip to page 59, Becca dies and Earl dies again. A minor editing oversight by Jim and his editor (Cynthia Shepp) but one I felt the need to mention to HIM and to YOU. 

FYI: He said he was going make the necessary changes so by the time you read this review it’ll be changed in the latest print editions and for your e-readers. Only those who’ve already purchased an old copy (prior to March 2016) will be affected with the wrong name usage. 

Besides that one hiccup, every detail seemed on point and, to that, I say good job Jim and Cynthia. 
 
Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤

US LINKS —-> KINDLE OR IN PRINT 

UK LINKS —–> Kindle OR IN PRINT

 
 
 

Fighting to remain one step ahead of SACOM, Nolan Peters and Megan Carson investigate the mysterious disappearance of their friend, Carl Wilkins. During the investigation, Nolan struggles with his growing affection for Megan, while she tries to cope with the recent death of her husband. Will the strain bring them together, or drive them apart?
When the pair uncovers evidence of a treasonous conspiracy that threatens the stability of all human worlds across the galaxy, they reluctantly put their trust in a SACOM investigator and a hard-nosed Army general to root out the conspirators. Will their trust prove to be their undoing… or prevent a galactic-scale military coup?

 

GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 

 

 
Anyone who loves or even likes science fiction books/movies a teeny wee bit will absolutely find pleasure in Search for the Phoenix. It made me long to kick back on the couch, with a huge bowl of popcorn, and binge watch my favorite scifi shows. It also made me wish food synthesizers weren’t only found in the land of make-believe. So inventors, hop to it and contact me to be your guinea pig because I’d happily put this invention to the test. 🙂
 
Besides this wicked cool product idea, I enjoyed the level of conspiracy, double-cross happenings and the chemistry between the various characters. 
 
One of my favorite interactions of the book didn’t happen between humans though. Strangely enough, it occurred between Nolan and the rats. When he shrieked, ran, and smacked his head against a large, water pipe, I laughed because I would’ve reacted the same way. Heck, ain’t no shame in showing fear or running away from a rodent. Those pests are scary! 

 

Now for the conspiracy, double-crossing aspects of the story, which made up a great portion of this creation, I’m going to quote Colonel John “Hannibal” Smith and say, “I love it when a plan comes together.”

 

Heart Rating System – 1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤❤❤
 
GET YOUR KINDLE OR  PRINT COPY TODAY!! 
 
 
 
I worked for decades as an engineer and laboratory scientist
while my wife and I raised our four children. I had wanted to write since high
school, and in early 2008 I began writing my first novel, publishing it in July
of 2012. I published my second novel later that same year.
 
In 2013, after realizing neither of my novels was of
publication quality, I unpublished them and spent several months re-evaluating
my priorities. I returned to writing later that year committed to making sure
each new book was as good as I could make it at the time, and determined to
improving my writing skills with each new book published.
 
Having finally found my found my writing voice, Veronica
Phoenix flowed to the page, as did its sequel, Search for the Phoenix. I am currently considering story ideas for my next novel.
 
 
 

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Author Showcase – G.E. Stills (Contest for “Blood Rage”)

 

Guess what ladies and gents, G.E. Stills is back on my blog with another hot release and a contest. For those who aren’t familiar with Mr. Stills, let me give you a brief overview of this talented author.

Normally zany and often naughty talking, G. E. has a serious and compassionate side if you can find it. He cares deeply for his friends and hasn’t met an animal yet he didn’t like. He is terrified of heights so hasn’t braved the tramway ride in his home town. He lives in the southwest while longing to live by the sea. He often says, “We have the sandy beaches but where is the water?”
 
G.E. Stills heeds the call of the many characters that pop into his mind and demand to have their stories written. Their tales are both serious and humorous. A multi-published author, his stories cover many genres including contemporary romance, paranormal romance and science fiction.
 
Most of his stories have action, adventure, and humor. Some of them are erotic and some are not, but all have romance. His paranormal stories involve witches, demons or vampires. You can find all of his books at his Amazon author page 

 

Website
Blog
Gypsy Shadow’s Homepage
Hot Ink Books Homepage
Personal Facebook Page
Twitter

 

CHECK THIS OUT!! 
 

Exploring caves by day, then partying and romancing all night with her all male team members, is a dream come true for Mia. After all, what more could a woman ask for than her choice of four handsome, muscular men who all adore her. Things are about to change for her, because an ancient evil awaits the team in the final cave they explore. This evil will rip her world apart.

Kindle Purchase Link
Paperback Link

 

excerpt-image-for-aj
Their comical
banter ceased. In front of her, Bret climbed to his knees and stood. His feet
moved to the side, out of her view. She joined him and stood. One by one, the
rest of the team entered the chamber and climbed to their feet. Bret removed
one of the glow sticks, activated it, and held it aloft. It provided additional
illumination in the large chamber. Shane played out rope from the coil he
carried, allowing them to spread out while remaining linked. They moved apart,
testing each step before putting full weight on that foot. It wouldn’t be the
first time the floor had caved-in out from under one of them.     
“What the
hell is that?” Efren pointed across the room and all of them approached.
“What is a
wooden door doing down here?” Shane asked.
While Bret held
the glow stick high, Nash knelt in front of the door for closer inspection. A
wooden plank stretched across it, with two metal U-shaped brackets holding it
affixed to the rest of the door. The ends of the plank went through two
additional brackets secured to the rock wall. There were the rotted remains of
ropes that had additionally held the plank in place.
“Easily
removed from this side,” Nash said, “and impossible to open from the
other side.”
“Which leads
me to wonder what was imprisoned on the other side,” Bret mused.
“One way to
find out,” Nash said. With Efren’s help, he lifted the plank from its
brackets. The massive door hinges groaned when Nash pushed it open.
The tunnel beyond
was obviously manmade and large enough to walk through erect. The team
proceeded. After a few yards, the tunnel ended in another chamber, this one
much smaller, room-sized. Three human skeletons lay in one corner.
“Is that what
it looks like?” Efren asked and pointed to the metal box across the room
resting on the floor and against the wall.
The team crossed
the room and Shane knelt beside it. “It looks like a damn coffin.”
The hinges
squealed in protest when Shane pried the lid open. Mia looked down in shock.
Instead of bones, or the half-rotted corpse that she’d expected to see, the
body inside was so life-like she expected him to open his eyes at any moment.
“Damn,”
Nash swore when he cut his hand on a jagged part of the casket. Blood welled up
on his palm and dripped down onto the corpse. Two drops touched its lips. The
man’s eyes snapped open. His irises were grey, circled by red. He blurred into
action so fast her mind couldn’t absorb it. The next thing she knew, she was
flying through the air. At the same time, she heard screams and shouts. She
collided with the rock wall and slid to the floor. She closed her eyes and
passed out.
Mia woke to awful
pain. She opened her eyes, but it was just as black as when they were closed.
She couldn’t move her left arm or right leg, and her head felt like it was on
fire. She reached up with her good hand, and first discovered her helmet was
missing. When she pulled her hand from the back of her head, it came away
sticky.
What happened?
“Bret…Nash…Efren…Shane,”
she called out to each member in turn. “I’m hurt. Hurt bad. I think one of
my arms and legs are broken and I have a bad laceration on the back of my head.
Maybe a concussion.”     
Only silence
greeted her. She listened intently for any sound of breathing, both in the room
and over her earbud.
Nothing.
She felt her tool
belt then groped the floor around her, searching for her spare flashlight.
“Damn,” she said when she was unable to locate it. Her ears perked
when she heard a noise in the dark. “Is that you, Bret?” she asked.
“Anyone? I’m over here.”
The sound grew
louder, like wet bare feet slapping on a tile floor. A strange voice just
inches in front of her face whispered, “I’m here.”
Putrid breath
assailed her nostrils. A hand twined in her hair and snapped her head to the
side. Another hand pressed against her chest, pinning her back against the rock
wall behind her.
 
“Ouch. You’re hurting me. Whoever you are, don’t be so
rough.”
 
 
IT’S PRIZE TIME!! 
 
G. E. Stills and I really hope you enjoyed the excerpt from his latest creation. If you did, we’d love to hear from you. As a thank you for leaving him (us) a comment or question, you’ll be eligible to win a 
 
  

So, my lovely, followers, drop us a line below and put your name in the hat to win some Amazon moolah. 🙂



Contest ends Monday at 11:59 p.m. (central time). 
Winner selected Tuesday and their name will be posted on a comment so make sure and follow the thread. 



Good Luck!! 

 

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Magic of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles by Rebecca Chastain (Book Review)

Mika Stillwater is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle bursts into her studio, insisting Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika’s carefully constructed five-year plan is shattered.
 
Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…
 

 

 

images
(review request submitted by the author for an honest critique) 

Who needs a guard dog when you have a gargoyle at your disposal and where can I get one? 🙂
 
This book was non-stop action and will please the readers who love magical stories. Yes, this book is short but the page count didn’t hinder the quality of the work.
 
Great job, Rebecca. 
 
FYI: Not kidding about wanting a pet gargoyle. Is there a store for this? Maybe, Gargoyles R Us…. HA!! 
 
 
Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5
(highest) 
Score:❤❤❤❤
 
 
 

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL, A FISTFUL OF FIRE, and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats.

 Website Link

 Facebook Link

Twitter Link 

Goodreads Link

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