Tag: TheLiteraryVixen

Review

A Witch’s Welcome by Sonia Taylor Brock – My Review

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Release Date: November 20th 2012

Genre: Paranorma& Urban Fantasy

~Synopsis~

The second book of the Swamp Witch Series, the story continues. Dan Rawlings, an investigative journalist has joined forces with the unusual people who live in those swamps.

An awakening of an old and evil foe threatens all supernatural creatures. A distress call is sent out and you won’t believe who answers that call. Humans, Supernaturals and many others too weird to describe are embroiled in a battle to save our way of life.

This book is full of adventure, mythical creatures, love and romance and painful loss. You will love the characters and the twists and turns they take to band together in a united front for survival.

~My Review~

The gang is back! This is a highly entertaining and amusing story. More magic, more trouble. Never a dull moment on the Island. This story is jammed packed with characters and action. At times it was hard to follow at times because of so many points of views overlapping. I sometimes had to go back and see who’s point of view I was reading. Most of the characters have grown on me so it felt like I was catching up with old friends. I enjoyed it immensely! Again, the author added her own twist on mythological creatures. It was interesting. This is fast becoming a fave series of mine! I can’t wait to read more! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Buy Now~

Review

Death and Other Happy Endings by Melanie Cantor – My Review

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Release Date: July 9th 2019

Genre: Family Life Fiction

~Synopsis~

There’s nothing like being told that in three months you’ll be dead to make you think about what you really want in life

“A novel about self-discovery, with plenty of surprises and a snappy, Bridget-Jones-gets-a-terminal-diagnosis vibe.” –Booklist

Jennifer Cole has just been told that she has a terminal blood disorder and has just three months to live–ninety days to say goodbye to friends and family, and to put her affairs in order. Ninety days to come to terms with a diagnosis that is unfair, unexpected, and completely unpronounceable. Focusing on the positives (she won’t have to go on in a world without Bowie or Maya Angelou; she won’t get Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s like her parents, or have teeth that flop out at the mere mention of the word apple), Jennifer realizes she only has one real regret: the relationships she’s lost.

Rather than running off to complete a frantic bucket list, Jennifer chooses to stay put and write a letter to the three most significant people in her life, to say the things she wished she’d said before but never dared: her overbearing, selfish sister, her jelly-spined, cheating ex-husband, and her charming, unreliable ex-boyfriend–and finally tell them the truth.

At first, Jennifer feels cleansed by her catharsis. Liberated, even. Her ex-boyfriend rushes to her side and she even starts to build bridges with her sister Isabelle (that is, once Isabelle’s confirmed that Jennifer’s condition isn’t genetic). But once you start telling the truth, it’s hard to stop. And as Jennifer soon discovers, the truth isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and death has a way of surprising you….

~My Review~

What would you do if you were told you only had three months to live? I mean we’ve all thought about it at some point. That’s exactly what happened to Jennifer. Where do you go from that? She decides to write letters to the three people who she wanted some type of closure with. We follow Jennifer as she deals with her impending death and the repercussions of her letters.

I enjoyed this book. I wan’t expecting the twist and that ending but totally ok with that! Surprises are good. There are some pretty colorful characters. The jerk ones made you want to strangle them and there were plenty of them in this book. I tried to like Jennifer but some of her decisions and choices made it hard to root for her at times. All in all, this is a good read. It’s a story of hope and of life lessons. You have some feels moments. I look forward to checking out other books by this author. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Buy Now~

Review

The Whisper Man by Alex North – My Review

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Release Date: August 20th 2019

Genre: Horror Suspense

~Synopsis~

In this dark, suspenseful thriller, Alex North weaves a multi-generational tale of a father and son caught in the crosshairs of an investigation to catch a serial killer preying on a small town.

After the sudden death of his wife, Tom Kennedy believes a fresh start will help him and his young son Jake heal. A new beginning, a new house, a new town. Featherbank.

But the town has a dark past. Twenty years ago, a serial killer abducted and murdered five residents. Until Frank Carter was finally caught, he was nicknamed “The Whisper Man,” for he would lure his victims out by whispering at their windows at night.

Just as Tom and Jake settle into their new home, a young boy vanishes. His disappearance bears an unnerving resemblance to Frank Carter’s crimes, reigniting old rumors that he preyed with an accomplice. Now, detectives Amanda Beck and Pete Willis must find the boy before it is too late, even if that means Pete has to revisit his great foe in prison: The Whisper Man.

And then Jake begins acting strangely. He hears a whispering at his window…

~My Review~

The Whisper Man is thrilling and gripping read. I have not been creeped out by a book in a LONG time! I mean creeped out in a good way…is that a thing? It is now. This riveting story will keep you engaged from beginning to end. Tom’s family has suffered a terrible loss. Tom and his son try to pick up the pieces and start over in a new house. Creepy things start to happen. Some that can’t be explained away. There is a twist you don’t see coming. I have to admit, I had high hopes for this book and it did not disappoint. I was hooked from the first chapter. The story and characters were very well written. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I look forward to reading more. If you’re a fan of thriller and suspense, this book is for YOU!! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Pre-Order~

Review

The Inheritance of a Swamp Witch (The Swamp Witch Series Book 1) by Sonia Taylor Brock – My Review

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Release Date: May 3rd 2012

Genre: Urban Fantasy

~Synopsis~

The first in the Swamp Witch series, this story takes place in Southern Louisiana. It is about the adventures of a young man into the surprising world of the supernatural. He is shocked to learn that the world he has been accustomed to is not what it seems. In fact, nothing is what it seems. He discovers Witches, Dragons, Trolls, Fairies and Angels are only the tip of the iceberg.

~My Review~

Ever had one of those books where it started off one way and ended up a totally different way? This was that book for me. The best way to describe it is, it starts off pretty “normal” You follow Dan around while he does some investigative work, only it takes an interesting turn after he meets Stella. Let the fun begin! The story is fun and enchanting. These characters are unique and well written. The author’s touch to add different magical creatures along with mythology into the story did not go unnoticed. Bravo Miss Brock! This is an exciting read and I hope there’s a second book! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Buy Now~

Review

Poison Orchids by Sarah A. Denzil & Anni Taylor – My Review

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Release Date: May 20th 2019

Genre: Thriller

~Synopsis~

A dark, compelling new thriller from bestselling authors Sarah A. Denzil and Anni Taylor

Young backpackers Gemma and Hayley arrive at a remote fruit farm, out of money and desperate for work. The farm’s owner, Tate Llewellyn, welcomes them in with open arms. An enigmatic, wealthy chemist, Tate spends his days running his hobby farm and cultivating rare orchids in his greenhouse.

The weeks go on, a blur of fruit-picking, parties, campfires and wading beneath waterfalls in the nearby hot springs. Tate calls the girls his orchids…his pretty orchids.

Until the night the girls find themselves on a dark highway, bruised and bloodied.

How did everything go so wrong?

Senior Detective Bronwen McKay and psychologist Megan Arlotti question the terrified girls. But Hayley and Gemma are telling two very different stories of what happened to them over the past three months.

Which story is the truth and what are the girls covering up?

~My Review~

I came across this book as I was browsing books. The cover caught my eye and I had to know what it was about. The synopsis sounded interesting so I went for it. This book is one wild ride! I gave up trying to figure out things and just enjoyed the rollercoaster ride. Gemma and Hayley are found on the side of the road at night. Each tell their side of the story but it’s obvious to detectives that there’s more to what happened to them. As the story unfolds with each chapter, you realize nothing is what it seems. This is a thrilling and suspense filled book that will keep you engrossed till the very end. This is the first book I’ve read by these authors and I will check out ore from them. I give this 5 stars.

~Buy Now~

Author Spotlight · New Release · Review

All The Wrong Places by Randi Perrin – New Release Spotlight + My Review

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Release Date: June25th 2019

Genre: Contemporary Romance

~Synopsis~

American-born, Australian-raised Rachel Kennedy was born to be an actress–all the way down to her drama queen ways. But when a bad day leaves her life and her dream in ruins, she’s not sure what to do next. Her silver spoon-upbringing never prepared her for that.

With a bank account at nothing and an inability to pull off a convincing accent for casting directors, Rachel’s about to give up on everything. Not on her best friend’s watch. Lily is there to help her every step of the way–if the definition of help involves convincing her to take drastic measures, each one blowing up more than the one that came before.

Once Lily shoves Rachel into the let’s-get-drunk-and-screw-a-stranger phase, she winds up tangled in the arms of Christian Whitmore, a cop with a sinful smile, sexy stubble, and impeccable timing. He’s there to pick her up when she falls and to take her out for fish and chips at her favourite place.

But then again, so is his identical twin brother, Kevin. Double. Trouble.

Stuck at a major crossroads in her life, can Rachel ever find happiness again, or is she just looking in all the wrong places?

~Buy Now~

~Character Interview~

Lily interviews Rachel

LM: What would you do without me?

RK: I’d wear crappy costumes.

LM: And?

RK: I’d drink better wine?

LM: Bitch, without me, you wouldn’t have any wine to drink. The correct answer was ‘NOTHING. You would do nothing without me.’ Let’s try again. Next question: Who wears the pants?

RK: What kind of question is that?

LM: A good one.

RK: You do, I guess.

LM: *rolling eyes* Bzzzzz. The correct answer was ‘we don’t wear pants.’ You are really sucking at this one.

RK: Girl, you’ve been laid more recently than I have. Which means I’m wearing pants. Or a chastity belt. Or something.

LM: Or something. Okay, you can’t get this one wrong… Kill, f*ck, marry…and go!

RK: That’s such a loaded question. Kill, Kanye. For sure. Screw, there are a lot of good answers here. Um, Darren Hayes?

LM: Is that a question or an answer?

RK: An answer.

LM: Damn straight.

RK: *laughing* No, no he’s not.

LM: Okay, and who do you marry?

RK: Who else but my red-headed prince of Wales.

LM: Duke of Sussex, but who’s counting? Okay, another easy one for you… Kindle or books?

RK: It doesn’t really matter to me, but my Kindle is more portable and I can get loads of free books on it. So I’ll say Kindle.

LM: Didn’t you tell me the last few free ones you downloaded were utter and complete shit?

RK: *gasp* I would never say that about a book.

LM: Yeah. Okay. Whatever you say, Pinocchio. Moving on, if you could go back in time, what decade would you visit?

RK: Easiest question ever. The eighties.

LM: Look at that, she finally got one right. Though, let’s face it, the neon colors of the 80s and your complexion just aren’t a good combination.

RK: But the music. The movies. All worth it.

LM: I won’t argue that. All right, last question: What’s your stripper song? You have one so don’t lie!

RK: I don’t strip.

LM: But you do dance. For a living, I might add, such as that living is. So picture yourself on the pole at the club and tell me what’s playing.

RK: Anything?

LM: Within reason. Don’t go busting out some showtunes. Cause we don’t strip to showtunes.

RK: *snaps fingers in disappointment* Oh, I got it. [sings] Never gonna give you up / Never gonna let you down / Never gonna run around and desert you.

LM: Did… did you just Rick roll me?

RK: *smug smile*

LM: This interview is over.

~My Review~

Before I get into my review, can we take a minute or five to appreciate how sexy this cover is? *le sigh* Ok on to the review!

I don’t even know if I can properly put into words how much I LOVED this book!! From the story to the characters, it’s just an awesome read. I did not put it down. Thank the goddess for pizza delivery! If you find yourself feeling some type of way about certain characters then the author did her job. Some made me mad and some I wanted to hang out and get blackout drunk with. Well done Miss Perrin! The story didn’t turn out the way I thought it would and I was totally ok with that. This author never fails to surprise me in any of her books. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants a guilty pleasure read. Pro tip: Have the pizza delivery number near by. I give this 5 stars!

~About the Author~

Randi has spent her entire life writing in one form or another. In fact, if she wasn’t writing, she’d likely go completely and utterly insane. Her husband has learned to recognize when the voices are talking in her head and she needs some quality time with an empty Word file (the key to a successful marriage with a writer).

She lives with her husband, daughter, and four-legged children (all of which think they are people too).

A pop culture junkie, she has been known to have entire conversations in movie quotes and/or song lyrics.

~Author Links~

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randiperrinwrites/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/randiperrin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randiperrinwrites/

Review

The Suicide King by Vanessa Marie – My Review

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Release Date: July 30th 2019

Genre: Psychological Fiction

~Synopsis~

Jason King thought suicide was the only answer.
He couldn’t take it anymore.
The inner demons were winning and he was ready to surrender.
As far as he was concerned no one would care.
Everyone would be better off.
No one would notice he was gone.
Little did he know how wrong he was.
His actions had consequences.
The reach went further than he could have imagined.
Only his suffering didn’t end.
Stuck in purgatory Jason is forced to walk a new path.
One that shows him how his suicide affected all those involved.
Even the ones he never thought would care.
The ones he never knew it would reach.
In this Scrooged like tale, Jason King will visit all of those who mourn him.
He finds out a little too late how wrong he was about everything.

Trigger Warning: This book contains heavy subject material that may be triggers for some readers.
It contains graphic scenes and covers topics like suicide, abuse, the loss of a child, funerals, and more.
Read at your own risk.

~My Review~

This is a unique twist on life after death. Often times we don’t know the impact we’ve had on people or the effects of our actions and choices. In this book’s afterlife, we do. We see it all. Nothing is sugar coated. I appreciated that. This is a different book than what I’ve read previously from this author. I enjoyed it and I’m also glad the author took this kind of approach. Some parts are raw and there is def some feels. The subject of the book is of a sensitive nature. However, I feel it needs to be talked about. Maybe it will help someone who is in need. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Pre-Order~

Review

Never Touched by Laney Wylde – My Review

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Release Date: November 12th 2018

Genre: New Adult

~Synopsis~

What if you woke up from your worst nightmare, only to find the world watching it? On repeat. With relish.
What if those viewers found you? Cornered you until you performed the nightmare live?
Would you run? Fight?
Or charge admittance?

This is Sawyer’s reality. She’s a survivor—gritty and determined—but the struggle to put it all behind her is something that’s with her every second of every day. Her abuser is in jail now, but he’ll never truly let her go. When she tries to shelter in something good, the darkness inevitably follows. The effects of the abuse flow through her life like ripples of pain in this raw, at times darkly comedic, coming-of-age saga that explores what it means to survive the unthinkable—and find the courage to rise up and keep fighting.

Please Note: Story contains graphic sexual content, including mentions of abuse. Strong language throughout.

~My Review~

You ever read a book that left you sitting there with your mind blown? The feeling of knowing a book hangover is inevitable and you can’t do anything about it. That is me. That is where I am. I don’t even know where to begin…..this story is jammed packed with raw emotion and deep feels. There were many tears shed. My heart hurt for the MC and all she endured. While the story deals with a subject that is both sensitive and triggering, it is also about healing and finding your voice. Taking back your power. This is a strong story with strong characters. I’ll never be the same after reading this book and I mean that in the best way possible. I give this 5 stars.

~Buy Now~

Review

Pricked by Scott Mooney – My Review

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Release Date: August 13th 2019

Genre: Urban Fantasy

~Synopsis~

Briar Pryce has the power to change the emotions of others by handing them a rose. It is a talent that has done surprisingly little for her, besides landing her a dead-end enchantment delivery job and killing any chance she had with her childhood-crush-turned-roommate. Worst of all, her ability might be responsible for getting her best friend transformed into a cat via a cursed muffin basket. Needless to say, Briar is nowhere near happily-ever-after. But that’s just life as a twentysomething in the Poisoned Apple, New York City’s lost borough of fairy-tale wonder and rent-controlled magic.

When Briar reluctantly agrees to help find a princess’s kidnapped boyfriend in exchange for reversing the curse on her friend, she gets the heroic quest she never really wanted. Unfortunately, the life of a noble heroine is not all it’s cracked up­­ to be – the hours blow, and Briar suspects that the Royal family employing her might be evil, Republican, or both. To complete the suckage, a killer smoke magician is stalking Briar as she searches both the Poisoned Apple and Manhattan for the missing boy. As tensions between the Poisoned Apple royalty ignite and civil war looms, Briar must figure out how to write her own happy ending–or she’ll just be ending.

~My Review~

It’s been a loong time since I’ve had a fairy tale fantasy book capture my attention like this one did. There’s also an urban fantasy vibe to it as well. I enjoyed that because it made for a fun read! The author has built this magical world with such creativity that you feel transported to another realm. THAT is a good sign of a good book. There’s tons of fairy tale references and it was fun to see how the author would put their twist on them. Briar was a fave. She isn’t perfect but tries to do the right thing when she can. A totally relatable character. This author is new to me and I enjoyed his style of writing and storytelling. I do hope there’s another book! I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

~Pre-Order~