Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 196
February 13, 2022
Review: MISSING by Adam Nicholls
A little girl went missing. Now her body was found—naked and strangled. Little did Mason Black, P.I., know that the killer was just getting started.
The Lullaby Killer wouldn’t stop taking these kids until somebody stopped him, and Mason was reluctantly back on the old case with his reporter sister by his side.
Gripping and enticing. The captivating narrative takes the reader on an exciting and grisly ride all the way to end. It’s a nail-biting hunt for a vicious killer. Very good!
Rating: 5 stars
Review: SOMETIMES YOU WIN by Stacy Eaton
Cash-strapped Haley was having a bad morning. Luckily, her savior came in the form of a handsome security guard. Still, she was a train wreck. She’d have more chance of winning the lottery than have a guy like this be interested in her.
One day, the guy asks her to pick half of his lottery numbers. If it won, she would get half. Phsht, yeah right. But what if that ticket actually won? It goes to show that sometimes you actually win. Of course, this only happens in fiction.
This was a nice and easy read. It’s a little long and repetitive though, but there’s a sweet romance that readers would enjoy.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: THE SISTER’S SPELL by Beth Keystone
Gram’s witch story with the bickering sisters at the beginning was rather slow to kick-start this interesting premise. The narrative was okay, but it kept on at a consistently slow pace throughout. The kid doesn’t conjure the three sister witches until the end of chapter 3. Now she must work together with her own sisters to return the witches back where they came from.
Not quite as exciting or engaging as I thought it be. Eh, it was okay.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: ANGEL EYES by A.N. Willis
Penny Wright could see ghosts, which was an intriguing premise from the start, but then it deviated to slow and lengthy narratives that weren’t amusing. Who were all these other people? We don’t get back to Penny until chapter 6. Just too dull to read.
Rating: 2 stars
February 11, 2022
Blog Tour: GENO AND VINNIE COME TO AMERICA by Flip
Children's Book
Date Published: May 24, 2021
Publisher: MindStir Media
Geno and Vinnie were born on the banks of the Urubamba River between Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru. This area is known as the Sacred Valley. Geno and Vinnie came to be from different parents, but they became inseparable after birth. They made a promise to travel together to the shores of the U.S. of A. Little did they know that their mothers had made a deal with the owner of the Alejandro Alpaca Ranch to send their children to the land of the free.
The adventures that follow are the travels and experiences of Geno and Vinnie and their search for freedom in America. Their story is perfect as Alpacas are great story tellers.
About the Author
Phil Roberts is an entrepreneur, creative writer, gardener, dog lover and friend of Geno & Vinnie. Having lived in the countryside for 42 years, he loves to gaze at the stars on a warm summer's night. Geno and Vinnie came to share the Country Escape seven years ago and have added to the ambiance of the property's' unique setting. It was Geno and Vinnie that inspired the writing of the Freedom Series books as an expression of the joy that they experienced as they were allowed to run untethered on the property. Freedom is a unique and valuable right to both cherish and embrace as individuals of society. The interactions with animals and their uniqueness with self is a joy to be experienced like no other. Mr. Roberts' vision is to share this through his writings of children's books.
Contact Links
Purchase Link
Blog Tour: LOVE ME, PLEASE by Chris Bedell
Love Me, Please
by Chris Bedell
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: YA LGBTQ Thriller
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Colton should be like every other seventeen-year-old, hanging out with friends, procrastinating on homework, and dreaming about which colleges he should apply to, but Colton’s focus when he gets home every day is on how violent his alcoholic mother will be. Will he be her ashtray again or worse?
Tripp has the perfect life – handsome, from a wealthy family, and is the football player everyone wants to date. Tripp just wants to date one person – Colton, but he can’t seem to break through that tough exterior and get Colton to trust him.
A friend’s party opens the door for both to potentially get what they want, but it’s that same party ends with Colton’s best friend dead. Caught between wanting to finally find happiness with Tripp and discovering what happened to Declan, Colton discovers that he isn’t the only one who’s kept secrets. How well did he really know Declan and can he trust Tripp enough to let himself believe he’s worthy of being loved?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
The door creaked. A guy with spiked hair stood by the bedroom’s entrance.
“Sorry. Thought this was the bathroom.” Tripp tugged at the sides of his varsity jacket.
“No worries,” I mumbled.
Tripp furrowed an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”
“I’m fine.” I grabbed my Margarita, then chugged the rest of it. The tequila’s distinct taste burned my throat while I licked my lips, savoring the sweet and lime flavors. I squashed my cup, letting it fall onto the ground.
Tripp’s jaw twitched. “You don’t seem fine.”
“The bathroom is down the hall.” I shuffled towards the bed before sitting on it.
The door clinked after Tripp locked it. He joined me on the bed.
Tripp chuckled. “Something happen?”
I looked away. “It’s a long story.”
“I’m a good listener.”
“Thanks.”
Tripp placed his hands on his lap. “We lost the football game, and I’m still in a good mood. So, I’m sure your problem can’t be that bad.”
Most people might have been pissed at Tripp for making an assumption if they were me. But I wasn’t. Tripp was taking an interest in my life, and that was more than could be said for most people.
Tripp met my gaze. “I promise I won’t judge.”
“I believe you.”
“This is the most we’ve ever talked.”
“So?”
“I just meant you never speak up in class.”
“I don’t have anything important to say,” I said.
He winked. “You’re wrong.”
“Huh?”
“The quiet ones are the most insightful people.” He patted my shoulder.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Chris Bedell's previous publishing credits include Thought Catalog, Entropy Magazine, Chicago Literati, and Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, among others. His 2019 books include his NA Thriller BURNING BRIDGES (BLKDOG Publishing), YA Paranormal Romance DEATHLY DESIRES (Deep Hearts YA), and YA Thriller COUSIN DEAREST (BLKDOG Publishing). In addition to his YA Thriller BETWEEN LOVE AND MURDER, his 2020 books include his YA Contemporary I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN (Deep Hearts YA), YA Thriller THE FABULIST (BLKDOG Publishing), YA Thriller I KNOW WHERE THE BODIES ARE BURIED (BLKDOG Publishing), and YA SciFi DYING BEFORE LIVING (Deep Hearts YA). Besides his YA Thriller LOVE HIM/HATE HIM, Chris’s 2021 books include his YA Fantasy CROSSING DESIRES (Spectrum Books) and rerelease of his YA Fantasy IN THE NAME OF MAGIC from JMS Books. Furthermore, Chris graduated with a BA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2016.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: @ChrisBedell
Instagram: @CJohnBedell
Author's Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Chris-Bedell/e/B086JMTWRY/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY:
Chris Bedell will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 10, 2022
Blog Tour: HONORABLE PROFESSION by Andy Kutler
Honorable Profession
by Andy Kutler
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Contemporary Fiction (Political)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BLURB:
Honorable Profession: A Novel of American Politics is a compelling, hopeful story of a cynical former Secret Service agent and his idealistic daughter as they follow a longshot candidate into the perilous arena of presidential politics.
After resigning from his agency under an ethical cloud, 46-year-old Dan Cahill commits himself to rebuilding his relationship with Megan, the college-aged daughter in Las Vegas he has long neglected. She persuades a reluctant Cahill to join the student-led campaign of a popular professor competing in the Nevada presidential primary against impossible odds. As they face powerful forces conspiring to clear the field, Cahill's deep-seated disdain for electoral politics collides with Megan's higher ideals. Each of their faiths are tested by political allies and adversaries, all desperate for victory, no matter the costs.
Crafted by award-winning author Andy Kutler, Honorable Profession is an absorbing, modern-day political drama filled with authentic and indelible characters, each struggling with their own loyalties and principles as they duel with unscrupulous rivals and the meaning of public service.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpt One:
Her eyes were pleading. “You have to win next week. Let me help you.”
“You are helping me, Hope. And I appreciate your good intentions. Your passion to fix what ails your brother, desperate for any solution, I’ve been there. I know what that pain in your heart feels like. But I didn’t get into this race to destroy others. I never wanted to be in a competition among rivals and enemies. I wanted to be in a competition of ideas. Ours are better, that I am certain of. And if this election proves I’m the wrong messenger, I want to see an army of others, like you, who will carry our movement forward. And make the Cure Initiative a reality.”
Hope stood, unenthusiastic, but at least offering a grudging nod as she lifted her tripod again.
Walter smiled at her. “Your integrity, my dear, and my conscience, will remain intact. But fear not, the Vice President will one day learn the same inescapable lesson I am now experiencing.”
“What’s that?”
“As the Buddhists say, there are three things that cannot long stay hidden. The sun, the moon, and the truth.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Andy Kutler is a writer and author of two award-winning novels, The Batter’s Box and The Other Side of Life. Andy has also written extensively for The Huffington Post and The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Over a 28-year professional career, he has worked in the United States Senate, the U.S. Secret Service, and the national security community. A Wisconsin native, Andy lives with his wife and two children in Arlington, Virginia.
CONNECT WITH ANDY
Website: https://www.andykutler.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andykutlerfanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AndyKutler
Buy Links:
https://www.amazon.com/Honorable-Profession-Novel-American-Politics/dp/1684338891
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/honorable-profession-andy-kutler/1140042789
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GIVEAWAY:
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveawayFebruary 7, 2022
Blog Tour: OLIVE AND THE VALENTINE'S SPELL by Helen Millman
Join Us for This Tour from February 1 to February 14!Book Details:
Book Title: Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 38 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Mascot
Release date: February 1, 2022
Content Rating: Rated G. Suitable for everyone *** 2022 Family Choice Award Winner *** Book Description:
Olive is a sweet elementary school boy who is afraid to go to school on Valentine’s Day. . .because he thinks he’ll have to get married! Olive’s mom joins in his fight to defeat the “princess of love,” but along the way he learns an even bigger lesson, discovering the true meaning of love.
Olive and the Valentine’s Spell is an inspiring children’s book for all ages that shines a humorous light on Valentine’s Day and overcoming your fears.
Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Mascot
Review: What is Valentine’s Day?
A kindergarten boy wonders what it is and how it configures into his life of homework, family, and childhood.
“An era of freedom is coming to an end. Love and fun cannot go hand in hand.”
Can the boy defeat Princess Valentine? Or will he realize that love is actually a precious gift?
Illustrations are fun, colorful, and lively in this sweet, little tale.
Rating: 4 stars
Meet the Author:Children’s author Helen Millman is a loving wife and mom. Her three young boys continually inspire her with their wild adventures and vivid imaginations. They even helped inspire her to write her new book, Olive and the Valentine’s Spell!
While living in Vero Beach, FL, she spends her time writing, reading, singing, and growing through her life’s experiences. She knows the importance of “seeing the bright side of life” and encourages her readers to “choose love, even when it seems impossible”. A friendly, optimist Helen has always loved to read to her own children and remembers how much her imaginative voices really helped bring the stories to life. She invites her readers to gather with a beloved book, for it truly is one of the best places to snuggle, giggle, imagine, and make unforgettable memories - together.
connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ instagram Tour Schedule:
Feb 1 – Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 - Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
Feb 1 - Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 2 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 2 - She Just Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
Feb 3 - The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Feb 4 - icefairy's Treasure Chest – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 7 - Sandra's Book Club – book review / giveaway
Feb 7 - Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Feb 8 – Reading is My Passion – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 8 – fundinmental – book review / giveaway
Feb 8 - Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 – Pause for Tales – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 - A Mama's Corner of the World – book review / giveaway
Feb 9 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Feb 10 – Bound 4 Escape – book review / giveaway
Feb 10 - Westveil Publishing – book review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 11 – Older & Smarter? – book review / giveaway
Feb 11 - Kam's Place – book review
Feb 11 - Captive Dreams Window - book review / giveaway
Feb 11 - Books for Books – book review
Feb 14 – Lamon Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Feb 14 - @twilight_reader – book review
Enter the Giveaway:
Olive and the Valentine's Spell by Helen Millman Book Tour Giveaway
February 5, 2022
Review: FAMILY FIRST by Margaret Watson
What happens when you put a cop that can’t wait to get back to the action and a stubborn, clinical psychologist? A clash of the titans, especially with a teen brother getting into trouble.
Can Kira get two troubled boys to open up about their pain and feelings?
This was an interesting story that deals mainly with family—trust, issues, obligation, responsibility. It can get rather drawn-out and pointless at times. There’s certainly a simmering romance between the main characters, which keeps the reader going for the most part.
Overall, this was an average read. I expected more to be honest.
Rating: 3 stars
Review: WHEN MURDER COMES HOME by Shana Frost
It was time for Aileen to be adventurous so she quit her job, sold her house, and moved away, returning to Gran’s Scottish inn, where she spent many fun summers. The Scottish dialogue was a little annoying, and the story didn’t really go anywhere interesting. Not very good.
Rating: 2 stars
