Sandra C. Lopez's Blog, page 218

Review: ENEMIS TO LOVERS Anthology Vol. 1

 

A conflict between a stuffy British librarian and a sci-fi erotica author. Can she help a portly lad overcome his sexual insecurities? “Works of Friction” is a rather good one! Sweet and sexy!

A battle to outdo one another in house decorations unlocks a dormant sexual identity and sheer fulfillment in “Cul-de-sac Cupid.” Another good one!

A house renovation turns into a hot love shack for old rivals in “The Flip.”

Witty and enjoyable! Passionate and wild stories filled with raw, tenderness emotion. Goes to show what can happen when enemies become lovers.

 

My rating: 4 stars

Review: NAUGHTY HOUSEWIFE by Amanda Martinez (Book 1, 2, 5)

 

NAUGHTY HOUSEWIFE (Book 1)

 

Woman has an affair to rekindle that sexual spark with her husband. Hot scenes, but an okay read.

 

My rating: 3 stars

 

 

NAUGHTY HOUSEWIFE (Book 2)

 

A better story—hotter and sexier.

 

My rating: 4 stars

 

NAUGHTY HOUSEWIFE (Book 5)

 

A more romantic love story between an ex-wife and an old friend. Kinda boring, but nice.

 

My rating: 3 stars

Review: THE NAUGHTY SITTER by Layla Scott

 

These are the sexy stories of a naughty sitter, who does some experimentation in college. She’s a bit of a nymphomaniac. Not much story to it. Reading was quite scintillating.

 

My rating: 3 stars

Book Blast: LOVE OVER KPOP by Marilyn Vix

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter at the end of the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

What is Vella? A Rundown of the New Platform for Readers

What is Vella? It’s a new reading platform by Amazon available through their website or the Kindle iOS app. It works very similar to other online serial platforms like Wattpad and Radish, with a coin or token pay system to unlock episodes. Each story has 3 FREE episodes to get the flavor of the story, and then can be unlocked further after purchasing tokens. The tokens can be purchased in different packages, with more given for the more expensive bundles.

Paid episodes are priced by word count. For example, 3500 words in an episode would be 35 tokens. The word limit on Vella per episode is 600 to 5,000 words. So, no episode can be more than 50 tokens or at the very least, 6 tokens. When logging into Amazon’s website or through the iOS app, you can get 200 free tokens to start reading. You can follow stories and like individual episodes. After purchasing your first bundle of tokens, you are awarded a weekly “Fav” which you can bestow on your favorite story you’ve read that week. The likes, favs and follows all help stories become more visible in the system like many other platforms.

The fastest and easiest way to find stories are to follow direct links to them. Each story is assigned an ASIN, but I have found that search abilities on Vella can be hard to isolate. The easiest way to find Vella stories by your favorite author is by doing a search with their author name, a combination of their story title and their author name, or just the story name. Seaching for just Vella doesn’t seem to bring up much yet. But the system is still new, and things are being sorted out daily as the platform gets more use.

To find “Love Over Kpop” by Marilyn Vix:

• Search for Marilyn Vix, Love Over Kpop Marilyn Vix, or Love Over Kpop
• Use the direct story link https://www.amazon.com/Love-Over-Kpop/dp/B0945ZBBSH
• Pick up your 200 FREE TOKENS!
• READ THE FIRST 3 EPISODES FOR FREE!
• Follow and “Fav” to stay on top of new episodes posted weekly.

-Marilyn Vix

Trish Russo has just started a job at an agency in LA that is paired with a Korean agency to help with managing the band, Friends5, in the States. But the finicky Woo In-ho won’t come out of his trailer to film the current music video. Trish is asked, as the new assistant, to talk to him. She tries to talk to him like a regular person. He responds to the normal treatment, but on one condition. She needs to help out and be in the video. What is a girl to do when a gorgeous K-pop Idol asks you to be in his video? Then, she reads the scene she is to appear in. There’s a scripted kiss. Will it all just be acting? Or will she let her feelings get entangled with In-ho threatening her new career?

About the Author: Marilyn is a paranormal romance novelist. She enjoys the characters that just don't fit in. From witches to time traveling researchers, she is letting her imagination soar to explore new worlds and write all the details down. Marilyn has traveled to Paris, London, Sydney, and Munich. She loves to include these in her settings as much as can allow. Best of all is letting her reader enjoy them through the perspective of a character. Here love for K-pop has produced her current rock star/K-pop romance project, Love Over Kpop, available on Kindle Vella. She currently lives in Northern California with her husband and cat. The cat, of course, is the center of attention.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMarilynVix
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MarilynVix
Website: http://marilynvix.com

Vella: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Over-Kpop/dp/B0945ZBBSH

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Blog Tour: HUNT by January Bain

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. January Bain will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

To be chosen is everything.
Billionaires. Scholars. Relic hunters.
Alessandro and Maximus Luceres are a united force and dangerous wolves to cross. Members of the powerful House of Luceres, they have spent their lifetimes searching the world over for the Lupus Sanguis Chalice, the fabled wolf blood chalice reputed to save the life of a human bitten by a werewolf during the first full moon.

But never in all their travels did the twins expect to find their possible Forever Mate, much less discover the beautiful Trinity Wells to be in league with their sworn enemies, the nefarious House of Ribelle, who are seeking the precious chalice by any means necessary and want Trinity to mate with one of their own.

Shockingly, Trinity is bitten by a Nomad wolf, starting the clock ticking down to her possibly fatal transformation and making the discovery of the chalice all that more vital.

Will Trinity survive the change…and unite the pair of brothers rivaling to be her Forever Mates?

Read an Excerpt

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

Maximus vibrated with excessive energy, droning out the minister. Standing there like a stuffed turkey in his dove-gray morning coat and tails, waiting for his brother and mate to conclude the official ceremony, all he could think was sign the damn contract already. The sooner he got out of this godawful monkey suit and had an extended run in the clear, crisp desert air, the better.

He stretched his neck under the stiff white collar. There wasn’t much call for such attire in the sacred halls of a dusty library, researching ancient writings, seeking clues to the whereabouts of sacred objects, in particular the House of Luceres’ holiest of grails, the Lupus Sanguis Chalice. Just thinking of laying his hands on the priceless item made his pulse quicken.

Lives spent in the higher halls of learning was a calling he and his twin Alessandro were well suited to. He didn’t want the unenviable job of being CEO of a string of worldwide casinos, like the ones his soon-to-be married brother reined over, though he admired how his sibling managed the position with such style and grace.

But even Cristaldo had to release his wolf on occasion, to manage his beast effectively. Maximus hid a grin at the reminder of how off-the-rails his alpha sibling had become when he’d first met up with the lovely, all-too-human Everly. He’d nearly lost it, according to their brother Lucius—Cristaldo’s twin—who took great glee in reminding everyone of the fact.

“And do you, Everly Joy Affini, take this man, Cristaldo Maximus Luceres, to be your lawfully wedded husband, until you are reborn?”

“I do.”

His brother raised his mate’s veil and the look of adoration and love so clear in his eyes made Maximus glance away. Sly, sitting in the first row of pews as acting majordomo of the House of Luceres, let out a loud sob, his kindly face creased with contentment as he pressed a snowy-white handkerchief to his mouth.

A sense of need and envy stirred deep inside Maximus, its rawness taking him by surprise. What is this? He ran a finger between his shirt collar and his neck in an effort to loosen it. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to remain still and see the final part of the ceremony to its expected conclusion. His twin Alessandro stirred at his side, apparently needing a deep breath of his own. The church was too hot and too stifling by half.

About the Author: January Bain has wished on every falling star, every blown-out birthday candle, and every coin thrown in a fountain to be a storyteller. To share the tales of high adventure, mysteries, and fast-paced thrillers she has dreamed of all her life. The story you now have in your hands is the compilation of a lot of things manifesting itself for this special series. Hundreds of hours spent researching the unusual and the mundane have come together to create a series that features strong women who don’t take life too seriously, wild adventures full of twists and unforeseen turns, and hot complicated men who aren’t afraid to take risks.

If you are looking for January Bain, you can find her hard at work every morning without fail in her office with two furry babies trying to prove who does a better job of guarding the doorway. And, of course, she’s married to the most romantic man! Who once famously remarked to her inquiry about buying fresh flowers for their home every week, “Give me one good reason why not?” Leaving her speechless and knocking her head against the proverbial wall for being so darn foolish. She loves flowers.

If you wish to connect in the virtual world she is easily found on Facebook, twitter and writes a weekly blog about her journey on Blogger. Oh, and she loves to talk books…

Blog Address: http://januarybainjourney.blogspot.ca
Twitter Name: https://twitter.com/JanuaryBain
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/january.bain
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6437282.January_Bain

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Sin-City-Wolf-Book-ebook/dp/B09B7QQ996/

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Blog Tour: QUICK FIX by Louise Cypress

 

Quick Fix

by Louise Cypress

 

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GENRE: YA Thriller

 

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BLURB:

 

Three teens are caught in a bioterrorism plot to destroy Seattle involving a diet drink that kills.

 

After accidentally breaking up with her boyfriend, Marley is ready to do anything to get her life back on track. When a new health clinic called Quick Fix opens in Seattle offering probiotic elixirs that supposedly burn off extra weight, Marley becomes their willing victim. After her first treatment, she loses five pounds in one week—and becomes so sick that she faints at work. But Marley is thrilled with the results, especially knowing that her ex-boyfriend is mobbed by girls every day.

 

When Marley’s best friend Ellie finds out the truth about Marley’s sudden weight loss, Ellie is concerned for her friend’s safety. Ellie knows better than anyone that there’s no such thing as a quick fix, but Marley’s not so sure. For Marley, the risk seems worth it—until the elixir takes control. By the time Marley discovers the truth about Thin Shot, she’s almost dead, and the only person who can save her is the last person she thought she could trust.

 

Melt away unwanted pounds with a probiotic elixir.

 

Thin Shot—the diet drink that kills.

 

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NOTE: The book is on sale for $0.99.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

“Move aside, miss” barked a paramedic. “So we can get to—” The man stopped short when he saw Katie. “Hazmat team needed!” he shouted to his crew. “I repeat, this is a hazmat situation! Someone call the CDC!”

 

“Ellie!” Marley called again. “We need to go!”

 

The paramedics sprang into action, and I was clearly in the way. I stumbled toward the locker room, and Marley grabbed the back of my robe and pulled me to the shower. The faucet gushed with hot water. “Use as much soap as possible,” Marley told me, “to get the germs off. And hurry! We need to get out of here before they quarantine the place.”

 

“What?” I held my hands to my face, too shocked to move.

 

Marley yanked off my bathing cap and shoved me under the water, robe and all. Then she unhooked a bottle of shower gel from one of the stalls and squirted me with soap. “Clean yourself off, Ellie! I don’t want you to die like Katie did.”

 

“Katie’s not dead!” I pulled off my robe and rubbed my body vigorously with soap. “The paramedics will save her.”

 

“Um…” Olivia said from the edge of the shower rooms.

 

“What?” Marley asked.

 

Olivia spun around. “There’s no more time for soap. Put your clothes on and let’s go.”

 

I turned off the faucet and wrapped a towel around me seconds before the paramedics rolled the gurney past the shower area and through the doors to the locker room.

 

Katie’s body was covered with a white sheet.

 

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Review: What if you could melt away the fat with one quick fix? Would you take it?

The book is filled with the simple narratives and perspectives of the various characters; however, the story seemed to be centered on Dean and Marley, a couple that breaks up at the start. Marley, a self-conscious gal, takes the quick fix to be the girl she thinks Dean deserves. But at what cost?

The concept certainly was interesting. It’s an easy read for the most part, but it takes a while and there were a few too many characters cluttering the story.  The plot was further consumed by complexity and scrutiny. Although this wasn’t quite what I expected, it’s a decent thriller overall.

My rating: 3 stars

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Louise Cypress is the pen name of Jennifer Bardsley for her YA books.

 

Jennifer writes the column “I Brake for Moms” for The Everett Daily Herald and is the author of the young adult novels Genesis Girl, Damaged Goods, Narcosis Room, and the Fight or Flight and Puritan Coven series. She lives in a book-filled house near Seattle with her family, and poodle, Merlin.

 

An alumna of Stanford University, Jennifer puts her psychology degree to good use writing fiction. She has a lifelong fascination with mind control. That focus also comes in handy in Jennifer’s role as a mother—but so far her children haven’t noticed.

 

Book page:

https://owlhollowpress.com/quick-fix/

 

Author Website:

https://jenniferbardsley.com/louise-c...

 

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennBardsley

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

 

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GIVEAWAY

 

Louise Cypress will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: STARTING OVER IN CEDARWOOD by Megan Slayer

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Megan Slayer will be awarding a prize pack featuring a necklace made by the author to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Starting over might just bring them the love they deserve.

Shaun Fallows came to Cedarwood to start over. He wants to be done with dating, but the moment he sees Kevin, the sparks are off the charts. He can't get the sexy man off his mind. So much for not wanting to get involved. Kevin is the man of his dreams. Can he convince Kevin to give him a try or will the romance end before it gets the chance to begin?

Besides, there's the small issue of Kevin's cat...

Kevin Keiser did the dating thing and ended up burned. One of the few bright spots in his life is his cat, Leo. The animal might be a bit prickly, but he's been a good meter for who Kevin should date and who he should avoid. He wants a boyfriend who isn't put off by his pet. Shaun sure seems to fit the bill. Is he just another man or the love Kevin's been waiting for?

Read an Excerpt

©2021 MeganSlayer All Rights Reserved

“He doesn’t date anyone who isn’t approved by his cat,” she said. “You hate cats, so you’d better just have one beer with him and cut your losses, now that I think about it.”

“I don’t hate cats.” He hadn’t found one that liked him, but that was beside the point. “Are he and the cat that close?”

“Very.”

Shaun shrugged. Cara was probably exaggerating. She tended to when she discussed something dramatic. The car accident was always the worst she’d ever seen or her kid scoring a goal was always the best goal ever in the history of eighth grade hockey. “I’ll give him a chance.”

“Who?” Warrick found them and sat beside Shaun. “Dave? Don’t date Dave. He’s full of himself. Plus, you’ll smell like you’ve bathed in his cologne.”

Shaun shrugged again. Their co-worker, Dave, did tend to wear his aftershave a bit on the thick side. Everyone who hugged him tended to smell like him.

“Shut up,” Dave said. “I heard our Shaun gave Kevin Keiser his digits.”

“Keiser? He’s so quiet,” Warrick said. “He’s gay? Oh wait. I knew that. He had a guy…Kyle someone or another. I guess they had a falling out.”

“Over the cat,” Cara said.

Shaun gritted his teeth to keep from speaking. Kevin’s personal life wasn’t their business. “You need to leave him alone.”

“Why? He had a fight with a guy over a cat. The critter hated Kyle, I think,” Warrick said. He shrugged, then downed some of his beer. “If I can’t find a woman to get along with Patrice, then it’s a nonstarter.”

“Your dog?” Dave snorted. “It’s just a dog.”

“Might be to you, but she’s a good dog,” Warrick said. “She’s more loyal than you’ve ever been.”

Shaun snorted. “You two.” He ignored the rest of the conversation in favor of the baseball game. “Kevin seemed nice and I went out on a limb. It might not work, but I won’t know unless we go out, so there.”

“You should give him a shot,” Cara said. “You’d be good for him. You’re quiet and smart like him. Maybe you’d bring each other out of your shell.”

“Maybe.” His thoughts turned to Kevin. He hadn’t felt sparks like that in ages and he liked the rush. He missed the delight of being with someone and being wanted. Hell, he liked being part of a relationship.

Besides, he was tired of the one-night stands and pretty boys who only wanted him to pump up their ego or be their sugar daddy. He was only forty-two, but sometimes he felt ancient. He worked hard for his money and the paper. Could Kevin be the one he’d been looking for?

He hoped so.

About the Author: Megan Slayer, aka Wendi Zwaduk, is a multi-published, award-winning author of more than one-hundred short stories and novels. She’s been writing since 2008 and published since 2009. Her stories range from the contemporary and paranormal to LGBTQ and white hot themes. No matter what the length, her works are always hot, but with a lot of heart. She enjoys giving her characters a second chance at love, no matter what the form. She’s been nominated at the LRC for Best Author, Best Contemporary, Best Ménage, Best BDSM and Best Anthology. Her books have made it to the bestseller lists on Amazon.com.

When she’s not writing, Megan spends time with her husband and son as well as three dogs and three cats. She enjoys art, music and racing, but football is her sport of choice. She’s an active member of the Friends of the Keystone-LaGrange Public library.

Find out more about Megan and Wendi at: http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Sign up for the newsletter here: http://ymlp.com/xgjmjumygmgj
Website - http://wendizwaduk.com/indexMegan.htm
Blog - https://wendizwaduk.wordpress.com/
Fan Page - https://www.facebook.com/wendizwaduk.meganslayer/
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/Megan-Slayer/e/B008BJCFSC
Bookbub - https://www.bookbub.com/authors/megan-slayer
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wendizwaduk/
Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5330530.Megan_Slayer
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/MeganSlayer

Buy links:

https://books2read.com/u/b5o5N7
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096KXPMC4/
https://www.firstforromance.com/book/starting-over-in-cedarwood
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/starting-over-in-cedarwood
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=jqsxEAAAQBAJ
https://www.scribd.com/book/510301417/Starting-Over-in-Cedarwood
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/starting-over-in-cedarwood-megan-slayer/1139622982

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Blog Tour: IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES by Brenda Marie Smith

 

 

If The Light Escapes

by Brenda Marie Smith

 

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GENRE: Sci-fi (post-apocalyptic)

 

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BLURB:

 

A standalone sequel to IF DARKNESS TAKES US

 

A solar electromagnetic pulse fried the U.S. grid fourteen months ago. Everything’s gone: power, cars, running water, communications, all governing control and help—gone. Now northern lights have started in Texas—3,000 miles farther south than where they belong. The universe won’t stop screwing with eighteen-year-old Keno Simms.

 

All that’s left for Keno, his family and neighbors is farming their Austin subdivision, trying to eke out a living on poor soil in the scorching heat. Keno’s still reeling from the the death of his pregnant sister. His beloved Nana is ill, Grandpa’s always brandishing weapons, and water is far too scarce. Desperate thieves are hemming them in, yet he can’t convince his uncle and other adults to take action against the threat.

 

Keno’s one solace is his love for Alma, who has her own secret sorrows. When he gets her pregnant, he vows to keep her alive no matter what. Yet armed marauders and nature itself collude against him at every turn, forcing him to make choices that rip at his conscience. If he can’t protect Alma and their unborn child, it will be the end of Keno’s world.

 

IF THE LIGHT ESCAPES is post-apocalyptic science fiction set in a near-future reality, a coming-of-age story told in the voice of a heroic teen who’s forced into manhood too soon.

 

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Excerpt One:

 

OPENING LINES:

 

Bright green lights stream and pulse across the northern sky all night now, growing from thin and wispy to bold and fat, expanding, contracting, sending out bands of yellow streamers like they’re partying on ecstasy at some cosmic rave. The lights are pretty, and they’re hypnotic, and they creep me out to the core.

 

Northern lights every night for two solid weeks in Texas. Halfway to the equator from where they belong. They’re supposed to be a phenomenon tied to the magnetic poles—it’s a scientific fact.

 

Nothing is right about this. The only explanation I can think of is that the north and south poles are shifting. I don’t know what that means for the planet and the future of its creatures. We don’t have TVs or talking-head scientists to tell us...

 

The universe just won’t stop f**king with us.

 

Today, I’m hoeing corn in our front yard, sweat stinging my eyes. It’s blistering hot out here—early December in what used to be high-tech Austin, until the … sun zapped us with an electromagnetic pulse and took our power, our cars, the damned running water. It stopped pretty much everything—everything modern, that is.

 

It’s been fourteen months, and all the front yards in our subdivision are mini-cornfields now. We grow beans and veggies in the backyards. It’s a desperate attempt to keep us alive when our food stockpiles run out. Don’t know if it will work, but I’m doing my damnedest to make sure it does.  

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Brenda Marie Smith lived off the grid for many years in a farming collective where her sons were delivered by midwives. She’s been a community activist, managed student housing co-ops, produced concerts to raise money for causes, done massive quantities of bookkeeping, and raised a small herd of teenage boys.

 

Brenda is attracted to stories where everyday characters transcend their own limitations to find their inner heroism. She and her husband reside in a grid-connected, solar-powered home in South Austin, Texas. They have more grown kids and grandkids than they can count.

 

Her first novel, Something Radiates, is a paranormal romantic thriller; If Darkness Takes Us and its sequel, If the Light Escapes, are post-apocalyptic science fiction.

 

 

Social Media:

Website: https://brendamariesmith.com/

Twitter: @bsmithnovelist

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJlL...

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5...

 

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/If-Light-Escapes-Braving-Novel-ebook/dp/B09CMZZRKZ/

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/if-the-light-escapes-brenda-marie-smith/1140037562

BookPeople Austin: https://www.bookpeople.com/book/97819...

 

 

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GIVEAWAY :

 

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: THIRD TIME'S THE HARM by Loran Holt

Deco Desk Mystery, Book 1

Paranormal Mystery

Date Published: August 24, 2021

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

Jamie Whitehall Olivian has received a mysterious letter from her Uncle James. She is named after him, but she has never seen, met, or heard him mentioned in any way. Until now. And he has died and left her his entire estate. But it seems Uncle James wants her to investigate a murder. His, that is. It also seems the estate is contingent upon her acceptance of this commission. Jamie wants no part of the investigation or of the estate. She gets along perfectly well, thank you very much, a fact she emphasizes to his lawyer, who just happens to be gorgeous, making it a little harder to say no. Things take a strange turn when the victim himself asks her to reconsider. For reasons unknown, Uncle James has been unable to depart for the afterlife and is stuck in his Art Deco desk. Jamie decides to take on the job of niece and sleuth, with no experience at either, and she and Uncle James set out to find the killer. They are aided by the lawyer and a not-as-gorgeous and slightly rumpled homicide detective whose interest seems to be more than just finding a murderer.

Excerpt 1

 

The first I knew of my seeming namesake, James Whitehall Olivian, III, was when I received a frightfully formal letter from Ackbury and Ackbury, attorneys-at-law, summoning me to their office for an unexplained meeting. When I called the office to see if there had been some mistake, a frightfully formal secretary assured me that if I was the daughter of Harold Whittaker Olivian, there was no error and I should arrive promptly at 10:00 A.M. this coming Friday. When I bluntly and succinctly inquired, “Why?” she informed me she was not at liberty to discuss it. My curiosity was piqued, a phrase I’ve always wanted to use, so I agreed and hung up.

Armed with the purse into which I had restuffed the letter, I meandered into the kitchen to make a cup of what I call ‘beige.’ Just enough cocoa powder to tint the milk, and not even a touch of sugar, I like my chocolate on the bitter side. It’s really pretty much warm milk, but I like the pale ecru shade. I carried it back into the living room, purse under my arm. If I happened to meet an intruder on the way, I’d have to cocoa him to death.

 

 

 

Excerpt 2

 

“Who’s up for dessert?” Rising, I changed the subject.

Dennis followed me, “I’ll help you bring it out.”

Not wanting to make a scene, I gave in and let him accompany me to the kitchen. I expected the third degree. What I didn’t expect was what I got.

With a smothered exclamation I couldn’t translate, Dennis wrapped both arms around me like an anaconda, and, pressing me to the back of the kitchen door, proceeded to kiss me like a man drowning. After a few seconds, I was the one drowning. I had somehow forgotten how to use my lungs, and very quickly my knees followed suit. If he hadn’t been leaning into me with the full Monty, I would have slithered to the floor like that same anaconda.

Finally regaining some sanity, and in desperate need of air, I pushed him slightly away. Only slightly, I’m not crazy – and did a little gasping.

He must have noticed what I had noticed; because his face pinked, and he moved in the dessert direction, clearing his throat. “I guess the plates should go in now.” Giving me a hint of dimple, he added, “Well, you did ask who was up for dessert.”

Excerpt 3

 

Heedless of danger – as well as bereft of good sense, I leaped to my feet, ran out the door and up the stairs, screaming, “What are you doing to my things?”

The noise stopped, followed by running feet and a ski-masked, dark-clad, figure brushed past me nearly flinging me down the stairs. I clung to the banister, fighting to keep my balance, as the figure ran out the door and disappeared.

 

My review: Jamie, a fortyish librarian, was now an heiress to some dead guy she never knew but was named after. Her uncle’s last request was: “Find out who was responsible for my death.”

The writing was clever and witty, although it times it was a bit neurotic. The character was amusing in a kooky kind of way, but, at times, it was hard to buy her as a sleuth with the inane commentary, especially when it came to fashion. Obviously, she was a fish out of water. Like she said, it wouldn’t be as easy as the house shouting “MURDER.” Oh, of course not. The mystery was interesting enough. I always like a “who dunnit,” and this story tickles your curiosity.

A nice read overall.

 

My rating:  3 stars

About The Author

If you live in Southern California, you’re either a writer or an actor, right? As Professor Emerita from California State University, Long Beach, Loran Holt chose the writing path. Third Times the Harm is one of the results of her efforts, the first book of a series featuring reluctant sleuth, Jamie Whitehall Olivian. Holt is also the author of Nightmasters: Doubles Talk, a sword-and-sorcery epic, published by Acorn, as well. You will find her non-fiction, film-and- fashion books under the name Lora Ann Sigler.

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Review: CUSTOM MADE MURDER by Cindy Bell (Book 8)

Charlotte’s friend is the primary suspect in a murder, but she knows that he’s innocent.

Although Ally wasn’t as confident as Charlotte was, she would undoubtedly lend support wherever she could. Who killed the jewelry shop owner? Did the police have the wrong man? Or maybe Charlotte really didn’t know her friend as well as she thought?

An interesting mystery!

 

My rating: 4 stars