All posts by Kelly S

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Review, Shifters, Standalone, Vampire, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 – #Review – Megan Slays Vampires by Sophie Stern

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If monsters aren’t real, why do I kill so many of them?

I’ve spent the last five years training as a vampire hunter. My goal is to hunt, maim, and kill as many of the bastards as I can. They’re infecting our city and each time I manage to kill one, five more spring up in its place. The vampire hunter’s council is breathing down my neck, but I’m already working 25 hours a day, eight days a week.

Then one night, everything changes.

I make a mistake and a vampire catches me. He doesn’t kill me, though. Instead, he brings me into his lair and he makes me question…everything.

What if everything I’ve ever been taught has been a lie?

What if the vampires aren’t the real monsters?

What if it’s me?

Megan Slays Vampires is a standalone steamy paranormal romance by Sophie Stern, author of Honeypot Darlings and Shifters of Rawr County. If you enjoy this story, check out her other vampire books: Vampire Kiss, Eternity, and Chaotic Wild.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I have no clue how to explain how much you NEED to read this book, but you NEED to read Megan Slays Vampires! Alright! I said it…now that I have that out of my system, I must start by saying this is my first Sophie Stern book and I CANNOT WAIT for more!!!! Megan is quite the badass! But once Donal enters her life, everything turns upside down. She realizes then that she is not chasing the monsters, she is working for the monsters. Once that realization hits home, she really has some things to think about. Megan is an orphan and has trained and slayed many a monster. This is her job, her life But Donal throws a wrench in everything that she knows. Let me tell you about these two. Donal and Megan have this perfect push/pull relationship. They are both witty and their banter is hilarious but can be as sweet as strawberry wine. The intensity between them is palpable. Once these two really open up to each other and start to work together, things really start to go crazy!

“A shapeshifter who can’t shift. A vampire with a vendetta. What an unlikely duo we make.”

This story has everything! There is angst, wit, sexy time (wags eyebrows), and action, but all the same it will pull at your heartstrings. I cannot recommend this book enough!

Sophie Stern

Learn more at:

www.sexysophiestern.com

Join Sophie’s mailing list for freebies & new releases:

http://eepurl.com/bh8v_j

Contemporary Women's Fiction, Review, Standalone, Suspense, Thriller

#WOTR22 #Review – Aggravated Circumstances by Michele Shriver

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Aggravated Circumstances by [Michele Shriver]

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

I need to start by saying that this is a really great, but intense story. I don’t think there is anything crazy that would be a trigger for someone but there are some areas that will really make you feel some things. I have experienced “the system” and I must say that this story is very accurate but not all cases turn out the same way. This is full of hope and love but with a lot of struggles.

This author took a very difficult situation and wove it into a beautiful story. You see several points of view including the judge, social worker, the lawyer, and the addict. You really get a full sense of how one decision changes everything. One small decision, every moment of every day can make huge shifts or transitions in a short amount of time. Depending on whether that decision is for a good change or a bad change can cause a lot of sacrifices for yourself and others. Sort of like the butterfly effect and you have no idea how far it reaches until sometimes it’s too late.

Aggravated Circumstances is one of those stories that I had to sit and process at times because it gives you a crazy amount of feels. It will make you really think about all the little things that affect everything. This is a very intriguing and compelling story that I highly recommend!

Michele Shriver

Apocalyptic, Fantasy Romance, Review, Sci Fi

#WOTR22 #Review – The Red Assassin (The Genesis Trilogy Book 1) by Taki Kasai

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The Red Assassin (The Genesis Trilogy Book 1) by [Taki Kasai]

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

An elaborate game with a formidable opponent.

The Red Assassin has left me wanting, no, needing more! I am finding that I love me some sci-fi and cyborgs!!! This story has the best of everything. There is a great back story for both main characters with intriguing world-building, but one of the best parts is the relationships between all of the characters. There is the right amount of sarcasm, strife, cynicism, and game playing. You will feel like you are right in the middle of this crazy cataclysm. There is a love story (actually, I think there could be a few with some of the back characters and I am super excited to see this progress!!) with the perfect amount of angst and sweetness, but nothing is way over the top.

Sorina was minding her own business then wakes up a year later with no memory and metal body parts. Talk about feeling “out of sorts”. Ultimately, she becomes an assassin for the government, but her morals come to the forefront when she realizes she enjoys killing and is good at it.

Gravvill is the soldier that saves her but also dooms her. He is made to train Sorina but also must keep his space. You’ll have to read it to see why. 😊

On top of all this craziness, there is an elaborate game being played between the “Director” and the “Deathly Hacker”. The back and forth between these two really add to the story. They literally have me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the Deathly Hacker is. When I thought I had it figured out, I was second guessing myself. I have no clue and still have no clue!

What I am trying to get at here is that this is a fantastic story by a wonderful author who has a new fan! I’m that fan! I highly recommend this one!

An image posted by the author.

Age Gap, Contemp. Romance, Review

#WOTR22 #Review – Not Playing Fair by A.J. Renee

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Not Playing Fair

BEWARE: Cabin pressure may affect arousal.

Magdalena “Maggie” Perez Rivera

I don’t chase men… not even sexy papi chulos who pop into my life with their charming smiles. I should certainly avoid older ones who turn out to be my best friend’s beloved Uncle Connor. The last thing I need is another protective man in my life, even if I’m craving him.

Connor Hughes

My trip to Orlando is for an interview and to enjoy a short visit with my niece. That’s it. The tempting Latina is the furthest thing I need in my happily single life. To my surprise, the vixen slips under my skin and becomes a permanent fixture in my daily thoughts.

Deciding whether to test our undeniable chemistry may be the least of our worries, because life doesn’t always play a fair hand.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

When the chemistry is so intense between people, things are bound to explode! This is a funny story full of passion, love, and of course some conflict. When these two meet, neither are ready for what’s next. The banter between them is hilarious and they certainly didn’t expect to see each other again, let alone expected that Connor was Maggie’s best friend’s uncle. OOPS!!! It is hot and steamy at times but there is a lot of the bumbling around acting like idiots’ moments too. There were a lot of times that I laughed out loud because I could see myself and/or my fiancé being in the same situation but then you have a lot of the awwww moments that capture your heart. This is a fun, lighthearted read that will keep you completely engrossed from start to finish. When things feel too good to make an exit strategy, decisions have to be made to walk away or jump in with both feet. This is an absolute must read!

AJ Renee

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #ThrowbackReview – Rules of Protection (Tangled in Texas Book 1) by Alison Bliss

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Rules of Protection (Tangled in Texas, #1)

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

Oh holy hell! I am going to try and put into words, ever so graciously, what this book did to me. This story had me giving an eye roll at the beginning to the slimy freak that was hitting on Emily, to fanning myself and laughing at the kiss and arrogance of Jake who is trying to help Emily out with the slimeball, then squirming in my seat yelling “RUN!” to Emily when she witnesses a brutal murder. THIS ALL HAPPENED AT THE VERY BEGINNING! What a way to start a story! I was stuck at this point. Very invested and couldn’t put this book down. Turns out Jake works for the FBI and is trying to take this murderer down but now has to save Emily and put her in witness protection for her safety. These two are both hawt and absolutely attracted to each other but no matter what, things go from bad to worse. There is a leak and the safe house has been compromised. Jake goes “rogue” and takes Emily to stay with his family in the boonies in Texas. The angst between these two is INTENSE! Jake has morals and the job comes first but Emily is slowly wearing him down. As with most stories our two main characters carry a ton of baggage. Emily has her reasons and is very stubborn and always a live in the moment type of person. She goes for what she wants and when she wants it. And if it doesn’t pan out she moves on. This personality really bumps heads with Jake who is very rule oriented and very by the book trying to protect her. As with most relationships when we argue things are said that we don’t necessarily mean but these two are under so much stress with all the craziness that is going on that things get crazy between the two. She is super stubborn and just wants to go back to the way things were before the murder but Jake is realistic and has to push her back to make her see reason. These two are constantly going back and forth getting under each other skins and trying to get into bed with one another. And all of the supporting characters from Emily’s friends Dale and Gina to Jake’s aunt and uncle and all of his childhood friends makes for an super funny and super eventful story. I absolutely recommend Tangled in Texas to everyone and am looking forward to reading the second. Alison Bliss is a new author to me and I am tangled up this story!

Alison Bliss

Facebook: http://facebook.com/AuthorAlisonBliss

Twitter: http://twitter.com/AlisonBliss2

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/AlisonBliss

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/AlisonBliss2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AlisonBliss2/

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #ThrowbackReview – Order of Fear (The Order Series, Book 1) by Lisa Caviness

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Order of Fear

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

5 very suspenseful stars! Oh. My. Wow! I don’t know why it took me so long to read this but holy hell I got hooked! This story is an incredible web woven with deceit, lies, loyalty, and passion. This is one of those books that starts out with a bang and and never stops until the very, very end. An absolute page turner!

First, Marissa….she is about to get married and is gone on a business trip. She is planning to call off her wedding to David when she returns because she found out he has been unfaithful to her. Things go awry and she is late coming home but when she does she finds David’s dead body in their home.

Second, Justin….the best man is super agitated with David as he hasn’t been able to reach him for days. He goes to the house to find Marissa cradling David’s dead body.

From here the story gets twisted!!!!! The two are being followed, an explosion happens and people are dying all around them. A coincidence? NOOOOOOO! Just keep going….Not everyone is who they seem but can you figure out who doesn’t belong? Nope! Not ‘til the end! This roller coaster of a story keeps you rooting for Marissa and Justin but then….do you? I was so back and forth with the idea of them and exactly how this was all going to pan out that I just couldn’t stop reading. And let me tell you about the bad guys. I don’t know what was going on in the author’s mind at the time of writing the antagonists but daaaaang are they bad! Written so good but soooo bad! The story is full of heightened emotions and ends up being very evil. Full of danger with the exact right amount of passion and love. An absolute must read!

Lisa Caviness

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #Throwback Review – How to Spell Disaster by Jennifer Laslie

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How to Spell Disaster (Unfortunate Spells Book 1)

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Review by Twinsie Kelly

OMG, if you want something that is funny with a ton of crazy shenanigans, then I absolutely recommend How to Spell Disaster!

Who’d a thunk that a crazy old book would turn into such a disaster?! Tucker attempts a love spell and it blows up in his face. Women are throwing themselves at him left and right. At first, he thinks this will end his dry spell and decides to go on a date. But as he continues, the women get crazier. This poor guy has to watch out for his well being too! He goes back to the occult shop to get some advice or possibly another spell to break this one but is told that sometimes magic won’t work and the only way to break this spell, or curse, is to find true love’s first kiss. Ok, so cliche’, right? Well, when the women start going crazier he has to find something to fix this and the book just sits there….staring at him…. flips to another page… shocks people….the book just taunts him. When he thinks he finds a “nice” girl they end up being some sort of psycho. This story had me dying laughing all the way to the end. Love is always found in the most unlikely of places and poor Tucker has hellish luck. This was a super fun story and rooting for Tucker was the best part! I look forward to continuing this series.

Jennifer Laslie

Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #ThrowbackReview – Quantum Engtanglement: Part One (Legion of Supernatural Academy Series Book 1) by S.R. Watson and Ryan Stacks

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Quantum Entanglement: Part One (Legion of Supernatural Academy)

There are no such things as witches, warlocks, vampires, and shapeshifters … or so we thought! Before everything changed three days ago, we would have agreed with you.

Three days ago, we didn’t have supernatural abilities we couldn’t explain.

Three days ago, we weren’t being hunted for these abilities.

Three days ago, we weren’t being rescued and recruited into a supernatural academy.

We were two strangers. Only two of our kind. What happens when other supernatural beings find out that we exist?

Genesis and Elysian are quantum entangled for a singular purpose. Their recruitment to the Legion of Supernatural Academy is unexpected but vital to the future of humanity. This unique series takes the world of supernatural academies to new heights with twisted tales, suspense-driven fantasy, and self-discovery.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

A unique twist on the supernatural! It can be difficult to shake things up a bit when it comes to the supernatural community…but yay! These two did it! There are vampires, werewolves, witches, oh my! But when Elysian and Genesis, seemingly normal random college students start having weird things happen around them out of the blue, things start to get crazy! There is a lot of self-discoveries for both of them. They are strangers but connected. How exactly does that happen? Fate? What they find is very mind boggling but what happens to each one as a result is downright scary, but exciting. As they are learning about themselves, each other, and making new friends….the crazy starts to come out. These two have a very intense pull because of this unknown connection, but what they don’t know is if it is predesigned or not. This causes a lot of hesitation for them. The romance portion of this starts as a slow burn but then the fireworks happen….and get ready to fan yourself because it gets HAWT!!! In the midst of all of this, they have become targets because of their powers. This erupts in a hellacious fight. But wait, there’s more! About the time that you think things may calm down, the authors add in a lovely, twisted ploy at the end that keeps you needing more. There are some typos that threw me off some and I wish the big fight scene had more detail or was drawn out more, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the story. Overall, this was a great book and I look forward to reading about Imogen and Rhys and seeing what shenanigans they bring!

About S.R. Watson

About Ryan Stacks

Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR22 – #Review – #Re-read – Tin Man (Silver Cyborg Series, Book 1) by Ava Cuvay

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Tin Man (Silver Cyborg Series Book 1)

Officer Adam “Lemon” Lehmann volunteered for experimental cybernetic upgrades to save his life, but the decision killed his career. Now working as a bar bouncer in a society which both fears and loathes cyborgs, Adam wants to lay low until either his aging human parts, or his glitching cyborg parts end his lonely life.

Eve Myer has critical information about her employer’s corporate corruption which is killing cyborgs. But when the internet whistleblower she meets at a bar takes a fatal shot meant for her, she clings to the sexy yet reticent bouncer’s offer of safety. She finds both protection and passion in his arms even as an unknown adversary is determined to destroy her information, and her.

Adam and Eve struggle to keep their own secrets in the face of their escalating feelings and the mounting threat on their lives, even when that threat comes from each other.

Book One of the Silver Cyborg Series trilogy. This story has a romantic happy ending and a storyline continuing to book two.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

Time, choices, mistakes, regrets, fate…and MadDog2020!

When Adam was dying he made a choice to accept cybernetic prosthetics to save his life, but now being a cyborg means he is existing in between worlds. Happy to be alive but nothing to live for. He was shunned for his choice and lives a solitary life for fear that he will glitch and hurt someone. Eve is a smart and strong woman who found out the company she works for is killing cyborgs. Her objective is to get this information to the right people and ultimately save the cyborgs. When these two meet you can feel the connection right away. They have a slow burn type of chemistry. One absolutely worth waiting for. He knows something is off with her but can’t put his finger on it. One thing leads to another and BAM! Their lives have been slammed together and now both of them are in danger.

In true Ava fashion there is quite a bit of snark and sass with some seriously hawt scenes. Believe me, you don’t want to miss any of that. One of the things I loved most about the story is that it wasn’t predictable. It consumes you because the conspiracies are crazy and when you see how things change at the drop of a dime it keeps you turning the pages. Add a little MadDog2020 and the mention of toilet paper hoarding and you’ve got yourself an awesome story! No, seriously. These are mentioned and were perfect additions (so now you totally have to read it because you have to know if it’s true!) but the love story that occurs is breathtaking. A sort of Beauty and the Beast scenario, if you will, with a wonderful happily ever after. However, the real zinger is near the end. There are a few characters that are going to become big players in this trilogy and I can’t wait for the next. Bring it on!

Ava Cuvay

Apocalyptic, Coming of Age, Review

#Review – Nuclear Dawn: The Post Apocalyptic Box Set by Kyla Stone (Kindle and Audible)

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Nuclear Dawn: The Post-Apocalyptic Box Set: The Complete Apocalyptic Survival Thriller Series by [Kyla Stone]

A nuclear terrorist attack. American cities devastated. Chaos erupts as the fallout descends…
Dakota Sloane, a tough-as-nails former foster kid, has spent her life running from the past. A man haunted by secrets, Logan Garcia has only one goal: to drink himself into oblivion.

They’re two strangers in a bar, until the news reports nuclear detonations in New York City and D.C. Before they can escape Miami, everything explodes.

As buildings collapse, anarchy erupts. Dakota knows of a place to ride out the storm: a safe house deep in the Everglades.

But her little sister is still trapped in the radioactive ruins of the city. Dakota needs Logan’s help, but can she trust him? And how far is she willing to go to save the only family she has left?

The radiation isn’t the only threat. At every turn, deadly foes are determined to stop them. And in the background, a formidable enemy rears its head…

Featuring high-octane action and compelling characters, the acclaimed Nuclear Dawn apocalyptic survival series follows the struggle of ordinary people desperate to survive after a coordinated nuclear attack on the United States.

Perfect for fans of Bobby Akart, Harley Tate, Jack Hunt, and Boyd Craven. Grab all five full-length thrillers at 70% off and start binge reading the series reviewers are calling “Masterful,” “Thrilling,” and the “Best apocalyptic series I’ve ever read!”

The complete series is also available on audiobook! Get started with the three-book bundle here: amazon.com/dp/B081S78LTX

*Rated PG-13 for mild language and moderate violence.*

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

I am so happy I had the entire box set! Kyla Stone is a first-time author for me and now has a fan for life! I had this series on Audible and Kindle which worked out perfectly because I never missed a beat with the story. The narrator was awesome and kept you engaged, but at the same time, while reading the story you were still right in the middle of it all. This series had me on the edge of my seat the ENTIRE time. I was completely engrossed. This story has everything. It has action, craziness, insanity, and anarchy. BUT, it has an intense show of loyalty and love. It even has crazies in a cult! The most exciting part of this story is that it could actually happen. The entire story keeps you engaged from start to finish. You won’t be able to help yourself and will have to continue to turn the pages. It is so real that you can actually picture yourself in the middle of the chaos and it will have you thinking about how you would react in the same situation. On top of it, the action never stops. The story is told in a very vivid way that puts you right in the middle. And as the story escalates, it never falls flat. Very well done and I look forward to reading more by Kyla Stone.

Kyla Stone