All posts by Kelly S

Audio Book, Comedy, Contemp. Romance, found family, Ghosts, Mystery, new adult, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Comedy, Small Town Romance

#Audio #Review – Fries and Alibis: Paranormal Cozy Mystery (Mitzy Moon Mysteries Book 1) by Trixie Silvertale

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A gift that’s too good to be true. A murder she didn’t commit. A barista in a latte trouble…

Mitzy Moon believes she’s an orphan, so she’s dumbstruck when a special delivery to her low-rent apartment reveals a family. But her shock turns to awe when she discovers her grandmother left her a fortune and a bookshop of rare tomes brimming with magic.

No sooner does she set foot in the quirky village of Pin Cherry Harbor to claim her inheritance, than the handsome sheriff catches her standing over a corpse. Desperate to prove her innocence, she’s forced to accept help from her granny’s entitled cat and a spirit from beyond the grave.

Can Mitzy and her otherworldly helpers uncover the real killer before the long, sexy arm of the law hauls her to jail?

Fries and Alibis is the first book in the hilarious paranormal cozy mystery series, Mitzy Moon Mysteries. (Complete series available now!) If you like amateur sleuths, small town intrigue, and a dash of the supernatural, then you’ll love Trixie Silvertale’s twisty whodunit.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

This was such an entertaining story! The author did an incredible job keeping things interesting but lighthearted with the right amount of wit, sarcasm and snark while the main character is being investigated for murder. I listened to this in audiobook and the narrator did a phenomenal job!

This is a fairly quick listen so I imagine that it would be a good read as well. The story moves at a great pace so you are not left waiting for things to happen or catch up. Mitzy always thought she was an orphan and then one day she was left money, an incredible bookstore, and found out she had family and others who quickly became friends. All while being arrested almost immediately for a murder (and you won’t believe who the corpse is!!!). She rolls with the punches as best she can and because of her stubbornness, doesn’t let the bad luck keep her down. There is a lot of small-town stuff where everyone knows everyone’s business, but at the same time a lot of those people become the family you didn’t know you had…or needed. Even after being accused of murder, having a ghost granny, crazy cat, potential love interest with the town sheriff that originally arrested her, and the family she didn’t know she needed, Mitzy is really finding that she belongs in Pin Cherry Harbor.

This is a super cute mystery that will suck you right from the start. I look forward to continuing the series and joining in on Mitzy’s misadventures!

 

Trixie Silvertale profile image

USA TODAY Bestselling author Trixie Silvertale grew up reading an endless supply of Lilian Jackson Braun, Hardy Boys, and Nancy Drew novels. She loves the amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries and is obsessed with all things paranormal. Those two passions unite in her Mitzy Moon Mysteries, and she’s thrilled to write them and share them with you.

When she’s not consumed by writing, she bakes to fuel her creative engine and tends to her herb garden.

Visit her online at:

www.TrixieSilvertale.com

Mystery, new adult, Paranormal, Psychological Thriller, Review, romantic thriller, Thriller, YA

#Review – The Game by Shane Scollins

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No matter where you are, they’ll find you, and put you in “The GAME”.

Candice Laguna’s life is being systematically dismantled, by an unknown force, for a reason she can’t imagine. But she is about to become the unwilling star of a reality game competition the likes of which has never been broadcast to the world.

Just when things get darkest, a mysterious man snatches her from the grips of doom. He is a man who is not what he seems, and not who he says. He has no name and his motivation to help Candice is not what it seems to be.

But his selfishness has good intentions, he just wants to know who he is and where he came from. And getting to the man orchestrating this reality game is the only way to find the truth.

THE GAME is a mystery/thriller with an unpredictable paranormal twist. It has action and adventure and plays up the everyday exploitation of reality television obsession gone wrong.

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

3.5 stars ~ I picked this book up on a whim, it looked interesting and I thought I would give it a shot. It is a fairly quick read but I have some mixed feelings with the overall story. I almost wish that it was a little longer so that there was more background maybe…I am not sure.

I am going to try not to give too many spoilers here so bear with me. It started out really great. Girl gets identity stolen and is forced into this crazy underground reality game. There are other girls trapped in this game as well. As one can imagine, it doesn’t exactly end well. Girl is saved by guy. This is where is got a little wonky for me. Guy dies but body jumps and finds his way back to girl. They ultimately figure out why he is body jumping and go after the bad guy. But somewhere in there it just didn’t quite fit right or it was too fast, or something that I just can’t pinpoint. Ultimately, this does end on an HEA and seems like it could have a sequel so YAY!

Do I recommend this book? Yes. Would I read a sequel? Yes. I am intrigued 😊

 

Shane Scollins profile image

Shane Scollins is an Amazon best selling author who grew up in Northern New Jersey. After spending over a decade in the snowy mountains of Upstate New York, he has since relocated to the beaches of Wilmington, NC. Primarily a suspense/thriller writer, Shane enjoys taking readers on surprising and unexpected journeys that sometimes venture into the paranormal/supernatural. He is currently working on his next book.

Angels, Comedy, Contemporary Women's Fiction, Demons, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Sunshine Grumpy

#Review – As the Underworld Turns: A Paranormal Women’s Fiction Novel: Good to the Last Demon, Book 1 by Robyn Peterman

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What does a forty-year-old former child star do when she finds out she’s a Demon?

A sitcom, of course.

Age is just a number unless you’re an actress of a certain age trying to make a comeback in La La Land. Back in the day, I was the child star of the hit show Camp Bites. Today, I’m still living it down.

After a disastrous soap opera audition and getting fired from a TV show for not having a bodacious enough backside, one would think I’d be smart enough to go into real estate.

Nope.

Just found out from the rudest, meanest, and hottest guy alive that I’m a Demon. The jerk, also a Demon, goes by the name Abaddon—Abe to his friends.

I call him Dick.

He’s come from the Underworld to protect me—insert laugh track—since there’s a bounty on my head. Dick is not a welcome addition to my midlife madness. However, he won’t go away, and now, he’s my new boss.

Fine. Whatever. All I ever wanted to do in my life was pretend. I can pretend to get along with Dick. I can pretend that I’m not wildly attracted to him. Not sure I can pretend I’m human anymore, or that a supernatural assassin isn’t trying to cancel me, but I’m going to fake it until I make it. Or I get killed.

As the Underworld turns upside down, so have the days of my life.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Ok, so, I’ve read a few books by Robyn Peterman and I read them when I need something that is a bit over the top and is going to make me laugh. I, myself, am quite sarcastic with the humor of a teenage boy sometimes who will absolutely laugh at all the wrong moments. This is one thing that I have come to love about these books. Now, I have a friend that has not read a Robyn book and asked me what I was reading. I was trying to explain this one and it came out sort of like a former child star that was having trouble getting roles with soap operas found out  she is half demon, that there are flaming assassins from the underworld after her, a Demon who is trying to help her that she dislikes but really loves and she has now dubbed as Dick, a nude gay ghost uncle that loves to dance, has a brother that enjoys the jazz cabbage, and she just bough property in Straightjacket Subdivision. I mean, who wouldn’t want to read this? It is corny at times, it is hilarious, but most of all there is literally a midlife crisis here that most of us can absolutely relate to in one way or another.

If you need something snarky, witty, and that will make you laugh, I highly recommend this one!

 

Robyn Peterman profile image

NYT and USA Today best selling author, Robyn Peterman writes because the people inside her head won’t leave her alone until she gives them life on paper. She writes snarky, sexy, funny paranormal and snarky, sexy, funny contemporaries.

Her addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke with extra ice in a Yeti cup, bejeweled reading glasses, her kids, her super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals.

A former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits, she now lives in the south with her family and too many animals to count. Writing gives her peace and makes her whole, plus having a job where she can work in her sweatpants works really well for her.

 

 

Aliens, Enemies to Lovers, Fantasy, forced proximity, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi, Science Fiction Romance, slow burn, Suspense, Wolves

#Review – Chained to the Wolf King: An Alien Monster Romance (The Yzefrxyl) by Jade Waltz

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She warned her captain not to leave the sol system.
He ignored her. Now the ship is dead, her crew is scattered, and Elsa has crash-landed on a frozen alien world ruled by massive, wolf-like predators who’ve never seen a human before.
The Alpha King claims her the moment he sees her.
Sylas is seven feet of fur, fangs, and barely restrained violence — and he’s decided she’s his. His mate. His property. He puts a silver collar around her throat, locks her in his chambers, and dares her to fight him on it.
So she does.
Elsa is a navigator. She maps escape routes the way she breathes. Star charts, terrain, wind patterns — anything that gets her one step closer to freedom. But Sylas isn’t just a monster king with claws that could gut her in a single swipe. He’s patient. Possessive. And the bond forming between them — a psychic thread neither of them asked for — is making it harder to tell where his obsession ends and hers begins.
His court wants her dead. His enemies are circling.
And when the Blood Moon rises, an ancient ritual will force her to run — and him to hunt.

Chained to the Wolf King is a full-length slow burn, sci-fi alien romance featuring a massive, morally gray wolf king, a heroine who refuses to break, forced proximity, a fated bond neither of them wanted, and a mating chase under a crimson moon.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Star crossed fated mates. Elsa and Sylas are the last people/species that either of them thought they would fall in love with. The plot is great! There is such a wonderful story here! Elsa crash lands on Sylas’ world. She and a few other humans are the only survivors and they are taken as prisoners. However, they have been found to be a bit more useful than just “prisoners.” With the humans here and being protected plus Elsa and Sylas are getting closer, corruption is now rising and becoming more prominent within the kingdom….all hell starts to break loose. Elsa still needs to protect the humans, Sylas still needs to protect his kingdom, but these two need to protect each other. While there is a lot of bond forming and affection happening, there is a great deal of action and respect occurring as well.

There is a really, really great story here. However, there were times when I felt like the same things were being repeated or some chapters were extremely drawn out for no reason. I think if this was a bit shorter or perhaps less descriptive in some areas, this could have been a really awesome story.

I was very surprised at the ending. It tied the book up very nicely with an HEA, but also a nice segue into a sequel. I look forward to the next adventure.

 

Jade Waltz profile image

USA Today Bestselling author, Jade Waltz writes sweet-n-steamy, character-driven romances for those who dare to love the paranormal.

When she isn’t writing all the stories that live in her imagination, she’s knitting, playing video games, or drinking her wide collection of teas while enjoying her succulent collection.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Shifters, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire, Werewolf, Witches

#Review – Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic (Dowser Series Book 3) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

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I hadn’t set foot in the human world for more than a few hours in over three and a half months. Sure, I was stronger and faster than I’d ever been before, and I had a shiny new sword, but I was seriously chocolate deprived. I don’t recommend quitting cold turkey. And the new sword was a problem — to my mind, anyway. It represented all the expectations of a powerful father and a new otherworldly life. A life that wasn’t the one I’d worked so hard to build. It also represented the responsibility I had to bring my foster sister Sienna to … what? Justice? I didn’t know if that was even possible. What I did know was that Sienna wouldn’t stop, and that I couldn’t just leave everything up to fate and destiny … or maybe I was. Maybe I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be doing. If you believed in that sort of thing. I just hoped that before the chaos and mayhem renewed, I’d manage to get my hands on some chocolate. It didn’t even have to be single-origin Madagascar. I was utterly prepared to lower my standards.

Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic is the third book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Whew! Jade learns so much but still needs to learn to trust herself.

“Nothing happens without purpose. It is just the why that is obscured.”

The path that Jade takes from book 2 to book 3 was different than I anticipated but we do get to meet a new friend!  This is quite a different adventure than the first two books, however we are still trying to chase Sienna and her chaotic craziness. The web that the author weaves for the plot is very intricate and done very well. There were a lot more emotional events in this book than I was expecting. There is still the usual wit and banter but it is definitely more emotional. This story brings ALL the Adepts together for a common cause. However, there are more questions. Something still doesn’t feel quite right. I am still not quite convinced that Sienna can be defeated. Even with everyone’s help, I just couldn’t quite shake that uneasy feeling. I am hoping that Jade’s backbone gets a bit stronger because she is still a little too naïve for me. We will see.

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Fantasy Romance, Review, Romantic Comedy, secret workplace romance, Sweet Romance

#Review – Inked Together: A sweet workplace romantic comedy by Diane Michaels

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Magical ink. Two wishes. Now Violet and Ben don’t know who is who.

Frustrated with being overlooked by her boss, Violet Pensky would do anything to be as successful as her coworker, Ben Harris. Too bad growing taller isn’t an option. Everything else she tries only brings her closer to getting fired.

Ben works hard enough to keep the commissions rolling in, but not so hard he has to, well,… work. His goal is to fool his boss, but is he fooling himself, too?

After Violet and Ben mysteriously trade bodies, more than their identities change. Violet can finally reach items on the top shelf. But what she desires remains out of grasp. Ben hopes he’ll succeed with a winning smile and a short skirt. Instead, he attracts unwanted attention. When office politics threaten their careers, they must band together to stop it. Until opposing instincts pull them apart just as they’re falling for the person they see in the mirror.

Now they’re on their own, fighting to save the other’s job while hiding their romantic feelings. Can trusting their friendship unite Violet and Ben and switch their lives back to normal?

Inked Together is book 1 of the Inked Together chick lit series.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Awwwwwww! Sweet, witty, funny, enjoyable rom com! Violet and Ben work at the same company and their paths cross every now and again. Ben doesn’t really try hard at anything, doesn’t really care about much, and does enough to get by. It works for him. Violet is a go-getter. She has a goal, makes a plan, executes the plan, and succeeds. Failure is not an option.

These two end up getting tattoos that lead to a body swap, sort of like Freaky Friday only it happens like, right now! They make a pact to help each other get through it but while getting through it they end up getting pretty close to each other.

“Could anything be weirder than being attracted to yourself, even if it’s not actually you?”

They connect in the funniest way but then things get real weird when they get to work. They really start learning things about each other and how the world treats people like “them.” A guy or a girl, being tall or short, the way someone dresses, or talks, etc. These somewhat simple things really open the other’s eyes but really make them dig deep for a great friendship that turns into a beautiful relationship.

This was such an enjoyable read! I highly recommend it!

 

Diane Michaels profile image

Diane Michaels is a professional harpist and author. She balances her fondness for ice cream with her enjoyment of working out and walking through the woods. When she is not spying on the world from behind her harp to collect ideas for her next book, she and her husband make up stories and songs for and about their miniature poodle, Lola. You can find our more about Ms. Michaels at dianemichaelsbooksandharp.com Click the follow button to be notified about her new books.

Review, Romantic Comedy, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR26 #WOTR26AttendingAuthor #Review – In Loving Words (You’ve Been Gnomed Book 1) by AJ Renee and Miranda Lynn

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A meddling gran, a protective brother, and a mysterious gnome in the Georgia mountains…

What could possibly go wrong?

Spending Christmas in the mountains with her family is exactly what Kennedy needs. Work has been stagnant, and Norina has always felt like home. But when her parents bail and her brother’s smoking-hot best friend shows up instead, her underwear goes up in flames.

For Jack, a quiet holiday retreat with his best friend’s family is just what his agent ordered, and the small-town, picturesque setting is instantly inspiring. Falling hard for his friend’s sister, however, wasn’t in his latest outline.

Their chemistry is undeniable.

Their timing couldn’t be worse.

As real life waits below the mountain, Kennedy and Jack must make a choice.

Cut their holiday romance short, or let it blossom into an unforgettable love story.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I wanna be Gnomed!

This is a hilariously sweet rom com where Christmas is supposed to be bring everyone together but it might be more of the meddling grandmother and her shenanigans. Gran is making sure everyone is invited to Norina to spend Christmas in the mountains. Away from all the hustle and bustle. The parentals bail but Kennedy and Harrison show up like the good grandkids they are. However, they aren’t prepared for Harrison’s best friend Jack and Kennedy to have undeniable chemistry. Each day gets more and more interesting as they get to know each other. Oh, and when Gran lets little things “slip” here and there, it is absolutely hilarious! Gran’s shenanigans really put the cherry on top of the story. It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, this story is super cute and a must read. You need to meet Puck!

 

AJ Renee profile image

AJ Renee is a military wife and mother of three. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

She loves to read and write steamy romance with a happily ever after. When not working, you can find her playing World of Warcraft, board games, or outdoors for a run or hike.

 

Miranda Lynn profile image

Escaping reality one book at a time has been Miranda’s motto since she learned to read. As an only child raised on a dairy farm her creative imagination brought words to life. She devoured more books growing up than her little town bookmobile could handle. It was inevitable that she would turn from reading them to writing them. This is her way to help not only herself but others escape the day to day drudge. Her books may take you on a journey through time, give you a look inside a fantasy realm, or delve into the magic of almost anything paranormal. Threading in heart stopping romance and dropping an occasional super sexy scene just to keep you on your toes.

Miranda’s stories are focused around strong female leads and sexy males who appreciate them. She strives to encourage her readers that they can have it all in real life too.

You can find her most days either subbing at the local high school or tucked away in her office working on the next story with a cup of java in her hand. She loves connecting with her readers online as well as in real life so make sure to find her on Facebook and check out where she will be signing throughout the year on her website.

Fantasy Romance, Military, Paranormal, Review, Romantic Suspense, romantic thriller, Sci Fi

#Review – Street Game (Ghostwalker Series) by Christine Feehan

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#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan goes beyond the boundaries of paranormal romance as two lovers take to the streets to play the most dangerous game of all. 

For Mack McKinley and his team of GhostWalker killing machines, urban warfare is an art. But despite a hard-won knowledge of the San Francisco streets, Mack knows from experience that too many things can still go wrong. Danger is just another part of the game—and now he’s come face-to-face with a woman who can play just as tough.

Jaimie is a woman with a sapphire stare so potent it can destroy a man. Years ago she and Mack had a history—volatile, erotic, and electric. Then she vanished. Now she’s walked back into Mack’s life as a spy with too many secrets for her own good. Against all odds, she’s hooking up with Mack one more time to take on an enemy that could destroy them both, or bring them back together in one hot, no-holds-barred adrenaline rush.

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

This is the first book that I have read by Christine Feehan. I didn’t realize that I had a book that was in the middle of a series, however, after looking into it a bit, I was assured that I can read these as standalones but that I may get more enjoyment if I read them in order. Street Game is the 8th book in the Ghostwalker series. I did not feel that I needed to read past books to understand what had been going on. There was more than enough back story to not feel lost at all. Kudos to the author for that!

Mack and Jamie have been apart for a while but have coincidentally run back into each other when Mack’s intel for a job was wrong. All of a sudden, lots of old feeling surface, not only for Mack and Jamie but for the entire team. Even though they are not blood related, they are family. This story goes on an intense journey of feelings between brothers and sister but even more intense feelings of intimate love between soulmates. On top of this, they have corrupt government officials, wicked doctors, and the regular bad guys to worry about. The entire story is thrilling, intense, sensual, with an intriguing espionage plot that will suck you in. I will be reading more by this author!

 

Christine Feehan profile image

Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, with 83 published works in seven different series: Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, Sea Haven Series, Shadow Series, and Torpedo Ink Series. All seven of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Judgment Road, the first book in her newest series, Torpedo Ink, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.

“After Bram Stoker, Anne Rice and Joss Whedon (who created the venerated Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Christine Feehan is the person most credited with popularizing the neck gripper.”—Time Magazine

“The Queen of paranormal romance.” —USA Today

Fantasy, Mystery, Review, Satire Fiction

#Review #Audiobook – The Reign of the Anti-Santas: A Christmas misadventure for grownups by Colin Dodds

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Rudolph’s in a Cadillac, Santa’s in hiding and Christmas itself is being bought and sold with the fate of the world at stake. The Reign of the Anti-Santas tells how Christmas fell into the hands of Santa’s spoiled kids, low-level gangsters, faded TV-movie heartthrobs, tech bros and lifestyle gurus, and what happens when one elf and an old Santa on the lam step up – against all odds – to save the day.

A raunchy thrill ride through seventy Christmas Eves, The Reign of the Anti-Santas is Goodfellas meets ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – just in time to wash the candy-cane taste out of your mouth, get Mariah Carey out of your ears, and change how you see December 25th forever!

  • “Verdict: Get It” – Kirkus Reviews
  • Runner Up, 2023 Best Contemporary Fiction – Indies Today Awards
  • Silver Award, Seasonal/Holiday Fiction – Reader Views Annual Literary Awards
  • Finalist, Humor – Foreword Indies Book of the Year
  • Finalist, Literary Fiction – Literary Global Book Awards
  • Finalist, Cross-Genre – Literary Global Book Awards
  • IndieReader Approved
  • IndieReader Books of the Month List

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

“(A) memorable fictional cosmos… Underneath the sharp wit, however, is a profound cautionary tale about the slippery slope between the sacred and profane… Dodds artfully couples uproarious comedy with deadly serious cultural commentary. An engrossing novel that’s both hilarious and insightful.” – Kirkus Reviews (Verdict: Get It)

“(A) fascinating fable… as modernity takes its toll on Christmas… among the more cynical story beats are moments of introspection that cut deep. It’s a meaningful and strangely beautiful read… a compelling story of life, human nature, and at least one of the meanings of Christmas.” – IndieReader (4.5/5 STARS) IndieReader Approved, IndieReader Books of the Month List

“(A) unique and audacious Christmas tale that takes readers on a rollercoaster ride… truly captivating… a fully realized universe of elves with a rich history and culture… challenges our preconceptions of Christmas and invites us to ponder the true essence of the holiday.”– Book Commentary (5/5 STARS)

“(A) potent combination of dark humor, satire, and even tragedy” – Readers’ Favorite Reviews (5/5 STARS)

“If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza… A holiday parody for the ages…” – Indies Today (5/5 STARS)

“The transition of Christmas history becomes an immersive and captivating read… joy and laughter in this witty and thought-provoking narrative.” – Lit Global Reviews (5/5 STARS)

“If you’re looking for meaning, there is plenty to be found, and if you crave satire, there is none better. Even if you’re just looking for a fun twist on some beloved traditions, you’ll be glad you picked up this unconventional elf-noir holiday extravaganza… A holiday parody for the ages…” – Indies Today (5/5 STARS)

“Dodds has crafted the perfect book that just may change your perspective on the holiday… fresh perspective and wit are what drive the story… a coming-of-age story for us all.” – Reader Views (5/5 STARS)

“(A) romp through the season that will delight adult readers… a vivid plot that keeps readers laughing, guessing, and thinking, make The Reign of the Anti-Santas a top recommendation” – Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

Ok, this is definitely for the grown-ups and those of us with a satirical sense of humor, not for the faint of heart. I listened to this in audio format and the narrator hit it out of the park! The story is told from an elf’s point of view from waaaay back in the day when he was younger. He accidentally ends up in Santa’s sleigh and ends up helping deliver toys that Christmas. However, NO ONE helps Santa deliver toys. This is where these two forge a special bond. But just like with everything, even magical Christmas, it costs money. Then you follow this elf throughout his life. He talks about how the blue-collar elves work, how some of the elves turn into Pine trees, big business/mafia comes in and takes over Christmas, elves fleeing the North Pole, Rudolph owning dealerships and driving a Cadillac. Sex, drugs, gambling, and MONEY! This story is so over the top in some areas that you just have to keep going to see what else this author is going to come up with. I feel like calling it a trainwreck that you can’t stop watching is not a good way to describe it but in some ways that is the only way that I can describe it. I found myself hurrying to turn the audio back on so I could find out what else was going to happen. It was just insanity ALL THE TIME! Over many, many years this special elf becomes THE elf that ultimately helps to save Christmas. There were laughs, there were gasps, but there was a happily ever-ish end to the story. You just have to read it!

 

Colin Dodds profile image

Colin Dodds is an award-winning author and filmmaker, whose works include Pharoni, Ms. Never and The 6th Finger of Tommy the Goose. He grew up in Massachusetts and lived in California briefly, before finishing his education in New York City. Since then, he’s made his living as a journalist, editor, copywriter and video producer. His work has appeared in Gothamist, The Washington Post and more than three hundred other publications, and been praised by luminaries such as David Berman and Norman Mailer. Forget This Good Thing I Just Said, a first-of-its-kind literary and philosophical experience (the book form of which was a finalist for the Big Other Book Prize for Nonfiction), is available as an app for the iPhone. He lives in New York City, with his wife and children.

Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Mystery, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Review, Shifters, Suspense, Thriller, Vampire, Werewolf, Witches

#Review – Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic (Dowser Series Book 2) by Meghan Ciana Doidge

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Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works. Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.

Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic is the second book in the Dowser series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

 

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Twinsie Kelly’s Review

I was completely hooked after reading Trinkets, Treasures, and other Bloody Magic that I jumped headfirst right into Book 2. Well, Sienna is gone and Jade is working to practice her magic. She continues to be extremely frustrated as everyone seems to be one step ahead of her. There are still lots of questions to be answered…a rare magical species is found, a life debt that is acting up, and then there are the families that are so full of loyalty, love and half-truths. Now a sorcerer wants to use her. The question is whether he wants to use her for good or evil. I really enjoyed the first book and couldn’t wait to get into the second book but the second didn’t go quite the way I thought it would. There were so many new characters that were introduced and then they just disappeared for a long time. You get a new plot with additional information about Jade’s past that then finally brings some answers. The ending really had my head spinning. It definitely wasn’t what I was expecting, and I honestly am not sure I am 100% behind where the story is going. I plan to continue the journey to at least the third book before I make any final decisions because I am very curious what happens next. This has definitely taken some twists and turns that were very unexpected.

 

Meghan Ciana Doidge profile image

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.