Monthly Archives: October 2021

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#EventSponsor #MidwestSigning #Wisconsin #GreenBay – Get Your Motor Running, April 23, 2022

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The Venue is the Automobile Gallery in Green Bay, Wisconsin. If you’ve never heard of the Automobile Gallery, I invite you to take a look. https://theautomobilegallery.org/
 
The other way in which this is a different event is that there will only be 20 authors. The venue is not huge, but can hold a few hundred people. Readers will select the author they want to have lunch with at time of sign up.
The book signing event will be open to the public.
 
BUT, we’re also encouraging readers and authors to bring their spouses. The Automobile Gallery is an interesting place. If spouses don’t want to eat with an author, they will have the opportunity to eat inside the Gallery at a space set up just for this purpose. There is a boardroom upstairs in the Gallery in which either a sporting game will be playing on the large screen, or if nothing available, an old car movie will be on. There will be volunteers around the Gallery, talking about the cars and some of the interesting facts known about each car.
 
We’ll also have a photographer on hand taking pictures of the readers and spouses (if around) with their favorite cars. Usually there are only 4 cars in the gallery open to allow visitors to sit inside and have their picture taken. The gallery has agreed to open up more cars to allow our readers, authors and spouses to sit inside and enjoy many of the classic cars on display, up close and personal.
 
 
Tickets on sale in January!!

 

Join the Group to stay up to date on the event HERE

 

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#EventSponsor #Casino #NIBB2022 #authorevent #northiowa #authors #readers #bookworms #booksigning #northwoodiowa #MidwestSigning #IowaSigning #NIBB #northiowabookbash #diamondjocasino- North Iowa Book Bash April 30, 2022

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**Author List Subject to Change**

Facebook Page HERE

★ The 6th Annual North Iowa Book Bash! ★
• Northwood, Iowa
• 1PM – 4PM (VIPs get earlier entry)
• VIP tickets available HERE
• GA tickets – $5 at the door
• a Grand Prize that will be AWESOME!
• Roaring 20s Party Saturday night!
Join the Attendees Group:
Venue:
Diamond Jo Casino Event Center
Sponsored by Q Design Cover and Brand Premades,  TwinsieTalk Book Reviews, and Romance Rendezvous Book Bash
Hosted by BF Bookies
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#Review – Prophecy: The Stregheria (Book 1) By: Miranda Shanklin

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Mira thought she had left her father and his obsessions behind her many years ago when she slipped away in the darkness of night. When her past catches up to her, it’s her daughter who has to pay the price and there is nothing she can do to stop it.

Lilly has lived the most boring life imaginable. Then in the blink of an eye her world goes from safe and comfortable to not knowing who she can trust, being torn from everyone and everything she has ever known and finding out why she has never felt like she fit in. Everyone has lied to her and now they want her to trust them. She has to figure out what is true, what she is meant for and how to handle this all on her own.

Goodreads

Review by Kelly Solomon

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book has a little bit of everything. I love that there is Norse mythology mixed in with the wolves and witches. There are a lot of emotions going on with all the characters. Even with the emotional rollercoaster, the author was able to add some humor, snark, angst, and a little sexy time (wags eyebrows).

Mira thought she escaped her father’s controlling ways when she ran away from Italy to America. She starts a family with a loving husband and wonderful daughter. As her daughter’s birthday nears, Mira’s past has caught up to her, and now the prophecy plays out. However, there have been all sorts of kinks over the years that causes the prophecy to not quite line up like it was supposed to. One thing leads to another and there are gods, goddesses, demons, fates, wolves and witches all involved. All things not of this world and they all revolve around the prophecy and Lilly, Mira’s daughter. Lilly has been shielded from everything her entire life in an attempt by Mira to protect her. Lilly gets a crash course on all things not human but still manages to keep her head and wit. Even though Lilly is spoiled and has to be put back in her place a few times, she definitely grows as a character throughout the story. There are tons of secrets and mysterious shenanigans that surround the gods and goddesses, because we all know nothing is ever straight forward with them. Lots of riddles with twists and turns make this a page turner. I honestly have not read a story quite like this one with the way all the species interact. It is quite intriguing. What is going to happen next is quite the enigma and I am looking forward to continuing this series.

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda’s dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.

Psychological Thriller, Standalone

#REVIEW – Phantom Limb: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by Lucinda Berry

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Emily and Elizabeth spend their childhood locked in a bedroom and terrorized by a mother who drinks too much and disappears for days. The identical twins are rescued by a family determined to be their saviors.

But there’s some horrors love can’t erase…

Elizabeth wakes in a hospital, strapped to her bed and unable to move or speak. The last thing she remembers is finding Emily’s body in their bathroom. Days before, she was falling in love and starting college. Now, she’s surrounded by men who talk to themselves and women who pull out their eyebrows.

As she delves deeper into the mystery surrounding Emily’s death, she discovers shocking secrets and holes in her memory that force her to remember what she’s worked so hard to forget—the beatings, the blood, the special friends. Her life spins out of control at a terrifying speed as she desperately tries to unravel the psychological puzzle of her past before it’s too late.


This is a new release of an edition originally published by Rise Press.
Having read a few of Lucinda’s books already, I now go in expecting something amazing, a twist, and a cliffhanger of some sort. This book was no different. Although each book comes with a twist, I can never predict exactly how Lucinda will do it, which makes it even more exciting for me as a reader.
First, I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed how this story educated you when it comes to mental health. When Emily and Elizabeth were little, their mom did unspeakable things to them and had “special friends” do even worse stuff. How any mother could do something like this or set something like this up, is beyond me. It’s beyond awful. Emily and Elizabeth are twins and have been through hell together. Literally. They both deal with the outcome and aftermath of the abuse they endured as little girls, in very different ways. We find see Elizabeth snap and end up at a mental health hospital where she befriends Rose. Truths are revealed that lead us to a big twist at the end. I couldn’t predict it but I wasn’t overly surprised either. Especially with what these girls have been through. This is another great read by Lucinda Berry and I can’t wait to read the rest of the her books.
If you like psychological thrillers, I highly recommend this one!

Non-Fiction, True Crime

#TrueCrime #Audio #Podcast – RedHanded, An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick.

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RedHanded: An Exploration of Criminals, Cannibals, Cults, and What Makes a Killer Tick

2021 Listeners’ Choice British Podcast Awards Winner


Based off Hannah Maguire and Suruthi Bala’s popular podcast of the same name, RedHanded explores real-life true crime cases to help answer once and for all if a killer is born or made.

After meeting at a house party in London, where they discovered a mutual obsession for all things true crime, Suruthi Bala and Hannah Maguire drunkenly promised to one day start their own murder podcast. Six weeks later they ordered their first microphones and the rest is history. From the hosts of the hit podcast RedHanded (dubbed by Anna Paquin as her “all- time favorite true crime podcast”), Bala and Maguire have amassed a cult following of “spooky bitches.”

What is it about killers, cults, and cannibals that capture our imaginations even as they terrify and disturb us? Do we find these stories endlessly and equally compelling and frightening, because they hold up a mirror to society’s failings and to the horrors that we humans are capable of? RedHanded rejects the outdated narrative of killers as monsters and that a victim “was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Instead, it dissects the stories of killers in a way that challenges perceptions and asks the hard questions about society, gender, poverty, culture, and even our politics.

With their trademark humor, research on real-life cases, and unflinching analysis of what makes a criminal, Bala and Maguire take you through what drives the most extreme of human behavior to find out once and for all: what makes a killer tick?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.
Shut up!! I love these ladies. Each chapter was like a mini podcast episode. WE cover so many interesting topics. Any true crime fan should be jumping on to listen to the in depth research about many interesting topics in the true crime world. I love love love the chapter on Mommy Issues!!! But of course, the Cult chapter made me super stoked.
The fact the ladies are the narrators also was genius!! I mean again I listened to a chapter a day. It fed my true crime brain.

Hannah thought she was going to be an actor, then like many she was a teacher and then like not so many, she wound up co hosting the smash hit true crime podcast RedHanded. Podcasting was made for Hannah, as a dyslexic devourer of audio-books and as a lover of stories. On a whim Hannah studied Social Anthropology at SOAS, because she thought it would make her sound interesting.

She was right.

Luckily, it also lent her an anthropological appetite to understand why people do what they do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Suruthi has always been an independent, overachiever – whether she was a 3 year old with loose laces because she refused to let anyone tie them, or a 5 year old who had just moved to the UK – and could write perfect cursive with fountain pen, but couldn’t speak a word of English.

She graduated from The University of Birmingham with a BSc and an MSc in Economics, and after quickly becoming disillusioned with the world of finance she went into the relentlessly tiring world of events. After a year out travelling she met Hannah – and RedHanded was born.

Part of a Series, Standalone, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #partofaseries Drunk Girl (Lyrics and Love 2) by Samantha Lind

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A NEW STANDALONE Title from Samantha Lind in her Lyrics and Love Series!

NICK

Beautiful, broken, and abandoned.

The second I see her in my bar,

With cover charge stamps plastering her hands,

I know what I have to do.

Take her home,

Get her into bed,

Where I know she’ll be safe.

I do exactly that.

Leaving her keys and my number,

As I lock the door behind me.

She deserves more,

So much more.

ASHLEY

Shattered, vulnerable, and alone,

Trapped in a lifetime of hurt,

Trying to break the cycle.

But he came in,

Saved me,

From myself,

From my circumstances.

Showing me compassion,

And respect.

Proving I am so much more.

More than just a pathetic drunk girl.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43466246-drunk-girl?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=AklPnLgZe4&rank=11

Amazon https://amzn.to/2Xp3GCJ

Review by Twinsie Dee

I bought this book and this is my honest opinion

Take a drunk girl home,isnt that what any good bartender would do or at the very least make sure she gets home safe. Well that’s exactly what Nick does when he eyes a drunk girl crying in a booth at his bar. Little does he know that she’s going to change his life upside down. Ashley was down on her luck she just lost her job and came home to find out her boyfriend was cheating on her, a night out with her best friend was what he needed and was what she did. She just didn’t know that the nice cute bartender was what she needed and from there their love bloomed into something either of them seen coming and they wouldn’t have ever thought it was because of a drinking night at a bar. This was a cute quick read while the song by Chris Jansen plays in your head the entire time.

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music.

Cops/Detectives, Mystery, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Reverse Harem, Writers on the River Attending Author

#wotr #attendingauthor #seriesstarter Homecoming Homicide ( Magical Bureau of Investigation 1) by Albany Walker

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“Hey Frankie, we need ya.”

One phone call, five words, and I’m back in the town I swore I’d never return to.

Hill Crest Library smelled bad, and it wasn’t just the corpse in front of me causing it. The once beautiful building had fallen into disrepair over the past few years.

Belinda the new librarian was doing her best to clean it up, but a dead body wasn’t helping matters.

Dad needs help to solve the murder, so that’s what I’m here to do, then get out of town before anyone even knows I’m back

The case should be easy for an MBI agent, even a newly minted one like me, but before I can check into the hotel my three reasons for leaving, corner in the lobby.

My life just got a lot more complicated.

Homecoming Homicide is a Cozy style Slow Burn RH with an adorkable Heroine and Three not so normal Fellas thrown into the mix.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58198952-homecoming-homicide?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NOd9UGADfZ&rank=17

Amazon https://amzn.to/3C1fFFN

Review by Twinsie Dee

I was given this book by the author for an honest review

Life is good for MBI agent Frances Bishop, she’s an important member of the bureau. Then she got a phone call from her dad saying he needs her for a case back home, so she return home after she said she never to return. When the case gets crazy with a guys head basically exploded and magic lingering around but not able to pinpoint from where. Frances also has to worry about the 3 guys she ran from in the first place. This case goes from a normal mystery to the ultimate mystery. Sexual tension through the roof and 3 hot witches trying to keep their girl. Wow this book was amazing not gonna lie the title is what drew me in because I love a good mystery and homicide is right up my ally, I completely loved Frances and her fellas and I’m so ready for the next book.

Albany lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her high school sweetheart. She spends most of her time juggling her four children’s extracurricular activities, with her nose stuck in a book. When not reading you can find her writing her very own book boyfriends. Albany’s passion is writing romance with real characters that are far from perfect, but always seem to find their own happily ever afters

M/M, Standalone

#REVIEW – Tainted by Andi Jaxon

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It’s a chance that leads me here.
To him.
The grumpy mechanic with a chip on his shoulder and a secret.
I’m drawn to him.
This shell of a man, gripping onto who he is by his fingertips.
If anyone finds out who he really is, who he used to be, he’ll become another statistic.
Luckily I know how to hide my truth in the dark.
I should stay away from him, not get caught up in his family drama, but I crave him.
I need him.
Am I strong enough to fight for the man who needs me?
*Tainted is an mm transgender romance that deals with transphobia, homophobia, and past abuse. There will be parts of the story that contain triggers surrounding these issues. It is for an 18+ audience.
*This book follows Taylor’s journey after Bully King: An MM Bully Romance, it is a stand alone and does not have to be read in order.

When I found out that Andi was writing Taylor’s book, I was super excited. He had been through a lot in Bully King, so it just seemed fitting that he get his chance at his own happiness too. Well, poor guy had to work for that also.

This book…wow. After reading the prologue, I knew that it was going to hurt. I can’t imagine. I just can’t.

Dean is transgender and what he goes through, what he believes about himself, what his parents made him believe…it’s heartbreaking. All of it is heartbreaking. I just wanted to wrap my arms around him and keep him safe. He’s grumpy, hates life, is mean and holds people at arm’s length. He believes he’s unworthy of love even though that is so far from the truth. Braxton is his best friend and man, I love this character. I think we all need a Braxton in our lives.

When Taylor meets Dean for the first time, there’s an instant connection but of course Dean wants nothing to do with him. Why would Taylor want him, when no one else had? But I gotta give Taylor it. He’s persistent and patient. I knew I would love his character just from reading Bully King but I actually love him more than I thought I would.

Reading the way Taylor was with Dean, was awe inspiring. I wish more people could be like him. He’s a safe place and more people need that.

Andi did a really good job portraying Dean’s thoughts and feelings. My heart broke for him.

I am also super proud of Mikey, Dean’s brother. I won’t say why as I don’t want to give any spoilers but I ended up liking him near the end of the book.

It was so fun to see Roman and Jonah again. And I can’t believe I’m saying this but I think Tainted is my favourite of these books thus far.

I loved all of the side characters. Braxton is my favourite but Whitney is on a whole other level. I would love for these two to get books. But I believe Mary’s book is next? And if Andi is still going to do what she told me she’s going to do, I don’t think any of us are ready.

If I’m ever blessed with children, I want to be their safe space. I want them to know that they can come to me and tell me anything at all. I want them to know that whatever they identify as, I will support them. And if having kids isn’t in the cards for my husband and I, then I hope others know that they can come to me. No matter what. I am safe.

Universal: smarturl.it/TaintedAndiJaxon
US: https://amzn.to/3xcdLAz
CA: https://amzn.to/3arf5G4
UK: https://amzn.to/2RInle3
AU: https://amzn.to/3eic0cw

TBR: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56595179-tainted

Candi Kane PR: https://forms.gle/oDwoknSpoFUCkjoD6

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#SmallTownRomace #ShortQuickReads #WOTR21 #AttendingAuthor —Worship Me by: Dove Daniels

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Dove Daniels is a Pen Name for Attending Author AD Ellis

He loved her way back then and he’s determined to love her now.
She never stopped loving him, but she’s worried they’ve changed too much.

Fox Williams understands why they broke up all those years ago, but that doesn’t mean he’s going to turn down the opportunity to make her his girl again.
Daisy West has convinced herself she’d rather have Fox in her life as a friend than not at all. She’s not expecting anything more.

This is book number 7 in the Grove Valley Romance series. The entire series is broken into three subseries:

Rocky Grove Ranch-
Always Mine
Eternally Mine
Forever Mine
Mine for Keeps

Hickory Grove Academy-
Cherish Me
Treasure Me
Worship Me
Yearn for Me

Rose Grove Ridge-
Banged
Hammered
Pounded
Slammed

The twelve books will release every 1-2 weeks until the series is complete. Each book is a complete short story; these are not serials. (less)

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Tenise

Worship Me has been my favorite of the series thus far. I loved the main characters. This was a wonderful story about soul mates and second chances. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

About Dove Daniels

Part of a Series, Vampire, WOTR Event

#WOTR22 #Paranormal #Vampires #Series- Vampire’s Promise (Guardians #8) by Valerie Twombly

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Vampire's Promise (Guardians, #8)

After living through the horrors an evil demigod cast on humanity, Gwen is left with nothing to fight for. Peace may be great for mortals, but as a guardian, she is used to battling and blood. With all of her brethren now mated, it has left her adrift and alone in this new world. Her only excitement is bouncing at Roxie’s bar. That is until her visions show her the one thing she thought she would never see.

Kian, son of… Well, he isn’t really sure who he is anymore. His mother, Goddess of Destruction, has lied to him his entire life. Stories of his true father have been whispered in his ear and now he is hellbent on uncovering the truth. When he steps into another dimension, he discovers the true depths of deception, but before he can learn who he really is, the demigod is tossed into Khedeus’ prison simply for the crime of being born.

Pushed together by a vengeful God, Gwen knows the moment she lays eyes on Kian he belongs to her. The demigod is wary and with good reason. To him, she is nothing more than another lie, but fate has plans for them both. The world is once again in danger, but this battle isn’t hers. To save her mate, she will pay the ultimate price.

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Gwen and Kian…such a great story.  Kian is a Demigod who is pretty much just done with secrets. Gwen is a Guardian who had been fighting her whole life.  She is tasked with finding the son of someone who ends up being her mate!!  SAY WHAT.  She had given up on finding her mate so yeah shocker!!!!

Kian is not about to trust anyone given who his whole life of circumstance.  I mean he is manipulated, and pretty much just told flat out lies.  He doesn’t know who his dad is thanks to mommy dearest.  So when Gwen says they are mates he is less then thrilled at the news.  Plus can he trust this person since no one is every truthful about anything in regards to him.

This book is another great read in the series.  I enjoy each book and can’t wait for more from this author.

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and dog, in Northern IL.