#Review – The Zed Conspiracy by Meera Masen

Previously published under S.M. Phoenix
Based on a writing prompt.


These short stories will have you second guessing how much control the government has over its citizens and whether zombies can be created in a science lab.

PART ONE
On trial for murder, Jonathan Bigwell must prove his innocence after killing what he thought was a zombie. But how innocent is the judge?

PART TWO
Successfully creating a genetic mutation isn’t easy, but scientist Tonya Farris did it. What will her new gene do and why does the government want it?

PART THREE
The government elite must now tie up loose ends and figure out their next move. Will they successfully launch Project Zed?

This was a fun short little zombie read. The government has a gene created that can turn people into zombies. Nothing could go wrong with thay right? Clearly these people have never watched a zombie movie in their life. The story shows the gene being created, the zombies being formed and an attack from some zombies. Cause again, creating zombies is alwahs a good idea. Insert eye roll here. The story also shows a court hearing and how one guy gets convicted of murdering a zombie. While this is just a story, it makes me wonder if it could actually happen. Good thing I’ve watched a lot of zombie movies. You know…for research purposes and all. 

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/40hErjG

#WOTR25 #authorinterview #Attendingauthor – Ruthie Henrick

Ruthie Henrick

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Ruthie Henrick and I recently became a full-time author, which is so exciting! Readers are going to love the books I have lined up for the coming year.

How did you hear about this event?

social media raves 🙂

How many years have you attended?

this will be my first

What genres do you write?

I write small town romcom and sports romance

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Heart of Dixie kicks off the Kissing Creek series. I just love all the characters in it!

What is one fun fact about you?

I sleep with my blinds open so I can wake up with the sun. I love the very early hours of the morning.

What are your social links?


Website: www.ruthiehenrick.com (under construction)
Newsletter signup: https://bit.ly/RuthieNLSignup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruthiehenrick
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/ruthiehenrick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RuthieHenrick
Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RuthiesHopelessRomantics/
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RuthieHenrickGR
BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruthie-henrick

What are your buy links?

http://amzn.to/XHh0Oo

Writersonriver.com

#Review – Sewer Rat by Meera Masen

Ben Jansen has been bullied relentlessly since the third grade by his ex-best friend, Jimmy Norton, after he spills an important secret that destroys not only each of their families but also their friendship.

In an odd twist of fate, Ben finds friendship and comfort in a new and unlikely ally under the city streets. His new friend, Henry encourages Ben to stand up for himself.

Armed with newfound confidence, Ben seeks revenge on Jimmy and his Goon Squad, one by one.

This is an extreme psychological horror story. If you are not familiar with the genre, please note that this is extremely dark and twisted.

I really liked this one. I knew something was off, especially when the author said that she hopes the ending makes the reader mad. But I wasn’t sure how it was going to play out.

Ben had been bullied by the Goons for years for reasons that he truly honestly believed happened. But did they?

He ends up meeting a rat, Henry, and this rat and his family help Ben. Not sure it ends exactly how Ben expected though.

I read this one in a single sitting and while it was short, it didn’t feel like it. I think it packed the perfect punch for the length it was. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/4a21odW

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorinterview – Cassandra Featherstone

Cassandra Featherstone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Cassandra Featherstone

I’m an extroverted, ADHD Muppet who has been writing since I was a wee tot. COVID lockdown made it possible for me to start my self-publishing journey and finally put my stories into the world. I have published 18 books, 2 audio books (four in progress now), been in six anthologies, and have three books headed to foreign translation as we speak. Every day, I’m awe of how amazing my readers are and where I am in my author career. I love it and cannot wait to make it my full time job. Mr. Cass and I just had our twenty-third anniversary and my artsy goblin daughter lives with us, four cats, and my author doggo, Tilly.

How did you hear about this event?

It will be my third year attending!

How many years have you attended?

This will be number 3!

What genres do you write?

I write LGBTQIA+ friendly poly/why choose romance in contemporary, paranormal, dystopian, and fantasy sub-genres.

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Hooked on A Feline (it’s part of my larger Ouroboros universe and a bit more heavy in terms of reading, but the FMC is amazing and the story is fab)

What is one fun fact about you?

I’ve been in jails in three countries (not charged or anything don’t worry)

What are your social links?

Go here for everything: https://cassandrafeatherstone.com/pages/follow-cassandra-everywhere

What are you buy links?

https://amazon.com/author/cassandrafeatherstone

Also www.cassandrafeatherstone.com

Writersonriver.com

#Review – Poison and Wine (The Irish Rogues, #1) by: Katie Ashley

Poison and Wine by Katie Ashley

Caterina
As the only daughter of a formidable capo, my existence unfolded within the confines of a gilded cage. At eighteen, I would become a pawn in the intricate game of power, destined to be wed to a high-ranking member of my father’s regime. My fate oscillated between my father’s grasp and that of my future husband. Fleeing was not an option; they would track me down relentlessly. In an act of both self-preservation and rebellion, I sought refuge in a local convent—the sole sanctuary untouched by the shadows of the mafia. Yet, before I could take my final vows, the devil himself knocked at my door — a devastatingly handsome blonde-haired, blue-eyed rogue. With an Irish accent that sent shivers down my spine, he declared me his future wife. No one had touched me; no one would. But despite my aversion to a forced marriage, an irresistible attraction brewed between us— for he was both poison and wine.

Callum
When I abducted a nun, my expectations were simple—she’d be submissive, pliable, the ideal mafia wife. Little did I imagine that the fiery brunette would wield a mouth and body I craved, both in and out of the bedroom. She was a means to an end—a marriage forged out of convenience, a strategic alliance with an enemy family to solidify our standing in the underworld. Tradition dictated that I claim her, yet the last thing I’d do is coerce her. She won’t be forced. I promised she would beg me to take her, and anyone who dared to touch her would die. For she was mine and mine alone.

In the unforgiving realm of the underworld, brace yourself for an electrifying romance pulsating with danger and desire.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Melinda

I picked this up on Amazon. I enjoy a good mafia book and this one looked entertaining.

Caterina a mafia princess joined a convent to avoid an arranged marriage to a sadistic man. She was a few years out from taking the oath to become a nun and one day out from her 21st birthday she was abducted by an Irish mob family.

When Callum took Caterina, he thought he was getting a meek mild mannered almost nun that would be obedient and docile mafia wife. Well, he found out he underestimated his future bride when she fought him and shot him when they tried to take her. Seriously, she is a mafia princess she can hold her own. Let me tell you she sure kept him on his toes.

I loved that Callum was this rough tough mafia man but when it came the women in his life he was so sweet and loving towards them. He would do anything to protect them from anyone and anything. I enjoyed most of the characters in this book. From Callum and Caterina to his brothers and sister to her brothers. Callum, his brothers and Caterina brothers are not like any other Mafia bosses. I want to know more about both families. Seriously, want to find out more about Caterina’s brother. I will be reading more of this series.

Katie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She’s written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.

With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.

Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her daughter isn’t monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.

CONNECT WITH KATIE

➜ NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/2BHeOyI

➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance

➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY’S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels

➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com

➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv

➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv

➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv

#Review – Gaping Wound by Meera Masen

Caden always knew that he was different and now he would stop at nothing to match who he is on the outside with who he is on the inside. With a mother who doesn’t share his ideologies, Caden begins research on the deep dark web, looking up do-it-yourself gender reassignment surgeries.

This is a splatterpunk/extreme horror story. If you are not familiar with the genre, please note that this is extremely dark and twisted.

This story instantly hurt my heart. To not have the support from your parent where you have to take things upon yourself in the most drastic way. I know this is just a book but I also know that so many people in the world, feel exactly like this character does. I also wonder just how many people do these kinds of things on their own. This was my first book from this author and I can’t wait to read more. This story is extreme and has several triggers. It made me wince and take deep breaths at times. Which is saying something, given the books I’ve read in the past year. Most of all, I loved that Delilah is finally happy. But oy, what a way to find that happiness. Makes me sad that she had to go through all of that.

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/3ZQziOk

#WOTR25#AttendingAuthor #AuthorInterview #EventSponsor – Sophie Stern/L.C. Mortimer

Sophie Stern

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

I’m Sophie Stern. I write paranormal romance plus sci-fi, fantasy, contemporary, pirates, aliens, villains, monsters…you name it, I write it. When I’m not writing, I’m probably doing homework because I’m currently in grad school. I love all things cats, plus coffee, lemurs, and the occasional glass of wine.

How did you hear about this event?

I heard about Writers on the River a long time ago. I first attended in 2021, and I was so excited to go! It’s one of those events everyone talks about online so I was thrilled to get to attend in person.

How many years have you attended?

4

What genres do you write?

Spicy paranormal romance, contemporary, sci-fi, why choose, etc.

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Scallywag

What is one fun fact about you?

I am allergic to dogs. It’s an UNfun fact!

What are your social links?

www.instagram.com/dontdatedemons
www.facebook.com/sexysophiestern
www.facebook.com/authorlcmortimer
www.twitter.com/sexysophiestern

What are you buy links?

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Sophie-Stern/author/B00PRG6XQW

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Sophie%20Stern%22;jsessionid=2F439F0B4DA4C863F3E67385FF7A60B3.prodny_store02-atgap04tk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchallhttps://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=sophie+stern&ac=1&acp=sophie+stern&ac.author=sophie+stern&sort=Temperature&fclanguages=en

Writersonriver.com

#CoverReveal #paranormal #Vampire – Because the Night by Kylie Scott

Waking a monster from its sleep is never a good idea.

Skye Carter is as normal as normal can be. But when she chances upon a man in the basement of an abandoned Hollywood Hills house, she’s suddenly playing tour guide, and introducing a fifteen-hundred-year-old vampire to this century. And who even knows what’s going on with her teeth.

The truth is, immortality can get old—which is why Lucas Thorne went to sleep for seventy years. But he’s back and ready to take on undead enemies and friends alike. In a world where threatening creatures roam the night streets, he’s the most dangerous of them all.

Amazon

Kylie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling, Audie Award winning author. She has sold over 2,000,000 books and was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year four times by the Australian Romance Reader’s Association. Her books have been translated into sixteen different languages. She is based in Queensland, Australia; living and working on land traditionally owned by the Jagera people.

#Review – Mary by Kelvin V.A. Allison

Mary just wants to live…

This book was super short but great for those times when you want to get a quick read in.

This is my first story by this author. Girls were sold into slavery and it details what happened to two of them. By the end, it switches to a POV of one of the captors. It reveals his thoughts and how he basically didn’t want to do what he did. 

There are a few possible triggers in this, so please read with caution. 

Can be read in KU – https://amzn.to/40iBoIo

#WOTR25 #attendingauthor #authorInterview – Ann Marie Walker

Ann Marie Walker

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Ann Marie Walker – I am the author of nine novels, ranging from romantic suspense to romantic comedy. I’m a fan of fancy cocktails, anything chocolate, and ’80s rom-coms. My superpower is connecting any situation to an episode of Friends, and I think all coffee cups should be the size of a bowl. I attended the University of Notre Dame, have 4 children and in June married the man of my dreams which also provided me with a top notch assistant at book signings 🙂 I grew up in Nashville but currently split my time between Chicago & Indianapolis.

How did you hear about this event?

Through many Chicago area author friends

How many years have you attended?

This is my first time!

What genres do you write?

Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense

What is a book of yours you wish more people read?

Black Tie Optional

What is one fun fact about you?

I love baking fancy cookies and am addicted to watching reels of cookie decorating on instagram!

What are your social links?

https://www.instagram.com/annmarie_walker/?hl=en

What are you buy links?

https://annmariewalker.com/books

Writersonriver.com

We are THE TWINSIES… We love to read…We love to promote the authors we read… and we love to stir up TROUBLE… It's who we are and what we do