Review of Side Effects by V.K. Powell

Side Effects by V.K. Powell

Published August 11th,2015 by Bold Strokes Books

Paperback, 264 pages

BLURB

Detective Jordan Bishop is tasked with protecting Neela Sahjani, abortion doctor, stem-cell researcher, and member of the new conservative state government—a walking contradiction and a complication Jordan can’t afford. When Neela seeks an emotional connection, Jordan tries to distract her from the darkness of her past with the only thing she has to offer—sex.

Neela is struggling to keep her job in an administration that no longer supports her vision while also caring for her aging mother and researching a cure for her mother’s disease. The last thing she needs is a detached, risk-taking police officer looking over her shoulder.

REVIEW

I found both good and bad characteristics in this book, but truthfully, I wish I had skipped reading it all together. Here is why. Some sex in a book I have no issue with but the foundation of the plot is dominated by graphic sex & sexual abuse taking it completely overboard. Therefore, it might have been a better fit in the erotic genre. In addition to that, there is no focus on stem-cell research it is if the author put it in as an afterthought.

None the less, I did discover several positive aspects. Such as, one of the main characters was able to face a traumatic past and start overcoming her demons making a better life for herself. Also, it is well written, the prose flows smoothly, and is grammatically favorable.

“ “I’m bound by the super-secret code of cop conduct not to repeat anything you tell me in the course of this investigation.” “you’ve already violated several codes of conduct.” Neela laughed as Jordan crossed her heart and saluted in some made-up pledge of silence.”

PURCHASE HERE:

Bold Stroke Books | AMAZON | B&N

As a thirty-year law enforcement veteran, VK Powell brings a rare level of authenticity to her novels of romantic intrigue. Her career spanned numerous positions including beat cop, homicide detective, vice/narcotics lieutenant, and assistant chief of police. Now retired, VK infuses her writing with the wealth of experience she gained in police work.

VK is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Rainbow Romance Writers, and the Golden Crown Literary Society. She has penned several novels and short stories featuring strong women who struggle with the timeless question: can you really have it all?

To learn more about VK Powell go to her website:

http://www.powellvk.com/

"I would like to thank, Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books, for allowing me to give an honest review"

A Review of Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy in France

Finding Fontainebleau: An American Boy in France by Thad Carhart

Published May 17th 2016 by Viking

Hardcover, 304 pages

BLURB

FINDING FONTAINEBLEAU recounts the adventures of Carhart and his family—his NATO officer father, his mother, four siblings, and their dog—in the provincial town of Fontainebleau, France. Dominating life in the town is the beautiful Château of Fontainebleau, and the book intertwines stories of France’s post-war recovery with profiles of the monarchs who resided at Fontainebleau throughout the centuries and left their architectural stamp on the palace and its sizeable grounds. Years after his family moves back to the States, Carhart finds himself drawn back as an adult, eager to rediscover the town of his childhood, and in FINDING FONTAINEBLEAU he shares both his memories and his new discoveries with warmth and humor.

REVIEW

A fun fact to begin with is Fontainebleau is pronounced “Phone-Ten-Blow”

As a reader, you do not need to have a fascination with French history to enjoy this book. Carhart did an incredible job of interweaving all the different aspects of the book from his childhood in 1950’s France, the history of Chateau Fontainebleau, including bringing his own family over to France in the 1980’s to live in the town of Fontainebleau. In addition, the authors captivation with the quaint town of Fontainebleau kept seducing him to return like many of us are drawn to chocolate. Therefore, doing a beautiful job of telling the history of Chateau Fontainebleau & who from French history starting in 1137 with King Louis VII made an impact on the evolution of it from a hunting lodge to a magnificent museum.

My favorite part of the book are the years Carhart spent during his childhood in postwar France. How they lived reminded me of my summers in Northern Michigan with a wood-fired stove, no television, and spending quality time with the family. It is genuinely enjoyable reading about Carhart’s vivid memories as a child, the trips as a family, plus the overall antics that conspired. France was so different compared to America back in the 1950’s I loved reading about it and the traditions that are still in place today.

PURCHASE HERE:

AMAZON | B&N | BAM!

Thad Carhart, author of Across the Endless River, is a dual citizen of the United States and Ireland. He lives in Paris with his wife, the photographer Simo Neri, and their two children.

Find out more about Carhart go to his website:

http://www.thadcarhart.com/

"Thank you, Viking Publishing, for letting me give this unbiased review"

Giveaway of Clean Teen Publishing Mystery Box (Intl winner would get eBook prizes) + Skin & Bones Blitz

Skin and Bones
Susan Harris
Published by: Crimson Tree Publishing
Publication date: June 7th, 2016
Genres: Adult, Paranormal Romance

Teens are turning up dead, and it will take a special team to catch a killer.
Derek Doyle has been a member of the Paranormal Investigations Team since the monsters revealed themselves to the world. Considering that he thinks a monster is needed to catch a monster, he’s definitely in the right place. As a lone wolf not used to letting many people in, neither man nor beast was prepared for the effect consultant Dr. Ever Chace has on them.
Growing up human in a world of supernatural creatures, Dr. Ever Chace has always felt a need to be special, to stand out. When asked to consult on a case where teens are being brutalized, she relishes the chance to make a difference and help stop a monster. But working alongside a wolf who she’s so drawn to could be the beginning of something Ever might never have envisioned.
Fate and Destiny have a funny way of creeping up on you when you least expect it. With a murderer on the loose, Ever and Derek will have to put their attraction to one another aside while the hunt continues.
Easier said than done… right?

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble

EXCERPT:

They left the station and made the short journey to his car. Again, he opened the door for her, and she slid in with an easy smile. He rounded the car and slipped into the driver’s side. Derek started the engine and reversed, edging the car out of the parking spot before he snuck a peek at Ever.

Her eyes were closed, and the faint sound of her breathing was all he heard as Ever fell asleep beside him. He had no idea where she lived, and he was loathe to wake her.

Home, take home, the wolf spoke to him, projecting his thoughts into Derek’s human mind.
With little option left, he drove the car to his house close to the airport and parked. Getting out of the car, he went around, opened the passenger door, and very carefully hoisted Ever up into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. His wolf howled its approval as the soft heat of her breath danced on his neck.

He shuddered under the intense feeling of pleasure that rippled through him, instantly feeling guilty because of the horrors the poor teens had been subjected to. But as Ever’s breathing deepened and dusk began to settle on the city, Derek strode into his house, startled by a stunning realization. This woman in his arms called to him on a most primal level and captivated both man and wolf.

Goddamn it—he wanted to keep her.

Author Bio:
Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland. An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy genre. When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, anything Disney and psychology. If she wasn't a writer she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto. Susan Harris is the author of Shattered Memories.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hosted by:

Policed (Kennedy Stern #3)

Written By Alana Terry

Published May 24th, 2016

Kindle Edition, 187 pages

BLURB

A rogue police officer can do a lot more damage than ruin a perfect evening out.

Kennedy Stern and her best friend Reuben drag themselves away from their grueling studies to enjoy a night off campus, but getting pulled over by a belligerent cop isn’t in either of their plans.

When the police altercation turns violent, the media notes Reuben’s dark skin and labels this instance of police brutality a hate crime. Those Kennedy trusts the most warn her not to get involved, but she owes it to Reuben to pursue justice regardless of the personal cost.

Nothing remains a secret when a frenzied media and an embarrassed police department delve into Kennedy’s and Reuben’s backgrounds. Some truths, unfortunately, grow increasingly more painful the closer they get to the surface.

REVIEW

Alana Terry has done it again folks writing another marvelous addition to her addictive Kennedy Stern series. This is book number 3 and like the other books focuses on a prevalent issue in today's society. Although a serious issue is the essence of the plot it is forthright and a quick read. The books do not have to be read in order, but it would make it easier to understand some of the issues Kennedy has to at least read book one first.   Now I know this is a Christian based book, but you do not have to be a Christian to enjoy it. I believe in god yet I am not a Christian and I really enjoyed this book along with the others. I am fond of how the author always finds a positive adage or perspective to add when things are at there lowest. SPOILER ALERT: There is one point in the book that I do not agree with, which is why Reuben decided to go back to Kenya. With the advances in medicine that exist today People living with HIV who are on stable, effective treatment will have undetectable levels of virus in their blood, allowing doctors and nurses to practice medicine and people to live long lives in loving relationships with a minuscule risk of their partner contracting it. *I thank the author for allowing me to review her book these are my opinions only    Purchase Here: AMAZON Find out more about Alana Terry and her books at:  http://www.alanaterry.com | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

A Review of The Hustle an Interesting New Book By Elizabeth Roderick + Book Giveawway

The Hustle by Elizabeth Roderick
Published by: Limitless Publishing
Publication date: May 31st, 2016
Genres: LGBTQ+, New Adult, Romance, Thriller

Synopsis:

Liria is nineteen, homeless, and addicted to heroin…

She’s also determined to not end up dead—like her mother. But every time she tries to get clean, on her feet, and back on the employment train, everything falls apart. This time is different. This time, she knows there are only two choices—addiction or death. Once she gets clean, though, her life ends up even rockier than before.

Desperate for help, Liria goes to the one person she can count on for a safe place to stay and regular meals—her father, Cyryl Czetski. However, she soon learns Cyryl isn’t her real father, and he wants a very different kind of relationship. Liria ultimately rejects his advances and ends up on the streets yet again, this time working in an illegal strip club.

Finally taking control of her life, Liria lands a job in a Vegas nightclub, where she meets Arty—the woman of her dreams.

Arty is beautiful, funny, and rich. But when other nightclub employees turn up dead—including Liria’s best friend, Lee—Liria suspects the business might be a front for something far more sinister.

When Arty reveals Liria’s life is also in danger, she promises to keep her safe. But Arty’s acting strangely and seems to know too much about the mysterious deaths. Is she really trying to save her, or is she holding her hostage, using her as a pawn in a game Liria doesn’t understand?

Liria thought she was used to always second guessing everyone’s intentions. That’s how life is. But if the drugs don’t ruin her, The Hustle will…

Goodreads | Amazon

REVIEW

I could not get this book out of my head after reading it. There are some parts of the story I did not like, but the good parts and the positive message that it left with me outweighed everything else. The main character Liria leads a miserable childhood and after aging out of foster care her adult life is not looking any better. Never having had any positive role models to show her or help her get to a positive point in her life Liria has to hustle for anything she needs it being good or bad. The plot does go overboard in the drastically different situations, making it hard to believe so many extreme things could happen to one person; which is why this is called fiction.Therefore, just hang on and go for the ride because you will never guess what will happen next.

The author did an outstanding job of producing interesting characters and creating miraculous descriptions. The book could have done without the graphic sex which I skipped over. To hustle refers to living life any way that is negative or unhealthy.  As drastic as the book is it leaves a positive message that to hustle for your next fix so you are not dope sick, for money, or even a roof over your head is not worth it. This is a quick read so give it a chance.

ELIZABETH RODERICK grew up as a barefoot ruffian on a fruit orchard near Yakima, in the eastern part of Washington State. After weathering the grunge revolution and devolution in Olympia, Washington, Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, she recently moved to a small cluster of houses amidst the vineyards of California’s Central Coast.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, and worked for many years as a paralegal and translator. She is a musician and songwriter, and has played in many bands, rocking some instruments she doesn’t even know the real names for, but mostly guitar, bass, and keyboards.

Elizabeth writes novels for young adults and adults; short stories; and memoir which is way more interesting than it should be. Her stories are about love, death, gang warfare, and madness; her characters tend to be of the type that society generally shuns: addicts, convicts, and the mentally ill. She believes if people get to know these characters in stories and in real life, they’ll find them more likeable than they originally thought.

She applies Hunter S. Thompson’s Gonzo method to fiction writing. It often gets a little heavier than what she had in mind, but she chalks it up to forced consciousness expansion.

Author's Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It is that time of year again GLBT BOOK MONTH

For me, every month is GLBT book month! 

For all us "out" there who fit into this group I would like to thank the ALA for the support and acknowledgement of GLBT literature. 

Here are a few of my recent favorites with a link to my review:

This is a wonderful book for everyone, not just LGBT.

Review on Readaholic Zone

A blast to the past with a lovely romance.

Review on Readaholic Zone

This is a beautiful graphic novel. 

Review on Readaholic Zone

This book is very special and should be read 

with a box of tissues.

Review on Readaholic Zone

Intense survival book. 

Review on Readaholic Zone

A top notch action adventure story. 

Review on Readaholic Zone

What are your favorite LGBT books?

I would love to know what they are!

*To purchase LGBT books go to Bold Strokes Books; they carry a magnificent selection of      old and new.