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Archives for September 2021
To The Center Of The Earth by Grieg Beck
September 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment
To The Center Of The Earth by Grieg Beck
Publisher: Severed Press
Genre: Contemporary, Action/Adventure, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by FernAn old woman locked away in a Russian asylum has a secret—knowledge of a 500-year-old manuscript written by a long-dead alchemist that will show a passage to the mythical center of the Earth.
She knows it’s real because 50 years ago, she and a team traveled there. And only she made it back.
Today, caving specialist Mike Monroe leads a crew into the world’s deepest cave in the former Soviet Union. He’s following the path of a mad woman, and the words of an ancient Russian alchemist, that were the basis of the fantastical tale by Jules Verne.
But what horrifying things he finds will tear at his sanity and change everything we know about evolution and the world, forever.
In the tradition of Primordia, Greig Beck delivers another epic retelling of a classic story in an electrifying and terrifying adventure that transcends the imagination.
“Down there, beyond the deepest caves, below the crust and the mantle, there is another world.”
When a million dollar prize – as well as some serious bragging rights – are put up for grabs for the caving team who can travel the deepest under the earth the race is on. Two separate teams decide independently to try their luck with a long closed down cave in Russia, one that’s rumored not only the be the deepest anywhere on earth, but also possibly far more than anyone realizes. What the two teams discover is a whole new world – equal parts paradise and hell.
I really enjoyed this new adventure story from Mr Beck. His stories are always really really well balanced with both thriller, monsters, discovery of the unknown and adventure and this one certainly delivers in spades. I was quickly drawn in both by the characters, but also the caving adventure itself. Readers who enjoy a good “let’s discover something new” story should certainly find this suits their tastes, and readers who also enjoy “monsters eat most of the party” will find this book ticks a lot of those sorts of boxes as well. I’d hesitate to label this story as horror though – while there are certainly “monsters come and eat the characters” moments and there’s absolutely a few chilling scenes with alien creatures found deep deep under the earth – I’m not sure it really fits the “horror” genre in the sense of gore or serial killers or a more typical sense of a horror novel. Readers who are squeamish or not interested in monsters going bump in the dark style of books probably should shy away or be prepared to skim a few scenes – but I feel aside from that it’s not really horror at all but more adventure/thriller in style.
I also really appreciated the variation in the characters and how none of them were cartoonish or overdrawn. Even the antagonist was – while still not hero material – practical and willing to work with the team when the chips were down and it was very much an “us verses the monsters” mentality. I really really enjoyed this, partly because it would have been very easy (and far less satisfying I feel) if the antagonist had been an overblown villain character, but I could well believe how tempting that might have been. Indeed I found Mr Beck taking the harder road and notching down the characters arrogance and bravado and having the two teams come together and work in tandem as one merged team really satisfying and I was so pleased about this it really stuck with me.
As a longtime fan of this author I was amused at a few Easter Egg like tidbits where I recognized the author cleverly sneaking in subtle pointers to some of his other books where fans will notice this cheeky nod but others shouldn’t feel anything too amiss by the seemingly casual comments. It gave me a chuckle and flush of pride for each one I caught and it made reading this book all the sweeter to know I’d not only caught the reference but read and own the book as well.
Overall this was an amazing book and one I am pleased to have in print as I definitely expect to enjoy it a number more times in the future. I am also impressed with my own foresight – I have the sequel already purchased and ready to go. I’m thrilled I can move right onto it and not have to wait!
Readers who enjoy adventure stories, caving stories and monsters eating everyone should be as deeply satisfied with this story as I was. Mr Beck is a masterful storyteller and I feel this tale is well balanced, engrossing and sure to have you up reading half the night. A brilliant read and one I shall enjoy again in the near future.
The Old Man and the Penguin – A True Story of True Friendship by Julie Abery
September 22, 2021 By Leave a Comment
The Old Man and the Penguin – A True Story of True Friendship by Julie Abery
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by AstilbeTold in rhyming verse, this is the touching true story of an oil-soaked penguin, the man who rescues him and an unlikely friendship.João hears “a sorry screech” as he walks along the shore near his home. It’s from a penguin, whose feathers are soaked in oil.Too tired to swim, too weak to stand, he’s barely moving on the sand. João must save this little guy. Without his help, he’ll surely die.João takes the penguin home. He cleans him, feeds him and nurses him slowly back to health — and the pair develop a special bond. When the penguin is fully recovered, João knows it’s time to return him to the wild where he belongs. But the penguin has other ideas …Told in rhyming verse, this heartwarming picture book tells the true story of João Pereira de Souza of Brazil, who cared for a Magellanic penguin that had been caught in an oil spill. When João tried to release him back to the wild, the penguin returned to João’s home and stayed for months. The penguin, named Dindim by João, did eventually leave, but he now returns to visit his friend for five months of every year. A charming read-aloud showcasing a tender relationship between an animal and human, this book also promotes environmental awareness and stewardship, and explains how human activities often threaten wildlife. Author Julie Abery includes information about João and the penguin, how wildlife is affected by oil spills every year, and what to do if you find wildlife in distress. The lively art by award-winning Pierre Pratt brings a touching sweetness and emotional depth to the story. There are character education lessons here on empathy, kindness and caring.
Good deeds are never wasted.
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The friendship between João and Dindim brought a tear to my eye. Normally, I’m a little cautious about stories about wild animals who are captured or tamed by humans, but the narrator made it very clear that this wasn’t exactly what was happening here. João was always incredibly respectful of the fact that Dindim wasn’t a pet and could leave at any time. It was delightful to see the relationship that blossomed between them as the penguin recovered and became strong enough to return to his usual migration patterns.
I would have liked to see more details included in this picture book. For example, what did João’s family and community think of the penguin who lived among them while recovering from his ordeal with the oil spill? There were other moments in the plot that I also thought could have been explained better even though I deeply enjoyed what was shared and am still telling everyone I know who cares about penguins or wildlife rescue in general to check it out.
With that being said, I loved the way this tale shared its messages about compassion and the importance of helping others whenever possible. It trusted its audience to pick up on these themes ourselves which meant that the plot was free to unfold without any unnecessary explanations of what was happening. Writing it this way also meant that the storyline could appeal to a wide range of readers. A small child’s understanding of it might not be identical to how an adult would react to the same information, but there was something meaningful here for children and grown-ups alike.
The Old Man and the Penguin was a heartwarming read for environmentalists and animal-lovers of all ages.
Ideal Writing Space by Gloria J. Goldsmith – Guest Blog and Giveaway
September 22, 2021 By 5 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. A randomly drawn winner will be awarded a $50 Amazon/BN GC. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
The ideal writing space is a desk with lots of drawers and the space for a keyboard, mouse, and room to write on a sheet of paper. There needs to be a shelf where the screen sits preferably eight inches high. Lots of table space left and right for all the “extras” required, like a holder for pens, pencils, highlighter, magnifying glass, and scissors.
The usual things have to be available in the desk drawers, rubber bands, stapler, staple remover, correction tape, scotch tape, glue stick, cell phone recharging cord, and batteries for the mouse.
The desk must be located near an electrical outlet because a power strip is essential for all the numerous computer equipment, desk lamp, and recharge your cell.
On the wall behind is a large bookcase filled with books, books, and more books. Proudly displayed are my own!
And somewhere to the side is a footstool with a pillow on it for a cat to sit on. It needs to be near me so that when I have petted the cat for 3 minutes or so and want to return to work, they can be gracefully encouraged to jump onto a cushy lil sleep place.
And, of course, a great desk chair that swivels, leans back and never descends, leaving your knees in your face.
That is ideal. That is not what I have. I am missing the writing space, and enough drawers, the bookshelves, and as you can guess, my chair pneumatics has a bad seal and stays up sometimes and sometimes not. My writing space is cramped and cluttered, but although it is not perfect, I seem to get a lot of creative work completed. Perfection will never write the next book for me.
I was DONE! I ditched graduation, dumped my repressed college boyfriend, and dropped my sexual insecurities for a wild ride with Destiny. Unpredictable Fate beckoned with a European adventure!
In a chance encounter, I met Jean Louis. From the instant we met, the dashing young Frenchman soothed my bruised heart, rejuvenated my spirit, and convinced me that leaving my old life was no mistake. Together, we set out to explore southern France.
Jean Louis was torn from my life almost as quickly as he had entered it, yet leaving the haunting memory of his caress permeating my every thought. Driven by love and passion, I journeyed to find my lover, even if it meant scouring all the hidden corners of France.
Would I ever reunite with the man I believe to be my one true soulmate? Would I ever hear him say he feels the same for me as I do him? What twist of Fate will it take for me to find him?
Enjoy an Excerpt
There was only one window in the room, which had no screen. To keep out the bugs, we closed the shutter, which still allowed some air inside. That evening, I slept on the couch, right below the window, and the guys lay on the cement floor. The males had no blankets or sleeping bags, but at least they were out of the rain.
Some hours into the night, I was dreaming of Luke. Luke, who loved to tease me by fondling me when I was asleep, by touching my cheek or blowing a strand of hair or slowly stroking my hand. I smiled and wiggled my fingers, and he responded. It was so lovely to feel his antics. I missed his night tricks. His hand was trailing up my arm, and soft lips kissed my palm. Luke. So romantic. Always waking me with kisses.
I let out a sigh, slowly drifting my eyes open. It seemed it had been forever since Luke had brushed my cheek or held me close. I longed for his warmth.
The room was so dark, I couldn’t see a thing. I wasn’t on the waterbed. My heart pounded with alarm. Where am I? My arm was hanging over the side of a couch. Where the hell am I? It was pitch-black.
The fingers tickled a bit more with a kiss on my arm, then came a whisper. Was I dreaming? Or awake? The whisper came again.
I whispered back, “What?” I felt the side of the bed depress. The murmuring voice was now by my face.
“J’ai froid.”
“Luke?”
“Oui. J’ai froid.”
This wasn’t Luke. Not my Luke. A bolt of recognition struck me hard as I comprehended. I didn’t recall his name, it did sound something like Luke, and it was the French guy Marc had brought in from the rain.
My high school French was twisting my brain cells to recall…J’ai means I am, right is droite, left is gauche…and a left faucet is chaud, which means hot, and right is froid—COLD. He is cold!
I patted the couch, and he squeezed onto the settee with me. He cuddled his arms around me, kissed my cheek, and we returned to slumber.
All three of us woke as the morning sunlight pierced the slits of the shutter. They bounced off the wall and into the room. We had some tea before the two men left. Around dinner time, Jean Louis returned alone, with sandwiches and chocolates. I had unknowingly passed another sex attraction test.
Constrained by the lack of English language skills, Jean Louis spoke very few words. I am an excellent mimic, but my French language skills were limited.
After dinner, sipping our tea, Jean Louis turned to me.
“I wants stay wis you.” I wasn’t sure exactly what that meant. For the evening? Sleep on the floor? Sleep with me?
“En bas?” I tapped the floor with my foot.
“Si je dois. Je préfère avec toi.”
I wasn’t sure about all the words, but the last two, avec toi, meant “with you.”
About the Author:
As a Special Education teacher, I became fascinated by the English language. I still marvel at how it changes and expands over time. My most pleasurable teaching moments were showing children how a wondrous story can take their imaginations to other times, places, even other worlds. When the pandemic began, I started my first foray into publishing⸺ a nonfiction book, The Sensible Parent’s Little Homeschooler Handbook.
My secret pleasure-writing has always been focused on romance. French Kiss is a Contemporary Romance based on a fictionalized version of experiences during eighteen months of living and working abroad before the formation of the European Union.
Next year, my first Historical Regency Romance That Wylde Woman will be published. It has allowed me to indulge my curiosity and enthusiasm for history by incorporating in the storyline a historical geologic event which affected weather and farming and even how England’s war with Napoleon impacted clothing styles.
Buy the book for only $0.99 at Amazon.
What Passes as Love by Trisha R. Thomas
September 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment
What Passes as Love by Trisha R. Thomas
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Historical, Suspense/Mystery/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by GingerA young woman pays a devastating price for freedom in this heartrending and breathtaking novel of the nineteenth-century South.
1850. I was six years old the day Lewis Holt came to take me away.
Born into slavery, Dahlia never knew her mother—or what happened to her. When Dahlia’s father, the owner of Vesterville plantation, takes her to work in his home as a servant, she’s desperately lonely. Forced to leave behind her best friend, Bo, she lives in a world between black and white, belonging to neither.
Ten years later, Dahlia meets Timothy Ross, an Englishman in need of a wife. Reinventing herself as Lily Dove, Dahlia allows Timothy to believe she’s white, with no family to speak of, and agrees to marry him. She knows the danger of being found out. She also knows she’ll never have this chance at freedom again.
Ensconced in the Ross mansion, Dahlia soon finds herself held captive in a different way—as the dutiful wife of a young man who has set his sights on a political future. But when Bo arrives on the estate in shackles, Dahlia decides to risk everything to save his life. With suspicions of her true identity growing and a bounty hunter not far behind, Dahlia must act fast or pay a devastating price.
Only when they’ve lost it all do they find a new beginning.
What Passes as Love is a rapid page-turner that is so thought-provoking, and poetic at times. I didn’t want to stop reading… I was that mesmerized. Dahlia Holt takes readers on her pursuit of freedom. Though the story is told from Dahlia’s and Bo’s viewpoint there are memorable life lessons and conversations that were had with Papa Sap and Mother Rose that stuck with me. Papa Sap was the elder voice of reason to young Bo. “You can’t ask why if you want any peace. You just gotta let ‘em go.” And thanks to Mother Rose and her love for Dahlia, Dahlia was able to learn to read, write and other valuable things becoming of a lady.
Dahlia and Bo both were motherless children and shared a bond at an early age. Dahlia didn’t fit in in the slave quarters and her two sisters didn’t make her feel welcomed in their father’s, slave owner Lewis Holt’s home. With the desire in her heart for freedom Dahlia takes the opportunity that became available to get just that. Dahlia was my favorite character. She is strong willed and set on finding her identity, and her freedom. She can be careless but she is also brave. Dahlia has the power to exploit the ignorance and lies of her captors but she is wise beyond her years and use the information when necessary.
Timothy Ross seemed to be a free spirit that also took advantage of an opportunity available to him. Dahlia is soon to find out. Dahlia doesn’t let this ruin her sight on freedom she starts working on another plan. With a bounty on her head and once again being judged for her choice of actions and for her skin color by those in the slave quarters bringing about more adversity. Dahlia didn’t waver in her quest for freedom. Cleo was another favorite character. She was a voice of reason for Dahlia and saw things from Dahlia’s point of view where others of Color didn’t. She also tried to keep Dahlia in character as a lady of the house and how she should act. I was glad that Dahlia had someone looking out for her.
There was something about Ryland and I wasn’t sure if I trusted him but I wanted to. He knew Dahlia’s secret and still wanted to be with her and in the end, he loved her enough to let her go.
I didn’t like Essie and I knew she would be trouble. Was it jealousy? While reading, of any of those that judged Dahlia for her choices, I wondered what would they do if they were in her shoes? I feel the author was going for something deep and soulfully beautiful. This was an emotional book that I can tell the author put so much heart into creating.
This book is so deep and thought provoking. Yes similar stories have been written, but Dahlia’s character distilled the heartache of not having a mother’s love, separated from those that are called family because of the brutality of humanity that reveals the evil and selfish greed that man is capable. Dahlia’s story can also reveal the pure love that can unite us in times of such brutality. The author certainly knows how to craft a tense scene with sharp dialogue, and such visual scenes.
There were sexual situations, thankfully without much description. The pace is even and has a good balance of tension and suspense as it carries you along to find out what Dahlia is doing and how will she recover.
What Passes as Love was everything I wanted, and so much more. I would highly recommend this beautifully written account of a lowly human spirit having the courage and resilience to fight for her liberty and her freedom to love.
The Reluctant Earl by Joan Wolf
September 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment
The Reluctant Earl by Joan Wolf
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Historical, Romance
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by MistflowerThe Reluctant Earl is the story of Claire and Simon, who desperately want to get married, despite all the obstacles that stand in their way. Their biggest hurdle is the fact that Simon is the son and heir of the Earl of Welbourne, while Claire is the daughter of the earl’s Irish horse trainer. The youngsters are keenly aware that their parents would violently oppose such an unequal union—which is precisely why they never confide in those parents.
Then there is Simon’s father, who, for reasons Simon has never understood, clearly hates his son. Then there is the mystery of Simon’s mother’s death, and the fact that he has never met a single member of her family. Then a miracle happens—Simon learns about a trust fund left to him in his mother’s marriage settlement.
Once the money is in his pocket, Simon and Claire decide to elope…and the simmering pot that is Welbourne Abbey and its inhabitants explodes.
The Reluctant Earl’s synopsis sparked my interest and the prologue further engaged me to want to read more. I enjoyed the writing style with the time jumps such as two hours later, one year later, and the epilogue, ten years later. Talk about keeping the pace flowing at a steady momentum! It was splendid having a plot with twists and turns mixed with a well-developed cast of characters that were mostly relatable. This was the perfect recipe for an entertaining romance book with all the plot threads tied nicely into a pretty bow.
The romance between Simon, the hero, and Claire, the heroine, was young and sweet. I was reminded of the movie “Pretty in Pink”. I was cheering them on the entire time, hoping they’d reach their happy ever after. Simon’s dad and his wife were stinks. They deserved what came their way. On the other hand, Claire’s parents were the ideal parents. I don’t want to give any spoilers but I was happy when Simon’s uncle, Richard Jarvis, came on the scene.
If you are looking for a fun, sweet historical romance then this one fits the bill. Happy reading!
In Deep by Bailey Bradford – Spotlight and Giveaway
September 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment
Long and Short Reviews welcomes Bailey Bradford who is celebrating today’s release of In Deep, the first book in her Hooked on You series. Enter for the chance to win a $50.00 First for Romance Gift Card!
Titus wanted a summer fling—then he wanted more…
Titus Eisenhower loves his job as an elementary school teacher in a small Texas town. Sure, he has to be careful, but not being out is fine with him since he’s not interested in dating another man after his last relationship went so badly. But now he’s got the career he’s always wanted, a safe place to be and friends. Isn’t that everything he’s dreamed of?
But when he meets a man he can’t resist, Titus realizes he’s stifled a part of himself…and a part of his dream. He can’t trust another man ever again, but he can manage a little summer fling, right? Wrong—everything about the mysterious Draven calls to him, and the two share a connection Titus has never dreamed of.
That’s already mind-blowing, but learning the truth about Draven is world-shattering. With evil threatening, and old enemies closing in, Titus will have to believe in things he didn’t know were possible if he and Draven are to stand a chance…
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of fighting, reference to murder and abusive relationships and arson.
Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published as Across the Tides. It has been revised and reedited for publication with Pride Publishing.
Enjoy an Excerpt
“Come on, kids, let’s see if we can find any shells!” Titus Eisenhower nodded to the parent volunteers forming a human wall between the Pre-K children and the ocean, keeping the kids from getting in past their ankles. The annual field trip to the beach was one of the highlights of the school year for the kids and teachers alike.
Seeing the children’s faces lit up with joy, hearing their shrieks of—mostly—laughter, watching them run and splash in the bit of water they could reach…it made his heart swell every single time he got to take part in this trip, and this was his fifth with one of his classes.
The other teachers were at his sides, vigilant, but when it came to children and water, all parents, all adults, needed to be watching the whole group.
This year’s parents were great. He’d only had one pissed-off dad who had refused to let his child go since he couldn’t just hang out with his kid. Other than that, there’d been plenty of parent volunteers, and, wonder of wonders, they got on well, too. Last year, two of the dads had gotten into a fist fight over some perceived insult. That had been a disaster.
“God, I bet we don’t ever get such a great group of parents again,” said Stacy Evans, his best friend and colleague. She’d been hired the same year he had, and they’d become fast friends. Stacy’s bright-orange hair was all over the place as the beach breeze whipped it about. She shoved uselessly at several flapping strands. “Why, oh why don’t hair ties work for me?”
“Honey, that hair can’t be tamed any more than you can,” quipped Michelle Ochoa. She was older than Titus and Stacy, but not by too many years. “You’re as wild and powerful as the wind.”
Michelle was also Stacy’s girlfriend, though no one but Titus knew that.
Stacy laughed. “Whatever. When I’m blinded by my own hair, then what’ll I do?”
“Mr. Eisenhowew, I finded a shell!” Little Bobby Garza hopped in place as he waved a sandy glob in the air. “Wook!”
Titus grinned and jogged over to Bobby before squatting so he could be eye to eye with the boy. “Hey, you did! That’s awesome! Want to dip it in the next wave and see if we can get the sand off?”
“Yes!” Bobby’s delighted shriek made Titus’ ears ache, but the rest of him filled with sheer wonder and delight. He loved his job, and he loved the kids, loved seeing them grow and learn. It made him less cynical every time he saw the world shine in a child’s eyes.
“Then let’s do it.”
Titus got the other kids to show their treasures. A couple were upset that they didn’t find good shells, but, overall, everything was going surprisingly well.
After they’d got the kids lined up—and allowed the parent volunteers to take their kids home in their own vehicles, rather than making them ride the buses—Titus took a moment to look back at the ocean. The waves were slight, which was normal for this area of the coast. It was only one-thirty in the afternoon, so the sun was high and bright, the reflection on the water exquisite in its beauty.
“Just think…next weekend, we’re going to be here in our own beachfront condo, partying—or relaxing, more likely—for a whole seven days,” Stacy said, her soft voice breaking into Titus’ quiet appreciation of the view.
Not that he minded. He grinned at Stacy. “You and me and some margaritas,” he promised.
Stacy nodded. “Darn right. I’m so looking forward to it.”
“Me, too.” Titus and Stacy had started their beach tradition their first year at the school. Michelle and Stacy hadn’t been dating then. They’d fallen for each other a little over two years ago, but Michelle didn’t come to the beach vacations. She had prior commitments with her family in Michigan that took her away.
Titus privately thought Michelle didn’t want to intrude, and he had mixed feelings about that. He didn’t want to be a third wheel, but he hated to think Stacy might regret Michelle not being there.
“Stop brooding,” Stacy said, poking his arm. “You’re going to get wrinkles all over your forehead and around your eyes before you hit thirty if you keep doing that.”
“I wasn’t brooding,” Titus protested, immediately trying to smooth out his features.
“Yeah? Then what were you frowning at?” Stacy asked.
“Y’all need to hurry up—we have to get on the road,” Michelle called out to them.
“Oops, we’re holding everyone up.” Titus grinned, relieved at being saved from having to answer Stacy’s question.
“I’ll keep bugging you until you answer me,” Stacy promised as they rushed to the buses.
Titus could have protested, but he knew better. Besides, all he had to do was tell Stacy the truth—he didn’t want her to feel like Michelle wasn’t welcome.
But he’d keep the other truth to himself—that he was lonely, and when he’d looked out over the water, that sense of loneliness had permeated his happiness, and now, melancholy lingered in the place where joy had been. Yes, I’ll definitely keep that secret.
About the Author: 
A native Texan, Bailey spends her days spinning stories around in her head, which has contributed to more than one incident of tripping over her own feet. Evenings are reserved for pounding away at the keyboard, as are early morning hours. Sleep? Doesn’t happen much. Writing is too much fun, and there are too many characters bouncing about, tapping on Bailey’s brain demanding to be let out.
Caffeine and chocolate are permanent fixtures in Bailey’s office and are never far from hand at any given time. Removing either of those necessities from Bailey’s presence can result in what is known as A Very, Very Scary Bailey and is not advised under any circumstances.
Buy the book at your favorite online venue or First for Romance.
Ten Bookish/Writing-Related Things You Might Not Know About Polly Harris – Guest Blog and Giveaway
September 21, 2021 By 4 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Polly Harris will be awarding a $10 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
I write every week on my newsletter about tons of resources, tips, and ideas for writing, editing, and publishing. (You can sign up here if that interests you.)
So, for this guest blot post, I thought I’d list 10 bookish/writing-related things that most people don’t know about me. ?
1. While you might know me as a contemporary/thriller writer, I actually started out in science fiction! My very first published book was about an alien, lol!
2. While writing is my first love, I make my full time living as a fiction editor!
3. Probably because I work in fiction all day, in my free time, I tend to read nonfiction. Some of my favorite topics are science, psychology, and self-help. (I do still read some fiction for fun though.)
4. I’ve written science fiction, fantasy, contemporary, thriller, and romance. But I don’t want to stop there! I’d love to branch out into genres like horror and even nonfiction!
5. I don’t write every day. I know, I know, I’ve broken the golden rule of all writers! But in reality, I do so much better when I sit down and power through a project. Most of my books have been written within a span of three to six weeks. And then I take a TON of time off writing while I edit and just take a break.
6. I’ve been both self-published and traditionally published. And I think there are pros and cons of each! They are definitely both valid ways to go and truly depend on the author and their book.
7. I’ve completed NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) four times, and plan on doing it again this November!
8. I’ve written thirteen books! Not all of them are published though (probably for the best, lol!).
9. My cat, Leonard, is listed as my official editorial assistant on my website. He does a great job, thank you very much.
10. And finally, I wrote my very first story at the age of six by dictating it to my mother, who was kind enough to type it out for me on the computer and print it. I still have it to this day, on my bookshelf. It was about a cat.
DATING IS TOUGH. ESPECIALLY IF THE GUY YOU LIKE MIGHT BE A SERIAL KILLER.
After a devastating heartbreak and a string of short-lived, failed relationships, college student Georgie Itoyama has now decided to approach dating in the same way that she approaches everything else: methodically, logically, and efficiently.
Georgie downloads countless dating apps, determined to find the love of her life as easily as she orders jeans online. And while her love-at-first-sight aspirations don’t exactly come true, she does find someone she likes. Quite a lot.
There’s only one problem. Girls are going missing at Georgie’s university, and all the signs are pointing to . . . him?
But that’s ridiculous. What are the chances that she’s dating an actual serial killer?
Then she matches with Nate. Mysterious, intelligent, and oddly fixated on solving the local disappearances. As Georgie’s relationships deepen with each of her guys, she unwittingly finds herself caught up in the mess that is murder, intrigue, and the nightmare of online dating.
Enjoy an Excerpt
We turn the corner and I think it’s Amelia who notices her first. What I notice is the smell. Iron. Thick and palpable. And then decay. I never knew bodies could smell so quickly. I always assumed it would take days. Apparently, it’s only a few hours.
Amelia screams and it reverberates through the stairwell like a siren.
I don’t say anything, I don’t move. I’m frozen on the steps like someone is physically holding me there, unable to take my eyes off the girl at the bottom of the stairwell. Bent in a shape that no one’s supposed to bend in, her eyes open. But that makes it worse. Because if they were closed, maybe she could be sleeping—unconscious.
Three mind-numbing seconds pass, and then a thought flits through my head.
Whitney. Her name was Whitney.
About the Author: 
Polly Harris is the author of six YA novels and runs her own editorial company where she works on books just like this one. When Polly isn’t writing or editing, she can be found cuddling her cat (professionally known as her editorial assistant), crafting, or swiping through dating apps.
Buy the book for only $0.99 at Amazon or the author’s website.
Dread Watch by Jared Agard – Spotlight and Giveaway
September 21, 2021 By 3 Comments
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Jared Agard will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
A secret fear.
An antique pocket watch with a tragic past.
When 8th grader Caleb Meyer stumbles upon the old watch at an abandoned railroad museum, he's sure that if he has it, all his fears will vanish.
But the watch is more than just spindles and gears. A twisted ghost lives within, a Dreadmonger, feeding off the fears of his victims.
And Caleb, seeking to finally be rid of his secret, is walking right into the Dreadmonger's trap.
*** Note: This book has a fun companion Reading/Literature Course especially for those who homeschool.
Enjoy an Excerpt
I was alone.
I sat in a ring of light in an empty room. The walls oozed blackness, like fresh asphalt. Cold prickles ran up my arms and legs, and then they went numb. I tried to stand, but I couldn’t.
Creeeeeak.
The black stuff bubbled out of the wall in front of me, sliding down to the floor like a slug. It slopped into a pile, forming feet and legs. It only took seconds. Shoulders. A head.
A man in a wheelchair.
Creeeeeeak.
The squeal of metal and rubber. The man rolled closer, his breaths raspy and labored. My heart raced. My stomach cramped.
I couldn’t move.
Creeeeeeak.
I knew who he was. I tried to close my eyes, but they wouldn’t respond. I tried to stand again, but none of my limbs would obey. The shadow wheeled closer, the chair moving on its own.
Creeeeeeeak.
My father, or what once was my father, stared dully at me through dead eyes. His body was a heap of skin, a husk, planted in the wheelchair. His piercing blue eyes had gone out like an old light bulb, but they were open and they were fixed on me. His lips bulged and sagged. Living, but lifeless.
“Is that what you want, Caleb?” His voice came clearly even though his mouth didn’t move.
My heart pounded against my ribcage. What I wanted was to run, or at least look away. But I was frozen, my eyes glued open, focused on him.
“Is this what you wanted?”
Tears burned my eyes. I couldn’t move my arms to wipe them away. He rolled closer.
Tick, tick, tick, tick…
In a flash of light, he was gone. In his place, a golden orb hung in the air, blurry, like I was looking at it through a fogged window.
Tick, tick, tick, tick…
Was that… the watch?
A thick, grey mist dripped down the walls. It swirled around the golden orb. A tingling sensation ran up my arms and legs. I could move them again. I stood, carefully, holding my arms out from my sides to make sure I didn’t fall. The vapors coiled together in mid-air in front of me, forming into the face of a man. His body dripped out beneath him.
He was older and very thin. The light blue suit he was wearing looked very expensive, but also like it was made centuries ago. The wrinkles around his small black eyes creased as he examined me. A smile spread across his thin lips.
The mist behind him formed into other shapes. People. Children. He was surrounded by at least twenty shadows, clothed in old-fashioned suits and dresses. Some were my age while others were much younger.
The man reached his hand into his suit coat. I stepped forward in anticipation.
He had it. The watch. It shone gold against his gray body. The cover was engraved with a picture of a locomotive, the watch face concealed. I’d almost taken that watch. Why didn’t I? It was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen.
About the Author:
Jared Agard was writing and illustrating books as far back as he can remember. His mother was a school librarian and knew all the best books to read. Now, he teaches Art and Film at the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering in Beaverton, Oregon, which is his dream job, besides being an author. He values creativity and always has a new idea rattling around in his brain. He loves watching cartoons, goofing off with his boys, and chili dogs. He is married to the most gorgeous woman on the planet and has three amazing boys, two tiger oscars, and the most pathetic dog you’ve ever seen.
Buy the book at Amazon.
Top Ten Tuesday: Books on My Fall 2021 To-Read List
September 21, 2021 By 72 Comments
Hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl
These are some of the books I hope to check out this fall. Some of them are already available, while others haven’t been published yet.
1. A Lot Like Adios by Alexis Daria
Why: It seems lighthearted and fun.
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2. Unearthed: A Jessica Cruz Story by Lilliam Rivera
Why: My immigration story is quite different from this one, but I enjoy reading about other people’s experiences with moving to other countries.
3.
A Dark and Starless Forest by Sarah Hollowell
Why: Raise your hand if you’re a little creeped out by but also fascinated by forests! I hope I’m not the only Top Ten Tuesday participant who has that mixture of emotions about the woods and what might be hidden in them.
4. Rosie the Truffle Hound by Jessie Hartland
Why: It looks adorable.
5. The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
Release Date: September 28
Why: I’ve read very few books about Jewish protagonists and am trying to expand my horizons. The idea of someone writing Christmas romance novels when they don’t actually celebrate that holiday also interests me!
6. Jade Fire Gold by June C.L. Tan
Release Date: October 12
Why: So many of the Top Ten Tuesday bloggers we visit each week have been raving about this book. You have all convinced me to give it a try.
7. Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World (Aristotle and Dante, #2) by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Release Date: October 12
Why: I’m hoping I will remind myself to finally read the first book in this series if I include the second on in this list. That’s how it works, right? 🙂
8. Comfort Me with Apples by Catherynne M. Valente
Release Date: October 26
Why: Those of you who have been following Long and Short Reviews for a long time might remember my affinity for zany titles. I’m often the first reviewer here to request books whose titles are wacky, funny, or unusual, so the title of Comfort Me With Apples grabbed my attention immediately.
9.
Spin Me Right Round by David Valdes
Release Date: November 2
Why: I grew up in a community that wasn’t very welcoming for LGBT+ people, but I can’t imagine how much worse it was in the 1980s. It will be fascinating to compare life in the 1980s with my memories as well as with how it is in the current era.
10.
Coming Clean: A true story of love, addiction and recovery by Liz Fraser
Release Date: November 30
Why: I have a relative who drank dangerous amounts of alcohol and nearly died because of it. He has since done an incredible job of getting and staying sober. This experience has given me a soft spot for people who are struggling with addictions as well as relatives of people with this problem. Learning about other people’s struggles with it is a great way to combat the loneliness of this experience.
