Mammoth! by Dakota Chase

Title: Mammoth!

Series: Repeating History 03

Author: Dakota Chase

Genre: Historical, Ancient World, Teen Fiction, Time Travel

Length: Novel(180pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 7, 2018)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: To replace another of the artifacts they accidentally destroyed, Grant and Ash must travel further back in time than ever before—ten thousand years, to Paleolithic Virginia Beach. They quickly realize that in this time, food doesn’t come from a supermarket, and if they want to survive, they’ll need to learn skills like hunting and fire-making.

Merlin’s magic won’t return them to their time until they locate a mammoth talisman, but this time, they’ll need to do more than find the object. They’ll have to earn it—along with their manhood names—in a dangerous hunt. And before their latest adventure ends, they’ll have to help an injured young man and convince two rival tribes to work together. It might be a different environment, but they soon see that human hatred and fear are universal. Luckily, so are love and compassion.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-671-9

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: In this installment Grant and Ash are transported to a time where you have to hunt your own food, be on the lookout for danger at every while struggling to stay alive. I loved this story. The environment was unforgiving and a moments weakness could get you killed. Not to mention the guys trying to get two warring tribes to come together piece of cake right?

These had a time trying to bridge the language barrier of the era not to mention hunting for their own food. I was impressed with how resourceful they were at times given they did not grow up in that environment. Helping Rabbit get back to his clan when he was injured was no easy feat but they managed.

I really enjoy the differences of the places these young men travel to and how they adapt to each environment presented to them in order to obtain the artifact of that specific location. Truly an adventurous series that keeps readers awed by how well written and engaging the books are.

Great read and addition to the series.

Jesse 2.0 by Annabelle Jay

Title: Jesse 2.0

Author: Annabelle Jay

Genre: Science Fiction, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (180pgs)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (July 10, 2018)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: What if you aren’t the only you?

Shy and studious Maddy Stone faces just that question. Months ago he lost his boyfriend, Jesse, to suicide, and now he’s volunteering at a psychiatric hospital. When he intervenes to save a man there, he’s shocked to find a face he recognizes. It’s Jesse, who explains that he’s been cloned… by Maddy’s father. And when the reproduction technology duplicated him, he was ordered to avoid Maddy at all costs. Breaking that rule puts them both in danger.

Maddy, his girlfriend, Georgia, and Jesse—who Maddy calls Jesse 2.0—are on the run. But as the secrets continue to come to light, Maddy is faced with a decision—continue with his life or be the Maddy he was before technology intervened.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-196-7

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I love science fiction. This story however was confusing at times. There was evil scientists and the explanation of the duplicate process which is where I was lost. Maddy lost his boyfriend Jesse to suicide only to see him again and get blown away. The concept of duplicating someone without their previous consent irked me as I thought that was wrong.

I quite liked the action scenes, them being on the run and trying to stay ahead of those after them while at the same time reconnecting when the scene called for it. Still it was a lot of information to take in at once and I felt myself bogged down with the overload.

I still enjoyed the story as it played it out. Maddy and Jesse were great together and their friends were a constant encouragement and support for the two.

Good read.

Schooled by Jeff Adams

Title: Schooled

Series: Codename: Winger 02

Author: Jeff Adams

Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (186pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (May 1, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Theo Reese is a high school student who’s also a secret agent. Usually those lives are kept separate, but now he must be both at once.

Theo lends his expertise to his school’s computer science club as they gear up for a competition, but his talents are also required by the covert agency he works for. Someone has stolen an encrypted key that can allow them to control the nation’s energy grids. The possibilities are catastrophic unless Theo and his team can reclaim the file.

Theo locates the file in an unexpected place—the computer science competition. As Winger, his secret identity, he must recover the file and keep his teammates safe from the unscrupulous thieves…. But can he do it without revealing his secrets? He can’t blow his cover, especially with so many of his classmates around.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-192-9

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: High school genius and hockey player Theo is back in this exciting sequel to uncover who is behind the theft to a file that can let the person control the nations energy grid. While in the process of tracking down the file he is enlisted to help the computer science class with their competition.

At the competition he realizes one key factor. The file has been submitted in the competition. It is up to Theo and his team to try and keep everyone safe when things go wrong.

Exciting and addictive this story has an interesting buzz feeling to it. I liked that Teo put himself in danger to help as much as he could. I felt bad that he had to go through certain things at his age.

Wonderfully and spy filled this story had me on the edge of my seat as the story drew to a conclusion. Some questions remained unanswered though and left me feeling like the story was not finished. Other than that I loved it.

Fantastic read.

Work Boots and Tees by Jo Ramsey

Title: Work Boots and Tees

Series: Deep Secrets and Hope 05

Author: Jo Ramsey

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (180 Pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (August 15, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Jim Frankel has become the thing he loathes, and he can’t stand thinking about what he has done.

After being accused of sexual assault by two girls, Jim serves out his sentence in a juvenile detention facility. He’s shocked by the arrest for what he thought was consensual sex, and terrified his own childhood sexual abuse has twisted him into a predator—just like the man who molested him.

Upon release, Jim is no longer welcome at his family home, and with nowhere else to turn, he travels from Massachusetts to Michigan to live with his father’s cousin, Delia. Keeping his head down, Jim works hard at Delia’s art supply shop and prays no one will find out about the awful crime he committed. It’s his chance for a new beginning, but when he makes his first friend in Man-Shik Park, Jim is afraid to let him get too close. But by walling himself off from the support Manny’s offering, Jim might sabotage the opportunities in front of him.

ISBN: 978-1-61372-834-5

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Lisa

Review: I didn’t have the chance to read the four previous books in this series but from what I can tell they can be read as a standalone. Now this is the first book that I have read by this author so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. What caught me was the title, I had assumed that it was going to be humorous but that was not so. It is a story that actually comes close to what many have gone through on both sides.

A teenager starts having sex, they are run by their hormones and feelings. They don’t see the bigger picture at all, but Jim was convicted of a sexual crime by two girls he had been with. It blew him out of the water and made him afraid. After his release, he was abandoned by his family. The only place to go was to a family a few states over. He just didn’t know what to expect there.

Then he meets Manny and is afraid of how he would see him if he knew of his past. He got lucky that Delia and some others were willing to help him recover. You see he had been abused also. However the problem is that Jim did commit the crime, he did his time and is now looking for a new chance. I am not really sure what to think about it to be honest.

I actually felt more for Jim then I did anyone else. Maybe in a way that is not what one is supposed to do, but the fact that he was a teenager and they do make stupid mistakes makes it easier to do so. It has a strong message I suppose which actually did the opposite of what it should have I suppose. I wanted a love story not some story about rape and consequences so it dropped it down in points for me. It was actually a disappointment for me. I was expecting a love story and not what this book represented. After realizing that all of the books have this type of story, I realized that this book was not for me.

It was well written but I didn’t much care for it. I gave it a higher rating because of how well it was but in truth it didn’t do much for me.

My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick

Title: My Crunchy Life

Author: Mia Kerick

Genre: Contemporary, Teen Fiction, Transgender

Length: Novel (180pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 26, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 4 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Every hippie worth his salt fights for a cause, and if sixteen-year-old Kale Oswald wants to call himself a true hippie, he has to do more than look the part. He has to stand for something, so he chooses the local human rights organization… where things don’t go as planned.

Julian Mendez is fresh out of the hospital because he thought swallowing a bottle of pills would be easier than admitting to his mother—and all the kids at school—who he really is and longs to someday live as: a girl named Julia. His medication might stop his body from developing into a man’s, but it won’t make facing his fellow students any easier. Because he plans to move forward with his transition—there was never any other choice.

Sexuality and desire aren’t the only facets of themselves Kale and Julian discover—and struggle with—as they get to know each other through the human rights organization. Some sides of themselves are easier to accept than others, but before they can move on—to friendship and maybe more—they’ll both have to take a hard look at what they want to become.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-392-3

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: My Crunchy Life is about two teens who have very real issues they are struggling through.

Kale is unsure of his sexual identity. He traverses from one thing to the next in search of answers of who he is. He joins REHO (Rights for Every Human Organization) where he meets Julian another teen who is struggling with bullying from a classmate. Julian is a male but feels he’s a female. After his attempted suicide he is firm in his decision to transition and has no doubts.

Hughie is young boy that Kale and his family take in after discovering he is living under a bridge. His mother is not what I would call a mother. Hughie seemed to flounder at times at Kale’s but I did worry every time his mom wanted to see him as he seemed to get almost depressed at those times.

These were serious issues that well fleshed out and written well. I felt the characters pain as the story progressed. Teens will enjoy the feel of this story with it’s sometimes humorous yet series settings. I liked the way the teens had some support with certain things. It broke my heart at the cruel nastiness that Julian and Hughie’s bully delivered to them constantly for a petty reason. I so wanted to hold them and tell them it would all be o.k

Emotional story with very real issues that affect teens today. It’s a message of hope and growth.

Great read.

My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We have Mia Kerick stopping by today with the blog tour for her new release My Crunchy Life, we have a great excerpt, a brilliant $15 Amazon GC giveaway and Shorty’s review, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

My Crunchy Life

Mia Kerick

John Lennon fought for world peace, but sixteen-year-old hippie hopeful Kale Oswald’s only made it as far as tie-dying his T-shirts with organic grape juice. Now he’s ready to cement his new hippie identity by joining a local human rights organization, but he doesn’t fit in as well as he’d hoped.

After landing himself in the hospital by washing down a Ziploc bag of pills with a bottle of Gatorade, Julian Mendez came clean to his mother: he is a girl stuck in a boy’s body. Puberty blockers have stopped the maturing of the body he feels has betrayed him. They’re also supposed to give him time to be sure he wants to make a more permanent decision, but he’s already Julia in his heart. What he’s not sure he’s ready to face is the post-transition name-calling and bathroom wars awaiting him at school.

When Kale and Julian come face-to-face at the human rights organization, attraction, teenage awkwardness, and reluctant empathy collide. They are forced to examine who they are and who they want to become. But until Kale can come to terms with his confusion about his own sexuality and Julian can be honest with Kale, they cannot move forward in friendship, or anything more.

Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!” →

My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hi guys! We Mia Kerick popping in today with her new release My Crunchy Life, we have a great excerpt and a brilliant $10 Amazon GC giveaway, so check out the post and enter the giveaway! ❤ ~Pixie~

My Crunchy Life

Mia Kerick

Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Continue reading “My Crunchy Life by Mia Kerick Release Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Caden’s Comet by Annabelle Jay

Title: Caden’s Comet

Series: The Sun Dragon 04

Author: Annabelle Jay

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink, Dreamspinner Press (July 25, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts

Blurb: Before King Roland ruled over Earth, four dragon kingdoms fought over the plentiful planet: Ice Dragons, Sun Dragons, Earth Dragons, and Bone Dragons. One day a young dragon named Prince Grian slipped aboard the Sun Dragon ship and traveled to Earth, while on that same day, an Earth Dragon named Caden snuck away from his village. The two met and fell in love, but both were killed in battle.

The Artists, creators of the universe, were furious about the death of these true loves. As punishment, they erased the Sun Dragon race, banished the Bone Dragons to Draman, and put the Ice Dragons in the North Pole, where they could not harm the Earth Dragons. The Artists declared that the dragons would remain cursed until the true love between Grian and Caden was born again and they reunited all dragons in peace and harmony.

Years later Prince Grian is reborn, and it is up to him and his godparent, Skelly, to find his soulmate on Earth. But with the head of the Earth Dragon Protection Society, or EDPS, trying to kill him, reuniting with the love of his life seems impossible. Will Grian be able to find his match before the EDPS finds him? And if he finds Caden, will it be the true love of the prophecy?

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-454-8

Product Link: Harmony Ink | Dreamspinner Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I did not read the previous books in this series due to some having f/f in them. With that said while I enjoyed Grian’s adventure in finding his so called soulmate, making plans to defeat Shull, an evil dragon wanting to do away with all dragons so he can rule the universe and change the artist’s creations the actual romance aspect was seriously lacking.

First we are introduced to Blair, a female bone dragon, who Grian thinks is his soulmate. They kiss. Ewww. I am an m/m reader only so I was unhappy with this development and as such I withdrew from the story.

Next is the introduction of Caden, Blair’s brother, this back and forth of love interest irritated me. I was glad it only happened once but it ruined the entire book for me as I felt the main character did not know what he actually wanted even though he says he is gay.

So overall we have a character on a journey to stop an evil dragon from destroying his people and taking over the world.

It was an o.k. read for me.

In Time I Dream About You by Gene Gant

Title: In time I Dream About You

Author: Gene Gant

Genre: Teen Fiction, Time Travel, Science Fiction

Length: Novella (108 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink Press (July 11, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Gavin Goode was a star athlete and a good student until one catastrophic decision destroyed his future. As a member of the savage street gang the Cold Bloods, Gavin ran afoul of the leader, Apache, a bigot determined to punish Gavin for his sexuality. After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, Gavin faces a prison sentence—and the promise of relentless rape and torment. With his spirit almost broken, Gavin learns his beloved father has suffered a near-fatal assault. But a friend appears when Gavin needs him most. Cato has been masquerading as a prison guard when in reality he is a time traveler—one with the ability to wipe the slate clean for Gavin… and his father.

But changing the past will threaten the future for many innocent people. Gavin finds himself trapped between saving his father and himself or accepting the steep price of preserving the time stream.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-422-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: One moment of helping someone changes Gavin’s life forever. A moment which he regrets everyday. Life is definitely not easy when you are convicted of a crime you did not commit. To make matters worse the place where he sent is a living breathing hell.

My heart broke at the injustice that was done to Gavin, the brutality forced on him by embers of a vicious gang and the uncaring of the staff at the place. I was extremely surprised he did not turn out to be a criminal after everything was said and done.

Cato was an interesting and fascinating person. Having come from the future was eyebrow raising. His reason for helping Gavin was sweet. Alas not all is kosher when Gavin alters history and sets a chain reaction in time that changes things for the worse.

I loved this story despite some parts I cringed at. It was well written with a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me on the edge of my seat.

I will warn people there is rape mentioned seeing as how Gavin is in jail.

The Doorway God by Tom Early

Title: The Doorway God

Series: Seasons Rising 02

Author: Tom Early

Genre: Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (284 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink (November 14, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: The Seasons are coming to Janus University, and Fay’s and Sam’s lives will never be the same.

Through last year’s deadly Trials, Fay and Sam gained admittance to the magical university, and the coming of autumn signals the start of the school year. But both of them have goals beyond their studies. For Fay, it’s finding a way to contain the ancient and evil spirit of Winter, which has no regard for human life. Fay has vowed to never let Winter kill again—but working with the school’s headmaster, Didas, is a risk. Didas cannot see past the potential power he can draw from Fay, and since Fay’s boyfriend and familiar, Tyler, is away at Tufts University, Fay might have to face his possession—and his dreams of four mysterious figures—on his own terms.

While trying to help Fay, Sam seeks information about her mother’s past in the magical world of Gaia, but will she like what she uncovers? To survive, Fay and Sam must make alliances, but it’s harder than ever to tell friend from enemy.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-778-5

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: The continuation of the seasons rising series has Fay and Sam at Janus University. Things become abundantly clear that all is not as it seems and there are those have secrets upon secrets. Headmaster Didas is one such person. I did not trust him from the start and this book was the same feeling for me.

The secrets that come out in this sequel are jaw dropping to say the least. Fay does all he can to help when needed while learning how to use his own power not Winter’s. The end result is a young man whose purpose is to protect those he cares about.

The battle scenes at the end were fierce and strong. I loved that the other seasons were trying to help Fay, though Summer was opposed at first. A lot happens in this story. But I appreciated every word and explanation.

Fantastic read.

Aspect of Winter by Tom Early (2nd Edition)

Title: Aspect of Winter (2nd Edition)

Series: Seasons Rising 01

Author: Tom Early

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (260 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink (October 15, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: High school isn’t easy for any gay teen, and on top of everything, Fay struggles to understand his supernatural powers—and keep them hidden from everyone but his best friend Sam. It’s almost too much for anyone to cope with, and it’s all Fay can do to endure.

Then Fay and Sam come to the attention of a representative from Janus University, a college for people who display magical potential. Along with their classmate Tyler, the two friends are tipped into a precarious world of mystery and magic that they don’t yet understand. Their lives are about to change, but first they must complete—and survive—the university’s Trials. Romantic feelings start to bloom between Fay and Tyler, but before they can explore them, they must learn to deal with a new world that can be both beautiful and terrifying—especially when the dangerous source of Fay’s abilities is discovered.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-540-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: An amazing story of a young man named Fay who has powers he has no clue as to how he got them. He has to keep them under wraps though as the others at his school would not understand. His best friend Sam is a take charge kind of girl with a kickass attitude. Together they are approached to attend trials at the prestigious magic school Janus University.

I loved the story. The magical aspects and the control it takes to do the spells was breathtaking. The battles were jaw dropping and intense. The only thing I wanted to know was what exactly happened to Fray when he became lost for a short time when he was five. Because that is when he gained his ice powers. It never went into details.

I felt at times that Fay brushed things off that he should have investigated further. Other than these two things I loved the story and am looking forward to more.

Great read.

Hammer of the Witch by Dakota Chase

Title: Hammer of the Witch

Series: Repeating History 02

Author: Dakota Chase

Genre: Teen Fiction, Time Travel

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press, Harmony Ink (January 9, 2018)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: History isn’t dead when you’re living it.

Ash and Grant are about to learn why it was called the Dark Ages, when Merlin, in the guise of their teacher, once again sends them time traveling to reclaim one of the antiquities their prank destroyed: a book called the Malleus Maleficarum, or Hammer of the Witches, which was used to persecute and kill innocent people throughout medieval Europe.

They’ll need to keep their heads down and their wits about them in a Germany ruled by the iron fist of the Inquisition, where anyone who is different is dragged off to horrifying prisons, tortured to confession, and ultimately killed in the worst way imaginable. But it won’t be easy to navigate a frightening and brutal time, secure Merlin’s book, and make it home without attracting attention.

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-095-3

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: The next item that Grant and Ash are to retrieve in their time traveling punishment to replace artifacts that were destroyed due to their fighting is a book called the Malleus Maleficarum or The Hammer of the Witch. This single book sent hundreds of people to their deaths in the most horrifying ways.

This task will not be easy. It’s the middle ages and a time where all are suspicious of things that are different and quickly dealt with. This task ends up with Ash retrieving the book but Grant being captured. Now Ash has to save Grant, keep the book safe and get all back to their own time before their demise.

Hair raising and adventurous this story has a great history interwoven between the dialogue of the characters. the details were amazing and the characters intriguing.

A great addition to the series.

Beneath the Scales by Aurora Peppermint

Title: Beneath the Scales

Series: The Knowledge Effect 01

Author: Aurora Peppermint

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novella (150 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink (Dreamspinner Press) (July 9, 2015)

Heat Level: Nil

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥ 3 Hearts

Blurb: Loyalty and truth will be redefined as a young orphan undertakes a quest that will change his life.

Martus is doing all he can to help his magically gifted sister, Elsaben, living with the frustration that it’s never enough. They’re living hand to mouth on what he can steal, and under the table jobs aren’t enough for Martus to fund the training Elsaben needs. He’s desperate to find a way to help her, but he’s getting a reputation as a troublemaker, which will only endanger what meager living he’s already scratching for.

His life changes drastically in the course of a single day when a dragon attacks their village, leaves it in flames, and then carries Elsaben away. Knowing there is nothing else for him to do, Martus swears to rescue her and avenge their home, knowing he’ll either return triumphant… or die.

What he finds in the mountains challenges his perceptions and prejudices, leading him discover that he may have a chance at a better life, including a friend of the likes he never expected. This adventure could change his worldview—including the beliefs he’s always accepted as the norm.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-069-0

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Martus is doing his best to get the help Elsaban needs for her magic since their parents died in a fire. One day a dragon, Hal, shows up and starts tearing up the town and eventually takes Elsaban away. El eventually returns and Martus sets out to kill the dragon.

Hal is a sweet boy who has no one to help him control his dragon. When he shifts he has no memory of it or the things he does. Due to Martus and a letter he writes, a group of people invade where Hal’s home is. Martus does try to protect his new friend.

I liked the idea of the story but the delivery was lacking as at times as it jumped from one thing to the next with no warning. Martus and Hal are both alone and I liked that despite the rocky start they became friends.

The Wounded Heart by K.D. Worth

Title: The Wounded Heart

Series: The Grim Life 02

Author: K.D. Worth

Genre: Angels and Demons, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (224 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (December 12, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3 1/2 Hearts

Blurb: Dating is tough… especially when you’re dead.

Max and Kody never really figured life out, and their afterlife isn’t proving any easier. They were supposed to live happily ever after, escorting souls to heaven for the Big Guy—as in God—but then their boss, the mysterious angel Slade, delivered some shocking news about the undead.

Their afterlife just got a lot more complicated.

The appearance of the undead shades can only mean one thing: wraiths—the malevolent incarnation of stranded spirits. But what do they want with Kody? If that wasn’t enough for Max to worry about, Slade makes a cryptic remark about the end of Max and Kody’s relationship—and Max already resents the time Kody spends with Slade.

Kody’s family is still reeling from his death, and his sister is spiraling out of control. She blames their mother, religion, and God. When Kody and Max form a plan to help save her faith and her heart, it could bring the wraiths into the mortal world… and the boys might not have the power to fight them.

Only love can push back the darkness and heal the wounds in their hearts. But sorrow and confusion might drive a wedge between Max and Kody when they need most to stand together.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-782-2

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: As with the first book I was thrown with this story. A lot of this story is about Max and Kody worrying about this or that which grew tiresome to me. I was honestly expecting a more action packed book as the setup was given in the first story but it seemed this story was a continuation of a set up.

There is only one action scene and it seemed as though nothing was answered when it ended. So overall this another emotional story about Max and Kody. Some scenes were sweet some were tense. Slade was still his secret self. I seriously hope in the next book this story moves along further than it has.

Too many questions have been left unanswered. I feel as though I’m being strung along, fed bits and pieces of a larger plot so I am looking forward to answers.

An O.K. read.

The Grim Life by K.D. Worth

Title: The Grim Life

Series: The Grim Life 01

Author: K.D. Worth

Genre: Angels and Demons, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (March 12, 2015)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Max Shaw is dead.

Well, sort of.

After dying on prom night, Max was recruited by a mysterious tattooed angel named Slade to join a group of teenage reapers. Cocky and sarcastic, Max thinks he has his afterlife together, but the moment Slade assigns him to his first suicide case, everything changes.

Christian college student Kody Michaels is struggling to make sense of his life and his faith. After a failed suicide attempt at an antigay camp, Kody is determined not to fail again. Tired of disappointing his family and God, he is going to end his life once and for all.

But in a split-second decision, Max saves Kody—defying the rules of a reaper.

Max believes his only concern is convincing Kody that God loves him just the way he is, so he can save him from a hellish afterlife as a shade. Little does Max know, some shades have found a way to walk among the living as wraiths. These evil wraiths know Kody has been slated for death, and they have another, darker purpose for him.

Max has only one night to save Kody before one of Slade’s team finishes the job Max lacked the courage to complete.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63216-892-4

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amazon US | Amazon UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: I have to say this story threw me when I started reading it as I never read the blurb. I only saw the genre so snapped it up. I was not expecting a story of a character, Kody, who attempts suicide only to be saved by Max, a reaper who died when he was sixteen. The religious aspect and those that seemed to hound Kody for his lifestyle really made me sad.

Kody’s mom just pissed me off at first when she sent him off to a camp to be cured from his gayness. His dad seemed to do whatever his mom told him. This is an emotional story of Kody, eighteen, who just wants the hurt and pain to go away. my heart went out to this young man and I kept yelling that it will get better you just have to wait it out.

I was glad Max was there for him. The other thing to the story is Max and his group of reaper friends and the supposing battle with the others in the paranormal realm. His leader Slade is vague when it comes to questions about this subject.

All in all it was an interesting and emotional read.

Where No One Knows by Jo Ramsey (2nd Edition)

Title: Where No One Knows (2nd edition)

Author: Jo Ramsey

Genre: Other Paranormal, Teen Fiction, Transgender

Length: Novel (180 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 2, 2016)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Kellan McKee has secrets to hide, but being transgender isn’t one of them. It’s something his mother accepts. His stepfather isn’t so amenable, and when one of his friends tries to assault Kellan, the bigoted man gets more than he bargained for. Kellan fights to protect himself but loses control of what makes him really different—his psychic powers.

On the run in Denver with enough money from his mother to get him to safety, Kellan meets Shad, a similarly gifted individual, who offers to help keep him under his stepfather’s radar. As the two travel, Kellan learns of a group in Boston that may offer him a safe place and the opportunity to gain greater control of his abilities.

Only one problem: his stepfather has tracked him down and is out for revenge. And not everyone in the Boston group is happy to have Kellan there. Kellan isn’t going to be safe for long.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63477-344-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Kellan is a transgender young man trying his best to keep his secret from everyone. But when one of his step fathers friends tries to assault Kellan he fights with everything in him to get away. As a result the step father is now after him for revenge.

While on the run Kellan is scared to trust anyone after the incident. All he knows is he wants to be safe. Along his journey to find safety he meets some people who he feels safe with but alas it is not. With others in the group not wanting him there and his step father closing in will Kellan ever find the safety he wants?

Compelling and gripping. My heart went out to Kellan at the unfairness that has been thrust on him due to the actions of one. I was glad when he met Shade and Shade protected him along the journey. The two seemed to be made for them. They travel far and wide trying to stay away from Kellan’s step dad.

Great read.

A Tangle of Secrets by R.G. Thomas

Title: A Tangle of Secrets

Series: The Town of Superstition 04

Author: R.G. Thomas

Genre: Teen Fiction, Urban Fantasy

Length: Novel (260 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink Press (Dreamspinner Press) (December 26, 2017)

Heat Level: Low – Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Blurb: Thaddeus and his family and friends have returned from Iron Gulch and Thaddeus’s summer of magical awakening to a very different life. For one, he has both his parents for the first time, though his mother is still haunted by terrors and powers she can’t yet control. Teofil, Thaddeus’s gnome boyfriend, is consumed with finding Thaddeus’s evil uncle Lucian and answers about what happened to his brother, and he spends his days sequestered in Leopold’s library, pouring over the old wizard’s journals. When Thaddeus starts school and makes friends Teofil doesn’t like, there’s tension between them for the first time ever.

Thaddeus’s problems don’t end there. It’s harder and harder for him to conceal his magic, especially when facing the school bully. He’s lost, confused, and lashing out, and for once, he finds no solace in those closest to him. His enemies are hiding in plain sight, biding their time, until the Bearagon reappears and instigates a fight not everyone will walk away from

ISBN-13: 978-1-64080-044-1

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amz US | Amz UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This story takes place in superstition as Thaddeus starts another school year he meets another bully. There is tension when Thaddeus starts to mysteriously change. All points to Dillion yet a surprise is in store.

Drama and twists and turns are all throughout this addition the series. We are given a chance to meet some of the characters previously mentioned in the first three books. I have to say I was disappointed that this story lacked the adventure aspect but was still quite good.

I loved seeing all the characters and the new ones as more mysteries were revealed near the end. I would advise reading the books in order as each picks up where the previous one leaves off.

Great read.

The Battle of Iron Gulch by R.G. Thomas

Title: The Battle of Iron Gulch

Series: The Town of Superstition 03

Author: R.G. Thomas

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novel (230 pages)

Publisher: Harmony Ink, (Dreamspinner Press) (January 10, 2017)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Thaddeus Cane has finally reached the foot of Wraith Mountain. He hopes to find his mother—changed into a dragon by the witch Isadora many years ago—and bring her back to Superstition to live with him and his father. With Teofil, his garden gnome boyfriend, and Teofil’s mother, sister, and their new elf friend, Thaddeus discovers that getting to his mother will not be as easy as they’d hoped. They are forced to shelter in the small town of Iron Gulch where Thaddeus’s father takes a job to secure the equipment they need to climb the mountain.

The longer they stay in Iron Gulch, the more Thaddeus comes to believe things in the town are not as pleasant as they appear. When a new and vicious enemy reveals itself, Thaddeus and his group are thrust into a fight not only for their lives, but for the lives of the Iron Gulch residents. As the battle rages, they discover Thaddeus’s mother and struggle to free her and end Isadora’s tyranny once and for all.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63533-245-2

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press | Amz US | Amz UK

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Something strange is going on in Iron Gulch. As days turn into weeks the awful truth is slowly revealed. Thaddeus and his group are in a fight for their lives against ghouls, goblins, a mad witch, a dragon and the bearagon.

This story is mysterious and yet again secrets come out about Thaddeus’ family. I loved that despite the danger Thaddeus was determined to help the town as well as his mother. The group sadly loses a member along the way in a battle.

These books should be read in order as each picks up where the other leaves off.

Highly recommended read.

The Well of Tears by R.G. Thomas

Title: The Well of Tears

Series: The Town of Superstition 02

Author: R.G. Thomas

Genre: High Fantasy, Teen Fiction

Length: Novella (127 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (June 16, 2016)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: Thaddeus Cane’s life changed when he learned he is the son of a witch and a wizard, and now he’s undertaken a mission to find his mother, who was cursed not long after Thaddeus was born. He enlists the aid of his father, Nathan; his boyfriend and neighbor, Teofil Rhododendron, a garden gnome; and Teofil’s mother, brother, and sister. As they journey through a world that seems normal on the surface, they meet many magical creatures, some kind and helpful, others evil and dangerous. When Nathan suffers a life-threatening injury, Thaddeus might be forced to abandon the quest to find his mother in order to save his father.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-885-6

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink Press

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: This is a continuation from the first book. Thaddeus, Nathan, Miriam and her children set off on journey to find the dragon. The trek is fraught with danger at every turn. Nathan falls from an injury.

On way to the well of tears they meet a wood elf in trouble and save him. As repayment he takes them to the well. I loved this story. So many things happen to the group that I feared they would not make it. Isador shows up and causes chaos.

Outstanding plot and characters that drew me in and kept me on the edge of my seat. The details were amazing and I felt as though I was there with Thaddeus and the group. I can not wait to read the next book.

Highly recommended.

The Midnight Gardener by R.G. Thomas

Title: The Midnight Gardener

Series: The Town of Superstition 01

Author: R.G. Thomas

Genre: Teen Fiction, High Fantasy

Length: Novella (123 pages)

Publisher: Deamspinner Press (November 12, 2015)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts

Blurb: At fifteen, Thaddeus Cane has moved thirty-two times with his father. Each time he’s displaced without explanation, Thaddeus loses any friends he’s made. The name of their latest town is Superstition, but it seems normal enough, with one exception.

Thaddeus’s bedroom window gives him a view into the beautiful gardens next door. Every night after dark, an attractive guy around Thaddeus’s age appears to tend the plants. When Thaddeus visits his neighbor, he discovers not only how deep his interest in the other man runs, but also that Teofil, the midnight gardener, isn’t human. He’s a garden gnome, a revelation that will lead to more secrets coming to light and an adventure unlike anything Thaddeus ever imagined.

ISBN-13: 978-1-63476-268-7

Product Link: Dreamspinner Press | Harmony Ink

Reviewer: Shorty

Review: Thaddeus is a young man who has spent a lot of his youth on the move with his father until they move to the town of superstition. Things are not as they seem from the start. Revelations reveal there is more going on that meets the eye and Thaddeus’ world opens up to things he thought were fairytales.

Teofil is Thaddeus’ neighbor and only comes out at night. I found Teofil to be sweet and caring in his devotion to Thaddeus. This story is fraught with adventure and danger as Thaddeus is introduced to the previously unknown. I loved this story even though it does end with a cliffhanger there is plenty of mystery to keep the reader engaged to find out the truth.

Well written and intriguing. Highly recommended.

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My Crunchy Life

Mia Kerick

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My Crunchy Life

Mia Kerick

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