Sunday, April 28, 2019

New Release - Brushed by Fate by Laura DeLuca - Jersey Girls Book 3


Elisa Manna gave up on romance after a string of abusive relationships. She comes off as a brusque biker, but beneath her rough exterior she longs for something more.

Scott Heron is a Marine veteran trying to cope with the residual effects of war. His art is his only refuge from the dark memories that haunt him. 

When fate nudges them together, they can't deny there's chemistry, but Elisa is terrified of commitment and Scott's physical and emotional scars make him abrasive and unpredictable. Can these two wounded warriors overcome their damaged past and paint a new future together?




If you are new to the series, check out Falling Star and In Perfect Harmony. While each story is stand-alone, it's best to read them in order!


Saturday, April 27, 2019

Short Film Review: Kadupul



After surviving a physical assault in her freshman year, college sophomore Klarissa Bloom, finds the strength to identify not with the violence she suffered, but with her passion for dance.

My Thoughts

This short film takes us through the aftermath of sexual assault as a young college student tries to come to terms with what was done to her. We also see the struggle of her best friend, the would-be boyfriend who might've prevented it if he had shared his feelings sooner, and the person who introduced her to the perpetrator. This unique take on the issue shows us the ripple effect assault can have, not only for the victim, but for those around them who deal with the guilt of failing to prevent it.

While all the performances in this indie film were all outstanding, I was especially impressed with the acting abilities of leading lady Briana R. Jordan. Her portrayal of an assault victim was realistic and heart wrenching. Yet, the story still has, if not a happy ending, a hint of hope and healing. Through the dance, Klarissa begins to heal. This emotion is conveyed beautifully through the graceful movements of the actors/dancers.  It teaches us that there is hope beyond the pain, and oftentimes, art is the road that leads us to healing.

You can watch this stunning theatrical piece FREE with Amazon Prime. It's only about half an hour long, and definitely worth the watch!


Wednesday, April 24, 2019

New Release - The Devil is in the Details

New Release - The Devil is in the Details (The Broken Halos series Book 1) on sale for 99c for a limited time


Nothing can brighten up a day like hunting demons...OR...like opening up the portal to Hell! Helena lived her life with a rigid sense of ethics until one mission went wrong and caused her to question everything. Now she must place her trust in a handsome demon, but at what cost? Will she have to sacrifice redemption for love, or is this just another demonic trick? Because she is Heaven’s favorite...unless, she switches sides!
Follow on Facebook / Maya's Sassy Readers

Book 2 is on pre-order for 99c Speak of the Devil (The Broken Halos series Book 2)

Saturday, April 20, 2019

The Forgotten Pharaoh #Free on Amazon


Over four thousand years ago, the great Pharaoh Djedefre was cursed for murdering his brother. Centuries later, a team of archaeologists sets out to prove his innocence. Julie Gerber isn't thrilled to be pulled out of school her senior year to follow her parents halfway around the world, but the cute Brit and the sexy young patron of the project make things more exciting ... maybe too exciting.

As the team digs deeper into the mystery, they unearth something they never expected. Animals and people are drained of blood and some simply vanish. Julie knows there's something sinister going on at the excavation site, but with a documentary on the line that could make or break her parents' career, they refuse to walk away. Now the team must find both the ancient murderer and the monster that's hunting them down. With the bodies piling up, only one thing is certain—some secrets are meant to stay buried.


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Trinity by CP Bialois




Years of living under her mother's thumb has taken its toll on Madison. Anxiety is a way of life, and it's getting so bad it's nearly killing her. Madison knows things can't go on the way they are, but she can't bring herself to do what she needs most: cut the source of her problems off.Mimi Wambach has seen first-hand the effects of Madison's upbringing and has become her fiercest defender. Madison's making a few strides, but Mimi knows she's not going to be enough to heal Madison's heart.Will bringing a third person into their lives help Madison heal, or will it end up tearing Madison and Mim apart?

My Thoughts

Trinity is the story of three friends -- friends with benefits. Madison and Mimi are best friends who are also sort of a couple. They've been living together for awhile, but Madison's mother isn't happy with the arrangement. In fact, she's unhappy with all of Madison's life choices. Living with her mother's negativity has led to panic attacks which only worsen when tragedy strikes. Mimi is worried about Madison and decides they need some back up.  A handsome young EMT named Adrian moves in, and Mimi hopes adding him to the mix will help Madison come to terms with her grief and give her the strength to let go of her anxiety.

This book was a lot of fun and a unique take on polyamory. There are some really hot, steamy scenes between the three characters. However, this book is more than simply an erotica. There are many touching moments as well. Madison's partners support her through tragedy and her anxiety. The issue of mental health is handled with respect and realism. The characters are all very likable and you'll find yourself routing for them to make it work. I'm looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series takes us.



Monday, April 15, 2019

Reclaiming Me (Lightworker Series Book 4) by Jamie White




After spending the majority of her 18th year being treated for a mental breakdown, and having confronted the person responsible for all the pain she’d been through over the past year, Courtney Thompson is now taking her first steps to getting her life back – she’s back in school, getting involved in the drama department again, and forming some friendships.

On top of the changes in her life, Courtney’s being called to make a decision about her fledgling relationship with Santiago Martinez, a man who works with the people who helped her through the past year. She’s falling fast, but she isn’t sure that’s a good thing. His work terrifies her, and she fears dealing with more heartbreak.

Meanwhile, the enemies who have been responsible for her pain are still out there. Enemies who still have big plans for her, and are closer than she realizes. Can she finally get her life back on track, or will they finish her off for good?


My Thoughts


In Reclaiming Me, Book 4 of the Lightworker Series, Courtney is recovering from a serious mental breakdown, but she's ready to return to the world. She enrolls in school and returns to her love of the theater.  There are also sparks flying between her and fellow Lightworker Santiago, but she's nervous about getting involved with another man after the disastrous end to her last relationship. Things seem to be going well until Courtney is snatched by villains who want to destroy everything that she is. Can the other Lightworkers save her in time or is she destined to fall back into despair and possibly lose herself forever?

This installment of the Lightworker Series was even more thrilling than the last. You really feel Courtney's inner struggle as she tries to rebuild herself, and I especially related to her fear of loving again after losing her first love so tragically.  The action packed finale left had me biting my nails, but the epilogue will leave you with a feeling a hope.  Now it's on to book 5 in a series I hope will never come to an end! 


Sunday, April 14, 2019

Book Blast - Cover Reveal and Pre-order Speak of the Devil by Maya Daniels

Speak of the Devil (The Broken Halos series Book 2) She was his to protect, but they stole her away... Eric spent centuries trying to protect his kind while trying to stay as far away from the Order as possible. When one of the founders gave him an offer he couldn’t refuse, he met Helena. He knew the moment he set eyes on her that she was his. Archangel Michael, however, had different plans. Now Helena has been stolen by the Order, and even Lucifer himself can’t protect them from Eric. They will give her back to him, Or...the Heavens will burn!

Pre-order on Amazon for only $.99

Pre-order book 1 - Comes out April 24

The Devil is in the Details (The Broken Halos series Book 1)

Nothing can brighten up a day like hunting demons...OR...like opening up the portal to Hell! Helena lived her life with a rigid sense of ethics until one mission went wrong and caused her to question everything. Now she must place her trust in a handsome demon, but at what cost? Will she have to sacrifice redemption for love, or is this just another demonic trick? Because she is Heaven’s favorite...unless, she switches sides! Pre-order on Amazon only $.99

Join Maya's Sassy Readers Facebook Group

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Brigid's Flame #FREE on Amazon




River is a struggling author who is depressed about his failing career and his strained relationship with his girlfriend. On the sacred night of Imbolc, he looks to the Gods for inspiration. The goddess Brigid answers his prayers. In her arms, his passion is rekindled. 

Also included with this short story is a sneak peek at Falling Star, A Jersey Girl Novel


.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Contest & The First Secret (Hidden Portals trilogy Book 2) Cover Reveal and pre-order





  The First Secret (Hidden Portals trilogy Book 2) Some secrets are best left buried. All Iris ever wanted was to have a peaceful life. Living mostly in solitude, she found joy in helping young girls accept the beauty of song and dance. She never expected her visions, inherited from generation to generation in her family, to take her on a journey where everything she’s known is in question, including her existence. If she is not a human witch, then what is she? Fern spent his entire life trying to do what’s right for his people. The Fae, banished to their own realm, have been slowly dying but agreeing to help the deranged king almost costs him his life. Now he must follow a witch, who isn’t supposed to exist, to the depths of hell. Those like her were hunted down centuries ago. So, why is he willing to do anything, to make sure she stays alive?

Pre-order on AMAZON

Only $.99

Enter to win a $10 Amazon GC and join Maya's Sassy Readers

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Nine Lives by Laura DeLuca #Free on Amazon


Johnny might be a nerdy gamer, but not even death can stop him from protecting his kid sister. He’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if he has to do it in the form of a mangy Tom cat.

This short story also includes a sneak peek at Laura DeLuca's full length novel, The Forgotten Pharaoh.


Friday, April 5, 2019

Colorful Tales: The Memoirs of Buz the Bear

Colorful Tales: The Memoirs of Buz the Bear




In Colorful Tales, lessons of love, acceptance, wonder, humility, joy, and courage are tenderly revealed through the adventures of life-loving Buz the Bear. No ordinary bear cub, Buz surprises and delights as he finds meaning in living everyday bear life. Through his stories, young readers find their own unique experiences given shape and purpose while celebrating their love of fun and adventure, the natural world, and the realness of the spirit.   Buy on Amazon Enter to win a paperback. Fill out the form to enter
Follow the book tour.

Monday, April 1, 2019

New Release – A Nephilim Thriller series

A former spy with a dark secret and a past he can’t outrun. A mysterious cult that steals beautiful teenagers. A looming battle between the forces of light and dark, and the girl who drags them into the middle of it all. D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review, says, “Readers who enjoy an injection of the supernatural rather than a story based entirely on otherworldly forces will appreciate just the right blend of paranormal tension and intrigue that bring this thriller to life…. [A] vivid, winning tale of a former couple’s confrontation with themselves, each other, and a wider-ranging threat that grabs the reader from the beginning and proves nearly impossible to put down.




 Thriller audiences will find Devil’s Den more than a notch above others in the genre.” [Pick of the Month – September 2018] WINNER: Pinnacle Book Achievement Award – Summer 2018 – Best Thriller Steven Cabbott sees demons, and has even had to fight a few. That might have something to do with his past. His mother killed his father when Steven was young, claiming he was a demon. He figured she was nuts. Now he’s not so certain. Sixteen years of silence between Steven and Kate, the love of his life, end with a cryptic one-word message: Help! A mysterious cult has kidnapped Kate’s teenaged daughter. Steven risks everything to save the young woman, but he’s caught in a fight between forces much larger than he can imagine. Can he overcome his own demons to save Kate’s daughter, or will they both fall victim to the Devil’s Den?

Buy on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited

Devil’s Dance: A Gripping Supernatural Thriller (A Nephilim Thriller Book 2)




An amazing new technology engineered to make people smarter, a series of gruesome murders, and a mystery so dark, it threatens everyone. I’m a Nephilim, born of a fallen angel father and a human mother. This makes me special in ways I don’t fully comprehend yet. A war is brewing between angels and demons, and like it or not, we’ll all have to choose sides. I’ve chosen the side of angels, a curious decision for me, not only because I’m a killer, but because I enjoy killing. Still, an angel promised me that redemption is possible—even for me—and he needed warriors on his side. Did he tell me the truth? I hope so, but who can I trust? In a small, sleepy, tourist town, an old friend asks me to help solve a series of gruesome murders that have been plaguing the town, but these aren’t just random crimes. Somehow, they’re connected to this war between angels and demons. I prefer working alone, not having to worry about others, but I team up with a self-described anti-technology hooligan, and a beautiful bartender I immediately fall for. If only they knew what I know. The foe we’re facing is way more powerful than anything they can imagine. I must solve the mystery before it’s too late, because I’m certain of this one thing: everyone’s soul is at stake.

Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited

Jeff Altabef lives in New York with his wife, two daughters, and Charlie the dog. He spends time volunteering at the writing center in the local community college. After years of being accused of “telling stories,” he thought he would make it official. He writes in both the thriller and young adult genres. Fourteenth Colony, a political thriller, was his debut novel. Shatter Point, a thriller, published by Evolved Publishing was his second novel. It won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Thrill