Category: book releases

Book review: ‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ by Véronique Iswery Pasquet

‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ is the debut novel by Véronique Iswery Pasquet. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Véronique Iswery Pasquet is a French author of Indian descent. A voracious reader, she prefers horror, thriller, romance, and biographies of actors and writers. Her fascination for plot twists in scary books and movies are her go-to entertainment choices. Twisted plots and bizarre endings pique her curiosity. That is exactly what she offers her readers in her new book “The four lives of Robinson Appleson.” It plunges into cannibalism and weaves a love story around it. She has taken the challenge of making the readers fall in love with the cruel protagonist. (Amazon, 2023)

“The four lives of Robinson Appleson” – Can a killer turn a new leaf? Robinson Appleson is one lucky bastard. We get only one life. He has had four so far and it is not like he deserved them, either. The story begins in the Prologue where the protagonist, Norman Appleson, a self described “suave and charming millionaire,” addresses readers and encourages them to read his life story and guarantees an unforgettable one. Each of his lives has been different from the last, except that it looks as if he is doomed to make the same mistakes. Gwendolyn, the woman he loves, dies in his arms in all of his lives because of a curse placed on his family. Having been selfish and cruel in his previous lives, he attempts to change this forever. Using a range of tricks learned from Oscar, his mentor, he hopes to suppress and destroy the evil lurking inside him. 

The story is divided into four parts:

I Norman Appleson, The First Reincarnation
Reborn as a rich kid in Beverly Hills, California, he has no recollection of his past life and thinks of himself as a blessing to mankind. He holds no respect or feelings for women and treats them like objects. It leads to everyone avoiding him like the plague.

II Robinson Appleson, The First Life
In his first life, he was a Porcian prince who was known to devour humans. His obsession with eternal youth and beauty has made him addicted to the taste of human flesh, much to the dismay and terror of his kingdom’s subjects.

III Inson, The Second Reincarnation
His third life is different, as he is born as a jaguar in the African savannah. Filled with new wisdom, he fights against his instinct to hunt while the smell of prey drives him mad with hunger.

IV Deeva, The Third Reincarnation
His last life lands him in the body of a beautiful but poverty-stricken Black woman who was also unfaithful.

Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul in a new body. Though it is a familiar concept, how often have we wondered what it would be like to be reborn several times. Add a romantic theme of ill fated lovers who meet in each life but are doomed to never be happy together and you have a brilliant debut novel by Véronique Iswery Pasquet. She not only combines these themes but the narrative includes highly descriptive fantasy worlds like The Village of Sweet People where everything and everyone is sweet and scented. It is told in the first person point of view and the protagonist is an extremely smart and good looking antihero. In the beginning you are disgusted by the fact that he is a cannibal but you slowly come to sympathize with him because of everything he has been through and keep reading to find out what happens to him, whether good or bad. The language is down to earth and expressive: “There were warts filled with hair around her eyes, curved nose, and big mouth.” Since the story takes place during several lifetimes, the characters are well developed.

Even though he becomes a better person towards the end, he still has attitude “I hope you have had a great time reading the story of someone who does not give a damn about yours.” Though uncomfortable to read, the cannibal scenes are short and not overly graphic. Instead, they serve a purpose because when he is reborn as an animal, a jaguar, he is starting to change and refuses to eat Gwendolyn, who is now a zebra, and would rather starve to death. “The Four Lives of Robinson Appleson” is a must read unconventional and redemptive love story that spans several lifetimes and explores the many facets of the human experience. My take: love is love, even if you are human, animal, or same gender; a love story that transcends genders, vices, and physical forms. It is recommended for readers who enjoy romance novels, ghost stories, paranormal novels, and urban fantasy novels and appreciate original, though eccentric story lines.

“Do you want a piece of friendly advice? Disconnect yourself from reality to discover and enjoy my surreal but fabulous world. I can assure you it’s worth it.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Author spotlight of the week: Tanya Hilson

Tanya Hilson is the author of several stand alone novels and children’s books. Photo: This That Production

Tanya Hilson is an author who loves the joy of storytelling and writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age and has stayed with her throughout her life. Focusing on children’s stories, family life fiction, women’s issues, and urban life novels, she has written several books ranging from stand alone novels, children’s books, and The Shadow Eyes series. Some of these include “Back Porch Secrets,” “Backporch Neighbors,” “Human Collateral,” which received high accolades on Coverfly, “My Cousin Sue,” and “John’s Hidden Truth.” (Tanya Hilson, 2023)

“Back Porch Secrets” – So much personal drama goes on behind closed doors, but wait until you read what is going on behind these doors. Take a glimpse into the lives and secrets of these Chicago neighbors. The Addict, The Drinker, The Abuser, The Dope Dealer. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Are you ready to clap, laugh, be surprised and cry as you read the trials and tribulations of these lives unfold? Mind-blogging, breathtaking, and so real, THESE are their SECRETS. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Human Collateral” – Millicent “Mill” Brown is not the perfect mother – she runs her apartment as a trap house on the Southside of Chicago. However, when Mill’s apartment is raided and a deal goes wrong, Mill is arrested and her children are taken away by the Department of Children and Family Services. While this injustice system processes Mill into the court system, Director Mrs. Ross starts orchestrating the sale of Mill’s young son and daughter to traffickers on the black market, which includes some high office officials. Will Millicent be able to get out of jail in time to find her children, or will jail and her mental state become more harmful to herself and those around her? Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“My Cousin Sue” – Children can often say some mean things. Take a look into the world of Sue, a preteen born with vitiligo who is being homeschooled by her parents. With the helpful advice from her cousin London, can Sue find the courage to go back to regular school, or will the thought of being teased cause her to want to continue homeschooling? This book gives children the courage and strength to overcome their fears. Read the reviews.

“John’s Hidden Truth” – After months of torture by one of his peers, John is pushed to the edge. It is here that we are given a glimpse into one of this generation’s most heartbreaking tragedies in the American school system: bullying. Can John return to the way things were, or has he reached the point of no return? From Tanya Hilson comes a heart-wrenching story to help elementary-aged students comprehend and tackle the difficult subjects of racism, bullying, and gun violence within our American schools. “John’s Hidden Truth” tackles the difficult realities of today’s society in our school-aged children. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Backporch Neighbors” – Lies, cheating, deceit, and back-stabbing. Take a look into the lives of these Backporch Neighbors. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Peek into the lives of these Chi-town folks: Scooter, the star football player; the building matriarch, Ms. Ruby; the neighborhood dope man, Bobby; and let us not forget, the gambler and drinker, Debbie. Are you ready to take a break from your own drama and dive into somebody else’s? If so, get ready to clap, laugh, sing, and cry as you watch the sorrows and triumphs of these everyday folks unfold. Mind-boggling, breathtaking, and hilarious: This is their story. Read the reviews.

Photo: Amazon

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New book release: ‘Her Greek Adonis’ by TJ Buchanan

TJ Buchanan’s new romance novel ‘Her Greek Adonis’ will be out March 15 and is available for pre-order now through Amazon. Photo: TJ Buchanan, used with permission.

Book news!! If you love romance novels, I have exciting news for you. Here is a new novel that will be released next month and best of all, it is available for pre-order.

TJ Buchanan, an author and lover of books and action movies, currently resides in Virginia with her daughter. When not reading or writing she enjoys spending time with her daughter, friends and family, cooking and baking. She loves the outdoors even though it does not love her (allergies!) and traveling. Her new book in the The Life You Want series, “Her Greek Adonis” will be out March 15, 2023 and is available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle. It is a romance novel featuring Sophia, a strong black woman. (Amazon, 2023)

“Her Greek Adonis” – Sophia finally feels like her life is on track. She is mastering being a single parent and her vivacious daughter is thriving. Her career is on point and she has amazing friends beside her. Now she is ready to tackle being a surrogate. A dream she has carried for years, now is the time to move forward. Just when she thinks all is perfect, enter Kristos Kostas, a Greek businessman with a penchant for to getting what he wants. His attraction to the curvaceous black woman is instantaneous. Never believing a man would be interested in a pregnant single mother, Kristos Kostas surprises her. A Greek billionaire running the family business, he is sincere and dedicated, going after what he wants. Can these two navigate pregnancy as a surrogate, parenthood, the walls of Sophia’s past, and all the other twists life throws their way. A BBW BWWM romance between a full-figured single mother and the Greek man who loves her.

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New book release: ‘Unnatural History’ by Jonathan Kellerman

‘Unnatural History’ is the new novel in the Alex Delaware series by Jonathan Kellerman. Photo: Amazon

In the Alex Delaware novels, Alex Delaware is a child psychologist who consults with the Los Angeles Police Department. He works alongside Detective Milo Sturgis to solve crimes. I have read most of Jonathan Kellerman’s novels in this series and I am so excited a new one is out. 

Jonathan Kellerman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than forty crime novels, including the Alex Delaware series, “The Butcher’s Theater,” “Billy Straight,” “The Conspiracy Club,” “Twisted,” “True Detectives,” and “The Murderer’s Daughter.” With his wife, bestselling novelist Faye Kellerman, he co-authored “Double Homicide” and “Capital Crimes.” With his son, bestselling novelist Jesse Kellerman, he co-authored “The Burning,” “Half Moon Bay,” “A Measure of Darkness,” “Crime Scene,” “The Golem of Hollywood,” and “The Golem of Paris.” He is the author of two children’s books and numerous nonfiction works, including “Savage Spawn: Reflections on Violent Children” and “With Strings Attached: The Art and Beauty of Vintage Guitars.” In his new book “Unnatural History: An Alex Delaware Novel,” the most enduring detectives in American crime fiction are back in an electrifying thriller of art and brutality. (Amazon, 2023)

“Unnatural History” – Los Angeles is a city of stark contrast, the palaces of the affluent coexisting uneasily with the hellholes of the mad and the needy. That shadow world and the violence it breeds draw brilliant psychologist Dr. Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis into an unsettling case of altruism gone wrong.

On a superficially lovely morning, a woman shows up for work with her usual enthusiasm. She is the newly hired personal assistant to a handsome, wealthy photographer and is ready to greet her boss with coffee and good cheer. Instead, she finds him slumped in bed, shot to death. The victim had recently received rave media attention for his latest project: images of homeless people in their personal “dream” situations, elaborately costumed and enacting unfulfilled fantasies. There are some, however, who view the whole thing as nothing more than crass exploitation, citing token payments and the victim’s avoidance of any long-term relationships with his subjects. Has disgruntlement blossomed into homicidal rage? Or do the roots of violence reach down to the victim’s family—a clan, sired by an elusive billionaire, that is bizarre in its own right? Then new murders arise, and Alex and Milo begin peeling back layer after layer of intrigue and complexity, culminating in one of the deadliest threats they have ever faced.

Excerpt available.

New book release: ‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ by Véronique Iswery Pasquet

‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ is the new paranormal and fantasy novel by Véronique Iswery Pasquet. Photo: Amazon

Véronique Iswery Pasquet is a French author of Indian descent. A voracious reader, she prefers horror, thriller, romance, and biographies of actors and writers. Her fascination for plot twists in scary books and movies are her go-to entertainment choices. Twisted plots and bizarre endings pique her curiosity. That is exactly what she offers her readers in her new book “The four lives of Robinson Appleson.” It plunges into cannibalism and weaves a love story around it and she has taken the challenge of making readers fall in love with the cruel protagonist. “The four lives of Robinson Appleson” sounds like an interesting read for readers who enjoy paranormal and dark themes; it is available on Amazon and Rakuten. (Véronique Iswery Pasquet, 2023)

“The four lives of Robinson Appleson” – Can a killer turn a new leaf? Robinson Appleson is one lucky bastard. We get only one life. He has had four so far and it is not like he deserved them, either.

In his first life, he was a Porcian prince who was known to devour humans. His obsession with eternal youth and beauty made him addicted to the taste of human flesh, much to the dismay and terror of his kingdom’s subjects.

Reborn as a rich kid in Beverly Hills, California, he has no recollection of his past life and thinks of himself as a blessing to mankind. He holds no respect or feelings for women and treats them like objects. It leads to everyone avoiding him like the plague.

His third life is different, as he is born as a jaguar in the African savannah. Filled with new wisdom, he fights against his instinct to hunt while the smell of prey drives him mad with hunger.

His last life lands him in the body of a beautiful but poverty-stricken Black woman who was also unfaithful.

Each of his lives has been different from the last, except that it looked as if he was doomed to make the same mistakes. The woman he loves dies in his arms in all of his lives, because of a curse placed on his family. Having been selfish and cruel in his previous lives, he attempts to change this forever. Using a range of tricks learned from Oscar, his mentor, he hopes to suppress and destroy the evil lurking inside him. Would he manage to escape from his fate?

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New book release: ‘The King’s Mistress’ by Clyve Rose

‘The King’s Mistress’ is the new historical romance novel by Clyve Rose. Photo: Amazon

Clyve Rose has been writing historical romance fiction for the best part of two decades and also works in the fantasy and speculative fiction genres. She also writes literary novels under an alternative pen name. One of her novels was longlisted for a 2010 Hachette Award for Fiction while her paranormal short story, The One Below, is a Sexy Scribbles award-winning piece. Her novel “Always a Princess” is a winner in the Spring 2022 BookFest Awards. She is a sought-after expert on historical romance writing, and is a speaker on the topic. Her writing is carefully researched and delivers imaginative historical settings along with happily-ever-after endings that keep readers begging for more. The highly anticipated sequel, “The King’s Mistress,” is her latest novel; it was released January 24 and is available from Boroughs Publishing Group. (Clyve Rose, 2023)

In “The King’s Mistress,”– readers follow Lady Lydia Clifton as she flees England, disguised as the mistress to the Romany King. She is escaping a forced marriage and the brutality of her father. Will she make it to France and into the care of her oldest brother? Or will fate get in the way when she meets up with the real Romany King? King Valkin Brishen is fully aware that lies can bring harm to his people, yet when his men find a lovely English maid on the run who claims to be his mistress, he is more than curious over exactly why this English rose is fleeing with such haste.

“Fans can look forward to a twisting tale filled with subterfuge and passion. I hope they enjoy reading The King’s Mistress as much as I enjoyed writing it.”- Clyve Rose

New book release: ‘701 Life Lessons’ by Honerod

‘701 Life Lessons: Timeless Lessons for Overcoming Life Challenges in a Chaotic World’ is the new book by Honerod. Photo: Amazon

In book news: here is a new release for readers interested in books about personal growth and self-development. Honerod is an up-and-coming author who focuses on personal growth, self-development, and improving one’s life. “Life is an endless journey of learning” is among many of his favorite quotes. His passion for personal development started at a young age and has since then always been looking for opportunities for growth. His latest books, “701 Life Lessons” and “701 Life Quotes,” examine the importance of legacy and showcases his unique, witty voice. Both books bring out new and modernistic perspectives to life. These are just the beginning of Honerod’s journey as an author, as he plans to release more self-help books with new perspectives to challenge the chaotic world we live in. “701 Life Lessons: Timeless Lessons for Overcoming Life Challenges in a Chaotic World” is a powerful guide that presents you with the valuable lessons that life has to offer, helping you to understand the challenges and opportunities that come with it. (Honerod, 2023)

“701 Life Lessons” – Are you feeling lost and directionless in life? Do you wish to transform your perspective and achieve your dreams? Look no further than “701 Life Lessons,” the inspiring self-help book that will change the way you view the world. Contrary to popular belief, failure is not always the result of bad luck or poor circumstances. Rather, it is often due to inadequate responses to life’s demands. This book will teach you how to handle the difficulties that life presents and to find your unique role in the world. By doing so, you will be able to prevent negative habits from forming and achieve your greatest potential.

With “701 Life Quotes,” this book will challenge your current perceptions of life and the world, helping you to gain a new perspective and to consider alternative opinions, experiences, and points of view. This increased understanding and empathy will reduce prejudice, judgment, and conflict in your life, allowing you to face life’s hardships with grace and to empower your greatest self. Do not let life’s surprises and obstacles leave you feeling lost and directionless. Embrace the valuable lessons that life has to offer and transform your perspective with “701 Life Lessons.”

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New book release: ‘Sarcaun: The Journey’ by Simone Voltaire

‘Sarcaun: The Journey’ by Simone Voltaire. Photo: Amazon

Simone Voltaire is a first-time author who has always loved reading a variety of genres including the classics, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery books. The creativity and captivating imagination that she enjoyed reading inspired her to put her own imagination into words to share with others. Her father, Arnauld Voltaire, who himself wrote plays and stories, is the one who encouraged her to pursue her goal of writing. She first started by writing short stories that she shared with friends and family but eventually decided to set a goal of writing a book. She wrote “Sarcaun: The Journey” in a span of a few years; it is an integration of many short stories and adventures that she had written that entailed the world of Sarcaun when she first started writing. The book has been positively reviewed by Sarah Poulette from US Review of Books. She is currently working on completing book two of “Sarcaun.” (Simone Voltaire, 2023)

“Sarcaun: The Journey” – For millions of years, gifted Gens lived on earth, until they decided to leave to protect their kind from humans. Thousands of years later, Princess Norellyia is sent from Sarcaun on a trip to earth in order to change her attitude. While living with a family on earth, she discovers a secret about the daughter, Melanie. She intervenes and ends up rescuing Melanie from trouble. In the meantime, chaos ensues on the planet of Sarcaun as evil is unleashed through the portal created by her departure to earth. Norellyia finds herself on a journey that will change her life forever. Also available on Barnes & Noble.

Excerpt available.

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New book release: ‘The House at the End of the World’ by Dean Koontz

‘The House at the End of the World’ is the new suspense thriller from Dean Koontz. Photo: Amazon

My favorite suspense author is Dean Koontz and I am so excited that he has a new suspense thriller out. International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition. He has never stopped writing since. Koontz is the author of “The Big Dark Sky,” “Quicksilver,” “The Other Emily,” “Elsewhere,” “Devoted,” and seventy-nine New York Times bestsellers, fourteen of which were #1, including “One Door Away from Heaven,” “From the Corner of His Eye,” “Midnight,” “Cold Fire,” among others. He has been hailed by Rolling Stone as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” and his books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. In “The House at the End of the World,” soon no one on Earth will have a place to hide. It is the new novel about fears known and unknown by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense. (Amazon, 2023)

“The House at the End of the World” – In retreat from a devastating loss and crushing injustice, Katie lives alone in a fortress like stone house on Jacob’s Ladder island. Once a rising star in the art world, she finds refuge in her painting. The neighboring island of Ringrock houses a secret: a government research facility. Now two agents have arrived on Jacob’s Ladder in search of someone―or something―they refuse to identify. Although an air of menace hangs over these men, an infinitely greater threat has arrived, one so strange even the island animals are in a state of high alarm. Katie soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy. But Katie is not alone after all: a brave young girl appears out of the violent squall. As Katie and her companion struggle across a dark and eerie landscape, against them is an omnipresent terror that could bring about the end of the world.

Book highlight: Shadow Eyes series by Tanya Hilson

‘Shadow Eyes’ is the first book in the Shadow Eyes series by Tanya Hilson. Photo: This That Production, used with permission.

***** Update *****

“Shadow Eyes” is also available on audible. Check out some reviews for this title. 

Tanya Hilson loves the joy of storytelling and writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age and has stayed with her throughout her life. Being dyslexic, she never thought in a million years that she would be writing screenplays, stage plays, or children’s books. She likes to write because it humbles her within, it is therapeutic, and sharing her stories with others brings her joy. A passionate humanitarian, she also runs a nonprofit organization called WeLiveOn2, which supports low-income families by teaching them computer literacy and job readiness skills, as well as helping those who have been previously incarcerated obtain employment. She has written several books, including “Back Porch Neighbors,” “Back Porch Secrets,” “Ruby’s Diner,” “Human Collateral,” “Shadow Eyes,” “Shadow Eyes 2: Where’s My Child,” “John’s Hidden Truth,” and “My Cousin Sue.” She received an accolade for “Human Collateral” from Coverfly. The Shadow Eyes series includes “Shadow Eyes” and “Shadow Eyes 2: Where’s My Child” (Tanya Hilson, 2023)

Connect with the author: Facebook – This That Production;  This That Production Book Club

“Never give up on a DREAM, for others cannot DREAM for you.” – Tanya Hilson

“Shadow Eyes” – A young detective and her partner must solve a murder case involving the Mayor of Los Angeles’ daughter, a high-profile actress. But when Heaven’s wild, newly divorced twin sister Nevaeh moves in with her, a world of sex, secrets, and deceit will be exposed to solving this case.

Detective Heaven Chambers wants to relax with a bath and a bottle of wine, but that is immediately interrupted by a phone call from her wild twin sister going through a tumultuous divorce. Heaven offers her sister a room; however, after hanging up and receiving another call about a high-profile case, she immediately regrets inviting her. Heaven and her partner, Detective Garrick, are put on the case as leads but quickly find out that this case will not be solved easily due to the victim’s hidden, dark, naughty secrets. Feeling the heat from the Chief of Police, the media, and the grieving Mayor, the Detectives search for witnesses as they stumble on missing evidence hidden by the Mayor himself. Heaven’s twin sister has secrets of her own that will infiltrate a world of sex, deceit, and murder. Will Heaven and Garrick open Pandora’s Box or will cheek’s be turned?

“Shadow Eyes 2: Where’s My Child” – When a cult escapee approaches private detectives Heaven and Garrick to find a long-lost missing child, they must keep romantic entanglements aside and infiltrate a prostitution ring run by ruthless extremists. Genre: Urban Crime Drama

After solving the case involving the murder of the actress Lauren Jenkins, Heaven and Garrick started a private investigation business and mutually agreed to keep their previous romantic relationship strictly professional. One morning, Brook Ambers, a well-known rich widower, enters their office. After some hesitation and skepticism, Brook begins to tell Heaven and Garrick about her heart-breaking childhood. Brook goes on to explain how she gave birth to a baby at the age of 13 that was taken straight from her womb at birth and how she did not know the gender of the child. Heaven and Garrick agree to the task of finding this child, who would now be an adult. While surveilling a polygamy compound, Garrick is shocked to see a former colleague, LAPD Detective Gwen Pratt, entering the premises. Unsure of why Detective Pratt is there, Heaven and Garrick both agree to go talk with her. When speaking with Detective Pratt, Heaven and Garrick are surprised to find out that Pratt was a runaway from the same extremist group when she was young. Heaven, Garrick, Pratt, and an FBI agent team up to infiltrate the compound by going undercover to bring down this extremist underground prostitution operation while reuniting Brook with her son.

Photo: This That Production, used with permission.

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