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.
‘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.
‘Harvesting Evil’ is the suspenseful debut novel by CJ Wheeler. Photo: CJ Wheeler, used with permission.
As a big fan of crime thrillers, I always look forward to discovering new authors in the genre. Nothing beats a suspenseful ‘whodunnit,’ especially one with a strong female lead. So when I heard about CJ Wheeler’s new novel “Harvesting Evil,” I was excited to share the details of her debut novel. Stay tuned for the upcoming review.
CJ Wheeler is a new author of crime thrillers for adults, starting with her first release “Harvesting Evil.” She was born in West Michigan and had lived most of her life along the Lake Michigan shoreline. She lives with her wife, her gorgeous English Crème retriever Hemingway, and her three naughty kitties, Indianajoan, Rizzoli and Taylor. When not writing you will probably find her reading. She is an avid fan of JD Robb, Tess Gerritsen, Alex Kava, and Val McDermid. In her debut novel “Harvesting Evil,” the idyllic shores of Lake Michigan, in the quiet resort town of Port Orion, Michigan, have become prime hunting ground for a serial killer. (CJ Wheeler, 2023)
CJ Wheeler, author of ‘Harvesting Evil.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.
“Harvesting Evil: Murder on the Lakeshore”– One by one, young, beautiful women’s corpses continue to surface, while the timeline between each victim is shrinking. As Sheriff Parker Anderson pulls her inexperienced team together to find the madman terrorizing her community, a third victim surfaces, and the Port Orion Sheriff’s department finds its resources stretched to the limit. As pressure mounts, Parker reaches out to the FBI for assistance. Enter Special Agent Oliver Locke, who has seen more than his fair share of serial homicide cases, though even he has not encountered a psychopath with this level of violence. Working a serial case against a cunning criminal mind who leaves no evidence, will test his expertise and determination. As the window of opportunity to prevent another victim closes, Sheriff Anderson and Agent Locke will need to set aside their personal differences to catch this maniac.
Vampus Horror Tales will be out February 17, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Horror movie fans: If you love horror anthologies in the tradition of Tales from the Crypt, understand Spanish, or do not mind reading subtitles, here is a new movie release. Spanish horror anthology Vampus Horror Tales releases February 17 on digital and On Demand from Uncork’d Entertainment. It is available to buy or rent through Vudu. (Vampus Horror Tales, 2023)
The films, featuring segments from Victor Matellano, Isaac Berrocal, Manuel Martínez Velasco, Piter Moreira and Erika Elizalde, are set on Halloween night. Vampus, a gravedigger and body snatcher, is the guardian of the cemetery, a sinister being who has many secrets. He loves to read horror comics and introduces us to four twisted tales of love, murder, and assorted horrific acts.
Saturnino García, Nacho Guerreros, Félix Gómez, Elena Furiase, Erika Sanz, Montse Plá, Diego Arjona, Dunia Rodríguez, Federico Repetto, and Vicky Jorge star in frightening, high-concept tales with high production values.
Uncork’d Entertainment was founded in July 2012 by Keith Leopard, a Home Entertainment industry veteran with more than 23 years of experience in purchasing, acquisitions, merchandising, marketing and analysis of major studio and independent supplier to the home entertainment market. The Company focuses on distribution in six areas: Digital Media, Physical Home Entertainment, Aggregation, Theatrical and Television, Foreign Sales, and has secured relationships across all platforms to ensure your film reaches the widest audience possible.
The Talking Piano by Daniel Kruglov is available now for streaming. Photo: Google
In music news today: If you love classical piano music as much as I do, here is some information on a new album release from Daniel Kruglov – The Talking Piano.
Daniel Kruglov is a talented pianist and composer known for his unique style that seamlessly blends classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Based in Israel, he has made a name for himself as one of the most original and innovative musicians of his generation. The celebrated pianist and composer announces the release of his latest album “The Talking Piano.”This latest project showcases Kruglov’s musical versatility and virtuosity, delivering a mix of emotional piano tracks and comic virtuoso pieces that are sure to captivate audiences. In “The Talking Piano,” Kruglov seamlessly blends his classical training with his unique comedic flair, resulting in an album that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. From beautiful ballads to hilarious parodies, the album showcases the full range of Kruglov’s musical talent and is a must-listen for fans of classical and contemporary music alike. (Daniel Kruglov, 2023)
Kruglov began his musical journey at a young age, studying classical piano and composition at some of the most prestigious music schools in Russia. He went on to earn critical acclaim for his performances and soon gained recognition as a virtuoso pianist and composer. In addition to his classical training, Kruglov has a passion for jazz and contemporary music, which he incorporates into his compositions and performances. This musical fusion has resulted in a unique and captivating sound that sets him apart from other musicians. His concerts are always a feast for the senses, as he blends his virtuosity with his wit and humor to create an unforgettable musical experience. He has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls and has been praised by audiences and critics alike for his exceptional talent and musical mastery.
February events at the Briscoe include stories of Black Cowboys, Buffalo Soldiers, and more. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
The stories of the Western United States are as diverse and far-ranging as the landscape that inspires the cowboy in us all. To share that history, the Briscoe Western Art Museum is showcasing those stories during a day focused on the Black history of the West, including two programs to help children and families understand the roles that Black Americans played in the West. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2023)
Did you know that you can tip your hat to President’s Day at the Briscoe? When you visit, do not miss the bronze bust of President Lincoln sculpted by Gutzom Borglum, the artist who carved Mount Rushmore, in the museum’s lobby. The bust was crafted before Borglum began carving the likenesses of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln in the Black Hills of South Dakota, so stop by to wish President Lincoln happy birthday (February 12) or drop in for President’s Day (February 20).
All programs are included with museum admission. Admission is free for children 12 and under, making the museum a terrific destination for families. Active duty members of the military also receive free admission, while active duty family members and retired members of the military receive discounted admission. The museum also is proud to participate in Museums For All, Blue Star Museums and Bank of America Museums on Us.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18: Full STEAM Ahead: Gather Around the Campfire 11a.m. – 1p.m. Families are invited to join the Briscoe and learn about the history of Black Cowboys in the West. After listening to a short presentation about Black Cowboys and their life on the cattle drives, families will be able to design and make their own musical instrument to play around the campfire. This is a family friendly program.
The Briscoe’s education series “Full STEAM Ahead” helps learners of all ages understand more about the American West by engaging in hands-on, STEAM learning experiences. Sharing the American West through STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics – each of the activities ties back to the Briscoe’s art and artifacts, bringing the West to life in a new way. Each program explores an aspect of life in the West to engage and inspire learning and is included with museum admission. Children 12 and under receive free admission to the Briscoe.
Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers 2p.m. – 4:30p.m. Learn the history of Buffalo soldiers from the Bexar County Buffalo Soldiers Association (BCBSA) members through a short presentation at 2p.m., followed by members sharing stories and artifacts as they interact with visitors through 4:30p.m. The Buffalo Soldiers were members of the all-Black U.S. Army units formed by Congress in 1866 after the end of the Civil War, giving former slaves, freedmen and Black Civil War veterans an opportunity to serve.
Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Jerry Cheatom will lead the 2p.m. presentation as Trooper Cheatom of the BCBSA. Dressed in replica blue union Army uniforms worn by the Buffalo soldiers in the late 1800s, members will share the stories of an 1800s trail driver and the only recorded female Buffalo soldier, Cathay Williams. Since women were not allowed to serve then, Williams disguised herself as a man to enlist in the army, serving from 1866-68.
The Briscoe is open Thursday through Monday, 10a.m. – 5p.m. and closed to the public on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The Briscoe is located on the south end of the River Walk, near the Arneson River Theatre and La Villita, with convenient parking at the Riverbend Garage directly adjacent to the museum or one of many downtown surface lots.
‘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?
Something From Nothing is the new album from Chris Williams and Kid Reverie. It will be out March 3, 2023. Photo: Google
Chris Williams’ ability to weave different sounds into a seamless whole comes naturally. He grew up near Greensboro, North Carolina, and his father, Allen Calhoun, was a bluegrass musician who played a little bit of everything. Williams was playing banjo by the time he was ten, and he and his father traveled constantly to bluegrass festivals where his father played. In his 20s and 30s, he played with rock bands and heavy metal bands, honing his instrumental chops and even taking the drums. He moved into jazz under the influence of Steely Dan’s Aja. Though he got away from music for a few years, he started buying recording equipment and eventually set out to make an album. Williams combines lyrical ingenuity with a gift for finding the just-right melodic vibes in which to wrap his words. He and Kid Reverie recently announced their upcoming album Something FromNothing, due out March 3, 2023. (Chris Williams/Kid Reverie, 2023)
Kid Reverie is out of Boulder, CO, featuring the voice and writing of Steve Varney, guitarist/banjoist for Gregory Alan Isakov and former leader of the band, Glowing House. In September 2018, Varney officially introduced Kid Reverie with a rock record both tender and furious. As and artist with several aesthetic interests, Kid Reverie has ebbed and flowed throughout time with a full length self-titled LP, Kid Reverie and many singles releases that cover a broad spectrum of genres. Steve’s body of work speaks for itself; honest, brilliant songwriting and an ever-reaching thirst for all things musical.
Born from their initial collaboration, the pair eventually co-wrote the twelve songs that became Something From Nothing. Co-produced by Williams and Varney and mastered by Varney, the two played every instrument on the album—with the exception of Michael McKee who joins in on drums for five songs and Ayda Varney who plays cat toy sounds on a tune.
Chris Williams and Kid Reverie shared the first listen from Something From Nothing, the ebbing and flowing “Half a Mile.” Written a few tunes into Williams’ and Varney’s time writing songs together, “Half a Mile” was a marked point of exploration for the pair, entering a mix of time signatures and tempo changes. “Every writing session we had, I was blown away by Steve’s in-depth knowledge of theory, song structure and catalog of hundreds of songs and examples within each at his fingertips,” remembers Williams. “Very useful when reaching for ideas and inspiration.”
Chris Williams and Kid Reverie hope the songs on Something From Nothing inspire others in their art: “not to be afraid to take chances musically.” Their music illuminates the struggles of the human soul, lighting a path between the shadows and light that leads from despair, fear, and loss to hope, courage, and love.
Something From Nothing track list: Morning Fog Half A Mile Himalayan Hills Warning Bell (feat. Kid Reverie) Asleep Pretenders Gambit Dappled Grey
Thompson San Antonio Spa has several packages perfect for Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day, or a personal pampering day for you or a loved one. Photo: Thompson San Antonio Spa, used with permission.
The new year is well into February, but if your New Year’s resolution included more ‘me time,’ the Thompson San Antonio Spa has several packages to choose from. These are also perfect for Valentine’s Day gifts for even a day out with girlfriends for Galentine’s Day. Below are some of the latest news and upcoming events from the Thompson San Antonio Spa. (Thompson San Antonio Spa, 2023)
Launch of AIRO Skincare Thompson Spa is the exclusive spa to recently debut Texas based travel and lifestyle brand, AIRO Skincare, the latest luxury and travel friendly product on the market. Drawn from the power of healing desert plants and marine extracts sourced from land and sea, Airo is a clean and uniquely effective skincare line that features lightweight but deeply penetrating treatment products. Thompson Spa’s very own esthetician, Daphne Chapman, is the founder of Airo and her love of beauty and travel inspired her to create the product.
CBD & Chill Wanting to totally mellow out? Look no further than the CBD & Chill experience which includes the Thompson Tailored Deep Tissue Massage with upgraded CBD Massage Oil, then go into full relaxation mode with our Ani-Aging CBD Facial for $410.
Therapeutic Tranquility This is for anyone looking for the ultimate day of relaxation. This package includes Relax & Recharge 50 min massage and Jetsetter Hydrating Facial to leave you with an undeniable glow.
Yoga Membership Monthly membership for 8 yoga classes hosted by Thompson Spa each month. Members have access to fitness center, spa amenities, and 20% off any service booked. $80.00.
Valentine’s Day Promo The Spa will be offering a Valentine’s Day Promo, the Cabana Cuddle up, from February 10-19. The package includes an 80min massage for two followed by lunch or dinner in one of the Cenote Cabanas at the hotel’s show stopping pool deck for 2 hours, complete with a bottle of bubbly. $710 (Cost of food not included).
Superbowl Sunday Ditch the Dudes Spa Brunch Visit the Spa on February 12 for one 50-minute service valued at $175 followed by Thompson’s Sunday Spa Brunch from 10-1 pm.
Galantine’s Wine Down Package Treat yourself to day of relaxation with one 50-minute service valued at $175 and a ticket to Thompson’s exclusive spa wine tasting from 6-8 pm on February 16.
Spring Into a New You Event Clear the body and mind with Saturday yoga/sound bowl meditation classes on March 11 and journal your way to a new you. $40.00.
‘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
