Tag: fiction

Upcoming new book release: ‘Baby X’ by Kira Peikoff

‘Baby X’ is the new medical/psychological thriller by Kira Peikoff. Photo: Amazon

Kira Peikoff has a degree in journalism from New York University and master’s in bioethics from Columbia. Her reported articles have appeared in The New York Times, Newsweek, Popular Mechanics, and other outlets. She now works in biotech communications helping spread the word about transformative developments in the life sciences. Peikoff is a proud member of The Authors Guild, International Thriller Writers, and Mystery Writers of America. She is the author of “Mother Knows Best,” “Living Proof,” “No Time to Die,” and “Die Again Tomorrow.” Her new novel, “Baby X” will be released on March 5, 2024. When any biological matter can be used to create life, stolen celebrity DNA sells to the highest bidder–or the craziest stalker–in this propulsive thriller. With a vivid imagining of the future, Gattaca meets Black Mirror in Kira Peikoff’s exciting new thriller. (Amazon, 2024) It is available for pre-order. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. It is a must read! I will share my review next month.

“Baby X” – In the near-future United States, where advanced technology can create egg or sperm from any person’s cells, celebrities face the alarming potential of meeting biological children they never conceived. Famous singer Trace Thorne is tired of being targeted by the Vault, a black market site devoted to stealing DNA. Sick of paying ransom money for his own cell matter, he hires bio-security guard Ember Ryan to ensure his biological safety.  

Ember will do anything she can to protect her clients. She knows all the Vault’s tricks–discarded tissues, used straws, lipstick tubes–and has prevented countless DNA thefts. Working for Thorne, her focus becomes split when she begins to fall for him, but she knows she hasn’t let anything slip–love or not, his DNA is safe. But then she and Thorne are confronted by a pregnant woman, Quinn, who claims that Thorne is the father of her baby, and all bets are off.   

Brilliantly plotted and terrifyingly prescient, “Baby X” is  an unpredictable and relentless speculative thriller perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and John Marrs.

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Upcoming new book release: ‘Love in Words and Music’ by J.M. Unrue

‘Love in Words and Music: a novel in dialogue’ by J.M. Unrue. It will be released on March 1, 2024. Photo: J.M. Unrue, used with permission.

February is here, so of course, that means so is Valentine’s Day and everything having to do with romance. Romance novels are some of the most popular novels for obvious reasons. Today, I would like to focus on a romantic novel by J.M. Unrue, “Love in Words and Music.” What makes this novel unique is that it is written solely in dialogue form, which makes for a quicker, easier to read experience. It is a love story with plenty of love-language, affection, and humor, making it the perfect novel to enjoy during the most romantic month of the year. Discover Brad and Patricia’s love journey. Pre-order your copy today. It will be released March 1 and is available for pre-order now on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

J.M. Unrue is the author of fiction and social satire as fiction, including “God on a Budget,” “The Festival of Sin,” and “A Blunt Grace.” His new book “Love in Words and Music” is an epic love story told entirely in dialogue. At its heart, the book is a love story. Two people meet on a singles’ cruise and build a lifelong-relationship spanning fifty years. They are both bright, articulate, and completely involved with and devoted to each other. (J.M. Unrue, 2024)

“Love in Words and Music” – From the first dance to the last word, an epic love story spanning fifty years. Told entirely in dialogue, an encounter on an ocean liner leads to life and living in the heartland of the American Midwest.

Brad, a psychiatric nurse—solid, steady, and devoted, and Patricia, a college professor—beautiful, free-spirited and passionate, meet, fall in love, and settle in Minneapolis.

A lifelong affair filled with humor, affection, and abiding devotion. Through triumphs and trials, and bonds stretched to the breaking point, love endures. Through fortune and misfortune, love flourishes.
Through setbacks and victories, they remain focused on the life they have built together.

A life. A whole life. Told in words and music. Unrue’s storytelling is a beacon of understanding for the human condition.

Disclaimer: This book contains nongraphic scenes of marital sexual encounters and innuendo.

                                  EXCERPT – reprinted with author’s permission

Age 31 & 28

“Would you consider doing something else?”
“Well, I don’t want to spend my time dealing Prozac to disaffected housewives or adding ‘there there’ to my repertoire.”
“No, but it wouldn’t hurt to patch up mental boo-boos for a while, would it?”
“Probably not. What brought this on?”
“…I guess I’m concerned about how dealing with so much trauma will have a long-term effect on you.”
“I’m handling it okay, I think.”
“For now.”
“…I honestly believe I’m doing some good.”
“No doubt there.”
“Are you really worried about that?”
“Some…I guess I have ulterior motives, too.”
“Oh? You think the VA is hindering my sexual performance.”
“No.”
“Good, because there’s nothing that revs the glands like a group of damaged
men wondering how it all went so wrong.”

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Television adaptation: ‘One Day’ by David Nicholls

The television series adaptation of ‘One Day’ is now streaming on Netflix. Photo: Amazon

David Nicholls is a British novelist and screenwriter best known for “Starter for Ten,” “The Understudy,” “Us,” “Sweet Sorrow,” and “One Day.” “One Day” was published in 2009 to extraordinary critical acclaim and was translated into 40 languages. It became a global bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. His fourth novel, “Us,” was longlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction. He is the executive producer and a contributing screenwriter on a new Netflix series adaptation of “One Day.” The series consists of 14 episodes and the first one is available now.

“One Day” – Two people, one day. What starts as a fleeting connection between two strangers soon becomes a deep bond that spans decades. It’s 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day—July 15th—of each year. They face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. Dex and Em must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself. As the years go by, the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed. (Amazon, 2024)

Book review: ‘The Girl from Wudang’ by PJ Caldas

‘The Girl from Wudang: A Novel About Artificial Intelligence, Martial Arts and Immortality’ by PJ Caldas. Photo: Amazon

PJ Caldas, a.k.a PJ Pereira, the author of multiple best-selling novels in Brazil, was named one of the most important writers of the 21st century by the Dictionary of Brazilian Literature. He published four books inspired by the mythology carried to the country by the African diaspora and reached the top five best-selling titles multiple times. PJ is also a martial artist with 40 years of experience in combat sports, including kempo, karate, tai chi, and Brazilian jiu jitsu. In 2023 he was named Jury President of the Artificial Intelligence Awards at the Art Director’s Club and curated a Global immersive exhibit of designers collaborating with AI, called ADC101+1, as a way to explore the use of this emerging technology as a creative tool. His new book “The Girl from Wudang” is a story about immortality, martial arts, and AI that will change the way you look at life, science, and the crazy times we are living in.

“The Girl from Wudang” – My Name is Tigress and I am immortal. This is my story. Embark on a mind-bending journey with Tigress as she navigates the confusing jumps of conscience that throw her between tender moments of her childhood practicing Tai Chi in China, the most violent cage fights in California, and a secret lab where scientists experiment with her brain. She was raised in a traditional Chinese setting, immersed in Tai Chi and the Dao, but life soon takes her to California where she gets involved in professional fighting, which she loves. The story begins with an internet Blackout and Tigress is watching it unfold on television in her Oakland home and then decides to go for a jog around the neighborhood. Trouble always seems to find her, or she goes looking for it, but either way, she gets involved in a brutal street fight. Then there is a flash and she is transported to another location. This is Tigress’ life, and she shares her experiences as well as the journey that completely changes her life.

In “The Girl from Wudang,” PJ Caldas gives readers a look into the life of a confident, strong, and self-reliant fighter who evolves from a street fighter to a selfless immortal being. She is a trained fighter, and at first she is smug, but her intent is to teach women to fight: “When it comes to fighting, here’s the difference between a guy and a girl: we know they underestimate us. And I love to make them regret that.” Searching for a way to alleviate her chronic headaches, she allows herself to be part of an experiment and that is where cutting edge technology steps in. Tigress is telling her story, so it is in the first person point of view and the narration, especially the fight scenes, are highly descriptive: “My heels smash his sternum, making a crack and a puffing sound, though momentum and idiocy keep pushing his hips forward.” At first, the footnotes seem out of place, but they become useful when explaining Chinese culture and the author’s thought processes and other background information. The action is fast paced but the sudden jumps in location can seem confusing and some of the fight action is bloody and violent. Regardless, this speculative science fiction novel expertly combines ancient traditions, modern day technology/science, spirituality, and martial arts. It is a must read for fans of cyberpunk and science fiction thrillers by William Gibson and Stieg Larsson.

“This strange dimension where I live, this place nerds call ‘the cloud’ isn’t the Dao of my ancestors. Though, from where I stand, I can hear everything.”

*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.

New book release: ‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ by Jane Kim Yu

‘Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness’ is the inspiring new book by Jane Kim Yu. Photo: Amazon

Motivational books can be inspiring and helpful on your spiritual journey of self discovery. This is especially true when the author includes his or her life experiences. Today’s new book release is all about spiritual awakening and discovering yourself. “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” by Jane Kim Yu is an encouraging guide that will help you discover your true self and is filled with advice, tips, and motivational wisdom. If self improvement is one of your New Year’s resolutions, consider this amazing new book on self-discovery, self-awareness, and living your best life yet. It is available on Amazon in English and Spanish versions. Don’t wait! Pick up your copy today begin your own journey of awakening.

Dr. Jane Kim Yu holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the renowned St. John’s University. From a young age, she aspired to become an author and share her vision through artistic creation. This dream became reality with the publication of her debut book, “Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness.” Jane’s work is a testament to her three driving passions: eloquent writing, intricate creative expression, and a deep-seated spirituality. These are demonstrated in her life and through her newsletter Soul Secrets, where she discusses hope, love, life, and the beauty of it all from our humanity to our divinity to the grace that guides our life. Her works bridge the gap between the empirical and the ethereal, resonating with readers and art aficionados alike. (Jane Kim Yu, 2024)

“Journey of Awakening and Higher Consciousness” – Discover the journey of awakening in a new light never seen before. Read about our universal journey of discovery, of awakening to the greatest truth of the land, the truth that reverberates in our very hands, the hands of heart, the very heart of our being, that – you are love.

Through a profoundly rare experience that left the author’s mind silent for nearly half a year, it awakened her own desire to find her fire. The very fire that lit the night sky. The very fire that lives in all our hearts nigh. The very fire, to come alive. These combine into an unforgettable experience that will awaken your inner fire and bring passion and purpose back into your life.

“True spirituality is a true coming alive, for it’s not what you do; it’s who you are. Which means living the life of your dreams on your terms and, most of all, in your heart as the you that you are. Love unleashed.”

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Upcoming new book release: ‘The Bad Weather Friend’ by Dean Koontz

‘The Bad Weather Friend’ will be released February 1, 2024. Photo: Amazon

International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition. Koontz is the author of several bestsellers, fourteen of which were #1, including “One Door Away from Heaven,” “From the Corner of His Eye,” and “What the Night Knows.” Rolling Stone has hailed him 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. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he now lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens Trixie and Anna. In his newest novel, “The Bad Weather Friend,” Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them. The breathtaking new thriller will be released February 1, 2024 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. (Amazon, 2024)

“The Bad Weather Friend” – Benny Catspaw’s perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He’s not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn’t know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an unknown uncle: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.

How strange—though it’s a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what’s inside the crate. He’s a seven-foot-tall self-described “bad weather friend” named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He’ll find Benny’s enemies. He’ll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn’t such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.

In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-cum-PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.

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Tell us who your bad weather friend in the comments 👇 The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz is now available to read early with Amazon First Reads. #DeanKoontz #ThrillerBooks #BookTok #BFFs #BadWeatherFriend

♬ original sound – Amazon Publishing – Amazon Publishing
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New book release: ‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ by Aaron Ryan

‘Dissonance Volume I: Reality’ is book number one in the Dissonance Trilogy. It is available now. Photo: Amazon

Dystopian sci-fi thrillers take place in societies in decline where the characters are battling environmental ruin, technological control, and government oppression. These are some of the most imaginative novels out there and are one of my favorite genres. If you are ready for your next dystopian sci-fi thriller, consider today’s new release: “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” by Aaron Ryan. It is the first in the Dissonance Trilogy and promises plenty of thrills and is defined as Aliens meets A Quiet Place. “Dissonance Volume I: Reality” is available through the author’s website. More about the author here.

Aaron Ryan is the author of the Dissonance series, several business books on multimedia production penned under a pseudonym, as well as a previous fictional novel, “The Omega Room.” He has always had a passion for storytelling. When he was in second grade, he was tasked with writing a creative assignment: a fictional book. And thus, “The Electric Boy” was born: a simple novella full of intrigue, fantasy, and 7-year-old wits that electrified Aaron’s desire to write. From that point forward, Aaron evolved into a creative soul that desired to create.

He enjoys the arts, media, music, performing, poetry, and being a daddy. In his lifetime he has been an author, voiceover artist, wedding videographer, stage performer, musician, producer, rock/pop artist, executive assistant, service manager, paperboy, CSR, poet, tech support, worship leader, and more. The diversity of his life experiences gives him a unique approach to business, life, ministry, faith, and entertainment. Aaron’s favorite author by far is J.R.R. Tolkien, but he also enjoys Suzanne Collins, James S.A. Corey, Marie Lu, Madeleine L’Engle, C.S. Lewis, and Stephen King. Aaron Ryan lives in Washington with his wife and two sons, along with Macy the dog, Winston the cat, and Merry and Pippin, the finches.

“Dissonance Volume I: Reality”

Plug your ears. Don’t look. The war for humanity has begun. Cameron “Jet” Shipley was there when they arrived in 2026. He, and everyone else, lived through the next decade and a half, learning to hide. Learning to never make a sound. Learning the most important rule of all: You just…don’t…look.

The year is now 2042, and humanity is eking out an existence in the shadows. Cameron and his team are sent out on a recon mission in Clarksville Tennessee, with events and developments that may alter the trajectory of Earth’s fate…and his own.

Joined by newcomers Bassett and Trudy, Cameron and his brother Rut will have to contend with a powerful force that has laid waste to the planet and annihilated over eighty-five percent of civilization. Will Jet’s expeditions lead him on a slippery slope of discovery that demands accountability and answers? Or will it plunge the earth, and everything in it, into further dissonance?

Coming soon: “Dissonance Volume II: Reckoning” and “Dissonance Volume III: Revenge”

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Book of the week: ‘Karen the Origin Story’ by Andre Johnson

‘Karen the Origin Story’ is the second book in the Amish Sovereignty series by Andre Johnson. Photo: Andre Johnson, used with permission.

Literature and fiction does not always have to be so serious. Humor is essential to lighten life’s heavier moments, especially when dealing with history and everyday life. By now we have all heard of the term ‘Karen’ in modern slang. It usually refers to a middle class white woman who is seen as extraordinarily entitled or demanding. Today’s book highlight is “Karen the Origin Story” by Andre Johnson and it touches on that subject; it is available on Amazon. If you enjoy the lighter side of fiction, consider this humorous title by Andre Johnson.

Andre Johnson is the author of “Karen the Origin Story,” book 2 of 3 in the Amish Sovereignty series which also includes “Amish” and “Karen the Horror Story.”

“Karen the Origin Story” Noah and Anita are fraternal Amish twins. These twins and two of their friends go on their Rumspringa. While on Rumspringa, the group realizes that things are a little different and that they really like chili cheese fries. Midway though Rumspringa, they realize that they need to make a difference before going home. (Andre Johnson, 2024)

For anyone unfamiliar with Rumspringa, it is a rite of passage and period of growth for Amish young people during which they face fewer restrictions on their behavior and are not subject to the usual community norms. It usually begins at age 16 and ends when a youth chooses to either be baptized in the Amish church or leave the community. (Google)

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New book release: ‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ by Dapharoah69

‘The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1’ is the new book by Dapharoah69. Photo: Dapharoah69, used with permission.

Fantasy fiction takes place in faraway imaginary worlds that contain supernatural beings and creatures, including vampires. Vampires make for some of the most fascinating storylines I have read; especially when there is some type of power struggle between warring factions involved. Today’s new book release by the talented storyteller Dapharoah69 is one such book. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” features Khovahsh Burgoos, a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients, and introduces readers to Alicia Chay, a sadistic queen of torture. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? Don’t wait! Get your copy today and find out what happens next. “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” is available on Amazon.

Dapharoah69 is a multi-award-winning, best-selling, independent literary force born in Salinas, California and raised in Goulds, Florida. For twenty years, he has entertained millions of fans around the globe with his unapologetic writing. He is an LGBTQIA sex symbol, spoken word artist, poet, HIV activist, actor, professional model, dancer, literary icon, and a living legend. His success and killer ink have influenced a sea of writers in numerous countries for two decades. (Dapharoah69, 2024)

He wrote “The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” of his vampire series in June of 1998 before he became Dapharoah69 at the age of 22. He was known as Ja’Breel Le’Diamond. He published his first book when he was homeless. He has penned thirteen books and three memoirs and notched ten Amazon and Barnes and Noble Top 100 bestsellers. He won Book of the Year and Male Author of the Year via the African-American On the Move Book Club, The Men of Integrity Award from Utopian LLC and a Certificate of Recognition from the New York State Senate for his literary achievements.

“The Law of Beasts, Book 1 – Act 1” – Khovahsh Burgoos, an elitist demi-shifting reincarnate, is a nine thousand-year-old member of the Dragonhead Ancients. Alicia Chay, the sadistic queen of torture, ruled for forty centuries under the identity of someone else. With a family of savages as her fledgling, she detests mortals, but she loves feeding on them for blood. She became a vampire, built The House of the Hounds and created a treaty without clearance from the Dragonhead Ancients or the Queen Mother, Armona. Alicia hunts down insubordinate vampires that illegally use human bodies to harm precious animal life. Meanwhile, she is being observed by Khovahsh. He has direct orders to deceive her, but he has his own agenda. When they encounter each other, a chain of events compromises her life and opens the door for Muzzle, an angry villain, to threaten her for turning her back on The House of the Hounds.

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New book release: ‘Flashback: Lolita’ by P.M. Richter

‘Flashback: Lolita’ is the new novel by P.M. Richter. Photo: Amazon

Crime fiction centers around crimes, criminals, police, and the investigations that surround them. The mystery and suspense is what makes these novels so fascinating to read. Today’s new book release is one such novel: “Flashback: Lolita” by P.M. Richter. If you like mystery, crime, and psychological thrillers with a female lead character, check out this new novel. Buy your copy today; it is available on Amazon.

P.M. Richter is an author living in West Hollywood California. She has a degree in Psychology from Northridge State University. She has worked as a property manager for Nansay, Corp. a multi-national corporation and has been a dance teacher for Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios. She loves reading, writing, and making covers for her books. Her new book “Flashback: Lolita (Abuse, Mafia Wife, Prison)” is a flashback on Lolita’s life and book 3 in the Deadly Fun Series. The series includes “Deadly Fun” and “Precious and Deadly.” (Pamela M Richter, 2024)

“Flashback: Lolita” – A Cinderella Story? Yes, she has an evil, abusive mother and a terrible early life filled with physical abuse. Yes, she meets the handsome Mafia Prince in church of all places. They are madly in love and have a gorgeous fairytale wedding. They live in a beautiful mansion. Fabulously rich and young, they look forward to a wonderful life. Lolita loves being wife to the Mafia enforcer. She has everything she’s ever wanted and adores her husband. But Happily Ever After? I don’t think so.

All the fairy tales and romance stories end with “And They Lived Happily Ever After.” What really happens after the ‘Ever After?’ Could it be tragic? Well, yeah.

When the Prince is gone forever, murdered. When political forces targeting the Mafia cause a miscarriage of justice. When you’re thrown into a maximum-security women’s prison. Then it’s just a matter of survival.

Clashing steel gates. Your room is big and scary. The food is awful. Working daily in the laundry, like a real Cinderella, is hot and exhausting. The nights are filled with inmates screaming and crying.

The guards are mostly okay, making sure the prisoners follow strict prison rules. Except one, who has it in for Lolita. A real nasty character who came from a rival Mafia gang in Chicago. He is determined she will suffer. Maybe never leave the prison alive.

Drones fly over the prison gates, delivering contraband, poison pills, and weapons. There are strip searches for hidden drugs. Fights break out between inmates. Rival gangs clash in warfare. Drugs are rampant. Can Lolita survive?

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Photo: Amazon