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Tag: New Books
Book Release: Whispers In The Shadows by Jason LaVelle
Whispers In The Shadows
A dark suspense thriller about love, lust, and revenge.
Releases Sept 10
Long Description:
When a family tragedy rips a young woman from her quiet existence, only two things give Delia any solace: steely determination, and the butcher’s son. Well, that and the ominous whispers that warned her of impending danger throughout her childhood.
Years later, violent conflicts and machinations of war shape the headstrong young woman and her far-flung soldier into people they don’t even recognize anymore. Though Delia finally finds her true self in the arms of an unconventional lover, danger is closer than ever before.
The whispers in the shadows have never been more urgent. Soon, the ties of her violent past will collide with everything she holds dear.
Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews says, “Author Jason LaVelle’s distinct ability to meld fiction with truth is the definition of Stephen King’s quote: “Fiction is a lie. GREAT fiction is the truth within the lie.” The story is maximum entertainment, a real page-turner, but it is also an eye-opening exposition of how love, persecution for sexual preferences, psychological abuse, desperation, war, murder and the spiritual unknown affect lives.”
Evolved Publishing presents the first book in the “A Dark Night Thriller” series. This romance-turned-thriller/horror novel, which offers just a touch of the supernatural, will keep you at the edge of your seat in suspense. [DRM-Free]
“If you love biopic type stories that drag you into the life of a character and becomes a highly addictive ride you can’t put down, this story is perfect. Dealing with sensitive issues in the timeline from love, murder, persecution for sexual preferences, and the role of woman in society during world war events. This is one story that will suck you in and keep you wondering what is going to happen next.” ~ Voracious Reviews
“This is a story that says many things, not only is it a great supernatural thriller but it also shows what psychological damage abuse, desperation and war can cause to a person. It speaks to us of the beauty of love, of having the courage to follow your heart and of being true to yourself despite what others may think. It is tastefully written and the fact that the characters, Delia and Alice, were based on real people makes this book all the more interesting, even if the actual story is fiction.” ~ Rabid Reader
The Cold Room
A gripping paranormal thriller
Releases Oct 10
Long Description:
Emma Gilbert never imagined she’d have to battle an ancient evil, one whose powers and rage have been building for centuries.
Rabid Reader says, “Once again Jason LaVelle has written an intricate, creepy and yet thought provoking story that keeps you on the edge of your seat… The storyline captures your imagination and sends shivers down your spine….”
More than twenty years have passed since Karen Gilbert was stalked by a demon child intent on her death. Still, she can’t escape from dark forces in this world. As her life draws near its end, her body ravaged by the same cancer that took her mother and grandmother before her, she’s restricted to a hospital bed. With time running out, she must warn her daughter of the dark forces in the world, those she could never talk about before.
Emma Gilbert is as beautiful and headstrong as her mother, and she’s just learned that she’s about to be called into battle against an unimaginable evil that has stalked the earth for a millennium. She flounders under the weight of her newfound knowledge and what it might mean for her life, but she cannot ignore her destiny. Forced into a supernatural confrontation, she discovers the daunting stakes—much more than her own life—should she fail.
Jane Straugh says, “The minute I started reading this I was hooked and could not stop reading it. There was excitement from start to finish, lots of twists and turns….”
Evolved Publishing presents the third book in the “A Dark Night Thriller” series. This supernatural thriller/horror novel will keep you at the edge of your seat in suspense.
Jason LaVelle’s Bio:
Jason LaVelle is an author and photographer from West Michigan. When he’s not spending time with his beautiful wife and four children, LaVelle works at a veterinary clinic, helping animals of all kinds. With his two pugs, Dragon and Mr. Sparkles, his Chihuahua, Mari, and his annoying dachshund, Lady, LaVelle pretty much lives in a zoo. After he’s done playing with the pugs and tucking the kids into bed, LaVelle ventures down into the basement, where his umbrella cockatoo, Bella whispers in his ear like a demonic muse, forcing him to explore the paranormal world inside his mind.
Pre-Order An American Family
The Sound of Rain by Gregg Olsen
This is the best book I’ve read this year, and I really hope there’s a sequel. I’ve read three books by Olsen in 2018, and all three have been good. This novel kept me guessing, and I particularly enjoyed the realistic flaws in the characters. I liked their addictions and the mistakes they made. I gave it five stars and can’t recommend this book enough.
The Safest Lies by Megan Miranda
This was an interesting book with nice twists and turns. While parts were somewhat unbelievable, I still enjoyed the journey. Any book that can keep me guessing is one that I remember. It’s a mix between a young adult book and a mystery. If you like that blend of young love, hidden pasts, and a crime, then you’ll enjoy this one.
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
This was an interesting book. I thought that Ferencik did a nice job of mixing in the suspenseful elements while still progressing the story. I found myself wanting to know what would happen next and not being able to predict it, for the most part. If you enjoy a good mystery that’s set in the outdoors, then this one is for you. I gave it four stars instead of five due to some of the dialogue between the women lacking believability.
Meet The Author, Jacqueline Simon Gunn
Enjoy getting to know, Jacqueline Simon Gunn:
Thank you for joining me today. Tell us in three words how you would best describe your writing.
Emotional, psychological, thought-provoking.
Your book, Forever and One Day, was released February 6, 2018. Share a passage that you’d like for us to enjoy.
Now she looked at him and felt the what if washing over her. The desire to touch him, to remember how his lips felt kissing her mouth, her skin, her hair, felt irresistible. She gulped.
He stared into her eyes and she felt a kiss coming. Their faces hovered in an awkward dance as their mouths drew closer. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her lips. My gosh, she shivered, leaned in, then quickly pulled back. She broke the eye contact. Trying to shake the sensation, she gulped down some wine. “Justin. We can’t.”
You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author, but can never write again, or write forever, but never have a best seller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?
I would choose to continue writing.
If you could live on a college campus and never leave, or live in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?
Small town, but be able to travel.
Okay, how about in an amusement park or in an airport?
Airport
And how about Ireland or Australia?
Australia
Who is your favorite band from the 90s (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?
I love so many 90’s bands, but if I have to pick I choose Pearl Jam.
Are there any good bands out there today that we’ll talk about in 50 years?
I’m sure there are, but I’m not too familiar with newer music. I’m still listening to 90’s alternative rock bands.
And what about your favorite comedy on TV (My favorite is still The Office)?
Frasier reruns.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
I’m working on two romance novels.
Who is your favorite author, and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?
Irvin Yalom. I was fortunate enough to have met him and I got to ask him my question which was: How much was your fictional book, Lying on the Couch, based on real life circumstances?
Lightning round:
Ocean or mountains? Mountains
Yogurt or ice cream? Yogurt
Chocolate or Sour Candy? Chocolate
Jimmy Fallon or Stephen Colbert? Neither
Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happy
Beer or wine? Wine
Flying or driving? Driving
Hemingway or Twain? Twain
You’re stranded on a desert island, and you can take two things with you, as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?
Food and blankets. My husband and my dad.
You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him/her over to your house, or meet at their place of royalty?
Martin Luther King, Jr.
I’d like to hear his thoughts on the political atmosphere of today. I’d enjoy visiting him at his home.
You can wish for one thing and one thing only (not world peace and no more wishes). What’s it gonna be?
Cure for cancer.
Jacqueline Simon Gunn is a Manhattan-based clinical psychologist and writer. She has authored two non-fiction books, and co-authored two others. She has published many articles, both scholarly and mainstream, and currently works as a freelance writer. Gunn is now writing fiction in both the thriller and the romance genre. Always in search of truth and fascinated by human behavior, her fiction writing, like psychology, is a way for her to explore human nature — motivation, emotions, relationships.
In addition to her clinical practice and writing, Gunn is an avid runner and reader. Gunn is currently working on multiple writing projects, including two romance novels.
Jacqueline on Amazon
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Meet The Author, April Moran
Enjoy getting to know, April Moran:
Thank you for joining me today. Tell us in three words how you would best describe your writing.
Steamy. Romantic. Intense.
Your book, Taming Ivy. was released August 10, 2017. Share a passage that you’d like for us to enjoy.
Ivy did not seem prepared for war after all. One little skirmish and she folded with astonishing haste. Her wide eyes reminded him of a panicked doe, a wounded shimmer in the aqua depths. Her bottom lip visibly trembled. Incredibly, infuriatingly, Sebastian wanted to press his mouth to hers to tame its lush quiver. Damn, he’d forfeit his soul to taste the skin of that delicate collarbone, the nape of her neck, the soft underside of her breast…soothing the hurt he just inflicted.
You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author, but can never write again, or write forever, but never have a best seller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?
Write forever and never have a best seller, but in doing so, give readers an escape they love.
If you could live on a college campus and never leave, or live in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?
Oh, the small town and travel option for sure! I love to travel but coming home is always awesome.
Okay, how about in an amusement park or in an airport?
Amusement park. My favorite place to visit is Disney World!
And how about Ireland or Australia?
Ireland! Planning on going there in 2019…it’s my dream vacation!
Who is your favorite band from the 90s (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?
Stone Temple Pilots
Are there any good bands out there today that we’ll talk about in 50 years?
Foo Fighters, Van Halen are old favorites, but I’m liking Kaleo (they are new band from Iceland) and Highly Suspect from the East Coast. Jack White (White Stripes, Raconteurs, Dead Weather)- the man is unappreciated genius. And I believe we will always talk about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
And what about your favorite comedy on TV (My favorite is still The Office)?
The Goldbergs. I love it because of the 80’s themes they incorporated into every episode. And I watch and rewatch Seinfeld all the time.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
Two books, actually. One is the second book in the Taming Series which is Nicholas and Grace’s story. And working on a contemporary romance too that begins with the heroine and the hero falling into love when they are in high school, separated by circumstances and clashing with one another again years later.
Who is your favorite author, and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?
Oh gosh…I have so many favorites. But I think I would love to ask Margaret Mitchell, the author of Gone with the Wind, how many rewrites of that famous scene did it take before she finally decided “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” was perfect?
Lightning round:
Ocean or mountains? Mountains–but that’s because I live near the beach and see it all the time.
Yogurt or ice cream? Ice cream (butter pecan)
Chocolate or Sour Candy? Chocolate
Jimmy Fallon or Stephen Colbert? Um, can neither be my answer? Lol
Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happily Ever Afters are the best!
Beer or wine? Wine. And I’m not picky about it! Red, white, merlot, pinot, zin…it’s all good.
Flying or driving? Flying
Hemingway or Twain? Twain
You’re stranded on a desert island, and you can take two things with you, as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?
Sunscreen and books. And my husband and our dog, Blue. I would bring my daughter too, but her own husband would be so sad without her and she would miss him lol.
You’re able to sit down with any leader in world history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him/her over to your house, or meet at their place of royalty?
Queen Elizabeth I. We’d share a decanter of wine at the Royal Palace. I’d ask her, if she could change one thing, would she change her decision to behead the Earl of Essex for treason or grant him a pardon since she loved him so much?
You can wish for one thing and one thing only (not world peace and no more wishes). What’s it gonna be?
The end of animal abuse and cruelty.
April has been writing stories since she was in elementary school. She still has those old notebooks, and for a giggle might let you read them. Her style has evolved since then, but a belief in the power of romance never changed. Her fans will always find a happy ending at the end of her novels – after their favorite characters endure great angst, of course! April lives on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Married for 30 years to her high school sweetheart, they have one beautiful daughter and an awesome son-in-law. April is adored by a goofy German Shepherd, tolerated by a sassy Quarter Horse and suffers a rock-n-roll addiction. When not writing about romance, she and her husband attend concerts and plan entirely too many trips to Disney World with the family.
The Extraction (Claudia Belle #1) by C.S. Luis
This was another book out of my regular comfort zone, so I’ll do my best to review it based on the writing. The story was okay, but I did feel somewhat disappointed that the characters weren’t developed more. It’s definitely on the short side, but it’s the first in a series, so that should take care of itself. I enjoyed the main character, Claudia, and I’d like to see where she ends up and what happens on her journey. I gave it 3.5 stars, and if you like sci-fi books, you should enjoy this one.
In The Middle by S.J. Henderson
This was such a unique and interesting read. I didn’t know anything about it heading into the novel, but I found myself pleasantly surprised by the twist and turns it took. Henderson did a nice job mixing the emotions that come with death, mistakes in our lives, and what might happen in the afterlife. It was both mysterious and intriguing, while also sprinkling in a dash of humor here and there. I won’t give any spoilers away, but I recommend this book for a different and satisfying read.