Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Friday, April 26, 2024
Elite Connections: An LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology
Thursday, April 25, 2024
My Dearest Mackenzie by Rachel Blaufeld
Running From the AIs
Running From the AIs
Kevin Coleman
(A Gaia’s World Novel)
Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Where do you run when technology and humans are determined to find and silence you?
In a world where artificial intelligence governs the flow of life, Rafael and Ellie uncover a chilling secret—one that a malevolent AI is determined to conceal. Their accidental discovery leaves them with a stark choice: face certain death or become fugitives.
Forced to flee with only the things they can carry, they leave behind their family, friends, and the false security of a world watched over by digital eyes. After witnessing a horrendous act by the things that go bump in the night, they find they are now on the run more than ever. Desperate to hide in a society where anonymity is extinct, they must navigate a treacherous path lined with danger and deception.
As they travel, their only allies are their wits and the unexpected kindness of strangers. With each step, they forge a new existence, one where trust is a luxury and every moment is a test of their resolve.
“Running from the AIs” is a tale of survival where the omnipresent AI watches every move and the humans they meet cannot be trusted.
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EXCERPT:
The lightweight blanket over the dry grass provided only a thin, scratchy protection from the hard rocks as Rafael and Ellie lay on their stomachs side by side, looking over the cliff edge at the road below. Rafael could feel the heat leaching from his body into the cold rock beneath him.
There was little traffic on the road, making it easy for his mind to wander to the life they left behind. They had seen three pairs of security bots passing on foot, wielding chip detection wands. As they trotted along, the bots scanned both sides of the road and the adjacent shrubbery. When the third pair of bots disappeared around the next bend, Rafael rolled over onto his back. Above, the sun shone in a cloudless blue sky. The leaves on nearby bushes fluttered in the cool breeze.
“That’s the third pair in an hour, about 20 minutes apart. It means we can easily cross the road when we’re ready to get further down.”
Ellie wriggled to get closer and lay her head on Rafael’s chest. “We’re going to be okay, aren’t we?”
Rafael kissed her on the top of her head. “Of course, we haven’t done anything wrong. We just need to lie low until we figure out how to make them understand.”
“I’m scared, Raffi.”
Guilt washed through him as he thought of how his misplaced curiosity was now putting Ellie at risk. “So am I, but we can’t give in to that. Let’s get up and keep moving. We’ll make camp in a couple more hours and have the last sandwiches for dinner. Everything will seem better in the morning.”
They stood and took up their packs, then moved off along the old hiking trail that ran for several hundred kilometers around the island that was home. This far from the city, the trail was now little more than a rabbit track through the scrub bushes and sharp grasses. Peeling white blazes painted on the trees continued to guide them forward.
As the sun dipped lower, they made camp. With practiced hands, Rafael put up their hiking tent. There was not enough room to stand, so he knelt on the floor of the tent as he laid out their sleeping bags side by side. Outside, Ellie was preparing a meal of sandwiches, potato chips, and two flasks of water. There was no fire tonight. She laid the sandwiches on their wrappings and set them on a nearby rock serving as an ersatz table.
After dinner, they brushed their teeth with the last flask of water, then removed their shoes and jackets and crawled fully clothed into the light sleeping bags.
“I’ll be so glad when we can have a shower again,” said Ellie, sniffing her armpits. “I’m starting to stink.”
“You still smell lovely to me, but it might be good if you tried to sleep a little further away,” replied Rafael.
“You’re no prize either, but I’m too polite to mention it.”
“Let’s both agree that we’re overdue for washing and just go to sleep. With any luck, we’ll be able to get clean tomorrow.”
Ellie rolled away from him. Rafael lay facing her back and placed his hand on her hip. Lying there, waiting for sleep to come, Rafael retraced the events that had brought them to this point in time.
Author Bio:
Kevin Coleman is an emerging author of romantic science fiction and fantasy.
His novels portray a changed world, ravaged by viruses where a small island city of survivors develops a direct relationship with Gaia. As technology fails, humans develop plans to save human existence on our planet. Kevin’s stories incorporate metaphysical themes on life, love, and faith in the face of unimaginable change.
Kevin lives with his wife, Sue, on the north shore of Lake Ontario. In addition to being an author, he is an enthusiastic kite-maker and sailor.
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Uptown Flava BK Style
Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it.
Uptown Flava BK Style
by Shamarie Knight
Genre: Urban Fiction
Uptown keeps making it, and Brooklyn keeps taking it.
The long-standing rivalry between Harlem and Brooklyn persists at the High School of Environmental Studies, where the flashy Fly Boys of Harlem and the grimy Crooklyn Crew from Brooklyn are in constant conflict.
The tension is palpable, and when their beef gets personal, the outcome of their inevitable clash is uncertain. However, one thing is sure - it will not be a pleasant sight.
Shamarie Knight was born and raised in East Harlem, New York, and after graduating from the High School for Environmental Studies in 2000, he decided to continue his education at the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) to study Business. Later, Shamarie transferred to City College of New York in 2005, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Science with a minor in Creative Writing, which he completed in 2009.
Throughout my life, I have always been passionate about writing. I draw inspiration from various mediums such as television shows, movies, music, music videos, and books. Writing allows me to express myself freely on paper and share my ideas. It's not just a hobby but a way of life for me. If you want to read more of my work, you can check out some of my other pieces on Medium.com. Be blessed, and stay safe.
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$10 Amazon
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Deliverance by Kimberly Knight
Affectionately Yours by Emily Foxx
════. • RELEASE TOUR •. ════
Affectionately Yours
By Emily Foxx
Hosted by DS Book Promotions
𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕..
✩Friends to Lovers
✩ Compassionate FMC
✩ Damaged MMC
AMAZON
Blurb:
Doctor Bradley Stephens
Evelyn was a childhood friend who wrote letters to me, to remind me I was brave when I moved away from Bluebeach Bay. Never did I think she would make another impression on me when I moved back to my childhood home to start a doctor’s practice. She reached a part of me I had closed off to women. My heart. Dark memories from my past made sure of that.
Evelyn Cassano
When Bradley met me for coffee, we reconnected. It was like old times. When I finally let him know how I feel. I realize he feels the same way. However, soon I learned his past is in his present the more time I spend with him. It causes trouble because he won’t open up to me when I am the only person in the end who truly understands him. An emotionally driven and passionate story, with a twist of drama and suspense.
**Mature Audiences only. Some dark themes. Please check my website for a full list of content warnings.**
For more information on Emily Foxx and her books:
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Necrosis
Every breath could be their last.
Necrosis
by C.L. Schneider
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Horror
How far would you go to survive—when
every breath could be your last?
Amidst the chaos and fear
of an apocalyptic virus, a mother fights to protect her daughter from
the rotting remains of society. Navigating a frightening new world
where survival is paramount and trust is a gamble, infection is only
a misstep away. Despite her doubts and imperfections, Amy’s love
and resolve are without question. But are they enough? Can she shield
her daughter from the violence and savagery, and keep them both alive
another day? For, at the end of the world, there’s no second
chance. With a single bite, necrosis will set in.
Sink
your teeth into this zombie survival story with a twist ending you
won't see coming!
**ebook On Sale for Only .99 cents until the end of April!**
Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Smashwords * Audible * Bookbub * Goodreads
C. L. Schneider is an award-winning author of immersive fantasy fiction, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. While fantasy is her main focus, she also pens the occasional horror or apocalyptic tale. Born in a small Kansas town, Schneider resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds she creates, please visit her website www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with C. L. Schneider on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Hades and Persephone
Hades and Persephone: The Golden Blade
Erica Hastings, Heidi Hastings
(Hades and Persephone duology, #2)
Publication date: March 1st 2024
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Book 2 in the Hades and Persephone duology.
An illustrated novel with over 50 images.After six long months, Persephone returns to the Underworld to reunite with the God of the Dead, Hades. But the kingdom she knew has changed, and dark secrets cast uncertainty over their love. As a sinister plot unfolds, Hades and Persephone are thrust into a desperate race against time. The answers they seek are shrouded in shadow, and a war for all souls looms on the horizon. As the final battle between good and evil draws near, the King and Queen of the Underworld teeter on the brink of losing everything. Will they triumph over the impending chaos, or will evil unravel their world?
—
EXCERPT:
“Forger!” the king bellowed, his voice echoing across Tartarus. There was no answer. Hades leaped up, grasping the edges of the jagged mountainside, and began climbing the steep cliff until he reached the highest of the twin peaks. The amber flame of Tartarus lit the high mountain. “Unnamed One, show yourself!”
The ground began to shake, and a massive blue eye appeared at the edge of a mountain. Hades tightly grasped his bident and stared into the colossal orb. The eye was beautiful; the iris reflected infinity with whirling stars and planets, but in the center was an inky black pupil that left him with a feeling of despair, like a black hole in the core of a galaxy, a reminder that death was at the center of life.
“I seek answers from you,” Hades said, lowering his weapon.
The eye blinked once, and then a giant hand appeared, gesturing for the king to follow him. Hades moved to the edge of the mountain. The Cyclops was moving down the mountainside, astonishingly nimble for such a giant creature. Hades quickly jumped across the rocks to the ground, following the beast down the enormous stone stairs that led beneath the mountain. Cerberus paced behind him.
Once in his lair, the Cyclops turned to face Hades. The blacksmith’s hair hung in long, dark strands, and his body was filthy, his fingernails encrusted with dirt and grime. The smell emanating from him was revolting, and only a thin scrap of ancient fabric covered his groin, which was barely visible beneath his enormous, overhanging belly.
“What is your name?” Hades asked finally.
“I have no name,” the Cyclops smiled, showing a mouthful of enormous, malformed teeth. His voice was raspy from disuse, and his breath was like the air of Tartarus—foul and putrid. Cerberus walked hesitantly to the cavern’s entrance, his sensitive noses overwhelmed by the stench, but he would not abandon Hades.
“You forged the swords,” Hades stated.
“That was long ago, king. Oh, yes,” the Cyclops laughed at Hades’ surprise. “I know who you are.”
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Darkness Falls
Darkness Falls
A.E. Faulkner
(Nature’s Fury, #1)
Publication date: March 31st 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult
Our family trip to the beach ended before it even began. Mother Nature made sure of that.
Our parents…gone in an instant. It’s just me and my sister. 100 miles from home. No car. No phones. No money. Down to our last crumbs of food.
But just when we figure out what to do, she vanishes.
Mother Nature reached her breaking point and everyone’s paying the price. I have a feeling she isn’t done just yet.
But guess what? Neither am I.
Can Quinn survive the dark side of humanity and outrun nature’s fury? Click Buy Now to find out.
—
EXCERPT:
“Aidan, man, we should probably get going soon,” Jeff says, pulling me away from the threatening spiral of memories. His interruption is a welcome distraction.
“You’re right,” Aidan says, his eyes locked with mine. “But before we go, Quinn, you need to know, you’re not safe here. Do you have somewhere else to go?”
“What are you talking about?” My head volleys back and forth between the guys. Jeff runs a hand through his short brown hair and exhales a sigh. He leans in conspiratorially and says in a hushed voice, “Look, we’ve been checking out the unoccupied homes around here. You know, just borrowing things to help us get by. But one of the trailers we went to, we thought it was empty…”
Aidan finishes for him. “Quinn, one of your neighbors is dead. We thought the trailer was vacant, so we went inside. We grabbed some canned food and other stuff from the kitchen and then we went to the bedroom to see if there were any blankets and pillows.”
Tag-teaming again, Jeff continues. “We thought the smell was some food rotting. But… we found her just lying there on the bed, lifeless. Looked like she was stabbed. There was blood on the sheets and blanket.” He pauses momentarily before breaking the silence. “We would have helped her if we could, but she was gone.”
I raise a hand to cover my gaping mouth. The scream I heard the other night. That must have been it. Why didn’t I think to go see what was happening? Maybe I could have helped her. Maybe I could have stopped it.
“Guys, which trailer? Where did you see this?” I don’t know many of the permanent residents, and if it was someone who is only here for vacations, there’s no chance I know her.
Aidan steps to the edge of the porch and points, “Two homes down in that direction. The one with the wishing well in the front yard.” I wrap my arms around myself to contain the shiver running through me. The guys exchange a look and I know what’s coming next.
“Look, we gotta go,” Aidan says. “How about we check on you tomorrow? Would that be okay? Just make sure you’re alright.” Before I can filter my thoughts, they escape my lips. “That would be really nice. Yeah, I’d like that.”
“Okay,” Jeff says, nodding. The guys eye each other, silently communicating. They hesitate for just a moment and then Aidan speaks again. “Quinn, just keep a low profile, okay? Try to keep yourself hidden. We’ll come back tomorrow night after it gets dark and we can talk more then.”
“Okay,” I say. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow. Or, today I guess.” The guys watch me head inside the trailer. I lock the door and peer out the window, watching them leave. I barely know them, but I sense they’re like me and Riley—good people trying to navigate their way through a bad situation.
As I tiptoe back to the bedroom and settle under the covers, I vow to tell Riley everything. She deserves to know we could be in danger here and she needs to meet Aidan and Jeff. Maybe they are our ticket out of here.
Author Bio:
A. E. Faulkner was born and raised in Pennsylvania. When she’s not lost in a book, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, especially while hiking, biking, or exploring nature. She loves almost everything about nature—ticks excluded, and one of her biggest fears is the repercussions we will face when nature can no longer tolerate human destruction. As such, she never tires of reading dystopian-themed tales. Stories about the end of the world absolutely fascinate her.
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Sweetheart
Sweetheart
Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: April 25th 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult
Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.
Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.
One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.
Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.
Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.
It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.
But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.
This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:
What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?
—
EXCERPT:
“Can I ask you something?” he said.
“Okay…”
“Why are you dressed like that?”
I lifted a brow. “Like a blueberry?”
Sam gave a shrug. “I was going to say a cross between Elsa and Cinderella.”
“Well, well,” I said, “the Sam Bishop knows his princesses. Who would’ve guessed?”
“Thanks to my sister,” he said. “And I still don’t get why you keep saying the before my name. Makes no sense.”
It made sense to me.
He’d always been the Sam Bishop in my head. As in the one and only, the original, the Sam Bishop who stole my heart at age ten and refused to give it back. I couldn’t say any of that to him, though, so I just shrugged.
“I was hired to play a wedding,” I said.
“And they asked you to dress like a princess?”
I shook my head. “The bride wanted a very specific shade of blue. Not baby blue, aqua or cornflower. Royal blue is what they asked for. This is what I had, so…”
Sam nodded. “Looks good on you.”
“Yeah, right,” I said with a scoff.
“I’m serious.”
Feeling my cheeks heat, I crossed my arms.
“Gotta be honest, though, I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to fit all that in the car. That’s a lot of material.”
His words startled a laugh out of me, and I gave a mental curse. I would not be charmed by him. The guy couldn’t even remember my name for goodness sakes.
“Is part of it still hanging out the door or…?” he said innocently.
“Ha ha,” I said, “very funny, Bishop.”
“Got a laugh out of you, Kent.”
Well.
At least he remembered my last name, I thought.
“And I’m assuming if I hadn’t been able to fit inside your inadequately-sized sports car”—he scoffed—”you would’ve just left me on the side the road?”
Sam shook his head. “Nah, I would’ve just had you take the dress off.”
Author Bio:
Cookie O'Gorman Bio: Cookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, and BOOKWORM are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, and The Total Knockout. Her newest release SWEETHEART came out on April 25, 2024!
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Elite Connections: An LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology
Title: Elite Connections An LGBTQ Romance Charity Anthology Genres: MM, FF, LGBTQIA+ Romances Release Date: April 26, 2024 BL URB Ever...
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