INTRODUCTION

Hi everyone My name is Victoria Zumbrum, 40 years old, married 14 years with 1 son. This is my very first blog. So bear with me. I have always wanted to have my own blog. I have always loved to read. I enjoy getting lost in a good book.
I love becoming part of the story and characters. I am hoping to bring my love of books to my readers.

I love reading different genres such as paranormal, young adult, romance, romantic suspense, mystery, Christian fiction, some horror, etc. The list goes on. I started reviewing books a couple of years ago and have done reviews for different blogs and even some authors. I really have enjoyed reviewing books and I will continue to do so. If anyone is interested in me reviewing a book for them, please contact me. I still have a lot to learn regarding my own blog so bear with me. I welcome and appreciate all followers.

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Review of Bleed III (The Skull Serial Killer Series Book 3) by Emerald O'Brien

From bestselling author Emerald O'Brien comes Book #3 of The Skull Serial Killer Thriller series readers are calling "… a sinister, completely cinematic story brought to life by a powerhouse author who is at the top of her game." and "… my favorite read of 2023!" - Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author of The Arrangement Five survived. It began with the sadistic and devastating attack on Slate and Piper Cornell. The shocking, gruesome murders attributed to The Skull serial killer were revealed to have spanned two years, with two books written on the events that ended with the brutal attacks on the remaining survivors and those close to them. Five years later… A young woman witnesses a figure emerging from the darkness wearing a white mask she recognizes—one she'd know anywhere—sending a deep, dreadful chill running through her veins. They thought the nightmare was over, but this Halloween, The Skull isn't only just beginning. As the creator of the mask, and the first to ever wear it, they are the beginning. “… with pure heart, interesting and lovable characters, and twists you WILL NEVER (and I mean NEVER) see coming, this is a book and a series you won’t soon forget. O’Brien’s love and respect for horror films and this ‘chiller’ genre is on full display throughout this series, and whether you’re a lifelong fan or relatively new to her work, she will make you fall in love with the beautiful and terrifying way her mind works as she tells yet another phenomenal and absolutely sinister story. You know that saying ‘the mother is mothering’? Well in this case, the chiller is chilling. Emerald O’Brien is THE QUEEN of the chiller thriller, and I am here for it!” - Kiersten Modglin, bestselling author

MY REVIEW:

BLEED III IS BOOK 3 IN THE SKULL SERIAL KILLER SERIES AND CONTINUES FOX AND HER FRIEND'S UNENDING HORRIC NIGHTMARE. THE READER IS INSTANTLY DRAWN INTO THE STORY AS FOX AND HER FRIENDS TRY TO LEAD AND LIVE NORMAL LIVES AS THEY ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING OVER THEIR SHOULDERS. THIS IS BRILLIANT SERIES BY EMERALD O'BRIEN. THERE IS ONGOING ACTION AND SUSPENSE WITH A LOT OF TWISTS AND TURNS THAT LEAVE YOU GUESSING UNTIL THE VERY END. BLEED III BROUGHT SO MANY EMOTIONS TO THE SURFACE FOR ME. IT MADE ME SADE AND BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES. IT ALSO BROUGHT OUT FEAR AND MY HEART WAS BREAKING FOR THESE CHARACTERS.  THE STORY DEFINITELY WENT INTO A DIFFERENT DIRECTION THAN WHAT I THOUGHT IT WOULD GO.

I LOVE THE BOND AND CLOSENESS THE FRIENDS HAVE FORMED.  THEY ARE SO CLOSE AND JUST LIKE FAMILY. I ALSO ENJOYED THE RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPING BETWEEN RYAN AND FOX. BOTH ARE SO UNSURE OF EACH OTHER AND AFRAID OF LOVING FOR FEAR OF LOSING THE ONE THEY LOVE. BLEED III IS BY FAR THE BEST IN THE BLEED SERIES SO FAR AND THE AUTHORS BEST WORK EVER. I LOVE HER WRITING.  SHE HAS A WAY OF MAKING YOU FEEL PART OF THE STORY AND TO FEEL HER CHARACTERS PAIN AND HEARTACHE. THIS IS A MUST READ FOR YOU FANS OF SLASHER FILMS AND BOOKS. 5 STARS
 
Emerald O'Brien Emerald O'Brien is a Canadian author, born and raised just east of Toronto, Ontario. She graduated from her Television Broadcasting and Communications Media program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario. In 2014, Emerald decided to pursue her life-long passion for writing unpredictable stories packed with suspense. When she is not reading or writing, Emerald can be found with family and friends. Watching movies with her two beagles is one of her favourite ways to spend an evening at home. To find out more, visit Emerald on her website: http://emeraldobrien.com/

Review I Killed a Witch for My Senior Project by Sam Whittaker

He’s Killed a Werewolf. He’s Killed a Vampire. But is he ready for his Most Dangerous Challenge? Allen DeShawn is ready to graduate high school and put all his horrific tragedies behind him. But lurking in the darkness is a sinister mind that has watched him for years. And now it’s ready to sacrifice him and his friends to gain an unholy power over the world of the living. But Allen is no slouch. When classmates start dying left and right and their bodies turn up mutilated, he knows something evil is at work. He commits to bringing down the killer witch behind it all. Yet he is pushed beyond his limits until faced with an impossible choice: Give up everyone he loves or watch the world fall into darkness. Can Allen cut to the heart of the hag’s schemes, or will he lose himself, his family, and the girl he loves to the blood-soaked claws of the Witch? I Killed a Witch for My Senior Project is a terrifying and nostalgic horror thriller set in the late 1990s. Grab your copy of I Killed a Witch for My Senior Project today and face your fears.

MY REVIEW:

I KILLED A WITCH FOR MY SENIOR PROJECT IS BOOK 3 IN THE I KILL CURSED CREATURES SERIES. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SERIES. I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. THERE IS A LOT OF ACTION AS SOMEONE IS MURDERING ALLEN'S CLASSMATES AND HE IS CALLED UPON ONCE AGAIN TO STOP THE MURDERS AND PUT HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS' LIVES ON THE LINE. 

ALLEN, HIS PARENTS AND FRIENDS HAVE BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH. THEY HAVE LOST SO MANY LOVED ONES BUT THEY CONTINUE TO BE STRONG AND DO WHAT IS RIGHT. ALLEN JUST WANTS TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AND BE WITH HIS FRIENDS BUT ONCE AGAIN HE IS CALLED UPON TO DEFEAT A MURDEROUS MONSTER. I LOVE HOW EACH STORY IS DIFFERENT WITH A DIFFERENT MONSTER AND THE CHARACTERS MATURE IN EACH STORY. I LOVE SAM WHITTAKER'S WRITING AND HIS STORY TELLING AND ALL THE CHARACTERS. THEY ARE VERY BELIEVABLE AND REAL ESPECIALLY ALLEN.

I REALLY ENJOYED I KILLED A WITCH FOR MY SENIOR PROJECT. I THINK EACH STORY GETS BETTER AND BETTER. I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THIS SERIES MADE INTO MOVIES. I THINK IT WOULD BE REALLY GOOD. THE STORY MAKES ME THINK OF THE MONSTER SQUAD WHICH I ENJOYED SO MUCH WHEN I WAS YOUNGER AND STILL DO TO THIS DAY.  I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES. EVERYONE MUST READ THIS SERIES. IT IS EXCELLENT AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE MISSING.  5 STARS  
 
Sam is the author of more than 20 books. He writes in the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror genres. In Horror, he has written "I Kill Cursed Creatures" (3 Books, Ongoing) and "The Ghostly Elements" (5 Books, Complete). He also has a book of Short Horror Fiction: "Beyond the Grave, Beyond the Stars." In Fantasy, he has two related series: "Brotherhood of the Scythe" (7 books, complete), & a prequel trilogy, "Rise of the Scythe" (2 books, Ongoing). In Science Fiction, he has begun three series: "Chronicles of Dar'ryn" (6 books, Complete), "Sunglasses at Midnight" (1 book, Ongoing), and: "Battle Cruiser Elite" (1 book, Ongoing).

Bonnie Traymore A Little Getaway Book Tour and Giveaway

 



 A little getaway takes a deadly turn for Morgan and Kyle Murphy in this spicy suspense thriller about a marriage filled with passion, secrets, and suspicions.  


A Little Getaway

by Bonnie Traymore

Genre: Spicy Suspense Thriller

  


A little getaway takes a deadly turn for Morgan and Kyle Murphy in this spicy suspense thriller about a marriage filled with passion, secrets, and suspicions.

Morgan Murphy has always longed for a romance for the ages. And she’s found it with husband Kyle Murphy—until their spicy marriage suddenly starts to cool off.

Is Kyle preoccupied and distant because of a problem with his development project? Or is it something worse? Could Kyle Murphy be...cheating? He’s hiding something, that’s for sure. And Morgan’s determined to find out what it is.

With the help of gal pal Carla Flores, Morgan tracks her husband’s movements, and the signs increasingly point to infidelity, the ultimate sin in Morgan’s book. When Kyle increases their life insurance and surprises her with a weekend getaway to get their mojo back, she goes on the offensive and hatches a plan to make him come clean about what’s been going on.

But before she can pull it off, Morgan’s attacked and nearly kidnapped, and Kyle vanishes from the resort without a trace. With no clue as to who took Kyle or why, she’s not sure who is the biggest threat: the shady investor he owes money to, the police, or the guys she hired to teach Kyle a lesson. With the clock ticking, she needs to find out soon.

Before they come for her, too.



For fans of Liv Constantine, Kimberly Belle, Jeneva Rose, Kaira Rouda, Freida McFadden, and Daniel Hurst.

"Edge of the seat suspense in this riveting thriller about a husband and wife hiding deadly secrets from each other that will keep you guessing all the way to the explosive ending. Another winner for Bonnie Traymore!" -- R.G. Belsky, author of the award-winning Clare Carlson series


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Bonnie Traymore is the award-winning, Amazon best selling author of page-turner mystery/thrillers that hit close to home. Her books feature strong but relatable female protagonists. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time. She's an active status member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.


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Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

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Monday, October 14, 2024

Eliza Hampstead The Nephilim's Fate Book Tour and Giveaway

 


She will find a way, even if it leads to a war between Heaven and Hell.


The Nephilim’s Fate

War of the Nephilim Series Book 1

by Eliza Hampstead

Genre: Fantasy Romance


She will find a way, even if it leads to a war between Heaven and Hell.

In the heart of London, Alissia's ordinary life takes a thrilling turn when she is attacked by bloodthirsty vampires. When Nate, the man she dreamed about for years, swoops in to save her, her reality shatters as she discovers a shocking truth: she's a witch, and he's a Nephilim. But their love is cursed, forbidden by ancient laws that threaten to tear their world apart.

As old rivalries resurface and dark secrets come to light, Alissia and Nate must confront their deepest fears and fight for their love, even if it means igniting a war between Heaven and Hell.

With unforgettable characters, steamy romance, and gripping plot twists, this captivating new fantasy series by award-winning author Eliza Hampstead delves into a world of angels and demons, forbidden love, and the inexorable power of fate.

If you crave the intensity of Shadowhunters with an added dose of spice, don't miss out on this spellbinding series!

 

*Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of abduction, blood, death, rape, and torture.*


Praise for "The Nephilim's Fate":
"My new favorite series!" Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★
"Delightfully sensuous and gripping with a dark edge and an epic feel." SPR, ★★★★★
"Excellent storytelling and masterful use of plot twists!", Literary Titan, ★★★★
"A spicy and steamy paranormal romance that also has so much more than a reader would expect at the outset." Readers’ Favorite, ★★★★★

 

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**Don’t miss the rest of the books in the series!**

Find them on Amazon!

 


Award winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she's always planning her next adventure.

Sign up for Eliza’s newsletter to get exclusive updates on new releases, behind-the-scenes author news, and exciting extras like character interviews, maps, playlists, and bonus chapters that bring the books even more to life!

https://subscribepage.io/Jsj7Dt

 

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Damian Serbu Witch in the Wind Book Tour and Giveaway

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Pirates, witches, and danger mingle with old and new love in Alexander’s daring adventure to survive.


Witch in the Wind

by Damian Serbu

Genre: LGBTQ M/M Historical Paranormal Romance

   


A winter storm blows through Salem, Massachusetts, setting young witch Alexander MacBeth on a perilous path to adulthood as his dying mother gifts him an heirloom and pleads for him to use it to survive.

To do so, he will need to perfect his inherited witchcraft to protect himself from those who want him dead. In his journey to adulthood, he falls in love with dashing nobleman Crispin Nottingham. Abandoned by Crispin and pursued by the Puritans, he finds he must harness the wind to assist his escape and flee his homeland aboard a pirate ship led by the handsome captain, Henri the Twisted.

Struggling against distrustful pirates, an evil witch, and his continued longing for Crispin, Alexander sharpens his magical skills and falls into a romance with Henri. Chaos and danger confront him at every turn, even as he searches for love and belonging. A new sail on the horizon may signal hope or more danger than ever before—if Alexander can survive to meet his future.

  

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Damian Serbu lives in the Chicago area with his husband and two dogs, Mika and Chewbacca. The dogs control his life, tell him what to write, and threaten to eat him in the middle of the night if he disobeys. He has published Witch in the WindThe Vampire’s AngelThe Vampire’s Quest, The Bachmann Family Secret, The Vampire’s Witch, The Vampire’s Protégé, and The Vampire’s War, as well as Santa’s Kinky Elf, Simon and Santa Is a Vampire.

  

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Spirience Book Blast



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Spirience: Experiencing Peace and Prosperity through Spirituality and Science is a unique and comprehensive look at the importance of spirituality and science to guide our day-to-day living at a personal level, and to achieve peace and prosperity at a global. The term 'spirience' is a blend of two words: spirituality and science. It captures the essence of spirituality in its prefix "spiri-," and the domain of science in its suffix "-ence".

The importance of such a work lies in the challenges faced by the world today, conflicts between nations and ideologies at the global level and the explosion of mental health issues at a personal level. The book will first set the scene to understand the challenges faced by humanity today and the tools that we have to overcome them. An in-depth look at the treasure trove of texts from India's Vedic past, highlighting the spiritual as well as scientific aspects, will be complemented by a study of the evolution of mankind over the past millennia, changes in the way of life and the current levels of extreme discontinuity brought on by an onrush of technological innovations.

Recommendations for going forward will be presented for the readers to ponder and hopefully incorporate in their personal, professional and social lives. The book will be of great value to anyone interested in or active in personal well-being and global peace and prosperity.

Read an Excerpt

Spirience: A Fusion of Experiences


Early Human Development Through the Ages


The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.

Leo Tolstoy


One of the defining characteristics of human beings, as opposed to other creations, is their fascination with history. From the earliest known human beings, they have made conscious efforts to record evidence of their existence, lifestyle, and beliefs for future generations. Or as time progressed, dug deep into the past for such records and made attempts to ensure that the records were discovered, understood, and shared.

Of course, through ravages of time as well as human conflicts and natural disasters, various elements of the continuum of human civilization were either destroyed, buried, forgotten, and even consciously erased, revised, or have had their ownership reassigned. We will be detailing some examples elsewhere in the book, but it is worthwhile to highlight one example of the reassignment of ownership.

Most historians have by now come to accept that what had been conventionally classified as the Arabic numeral system was really of Indian origin. It was acquired later by traders and invaders from the Arab world, who made it their own, before letting the Europeans have access to the knowledge. It must be admitted that the recent resurgence in the rediscovery of history’s civilizational roots and branches owes much to modern scholarship. Although that admission must be tempered with the recognition that not all rediscovery and scholarship were altruistic and non-partisan. The purpose of this first section of the book, however, is not to revisit historical controversies but rather to present an open-minded survey of many scientific developments throughout the ages and the challenges that have accompanied them. Although highlighting all the diverse views on the history of science would be exceedingly difficult to accomplish in this work, for convenience, we will attempt to integrate various key narratives to present more inclusive perspectives on such development.

Although many historians delimit the origins of Vedic thought and its texts, and practices, Vedic revelation defies such attempts. Foundationally, the Vedas are understood as apaurusheya (uncreated) and accepted as eternal. With every iteration of creation, they are re-revealed and proliferated once again. Despite their antiquity, they are as relevant now as they have ever been. The unfortunate historical events of the past millennium, reflected in the sustained invasions of India by external forces and the eventual conquest and destruction of much of its physical and intellectual wealth, have still not been able to dent the relevance of the everlasting.

About the Authors:

Mahamahopadhyay Bhadreshdas Swami

An esteemed Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha and Head of the BAPS Research Institute in New Delhi, Bhadreshdas Swami’s scholarly work Svāminārāyaṇabhāṣya is a profound Sanskrit commentary on the Prasthānatrayī. With a Ph.D. in Sanskrit and multiple honorary degrees, his contributions to the field are widely recognized.

V. I. Lakshmanan, O.C., Ph.D.

Co-founder of Process Research ORTECH and a leader in sustainable technology, Lakshmanan holds numerous patents and has published over 150 scientific works. His accolades include being named an Officer of the Order of Canada and receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award from the Government of India.

S. Kalyanasundaram

With 25 years of experience in advanced technologies for telecommunication networks and serving as the former Executive Director of the Canada India Foundation, Kalyanasundaram enriches the book’s exploration of the synergy between ancient knowledge and modern science.

Spirience is available through major retailers. Discover how this book’s unique integration of spirituality and science can guide you toward a more peaceful and prosperous life.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spirience-Experiencing-Prosperity-through-Spirituality-ebook/dp/B0DG17QF5S/ref=sr_1_1

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Friday, October 11, 2024

For the Love or Winter Volume Two Book Tour and Giveaway

 


Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love.  


For the Love of Winter

Volume Two

Genre: A Collection of Holiday Romances

with stories by

Leah Miles, Vickey Wollan, C.L. Hart, Sara J. Walker, Erika Kilmer Freidly,

Marie Morton, Sally Ann Murphy, Elizabeth Edgar, Vanessa Victoria Kilmer


Warm your heart with nine enchanting tales of love. From historical winter celebrations to modern sizzling New Year's Eve encounters, this anthology spans sweet to spicy romance across different eras and realms. Whether you prefer gentle courtship or steamy embraces, this collection has something for every romance reader.


Mistletoe Magic, by Leah Miles: A holiday romance rekindles when Navy SEAL Michael Rodriguez runs into his old flame, Nora Geller, and invites her to his family gathering. Will they mend old wounds and find love again, or will misunderstandings leave their hearts out in the cold?


Happily Ever After, Take Two, by Sara Walker: Will Dino and Hilde's second chance love overcome family doubts and past mistakes for a lifetime of happiness?

Love Under the Cold Moon, by Vanessa Kilmer: A headstrong Celtic woman and a reluctant Roman heir clash and connect in an arranged marriage during the Alpine winter festivals of 193 AD.


Finding a Date for Christmas by Vickey Wollan: Joan’s going to a Christmas gala and hires Mack on Rent-A-Date. If he reveals his secret, will he get a second date? Can two lonely hearts find romance in time for Christmas?


Snowbound Hearts, by C.L. Hart: When a divorced couple ends up stuck in a snowbound lodge in the Sierra Nevada mountains, it could either be the worst Christmas ever or a second chance to make things right.


A Fluffy White Christmas - A Tail of Love, by Sally Murphy: Can a half-starved stray dog help a lonely woman open up her frozen heart to a new love this Christmas?


Maiya’s New Year’s Wish, by Marie Morton: Maiya Collins finds herself swept into an unexpected holiday romance in the sun-kissed paradise of St. Croix. Yet, a misunderstanding threatens to shatter her dreams. As the New Year's countdown approaches, she must confront her doubts. Can love prevail, or will her island romance become another broken resolution?


The Naughty List Nightmare, by Erika Kilmer Freidley: Love, traditions, and a mythical menace collide as Thea and Bash get involved in a festive fight to save Pittsburgh's children.


Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Edgar: Cinderella made her own gown and found her Prince Charming, but will they get their fairy tale ending?


Don’t miss your chance to purchase this collection while it is available.


Proceeds benefit First Coast Romance Writers, an independent non-profit organization that helps writers hone their craft and expand their knowledge of the publishing industry.


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The authors participating in this anthology are members of First Coast Romance Writers (FCRW), and proceeds from this anthology benefit their organization. FCRW is a non-profit that welcomes both published and unpublished authors, as well as any individuals involved in writing and publishing. The chapter is dedicated to promoting excellence in romantic fiction through monthly meetings and workshops in a comfortable forum. They strive to help writers establish careers by providing innovative programs, networking opportunities and pertinent information on effective marketing techniques. Learn more about FCRW online at https://www.firstcoastromancewriters.com 



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