Review: Slime Doesn’t Pay! by R.L. Stine

Goodreads Blurb

Lots of little brothers can be pests and trouble-makers — but Amy’s brother Arnie is a MONSTER … In this R.L. Stine family-friendly scare fest, Amy and her friend, Lissa, don’t know what to do about Arnie’s bullying, bad-boy behavior, and mean jokes and pranks. The little monster is ruining their lives! The girls decide it’s payback time. Total humiliation for Arnie. They find a recipe for blue slime on a YouTube channel and mix a big bucket to pour over Arnie at his birthday party. To their horror, the girls instantly discover that SLIME DOESN’T PAY! Before their eyes, Arnie’s whole body starts to change. The slime turns him into a real monster. Now Amy and Lissa have two frightening dilemmas: Can they save their town from the raging Arnie Monster? And is there any way to turn the monster back into Arnie?

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

So, how far would you go to teach your annoying evil brother a lesson? This story is precisely the aftermath of Amy being sick and tired of her brother Arnie getting away with everything. I assure you, you would have done the same thing if you were Amy. Arnie is a bully who is constantly pranking Amy and everyone around him. Amy’s parents know a secret that they have kept hidden from Amy and everyone in town. This secret will surprise and frighten even Amy. After being fed up with Arnie’s pranks, Amy and her friend create a slime they throw all over Arnie in front of all his classmates. Well, that turns Arnie into something we would all be fearful of, and that fear is a monster. Amy and her parents work together to tame Arnie and have him return back to a kid. Can Arnie, the monster, be tamed?

Author Biography

Robert Lawrence Stine known as R. L. Stine and Jovial Bob Stine, is an American novelist and writer, well known for targeting younger audiences. Stine, who is often called the Stephen King of children’s literature, is the author of dozens of popular horror fiction novellas, including the books in the Goosebumps, Rotten School, Mostly Ghostly, The Nightmare Room and Fear Street series.

R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children’s author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.

Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids’ Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA’s Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.

Cover Reveal: Their Shattered Hearts by Angie Cole

BOOK DETAILS:

Their Shattered Hearts
by Angie Cole
Publication date: March 1, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Synopsis:

A story of love, loss, and redemption unfolds in the rustic charm of Cardinal Creek, Texas. Will Deluca, a stoic firefighter and ranch owner, bears the weight of his wife’s untimely demise. His world once filled with warmth, now echoes with the silent grief of his two children and the unyielding Texas plains.

Enter Anna Samuels, a heart that’s seen its share of sorrow. Leaving Missouri’s memories behind, she hopes to find solace and new beginnings in the small Texas town. As a dedicated palliative care nurse, she embarks on a mission to bring comfort to families grappling with illness. Destiny leads her to Rockin’ D Ranch, where her path crosses with Will, a man whose rugged charm and piercing blue eyes hide a world of pain.

Amidst the rolling hills of Cardinal Creek, Will and Anna find their lives intricately entwined, linked by a forgotten encounter from their youth. Anna’s arrival sparks a glimmer of hope in Will’s heart, inspiring him to fulfill a promise to his late wife: to create a sanctuary for children with autism. Together, they begin to weave dreams of a brighter future.

But shadows linger in the corners of their newfound happiness. Anna grapples with a dark secret that threatens to destroy the life she has built in Cardinal Creek. As Will confronts his own fears, he risks losing the one person who could help him heal. In the face of adversity, will they find the strength to conquer their demons and embrace a second chance at love?

In Their Shattered Hearts fate, passion, and dark secrets collide. Join Will and Anna as they journey through the complexities of the heart, learning that sometimes, the path to happiness is paved with the courage to face the ghosts of the past.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/206770146-their-shattered-hearts

Pre-order:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Su0cYN

Review: Backstreet Boys by Andre Csillag

Goodreads Blurb

The official photographer for the popular musical group offers a collection of photos of its members at work, at play, and on the road.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent book that showed the true colors of who the Backstreet Boys are to there fans and among themselves.I enjoyed seeing pictures of the boys while they are in there moment on stage, behind stage and when they are being who they truly are. I love the Backstreet Boys and have been a fan from the beginning. They are the only boy group who have stuck together through good and bad.

I got a chance of a lifetime to meet the BSB on their tour in 2013 at Camden, NJ. I purchased a VIP ticket that gave me access to be on stage. I had the best day ever.

Review: Dyed and Gone by Beth Yarnall

Goodreads Blurb

Hairstylist Azalea March is looking forward to a wild weekend in Las Vegas with her friends. Oh, sure, they’re supposed to be there on business, attending the biggest hair show on the West Coast, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have a little fun. But fun quickly turns to drama. On the first morning of the show, Dhane, the biggest celeb of the hair-styling world, is found dead. As it urns out Azalea’s friend, Vivian, not only knew Dhane, but the tale she weaves of how they met is faker than a showgirl’s uh… assets. When Vivian confesses to the murder and is arrested, Azalea knows there’s no way she could have done it and suspects Vivian may be trying to protect someone. But who?

Azalea now has to convince Alex, the sexy detective from her past, to help her prove Vivian’s innocence and comb through clues more twisted than a spiral perm. But the truth is stranger than anything found on the Las Vegas Strip, and proving Vivian’s innocence turns out to be more difficult than transforming a brunette into a blonde.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. I loved the plot and the mystery of this book. I was just like the main character trying to figure out who the killer was. I laughed so many times while reading. I love a book with a great sense of humor and keeping you on your feet. Loved how the author wrote a book about hair stylists and murder. I recommend this book.

Author Biography

➤Follow Beth on Facebook- www.facebook.com/BethYarnallAuthor

➤Join Beth’s VIP Facebook group Babes with Books for exclusive sneak peeks at my upcoming books & other, members only, perks- www.facebook.com/groups/BabesWithBook…

****Books by Beth****

DANGEROUS LINES
Lost
Saved
 Fake
Real
Urge
Rare
Betray

RECOVERED INNOCENCE
Vindicate
Atone
Reclaim
Recovered Innocence boxed set

AZALEA MARCH MYSTERIES
 Killing It In Vegas

THE MISADVENTURES OF MAGGIE MAE
Wake Up, Maggie
You’re Mine, Maggie
Find Me, Maggie
The Misadventures of Maggie Mae boxed set

CORE
Far From Honest

****Beth’s Books for Writers****

CRAFTING UNPUTDOWNABLE FICTION
Going Deep Into Deep Point of View
Making Description Work Hard For You
Some Like It Hot: Writing Sex and Romance
Crafting Unputdownable Fiction boxed set

****Books by Beth writing as Betty Paper****

CRAZY ON YOU
Captive
Tinsel
Piano Lessons
Crazy On You boxed set

Review: Cowboy Cupid by Aileen Fish

Goodreads Blurb

Big-hearted cowboy Josh Wooten decides to play matchmaker when his former high school sweetheart returns to town. Enlisting the aid of long-time friend Rachel, he tries to set up his old girlfriend with the new guy in town. But Cupid has his own ideas where love is concerned, and Josh doesn’t see the arrow aimed at his heart until it’s too late to sidestep it.

Rachel Addison would do anything for Josh, whom she’s had a crush on forever. Watching Josh fall for his former girlfriend all over again would be too much to bear, however. It’s time to rope him in or cut him lose. Which will Josh prefer?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I won this ebook. It was short but sweet. Loved the plot and the romance between someone close to you but not really telling each other the way they felt. I recommend this short read. I was glad I won this book.

Review: The Foiled Knight by John C. Stipa

Goodreads Blurb

Tanya Davis receives that dreaded late night phone call: Stan Palmer has been critically injured in a car accident. Stan and Tanya were once close. That is, until she broke his heart, an act of cowardice for which she’s never forgiven herself. Given a second chance to make up for her past wrongdoings, Tanya digs into the facts surrounding Stan’s accident. What initially looks like icy road conditions turns into a suspicion that someone wants Stan dead. To complicate matters, Tanya has medical power of attorney for Stan, causing friction with the Palmer family. With Stan’s lifeblood ebbing away, the legal system closing in, and danger lurking, can Tanya redeem herself and save her Foiled Knight?

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Received this book from the author. It has been a pleasure in reading his book. It is an excellent written book with details explained fully, which shows that the author has put time in researching content. I loved the plot it was a page turner, not knowing what would happen next. You could sense the characters’ agony, helplessness, and urge to fight for their life. I was happy with the way the book ended. Highly recommend this book, especially if you love a great love story with a twist of mystery.

Author Biography

John C. Stipa loves the beach, family time, woodworking, playing and coaching sports, traveling, good food, and storytelling. He is the author of adventure / mystery / romance novels including When Ink Bleeds, We Are The Storm, The Angel Solution, The Foiled Knight and No Greater Sacrifice as well as a Stipa family history: Johnny No Home. He has also published several short stories with his writing groups.

The Indie Spotlight featured John in an interview:
http://www.theindiespotlight.com/?p=918

Review: Inferno by Dan Brown

Goodreads Blurb

Harvard professor of symbology Robert Langdon awakens in an Italian hospital, disoriented and with no recollection of the past thirty-six hours, including the origin of the macabre object hidden in his belongings. With a relentless female assassin trailing them through Florence, he and his resourceful doctor, Sienna Brooks, are forced to flee. Embarking on a harrowing journey, they must unravel a series of codes, which are the work of a brilliant scientist whose obsession with the end of the world is matched only by his passion for one of the most influential masterpieces ever written, Dante Alighieri’s The Inferno.

Dan Brown has raised the bar yet again, combining classical Italian art, history, and literature with cutting-edge science in this sumptuously entertaining thriller.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5

Bravo! Dan Brown wrote another fantastic book that keeps you wanting more. He brought me again to Italy with a thrilling story. The scenario in which Robert, his main character, didn’t even know what was real and who he could trust had me second-thinking about how he could survive. Dan Brown adds information about historical areas and symbols, keeping my interest in his books. He adds such details when describing his story that you feel like you are in the story. When you read his books, you have a tug-a-war with religion, science, and humankind. Who is right, and who is wrong? I recommend this book and all the ones that Dan has written. You will be satisfied with the thrill ride you will encounter. Thanks, Dan Brown, till next time.

Author Biography

Dan Brown is the author of numerous #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, which has become one of the best selling novels of all time as well as the subject of intellectual debate among readers and scholars. Brown’s novels are published in 52 languages around the world with 200 million copies in print.

In 2005, Brown was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME Magazine, whose editors credited him with “keeping the publishing industry afloat; renewed interest in Leonardo da Vinci and early Christian history; spiking tourism to Paris and Rome; a growing membership in secret societies; the ire of Cardinals in Rome; eight books denying the claims of the novel and seven guides to read along with it; a flood of historical thrillers; and a major motion picture franchise.”

The son of a mathematics teacher and a church organist, Brown was raised on a prep school campus where he developed a fascination with the paradoxical interplay between science and religion. These themes eventually formed the backdrop for his books. He is a graduate of Amherst College and Phillips Exeter Academy, where he later returned to teach English before focusing his attention full time to writing.

Brown is currently at work on a new book as well as the Columbia Pictures film version of his most recent novel.

Review: Checkered Past by Tonya Kappes

Goodreads Blurb

Laurel London is one tough cookie. . .

Convict Willie Ray Bowman escapes from prison just days away from his date with “Old Sparky,” the Kentucky state federal prison electric chair. Laurel hasn’t seen Willie Ray since the day he left her picking up the pieces of her broken heart in Walnut Grove, Kentucky.

Can Laurel put her bitter, angry feelings aside and help Willie Ray prove his innocence before the FBI finds him?

My Review : Rated 5 out of stars

Yay, another amazing book written by Tonya with Laurel London getting her nose in some dangerous situations. She is the opposite of me. I would have never gotten involved in those scary situations. I just love reading Tonya’s books because I laugh all the way through. Trixie makes me laugh so much with her Alien drama. I suspected Erick was a jerk but didn’t really think he was the master mind. I was glad that he got caught. I really can’t wait to see what will happen next on the next book. Laurel and Jax need to get together already. They are both attracted to each other, I want to see Laurel make the first move. Don’t forget to read Checkered Crime so that you don’t miss all the details. Thanks, Tonya, for another mystery run by Miss. Laurel London.

Author Biography

Tonya Kappes has written more than 180 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion, and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!

Review: Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda

Goodreads Blurb

Welcome to Hollow’s Edge, where you can find secrets, scandal, and a suspected killer—all on one street.

Hollow’s Edge use to be a quiet place. A private and idyllic neighborhood where neighbors dropped in on neighbors, celebrated graduation and holiday parties together, and looked out for one another. But then came the murder of Brandon and Fiona Truett. A year and a half later, Hollow’s Edge is simmering. The residents are trapped, unable to sell their homes, confronted daily by the empty Truett house, and suffocated by their trial testimonies that implicated one of their own. Ruby Fletcher. And now, Ruby’s back.

With her conviction overturned, Ruby waltzes right back to Hollow’s Edge, and into the home she shared with Harper Nash. Harper, five years older, has always treated Ruby like a wayward younger sister. But now she’s terrified. What possible good could come of Ruby returning to the scene of the crime? And how can she possibly turn her away, when she knows Ruby has nowhere to go?

Within days, suspicion spreads like a virus across Hollow’s Edge. It’s increasingly clear that not everyone told the truth about the night of the Truetts’ murders. And when Harper begins receiving threatening notes, she realizes she has to uncover the truth before someone else becomes the killer’s next victim.

My Review: Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Megan Miranda’s Such a Quiet Place will bring doubt that this community isn’t what it seems to be; keeping their community safe and quiet might mean doing it at any cost.

How well do we know our neighbors? A quiet neighborhood is what it seems, but secrets are hidden to protect the community. This thriller will have you guessing who murdered the Truett’s and how guilty Ruby is? Ruby goes to jail for the murder of the Truett’s but is released after eleven months in hopes of unveiling the secrets they all keep. Harper needs to unravel the truth before another person dies. This story was a little slow, and I hoped it would keep my interest. The author was able to create characters that were secretive and seemed guilty in some way. I would have liked this story to have been a two-sided one, where we see Ruby’s and Harper’s investigations.

Author Biography

Megan Miranda is the New York Times bestselling author of All the Missing Girls; The Perfect Stranger; The Last House Guest, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick; The Girl from Widow Hills; Such a Quiet Place; and The Last to Vanish. She has also written several books for young adults. She grew up in New Jersey, graduated from MIT, and lives in North Carolina with her husband and two children.

Her next thriller, The Only Survivors, will be published on April 11th, 2023.

Follow @MeganLMiranda on Instagram, @AuthorMeganMiranda on Facebook, or visit www.meganmiranda.com

Review: The Retreat by Elisabeth De Mariaffi

Goodreads Blurb

She came looking for inspiration.
Instead, disaster strikes.

Maeve Martin arrives at the High Water Center for the Arts, a gorgeous lodge nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains, determined to do one thing: begin her own dance company. A retired performer and mother of two, time is running out for her to find her feet again after the collapse of her disastrous—and violent—marriage. And at first, there’s a thrill to being on her own for the first time in years. Isolated in the snowy beauty of the retreat, Maeve can forget the ghost of her past for an hour, for a day.

But when an avalanche strikes, Maeve finds herself trapped with six other guests. They’ve lost all power, phone service, heat, and the road back to town. At first, there’s a sense of camaraderie—the fire is warm, the freezer well-stocked. But as the days pass and the storm rages on outside, tensions start to run high. Help is coming, so they just have to hold on, right?

Then the first guest meets an unspeakable death.

Followed by another.

Soon Maeve must admit how little she knows about these strangers . . . and how useless a locked door is if the darkness is already inside.

My Review: Rated 2 out of 5 stars

A retreat is supposed to bring you peace and harmony, but what Maeve finds is the fight to survive. Being locked away in a retreat with strangers while being snowed in makes for a perfect murder scene. Maeve was trying to make a comeback and open her own dance studio. She was scarred from her prior marriage of abuse and has been fighting to be free for some time. This was supposed to be a new beginning and not one that might end her life. This thriller picks up speed in the last 100 pages. I wasn’t really excited about how slow the build-up took to get me thrilled and scared. The story didn’t grab my attention right away, so it took me a long time to finish reading it. I loved that this book has a strong female who fights to survive to be able to see her children. Being stucked in a mountain with an avalanche, bear, and a murderer will make anyone scared to join a retreat like this one.

Author Biography

Elisabeth de Mariaffi is the author of a new collection of short stories, How To Get Along With Women (Invisible Publishing, 2012).

Her poetry and short fiction have been widely published in magazines across Canada, and she’s one of the wild minds behind the highly original Toronto Poetry Vendors, a small press that sells single poems by established Canadian poets through toonie vending machines.

Elisabeth works as a marketing coordinator for Breakwater Books and is currently based in St. John’s, where she lives with the poet George Murray and their combined brood of four children — making them CanLit’s answer to the Brady Brunch.’