Sep 27, 2024 | Editors' Blog
How we rate this book: Not for Sale delivers a killer plot with gritty subject matter that pulls no punches!
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General Summary for Context:
Artemis Salcido joins forces with the determined sister of a kidnapped girl to uncover and dismantle a massive human trafficking ring in Mexico. As they delve deeper into the criminal underworld, they face danger at every turn, driven by courage and a relentless quest for justice.
This gripping story combines suspense, heart, and unflinching realism, shedding light on the dark and often hidden realities of human trafficking while showcasing the power of resilience and solidarity in the face of evil.
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This novel is a rip-roaring adventure into the seedy underworld of human trafficking, where the wealthy prey on the vulnerable. Artemas Salcido, a one-man army, and his loyal sidekick, Nando, are nearly unstoppable. The addition of Alejandra brings a refreshing balance, providing a strong female heroine who matches the toughness of Salcido and Nando. The plot is gritty and steady-paced, tackling shocking material that feels all too real.Packed with political intrigue and action, the story is both enjoyable and varied. The Mexican setting, along with Artemas’s evolving romantic interest, heightens the tension and urgency of their mission to find the missing girls. The fight scenes are excellent—straight out of a movie—and kept me turning the pages.
The characters are well-crafted and engaging. I was rooting for Alejandra from the start, but despite Artemas’s kick-ass persona, my favorite was Nando, the man of few words!
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General Thoughts on the Novel:
Action-packed and politically charged, this novel delivers a killer plot with gritty subject matter that pulls no punches!
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Not For Sale is available on Amazon.
Sep 27, 2024 | Editors' Blog
How we rate this book: Everything Goes to Dogs is ideal for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, unconventional stories and aren't afraid to take risks.
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Man was created weak, and any strength is but fleeting. Too soon we are but dead. Dust to Dust.
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General Summary for Context:
Max's father and uncle once worked together in South Africa, engaging in the illegal smuggling of money out of the country. However, betrayal struck when Max's uncle absconded with the entire fortune, leaving his brother—and Max—empty-handed. Now, driven by a thirst for vengeance and a need to restore his father's trust, Max sets out to confront the man who shattered their family.
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Concise Review:
Everything Goes to the Dogs tells the story of Max, a man who fled South Africa in the late 1980s and settled in Australia, where he now teaches business ethics at a university. The novel recounts Max's life as he navigates academia while secretly plotting revenge against his uncle, who betrayed his family years ago.
Max's father and uncle had worked together in a country where taking money out was illegal. The two stashed their fortune illicitly, but after his father's death, Max discovered the account had been emptied by his uncle. With this betrayal fresh in his mind, Max is determined to settle the score.
The author blends humor, travel, mystery, political themes, and family dynamics to craft a story with a distinctive narrative style. The satirical tone may occasionally make the storyline challenging to follow, but the book more than compensates with its sharp wit and engaging plot. The interplay between Max's present and past is set against the backdrop of political turmoil, enriching the narrative with layers of context.
I recommend Everything Goes to the Dogs to readers who appreciate unique, genre-blurring novels with a sharp sense of humor.
General Thoughts on the Novel:
Everything Goes to the Dogs is a distinctive blend of family drama, revenge, political commentary, and the everyday challenges of life, all delivered through a sharp satirical lens.
While it may take some time to acclimate to the author’s unique writing style, once you do, the narrative draws you in completely. The story offers a biting critique of the times and the actions of those around Max, particularly his family and colleagues, with metaphors that push the boundaries of satire.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy thought-provoking, unconventional stories that aren't afraid to take risks.
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Everything Goes to the Dogs is now available on Amazon.
Sep 9, 2024 | Editors' Blog
How we rate this book: Breathe for Me is ideal for readers who enjoy a suspenseful love story with depth and intensity.
General Summary:
In Breathe for Me, Robert, on the brink of ending his life while rafting in treacherous waters, unexpectedly encounters Lilly, a young woman with the same fatal intent. Driven by a deep, instinctual need to save her, he rescues Lilly from the river and takes her back to his home, where he nurses her back to health.
As Lilly begins to recover, she takes on the role of Robert’s nanny, but the undeniable chemistry between them hints at something more than just a caregiver relationship. Beneath the surface, both are haunted by their pasts—Lilly, who was forced to leave college after becoming pregnant, lost everything, including her child. Devastated by grief, she fled as far as she could, with nothing left to live for.
Meanwhile, a sinister figure lurks in the shadows—a deranged killer with dissociative identity disorder, fixated on Robert. As the tension between Robert and Lilly grows, so does the threat that endangers them both.
Breathe for Me is a gripping blend of suspense and romance, where the characters' intense struggles with loss and longing are matched only by the danger that stalks them.
Concise Review:
Breathe for Me delves into the lives of two deeply wounded souls, Robert and Lilly, who find each other at their lowest points and discover a reason to keep going.
Robert's life was shattered when his wife died in a car accident that nearly claimed his child as well. Wracked with guilt and grief, he reflects on the life he left behind in Italy, where he grew up as a prodigiously talented teenager before moving to the States. Though he quickly rose to success and built a thriving company, his work consumed him, leaving little time for his family. When the burden of his regrets becomes unbearable, Robert heads to the river with the intention of ending his life. But there, in the midst of his despair, he spots a woman on the verge of drowning herself—and something within him compels him to save her.
That woman is Lilly, a young mother who lost everything after becoming pregnant in college. Abandoned by her family and boyfriend, she raised her child alone, only to be crushed by grief when her baby died. The weight of her sorrow and self-blame drives her to the brink, where she spends her last bit of money on a journey to end her life as far from her past as possible. But Robert’s intervention pulls her back from the edge, and he brings her home, caring for her until she recovers enough to become the nanny for his child.
As Robert and Lilly navigate their complicated feelings and the “mad tension” that simmers between them, they must also confront the dark forces threatening to destroy them. Someone with a dissociative identity disorder is hunting Robert, determined to see him dead. The suspense builds as this unseen danger draws nearer, intertwining with the burgeoning connection between Robert and Lilly.
Breathe for Me is a fast-paced, suspenseful tale of finding love in the darkest of times. Both Robert and Lilly believe love is the last thing they need, but it may be the only thing that can save them. Despite its exploration of grief, guilt, and the shadows that haunt us, the story carries a powerful message of hope and redemption.
This is the kind of book you’ll want to read in one sitting—its blend of intense emotion, rising tension, and the looming threat of danger will keep you hooked until the very end.
General thoughts on the Novel:
Breathe for Me tackles heavy, emotionally charged themes, including grief over the loss of a loved one, overwhelming guilt, the desperation that leads to thoughts of suicide, and the menace of a killer on the loose. Yet, beneath these dark layers, the story also explores the profound themes of love and hope.
At its core, this is a love story about two people who find their missing halves in the depths of their despair, even as life continually throws obstacles in their path. The narrative is infused with suspense and unfolds at a fast pace that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. The storytelling is gripping, making it hard to put the book down.
Breathe for Me is ideal for readers who enjoy a suspenseful love story with depth and intensity.
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FIND THIS BOOK ON AMAZON HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Breathe-Me-Donna-B-Comeaux-ebook/dp/B0CN4YXGC7/
Sep 6, 2024 | Editors' Blog
How we rate this book: Highly recommended for all managers, business owners and entrepreneurs.
General Summary:
Why do my employees seem to dislike me? Why do they rush out the door at five o’clock sharp? Why do they take extended lunch breaks when there’s so much unfinished work? It couldn’t possibly be ME, right? I’m a nice person—I rarely raise my voice, and I approve of their raises each year when they’re due. So why do they quit, complain, or take so many days off?
Managers and employers worldwide know just how costly employee attrition can be—or worse, the impact of employees who stick around just until something “better” comes along. So, what’s the solution? Is there
even a solution?
According to this author, the answer is a resounding yes. There are strategies managers can implement to show their employees that they are truly appreciated and valued. These include providing support when needed, keeping promises, and upholding the implied contract between employer and employee. In other words, maintaining fairness, respect, and balance in the workplace is key.
Concise Review:
Would you rather have a raise or a heartfelt compliment? According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, once our basic needs—such as food, shelter, and safety—are met, we begin to seek fulfillment of higher-level psychological needs, including esteem and self-actualization. At this stage, individuals require more than just
financial compensation; they seek recognition, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Surprisingly, the affirmation of self-worth in the workplace often comes not from monetary rewards, but from being treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. When employees feel that their contributions are acknowledged and valued, it can have a profound impact on their motivation, satisfaction, and overall engagement.
Managers play a crucial role in fostering this environment. Meeting reasonable expectations, addressing disappointments through open communication, and demonstrating strong, empathetic leadership are essential tools that signal to employees that they are genuinely valued. When employees feel supported and appreciated, they are more likely to be committed, productive, and loyal to the organization.
In essence, while a raise might temporarily boost morale, it's the consistent, everyday acts of recognition and fairness that create a lasting sense of value and belonging within the company. This, in turn, not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall culture and success of the organization.
General thoughts on the Novel:
This book takes a hard look at how and why individuals in positions of power within organizations, whether large corporations or small businesses, can unconsciously demean or disrespect their employees. Such behavior can lead to significant consequences, including low productivity, internal dissension, and widespread cultural dissatisfaction. Often, these issues stem from managerial practices that may seem benign but, in reality, erode employee morale and engagement over time.
Managers must critically examine their supervisory practices and strategies, recognizing that even subtle actions or attitudes can contribute to a serious decline in employee satisfaction within their department. While it can be challenging to scrutinize and critique one's own behavior, it is an essential step for those who aspire to lead a motivated and highly productive workforce. Employees who feel respected, valued, and supported are far more likely to be engaged in their work and contribute positively to the organization.
This book offers the crucial conversations we need to have with ourselves as leaders if our goal is to foster a thriving workplace. It encourages introspection and provides practical guidance on how to make meaningful changes that can transform a struggling team into a cohesive, satisfied, and high-performing unit. By addressing these potential cracks in our leadership approach, we can build a stronger, more resilient organizational culture that benefits everyone involved.
FIND THIS BOOK ON AMAZON HERE: https://tinyurl.com/5n7hyze7
Aug 31, 2024 | Editors' Blog
A courageous and compelling work of historical fiction, comparable to the very best.
In The Rise of Synne readers are transported back to the tumultuous aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, as seen through the eyes of Synne, an orphan healer with royal blood.
This novel takes a refreshing departure from traditional historical narratives by focusing on a female character of seemingly low status, offering a unique and compelling perspective on a period usually dominated by male warriors. The story begins not with the clash of swords but with the struggle of a young woman navigating the new world order left in the wake of medieval England's darkest hour.
Synne's journey intertwines with real historical events and figures, including the arrogant Magnus, son of the fallen King Harold, and William the Conqueror himself, and showcases the author's commitment to historical veracity while weaving a truly intriguing narrative. The promise of Synne's inherited seer powers adds an intriguing mystical layer to the tale, setting the stage for more adventures in this series.
This is not just a story of survival but a testament to the strength of a woman determined to change her fate, whatever it takes. It's a must-read for fans of Philippa Gregory or Anne O'Brien, promising a series that will captivate readers with its detailed historical context, rich character development, and a storyline that highlights an often-overlooked perspective. Highly recommended.
Review extract from The International Review of Books.
Find this book on Amazon here: The Rise of Synne.
Jul 18, 2024 | Editors' Blog, Interviews, Sci-fi
Today, we’re talking with Alastair Bowman about his book,
Tell us something unexpected about yourself!
I love living in France – and I will get my European passport back in a couple of years!
Why do you write?
To share. And to make people think.
Where did you get the inspiration for your current book?
My passion for economics and social justice.
What do you enjoy the most about your genre?
Scifi gives lots of possibilities to explore new worlds and see ourselves in them.
How would you describe your writing process?
I generally start early. If nothing feels right, then I read and re-write what I've previously written or go and do something else. It has to feel right in the moment even though it will likely be re-written.
What do you think authors have to gain from participating in social media?
Community.
What advice would you have for other writers?
Keep going, as long as you enjoy it.
How do you select your books’ titles and covers?
The title is whatever feels right. I held a competition for the cover, with the brief to convey jeopardy using the world, a drop of water and barbed wire. The winner added the eye to make a tear, which I think is very effective.
What's your next step?
I am writing the sequel to ‘Creative Destruction' – ‘Icarus Falls'.
What book do you wish you'd written?
I owe a lot to John Steinbeck's ‘The Grapes of Wrath', but for the writing, either Kazuo Ishiguru's ‘The Remains of the Day' or Sebastian Faulk's ‘Birdsong'.
How do you react to seeing a new review for your book?
It's always flattering to have a reader, and even better if they give feedback.
FIND ALASTAIR'S BOOK ON AMAZON
