New Book Reviews Blog Pages

STUPID FLIES by Marshall Street

stupid flies, marshall street, stupid flies a novel
Review
“STUPID FLIES” is a novel that follows a cast of dynamic, often-gritty characters in rural Australia.

The novel is set against the backdrop of a feud between farmers, exploring its characters with heavy use of internal monologue and stream-of-consciousness writing style. The writing style is truly no-holds-barred. You get an unfiltered look at each characters’ thoughts as raw and course as they may be.

As I read each character's stream of thoughts, with a variety of course descriptions and sometimes strong language,  I was reminded a bit of James Joyce’s “Ulysses” -- which is one of my favorite books.

Through a mosaic of character experiences, you get the plot – a gripping tale of allegiance, conflict, and growth. I'd recommend this book to you if you want to read a character-driven novel that employs descriptive writing to create a patchwork narrative, woven from the lives of realistic characters.

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Life with Jesse Daniels by Chrissy Fanslau

life with jesse daniels, chrissy fanslau, contemporary romance
 Review
“Life with Jesse Daniels,” by Chrissy Fanslau, is a contemporary romance novel that follows Anna Devlin during the end of her school year up until the end of summer. Anna is dating the handsome Derek Daniels, but secretly, she is crazy for her Derek’s brother, Jesse.

In the midst of the end-of-year events, from prom to parties at the beach, Anna must make major decisions about her future. When tragedy strikes, Anna’s world is completely turned upside down. At its heart, I’d say this is a coming-of-age love story.

The reader reads about Anna facing difficult decisions during an extremely emotional part of her life. The plot is unpredictable, making for an interesting engaging story. One of the highlights of the book is the strong cast of characters. Fanslau develops them thoroughly, and I felt invested in them as I read about their triumphs, shortcomings, and growth. There are also some humorous parts; my favorite being when Jesse fakes a lake monster with a scuba suit and elaborate prop, scaring Anna to death.

I'd recommend this book to anyone looking for a contemporary romance set during/immediately after high school.

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101+ Secrets from Nutrition School by Lynne M. Dorner

101+ secrets from nutrition school, lynne dorner, book
 Review
"101+ Secrets from Nutrition School," by Lynne Dorner, teaches you how to take control of nutrition and use it to improve your life.

Dorner, a certified health coach, shares secrets she learned from her nutrition education in a way that is easy for the average person to grasp. The book is formatted so that each secret is a page long and accompanied by a page-length illustration. I feel this is the perfect size for the info, not overwhelming yet at the same time complete.

One of the main principles of the book is that every person is different, and you need to take bio-individuality into account when addressing your health. The book's content really runs the gamut, from information about what organic foods you should buy to meal prep advice to info on caffeine.

This would be a great book to mark your favorite pages with post-it notes so you could keep your favorite info handy when preparing a meal or going shopping.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a practical book on nutrition!

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Second Memories by Takatsu

secondhand memories, takatsu, cell phone novel
Review
Takatsu's "Secondhand Memories" is a beautifully written novel novel about two young lovers, Seiji and Aoi. As a cell phone novel, Takatsu employs sparse prose and short, poetic chapters to tell the story of love and growing up. "Secondhand Memories" made history when it was first released, revolutionizing cell phone novels.

Although I wasn't introduced to the book back when it first came out, I can see why it was so influential, and I'm glad to have found it during is re-release. The minimalist language really draws you into the emotions of the characters. I found myself rooting for Seiji and Aoi through their challenges, as well as reminiscing about my own experience growing up.

If you want to read a touching love story that is inspiringly written with a unique style, then look no further than "Secondhand Memories."

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Fitmeals: Eat Healthy & Stay Fit by Sébastien Leria

fit meals eat healthy & stay fit, sebastien leria, nutrition book
Review
Sébastien Leria's "Fitmeals: Eat Healthy & Stay Fit" teaches the science and methodology behind eating for weight loss and health. This is not a book telling you to follow a trendy diet.

Leria gives you the science behind nutrition (macronutrients, micronutrients, minerals, etc.) He also includes a bunch of healthy recipes as well as nutrition facts for a bunch of veggies and fruits. A few of the other topics covered are how to avoid cravings, what gluten-free means, and how to portion size. For me, the highlight of the book is the way the information is presented. A layout that is easy on the eyes, and the perfect amount of info to give you practical knowledge for eating healthy.

"Fitmeals" advocates looking at the nutritional needs for the specifics of your body, rather than creating a one-size-fits-all diet for everyone. A helpful read for anyone looking to improve their nutrition.

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Curing Cancer Using Cannabis ... by King Cajun

curing cancer using cannabis, a look into the irrefutable evidence, king cajun
Review

With medical cannabis being legalized in more and more states, many people want unbiased information as to the efficacy of it. "Curing Cancer Using Cannabis..." investigates the potential of cannabis to treat cancer as well as other diseases. 
King Cajun begins his personal look into cannabis for curing cancer due to family members' battles with cancer. The book opens with a history of cannabis use and the details of the plant. It goes onto look at the science behind cannabis (what neuro-receptors it affects, etc) before evaluating the evidence for and against medical cannabis. One of the most interesting sections, for me, covers Israel's use of cannabis to treat cancer and alleviate side effects of chemotherapy. I'd never heard of that study.
 There's also a fascinating section about the difference between THC and CBD that taught me a lot. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants an unbiased look at the potential of cannabis as medicine. 
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Seducing Manhattan by Kristina Shook

seducing manhattan, kristina shook, a kinky love story, romance
Review
"Seducing Manhattan" is a sexy romance that follows the protagonist, Decca, as she is introduced to a world of sexual passion with a Manhattan billionaire.

Decca, at a wild birthday party, is invited to join a secretive club by her friends in an attempt to help her get over her ex, Matthew. She soon finds herself in a sexual world that is completely foreign to her -- yet beyond thrilling.

The plot is fun, and the romance/sexy scenes are well-done. A good read if you want a fast-paced romance with a fair amount of "kinky" scenes.

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The Gift of the Quoxxel by Richard Titus

 Review
"The Gift of the Quoxxel" is teen/young adult book with a humorous, whimsical story that is sure to delight anyone wanting a light-hearted read. The plot follows two main characters, King Norr and Captain Gadd.

The author, Richard Titus, has filled each scene with humor and quirkiness. The book is riddled with neologism, and the new words are defined in a glossary.

Although the plot is interesting, the whimsical world and funny characters are the strengths of this book. King Norr is the character I liked most.

While reading the book, I was reminded a bit of Alice and Wonderland.

The book is expertly laid out, with bright colorful images at the beginning of each chapter.

If you want a light-spirited, quirky book with funny characters that'll take you a few steps away from your day-to-day life for awhile, then this is the book for you.

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After the Pivot by Velma Trayham

after the pivot, velma trayham, coco the ceo, business pivot and make money
Review
Velma Trayham's "After the Pivot" provides practical knowledge for any business owner with a potential pivot on the horizon.

One of the things that really stood out to me about the book is Trayham's experience. She's a serial entrepreneur and business owner, and her experience really shows throughout her writing. 

Trayham starts by explaining what exactly a pivot is, then covers topics such as whether to re-brand and how to reach out to your demographic. Trayham uses real-world examples of companies, such as PayPal and Starbucks, that underwent pivots. There are also exercises in the book to help you brainstorm.

If you're business owner, this book is a must-read

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The Worlds of Ambré by Axi Stark and Ragel Levi

The Worlds of Ambré, the worlds of ambre, axi stark, ragel levi, fantasy romance
Review
The first book in its trilogy, "The Worlds of Ambré" is a fantasy romance about Leela's introduction to a fantastical world she never knew existed. Leela is brought into this world by the enchanting Eli, who informs her she belongs to an ancient species called Tuatha.

Written in first-person with affecting narration and engaging dialogue, the authors pull the reader into this magical story. The book has elements of fantasy and romance, bringing the reader a rich literary experience. There are a number of twists and turns throughout the plot, which really sets up book 2.

Overall, a great introduction to what is looking to be a very, very promising series. I highly recommend this book for fantasy readers who want a fresh read with a beautiful love story.

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Stay Open: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Love for Singles by Dr. Wendy O'Connor

Review
Dr. Wendy O'Connor's "Stay Open: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Love for Singles" is a thorough book for any single woman looking for a relationship. The book starts by outlining the challenges of dating as a modern woman before moving onto the importance of understanding yourself and enjoying being single prior to getting in a relationship. Some of the other sections covered are what men want in a relationship, how to flirt, and much more. What I love about this book is O'Connor's years of experience as a couples therapist shows through. The book is written in a way that is practical and easy to implement. A helpful read for any single lady looking for love. Looking forward to seeing the author at one of her upcoming speaking events in LA!

Teens & Technology: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Teen & Social Media by Dr. Wendy O'Connor

teens and technology, dr. wendy oconnor
Review
Dr. Wendy O'Connor's "Teens & Technology: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Your Teen & Social Media" is a must-read for anyone who wants to know how technology impacts the modern-day teen. One of the  things I love out the book is it gives you an in-depth introduction to the benefits and dangers of technology. The book moves on to describe what to do to ensure your teen has a healthy interaction with technology. The book really covers a tremendous range of topics from the benefits of social media in the mental health field to the multicultural factors to consider. O'Connor's firsthand experience working with teens and couples as a successful therapist means the book was written from a perspective of experience. Looking forward to upcoming speaking events in LA. Overall, a great book for anyone with teens.

The Murder Store by Dani Amore

Review
Dani Amore's "The Murder Store" is a suspense thriller about an an FBI profilers attempt to get to the bottom of an online marketplace where the rich can buy victims.

The main character, a retired FBI profiler named Wallace Mack, is in a race against time to shut down the murderous online business before a senator's daughter is killed.

"The Murder Store" is written with short chapters and lots of matter-of-fact narration, which gives the book a fast-paced feeling as you're reading -- perfect for a thriller. The book is set in a number of locations, from Washington D.C. to Colorado to Silicon Valley, which adds an additional layer to the story. Plenty of twists and turns in the book to keep you interested from start to finish. I would recommend this book to any thriller fan.

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Beneath the Veil by William McNally

beneath the veil, william mcnally, supernatural, horror, scifi
Review
"Beneath the Veil" is a gripping novel with a unique blend of horror, supernatural, and sci-fi.

The story follows Barry, a sculptor in search of a relative to give him a bone marrow transplant. His search takes him, as well as his adoptive sister and her boyfriend, to Auraria – a town inhabited by ghastly creatures. There, Barry discovers his horrific family history.

William McNally eases the reader into the horror/supernatural elements of the story, allowing you to connect with the characters before things get intense. Yet at the same time, you get an eerie feeling that horrific things are on the horizon. The supernatural element feels fresh and adds an extra layer to the story.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a scary tale with a strong supernatural/sci-fi element.

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Dividers by Travis Adams Irish

dividers, dividers novel, travis adams irish, thriller, suspense
Review
Travis Adams Irish's“Dividers” is a thriller/suspense novel with a unique plot, pitting father against son. I was really pleased with how well the plot is paced. It has enough “slower” parts to let you catch your breath in between the suspense scenes. The writing is very descriptive, which helped me picture the characters and scene. I also liked the little flashbacks into different periods (17th century, for instance). They weren’t intrusive and added to the plot. The book is a decent size, but it felt like a quick read due to its pacing. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who wants a fresh thriller/suspense novel.

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The Hundred-Year Marathon by Michael Pillsbury

the hundred-year marathon, hundred year marathon, michael pillsbury, china, america, superpower
Review
Michael Pillsbury's "The Hundred-Year-Marathon" is a truly fascinating read with a unique yet powerful idea that'll engage anyone who is even remotely interested in government/politics.

Pillsbury, who has held a number of positions in the government that gave him insight into Chinese policy, makes a very convincing case for the theory that China seeks to usurp America's global role in the future. Pillsbury also provides evidence that the US has “made its own bed” in some respects, enabling China to get to this position. Pillsbury not only outlines the situation with China, but writes on what needs to be done to counter China's plan. Regardless of your opinion on China-US relations, Pillsbury makes a strong case with great writing that will really make you think.

"The Hundred-Year Marathon" website, www.100yearmarathon.com, has some of the declassified photos and documents cited in the book. Worth checking out if you’re curious before you buy. Definitely a recommended read!

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Bones of Skeleton Creek by Eric Wilder

bones of skeleton creek, eric wilder, oklahoma, suspense, mystery, novel
Review
Eric Wilder's “Bones of Skeleton Creek” follows cowboy detective Buck McDivit to investigate the mysterious deaths of cows on a wealthy rancher’s land. As Buck dives into the mystery, he finds himself face-to-face with a gang of career criminals tied up in everything from oil theft to meth distribution.

He also meets the enigmatic Esme whose allure rivals only that of her mystery. When strange happenings that can only be explained by the paranormal emerge, Buck finds himself forced to investigate that which he doesn’t believe.

“Bones of Skeleton Creek” is a fun, light read. Buck is an energetic character with a thirst for romance (there are a few adult scenes) and adventure. The mystery isn’t extremely complicated, but it kept my interest from start to interest. The author, Eric Wilder, does a good job of setting the scene for the reader through out the book.

A fantastic read for anyone who wants a light read with mystery, suspense, and some romance!

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The Legend of Waterhole Branch by Lucas R. Wright

the legend of waterhole branch, lucas r. wright, suspense, thriller, book
Review
Lucas R. Wright’s “The Legend of Waterhole Branch” is a suspense/thriller revolving around treasure hunting. The story follows Hunter Pierce, a smart yet adventurous Wall Street businessman who finds himself face-to-face with a gang of blood-thirsty treasure hunters one night.

Citing Hunter’s sudden wealth, the treasure hunters believe Hunter found the treasure and force him to lead them to it. Hunter must think quickly because these men have no problem with killing.


Hunter leads them back to Waterhole Branch in rural southern Alabama where he tries to buy time with the treasure hunters as he plans an escape. Along the way, he reflects on his time growing up with his friends in the region and brainstorms a way to get them to help with his escape.


Wright’s debut novel is an engaging page-turner with characters you’ll love to root for and love to root against. Hunter is fun to follow, as he leverages his wits against his captors’ mercilessness. “The Legend of Waterhole Branch” is a must-read for suspense/thriller fans.


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