Reunification (book 3 of the Tamporlea Trilogy) by Tiffany Lovering

Posted on January 31, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle

Jasmine’s decisions have led to  situations that she can’t turn away from. Will her selfishness lead to the end of Tamporlea or does Jasmine find a way to earn the people’s trust?

The story of Queen Jasmine and the rest of the kingdom of Tamporlea has come to an end with Reunification. Author, Tiffany Lovering has, yet again, taken us on a journey into a world of deception, life, death and, most assuredly, love. Love of kingdom, its people and the love of family and friends and how far one will go to protect them.

In the final installment of the Tamporlea Trilogy, Reunification, Queen Jasmine is once again in conflict with ideas she has for change and rules that have been in place for centuries. Will the kingdom of Tamporlea be open to change and are Jasmine’s ideas going to work for the kingdom? How will the kingdom react to Jasmine’s secret marriage and what other secrets are being withheld? So many questions and Reunification is the last book in the trilogy to get them all answered.

Reunification, the conclusion to the Tamporlea Trilogy is an excellent ending to the trilogy. It may have wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly for my tastes, but it is a fantasy world, so I’ll allow the ease of overcoming obstacles. I hope anyone who enjoys a well-developed story with fun and entertaining characters hops over and picks up a copy of the trilogy.

Check out the links to my reviews of book one and two, pick them up for your Kindle and then click the cover image above for book three Reunification. However  if you are so inclined you can go (HERE) and pick up the entire trilogy in one complete volume for Kindle. (I have heard rumor that the book will be available soon in paperback. I will post links once confirmed)

Learn more about Tiffany Lovering and what she is up to by checking out her blog: Tiffany Lovering – YA Author and/or by following her Tweets: @TiffanyLovering

Espresso rating: Quad

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Unjust (book 2 of the Tamporlea Trilogy) by Tiffany Lovering

Posted on January 29, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle

After becoming Queen, Jasmine has faced more than her fair share of injustice. The war still has not ended and neither have the betrayals within Tamporlea. 

Back in December, I had the privilege to read Tamporlea book 1 of the Tamporlea Trilogy and I adored every word. (check out the review HERE) Yet, again, author Tiffany Lovering was able to transport me to the world of Tamporlea, but this time, in book 2 Unjust, there was much devastation. The war between the feuding kingdoms brought much destruction to the beautiful kingdom and it was so heartbreaking to learn of the deaths that had resulted. Then you have the betrayal of Tamporlea by its own citizens that must be discovered and the romances building between various characters that is considered taboo according to Tamporlea law. So much action and adventure in a small package. I love it!

The characters continue to be well described and behave as I would expect real people to behave, which is refreshing at times. Yes, it is still fantasy world, so there are still elements of magic and disbelief, but considering that the main character Jasmine, now Queen Jasmine, was raised in the real world and brought to Tamporlea at the age of 17 her behavior under certain circumstances is very believable.

Overall, another fantastic entry into the world of Tamporlea. If you haven’t already check out the link to my review of book 1 and pick it up for your Kindle and then click the cover image above for book 2 Unjust. However  if you are so inclined you can go (HERE) and pick up the entire trilogy in 1 complete volume for Kindle. (I have heard rumor that the book will be available soon in paperback. I will post links once confirmed)

Learn more about Tiffany Lovering and what she is up to by checking out her blog: Tiffany Lovering – YA Author and/or by following her Tweets: @TiffanyLovering

Espresso rating: Quad

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Undead Drive-Thru by Rebecca Besser

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle/paperback

When Kyndra, Colleen, and Jose apply for jobs at a diner that has seen better days and is undergoing renovations, they have no idea what they’re in for.

Aunt-B and John have a horrible secret, and when it’s unleashed on the unsuspecting employees of the diner, things get . . . complicated.

Bloodthirsty and dangerous, a zombie awaits the opportunity to feast on them all. Who will be served first?

Can any of them make it out of the Undead Drive-Thru alive? 

As if a summer job wasn’t a big enough pain for young adults who are wanting to gain fundage in order to explore their new found freedom from the confines of their parent’s world. Now there are zombies to have to deal with? Well, in Rebecca Besser’s Undead Drive-Thru there is definitely the threat of becoming a zombie’s takeout meal. What ensues as the story develops is a mixture of suspense, budding romance, gore and, personally, a lovely bit of hilarity.

Besser’s created a nice group of characters. The hired help consists of outgoing Kyndra, quite and shy Colleen and Jose, who just seems to be a nice down to earth sort of guy. Then you have Aunt-B who comes off as the kindly, but quirky aunt you always try to avoid, but secretly love and John her nephew who is staying for the summer to avoid jailtime. While they might be viewed as sterotypical for some readers, they were a fun mix of characters.

Undead Drive-Thru was a fast read with lots of twists to keep the story moving in the right direction. No over the top gore, but there is definitely some detailed flesh-eating and dismemberment. The only hitch throughout the whole story came at the end. There was something I just didn’t quite buy.

Undead Drive-Thru, a novella that begs you to ponder…do they sell “finger” sandwiches at Aunt-B’s Drive-Thru.

You can pick up your own copy of Undead Drive-Thru via Amazon for paperback or Kindle by clicking the cover image above. Or as always for you Barnes & Noble’rs out there for paperback or nook (HERE). 

Learn more about Rebecca Besser over at her blog (HERE), like her author page (HERE) or stalk her, I mean, follow her on Twitter: @BeccaBesser 

Espresso rating:Triple with a splash of milk

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Railroad! Volume Three: The Trouble with Waxford (a steampunk western) by Tonia Brown

Posted on January 26, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle

Railroad is a fast pace steampunk story of gadgetry, gunplay and grit.

The dog soldiers’ genetics are hanging by a thread, and our intrepid hero is the only one that can keep them from turning into goop! In an effort to create a cure for the dog men’s condition, the doc sends Dodger after a rare and expensive chemical. Unfortunately, the ingredient is sold by a dangerous brood of deadly but beautiful ladies. Did we say ladies? Aren’t those fangs awful sharp for just regular ladies?

Join Rodger Dodger as he plunges into the weirder west in this sexy volume of the ongoing web series!

The third installment of Tonia Brown’s steampunk western Railroad! Volume Three: The Trouble with Waxford is out and, yet again, we are put on our toes to find out just what IS the trouble with Waxford. Rodger Dodger is sent by the Professor to the mysterious town to procure an ingredient needed to help the dog soldiers (see Volume Two: Dogs of War) . We quickly learn why everyone onboard the Sleipnir was so tight-lipped regarding the town’s inhabitants. With the help of the ghostly Boone and a few of the Professor’s gadgets, Rodger gets things settled, but will he come out unscathed and with the ingredient so desperately needed?

Brown has given us yet another fun, action packed, sexy romp in the wild west with the crew of one of the world’s most badass trains. I highly recommend Railroad! Volume Three: The Trouble with Waxford ,and the entire series, for all who enjoy a great story with creative gadgets and laugh out loud lines spouted by delightfully quirky characters set amongst a background of saloons, brothels and, of course, trains.

You can learn more about Tonia Brown and her alter ego (pen name) Regina Riley, as well as, her other work by visiting her website The Back Seat Writer  She can also be stalked…I mean followed on Twitter: @ToniaBrown1 

Espresso rating: Quad

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Haftmann’s Rules by Robert White

Posted on January 25, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle/paperback

Out of jail and back on the streets, Haftmann is hired to find a missing young girl in Boston. But what he uncovers goes beyond just murder, into a world of secret societies, bloodshed, and betrayal beyond anything he has experienced before. Haftmann’s Rules is an exhilarating read into one man’s maddening journey for truth, justice, and self-destruction.

Robert White’s Thomas Haftmann is a man on a mission and that mission comes as a result of a case he undertook to find a missing girl. In the thrilling Haftmann’s Rules, through various twists and turns the PI’s missing girl case changes into an obsessive man hunt for a vicious murderer. White, has taken the old school hardboiled detective and developed a modern day Private Eye in Thomas Haftmann bringing into the mix today’s modern technology, while still maintaining that feeling of noir.

The character’s, both good and bad, are not punched out of a cookie cutter. They each have their own unique quality that aids in our development of feelings for them and their predicament. The settings and locations are very detailed and fully described, so much so that I would venture a guess that the author either lives or has lived in the places the story takes place. The story is well told with enough varying plot points to keep you guessing as to who the killer really is and why is he doing what he’s doing, but not so many twists as to make the tale befuddling.

Haftmann’s Rules is a great thriller/mystery with an old school noir feel that will have lovers of this genre coming back for Thomas Haftmann. 

Learn about the author of Haftmann’s Rules Robert White over at his Facebook page (HERE) and check out it and other books from Grand Mal Press by visiting their site (HERE) 

Haftmann’s Rules can be purchased through Amazon for Kindle or paperback by clicking the cover image above. Those interesting in using Barnes & Noble to buy a paperback or nook copy can click (HERE). Smashwords fans travel (HERE)

Espresso rating: Triple

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Still Life with Crows (Pendergrast #4) by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

Kindle Format

A small Kansas town has turned into a killing ground.  Is it a serial killer, a man with the need to destroy?  Or is it a darker force, a curse upon the land?  Amid golden cornfields, FBI Special Agent Pendergast discovers evil in the blood of America’s heartland.

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are among my reliable and favorite authors that have never let me down. They are responsible for creating the very esentric but ever so enjoyable Special Agent Pendergrast and all of the crimes that he mysteriously solves.

Still Life with Crows is just as enjoyable as the first three that came before it and just like the others it is filled with unusual killings that the locals are unable to resolve on their own. Thank goodness Pendergrast has perfect timing to save the small town of Medicine Creek, Kansas.

This novel is gripping from the beginning with the perfect balance of characters and small town drama. Outcasts, the popular group, the gossipers, bullies and those who chose to mind their own business and just try to survive the work drought that is plauging Medicine Creek.

If you like crime mysteries, a little thrill and a few odd characters I am sure you will find the Pendergrast series a nice addition to your collection.

Find out more about Douglas Preston and Lincoln child on their website and follow them on GoodReads.

Lincoln Child

Douglas Preston

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Red Band! by Jay Franklin

Posted on January 21, 2012 by

Amazon Kindle

RED BAND! takes all the clichés of the horror genre and provides the most foul pointless story ever told.

Join our Hero Sergio as he and his girl Darla take a trip to the Texas State Fair. What follows is a comical romp with zombies, mutated chili sauce, ego maniacal Rib King, and as much beer to feed an army of methed out truck drivers. From beginning to end, RED BAND! was written to be possibly the worst book ever. The writer hopes the book reaches cult status that matches Plan 9 from Outer Space.


Monster trucks, beer, a sexist rib king, hobos used for medical experiments and Motorhead, this book has it all!

No edits, proofreading or common sense, this is the worst story ever told.

Dedicated to Ed Wood and Uwe Boll. The master directors of “so good it’s bad” movies.

When I was given Red Band! to read for review, I wondered what in the name of all things holy was I getting myself into. Well, whatever it was ended up being FUN! This book is by no means for the faint of heart or for those who get uptight when things are not properly PC, but it is TOTALLY for those who can find humor in all things, especially genetically engineered habanero sauce that causes zombification.

Red Band! is written to be bad, seriously,the absurdity is intentional. It is written as if you were reading a bad B Movie. There is cheesy dialogue, creatures, inappropriate innuendos and a “cast” of characters you’d probably NEVER want to take home to meet your family…that is unless they ARE your family.

This is a novella, so it’s fairly short and thus I do not want to give too much away. Suffice it to say that if you are able to find humor in a movie such as Blazing Saddles you will find much humor and enjoyment in Red Band!

The author, Jay Franklin can be found over at his blog The Empty Thoughts of Writer Jay Franklin and he can also be found on Twitter: @DMP_Jay

You can purchase Red Band! for Amazon Kindle by clicking the cover image above. If you’d like it in paperback go to Amazon by clicking the link (HERE)

Espresso rating: Triple with a splash of milk

Posted in Bizarro fiction, Humor, Zombies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment