All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham Review!

 

One year ago, Isabelle Drake's life changed forever: her toddler son, Mason, was taken out of his crib in the middle of the night while she and her husband were asleep in the next room. With little evidence and few leads for the police to chase, the case quickly went cold. However, Isabelle cannot rest until Mason is returned to her—literally.

Except for the occasional catnap or small blackout where she loses track of time, she hasn't slept in a year.

Isabelle's entire existence now revolves around finding him, but she knows she can't go on this way forever. In hopes of jarring loose a new witness or buried clue, she agrees to be interviewed by a true-crime podcaster—but his interest in Isabelle's past makes her nervous. His incessant questioning paired with her severe insomnia has brought up uncomfortable memories from her own childhood, making Isabelle start to doubt her recollection of the night of Mason’s disappearance, as well as second-guess who she can trust... including herself. But she is determined to figure out the truth no matter where it leads.

Stacy's debut novel, A Flicker in the Dark, was published on January 11, 2022, and went on to become an Instant New York Times bestseller. Her second, All the Dangerous Things, will be published on January 10, 2023.

Prior to writing fiction full time, Stacy worked as a copywriter and brand strategist. She earned her BA in Magazine Journalism from the University of Georgia and MFA in Writing from the Savannah College of Art & Design.

She currently lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband, Britt, and her Labradoodle, Mako. 

https://www.stacywillingham.com/

My Thoughts

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham is the story of Isabelle and her loss. Her son, Mason, has been missing for over a year, he was a year and a half at the time. The case has not been solved, much to Isabell's confusion. She had hoped that after all this time that someone somewhere would have seen or heard something. 

There was an open window in Mason's room but no dirt on the floor or prints on the window or any sign that this was how the intruder came in. Isabelle is prone to sleepwalking and after viewing the video on the baby monitor, which was not working on the night of the disappearance, she starts thinking that she somehow had something to do with it. She sees on the video that she just stands over Mason's bed and stares at him. She of course remembers none of this.

In flashbacks we learn that about Isabelle's childhood and the death of her little sister Margaret. Margaret was two years younger than Isabelle and idolized her big sister. In the heat of summer, a very hot summer, Isabelle comes downstairs one morning and finds her parents distraught, and they tell her that Margaret is dead, died in the swamp. Isabelle is haunted by her sister's death all her adult life.  She had been seeing a counselor to help her come to grips with what happened, but she often wonders if she had something to do with it.

Back to present, we learn about Isabelle and her husband Ben's relationship, how they met and how they ended up getting married. Turns out that Ben is able to move on after the disappearance of his son, but Isabelle is not, thus they split. She even gives talks hoping that someone in the audience somewhere knows something.

On one of her trips from a talk, on the plane a man, Waylon, starts talking to her. He is a podcaster and is interested in interviewing Isabelle. They hit it off and she starts talking with him about the case. He tells her one day that he needs to leave as it is costly staying in a motel. She invites him into her home because she wants to continue with the podcast. But things are not as they seem with Waylon, and she finds out that he is not who he says he is.

This book is a psychological thriller at its best, lots of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I really enjoy this type of book and this one was really good!

It is kind of interesting how different people react to the same circumstances. Not going to say anymore as I don't want to ruin it. I give these one 5 stars! Go get your copy!

I received a copy from Netgalley for the purpose of review.

Thorns at Sunrise by @janeen_ippolito Reveal! #janeenippolito #ThornsatSunrise #XpressoTours⁣⁣⁣⁣ @XpressoTours⁣ #YARomance @uncommonuniversespress

 

Thorns at Sunrise
Janeen Ippolito

Publication date: March 23rd 2023
Genres: Fairy Tales, Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

A young queen. Her imaginary friend. A kingdom on the verge of death.

She believes she’s crazy.

Queen Usilea has a secret–and he lives in her mind. Ever since she was six years old, her imaginary friend has been her closest companion, and her arranged marriage has been a great dread. When she learns her betrothed and the royal family have suddenly died, she feels obligated to attend the funeral in the foreign land of Absteph–and perhaps learn more behind their mysterious passing.

He only wants the truth.

Petar endures great pain to protect those he does not remember. His only solace is a shadowy woman who he loves–even though she denies that he exists. When a terrible tragedy occurs in his kingdom, that mysterious woman is his only hope of bringing justice to light. For the cage that imprisons him grows harsher every day, and he is losing the fight.

But there are thorns at sunrise.

Brought together on the barest thread of reality, Usilea and Petar must discover what really happened to the royal family. But Petar’s time is running out. Soon not even a Mender like Usilea will be able to save him.

This YA romance features a gender-swapped Sleeping Beauty in an original fantasy world on the brink of doom.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

Janeen Ippolito believes you should own your unique words—and make them awesome! She’s a multi-published author of bestselling fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She’s also an experienced book editor and marketing strategist, plus the CEO of Uncommon Universes Press, a publishing company with award-winning books. She hosts the podcast Own Your Unique Words, which helps gutsy fiction authors grow their businesses without burning out. In her spare time, she helps her missionary husband with his youth swordfighting ministry, indulges her foodie ambitions, reads whatever books she feels like, and explores a slew of random hobbies. Her life goals include traveling to Antarctica and riding a camel while wearing a party hat. This extrovert loves to connect, so join her on social media or at janeenippolito.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

📚📖✨ ❖ NEW RELEASE ❖ Adoring Stacey by Elsa Winckler! @elsaw1 #ElsaWinckler #InkspellPublishing

 

❖ NEW RELEASE ❖

Adoring Stacey by Elsa Winckler
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Small-town Romance, matchmaker, bachelor auction
Release Date: January 25, 2023
Publisher: Inkspell Publishing

Buy links:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VA1Bgv
Apple: https://apple.co/3VzINOC
Nook: https://bit.ly/3F37oV0
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3gZ4CrP 

Begin the series:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E7N3gM
Apple: https://apple.co/3WXbDcP
Nook: http://bit.ly/3E9hHpM
Kobo: http://bit.ly/3GfSGfs 

Can he convince her that what’s between them is much more than just biology?

Stacey Lawrence is happily single even though the folks in Alisson, Montana seemed bent on getting her the last thing she wanted: a husband. And babies? The mere thought has her shuddering, and that is not because of the cold Montana winters. If she can now only stay away from the very sexy ex-FBI agent turned self-defense instructor, Jason Coleman until her dopamine and norepinephrine levels have settled, she’ll be able to continue her happy single life as the computer whizz in town. But when Eleanor Johnson needs Stacey’s help with the upcoming bachelor auction, avoiding Jason becomes a problem. Turns out, he’s going to be one of the bachelors.

Since the moment his eyes met Stacey Lawrence’s gorgeous blue ones in one of his self-defense classes, Jason knows she’s trouble. He likes women but he’s not interested in anything more permanent than a few dates. Avoiding her isn’t initially a problem. Turns out, the lady is also trying to avoid him. But when he’s roped in to take part in the ridiculous bachelor’s auction, he ends up spending more time with the elusive Stacey until he forgets why he wanted to avoid her in the first place.

Too old to play games, Jason suggests they spend time together but Stacey seems convinced that they’re attraction is just biology. Is she right or are his feelings for the redhead much more than a mere chemical reaction?

The Moonshine Task Force by Laramie Briscoe Preorder! ❖ SPECIAL EDITION ALERT!! ❖

 

❖ SPECIAL EDITION ALERT!! ❖

Are you ready for this amazing special edition of The Moonshine Task Force by Laramie Briscoe?

All 6 books are releasing but today we are highlighting Ace, Menace & Cruise.

Preorder today!

Preorder Ace, #4: Special Edition:

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

Apple: https://apple.co/3Yfs4BX

Nook: https://bit.ly/3HEGcPn

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3uLEaFp

Order Direct from Laramie: https://bit.ly/3PrXqkF

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Laramie Briscoe, comes the special edition of a fan favorite series.

Nobody writes blue collar romance like Laramie Briscoe, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the Moonshine Task Force: Special Edition Series.

This edition includes a never-before-released short story, as well as all the slices of life scenes and text messages I've written for this couple.

Ace is saving lives and mending hearts...

Anthony “Ace” Bailey

I’m not a rules kinda guy

Department Policy? Kinda sucks, but I do what I have to for the job that I love.

Playing it safe? Not my thing.

Married? No big deal when I know she’s unhappy and scared.

I’m one of those guys – a sniper in the military, a little bit of an adrenaline junkie, and a member of the Moonshine Task Force. I’ve lived through some shit.

My gut has never failed me. It’s my sixth-sense. Warning me of a gunshot coming my way, of a traffic stop being potentially deadly, or the tingling in the back of my neck when I go to sleep telling me I’ll be woken up by a call in the middle of the night. My gut has always kept me honest.

Like the day I walked into The Café and saw the new waitress. There was a ring on her left hand, but I didn’t care. One look in her eyes told me everything I needed to know. Her marriage wasn’t one made of love and respect. It was one made of fear and doubt.

It’s why I ignored that ring, why I arrested her husband, and the reason I’m willing to take my time. Patience is a virtue, and with this woman, I have it in spades.

Violet Miller

Meeting Anthony Bailey changed my life. He did things that no one else has ever done for me.

Feeling safe? Never happened before.

Feeling wanted? It’s been years.

Being independent? I’m learning.

It’s foreign, not having someone question my every move, being able to eat what I want for dinner, and sitting out on my front porch talking to Anthony every night while we share a couple beers.

I try to tell myself he’s just being nice; that he’s doing his job and working within the community. The problem? The night he takes the kiss we both want, everything changes, and I can no longer deny what I feel. But it doesn’t stop me from trying – and I learn quickly that Ace knows me better than anyone else ever has – including myself.

All I can do is hang on, as he takes me on the scariest journey of my life. The one that bends us until we almost break, and ends with a happily ever after I never thought I would get.

ACE includes the wedding of a beloved couple, an appearance by Reaper, and the continuation of EVERYONE falling in love with Caleb!

Preorder Menace, #5: Special Edition:

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

Apple: https://apple.co/3WxUwxl

Nook: https://bit.ly/3huY2tb

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3HvZfv2

Order Direct from Laramie: https://bit.ly/3PrXqkF

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Laramie Briscoe, comes the special edition of a fan favorite series.

Nobody writes blue collar romance like Laramie Briscoe, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the Moonshine Task Force: Special Edition Series.

This edition includes a never-before-released short story, as well as all the slices of life scenes and text messages I've written for this couple.

The sexy, single dad of the MTF finally gets his turn...

Mason “Menace” Harrison

“Single and ready to mingle…”

Those are the words above every picture of almost every female that strikes my interest on this dating app my son talked me into getting. After being a single dad for seventeen years, I’m ready to spread my wings, just not with most of the co-eds who keep hitting on me and calling me daddy.

Now that Caleb’s in his Senior year of high school, I feel like I can let go of the iron-clad control I’ve had on myself without his Mom in our lives. I’ve enjoyed raising him, love the relationship we have, and while he went off the rails for a bit last year, we’re closer than we’ve ever been. He’s got a full ride to the University of Alabama, and I’ve settled into my spot with the Moonshine Task Force.

But my son doesn’t warm my bed, he isn’t someone I can share my dreams with, and he’s not the person I want to grow old with by my side. I’m not sure who that is yet, but the smokin’ hot lady going by the name BeachBum83 definitely has every single bit of my interest.

Karina Holland

“Looking for a good time, maybe more…..”

Those were the lamest words I ever typed in my life, but it was the best I had for the dating app my friend, Violet talked me into joining. I didn’t have any high hopes for myself. As a High School English teacher, I’m sick of pervy Dad’s hitting on me when they come in to discuss their child’s lack of motivation to read the classics and apply themselves.

Until the day Mason Harrison walks into my classroom. I had no idea Caleb’s Dad was the man I met off that dating app who showed me how flexible I really am in the back of his Jeep. Within minutes of the parent/teacher conference he proved the sparks weren’t one-time only when we christened my desk.

Mason and Caleb? They touch a part of my heart that no one’s ever touched before, and when a threat from the past shows up, I prove just how tough I really am.

Preorder Cruise, #6: Special Edition:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PpkMY5

Apple: https://apple.co/3FoHI5b

Nook: https://bit.ly/3PnPEIG

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3FQHBB1

Order Direct from Laramie: https://bit.ly/3PrXqkF

From USA Today and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author, Laramie Briscoe, comes the special edition of a fan favorite series.

Nobody writes blue collar romance like Laramie Briscoe, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the Moonshine Task Force: Special Edition Series.

This edition includes a never-before-released short story, as well as all the slices of life scenes and text messages I've written for this couple.

The kid is now a man, and he’s got something to prove…

Caleb “Cruise” Harrison

“A Dad is a son’s first hero…”

All my life I’ve looked up to my Dad, there’s nothing I ever wanted to do more than be a member of the Moonshine Task Force right next to him. I said no to playing football professionally to stay in Laurel Springs and fulfill my dream.

I’m biding my time, paying my dues, and soaking up any bit of information my fellow MTF members slip my way. To most of them I’m the kid they watched grow up, and while they’re proud of me, they don’t take me seriously.

Life is status quo until the morning all hell breaks loose in our small town threatening everyone I know and love – including the one woman I can’t get out of my head.

Ruby Carson

“My favorite place? In his arms…”

Caleb saved me from the worst date of my life, swooping in like the fixer he is. Smiling his panty-melting grin, he grabbed my hand, and extricated me from the longest ninety minutes known in the history of the world.

Instead, he took me on the best date I’ve ever had. We’ve been inseparable since that crazy night.

It hasn’t been picture-perfect. His job is dangerous, it worries me, even when he tells me not to. One gorgeous summer day, it all comes crashing down on us.

The man who has my heart is in the middle of a FUBAR situation that has no good ending. My hope is, when the smoke clears Caleb walking towards me, arms out-stretched, with that grin on his face, before he envelopes my body into the hug only he can give.

That’s what would happen in a perfect world – but I’ve never known a perfect world – not even with Caleb…

The Nine: Zane by Elle Arroyo Blog Tour! #XpressoTours⁣ @XpressoTours⁣⁣

 

The Nine: Zane
Elle Arroyo

Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: January 25th 2023
Genres: Adult, LGBTQ+, Paranormal, Romance

Zane is Anunnaki, one of the nine immortals subjugated to walk the earth for eternity while tasked with protecting humankind from the malice. He must bind himself to an heir before the demons secured within his vessel burst free. Except that Zane is not interested in the female chosen for him. Instead, his desire lies in the man he met five years ago and shared an innocent, heartfelt night with. Eric Diaz had left Zane wanting.

Before they force Zane to bind himself with the female, he seeks Eric and shares one night of passion, hoping to satisfy his hunger for the man. But it doesn’t work, and Zane does everything in his power to keep Eric by his side, even risking the human realm and unleashing hell on earth.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

Zane- 

I’d hoped to get some sort of heated reaction from the guy. Some memory spark that would have him recognizing me. I got nothing but a curious look out of him. 

I had to remember to breathe. 

“Are you okay? You look like you’re going to pass out.” 

True. I felt dizzy. The space between us too narrow, the cabin walls too constricting. I needed air. It wasn’t until he finally broke eye contact that I took a deep inhalation of breath and released it in a slow exhale. 

I had always considered myself a good-looking man. I never had to work hard for what I needed in the bedroom, or the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, or pool. Yeah, I had the all-American blond hair, blue eyes, ripped body that had both females and males looking my way. So to be forgotten by the one man I had incessantly thought of over the years left me deflated. Maybe hurt. Surely, disappointed. But definitely intrigued. I never, ever, backed out of what I wanted. And I had wanted this man for too damn long. I wasn’t about to give up now that I finally found him. Not my style. I just had to play it to plan. Do not deviate and do not get distracted. Not even by his fine ass and thick full lips I would taste by the time my time in backcountry Maine came to an end. 

Ladybug be damned. The moose was mine.

Elle is the author of Dark Fantasy MM Romance. She writes about alpha males fighting their demons, saving the world, and falling in love. And not necessarily in that order.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Giveaway:

Tour-wide giveaway (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

$15 Amazon gift card

The Man Who Screams At Nightfall… and other stories by Rush Leaming Book Tour!

 

January 16 - February 10, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Thailand. The Congo. Greece. Spain. America…

Four continents and 40+ years in the making.

The Man Who Screams At Nightfall is a landmark collection of short stories depicting a young man on a classic voyage of self-discovery, scouring the earth in search of some purpose in life.

From childhood to parenthood and everything in between—these tales are at times raw and unflinching, at other times poignant and moving.

Get ready for a literary journey unlike any you’ve experienced before.

WARNING: Some of these stories contain strong language, depictions of graphic violence, and sexual situations.

Praise for The Man Who Screams At Nightfall...and other stories:

"A powerful, gritty, and exquisitely written anthology —not to be missed."

J. Miller, Reader's Favorite

"A short story collection that excels in its sense of literary psychological growth and discovery. Libraries looking for interconnected short stories that represent life journeys and revelations will find The Man Who Screams At Nightfall...and other stories an appealing acquisition that promises much fodder for discussion to book club readers interested in fictional blends of psychological and social revelation."

Midwest Book Review, D. Donovan

"Sharply observed, nuanced, precise, and morally challenging..."

The Prairies Book Review

"Leaming's light hand with dialogue and keen sense of human psychology create a book that highlights weighty issues by putting a compassionate human face on human struggles. Sharp, inventive, and deeply moving: a fine literary collection."

Book View

"Without a lengthy description of the characters, just enough to provide the imagery necessary to identify them, he catches and holds the reader's attention like no other I've experienced in the hundreds of books and stories I've read over the years."

Reader's Favorite, L. Allen

Book Details:

Genre: Literary Fiction
Published by: Bridgewood Publishing
Publication Date: November 2022
Number of Pages: 150
ISBN: 0999745670 (ISBN-13: 9780999745670)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

…I could see the glow of a fire up ahead of us, and as we reached the mango tree, Pumbu motioned for me to stay low and follow him along a small wall of honeysuckle bushes. We crouched down, and from our hiding place, I saw Kachamba furiously pacing back and forth in his yard in front of a small bonfire. He swung his arms wildly in the air as if he was fighting off something that was falling on him. He dropped to his knees and then suddenly sprang three feet off the ground. Then he began to dance, swaying and spinning his body so close to the fire that I was certain he was going to fall in. All the while he screamed and shouted deep into the empty black night.

He spoke in a dialect that I couldn’t understand, so I had to ask Pumbu to tell me what he was saying. I asked him many questions: Why was he doing this? Who was he speaking to? Was he drunk? What was going on? Pumbu patiently explained to me that no, he was not drunk, and that he really didn’t know who he was speaking to, but that Kachamba’s wife had left him a few years ago, run off with another man and taken their children, and that ever since, he had not been right in the head. He was not from this village and had been kicked out of all the other places he had lived. He came here only because Kachamba’s father, the chief of Kitengo’s uncle, had once saved the life of the chief’s father (Kachamba’s uncle) and so the chief had to let him stay to repay that old favor. It was all very complicated, Pumbu said, and he didn’t fully understand it himself.

I was hardly listening, instead transfixed and horrified by what I saw. Spinning, swirling, shouting, and screaming—Kachamba’s face, so calm and happy as I had seen it earlier that day, was now knotted and twisted like a grotesque carnival mask, like some gargoyle sprung from the lowest depths of hell. The glow of the fire cut fierce shadows and gorges in his face, adding to the haunting vision that I saw.

For a long while, Pumbu and I hid behind the honeysuckle bushes and watched Kachamba shriek and wail and try to push back the night, until suddenly, all at once, he just stopped. Suddenly, he just stood still and quiet and stared at the sky. I followed his gaze and saw another shooting star. When I looked back, Kachamba had disappeared.

“Is that it?” I asked.

“That’s it,” said Pumbu. “He usually only does this for an hour or so.”

“And he does this every night?”

“Almost,” said Pumbu and yawned. “Mmm. I’m tired. I think I am going to go home.”

We left the bushes, went past the mango tree, and said good night. I walked home alone, both exhilarated and troubled by what I had seen.

I entered my room and prepared for bed, but long after I had extinguished my petrol lantern, I lay there staring into the darkness. I couldn’t sleep. I tossed and turned. It wasn’t that unusual—I noticed that it had been happening a lot lately, that I couldn’t sleep. I got up and found the bottle of Johnnie Walker and knocked back a tall glass until at last I was floating, and at last, my eyes did shut…

***

Excerpt from The Man Who Screams At Nightfall... and other stories by Rush Leaming. Copyright 2022 by Rush Leaming. Reproduced with permission from Rush Leaming. All rights reserved.

 

RUSH LEAMING has done many things including spending 15+ years in film/video production working on such projects as The Lord of the Rings films. His first novel, Don't Go, Ramanya, a political thriller set in Thailand, was published in the fall of 2016. His second novel followed suit in the summer of 2018, entitled The Whole of the Moon, set in the Congo at the end of the Cold War. 2021 saw the 5-star reception of his crime thriller Dead Tree Tales. His short stories have appeared in Notations, 67 Press, Lightwave, 5k Fiction, and The Electric Eclectic.

He has lived in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Zaire, Thailand, Spain, Greece, South Carolina, England, and Kenya.

Catch Up With Rush:
LeamingRush.wixsite.com/Nightfall
Goodreads
BookBub - @RushLeaming
Instagram - @RushLeaming
Twitter - @LeamingRush
Facebook - @RushLeamingStories

My Thoughts

The Man Who Screams at Nightfall is an anthology of stories that were 40 years in the making. Each story tells of a different character, or maybe it is the same person, all male that I noticed as main characters, located in countries around the world, Thailand, The Congo, Greece, Spain, Zaire and in America.

Topic of the stories vary from the man who actually screams at nightfall in Zaire where the main character kind of befriends the man. In The Parade the main character is delirious from malaria. In Spain the main character defends a woman who the locals call Ella, La Loca. In Athens the main character starts out the story by saying "I always wondered what it would be like to kill someone". Then we have a bar in Bangkok and a treatment center in South Carolina and the unsavory streets of New York.

Each story is different but the same in that the main character always seems to be a bit unstable. This book is short, at only 150 pages, I read it in one sitting, easy to read and understand. I admire the author in that he was able t get the book finished and published after such a long time.

I am generally not a fan of short stories but this one intrigued me. Go ahead and give it a chance, doubt you will be disappointed.

I give the book 5 stars

I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.

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