I write because the characters trespassing through my mind leave me no alternative.

My books are available in trade paperback on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as my website - www.QuietFuryBooks.com.

I hope you'll join me in my fictional world. The characters await you.

Website: http://www.QuietFuryBooks.com
Twitter: DarciaHelle

Facebook: Facebook profile
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/darciahelle
Blog: http://www.QuietFuryBooks.com/blog

• The Earth Painter – Tour and Giveaway
• Walking Naked Across A Football Field
• No Justice: Excerpt
• Fictional Role Models
• Suzanne van Rooyen on The Writing Life

http://www.amazon.com/Darcia-Helle/e/B002LTMF7O/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1268235951&sr=8-1

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Maria Savva
Latest book: Haunted. Published on February 10, 2013. (4.80 from 5 reviews)
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• Healing Touch on Dec. 13, 2009
  
  I loved this story! Jenna Anderson definitely has a gift for storytelling. Healing Touch is a romance without being syrupy and overly "romantic". The dialogue is perfection and makes the characters truly come to life. Tracy Campbell, the lead character, is funny and quirky with lots of those all-too-human qualities. Her love story is one that, in various versions, has likely been a top fantasy of most women at one time or other.
  
• A Child's Wound on Jan. 04, 2010
  
  This book was full of twisted characters doing some pretty twisted things. It definitely held my interest! Kavanagh does a great job of getting inside the killer's head and sharing that perspective with his readers. There is violence, sex, mystery, and suspense. Some good twists will keep you wondering and you might even find yourself rooting for the bad guy along the way. An entertaining and disturbing read!
  
• Looking Through You on Jan. 24, 2010
  
  I just read this. I thought the writing was very good and it definitely held my interest. It's a short story, about a dozen pages. I would put it more in the paranormal category, rather than horror. The only complaint I have is that the ending left me hanging. I needed more.
  
• Vasilisa and the Queen of Asps on Jan. 27, 2010
  
  A Magical Journey Vasilisa and the Queen of Asps, by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna, is all that a children's story should be. Creative, imaginative, and entertaining, Svetlana takes you on a journey into a fantasy world that you may never want to leave. Vasilisa is a young woman intent on saving her father's life. Her love for him sends her in search of the Queen of Asps and her Brew of Life. Along the way, Vasilisa meets a troll, a talking eagle, and an old witch. Some want to help her, others want to stop her from getting to the Queen. The challenge for Vasilisa is in determining which is which. Vasilisa's strong love for her father keeps her persevering through the all the difficulties thrown at her along the way. Her courage and persistence are rewarded in the end. Vasilisa gets the Brew of Life, her prince, and lives happily ever after.
  
• A Wise Woman and a King on Jan. 27, 2010
  
  A Wise Woman and a King by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna is a wonderful story about true love and destiny. The wise woman and her three daughters live in a cottage in the middle of a forest. While they each have a unique talent, they all share the gift of being able to communicate with nature. The land is ruled by a strict and rather mean king. When his three sons fall in love with the three daughters of the wise woman, the king is furious and does all he can to prevent them from being together. The wise woman, working along with the enchanted forest, sees to it that destiny and love win out over the king's ruling. This story combines a magical forest with the magic of love. Young and old girls alike will enjoy escaping into this fantasy world that Svetlana has created.
  
• The Fairy Book on Jan. 27, 2010
  
  The Fairy Book is a wonderfully entertaining story about a girl named Isabel who is chosen by the fairies to fight off a dark sorcerer named Rashkai. The story is written in various styles of poetry, which combine and flow beautifully. In writing this story, Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna teams up with her 9-year-old daughter Alexandra. Alexandra's illustrations are interspersed throughout the story. At the end of the book, Svetlana has included examples of all styles of poetry written by Alexandra. Both The Fairy Book story and the variety of poetry had me smiling as I read. The world Svetlana and Alexandra created is imaginative, captivating, and just plain fun. This mother-daughter duo is a talented pair and an inspiration for all of us.
  
• Kaitlyn and the Secrets of the Sea on Jan. 27, 2010
  
  With Kaitlyn and the Secrets of the Sea, Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna takes us on a fantastical adventure in an underwater world. Kaitlyn's love of music, and a flute passed down through the ages, help her battle her fear in the mysterious new world she's been plunged into. Kaitlyn encounters witches, mermaids, magic, and much more during her journey to find her destiny. This is a story that can be enjoyed by everyone; young and old, girl and boy. Svetlana is a talented author with a gift for storytelling that should be shared with the world.
  
• Oberon on Jan. 27, 2010
  
  Oberon is a brave young orphan boy who does not want to fight in the evil King Ajax's army. During his journey to freedom, he runs into werewolves, a beautiful elvin princess, and winds up fighting on the side of the dwarves. Oberon is a hero in a fantasy world that any young boy would love to be a part of. This story, written by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna and her eleven-year-old son Konstantin, combines various poetry styles and immerses the reader in a world of magnificent adventure. At the end of the book, Svetlana has included a sampling of each poetry style, written by Konstantin. This book could easily be used as a fun teaching tool to inspire the love of poetry in any child.
  
• River of Judgement on March 19, 2010
  
  River Of Judgement takes a look at the corporate world and what it does to the lives of those involved. Finn Jackson has helped to create a new breed of Oil Company. On the verge of making it big, the company is suddenly ripped out from under him. Finn’s world goes into a downward spiral as he fights for answers – and for revenge. Finn, along with a few friends secretly helping him, uncover lies, deceit, corruption, and crime. David Sartof does a great job of showing us how Finn’s desperation overshadows everything else, and how much he is willing to risk to take back what was his. At the same time, we see what greed does to those at the top, who have so much more to lose in their gamble to take it all. A great read that keeps you on edge until the very end!
  
• Space Trippers Book 1: Trippin' on May 01, 2010
  
  This story takes place on the spaceship, with a cast of characters from various planets. Lightbourne does a masterful job in showing us her vision of this ship. The details weave into the story effortlessly, so that we feel as if we are standing on the Magellan along with its crew in mid-flight. The characters are each unique, pulling us into their world as we get to know them. Space Trippers has intrigue, suspense, and a little sexual tension to carry the story along and keep us reading until the very last page. I can see this book being a huge hit on the big screen!
  
• Across The Sea on July 10, 2010
  
  Competing pirates, the Treasure of Atlantis, and average kids who become heroes make this book an adventure most young adults (and old adults!) will enjoy. The story is engaging and the characters fun and unique. The only negative for me was that I didn't feel the dialogue style fit the time period (1587). What I loved about it is there is a boy and a girl hero, so this book will appeal equally to both.
  
• ...The Twain Shall Meet on July 16, 2010
  
  The Twain Shall Meet is completely unique and a fun read! Mark Twain comes back from the dead, in a matter of speaking, for 30 days. During his time in modern America, he makes observations about our current culture. He compares life today with life in the 1800s and discusses his powerful insights. All of this is woven into a story of adventure for a man unfamiliar with modern life.
  
• ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes: Year 1 on Aug. 10, 2010
  
  Reading The Demo Tapes is like hanging out with a bunch of friends while they struggle to make a name for themselves in the music business. Gottfried's writing is strong, funny, and always entertaining. Her characters have more depth than some real people that I know! Originally written as blog posts, these short stories are now organized for our reading pleasure. If you like music and you like to read, this one is perfect for you!
  
• Nightmares From Eberus - A Speculative Fiction Collection on Aug. 14, 2010
  
  This is an eclectic collection of short stories from a talented author. Topics include time travel, vampires, twisted reality shows, psychics, mythology, and mobsters. Truly, how can any reader not find something to love within these pages? I'm a sucker for character-driven fiction and De La Torre doesn't disappoint. His characters are all unique, a little crazy, a lot of fun, and keep you turning pages. Great entertainment!
  
• Dandelions In The Garden on Sep. 07, 2010
  
  Elizabeth Bathory, otherwise known in our history books as The Blood Countess, was, by most accounts, a savage killer who took pleasure in torturing her victims. Courland's book takes a look at the real Elizabeth's early life through the fictional eyes of young Amara, her closest friend and lady in waiting. Dandelions in the Garden starts out with Amara as an old woman. She decides to write what we would consider a memoir or biography and her writing then becomes the story. I am not normally a fan of books that shift back and forth in time but Courtland handled this well. She does a great job bringing her characters to life and showing what the world was like for women during the 16th century. The girls' behavior sometimes makes us laugh and other times makes us gasp. But, through it all, we can understand how circumstances could shape these young women. This is the first book in the series and leaves Elizabeth and Amara as young married women. Book two - The Hidden Will of the Dragon - takes them through adulthood.
  
• Letting Go on Sep. 12, 2010
  
  Loved it! Rarely does a short story of only a few pages grab me like this one.
  
• Shed on Oct. 04, 2010
  
  This is a short read but it's packed with creepy goodness! Simon and Rupert, the main characters, are young boys living in a heartbreaking situation. On top of the loss of their beloved father, they are dealing with an abusive stepfather and the family lives in near poverty. As if that isn't enough, there is something horrible living beneath their home! But this book isn't all sadness and horror. The boys have a resilience and love for one another that transcends all their difficulties. Go ahead and download this one. You won't regret it!
  
• Harmony's Passing on Oct. 14, 2010
  
  I confess that I am no science geek. In fact, before reading this book I knew as much about black holes as my dogs know about physics. Upon finishing this book, I feel like I've inadvertantly had a high-level astronomy lesson while enjoying a great story. Harmony's Passing is a great mixture of science, suspense, relationships and romance. Kirkpatrick's research and understanding of his topic, along with his passion, make the hard science fun for even the most science illiterate (like me!). The emotional story behind the science and the interplay between the characters tugged at my heartstrings, offering the perfect balance between the scientific world we live in and the emotions that drive us forward.
  
• Forsaken By Shadow on Oct. 22, 2010
  
  Kait Nolan creates a world where humans mix with an assortment of paranormal characters that she calls the Mirus. The humans, of course, are clueless that these supernatural beings live among them. This novella is full of action that easily held my attention. I thought the characters were well developed and the paranormal edge offered some fun twists. I thoroughly enjoyed Nolan's writing style. She has huge talent and is definitely an author to watch for.
  
• Dark Places- A Gryphonwood Anthology on Nov. 01, 2010
  
  This anthology is full of creepy goodness! Contributions from eight authors give readers a variety of writing styles, all captivating in their own way. Anthologies can sometimes be difficult to rate, since some stories and authors can be much better than others. But this one left me with no such dilemma. A great read, from start to finish.
  
• The Other Boyfriend on Nov. 05, 2010
  
  The Other Boyfriend has humor, romance, a few little twists and characters that many women will be able to relate to. While this book is a light, fun read, it is also full of substance. Sylvia Massara has a gift for storytelling. She makes her characters feel so real that I expected Sarah to step off the page and into my living room. I cared what happened and, for me, that’s the sign of a great author.
  
• On The Gathering Storm on Nov. 17, 2010
  
  Brutal. Disturbing. Engaging. Gripping. Moving. This book kept me up all night. First, because I had to finish it. Then because I couldn't shake it off. Jason McIntyre doesn't tell a story. He steps out of the way and allows his characters to bring you in their world. Use caution when reading this one, however, as the characters might not allow you back out.
  
• The Soul Bearers on Nov. 20, 2010
  
  With The Soul Bearers, Sylvia Massara takes on three challenging and often controversial topics. While she does not besiege us with graphic details, not once does she shy away from the emotional journey. The pain is raw, the joy exhilarating. Sylvia gives us a look at the worst and the best of humanity. We could all learn a little something from her characters.
  
• Caraliza on Jan. 04, 2011
  
  The cover of this book is what first drew me. Caraliza, the cover, is haunting, stark and beautiful. I soon found out that Caraliza, the book, is as well. This is a story of brutality, survival, deceit, revenge, and enduring love. Kirkpatrick opens with a brilliant piece of historical fiction. He then effortlessly transitions to the current day, yet we don't lose the characters we've grown to love. They haunt us, as they haunt the pages of the book. This isn't a fast-paced thriller, nor is it meant to be. Kirkpatrick takes his time, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace. Suspense, intrigue, despair, mystery, romance, terror, love, tragedy and hope fill these pages. By the end, I felt like I'd come to know the characters as friends. And I was sad to see them go.
  
• Origins on Feb. 17, 2011
  
  I didn't think there were any new twists left for vampire books. Much to my delight, Sean Hayden proved me wrong. He brings a fresh approach to the often tired vampire tale. The characters are unique and wonderfully entertaining. The plot is suspenseful with a touch of humor to lighten to mood. I found myself fully immersed in Ashlyn's world and I enjoyed every minute.
  
• The Shifters of 2040, Shifter Dystopia (Shifter Evolutions Book #3) on Feb. 19, 2011
  
  This is not a light read. While fantasy, the subject matter is all too real and often dark. An alien species called the Shifters have invaded earth. Rather than taking the time to get to know these foreign beings, all governments want them destroyed. I couldn't help but make comparisons to current immigration issues here in the U.S. Blackwelder holds a mirror up to society and gives us a look at our reflection. Prejudice and intolerance stare back at us. While the issues in this book might make some uncomfortable, I thought Blackwelder handled them with ease. She makes no judgments and no accusations. She shows both sides without forcing us to lean in either direction. The only problem I had was keeping all the characters and their species straight. There are many and, in the beginning, it was a little overwhelming. This book requires a slow stroll, rather than a quick jog through the pages. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a powerful tale.
  
• Sounds of Murder on March 22, 2011
  
  Sounds of Murder is a quick read, mixing the classic whodunit mystery with modern technology. Patricia Rockwell has spent her career in academics and her familiarity with that world is captured within this story. The characters are entertaining and the plot unique. This is Rockwell's first novel and at times that shows in her writing style. Facts the reader already knows are often repeated within various dialogues between characters. Overall, though, this is a fun read with an intriguing main character to start this series.
  
• The Splendor of Antiquity on March 25, 2011
  
  I loved everything about this book. The narrator is a dead Babylonian king. Joliette, the main character, is an archeologist who grapples with love and trust and her strong attraction toward digging up dead things. The characters and the plot are unique and utterly captivating. A line Ms. Gardner wrote within this book captured how I felt about much of it: "... silken words draped over sorrow." The beauty of the words often had me stopping to re-read sentences. This is not a long book but it is one to be savored.
  
• Like Casablanca on March 29, 2011
  
  I have a confession: I have never seen the movie Casablanca. Yes, berate me if you must. That being said, the references to the movie were few and easily understood by this movie-challenged reader. In Like Casablanca, we are taken on a journey of broken hearts, friendship, Internet dating and, finally, love. As with all of Massara's books, the characters sucked me right into their world. Reading this story was like sitting down with an old friend, laughing at her antics and commiserating with her difficulties. While this is classified as 'Chick Lit', women and men alike can easily enjoy this book.
  
• Digger's Bones on April 19, 2011
  
  Some archeological finds can have an enormous impact on the world. Is there ever a time when those finds should be kept from the public? Angie Cooper is faced with this dilemma. Along the way, she is sucked into a world of conspiracy and deceit that threatens much of what she thought she knew about herself, her friends and the world. Digger's Bones is a fast-paced adventure. The biblical and historical facts interspersed throughout are well-researched and give a realistic feel to the story. This book has a fascinating premise and would be perfect for a reading/discussion group.
  
• The Secret of A Spicy Jalapeno on May 08, 2011
  
  Plot recipe: Start with a few completely original and unforgettable characters and a large heaping of twisted gruesomeness, mix in a generous dash of humor, then add a splash of an unexpectedly sweet romance. That is what you'll find in The Secret of A Spicy Jalapeno. The story is crazy, horrid and often graphic but, like a bad car wreck, I couldn't make myself look away. If you're looking for a story to make you laugh while you cringe, this one's for you.
  
• The Night Walk Men on May 30, 2011
  
  I want more! I loved this story and would like to double my star rating. The Night Walk Men is short but don't let the length fool you. The substance packed into this novelette is astounding. This story is dark, yet full of hope; obscure, yet enlightening. As always, Jason McIntyre paints a portrait with his words. His imagery is perfection and will haunt me for some time in ways both wondrous and disconcerting. I hope to see more of The Night Walk Men soon!
  
• What Was Lost on May 31, 2011
  
  This is well written and has tons of impact for so few words.
  
• Losing Addison on June 01, 2011
  
  This is a powerful piece of psychological suspense. The characters are vivid. The plot moves at a fast pace, with an original storyline and great twists. I was sucked into this fictional world and felt like I was living the story right alongside the characters. Loved it!
  
• Bast & Immie on July 03, 2011
  
  I loved this story! Sebastian and Imogen are fantastic characters, who pop off the pages and become so real that they could have been sitting beside me. This is a love story but goes much deeper than two people falling for one another. We learn about Sebastian's insecurities, despite his brilliance. We see Imogen joyfully teasing the man everyone else finds far too serious. We get a hint at what drives each of these characters on their own and what pulls them together. Bast & Immie is a prelude to Amy Saunder's novel Dead Locked. I'm looking forward to reading that and learning more about Sebastian and Imogen.
  
• Laundry Day (Short Mystery Story) on July 05, 2011
  
  This short story shows off Stacy Juba's excellent skills with mystery writing. I was reminded of how much I loved her two novels and I hope she hurries up with number three!
  
• To Hunt Monsters on July 09, 2011
  
  I have to admit that I'd been suffering vampire burnout. Gareth Lewis changed that for me. To Hunt Monsters is much more than an ordinary vampire and/or werewolf novel. This book has mystery, action, suspense, drama and a tinge of romance. The plot unravels in a world dealing with overt prejudices and blind allegiance. The hero is far from infallible and his faults and insecurities made me love him more. This is a well written, fast-paced book that kept me interested from beginning to end.
  
• Fusion on July 10, 2011
  
  In this eclectic collection of short stories, Maria Savva grabs hold and leaves her indelible impression. Her characters are at once familiar and their journeys could be our own. While there is no specific theme tying these stories together, the one consistent undercurrent is Savva's honesty. She shines a light beneath the surface and shows the hurt, hope, love, and loneliness that resides in us all.
  
• The Dream on July 18, 2011
  
  If you could go back in time and change one thing, how many other aspects of your life and other people's lives would be altered because of that one change? This is just one of the issues that Maria Savva takes on in The Dream. This book really made me stop and think about fate and destiny and all those little signs along life's path that, if we choose to take notice, lead us in one direction or another. This book is romance and mystery with a little paranormal twist. Lynne's character is one that many of us can relate to. The people she crosses paths with made me laugh and made me furious. This is a fun read with that feel good touch that I've come to expect when I read anything by this author.
  
• Plantgirl on Aug. 22, 2011
  
  This story is completely original, well written, fun and insightful. Loved it!
  
• Trafficked: The Diary of a Sex Slave on Aug. 23, 2011
  
  Trafficked is a compelling piece of fiction. Written in the form of a diary/memoir, Elena takes us with her as she's kidnapped and sold as a sex slave. Sibel Hodge does an excellent job of balancing the entertainment of fiction with the truth of this all too horrifying black market industry. Hundreds of thousands of woman and children are being bought and sold all over the world each year. I commend Hodge for stepping into this dark territory and shining a much needed spotlight.
  
• Nexus Point: The Fall of the Altairan Empire, Book 1 on Sep. 01, 2011
  
  I am not normally drawn to the sci-fi genre but, having read and loved two of Jaleta Clegg's short stories, I had to read her novel. Dace, the main character in Nexus Point, is completely lovable. She reminds me of a sci-fi version of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum character. She's tough but vulnerable and muddles her way through the disasters she finds herself caught up in. This book moves at a fast pace and is full of action, a touch of romance, and unexpected humor. The only drawback for me was that the fight/capture/escape sequences became a little repetitious. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story and the characters. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
  
• Seven Stories About Working in a Bookstore on Sep. 10, 2011
  
  This is unlike previous books I've read by Pablo D'Stair. Rather than dark and suspenseful, this one is comedic as well as poignant. As I've come to expect with D'Stair's writing, the main character is so well portrayed that I often felt I was reading a bit of D'Stair's personal journal. He works in a bookstore that rarely has customers, that is stuck in yet another strip mall full of needless stores. We feel his frustration with his job, his love of books and his desire for his life to be more than it is. This is sort of a coming of age tale in which daily routines and interactions with others brings about self-discovery. Like all of D'Stair's work, this is a fascinating and well written snapshot in time.
  
• Face-Off (Book One) on Sep. 15, 2011
  
  I don't normally read YA fiction but this one drew my attention for two reasons: I'm a fan of Stacy Juba's mysteries and I have been a huge Boston Bruins fan for close to 40 years. Knowing that this book centered around hockey made it a must read! This is a great story that is so much more than a hockey read. We're shown the dynamics of a family experiencing both joys and difficulties. The four boys suffer sibling rivalry but also support each other completely. Juba's writing is engaging and I was immediately sucked into this family of hockey players. Face-Off has no profanity or content that would be inappropriate for children. I highly recommend this one whether you're a hockey fan or just looking for a good story.
  
• Gloria on Sep. 18, 2011
  
  Packed into this short story is a unique plot with a great little twist and an incredibly well developed main character. The writing took me right into the mind of Oliver, the main character. Loved it!
  
• Second Chances on Sep. 20, 2011
  
  With Second Chances, Maria Savva shows us how the love that drew two people together can so easily fade into the background when the daily struggles take over. James is a lawyer, working long hours for a demanding firm. Pamela is a stay-at-home mother of two young children, longing for her husband’s attention. Somewhere beneath the stress, the arguments and the resentment, they still love one another. But by the time they figure that out, their love might be too damaged to repair. Savva does a masterful job portraying these characters. We don’t watch the story unfold. We live it along with each of them. Their emotions become ours. This is the gift Savva gives to us. We experience each point of view, we understand it, we feel it and, consequently, we are unable to take sides in this struggle. We can only hold our breath and wish for the best.
  
• The Shelter on Sep. 20, 2011
  
  James Everington has the rare ability to spark all of my senses as I read, without ever using wordy descriptions. One or two short sentences and I can feel the character's fear and confusion. I see the scene, taste the dust and dirt. And I can almost hear the characters breathing. From the very beginning, I was totally immersed in this story. The Shelter incorporates a little horror, a lot of psychological suspense, some paranormal aspects and mystery. This could be a tale of madness or redemption. Either way, you won't want to put it down.
  
• Dark That Day, After All on Oct. 03, 2011
  
  This short story is surprisingly full of depth, both with plot and characters. Right from the first sentence, Jason McIntyre captured my attention. The dialogue perfectly fit the characters. I felt like I knew these men, sitting there on that bench having a casual chat. The twist at the end caught me completely by surprise, giving a little taste of McIntyre's signature darkness. Loved it!
  
• Dark Before Dawn on Oct. 05, 2011
  
  While geared toward YA readers, this book easily crosses over to older adults. Dawn is a teenager struggling to find her place in life. She doesn't quite fit in at her high school and is adapting to a new stepfather and stepbrother. To complicate matters, she is a powerful psychic with no guidance and her mother wants her to ignore her abilities. Another psychic teen, a mentor and Dawn's desire to fit in soon lead her into the kind of trouble she'd never dreamed possible. The characters are well crafted and easy to relate to. The story moves at a good pace, with the mystery and suspense becoming more intense as the plot unravels. The writing style is Stacy Juba at her best. I loved everything about this book!
  
• Around the World in 80 Pages on Oct. 18, 2011
  
  I loved each of these stories! The collection is diverse, including romance, historical fiction, and literary fiction. Each story instantly drew me in. I especially loved 'Oh, Joy; Oh, Rapture', which, in my opinion, is a brilliant twist on the Rapture and one I would love to see happen. My other favorite is 'Gaul is Divided'. The characters and time period in that one really captured me.
  
• Dead Locked, A Mystery Novel on Nov. 15, 2011
  
  Dead Locked is a fun and unique story, combining a long ago romance and lost pirate treasure with modern day romance, murder, and mystery. Amy Saunders does a fantastic job of allowing the characters' personalities to slowly unfold. Rather than being bombarded with information at the start, we are allowed to get to know each character as a friend. She sprinkles the plot's details like bread crumbs on a trail, giving us enough to keep us close while not quite allowing us to catch up. The book's chapters are broken into various times before and after a specific murder. For me, this was the only drawback. The back and forth shifts left me a little disoriented at times, making it harder for me to stay in the moment with the story. This could easily be more a reflection of my own reading preferences than anything to do with the writing style. ** I read Amy Saunder's short story Bast & Immie first, which introduces the two main characters and allows us to get to know them before the events of this novel. It's not necessary to read the story but it is such a fun read that I highly recommend you do! **
  
• Creative Spirit on Nov. 27, 2011
  
  This book made me want to cover my eyes and hide in the closet - but I couldn't put it down long enough. You won't find a typical ghost or haunted house story here. The plot is original and kept me on edge from start to finish. Scott Nicholson has a gift for breathing life into his words, inviting us to step into his characters' world and share their experiences. If you're looking for horror with substance, this is the one for you.
  
• Cupid's Maze on Dec. 29, 2011
  
  After reading this story, I will never look at a cornfield the same way. A lot of action and creepiness is packed into this short story. The characters are well-developed and the plot steadily takes us from a sweet opening to a horrifying end. I loved the writing style, the imagery, and everything else about Cupid's Maze.
  
• Appliances Included on Jan. 03, 2012
  
  Mark Souza has a tremendous talent for storytelling and the ability to leave a lasting impression. This short story has some great characters, a creepy plot, and a house with a history you won't soon forget. I would love to see this one expanded into a full-length book or even a movie. Fantastic concept!
  
• Playing With The Bad Boys on March 16, 2012
  
  Mia Ferrari is a fun and adventurous woman in her late forties. In this first book in the series, she leads us through a tangled web as she plods along in her quest for answers. I really enjoyed Mia's character, as well as her supporting cast. At times this book made me laugh. Other times I'd find myself nodding in understanding. The pace is quick, the mystery a bit of a whodunit that allows readers to figure things out along with Mia.
  
• Illusions & Reality on May 26, 2012
  
  I loved everything about this collection of stories. The characters quickly come alive, each unique and captivating. The plots are all different, but equally engrossing. We have a taste of historical fiction, mystery, drama, and paranormal. There is humor and sadness, love and struggles. All are thought-provoking and wonderfully entertaining.
  
• Recall! Return of the IRR on May 29, 2012
  
  This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of an ex-military man who is recalled to service when war once again threatens to erupt. We see the total disruption to the life he'd been building. Then we travel with him to his new military base and feel the instant camaraderie between these men who'd been pulled back from their civilian lives. I've never been in the military. My husband is ex-Army, though we got married after he'd been out for several years. I don't have much background in military jargon, but I didn't find that a problem with this book. DePew clarifies his terminology so that anyone can understand. This is an interesting read for those with military background, or for anyone who'd like to understand what it's like for these men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day.
  
• Dark Spaces on Nov. 01, 2012
  
  This is an entertaining collection of stories, some more suspenseful and unexpected than others. One of the standouts for me was 'An Awakening', with a woman contemplating whether she truly cares if her husband lives or dies. The indifference about a relationship that long ago settled into something between comfortable and dull is fascinating commentary on the state of many marriages. Another standout was 'Amy'. This story explores the world of an abused teenage girl, offering a thought-provoking twist on her abuser and savior. Many of these stories will make you stop and think. You might also find yourself looking differently at your neighbors and coworkers, and wondering how well you really know these people.
  
• Silent Echoes on Nov. 29, 2012
  
  Part fantasy, part thriller, total excellence! I was sucked in right from the first sentence. Lewis has an enviable command over language and is able to paint a vivid portrait with few words. I loved the world he created. I could feel the character's emotions and the impact of their actions. This is a short but powerful read.
  
• Issue 49 on Dec. 06, 2012
  
  It's not often that a plot twist takes me by complete surprise. The twist in this story caused my jaw to drop. Issue 49 is funny and creepy, well written, and totally entertaining.
  
• In Search of Nectar on Dec. 06, 2012
  
  This story is my new favorite guilty pleasure! The writing is crisp and visual. I could see it all playing out in my mind. I loved the absurdity of it all. This is grown up fairy tale that, for reasons I'm not even sure of, totally captivated me.
  
• Circle of Justice on Dec. 18, 2012
  
  Captivating story! I was fully engaged from start to finish. Well written and fascinating concept. I loved everything about this one.
  
• The Sin of Hope on Dec. 19, 2012
  
  This is a story of suspense and intrigue, but also one filled with unexpected humor. The plot kept me fully engaged. There are some twists and a lot of intricacies within the story line. I absolutely loved John Daly, and would love to read more featuring this character. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a great story. Gareth Lewis is likely one of the most talented authors you've never heard of.
  
• The William S Club on Jan. 11, 2013
  
  This is an intriguing story of erotic suspense. The plot is extensive, with lots of mystery, and it moves at a quick pace. I was intrigued by the concept of family secrets and how far people are willing to go to protect those secrets. There are a lot of characters in this one and, especially in the beginning, I found it difficult to keep track of them all. I also felt character development suffered a bit, mainly because there were so many of them. I would have liked to get to know the important characters better, to know what drove their behavior. For me, the graphic sex scenes stretched credibility. I don't want to give away details, but I found it difficult to believe all the journalists so easily went along with behavior they would normally immediately reject. Despite these issues, Riley Banks' writing style pulled me into the story. If graphic sex doesn't offend you, this one will keep you guessing until the end.
  
• Haunted on March 21, 2013
  
  Haunted is exactly what you'll be after reading this book. The theme ran like an undercurrent in my brain for days. Nigel has an explosive temper causing him, in a moment of rage, to act in a way that changes his life forever. Given the type of person he is, Nigel shouldn't be particularly likable. Yet, somehow his character elicits sympathy. Through Nigel's life, we see the destruction caused by one moment in time. His mind is shattered, dark and desolate, and we, the reader, are right there with him. This is Maria Savva's darkest writing and, I have to say, my favorite. (Yes, I love the dark side!) There is no blood and gore piling up on each page. The torment here is purely psychological, which is even more frightening.
  
• Trash Talk - It's Easy to be Green - Book One on March 21, 2013
  
  Trash Talk takes us through the 4 Rs of sustaining our planet - Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. It starts off by sharing some facts, such as the mere act of recycling can reduce the waste you personally contribute to landfills by up to 30%. Then we're given helpful and often fun ways we can cut down on our waste and reuse or recycle those things we're tempted to toss in the trash. The issues covered here are things everyone should be thinking about. We only have this one planet, and we're all borrowing it from our children. It's about time we started taking better care of their legacy.