Location: United States
Member Since:
Oct. 21, 2012
Denise Gardner
Denise Gardner's favorite authors on Smashwords
Smashwords book reviews by Denise Gardner
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Triangles
on Sep. 16, 2014
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.** 'Triangles' was one of those books that pulled me in from the start. One quote I kept thinking is the one that accurately fits this book: 'Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive'. The storyline held me page after page, I literally could not put it down. The characters were quite a cast that included some great people and some that I highly disliked. Burt was one man I despised from the start. The author did an exceptional job with creating the personalities and the story that ensued. The way the events played out was quite unbelievable at times, but I could picture the characters reality that was portrayed. Well written. A great add to your tbr list. Recommended read.
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The Tarot Card Murders
on Sep. 19, 2014
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.** 'The Tarot Card Murders' took me on a thrilling ride. The sequence of events was full of non-stop action as one thing happened after another. The suspense was great. I liked the characters and how they developed throughout the story. The storyline itself was quite good. The characters were good, quite a mix. I enjoyed how Drake spiraled out of control, only because he is a self centered ass. The only thing I didn't like was how the book ended. It's not quite a cliffhanger, but some situations weren't resolved. Other than that, it's a great add to your tbr list.
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Lost Innocence: The Accused. Part One
on Sep. 22, 2014
Wow. 'Lost Innocence' is one of those stories that you know could be based on true life, but is still one that you wished wasn't. I loved the storyline. The amount of corruption within the justice system, or lack of, is no match for that of a family set on freeing one of their own. This book is full of great characters and the bad guys are described accurately enough for me to dislike. I look forward to reading book two to see how Mike fares. A great add to your reading list. Recommended read.
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Bound By Her Scent - Twin Canyon Shifters (A BBW Erotic Romance)
on Oct. 06, 2014
Review by: Denise Gardner on Oct. 06, 2014 : (Remove) ** I received this book in exchange for an honest review, Lovers of Paranormal, LoP** 'Bound By Her Scent' is a hot and steamy quick read. The chemistry between Ally and Ryker is undeniable once the mutual misunderstanding comes to light. The erotic scenes were well written and I found myself getting a little overheated. I liked the storyline. I look forward to reading more in this series. This is a quick read that should be added to your tbr list.
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10:30
on Jan. 01, 2015
Damn what a creep factor 10:30 has. Not a story to read at bedtime. I love the way it pulls you in and gives you a sense of impending dread. Definitely a great add to your tbr list.
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Purgatory: Episode I
on Aug. 04, 2015
'Purgatory: Episode One' is a great short story. As with most of Mark Tompkins books, he loves to add detailed gore. For me, that's an added bonus to the horror story (I know, I'm sick that way). I like how the story took us into the story revolving around Mr. Crispy and how he came to get that name. I look forward to reading Episode Two.
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Purgatory: Episode II
on Aug. 04, 2015
'Purgatory: Episode Two' was better than the first. I loved the humor. The way Mr. Crispy sees things and the reality of it are complete opposites. His version was hilarious. And the beautiful woman he saved? Well, let's just say Mark Tompkins has a vivid imagination. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Crispy's episodes while he resides in Purgatory. This short story was very creative. A must read.
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Arrhythmia
on Aug. 04, 2015
Horror at its finest. This short story is another example of Mark Tompkins amazing ability to throw the reader into a depth of horror that exceeds the scare factor. Brilliantly written. I love his writing style that places the reader in the story. Imagine living through this horrific nightmare as the character, Jay. That is how I felt while reading 'Arrhythmia'. A great add to your tbr list. Definitely recommended!!
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Purge
on Aug. 04, 2015
'Purge' is a well crafted, step by step play of horror, also known as an incredibly painful death. Mark Tompins has a vivid imagination and he uses that in a fascinating short story. I enjoy reading Mark's work, mainly due to the fact that though this is a short story, it's huge on impact. A greatly detailed story.
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What Grabs You
on Aug. 04, 2015
This short story was absolutely an awesome scare. Mark truly has a remarkable imagination. I enjoyed "What Grabs You" from the beginning through the end. I would definitely recommend this book. Just don't read it while you are taking care of things in the bathroom. :)
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Pieces
on Aug. 04, 2015
This story will definitely keep you wanting to read until you are finished. Great detail, as always with Mark Tompkins thrillers/horrors. Well written. Great short story that most can relate to, the fear of rats. Austin is a great character. Definitely recommended.
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What Grabs You Too
on Aug. 04, 2015
'What Grabs You Too' is definitely a story I should not have read before I was to take a shower. It's definitely creative and a great short horror story. Alicia reacted like I would have., freaked the 'f' out. Mark Tompkins stories are quite descriptive and always contain the scare factor. Definitely a must read as well as the first book, 'What Grabs You'. I look forward to reading 'Minden Anomoly' when it's out.
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The Wraith
on Aug. 04, 2015
'The Wraith' was scary good. Three lives forever changed due to the one thing that interrupts all of our daily activities- the need to use the bathroom. Now every time I pass a creepy run down gas station, I'll be reminded to keep going. A good short story. Quite creative.
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Lukas
on Aug. 19, 2015
'Lukas' was the type of book that tells a unique story. The storyline was pretty good. Although some parts seemed rushed and pure fiction compared to real life, yet I enjoyed it. Karly and Lukas were a great pair. Each had the biker life, but they also had a deeper level as individuals. Towards the end after an attack, I was like no-no-no that can't happen. An overall good quick read with some hot and steamy scenes. Pure hotness.
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Throwing Away the Good
on Sep. 19, 2015
'Throwing Away The Good' was an intriguing novella about Karl. I enjoyed his story. Wendy played an important part in his transition from slave to free man. Some hot and steamy parts too. A great addition to a great series. I look forward to reading the next book. Recommended read.
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Sylvia's Torment
on Sep. 24, 2015
** I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Lovers of Paranormal, LoP** Wow. 'Sylvia's Torment completely blew me away. This series, 'Enforcers and Coterie', just keeps getting better. The storyline was awesome. Full of paranormal beings with awesome powers, some great action, thrilling scenes and some hot and steamy moments. Pure hotness. The way the book played out was well written and well thought out. The characters were a great cast of personalities. Derek is the ultimate bad-ass Alpha who also happens to be drop dead sexy. Yum. Sylvia is a beautiful Beta, inside and out. She was put through hell and still maintained her sense of duty. I loved the way the whole book kept my anticipation up. A definite must read. A great add to your tbr list. Highly recommended.
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Bicycle Requiem
on Oct. 29, 2015
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.** 'Bicycle Requiem' really took me on a ride of how one random act, however horrible you find it, can turn your life into a living nightmare. The storyline was full of gore and impossible to ignore moments for Teddy. From work to her home to a church and so on took a new meaning of 'a living hell'. Ava seemed to understand more than Teddy first thought. This Novelette was a great quick read. I doubt I would have handled myself as well as Teddy did. Juli D. Revezzo created quite the creative story. I've always enjoyed her work. A great add to your tbr list. My favorite quote: “The gods had spoken, and I would forever be in extremely deep shit”. (Excerpt From: Juli D. Revezzo. “Bicycle Requiem.” iBooks. This material may be protected by copyright.)
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HTTP Error 502
on Oct. 21, 2016
'HTTP Error 502' is a short story that left me thinking of the possibility that I could, one day, be auctioned off for nefarious reasons. Creepy concept. Mark has a way of bringing his stories to life and putting me 'in' the story. A good short read to add to your tbr list.
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Ocularity
on Oct. 21, 2016
'Ocularity' was another example of a vivid imagination that thrives on horror. I can honestly say that Mark Tompkins never ceases to amaze me when it comes to telling a story that has a maxed out creep factor. This short story is so full of detail and truly captures the struggle of an eyeball. Who knew... And the bonus story- 'Transmogrification', wow. Horror at its finest- or would it be worse. Either way, these stories are quite graphic, which is to be expected. A great add to your tbr list.
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Swallowed
on Oct. 21, 2016
'Swallowed' is just plain nasty. Only for the sheer fact that I strongly dislike spiders. Major EW. Good short story, great gross factor. I do love an authors imagination that makes you think twice about your surroundings and something I take for granted- sleep. Nice going Mark. There went my hopes of a nap. A great short story to add to your tbr list.
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The Fresinnius Chronicles
on Oct. 21, 2016
This is an absolute favorite short story of mine. I love how the scare factor is so high in this story. It kept me on edge throughout. The characters are all great. The story itself is well thought out. I love the authors writing style. Mark Tompkins is one of my favorite authors. An awesome read! Well written. Highly recommended.
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Road Rage
on Oct. 21, 2016
I gave Road Rage a 5 star rating because that is the highest it would let me rate. I absolutely love this book. Mark Tompkins has a style of writing that is very unique in the sense that he involves the reader. Road Rage kept me on the edge of my seat. Once I started reading, I could not put it down until the last page was read. So far, I have read this amazingly written book twice. Soon to be read again.i recommend this awesome book to every one who loved AV action packed thriller. Road Rage is one of my favorite books. Fresinnius Chronicles is also on my absolute favorite list. Mark Tompkins is going to be famous for his talent, his style and his"out there" mind. I love it.
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Trench Foot
on Oct. 22, 2016
'Trench Foot' is a fast paced, action packed quick read. I was literally on the edge of my seat while reading. The details were incredible. The way this story played out was definitely thrilling and pretty graphic, but then again- Mark Tompkins pretty much specializes in horror. A good add to your tbr list.
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The Devil's Work
on Oct. 22, 2016
'The Devil's Work' is a creepy and very detailed short story. Hell and horror go hand in hand. So the way Mark Tompkins portrays Wesley's hell is pure horror and described with so much detail. Gave me the willies. A great add to your tbr list.