 It is now official. 'How to be You!' is the third book I've read by the author and I can say with certainty that he is now among my favorites. While the first two books I’ve read were novels (‘Angelika’ and ‘Eustacia’s Secret’), this one was different. ‘A winner’s guide’ it says in the title. Be prepared to experience something totally different. Through dialogue and comments, the author is talking to you, the reader, in a smart, witty, interesting eye-breaker kind of way. You aren't even realizing when the author's message is implanting slowly into your mind. Why? Not only he did his researches but he really used the same way of thinking that empowered him. Believe me, he knows what he is talking about. And what is the end result? You become YOU. Maybe not over night but if you were listening carefully the change will take place and your life will be where you want it to be.
Though it is a short reading I confess I read it slowly as I was enjoying it too much. I want to underline that in my opinion this guide should be read by many. The world would be a much better place and the individuals happier and content. Consistency is the key. I invite you to discover on your own what do I mean by that. Type of reader: Readers interested in personal growth, and self-empowering, but practically I think everyone could read it from the age of 16+. My favorite quotes from this book: “You take care of yourself first so you're strong, positive, satisfied, and happy, and then you are not only in a better position to take care of those who depend on you, but you also present to them an image of strength and genuineness that will allow them to feel like they want to grow up to be strong, confident, and happy adults, just like you.” “You are a dynamically perfect, deserving, and empowered child of a bountiful, benevolent, and provident Universe, and as long as you can keep your own ego from reacting to those in whose interest it is to deny you that God-given status, you can use the powerful connection between your subconscious mind and the Universal Subconscious to actualize any desire you may have that is both respectful of others and consistent with Universal Harmony.” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon
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 Not at all my regular cup-of-tea but I’m glad I decided to dig into these waters too, sort of speak. This novel was a HELL of a ride, literally. Most of the time on Earth but also from Earth to Hell and back. While the only humans in the story were only a bunch of recruits to be part of a Cult of a demon, I surprised myself being on the demon’s side while reading. Well, I admit, Samm seemed to be the nicest demon, something like the least evil. What I liked the most about this book and the reason for the high rating is the humor. Dark humor, sarcasm and lots of witty stuff into a light horror story made it more entertaining than I thought. I caught myself grinning more than half the time. Demons, zombies, the CEO of Hell, hell-hound dogs, magic, good demons, bad demons, an angel from Heaven are all in there. Sometimes even playing poker together. Adenisa and Barney are the main humans in the whole story and they seemed to be loyal to Samm because somehow they believed in their mission. We can also witness that a human, Adenisa in this case, can be trained and develop capabilities of using different spelling techniques and magic. And what was the main purpose? The takeover of the leadership of a bar on Earth after the death of the last owner, another demon. Why? Because it was a strategic spot for the Hell? Because other gangs of demons would have misused its location? Because of the hilarious sense of humor of the author? I let you discover on your own. Real original writing.
Type of reader: Fans of light horror with a sassy humor that are looking for a delightful read. Some quotes from this book that could give you a slight insight: “The Cult measured a hundred and fifty strong. These were the geeks, the nerds, the losers. They had been picked on throughout high school, beaten up and tormented by bullies, by family members who wondered why they couldn’t be more like their brothers or sisters. Beaten down at school, at work, at home. At life. Until they felt as if they had no other choices. And then Tamerlin offered them one. “Join me,” he’d say. “Become part of the Cult. Sure, you have to worship a demon; but he’s no worse than the asshole jocks who tormented us and the benefits are better.” One by one, they joined. And now they were hungry. They’d been tormented their entire lives; it was time to give a little payback.” “He hit the shield at full ramming speed and exploded in a shower of blood and flesh. A Cult member saw this and threw up. But then three demons also threw up, so the cultist didn’t feel so bad.” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Love can be found when you least expect it.
This is a different kind of lesbian romance novel, where erotica elements are more present than the emotions related to a love between two people. This is the story of Virginia and Sage, both with some traumatic past and lots of personal issues. Virginia, a well-known actress, decided to take a break from the spotlight and drugs related issues, and move to a cabin in a remote place in Wisconsin in order to recover and find herself. Sage, a successful writer, was living a solitaire life in the same place, trying to recover from a hard past. They were brought together by Sage’s dog, named Denzel and Bartleby. While the dog only made the introduction, series of events, quite unusual and tragic I must say, made them realize that they rescued themselves from life-threatening events and offered them a possibility for a brighter future. A fun, heartwarming read, dark at times, steamy in big proportion. Does it bring a happily ever after? Will their sexual relationship go beyond intensive sexual moments, and love for the same cute little dog? Will they manage to move further from the dark point in life? Will they make peace with their past? These are all questions that I invite you to discover the answer on your own. Type of reader: Readers of contemporary lesbian erotica. Quotes from the book: “This was what Denzel was doing the other day. He wasn’t watching anything in particular, just looking into the deep beauty of the world around him. How much time do we spend looking at our phones? Looking at our walls? Closing ourselves in, away from this great big wonderful wide world that we were born into?” “He’s like a rescue dog, but so much more than that. I think he brought us together for a reason.” “I had this revelation,” Virginia swallowed. “About me. About everyone, I guess.” Callie nodded. “We’re all just characters trying to play our scenes right,” Virginia licked her dry lips. “But the thing about life is that you can change the script without anyone throwing a shit fit.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon Author’s website  Concise, pleasant and straight to the point. In a very polite and intelligent way, the author has chosen to share with us the most important events in his life so far, good and bad. The people and happenings that transformed his life. As I met for the first time a different definition of the ‘afterlife’ I am quoting the author so you can understand his view on this: “...we should be positive and forget about the ‘bad’, especially after learning our life lessons. That is what normal people say. That is in fact ‘life after life’. All things change, so does life itself.”
Hence, I recommend to everyone, I included, to take our time, look back, reflect and reevaluate certain life situations. Enjoy our life in the moment or while it continues changing! Type of reader: While this is a beautiful story about Boyko’s inner transformations I believe everyone could be moved and inspired by it. My favorite quotes from this book: “...I presume people are generally good. That is why we are called human beings and not anything else that you might well think of. “Love is simply perfect. We should love and be loved. Alternatively, the world and life in general would have been so sad and miserable altogether.” “How wonderful it would be if people spoke only good things about one another?!” My rating: 5/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Chaun Hutchins was like any regular 32-year-old. He had a wife, a full-time job, a comfortable home, and a baby on the way, but yet he was not at all satisfied in their marriage. During a fight on the way from a party, he finally got the courage to speak up to his wife, but the moment after a tragic accident left him a widower. Some would think that this is where his life will go down the road. But no, as the child survived he needs to be strong for the baby. Will he have the power to overcome the pain, the guilt and find the strength to move on? Will he get a second chance at life and love? The questions will be answered only when together with his parents and his new friend, Denise, will manage to solve the mystery of the paranormal events that are threatening their peace and putting some of them in danger. A really interesting read, a story that gives you hope only after the main character manages to find answers over the dark troubles from the past in order to have a bright and peaceful future. Aaron D. Brinker adds a touch of romance to the whole paranormal part, everything with a writing style that it is really pleasant to read.
Type of reader: Fans of mystery, thriller, suspense with a touch of ghosts and paranormal elements. I found this being an intriguing story, definitely, a must read. My favorite quotes from this book: “You had no way of knowing what was going to happen, let alone what minor differences would have caused things to change. No matter what we face in life, trials have to be taken as they come. We can never change the past, but only better ourselves for the future.” “You see, the night you died, you felt what I had been feeling our entire marriage.” My rating: 4/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Inspired by the journal of Helen, an animal activist aka “Rainbow Warrior”, on a mission to protect as many animals as she can, the author takes us on another emotional journey. After reading A World Without Color by the same author, I knew this was a book I had to read. The writing style of the author remained as beautiful as I knew it was, honest, poetic and full of emotions.
This time the author tells us about Danny, a harp seal pup, his parents and brother Jon. This could have been a happy story about all the funny stuff a seal pup could do, right? But no, unfortunately, due to the man’s ignorance and greed this is a really sad story written though in a relaxing way. It is a story of life, love, existence, and humanity at both its worst and very best. This is more than a novella, it is a cry for awareness and a call to action to anyone that wants to stop the slaughter of innocent creatures. In time, many organizations, and individuals, including the author, have been actively united forces and did what they could to slow down the annihilation and ease the tragic destiny of these adorable, innocent creatures. We are being offered with a set of links of different organizations for any one of us that wants to join. The message of this book was honest, sincere and it truly moved me. Type of reader: Readers of any age, lovers of animals and anyone else that searches for an emotional read. My favorite quotes from this book: “Man’s a great mystery. We know not where he comes from, nor where he’s going. Elusive, like a shadow, he leaves wasteland in his wake.” “I do not doubt I have a big heart and burning desire, but is that enough for a person to become a Rainbow Warrior, or is there something higher in us, something better? Something that lies hidden deep in our innermost selves, something only some of us manage to express and turn into what we have long missed—humanity.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon Author’s website  A masterpiece by all means!
The stream-of-consciousness style chosen for big parts of Moirae was something new to me. Nalia is an intelligent, poor village girl. At the age of 16, she married Romeo, the love of her life. Unfortunately, on the wedding night, he was arrested and her suffering starts to evolve in front of our eyes, All this time she is knitting a pink sweater. I could feel Nalia’s feelings and thoughts while she was caught in some kind of a lucid dream. While she was trapped in this strange dream phase, danger loomed ahead for her, her friends and family and yet I felt so relaxed, due to the masterly deployed stream-of-consciousness writing. All the retailed happening is sad and it really touches your heart. I felt sorry for Nalia, yet I felt her strength too. As for the other characters, in stream-of-consciousness, they are conceived in Nalia’s dream, where thoughts, voices, actions, and experiences have slipped. I must point out the many “errors” littered across the novel are meant to be, due to the writing style. Despite the fact that the action takes place in a village called Lost Winds, on a planet with two moons, it does resemble quite a lot with certain parts of our world. I would dare and say that the Lost Winds can be actually any village or smaller city in underdeveloped countries. And all the happenings may look similar to especially some current worldwide happenings. The villagers suffer from oppression, killings, and rape take place. Some people flee to a better place, Draviland, where they seek safety. While some riders may need to change their religion to be accepted, others have not. Destines are different, some are luckier, some are not. And above everything, there is love too, pure, deep, honest, overcoming barriers, pain and time. Moirae it does urge an open mind with a thirst for a multifaceted wave of knowledge. A real masterpiece from the literary point of you but also through its deep and straightforward messages. Type of reader: Anyone that loves literary fiction, contemporary, poetry, fantasy and interested to try new writing styles such as stream-of-consciousness. My favorite quotes from this book: “Tahu What a joke peace had become Joke People have forgotten about peace They craved for peace No Then why were people leaving in droves if they did not crave peace Tahu” “Riders were not welcome here. Yet, some people’s hearts said differently, as they took to the streets for rallies and demonstrations. What crimes had the riders committed though? Being poor. Was that a crime? Were proper avenues open only to those who had clout and money? Queue jumpers, what other pathways were available for the poor?” “They both faced each other quietly and remained looking for a long time; sipping out of the cup of joy, the tender moments of delightful love in infinite profusion.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Great for kids of any age!
When I was a child I took drawing lessons and my teacher mentioned to my parents that he saw a great talent in me. Apparently, that wasn't enough as I stopped drawing as soon as we moved to another city. When I came across this book I thought it must be for young kids and definitely not for me. Flipping through pages and following the steps to draw certain figures ( pears, puppies, nightingales, turtles, frogs pterodactyls, honey bees, trains, foxes, stegosaurus, chickens, centipedes, vases, bananas, mushrooms, fish and starfish, bluebells and snails, and potted flowers) I realized that I was wrong. These tutorials are for everyone. They are cute, fun and easy to follow as the author made sure the steps are understandable. Beginning with the basic shapes and displaying the step-by-step process of adding details, these tutorials can be sometimes used alone or with adult help. A great way to introduce your youngster to art. Type of reader: I think these cool drawing tutorials could be useful for everyone also by parents, grandparents or babysitters as a way to entertain the children. My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  After reading and enjoying Angelika, I certainly looked forward to reading another work of this author. I found myself drawn into the story due to many reasons: exquisite language, the tender love between Darcy and Eustacia, certain interesting information about Jamaica and the overall humor.
The story is set in the late ‘60s and it offers the reader a view on how things were at the time. On top of that, and the main topic, it offers a view from the perspective of an effeminate young boy Stanford. While he has his parents full support, due to his increasingly feminine appearance it seems impossible for him to maintain his male identity in Jamaica. Hence he takes the name of Eustacia and moves to Vermont to live with the Coxes. Prior to Eustacia’s arrival Perry, Darcy’s friend, put a spell on him, out of a silly joke: “Dragon’s breath and snatch my beanie! May Darcy find a girl like Jeannie!” To my amusement, Darcy did find his Jeannie bit later in Eustacia. Not only she looked very much like the actress in the movie, but she also loved playing Jeannie’s role with her parents and later on with Darcy. The pure love that it is born between Eustacia and Darcy Cox is really sweet. They develop deep feelings for each other while they are also sharing many common interests at the same intellectual level. As the title says it is indeed a story of true love and the author did a remarkable job by not dramatizing the transgender part but putting in the spotlight Darcy’s lack of judgments regarding it. It would be great if in real life everyone would treat LGBT people with the same respect as we are all simply human beings. The plot is very well constructed and written and it didn't surprise me being charmed by the author’s style already. Type of reader: If you're looking for not only a love story but to open your horizons, broaden your thoughts, views, and understandings from a different angle then this book is for you. My favorite quotes from this book: “Mummy…, Daddy…,” he said, his voice shaking as tears began to run down his cheeks, “I don’t care; I really don’t care…. There’s so much more to my dear, sweet love than a stupid appendage! As far as I’m concerned, Eustacia is a girl, and I’ll take her just the way she is. I don’t care if she’s male, female, or something in between, because life without her would be unthinkable.” “You are who you are; I am who I am. We’re all different, and we all like different things, and there’s nothing wrong with that.” “Jeannie,” Darcy asserted, “when they made you, they broke the mold. For you, there can be no replacement, not now, not ever.” My rating: 5/5. Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon  Few years after the tragic loss of her husband, Kim – mother of a teenage boy Tim, fights with the sadness of being left alone, of learning how to move on with her life despite the cruel fact that she is never going to see her husband again. Next, to this, she is having difficulties handling her son. As unbelievable as it may seem there is a younger man, Tim’s wrestling coach, that attracts her attention. His name is Chance Carter and he seems to be every woman’s dream. Kim’s life is changing from the moment they first met. Desire mixed with feelings of guilt are a barrier that she needs to overcome. Life has to go on.
Though the title and the events at the beginning of the book, with a bit of a slower pace for my taste, give you a clear indication which way the story goes, I did find pleasure discovering all mixed thoughts and emotions that pass through Kim’s mind. When will it finally be the day when they make the next step? The sexual attraction is very well described, the same as the hot sex that follows repetitively as the story continues. Despite the 16 years difference, they seem to be made for each other. Age shouldn’t matter for those in love. What about for Tim or the rest of the close family and friends? Will their relationship be accepted? I let you discover on your own with a promise of a happy ending and possible overcoming with the age difference barrier. Type of reader: Fans of an easy summer-read with lots of steamy scenes though with the warning that it is more than just hot sex and the age difference. My favorite quotes from this book: “What I wouldn’t give for one more touch. One more kiss. One more chance to say I love you. Missing him hurts. It’s destroying me. Everything I do, everywhere I look, reminders of him tease and torment me. Memories bombard and overwhelm me.” “I cry feeling alone. Empty. I have no one in my life to hold me. No one to soothe the heartache. I cry until my swollen eyes close and sleep carries me to another realm.” “There’s been a change in me since the accident. A big one. It’s like I woke that night and found I’ve been living in a cave of darkness. I stayed there, trapped, only I couldn’t see it until Chance peeked his head in and found me. He reached in and pulled me from the cold and darkness.” “I love him? I can’t. I don’t. I won’t allow myself to love him. I love my husband. Still. Always. Enjoying Chance’s company is okay. Fantasizing about him while I get myself off, who could blame me? Having the hottest sex of my life with him, that’s an experience everyone isn’t lucky enough to have. But love? It doesn’t fit. Not for me. Not for him. Not at all.” My rating: 4/5 Find it on Goodreads Follow the author on Amazon |
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Message to you:In order to be a good writer, one has to read a lot. And I do and I love it....and I chose to share my readings with you. Feel free to share with me any of the books you have read or wrote, if I find them interesting I will add them to my list. I'll post my reviews on Goodreads, Amazon and all my social accounts. |
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