< Back Scott Fleuter Behind the Badge: From Police Chief to Opioid Addict: A True Story of Ruin and Redemption Book blurb... Scott Fleuter had it all. A successful career, a perfect marriage, and great kids. Then he plummeted from a police chief at the top of his game to a hopeless addict chewing opioid meds to chase the high and stave off withdrawals. Take a shocking, and sometimes darkly funny, journey through Scott’s life of trauma, addiction, recovery, and hope. Witness his reckless childhood go from Norman Rockwell to Lord of the Flies. Enter the violent world of police work, where multiple injuries lead to his spiral into addiction and depression. Experience an unflinchingly honest roller coaster ride of shame as he wanders the freezing halls of a detox center clad only in a backless hospital gown, or lines up for the daily pee test at a 90-day drug rehab. Learn the lessons embedded in Scott’s life story as seen through the lens of a fictional psychologist. Benefit from practical tips and techniques that helped Scott endure drug withdrawals, crippling panic attacks, and severe depression. Purchase here

< Back Isra Sravenheart Her Dark Love A young witch faces the ultimate betrayal, by author Isra Sravenheart Seventeen-year-old Isra joins Wingdom's Academy of Ancient Magic, to develop her witchcraft skills. She meets another young witch, Everilda, and the two soon become good friends. As they settle into school, the two young women have fun tormenting Magnus Wingdom, the Head Warlock of the school. One evening, whilst enjoying a walk in the forest, Isra encounters a mysterious young man, named Jonathan. Isra learns that Jonathon is the son of the King, but has lost his entitlement to the throne, in favour of his brother, Prince Valien. Isra and Jonathon develop a close connection, and they meet in secret at every opportunity. U nbeknownst to Isra, Jonathan is already in a relationship with her friend Everilda. When Isra discovers the betrayal, she is heartbroken. Then, when she learns that Jonathan is under a fateful curse and forever bound to Everilda, she is enraged. Little does Isra know, she is part of a dark prophecy that has not yet been realised. According to the prophecy, Isra will turn dark and become ‘ Lady Isra of the Dark’. ‘Light bringer’, Astrid is tracking her every move, concerned her heartbreak might unleash her darkness. But, with no hope to salvage her friendship with Everilda, and no chance of a reconciliation with Jonathan, Isra sets out on revenge. Will Isra turn dark and release her darkness on the world? And can the light bringers, keep her on the light path? Her Dark Love, by Isra Sravenheart, is a dark fantasy fiction novel, and part of the Dark Spell Series. I understand Her Dark Love is a prequel to the other books in the series, and tells the back stories of the main characters. This is a gripping novel, which starts slowly but quickly builds momentum, as the characters and their relationships develop over the course of the story. This is an original concept, with a magical fantasy world, interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I was captivated and would love to read more about Isra, and how her character develops following this prequel. The book will appeal to adults and young adult readers, who enjoy dark fantasy fiction. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A gripping novel, set within a magical fantasy world, with interesting characters, and an intriguing plot. Purchase here

< Back Liz Scott You're Going to Die But Not Me Book blurb... In this fearless, riveting work, Liz Scott stares down the great inevitability, death, with a mix of razor-sharp wit, scholarly curiosity, and unflinching vulnerability. From the ancient dreamers who sought immortality to modern laboratories probing the mysteries of near-death experiences, Scott escorts us through humanity's most profound obsessions. She delves into panpsychism and Buddhist detachment with the same verve she applies to the earthy, pragmatic realities of human composting. What makes the journey unforgettable is her own presence at its center: a candid, self-aware narrator wrestling with her fear of annihilation, punctuating deep research with stories that are as tender as they are illuminating. This is not just a meditation on mortality, it's an enthralling quest for meaning, brimming with emotional honesty and intellectual daring. Scott's voice is the rare guide who can make you laugh while asking you to face the abyss, and leave you strangely grateful for the view. Purchase here

< Back Deborah S. Greenhut The Hoarder's Wife Inside the secret world of the hoarder, by debut author Deborah Greenhut Sixty-five-year-old Grace Berg receives a telephone call and is told that her ex-husband, and the father of her two children, Professor Ludwig Berg, has tragically taken his own life. As Grace grieves for the man she once loved, she reads her old journal and reflects on the life she shared with him. The signs were there from the start of their relationship. The clutter. The mess. The lack of empathy. The signs of disorder. Grace recalls how Ludwig took control of their finances and slowly accumulated lots of possessions, throwing their family home into disarray. The couple seek specialist help and Ludwig is diagnosed with adult ADHD, OCD, ODD, perfectionism, procrastination, and depression. But as Ludwig’s hoarding and anger escalates, Grace finally reaches breaking point and makes a heart-breaking decision to reclaim her life, after thirty-five years of marriage. The Hoarder’s Wife by Deborah Greenhut is an engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. Written as a series of journal entries, this is an intimate and personal story about one woman’s experience of living with someone with a severe mental illness, and the devasting impact of hoarding disorder on families and relationships. Greenhut writes about the disorder with sensitivity and compassion, describing Grace’s turmoil as she makes the most difficult decision of her life. This is a deeply moving and emotional story, and it will appeal to readers of women’s fiction and literary fiction. Star Rating: 5 Stars Summary ‘An engaging and poignant novel, revealing the secret world of the hoarder from the perspective of a hoarder’s wife. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ Purchase here

< Back Lisa Towles Salt Island Private Investigators, Ellwyn and Abernathy, face their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives, by author Lisa Towles. Marissa (Mari) Ellwyn and Derek Abernathy are partners and Private Investigators, at E&A Investigations, a private detective agency in Santa Monica, California. As Derek takes on a new case to investigate the accidental deaths of two workers following an explosion at a farm in the Central Valley; Mari takes on a case for her college friend, investigating the blackmail of a CEO in a multi-million-dollar IPO deal. Meanwhile, Mari is concerned about her father, Richard Ellwyn, a former CIA agent. Apart from a few cryptic postcards, she hasn’t seen or heard from him in two years. She decides to investigate her own case and secretly travels to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, to try and find him. Tortola was one of her father’s favourite hiding places when Mari was a young girl, and she hopes to find clues about his disappearance. But on the ferry journey over to Tortola, a dead body is found floating in the ocean, and Mari is interrogated by the Coast Guard. Arriving in Tortola, Mari finds a possible connection to her father, but has to rush back to California when she learns that her mother has had a stroke. As Mari and Derek further their investigations, they find a connection between their cases and a dangerous underworld of illegal drug manufacturing and toxic waste dumping, and a potential lead to her missing father. Mari and Derek must work together to solve their most complex case and the biggest challenge of their lives. Salt Island is a crime thriller, by author Lisa Towles, and the second book in the E&A Investigations series. This book is an intricate, immersive, and riveting thriller, with plenty of surprising twists and turns. The characters are believable and well developed, and Mari in particular is a memorable, tough-as-nails, female detective. The plot is intricate, fast paced, and full of mystery and suspense. The novel moves seamlessly between California and the Caribbean, and parallel storylines. A gripping page-turner, not to be missed. This book will appeal to readers of crime and detective fiction, espionage, and political thrillers. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A compelling, character driven, crime, thriller, with a tough-as-nails female protagonist. Purchase here

< Back Dr. Bill O'Leary Stop Letting Your Past Control You: A step-by-step guide to becoming who you want to be Book blurb... There are a number of books that focus on dealing with past issues. The common themes seem to be forgiveness and acceptance. While these messages are a necessary part of the process, they aren’t very practical. Forgiving someone is cathartic and often makes the forgiver feel better about themselves, but they can’t effectively use it to overcome the underlying issues. There is also a sense of an afflicter and a victim. Readers should not have to feel like victims because they’ve been hurt in the past. They should be able to see hurt as normal, but something that is given far too much power. Healing is possible and moving on is possible. This book will empower the reader right from the beginning. You will see what you have been avoiding for most of your life and that by picking up this book, you have chosen to be the one in power and control. By applying the exercises in the book, you will finally take control of your life’s direction. Conspicuously missing from other books are tangible skills one can walk away with. This book will have clinical exercises you can use to start improving your life immediately. There will be short-term and long-term goals that provide present as well as future benefits. Purchase here

< Back E.R. Bellamy Chasing My Childs Education - A Staten Island Mothers Struggle Chasing My Child’s Education: A Staten Island Mother’s Struggle, is a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir by E.R. Bellamy, about her relentless journey to secure the best possible education for her two sons, both diagnosed with Dyslexia and Disorder of Written Expression. The book explores the challenges, frustrations, and triumphs of navigating an educational system that often falls short in addressing the needs of children with learning differences. Bellamy discusses how her young sons, Michael and Nicholas, both struggled with reading, writing, and concentration. She initially suspected Dyslexia, but her concerns were repeatedly dismissed by educators and administrators. The memoir is both inspiring and heart-breaking, as Bellamy details the numerous school transfers, IEP meetings, and interventions she pursued to help her sons. From public schools to private institutions in Brooklyn and Queens, and finally to a specialist school in New Jersey, Bellamy’s determination to find the right fit for her children is unwavering. Her story highlights the systemic challenges faced by parents of children with learning difficulties, including the lack of resources, the stigma of labels like “Special Education,” and the financial burden of private schooling. The memoir is a valuable resource for both parents and educators. Bellamy provides practical advice and shares resources, such as information about the Wilson Reading System and Orton-Gillingham, which were instrumental in her sons’ progress. This book is a must-read for anyone navigating their child’s special education journey. Star rating : 5 Stars Summary : A powerful and poignant memoir that sheds light on the challenges faced by families navigating the educational system for children with Dyslexia and other learning difficulties. Purchase here

< Back S.D. Huston A Curse of Wings & Gems: A Cursed Royals Fantasy Romance Book blurb... She yearns to belong. He hungers to escape torment. Drawn together by destiny, can this enchanted pair survive to claim an undying love? Princess Emira bears a terrible secret. Suffering in isolation to protect the world from her deadly magic, the defiant mermaid longs for connection. And determined to evade an arranged marriage and be free of her curse, she reluctantly agrees to the Sea Witch's demands to steal from a handsome dragon monarch. King Edmar keeps a protective wing over his kingdom. Fated to marry at random or unleash eternal winter, the stoic royal never expected to fish a lovely creature from his past out of the sea. And aware that following his heart will spark an icy doom, the draconic ruler refuses to give in to the passion she arouses. Growing closer to the mysterious noble, Emira questions whether she can go through with her bargain of betrayal. And while Edmar faces political tensions and looming threats, dark forces seek to exploit his attraction to the forbidden beauty. Can they snap the chains binding their souls and embrace a happily ever after? A Curse of Wings & Gems is a sensual standalone story in the Brides of the Dragon Kings fantasy romance series. If you like heroes who endure, traitorous villains, and complex stakes, then you'll adore S.D. Huston's intricately woven tale. Purchase here

< Back Mahika Goswami Growing Pains Growing Pains is a deeply introspective collection of poetry by Mahika Ray Goswami, exploring themes of trauma, self-discovery, healing, and transformation. The collection is structured across four stages (inertia, displacement, resonance, and momentum) to mirror the nonlinear path of recovery, with shifts in tone from despair to hope. Inertia explores the feeling of being stuck—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—while yearning for movement and change. Displacement delves into the emotional and psychological consequences of feeling uprooted, alienated, and disconnected from one’s sense of self and belonging. Resonance explores how individual experiences begin to echo beyond the self, creating emotional ripples that touch others and reshape relationships. Momentum shifts from introspection to action and captures the forward movement, channelling pain into growth. One of the manuscript’s strengths lies in its ability to balance vulnerability with empowerment. It emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and emotional honesty, portraying pain not as weakness but as a necessary part of healing. The tone shifts fluidly between melancholy and hope, creating a rhythm that mirrors the unpredictable nature of healing. The poems invite readers into Goswami’s inner world while also encouraging them to confront their own vulnerabilities. The writing is raw and confessional, capturing every ache and restless moment that shapes who we become. Goswami often uses nature-based imagery—such as flowers, seasons, and celestial bodies—to symbolize growth and renewal. Overall, Growing Pains is a poignant and courageous collection of poetry that speaks to anyone who has grappled with inner turmoil and sought meaning in the middle of chaos. It’s not just a personal narrative—it’s a universal meditation on what it means to feel pain, grow, and heal. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary : A deeply poignant, courageous, and introspective collection of poetry about what it means to feel pain, grow, and heal. Purchase here

< Back Robin Jeffrey .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery Chance Hale is enamoured by a mysterious woman from a different planet. Chance Hale is an Arrhidaean living in the wealthy suburb or Zahia. Chance is heir to the multi-billion-dollar company, Halcyon Enterprises, headed up by his father, Felix Hale. Travelling home after a one-night stand he can hardly remember, Chance notices a woman with a phoenix tattoo on her back. He introduces himself to the woman, and learns her name is Cadence Turing, from the plant Paraesepe. New to the city, and with no where else to stay, Chance invites the stranger to stay at his house, the imposing Hale Manor. Felix is planning a party that night and has an important announcement to make. He is not happy his son has brought a stranger into the house. As Cadence learns more about the strange, new world, the party gets underway. To everyone’s surprise, Felix announces his engagement t o Desdemona Eydis, and gives her an expensive necklace. Chance is livid that his father is marrying a woman younger than him, and who he has known for just three months. When Chance confronts his father, Felix threatens to cut him off from his inheritance. The next day, Desdemona’s necklace is missing, and the following day Felix is found beaten to death in his room. As Chance becomes the prime suspect for his father’s murder, Cadence reveals her true identity, putting her own life in danger. Will Chance prove his innocence? Will Cadence’s true identity be discovered by the authorities? And can they solve the mystery of Felix’s death? .exe: A Cadence Turing Mystery is a thrilling science fiction novel by author Robin Jeffrey , and the first book in the Cadence Turing mystery series. The book follows two people from two different worlds, who are unexpectedly brought together and realise they have more in common than they think. This is a classic mystery novel, set in a captivating futuristic world. With intriguing characters, and a gripping mystery plot, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy futuristic fantasy fiction and crime mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A classic whodunnit, with a unique, futuristic twist. Purchase here

< Back Clifton Wilcox The Lore Hunter: Brown Mountain Book blurb... For decades, the lights of Brown Mountain have defied explanation. Scientists call it natural. Locals call it something else. When Adrian Cross and his team arrive to document the phenomenon, they expect strange sightings—not missing people, fractured memories, and a presence that seems to anticipate their every move. The lights don’t flicker. They don’t drift. They hunt. As reality begins to bend and the mountain reveals its deeper secrets, the team realizes they are no longer observers— They are part of the pattern. And the mountain is not done with them yet. Purchase here

< Back Carol Amorosi Death on the Line A classic murder mystery, by debut author Carol Amorosi In 1763, a young Scot named Angus MacKay was offered the opportunity of a lifetime, to work as an apprentice on a ground-breaking surveying project, to define the border between the American colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania, using new technologies. The border had been fiercely contested for many years, and the King had ordered British surveyors, Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, to resolve the issue once and for all. Angus sells everything he owns and sets sail from London to America, in search of a better life in the colonies. But during the ten-week journey, he notices some suspicious activity between a sailor and a crewman, as they secretly exchange a package. Arriving in Philadelphia, Angus notices the same sailor exchanging packages with another man, and senses something is not quite right. The surveying team leave Philadelphia and travel towards the border of Pennsylvania and Maryland, where Angus befriends Susquehannock Natives, Running Bear and Gray Wolf. But during their journey, the team hears news of brutal attacks on the Conestoga, a Native American tribe, and Angus notices the team are being followed by a one-armed man. But when Angus stumbles over a dead body, he becomes the prime murder suspect. Desperate to clear his name, Angus must do everything he can, to learn the truth and find the killer. Death on the Line is a thrilling murder mystery, and the first book in The MacKay Mysteries historical fiction series. Extensively researched, and based on real events cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book provides a fascinating insight into colonial America and the experiences of the Native Americans and the early settlers. With wonderful descriptions of the landscape, rich characterisation with authentic dialogue, and a unique and gripping plot, this is an excellent book and will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Star rating: 5 Stars Summary: A thrilling murder mystery, extensively researched, and cleverly crafted from Charles Mason's own journals, this book will appeal to readers of both historical fiction and murder mysteries. Purchase here