Virtual Book Tour: Truffle Me Not by M.K. Scott

 Good morning everyone! Please welcome authors M.K. Scott to Full Moon Dreaming! They are here today to tell us about their new release, Truffle Me Not! They will be awarding a $40 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on their tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Truffle Me Not

by M. K. Scott

 

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GENRE: Cozy Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

The future of Cupid’s Catering Company hangs in the balance. With a rival bakery, owned by the queen of all mean, rich girls, Della is at a distinct disadvantage.

 

Della hinges her financial future on winning the local truffle contest. As if there wasn’t enough on her mind, additional problems arise, including missing cats, jewel thieves, and her desperate attempt to find the incredibly kind man who’d lent her hand when she had tire trouble.

 

Can she solve all these problems and find time to whip up a cookbook at the same time?

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

Even before she picked up the phone, she felt apprehensive. Why call when she’d see her mother at the bakery in less than thirty minutes. “Hello, Mother. I’m almost in the car.”

 

“Good! I need your help.” Mabel rushed the words together, forcing Della to decipher the bunched words before answering.

 

For most of her life, her mother had helped Della. Sometimes, almost too much, which came from being a surprise baby to a couple who had given up hope on having children. As the only child, Della felt obliged to be the best she could be after one of her school mates pointed out her parents had invested all their hopes and dreams in her. A staggering responsibility for a primary school-aged child to handle, but she had dealt with it.

 

“What’s wrong?”

 

“I need a jeweled cat collar. Red. Lots of rhinestones.”

 

“Mom…” she stretched out the word, making it into more of a question.

 

“Buy whatever styles they have. We can return the ones that don’t work.”

 

Even though her brain might not function at its full capacity without coffee first, almost anyone could deduce an incident occurred involving Prince Purrfection of the jeweled collar. There was a good chance Tony could be the culprit.

 

“Ah, did Tony hurt Prince? Did Prince hurt Tony? What’s up with the collar?”

 

Her mother inhaled audibly. “Time is of the essence. Vanessa is going to start looking for her cat once the storm passes. I need a new collar on the feline diva before I push him out the door. Tony thinks I’ve gone traitor by even letting her into the house.”

 

 

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

M. K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach.  Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are fun series to create and read.

 

Social Media

 

Website: http://www.morgankwyatt.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMorganKWyatt

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/morgankwyatt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5826299.Morgan_K_Wyatt

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/morgankwyatt/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/M-K-Scott/e/B01M4JGK1A/

 

Buy Links:  The book will be on sale for $0.99 on the day of the tour.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Truffle-Cupids-Catering-Company-Book-ebook/dp/B08Y771ZR8

 

 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday is Horror Day #13 - Stonehearst Asylum, Mary (2019)

 Stonehearst Asylum

Edward Newgate (Jim Sturgess) is a new doctor who has gone to Stonehearst Asylum to obtain practical experience in order to complete his education. The asylum is run by Silas Lamb (Ben Kingsley), who has what Newgate finds to be an unusual method of treating his patients. He makes no effort to cure them, claiming that they are happier as they are. And he allows them the freedom of the asylum. Lamb's assistant, Mickey Finn (David Thewlis) is rude and crude, with a twisted sense of humor. Newgate finds himself drawn to one of the inmates, Eliza Graves (Kate Beckinsale). She is beautiful and enigmatic, and he longs to learn more about her.

Wondering about Lamb's methods and philosophy, Newgate explores the asylum and discovers more than he bargained for in the form of cells containing inmates who are locked up for some reason, including a man named Benjamin Salt (Michael Caine). They question who he is even as he questions them as to why they are there. But can he believe what they tell him? Can Salt be the real superintendent of the asylum?

Are the inmates really running the asylum?

I wasn't sure what to expect with this film, based on a story by Edgar Alan Poe (which one, I have yet to discover). I figured out the twist right away, but after that, all bets were off. If you've ever seen the film Asylum, you might know what I'm referring to. Otherwise, I won't give that away, although it's fairly obvious early on.

The settings are well done and very turn of the century, as 1899 is about to become 1900, which event

must of course be celebrated. I think it was well written, and has quite the cast. David Thewlis is quite the chameleon. He can play the sweet, mild-mannered Remus Lupin, or this maniacal madman who doesn't ever seem quite right. Kate Beckinsale is a tragic figure as Eliza Graves, who supposedly bit off her husband's ear, which is why she has been placed in the asylum. A fact that Mickey Finn doesn't hesitate to bring up. Look for a funny moment when Newgate finds humor in Finn's name.

While this film may not be filled with jump scares or the traditional trappings of horror, it has its own horror and creepiness factor, which leaves you wondering until the end what is going to happen. Guess if you like, but I bet you won't see it coming. I give this a solid 4 stars.

Mary (2019)

David (Gary Oldman) and Sarah's (Emily Mortimer) marriage is foundering on the rocks, after Sarah's infidelity, but they are working at staying together, for themselves and for their two daughters. When David runs across a less than perfect ship for sale, he envisions their future as the owners of this vessel, which they will use for charter tours and which will provide for their future. Sarah wants to say no, but she's not really in a position to go against David's wishes, so she bites her tongue and agrees to the purchase, although it will take everything they have and then some.

They decide to take the family on a trial run/vacation, and head up toward Bermuda, along with the crew, which consists of David's friend Mike (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and a young man named Tommy (Owen Teague). Tommy and the older daughter Lindsey (Stefanie Scott) hit it off right away, and it seems to be smooth sailing...

until it isn't.

Sarah thinks she is seeing and hearing things, and Tommy thinks the masthead, which comes from the original vessel, speaks to him. Younger daughter Mary (Chloe Perrin), who is artistically inclined, is drawing strange figures, for no apparent reason. The further out to sea the ship goes, the worse it gets. Sarah is beginning to think there is an evil entity on this ship, and it's after her family!

This wasn't a bad film, but it wasn't a great film either. Not really scary, maybe a couple of jump scares. My biggest problem is that the story behind what's going on doesn't really make sense to me or explain anything. The acting and directing aren't bad (look for Gary Oldman's manager in a small role at the beginning). But the story is definitely lacking, and if you can't become invested in the story, what do you have? A movie that tries too hard and achieves too little.

If you're a fan of Oldman, you might enjoy it. Or if you like creepy spirits on a ship in the middle of the ocean. I'll give it a shaky 3 stars and say everyone meant well, but it just didn't work well enough.

Book Review: Frog by Mary Calmes

 

Frog         

Author: Mary Calmes

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press

American release date: April 25, 2012

Format/Genre/Length:  Kindle/Gay Romance/Supernatural/126 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Weber Yates has been living his dream as a bull rider for a long time, but as he gets older, he comes to the realization that he can’t do it forever, and his nomadic life has to come to an end. But what’s he going to do to support himself? He’s a very self-reliant guy who’s always depended on himself and no one else. He’s also a very proud and stubborn man.

Weber has a rich lover, a neurosurgeon named Cyrus Benning. Cy loves Weber more than life itself, and wants nothing more than to be with Weber forever. But he puts no strings on him, makes no demands, and only takes what he is given. At the same time, neither man is a saint, and they know they have other hook-ups when they aren’t together, since they aren’t exclusive or anything.

On his way to a temporary job in Alaska, Weber is passing through Oakland and, on an impulse, calls Cy. Cy talks Weber into letting him pick him up and bring him home. Weber says he can only stay a day or two, because he has to find some work so he can get the money he needs so he can afford to head up to Alaska. But things don’t work out quite as planned, and Weber finds himself staying with Cy for the holidays, caring for his three young nephews, while their mother goes through a difficult time.

Caroline’s children love Weber immediately. One of them, Micah, doesn’t speak, following a traumatic event. But Weber has no problem communicating with the boy. When Weber goes with Cy to his family’s home for the holidays, he finds that he’s not the only one who thinks Weber isn’t good enough for Cy, and he thinks maybe it’s time to hit the road, and let Cy have a chance at finding his prince.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me and has been urging me to read it. I’m glad I finally did. This was a very sweet, sexy, romantic story, filled with great characters. I’ve never read Mary Calmes before, but I will read more of her books now. She has a very smooth, fluid writing style that pulls you in and hooks you. And it just goes to show that love makes equals of us all.

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #70 (16.4)

 Good morning and Happy Hump Day ! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Well, all good things must come to an end, so prepare to say good-bye to Evan and Chan! Their story ends today, and next week I'll start a new tale. In the meantime, see what's going on with them for the last time. Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #70 (16.4)

Chan wrapped one hand around his lover’s seeping cock. No one had ever made him feel the way that Evan did. Loved and cherished. Respected. He’d never thought he would find anyone as wonderful as Evan who would want to become a part of his life. But here he was, and here they were, and Chan knew he couldn’t love Evan any more if he tried.

He pumped Evan with sure, firm strokes, Evan’s pleasure more than evident from the noises coming from him.  But this was not how the night was destined to end, and Chan knew it. Pulling Evan’s face down to his, he placed a searing kiss on his lips, at the same time wrapping his legs about Evan, encouraging him to take the next step. As they kissed, Evan entered him in one push, filling him completely. Chan moaned into Evan’s mouth.

He wound his fingers into Evan’s white blond hair and gripped tightly, keeping pace with Evan’s thrusts as he snapped his hips, driving into Chan with sure, swift strokes. Their tongues tangled  in a mock battle. Chan could taste the citrus mouth wash Evan favored, one that always reminded him of his lover.

Normally, Chan kept his eyes closed, but this time he wanted to see Evan’s expression as they made love. That was something he’d always been curious about but had never dared to share with Evan. Now he peeped from beneath his lashes before opening his eyes wider. Evan’s own eyes were closed and Chan thought he resembled an angel caught in prayer.

Evan pulled back to catch his breath, and they both gasped for air for a moment.

“You’re so tight,” Evan murmured against Chan’s ear. “So hot and tight. I just want to love you forever.”

“Oh yes, forever,” Chan replied, bombarded by a myriad of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him, all centered in this one man. “I want to be yours forever.”

Chan felt Evan begin to tighten, knew that he was close. “You can do it,” he encouraged him, feeling bolder than ever. “Fill me with you.”

Chan’s words must have shattered Evan’s self-control as he reached his peak and began to release inside of Chan in long hard waves. And when he was spent, he collapsed onto his side and pulled Chan close. Chan nestled against him, content not to move for now.

When Evan began to stir, Chan clung to him. “Not yet,” he whispered, and Evan stilled his movements.

They held onto one another in a contented silence.

“Did you have a good birthday, baby?” Evan asked. He stroked Chan’s cheek tenderly, his beautiful emerald eyes soft and hazy. No one had ever looked at him the way that Evan did, never treated him with such love.

“I had a wonderful birthday,” Chan said. “Thank you so much. Not just today, but for everything. For helping my siblings through the hardest time in their lives.” He didn’t think he could have done it without Evan. Now he felt safe in saying they were all going to be all right.

“You’re my family and I love you,” Evan said, the most beautiful words Chan had ever heard.

And to think it had all started with a speeding ticket...

 

The End

Now go see what's going on with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

Book Review: Skip Beat! Vol 3 by Yoshiki Nakamura

 

Skip Beat! Vol 3      

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: November 7, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo Manga//200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

When the director offers to give Kyoko a tea-making lesson, as he’s doing with Ruriko, she turns him down. She doesn’t need that, having learned how to perform a tea ceremony a long time ago at the inn run by Sho’s parents. But she doesn’t tell him that, of course.  She’s trying to put all that behind her. When she learns that Ruriko isn’t really ill, as she thought, merely spoiled and pampered, Kyoko grows angry and more determined to best her. Ren tries to persuade her to drop out of the contest, due to her injury, but he doesn’t know her very well, and she refuses to back out.

Ren runs through the lines with Ruriko, and then it’s Kyoko’s turn, and an amazing thing happens. Ren’s acting changes, as he becomes more serious with her, and his acting provokes an unexpected response from Kyoko which blows everyone away. However, Kyoko is more seriously hurt than she has let on…

Kyoko has scared Ruriko enough that she ceases her previous behavior. When Lory learns that the change in his actress is due to Kyoko, rather than Ren,  he is surprised. As a parting gift, the grateful director allows her a photo shoot, complete with make-up, which makes Kyoko very happy.

Back at LME, Kyoko unexpectedly encounters one of the other actresses from the LME auditions, who is surprised to see Kyoko there since she flunked the audition. But Moko can’t afford to be too high and mighty, as Kyoko learns that she is the newest member of the Love Me section! Kyoko is determined that the two of them will get through this together, so thrilled is she to have someone else to share her misery with.

Kyoko wants to attend the LME actor training school, in order to work on her craft, but the cost is rather prohibitive. However, when Lory requests a favor of her regarding his wayward granddaughter, Maria, Kyoko wonders if maybe this is the answer to how she can afford to get into the school.

Much going on in this volume. I think Kyoko is becoming serious about her acting, as opposed to just wanting to become more successful than Sho. It’s not just an ends to a mean, but something she really wants to learn to do well. Also, I think Ren is starting to see her as someone with more talent than he’s given her credit for. Okay, so Kyoko didn’t get the part. No one wins all the time, but she won something more. She was able to make a veteran actress change her horrible ways, and she brought out something in Ren. Or he brought it out in her. Or maybe it’s mutual.

I love Lory’s faith in her. He’s rather unconventional, but a lot of fun, and he sincerely loves his granddaughter, who is just a little girl but is being blamed for the death of her mother. No wonder she acts up! He has a feeling that Ms. Mogami can get through to her. At least he hopes so, as he doesn’t know where else to turn. I love the bonding that takes place between Kyoko and Maria (even if others might find it a little frightening). I love the humor in this series, but it’s also serious and dramatic too.

Looking forward to the next volume.

Book Review: Skip Beat! Vol 2 by Yoshiki Nakamura

 

Skip Beat! Vol 2      

Author: Yoshiki Nakamura

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 5, 2006

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Shojo Manga//200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

 

Kyoko’s audition for LME has failed, so she finds another day job instead.  She feels like a loser, which is bad enough, and then she sees Sho in a cosmetics commercial on TV, reminding her of why she wants to succeed in show business. Then just by coincidence a large bus pulls into the place where she works, and who should step out of the bus but Sho himself? Kyoko is terrified he’ll see her and realize her failure, but he doesn’t even recognize her (in all fairness she did get an expensive makeover after selling her Sho memorabilia).  Rather than release her anger at Sho, however, she pretends to be a number one fan, to throw him off the track, even speaking the words he longs to hear.

Meanwhile, the head of LME, Lory, is intrigued by what he has seen of Kyoko, and sets the stage for her return. At least he hopes she’ll return. Ren Tsuruga does not hope so, since he dislikes her reason for wanting to exceed in show business. But Lory sees something in her and wants to fan that spark into a flame. And go back she does, determined to succeed. Which is how she ends up in LME’s new section – the Love Me Section. Not quite what she was hoping for, but hey, it’s a foot in the door. Work her way up from the bottom? In this case, she’s starting from the basement! And she has to do anything that is requested of her, no matter how silly or menial or demeaning. How well she does will be reflected in the points she is given for her job. And if she earns enough points, she can become a proper part of the agency. What does it matter that she has to wear a bright hot pink uniform with Love Me written on back and front, and that people who see her are laughing at her? He who laughs last laughs best, after all.

Kyoko runs into LME actress Ruriko Matsunai, who wishes to make a request of her, which Kyoko agrees to. Unknown to her, Lory is hoping that by putting Ruriko into a film with Ren,  Ren can help to cure some of her bad habits. Such as lack of punctuality. And demanding to be pampered. Ruriko has had a special umbrella made for some outdoor scenes (costing a day of delay waiting for the umbrella). She wants Kyoko to carry it for her. Kyoko, thinking the actress is allergic to UV rays, is determined to be her white knight and help keep her safe. She ends up carrying the actress up a hill toward the shooting set and injuring herself in the process. Can that be Ren Tsuruga to the rescue? Le gasp!

When Ruriko displays her usual bratty behavior and refuses to work, the director gets Kyoko to step in for her, despite her injury. And suddenly Ruriko is worried that she may actually lose her role to someone she refers to as a hyena. Could this be Kyoko’s big break?

I can’t say enough good things about this series and love it to death. Kyoko is such an interesting character, and certainly not perfect. You could definitely say she has issues, chief among them Sho Fuwa. But she has integrity and she takes pride in her work, and goes above and beyond the call of duty.  And she has a very big heart. How can you not hope she gets the final laugh at Sho? Lory is quite the character, a man of a million costumes and quirks, but he has a good heart and good instincts about people.

Another great volume, looking forward to the next.

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 36 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 36       

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: September 6, 2011

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/200 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Even as the Soul Society rushes to the rescue of Karakura Town, the pendulum swings back, back, back… 110 years back to be precise. Back to what came before.

Shinji Hirako is captain of the Fifth Company, and his assistant captain is Sosuke Aizen. They, along with the other captains, are assembling to welcome the newly promoted captain among them. On the way, Shinji is suddenly attacked by Hiyori Sarugaki, assistant captain of the Twelfth Company, but she is quickly put in her place by Love Aikawa, the captain of the Seventh Company. Among the other captains arriving for the occasion is Shunsui Kyoraku, captain of the Eighth Company, and Jushiro Ukitake, captain of the Thirteenth Company. The captains line up and wait. After a time, a fellow enters through the large doors. He seems a little nervous and unsure of himself, even as he introduces himself as Kisuke Uruhara. He is the new captain of the Twelfth Company. He doesn’t make a very good first impression on the others, and is snapped at by his friend, Yoruichi Shihoin, captain of the Second Company, to enter with confidence.

The next day, Hiyori is outraged to find Kisuke changing his room, and she punches him. Despite her actions, he asks for a favor from her… to please accompany him to the Maggot’s Nest. As he explains to her on the way, the Thirteen Court Guards don’t have a plan in place for members who wish to resign. Also, there are eyes kept on all of them, searching for signs of trouble within the ranks.  Those who display such signs, and those who wish to resign, end up in a special place (translate under confinement) from which they cannot leave. Why does Kisuke wish to go to the Maggot’s Nest to begin with, now that he is with another company? There is a particular prisoner he wishes to speak with, a man by the name of Mayuri Kurotsuchi. Kiskue wants his help.

Something strange is going on in the Rukongai. People are literally disappearing, leaving nothing but their clothes behind.  Members of the squads are sent to investigate. Kiskue asks Hiyori to visit the scene of the disappearances to obtain samples he badly needs for what he is doing. Since becoming captain, he has established the Twelfth Company as Research and Development, with Kurotsuchi as his chief assistant. Hiyori dislikes Kurotsuchi and his disdain for rules, and she doesn’t want to go on Kisuke’s errand, but she grudgingly does.

At a meeting of the captains to discuss the situation, both the Captain and Assistant Captain of the Kido Corp are chosen by the Old Man to investigate. But Shunsui suggests that perhaps this is a dangerous idea. Instead of sending Tessai, he proposes his own Assistant Captain, Lisa, who just happens to be within earshot  (she’s been eavesdropping on the meeting), and she agrees to help so off she goes.

Things go from bad to worse, as the three who are well known in the future as villains, begin to work their evil deeds.

This has to be one of my favorite Bleach volumes ever, this visit to the past where we see our heroes as they once were.  I especially loved the story of Kisuke and Mayuri (who barely looks like himself!). We see the young and volatile Byakuya, as well as those who later become the Visoreds. I have to admit my heart broke, seeing them as they once were, before the perfidy of Aizen and his cohorts cost them so much. At one time I really disliked Shinji (whom I often refer to as the Little Dutch Boy), but I have come to really like him. We watch as Aizen recruits a very young Gin. And also, we see Shunsui meet Nanao, which is so cute in and of itself.

The worst part is watching the drama unfold and knowing how this story will end in much tragedy and sorrow. Yet also hope.

I’m sure there’s more to come, can’t wait to read it! Another great volume!

Saturday is Horror Day #12 - The Dentist 2

 The Dentist 2

Dr. Alan Feinstone (Corbin Bernsen), the murderous dentist committed to a mental hospital after committing a number of murders (not to mention tearing out his wife's tongue) has escaped, thanks to an inattentive psychiatrist. Deciding he's done with dentistry, and all that other stuff, Dr. Feinstone becomes Dr. Caine, and settles into the peaceful small town of Paradise, Missouri. But Fate is not done with our good doctor, not yet....

Upon his arrival, Dr. Caine goes to his bank to retrieve his false IDs (obviously he's thought ahead and

planned for this eventuality). He ends up renting a cottage behind the home of his very attractive landlady, Jamie (Jilliam McWhirter). Unfortunately, the doctor's cap falls off his tooth and he is forced to go to the only dentist in town. This dentist is sadly lacking in basic hygiene, to Dr. Caine's dismay, and he has to lecture him on such simple matters as using gloves and sterilizing his instruments. To make matters worse, Dr. Caine has barely left the man's office when the cap falls off! He can't let that stand, and he doesn't.

Now that the only dentist in town is dead, Dr. Caine finds himself pressured to pick up the late dentist's practice, which he is reluctant to do. His romance with Jamie is going well, until he spies her in town with another man, and she seems far too familiar with this man to his taste. All the old feelings come rushing back.

As if this isn't bad enough, there is a private investigator who has been hired by the doctor's ex-wife to find him. She wants payback for what he did to her and her lover. It's only a matter of time until the PI catches up to him. Meanwhile, a woman at the bank is suspicious of the new dentist and starts checking on him.

I actually think I liked the sequel to The Dentist better than the original. Maybe I'm just used to his particular brand of crazy. Or maybe it's just fun to see what he's going to do next.  He is at war with his own nature, wanting to do good but unable to control that little devil inside of him who enjoys inflicting pain. It doesn't help that he moves from LA to smalltown Missouri, and he doesn't really understand the people who live there. (There actually is a Paradise, Missouri, by the way, across the state and close to Kansas City).

There's something I'll never understand about people in horror films, the ones who figure out someone isn't who they claim to be. And the ones who figure out who they actually are (eg crazed dentist/killer). Why in the world would you let that person know you know who they are? That indicates some kind of a death wish, in my book. Personally, I'd just smile, never let them know I know, and get the hell away from them to alert the authorities. But of course that doesn't happen, does it? Look for Clint Howard in a small role in this film.

All in all, not a bad watch. I'll give it a solid 3.5 stars. Wonder if there will be a Dentist 3? Guess we'll have to wait and find out.

Book Review: Bleach, Vol 35 by Tite Kubo

 

Bleach, Vol 35          

Author: Tite Kubo

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 7, 2011

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Manga/Supernatural/208 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

Kurotsuchi has shut down Szayelaporro for a long time to come, stretching time to an infinitesimal slowness as he waits in agony for the sword to pierce his chest. So, that being done, on to other things. Meanwhile, Nnoitora and Kenpachi are still going at it. The Espada is confident that nothing Kenpachi can do will harm him. Can the Soul Reaper have met his match?

At one time, Nnoitora and Nelliel worked together for Aizen, but there is no love lost between them. Memories of their antagonism flow through his brain as the battle with Kenpachi reaches an end…

But wait… the regularly scheduled program is being interrupted by an announcement from former Captain Aizen. First, he is done with Orihime and has no further use for her. Secondly… he is about to destroy Karakura Town. He gives the location where he has put Orihime, but a choice must be made. Save the girl or save the town. Can’t be both.

Tick tock, tick tock, the clock is ticking the time away. What to do, what to do, what to do?

What would Ichigo do?

A great deal of this volume of Bleach is concerned with the battle between Kenpachi and Nnoitora, and it’s not always clear who will prevail. The part with Kurotsuchi tickles me, as Uryu and Renji watch in horror at the way he is able to revive Nemu. I must say that Kurotsuchi is very… different. And not in an entirely bad way. Still, I wouldn’t want to hang out with him.

And now we’re getting ready for the next arc, in which the Soul Society, along with Ichigo, work to save Karakura Town, as well as Orihime, and some other heroes are about to take to the stage. Another great volume of Bleach, looking forward to more.

Book Review: Twentieth Century Boys, Vol 10: The Faceless Boy by Naoki Urasawa

 

Twentieth Century Boys, Vol 10: Faceless Boy     

Author: Naoki Urasawa

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: August 17, 2010

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/manga/paranormal/216 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★★

 

The meeting which Kanna has arranged has been interrupted by a man who styles himself a savior, and who dies for his cause. Now the police are outside, demanding the crowd disperse. Has Kanna achieved her goals, or was this gathering a failure? The young detective, Chono, is able to keep the police force at bay, at least for now, by claiming he’s protecting a crime scene. How long can that last?

Koizumi, home from Friend Land, goes to see her favorite band but finds there is something different about them. Turns out they fired their guitarist, Damian Yoshida, because of irreconcilable differences. Koizumi can’t stop dreaming of Friend Land, and the strange boy who tries to take off his mask. She doesn’t want to see his face, though, fearful of what might happen to her if she does.

Koizumi attempts to speak with Kanna at school, but that doesn’t turn out very well. Instead, she’s approached by someone who calls themselves a Dream Navigator. They inform her that she is soon to go to Friend World, like it or not. The very thought is frightening to Koizumi. Her parents, on the other hand, seem thrilled for her and have no clue how dangerous a place it really is. A terrified Koizumi remembers the card she got from Yoshitsune. Can he help her? Things go from bad to worse when she sees the new home room teacher, and recognizes his face…

This series just gets better and better. It seems as though things are gearing up to happen during the Pope’s planned visit to Japan. Obviously, the Friends have an agenda, but what is it? To further ingratiate themselves to the world? Or maybe take it over? Either way, they need to be stopped. Not to mention, they need to be outed as the true perpetrators of Bloody New Year’s Eve, and Kenji needs to be exonerated.

Koizumi is playing a dangerous game, but with the aid of Yoshitsune, she may just turn out all right. And what we think we know turns out to be very wrong, which leaves us back at square one again. Makes you wonder why so many people put their trust in a man who never ever shows his face, based on the alleged actions of some of his followers. And what does Kanna’s mother have to do with anything? More questions than answers here!

Anxiously awaiting the next volume.

 

Wednesday Briefs: Super Trooper #69 (16.2)

 Good morning, Happy Hump Day and Happy St Patrick's Day! If it's Wednesday, then it must be time for more flash fiction from the Wednesday Briefers! We're a group of authors who bring you our finest flash fiction every week, 500 to 1000 words, inspired by one of our prompts. 

Evan is giving Chan some birthday loving. See what's going on in this week's chapter of Super Trooper. Visit the guys while you can, their story is almost done! Don't forget to visit the other Briefers and see what's up with them. Their links follow my tale! Enjoy!

Super Trooper #69 (16.3)

Chan began to thrust into Evan’s mouth, gently at first, almost hesitantly, but then with greater speed. Evan enjoyed the taste and feel of his lover’s uncut cock. This was not the first time he’d encouraged Chan to push his limits, and he could tell Chan was becoming more and more comfortable in doing what felt pleasurable to him.

He anchored Chan, holding firmly as he plunged inside Evan’s mouth, over and over. Evan’s own cock was swollen with desire. He  ached for the feel of his lover’s channel around him. He’d never met anyone like Chan before, and he wanted to show him just how special he was to him.

Moving one hand to his own leaking dick, he wet a couple of fingers before sliding that hand along Chan’s crease.

“Oh yes, oh yes,” Chan moaned, as if he already knew what Evan was up to.

Evan pushed one finger inside of Chan’s pucker, and then another. Chan’s muscles gripped tightly, his rising moans serving to indicate his growing pleasure. When Evan added a third finger, he felt Chan’s cock begin to spasm, his thrusts becoming  more driven as he came long and hard into Evan’s mouth. Evan swallowed everything he could before taking a breath.

“Feel good, baby?” he asked, gently stroking Chan’s ass. Chan was holding on to the head board, letting his own breathing even out.

“Very good,” he finally got out before Evan pulled him down on top of him and kissed him thoroughly.

Chan was practically purring as he rubbed against Evan.

“Ready for sleep?” Evan teased, even though he was pretty sure he knew the answer to that question.

Chan gave him one of his looks, the ones Evan was getting to know so well. This one clearly said Chan was not ready to roll over any time soon, an are you kidding look if ever he saw one.

Evan began to smile. “So what would you like to do instead? Something special for your birthday?”

“You know what I want to do,” Chan said, grinding meaningfully against Evan. “You know what I want, too. I want you, Mr. Super Trooper. And you know just how I want you to?”

Evan couldn’t resist playing dumb. “Super Trooper, am I? Tell me what it is you want and I’ll see if I can do it.”

Chan leaned down until his mouth was right by Evan’s ear, as if afraid someone could hear him, although that wasn’t likely. “I want you to fuck me. I want you to come inside of me. I want us to be as one.”

Evan could remember a time when Chan didn’t have the nerve to talk that way to him, or to express his own desires. They had come a long way in such a short time.

“You know I’d do anything for you,” Evan said then flipped their positions so that Chan was on bottom and he was on top. “Especially that.”

Chan’s mouth curved up in a sensuous smile that went straight to Evan’s heart… and his dick. “Do you want me to get out one of our toys?” They had recently begun experimenting with vibrators. Discreetly, of course, keeping locked away, far from curious eyes.

“Not tonight. All I want is you,” was Chan’s heartfelt reply.

 to be continued

Now go see what's up with the other Briefers!

Cia Nordwell

 

 

 

 

Virtual Book Blast: Fostered Identity by Maggie Thom

 Good morning! Please welcome author Maggie Thom to Full Moon Dreaming! She is here to discuss her new release Fostered Identity. Maggie will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn commenter via Rafflecopter during the tour. The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. To find the other stops on her tour, go here. Don't forget to look for the Rafflecopter at the end of this post!

 

Fostered Identity

by Maggie Thom

 

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GENRE: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller

 

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BLURB:

 

Her teenage sister has run away. It's her fault. And on her watch.

 

Shyla thought she was doing the right thing by helping her teenage sister get a little freedom. She never expected she'd bolt on her. Desperate to keep their mom from discovering she has a missing daughter, Shyla sets out to find her wayward sister.

 

A fluke encounter gives Shyla a clue. Only she gets a lot more than she bargained for. She finds her sister, but she gets pulled into doing a heist. An impossible heist. And not just any heist but that of stealing her mom's million-dollar jewelry. Ones that recently arrived, with no explanation.

 

Damien is a good guy running from an awful past. When his brother ends up in the hospital, Damien is determined to stop the one man who has and is destroying their lives—their father. Damien will break all of his promises, even steal, if it will end their father's control.

 

Shyla and Damien find themselves thrown together, not trusting each other but not having any choice. They will have to work together if Damien is going to stop his father once and for all. And if Shyla is going to protect her family. An impossible crime that will bring them surprises they didn't see coming.

 

Can they catch a thief by being a thief?

 

Book 1

The Twisted Deception Series

 

Emerald grew up in a foster family. It wasn't an ordinary foster family. She was the first of eight girls to move in. The jewels that she was given to play with as a teenager, that she was told were baubles, are now resurfacing thirty-five years later. They are worth millions. And it appears worth stealing. Who is sending them out? And who wants them back at all costs?

 

“…fast-paced and kept me guessing. I like a mystery enveloped with family secrets and jewel thieves. I want more, and I want to know the secrets. I will be excited to read the second novel…” Author Christine H-Jackson

 

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EXCERPT:

 

 

"You're sick. You destroyed Jordie. Or tried to, but he turned you down. Isn't that why you hurt him, 'cause he didn't want any more to do with you? He was getting out. But you couldn't lose your number one thief. He's been clean for a whole year."

 

The man chuckled. "He's mine. One day, he's gonna slip out of this world."

 

"What do you want?"

 

"There's something I need you to get. Jordie couldn't do it. You saw what happened to him. If you do like him and ignore me, you will end up in the same place. Or worse."

 

Damien felt sick, but he didn't know what he was going to do. This man had destroyed his life. As much as he wanted to turn tail and run, it was his turn to step up and protect his brother. Their father would stop at nothing, even kill Jordie. It appeared he almost had.

 

"Fine. What do you want to steal?"

 

The door to the apartment opened. Damien's eyes widened as he met Shyla's whose eyebrows couldn't have shot any higher. Thankfully, her hands were full of bags of groceries and trying to balance her purse and keys. He rushed over to her, grabbing the door, and stepping between her and it.

 

"Smart boy," His father was at happy with his question. Shyla was going to be another matter.

 

Shyla hustled past him, almost throwing the bags of groceries onto the counter. She whirled around, staring him down. He leaned against the door. He at least needed a chance to explain.

 

"No. I just know you. You haven't changed at all. All you've ever done your entire life is steal, steal, steal, and steal. So, what is it?" He waved at Shyla with his hand while making pleading facial expressions that she give him a minute and then he'd explain.

 

"Something a little bit different. It's a beautiful set of jewelry."

 

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Take the adventure beyond your fingertips.

 

Multi-Award-Winning Author, Maggie Thom has written all types of stories but finally settled on her love of puzzles, mysteries, and rollercoaster rides and now writes suspense/thrillers/mysteries that keep you guessing and take you on one heck of an adventure.

 

She is the author of 8 suspense/thriller/mysteries. The award-winning Caspian Wine Series – Captured Lies, Deceitful Truths, and Split Seconds – and her other individual novels Tainted Waters, Deadly Ties, and Fractured Lines. And now a new series – The Twisted Deception Series - Fostered Identity, Book 1. On her website, you can find her free novel – Blurred Lines.

 

Her motto: Read to escape … Escape to read …

 

"Maggie Thom… proves her strength as a master of words, plots and finely chiseled characters… she weaves a brilliant cloth of the many colors of deceit.”  Dii – TomeTender

www.maggiethom.com

 

Author Links

 

Website: www.maggiethom.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authormaggiethom

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/maggie-thom

Twitter: www.twitter.com/maggiethom2

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6549592.Maggie_Thom

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/maggiethom2/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Thom/e/B009WSTDG8/

 

 

 

Buy Links:  THE BOOK IS ON SALE FOR $0.99 DURING THE TOUR.

 

Amazon:  http://mybook.to/FosteredIdentity

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fostered-identity-maggie-thom/1138918935

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/fostered-identity

Google: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=rqwgEAAAQBAJ

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/ca/book/fostered-identity/id1556127213

 

For all book links:

https://books2read.com/FosteredIdentity

 

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