“Dare” by Abiola Abrams

SEXY AND SEDUCTIVE

Maya Hope was hopeless. After she left her fiancé, her world and her life seemed doomed to failure. Then a chance meeting with the biggest name in the hip hop industry thrusts Maya into the national spotlight.

Going undercover to expose the playas and the hatas in the business, what Maya didn’t expect was to lose herself in the music. Can Maya survive, or will Maya Hopeless fail yet again?

The debut novel from Abiola Abrams is sleek. Her expose of the hip hop world is entertaining and intriguing. Each character is interesting and colorful, making the reader to learn more about them.

Abrams’s book is a fantastic first attempt. Readers are not going to be able to put it down. They will become lost in the behind-the-scenes world of hip hop and will never want to leave. -4 Stars – Reviewed by Leigh O’Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews.

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket (December 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416541667
• ISBN-13: 978-1416541660

“Gateway of the Gods” by Craig Hines

SQUARE THE CIRCLE

Using science, technology and a little bit of logic, historical myths and religious parables are called into question. This book will make readers rethink everything they’ve ever known. Everything from angels, demons and the paranormal will be addressed. Nothing is safe, and everything will be cast in a new light.

First-time author Craig Hines challenges readers to look beyond what they have been taught and accept a new reality. His interest in using scientific methods to investigate history sheds interesting light on everything we thought we knew.

Hines’s apparent fascination with questioning history through science will appeal to readers who yearn for the truth. Readers will become entranced in the “new” history that Hines is telling. – 3 Stars – Reviewed by Leigh O’Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews.

· Paperback: 432 pages
· Publisher: Numina Media Arts (January 9, 2007)
· Language: English
· ISBN-10: 097855910X
· ISBN-13: 978-0978559106

“What’s Done In the Dark” by Avah LaReaux

SECRETS ARE MADE AND KEPT IN THE DARK

On the outside, Marcus and Lynette Clayton appear to be happy. A former NFL player, Marcus has turned to broadcasting to support his wife and two beautiful children. And, although Marcus and Lynette have strayed in the past, they have made the commitment to their family and are making it work. Or, are they?

When Marcus finds out about his son from one of his hook ups, Lynette is thrown into a tail spin. Hurt, she finds comfort in the arms of her lover, Eric. So, what happens when Lynette finds out she’s pregnant, and she doesn’t think it’s her husband’s baby? Only Marcus can learn to forgive and forget. Will he?

This is the first book in the Lost and Found series, and Avah LaReaux does an excellent job relating the interactions of the people in a southern city. The emotions and feelings of the characters are real and raw, making them relatable to the readers.

This quick read is interesting and straight forward. Readers will be wondering what decisions the characters will make, and how that will affect their lives. In the end, it will make readers think before they do anything in the dark. – 4 Stars – Reviewed by Leigh O’Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews

“Star Dragon” by Mike Brotherton

WITHIN THE STARS, A SERPENT APPEARS

The crew of the Karamojo seeks the star dragon for different reasons. But, for Fisher, it is an all-consuming obsession. He must live the dragon, breathe the dragon, know the dragon. And, as the crew members begin to pair off, Fisher must not let his feelings for the captain Fang interfere with his true quest of capturing a dragon.

But, the dragons prove to be smart and catching one seems impossible. If Fisher and the crew are to succeed, they must set aside their feelings for one another and work as an unselfish team. If they can do this, they may just accomplish their mission.

Mike Brotherton expertly weaves a tale of sex and science. A rookie science fiction reader may be overwhelmed by the astronomy jargon, but the story pulls through, and anyone can appreciate the plot.

Brotherton is to be commended for his imagination. His attention to detail paints a picture of the future that is not only believable, but also realistic. Brotherton should continue to churn out more novels for the science fiction aficionado. – 3 Stars – Reviewed by Leigh O’Donovan, Authors on the Rise Book Reviews

The Two by Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc

EVIL, TIMES TWO

Pressley Barclay was a well-known horror author looking for some inspiration. When he bought a foreboding gothic, country estate with a checkered past, he thought he found exactly what he needed.

But, when he finds the mirror that was meant to be kept hidden, he is transported to another world. This world is dark and mysterious and inhabited by the two. Can Pressley solve the centuries-old mystery and free the two from their purgatory?

Award-winning writer Andrea Dean Van Scoyoc creates a dark and sinister tale that strikes fear into even the most seasoned horror reader. Her attention to detail is unparalleled and paints a world of despair.

Van Scoyoc does a masterful job in shocking the reader. Her in-depth narration of the murderous deeds of the two will astonish the reader to his or her core. “The Two” is truly evil and will be a favorite in any horror connoisseur’s library. -4 Stars

The Ghost of Governor's Bridge - Skip Stover

Sarah’s friend tells her the story of a girl, Sally, who lived in her house almost 30 years before. Sally’s story is one of love, betrayal and the struggle of a sheltered girl coming into the age of maturity. When Sarah finds out that she is pregnant, she can’t help thinking that her life is mirroring that of the unwed mother Sally. And, when she begins to see a man in black, much like Sally, Sarah knows her demise is not far off. But, one can only hope that Sarah’s family, boyfriend and sanity can pull through before her young life is taken from her.

REVIEW OF THE GHOST OF GOVERNOR'S BRIDGE BY SKIP STOVER BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

The storyline behind Skip Stover’s “The Ghost of Governor’s Bridge” is clever. Two girls, who existed decades apart, have their lives run parallel creating a deja vous effect for readers. And, the reader can only hope that Sarah does not repeat Sally’s tragic mistake.

However, it appears that research is not Stover’s forte. Many elements with in the ghost story are out of touch with 70s time period. He also quickly divulges the fact that Sarah is pregnant in the first chapter, but then addresses it again later in the book. Having it revealed so early leads the reader to anticipate what the ending is going to be almost immediately.

Stover could have a good book on his hands if he would just pay more attention to detail and not give away so many facts at the start of his novel. Tighter and better research writing must be executed to make this a winner. – 1 STAR

Dangerous Love - Skip Stover

After losing her parents, Krista’s life finally began to get back on track. She just graduated with her doctorate, was hand chosen for a position at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and had just landed herself a new boyfriend, Al. But, could he be too good to be true?

Al’s associates were suspicious at best, and they certainly weren’t entirely trusting of him either. But, they desperately needed him to get close to Krista, earn her confidence. The information she had would aid them in their terroristic plans. Memorial Day 2011 would be a day of testing loyalties – to friends, love and country. Which one will prevail?

BOOK REVIEW FOR DANGEROUS LOVE BY SKIP STOVER BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

Set in Washington, D.C., 2011, Skip Stover does an excellent job in making his novel futuristic without being over the top. It is conceivable that a car could drive itself while you slept. Or, a cloud of gas could wipe away your memory. These details made the book interesting but believable.

“Dangerous Love” was a thrilling read riddled with historical and geographical references that made the book come to life. It is conceivable that the guy in your favorite coffee shop could bring the nation’s capital to a screeching halt with a dirty bomb. That is what makes this book good. It’s so real, it’s scary. - 4 STARS

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When The Leaves Stop Falling - Kelly Moran

Serena Edwards wanted nothing more than to return home, little white pills and all. However, while on the daunting roadtrip home she meets a stranger with saddened eyes and scars of her own. A woman who was becoming an unexpected and welcomed friend. Courtney Morgan had escaped unspeakable abuse ten years earlier. She's safe and content at present, that is until a wanderer with a rooted secret gives her a sudden urge to hop in the car and flee again. Austin Edwards had dreaded his entire life for the call. So his sister was returning home, but who was this woman with her? Who was like an innocent and a fantasy all at once. Jake Warner knew nothing except Serena was coming home. He had a sinking suspicion it wasn't good, but why did he care? He didn't still love her. Who was he kidding.

BOOK REVIEW FOR WHEN THE LEAVES STOP FALLING BY KELLY MORAN BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

Driving home to the family, the love and the security she left behind, Serena made the fateful decision to pick up the lonely girl with the blue eyes to accompany her on the journey.
Courtney was trying to escape her past, but was afraid to face her future. However, she mysteriously knew that the girl with the scar on her chest would lead her on a great adventure.
The girls offered each other what the other one so desperately needed. Serena, an opportunity for Courtney to foster her special gift and find the love she never received. Courtney, the comfort and support that Serena would need to face the time when the leaves stopped falling.

One word can describe this work by award-winning author Kelly Moran: intense.
From the moment the readers are introduced to the two primary characters, Serena and Courtney, a feeling of extreme love and admiration prevails throughout the story. When secondary characters are brought into the storyline, the intensity grows.

Excellent character development and back story bring the characters to life and allows the reader to experience the overwhelming feelings that Serena, Courtney and the other major players have for one another. “When the Leaves Stop Falling” is a novel that will bring its readers to tears with love, sadness and pity. It is a story for all your emotions, good and bad. - 4 STARS

Shark, The Baker's Son - Anthony T. Aliberti

A man in Pittsburgh, nicknamed “Shark,” turned from drug dealer to a confidential mercenary drug informant for the Attorney General’s drug task force of Pennsylvania. From a young boy of four or five years old, Shark had hung out with his grandfather and father learning the bar scenes and street life. While growing up, he witnessed them booking numbers, selling booze and acquiring cash. Later, Shark became involved with a circle of bad guys supplying cocaine to the entire city of Pittsburgh. He helped them supply the cocaine until his family pulled together an intervention. But, the intervention didn’t go quite normally, and a payment for Shark’s services was offered. He got paid for every cocaine buy whether he was present at the scene or not. Many attempted hits on Shark failed because of Shark’s brother-in-law, Big John, and Shark’s father, the Baker. Big John, 6’7” and an undefeated boxer, tore apart everybody who came after Shark, and the Baker used his police friends and the Larimer Avenue mob to divert Shark from the legal system.

BOOK REVIEW FOR SHARK, THE BAKER'S SON BY ANTHONY T. ALIBERTI BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

Shark, the Baker's Son: Based on a true story of a mercenary drug informant

A young boy from the streets of the Pittsburgh suburb of Bloomfield becomes hooked on one of the 1980s most destructive excess: narcotics. This is the offbeat tale of Shark’s rise from user, to dealer and finally to informant. His travels take him coast to coast in search of the next high. Will Shark overcome his addictions and finally settle down to a life of sobriety? Only if the cartel doesn’t “hit” him first.

This is the story of Anthony T. Aliberti. His memoir is hard hitting and straightforward. No frills are spared in his tell-all narrative. From his drug-induced adventures to his wild sexual exploits, Aliberti relays his autobiography unapologetically. An exciting read, cover to cover, Aliberti doesn’t fail in bringing excitement and suspense to his debut novel. - 3 STARS

Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Set in an unnamed Caribbean seaport, Garcia Marquez's extraordinary Love in the Time of Cholera (1988) relates one of literature's most remarkable stories of unrequited love. "This shining and heartbreaking novel," Thomas Pynchon wrote in The New York Times Book Review, is one of those few rare works "that can even return our worn souls to us."

BOOK REVIEW FOR LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA BY GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ -BY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

At the age of 20, a solemn Florentino Ariza proclaimed his everlasting love to his sweetheart, Fermina Daza. But, in a moment of pity, Fermina cast away Florentino’s love and married a wealthy doctor. Half a century, 622 affairs and the death of a doctor later, Florentino will once again proclaim his unrequited love for Fermina. His entire life he has prepared for this moment. Will Fermina return the affection that Florentino so desperately needs? Or will she refuse him again as she had done as a 16-year-old girl?

Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez beautifully narrates the tale of love that has sustained 50 years of turmoil. His use of rich language paints a picture of the Caribbean at the turn of the century. Marquez uses this backdrop expertly to weave the lives of the lovers throughout the pages and years of their lives. This book gives hope to those who believe that true love can overcome all, including death, disease, wealth and social class. A wonderfully written novel by one of the leading Latin American authors- 5 STARS

Green River, Running Red - Anne Rule

In the most extraordinary journey Ann Rule has ever undertaken, America's master of true crime has spent more than two decades researching the story of the Green River Killer, who murdered more than forty-nine young women.

For twenty-one years, the Green River Killer carried out his self-described "career" as a killing machine, ridding the world of women he considered evil. His eerie ability to lure his victims to their deaths and hide their bodies made him far more dangerous than any infamous multiple murderer in the annals of crime.

A few men eventually emerged as the prime suspects among an unprecedented forty thousand scrutinized by the Green River Task Force. Still, there was no physical evidence linking any of them to the murders until 2001, when investigators used a new DNA process on a saliva sample they had preserved since 1987, with stunning results.

Green River, Running Red is a harrowing account of a modern monster, a killer who walked among us undetected. It is also the story of his quarryof who these young women were and who they might have become. A chilling look at the darkest side of human nature, this is the most important and most personal audiobook of Ann Rule's long career.

BOOK REVIEW FOR GREEN RIVER, RUNNING RED BY ANN RULEBY LEIGH O'DONOVAN

They were found in the summer of 1982 in the Green River bed. Opal Mills, Marcia Chapman and Cynthia Hinds were far too young to die. When Kent Police Department (Washington) investigated the murder scene, they had no idea that they would be the first of many slain young women. It was the beginning of a nearly 20 year ordeal that would end with your average Joe admitting to the 48 grisly murders that occurred near Tacoma and Seattle, Washington.

Anne Rule never fails to produce stellar material in the true crime genre. Writing about her own backyard, Rule interjects herself into the story, which creates a more personal narrative. With her trademark style, Rule writes a novel of cliffhanging chapters that keeps readers at the edge of their seats. Without a doubt, the most intimate offering from Rule since “The Stranger Beside Me.”- 5 STARS