Book Review ‘n’ Recommendation – Malice and Forethought

 

 

Malice and Forethought:

Short Stories of Malice and Murder

by Felicia Denise

Cover Design: perry elisabeth design

Genre: Crime Thriller / Suspense / Short Stories

Release Date: June 1, 2020

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Malice – noun; mal·ice | ˈma-ləs

1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another
//
2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse
//ruined her reputation and did it with malice

Everyone is capable of malice and no one is immune to its outcome.

A Hint of Malice – When her last living relative commits suicide after having her identity and assets stolen, a grieving niece longs for justice.

Burned – When the masterminds behind a major drug operation get off with a slap on the wrists, a frustrated police detective warns them their wealth cannot shield them from everything.

The Marshall Sisters – After seeing her sister mistreated by far too many men, Leslie Marshall is proud of Paula for standing up for herself and accompanies her on a cold winter’s night to confront her boyfriend, but even Leslie isn’t ready for the new, assertive Paula.

The Watcher – Shamed into exile by his family because of his sexual fetish and hanging on to the shreds of his sanity, a man plots the ultimate date night with his new neighbor.

What’s done in the dark always comes to the light.

99c / 99p

KINDLE UNLIMITED

https://geni.us/Malice

~~~

About the Author

After writing as a hobby for most of her life, at the urging of a good friend, Felicia took on the challenge of NaNoWriMo in 2015, writing what would become her first published work, In the Best Interest of the Child. It was released in the fall of 2016. Free, a Novella, which began as a three-installment series on her website, was published as a short story in May 2017.

Currently working on projects in several genres, Felicia plans to release book 2 of In the Best Interest of the Child – Family Matters, as well as anthologies of her suspense and women’s fiction short stories in 2020.

A long-time blogger, she also features books by indie authors daily on her blog, Nesie’s Place.

Felicia lost her husband of nearly 36 years of May of 2019 and is a strong advocate and supporter of the National Kidney Foundation. She has three adult children, four grand-pups, and as one of nine children, she has too much extended family to even go into!

In her free time-when not reading-Felicia sews and enjoys experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen. She always has a cup of robust coffee and far too many pun jokes nearby.

~ Stalk Felicia on Social Media ~

Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Newsletter

~~~

~~~

My Review

Some time ago, I read the author’s first book, “In the Best Interest of the Child”, and so I knew she could tell a story that pulled at the heartstrings. But let me tell you, whoa …does she have a dark side. And, you know what, it’s DELICIOUS! 😉

In A Hint of Malice, Jessalyn Hunter sets out to avenge her aunt’s death because, in her words, “Put in the right situation, anyone can kill.” And Jess was in that zone … the scumbag gigolo protected by his privileged family connections had it coming.

Vigilante justice served up beautifully for one newly stone-cold dead guy.

Burned tells the story of a stake-out in Creighton, where a multi-million dollar drugs haul puts the spotlight on an arrogant millionaire businessmen when his son is caught up in the raid. Soon-to-be-retired cop, Pat Sinclair understands that when drug barons don’t get what they paid for, then someone has to pay. Unfortunately for the wealthy tycoon, he doesn’t grasp the danger around the corner and opts to ignore the cop’s warning.

You know, some people just cannot be helped!!!

I love, love , love The Marshall Sisters. Doing what sisters do, Leslie Marshall takes on a supportive role as her older sibling, Paula, finally calls time on her relationship with Allen Bailey, a serial cheat and love-rat. What Leslie doesn’t know, however, is exactly how she is lending her support to Paula …not until the news anchor mentions those blue trash bags used to clean up the scene.

What a great twist!

Finally, The Watcher brings an end to this wonderful collection of sinister tales. Disowned by his family and exiled from Chicago, Hart Stanhope refuses to accept the new life imposed upon him. How dare they suggest his act was any worse than their own! He walks away from anything they’ve touched and starts over …watching his new neighbour and determined to make her his. But Penny Driver sees him watching her and she’s ready for him in a way he never suspects.

Turning the tables has never been so much fun.

Packed with twists and shocks aplenty, these stories are bound to entertain. Felicia Denise is a master at creating characters who draw you into their world and make you root for them. Indeed, she does that here, but she also dishes up some unsavoury characters who you would not wish to even share a lift with, let alone any substantial part of your life. Yet these are not caricatures, these are people we can all recognise, and each carries a secret that stains their lives and burns a hole in their soul. Acts of malice are their only escape …and their stories make for great reading.

Be sure to get your copy, and revel in the darkness.

As always,

 

 

Towards the Sun – An Anthology for Chloe

From today you can purchase this charity anthology, Towards the Sun, featuring various authors and artists (including me)

Centring on the theme of HOPEPUNK, the short stories, poems, and artwork aim to be inspirational and, most of all, uplifting. Who doesn’t need some of that these days?

Proceeds from the sale of this book go towards Chloe Dean’s GoFundMe for her fight against cancer.

 

 

Get your copy here

Thank you for your support. Hope you enjoy the collection. 

As always, 

PreOrder Blitz – Malice and Forethought

~~~

 

Malice and Forethought:

Short Stories of Malice and Murder

by Felicia Denise

Cover Design: perry elisabeth design

Genre: Crime Thriller / Suspense / Short Stories

Release Date: June 1, 2020

---

Malice – noun; mal·ice | ˈma-ləs

1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another
//
2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse
//ruined her reputation and did it with malice

Everyone is capable of malice and no one is immune to its outcome.

A Hint of Malice – When her last living relative commits suicide after having her identity and assets stolen, a grieving niece longs for justice.

Burned – When the masterminds behind a major drug operation get off with a slap on the wrists, a frustrated police detective warns them their wealth cannot shield them from everything.

The Marshall Sisters – After seeing her sister mistreated by far too many men, Leslie Marshall is proud of Paula for standing up for herself and accompanies her on a cold winter’s night to confront her boyfriend, but even Leslie isn’t ready for the new, assertive Paula.

The Watcher – Shamed into exile by his family because of his sexual fetish and hanging on to the shreds of his sanity, a man plots the ultimate date night with his new neighbor.

What’s done in the dark always comes to the light.

~ PreOrder ~

99c / 99p

KINDLE UNLIMITED

https://geni.us/Malice

~~~

Bloggers needed for release day blitz!

https://forms.gle/dpv4tbNt1uMr5Q8i6

~~~

~ G I V E A W A Y ~

One randomly chosen winner will a $15 Amazon Gift Card or $15 in PayPal Cash!

(Open Internationally!)

E N T E R

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About the Author

After writing as a hobby for most of her life, at the urging of a good friend, Felicia took on the challenge of NaNoWriMo in 2015, writing what would become her first published work, In the Best Interest of the Child. It was released in the fall of 2016. Free, a Novella, which began as a three-installment series on her website, was published as a short story in May 2017.

Currently working on projects in several genres, Felicia plans to release book 2 of In the Best Interest of the Child – Family Matters, as well as anthologies of her suspense and women’s fiction short stories in 2020.

A long-time blogger, she also features books by indie authors daily on her blog, Nesie’s Place.

Felicia lost her husband of nearly 36 years of May of 2019 and is a strong advocate and supporter of the National Kidney Foundation. She has three adult children, four grand-pups, and as one of nine children, she has too much extended family to even go into!

In her free time-when not reading-Felicia sews and enjoys experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen. She always has a cup of robust coffee and far too many pun jokes nearby.

~ Stalk Felicia on Social Media ~

Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Newsletter

~~~

~~~

Book Release Blitz – Body Language

Literary Fiction, Short Stories

Release Date: April 17, 2020

Publisher: Grand Canyon Press

Life-changing moments. Impassioned encounters. Twelve stories at the crossroads of heartbreak and desire.

When a long-lost love comes knocking, a loyally wedded rancher is tempted by old passions. A bartender wrestling with sobriety is pushed to the edge by a familiar barfly. After her husband’s death, a famous composer struggles to write a single note.

From international flights to hidden grottoes and a nude beach, twelve wayward souls seek to satisfy their deepest hungers and escape their fears.

Body Language explores our often-misguided quest for happiness and connection. If you like vulnerable explorations of carnal cravings, challenging moral quandaries, and transformative self-reflection, then you’ll love these heartbreaking and unforgettable portraits of people yearning for the solace of human touch.

Read Body Language to embrace all that binds us today!

About the Author

Marylee MacDonald grew up in Redwood City, California, married her high school sweetheart, and worked as a carpenter in California and Illinois. When she’s not writing, she’s hiking in the red rocks of Sedona, walking on a California beach, or plucking snails from her tomatoes.

Her short stories have won the Jeanne Leiby Chapbook Award, the Barry Hannah Prize, the Ron Rash Award, the Matt Clark Prize, and the American Literary Review Fiction Award. Her short story collection, BONDS OF LOVE AND BLOOD, was a Foreword Reviews’ INDIEFAB Finalist, and her novel, MONTPELIER TOMORROW, was a Gold Medal winner in the Readers’ Favorites annual book awards.

Contact Links

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Promo Link

Purchase Link

Amazon

#CoverReveal Malice and Forethought – Short Stories of Malice and Murder

Malice and Forethought:

Short Stories of Malice and Murder

by Felicia Denise

Cover Design: perry elisabeth design

Genre: Crime Thriller / Suspense / Short Stories

Release Date: June 1, 2020

---

Malice – noun; mal·​ice | ˈma-ləs

1 : desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another

2 : intent to commit an unlawful act or cause harm without legal justification or excuse //ruined her reputation and did it with malice

Everyone is capable of malice and no one is immune to its outcome.

A Hint of Malice – When her last living relative commits suicide after having her identity and assets stolen, a grieving niece longs for justice.

Burned – When the masterminds behind a major drug operation get off with a slap on the wrists, a frustrated police detective warns them their wealth cannot shield them from everything.

The Marshall Sisters – After seeing her sister mistreated by far too many men, Leslie Marshall is proud of Paula for standing up for herself and accompanies her on a cold winter’s night to confront her boyfriend, but even Leslie isn’t ready for the new, assertive Paula.

The Watcher – Shamed into exiled by his family because of his sexual fetish and hanging on to the shreds of his sanity, a man plots the ultimate date night with his new neighbor.

What’s done in the dark always comes to the light.

~ PreOrder ~

KINDLE UNLIMITED

https://geni.us/Malice

~~~

Bloggers needed for preorder and/or release day blitzes!

https://forms.gle/dpv4tbNt1uMr5Q8i6

~~~

About the Author After writing as a hobby for most of her life, at the urging of a good friend, Felicia took on the challenge of NaNoWriMo in 2015, writing what would become her first published work, In the Best Interest of the Child. It was released in the fall of 2016. Free, a Novella, which began as a three-installment series on her website, was published as a short story in May 2017. Currently working on projects in several genres, Felicia plans to release book 2 of In the Best Interest of the Child – Family Matters, as well as anthologies of her suspense and women’s fiction short stories in 2020. A long-time blogger, she also features books by indie authors daily on her blog, Nesie’s Place. Felicia lost her husband of nearly 36 years of May of 2019, and is a strong advocate and supporter of the National Kidney Foundation. She has three adult children, four grand-pups, and as one of nine children, she has too much extended family to even go into! In her free time-when not reading-Felicia sews and enjoys experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen. She always has a cup of robust coffee and far too many pun jokes nearby.

~ Stalk Felicia on Social Media ~

Author Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon Author Page

Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Newsletter

~~~

~~~

Not the Coronavirus COVID-19, but something much worse (A century ago, that is!)

Pandemics don’t come around often, but when they do …

In 2018 we commemorated the centenary of the Great Flu Pandemic of 1918, often known as Spanish Flu.

Despite only lasting a few months, the loss of life globally is estimated to be somewhere between 50-100 million. 

An article from The Atlantic has this to say:

That year, as pandemic influenza ravaged communities as diverse as California and Kolkata, no one knew what was killing them. Theories abounded. Some suggested it was a misalignment of the planets. (That’s what gave us the name influenza, from the Italian word for “influence.”) Others believed the cause was tainted Russian oats, or volcanic eruptions. Microbiologists focused on a bacterium they had discovered decades earlier in the lungs of influenza victims, and called it Bacillus influenza. But they had merely recognized a bacterium that invades lungs already weakened from influenza. Not until 1933 did two British scientists demonstrate that the cause must be a new class of disease, which today we call viruses. Finally, in 1940, the newly invented electron microscope took a picture of the influenza virus, and for the first time in history we could not only name, but also see, the culprit.

Will the Corona Virus COVID-19 be as damaging? Maybe not medically, but the economic impact may well be as devastating as the crash of 2008. Whatever happens, we’re likely to fare much better than they did a century ago. Speaking of which, why not take a look at how life affected the Medina family in my short story, “Surviving Enza”.

The family is fictional, but their story is based on real events in Spain during that time. Juan Medina, as a doctor, saw first-hand the impact on his village. Yet, despite everything, life had to go on. And it did.

And it will here too – just keep washing your hands 😉 and keep an eye out for family members and friends or neighbours who are more vulnerable during these times. 

#Bekind was never more appropriate.

Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the story.

Available here – http://mybook.to/Enza

 

Did you know the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918 didn’t actually start in Spain?

Surviving Enza tells the fictional story of Dr. Juan Medina and his family, colleagues, and fellow citizens of Luarca (Northern Spain) during those times.

From his mother, furious that the local Fiesta de San Ramón has been cancelled, to his father, hiding the news from his wife.

From the exhausted hospital staff to the sanctimonious padre.

From his heavily-pregnant wife to his brother fighting for France in the Great War. 

And, last but not least, from the many victims to the surviving families. 

It was an extraordinary time … to be a doctor and a new father

“I had a little bird,

Its name was Enza;

I opened the window

And in-flew-Enza.”

 –Children’s jump-rope rhyme from the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919

© LS Fellows 2019 (writing as mayepalmer)

Previously published (2018) in 72 Hours of Insanity by The Writer’s Workout as winning entry in the Historical Fiction category “Remember When …”

As always, 

Book News: Just a Simple Little Makeover

My series – The Blackleaf Agency – has undergone a makeover, and along with new titles there come new covers. But that’s not all, because I’ve decided to move all my mystery stories to a new pen name too.

All the books in The Blackleaf Agency series are now authored by bea kendall (intentionally lower case, because …well, just because 😉 )

Here’s the first in that series:

Just a Simple Little Holiday

When “romance” needs a life-jacket, maybe it isn’t meant to be!

For some people, romance is to be avoided at all costs:

• to avoid being hurt.
• it’s simply not worth the effort.
• who could possibly fall in love with them anyway?

 

If questioned, Fern Mortimer would tick all of the above.

Following a hit-and-run, she is left in a wheelchair, and has since mastered the art of being invisible. Recovery is slow, and she hides away at her parents’ house, taking one online course after another. It’s easier to be a hermit.

But there comes a time when she’s fully qualified, and the big wide world beckons.

A few months into a new job, and with a reputation as The Ice Queen, she doesn’t expect to make any long lasting friends.

An invitation to join a co-worker and her friends on a girly holiday to The Algarve comes as quite the surprise too.

When Nessa won’t take no for an answer, and against her better judgement, Fern agrees to the trip.

Is this her chance to prove the old Fern still exists?

After all, it’s Just a Simple Little Holiday.

What could possibly go wrong?

 

A cosy mystery series with a hint of psycopath

Available from Amazon and via Kindle Unlimited

Here’s what other readers have to say about it:

The beautiful setting of the Algarve, a luxury pool in the grounds of the villa, but why is there a wheelchair at the bottom of it? And where is its owner?
Fern Mortimer keeps herself to herself since a hit a run left her in a wheelchair, she is known at the Ice Queen at work, but her new colleague, Nessa wants to be her friend. Nessa doesn’t think Fern is as bad as everyone makes her out to be.
As Nessa tries hard to be her friend she pleads with Fern to become the 5th member of her holiday group after another friend fell ill.
Fern decides she needs this holiday and eventually agrees. That’s when her life is turned upside down. Fern is seduced by the irresistible Portuguese waiter.
Twists, turns, mystery and mayhem, this story has it all, great humour and characters with depth, it’s a winner for me.
I would highly recommend this wonderful Novelette. The perfect size to read in one sitting.

This story drew me in from the start and was an quick easy read. The author did a great job of developing the characters, which is a hard thing to do in a short story. The ending had a great twist, which I didn’t see coming. A well written, descriptive story that made me feel like I was there.

A fantastic page turning short story. Very well written with great descriptions that makes you feel like you are there. Starts off with a girls holiday and turns into mystery and suspense. Brilliant from start to end I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Recommend to fans of short stories, mystery, suspense and books with a shocking ending

I won’t bore you with any more of these, but if you feel like giving it a whirl, you can get a copy here. It’s only 99p / 99c and, what’s more this is just a simple little short story. (See what I did there? 😉 )

I’ll be posting the sequel next week, which gives you just enough time to download and read this one. Well, a writer can dream …

As always,

Book Promo – Play the Game

Play the Game

by Karen J Mossman

Excerpt:

Going on a first date is always daunting, and more so for Stella,

I was an idiot. Why would I ever agree to go to a posh hotel for dinner with a hot guy? Who was I kidding? Food! The thought of a hot meal made my stomach grumble. The last time I ate anything hot was payday in the work’s canteen.

Looking at the pile of clothes on the bed, I realised that each piece of clothing had been tried on and discarded, and now my wardrobe was bare. I couldn’t recall the last time I went on a date or bought something new.

It was awkward, as guys generally asked questions. I couldn’t tell anyone about my circumstances or my dad. Anyway, who’d believe me?

Get your copy here

Coping with past tragedies, Stella lives on hope in the present. 

She plays the game and hopes that one day she will beat the odds.

Is this all there is to Stella’s story?

Self shame is the enemy…. It is a power struggle.

At times it may seem hopeless and pointless to fight the inner demons.

Sometimes, when your self esteem is low, it takes a special someone to help build it up again.

Join Karen J. Mossman at The Magic of Stories and receive Joanna’s Journey for FREE!
magicofstories.net/newsletter/

 

Blog Tour ‘n’ Book Review – Dark & Fluffy Vol II

Dark & Fluffy (Vol II)

by Janet Stock

Dark & Fluffy: Volume II

Following on from Dark & Fluffy, this collection is a further nine short fiction pieces. The title Dark & Fluffy II, reflects the general styles of the stories/prose in the book. Some are a bit darker, and may be a bit uncomfortable to read, Death by Testing and The Broken Arrangement fall into this category. Others are happier, feel good pieces like The Disney Club. Whatever your preference, I’m sure you’ll find something that will grab your attention.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Fluffy-II-Janet-Stock-ebook/dp/B07LDRKL5D

US – https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fluffy-II-Janet-Stock-ebook/dp/B07LDRKL5D

My Review

If you’re looking for a fun mix of short reads, then you’ve come to the right place! As a collection of stories, this second volume offers up an abundance of entertainment for those times when you’re commuting to work, or when you just need a break from reality.

The first story – The Man Across the Street – drew me in straightaway with the line, “it’s not that I’m nosey, you understand …” and from then on I was intrigued to read on. The author built the tension up with subtlety  – which isn’t easy in a short story – and delivered a clever twist at the end. By then, I was ready for more.

The huge variety in story kept me reading on, moving from tension to sweet “Aww!” moments in the Disney Club, and lots of fun (at Dad’s expense) in That Steampunk Vibe.

The author mentioned she’s writing a novel, and introduced us to one of her character’s in the story entitled Gisella – if that’s indicative of the rest of the novel, then I look forward to the publication of The Wait’s Son.

Overall, an original, imaginative and enjoyable melee that you can dip in and out of at whim. 

Author Bio

I am married with one teenage son and have always been a keen reader and writer since being young. I was born in Lancashire but have lived in Lincoln for over 30 years.

Several years ago I decided to take my writing seriously. I completed an OU course in creative writing and a Writers Bureau course. Initially I concentrated on short story writing, and when I turned fifty this year, I self-published my first book, Dark and Fluffy.

I love writing short stories, but my main goal is to have a novel published. Ten years ago, I started the first book of a trilogy of novels called The Little Servant (The Wait’s Son). I am still working on this, but now I have a serious intent to get this finished this year.

My favourite genre is medieval fiction, Bernard Cornwell is my favourite author. I also like to read Edward Rutherford, Stephen King, and Dean Coontz.

 

Social Media Links

www.janetstockwriter.wordpress.com

https://www.facebook.com/Janetstockwriter-1805728432810167/

For more reviews, head over to these blogs throughout the tour.

As always,

Happy Publication Day!

It’s true – today’s the day for Magical Memories to be released to the world.

As Archie Royle takes his final breath, his three daughters race to say their goodbyes.
Two don’t make it in time.
I do. And now, it’s all my fault they’re too late. I let him go too soon.
Despite him having dementia.
Despite them not visiting in over a month.

But I won’t let anger win.
After all, we’re all grieving, aren’t we?
Surely, as a family, we can let bygones be bygones.

It’s what Dad would want. Expect.
It’s what he deserves.
We have so much to be grateful for.
So many fond and magical memories to share.

As the sequel to Magic O’Clock, this is another short story in which we finally get to say goodbye to Archie. Of course, there is some personal experience drawn upon here, but maybe not as you might think. That’s the beauty of writing, we get to mix fact with fiction and re-invent situations. But, that’s a different kind of magic.

What you might not release is that Magic O’Clock was first released on my mum’s birthday, and now, on the anniversary of her death, here come those Magical Memories.

I know, I’m a sentimental old fool, aren’t I?

Archie does indeed bear many of the attributes of my dad, but he’s also based on my mum, who was the real dementia sufferer in the family. Dad died far too early in my life, when I was still at school, but I like to think he lives on here. Mum had a great life; she came to Spain with me – which she loved to pieces – and even though she never remarried, she never held back on life. She was the party animal I would never be, so when dementia struck it was all the more shattering. Anyway, before I start blubbing like a baby, I’d just like to welcome you to Magical Memories.

I hope you, too, have them in abundance. Currently, it’s only available on Amazon – but that will change soon.

Early reviews on Goodreads have been positive – Phew! – and I’d like to think Archie bows out with dignity and that you’ll remember him with fondness, even if those of us who are left behind don’t always live up to those same standards.

Magic O’Clock & Magical Memories

are fictional short stories about dementia and loss, told through a daughter’s perspective.

Two father-daughter love stories to tug at your heartstrings.

Thanks for reading!