Reader Views

Wicked Allure (eBook)

Article first published as eBook Review: Wicked Allure by Leslie C. Ferdinand on Blogcritics.

Tall, dark and sexy, Zachary Steele has a reputation for being a “faithless womanizer.” His history has proven this to be true.  When his exotically beautiful ex-girlfriend Madigan is coerced back into his life, by her mother, things get very complicated.  Zachary once pushed Madigan away because he was afraid of the depth of his feelings for her. Now that she is back in town and in business with him, he is very confused.  Incredibly drawn to her, he fears he did too much damage to be able to salvage their relationship.  Still, they find themselves unable to avoid the physical attraction that they still have for each other.

Sharing her exotic beauty with her two other sisters, Madigan has suffered a great deal throughout her whole life because of the damage caused by her two selfish manipulative parents.  Her sisters have also been affected by their obvious need to control them, and their lack of loving parenting skills.  Madigan’s mother uses the guise of reuniting with her daughter to get her to come back into their lives.  Having the majority of shares in Zachary’s business, her mom can pretty much do what she wants, or so she thinks. Hoping to gain some peace in her relationship with her mother, Madigan agrees to return. She is a bit surprised to learn that her mother wants her to be involved with “Wicked Allure.” Advertised to be a spa, “Wicked Allure” also offers special SPA services. SPA stands for Sensual Pleasure Anonymously.  The SPA services are offered to wealthy patrons with a taste for the exotic.

Working in a sexually charged environment makes things even more difficult for Madigan and Zachary.  It makes it impossible for them to avoid the needs that they have for each other.  It also brings some people into the picture who desire to create havoc for the both of them.  On the other hand, Madigan’s return to town gives her the opportunity to get closer to her sisters and hopefully right some of the wrongs from their pasts.  As she is working on this, there are some surprises that could directly affect her reunion with Zachary.  Now it is his turn to prove himself.

“Wicked Allure” offers the perfect blend of erotic romance and drama.  The sensual scenes that are played throughout the story are very well written and will definitely draw the reader into an incredible escape from their mundane world. The characters are both complex and sexy, and some of the bad ones are truly bad to the bone, which allows for an incredible amount of turmoil in the story.

I really enjoyed reading “Wicked Allure” by Leslie C. Ferdinand and feel that because it offers the perfect blend of sensuality and drama it has a lot more to offer than some of the typical erotic romances.


Wicked Allure (eBook)
Leslie C. Ferdinand
Smashwords (2012)
ISBN 9781475010800
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (3/12)

There Is No Energy Problem

Article first published as Book Review: There Is No Energy Problem by Coleman Raphael on Blogcritics.

Most Americans are aware that their country is precariously dependent on, or worse, addicted to oil, especially foreign oil and that this oil is a limited energy resource. That awareness, in general, is based primarily on the price of gas at the pump. In his new book, “There Is No Energy Problem,” author Coleman Raphael contends that Americans and our government need to prepare now for the fact that the world is running out of oil. He states in his Introduction and Summary, that, in support of this need, the two objectives of his book “are to show that energy is the basis for all of life’s activities and to show that energy will not disappear.”

To look at this small, one-hundred and thirty-nine page book, the typical reader might wrongly conclude that such a slight volume could not possibly fully address what they might perceive as a complex, scientific subject. In fact, “There Is No Energy Problem” is designed to be primer on energy that enables lay readers to easily understand the subject. Raphael’s professional background in physics and other relevant disciplines, combined with his ability to present his content without using complex, scientific terms, makes the book approachable for “every citizen.”

The book’s content flows logically and clearly. First, the reader is given an overview of energy and its various forms. How the world is currently using these energy sources is explored followed by a look at the types and available quantities of energy sources. This content will be particularly enlightening for many readers. Next, the author reviews the alternative fuel sources, electricity, fuel cells and hydrogen.

This completes the energy primer and Raphael spends the remainder of the book presenting his thinking on the secondary components of a Twenty-First Century U.S. Energy Plan and his case for making solar energy the cornerstone of that plan. Raphael points out in his Introduction that the closing chapter of the book on the cost of his proposed plan might be of most interest to readers. Heretofore there is no mention of this aspect in the preceding chapters.

For this reader, “There Is No Energy Problem” achieves the goals set out by the author in his opening Summary. Collectively, scientific and social observers concur that the understanding and attitude of the vast majority of Americans leaves them woefully unprepared for the role they must play in adapting to the depletion of world oil supplies. Many U.S. administrations have attempted to treat the country’s addiction to oil, especially foreign oil, without success. In “There Is No Energy Problem,” Coleman Raphael makes it clear, without preaching, that that we must all become “Citizen Scientists” in order to know enough to make informed decisions about the plans that are ultimately presented to us by our government regarding our global energy future. This book has a place in every home library.


There Is No Energy Problem
Coleman Raphael
AuthorHouse (2011)
ISBN 9781456749682
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (1/12)

WE x Infinity: Face the Terror of our World Equation

Article first published as Book Review: WE x Infinity: Face the Terror of Our World Equation by Charlie Pedersen on Blogcritics.

Hoping to positively influence the past so that there will be a better future, an unmanned, electro-magnetic, mass-less photon probe is sent by scientists, from the early twenty-second century, one-hundred years into the past. Thirteen particle physics labs from various points around the world receive a visit. To prove its validity, each lab is given specific information about events that are to directly occur. When each event happens, the scientists are baffled, yet still incredibly intrigued.

Five oracles that can influence our future are sent to be delivered to the United Nations. These oracles offer information that can have a direct effect on creating positive change. By helping create a paradigm shift, the future can be positively impacted in many areas including human rights, and energy and water conservation. Knowing that the scientists are under direct threat by people who can be negatively impacted by these changes, the scientists have to involve the protection of the CIA and Interpol. Even with their help, lives are still at risk, and so is the future because the people most threatened by the healthy survival of our planet are terrorists and a private espionage company.

Determined to spread the word about the information that is presented to them, the scientists prepare a presentation that includes information from our times and suggestions that are made from the future. The serious reality of what the information presented about the global devastation that is currently happening is very serious. The suggestions presented that are gleaned from information gathered from the future bring hope to mankind. In turn, making positive changes now will help create a better future and quite possibly save the planet. However, those from the present have to be very careful with how they proceed so that the future will not be altered too drastically or in a negative way. One big lesson learned is that for our civilization to survive, we need to step back from continuously recreating the problems of our past and create a paradigm shift so that we can focus on working towards a positive future for the good of all mankind.

“WE x Infinity” is intelligently written and presents well-documented information about our current circumstances. Taking this information and injecting it into what could happen in the future makes for a very interesting, thought-provoking science fiction novel. In addition to creating and writing a fantastic story, the author, Charlie Pedersen, impressed me with the amount of research and references that he used to demonstrate his points for the times that we are living in now. He really makes you think about what will happen to the future if we continue on the same path that we are on now.


WE x Infinity: Face the Terror of our World Equation
Charlie Pedersen
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432758899
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1

“Journey to Virginland” tells the tales of Dog.  As Dog moves about The Republic of Virginland which is in Dreamland, he makes observations about the people.  These observations involve a great deal of reflection and introspection on the culture, philosophy and politics of the people. As Dog makes his irreverent observations, he also makes a great deal of sense.  While some people, well actually many people, might be offended by his irreverence, especially in regards to religion, I found much of what Dog ponders happens to be true and it greatly reflects on the hypocrisy that we see, yet choose to ignore, in our own world.  This is especially true in how women are both regarded and treated in different cultures.  Or perhaps this is what stood out most to me, because I am a woman.
          
While Dog is living his dream, various historical events are mused over and his thoughts are shared with us. Once again, so many truths are revealed, especially in regards to the hypocrisy allowed by people in regards to religion and politics.  As Dog is on a journey of self-discovery, his actions do not always make him popular with others, yet he remains fairly true to himself.  His behavior might not always be appropriate, but in the end his self-reflections are pretty accurate. Above all, he admits he is just a dog.
          
I enjoyed having the opportunity to read a novel that is completely different than anything that I have ever read before.  Full of satire and dry wit, I appreciated the author’s creation of Dog.  Occasionally, I would find myself getting lost in the meaning behind what was being portrayed, and I would either have to put the book down for the night, or go back and reread a section.  “Journey to Virginland” is definitely not meant to be read when one is tired! On the other hand, when not tired, I found the novel to be very fast paced, and I would find myself having difficulty finding a stopping place when I had to put the book down.  I highly recommend this novel to readers who like thought-provoking, humorous fiction, and that are easily offended religious fanatics.


Journey to Virginland: Epistle 1
Armen Melikian
Two Harbors Press (2011)
ISBN 9781935097518
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (1/12)

Justice Wanted: The Kid in the University Stairwell

Article first published as Book Review: Justice Wanted: The Kid in the University Stairwell by Marlene Gentilcore on Blogcritics.

I was incredibly surprised by this book because I was expecting some boring notes and newspaper articles strung together in a haphazard way in an effort to create a story, but what I got was a page-turning mystery that almost demands you join the author as she pursues justice for a family that has encountered so many wrongs.

After a brief intro that sets the stage for the story and a little bit of background on the author that provides insight into why she dedicated a large portion of her life to a family that was nothing but strangers when she first met them, Gentilcore begins leading us down a dark and twisted path filled with numerous mysteries. I’ve read plenty of true crime books but I don’t think I’ve ever seen justice so conveniently and expertly thwarted. As each new clue surfaces, you won’t be able to resist asking yourself how such a thing could occur.

You will feel the excitement of the feisty reporter that’s busting with enthusiasm over the possibilities that are contained within this mystery, and you will still be right by her side as the weary journalist doggedly sticks to the path years later for no other reason than her desire to help this family that seems to have no other place to turn.

I love how the author holds nothing back. Our hero isn’t a perfect and flawless creature that always has the answers. She’s a real person that feels fear and doubt, sometimes using all her strength just to continue a fight that sometimes seems impossible to win. I also like how all the facts, evidence, and clues of the case are laid out for us, allowing the reader to put their detective skills to use in this quest for justice.

My only complaint is how the book ends because the conclusion seems a little rushed, with no sense of finality, but the book still receives five stars because that’s the price of true crime. Unlike fiction, real drama seldom has a conclusion packed with an overwhelming sense of fanfare; real drama just ends. Still, I wish there had been just a little more depth in the last couple of pages.

If you’re a fan of true crime or mystery stories, you need to give “Justice Wanted: The Kid in the University Stairwell” a try. I guarantee you will never again look at quiet college towns the same way.


Justice Wanted: The Kid in the University Stairwell
Marlene Gentilcore
Edgewood Pr (2011)
ISBN 9781595716484
Reviewed by Marty Shaw for Reader Views (1/12)

Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business

Times are tough, there is no denying it. Our economy is in shambles, previously solid companies are folding daily, and unemployment is looming on the horizon for many fellow Americans. If you are one of those who have been contemplating a change in their career, and if such change includes a possibility of opening a small business, you could do much worse than invest in the “Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business”. Although a slim volume, “Plan B” contains enough information to enable anybody curious and brave enough to switch, in the author’s words, from “being stuck in a full-time job and a part time life to having a full-time life and a part-time job – living life on your own terms.”

The author, Cesar V. Teague, defines the five basic differences as:

   1. Multiplication vs. Addition,
   2. Success vs. Struggle,
   3. Focus and Flow,
   4. Aligning Opportunities and Goals,
   5. Action Steps for Geometric Gains.

Each of those differences is outlined in a separate chapter, complete with examples, personal stories and truly powerful quotes. While the book is obviously geared towards the novices in the small business field, I am certain that it could also prove useful for those of us who have been working for ourselves for a while already. I have found the content of “Difference 5, the Action Steps for Geometric Gains,” particularly enlightening. The breakdown in the “Identify Your Business Activities” made me look at some of my work practices again, and I was amazed at the difference this made nearly instantly.

The appendix, containing forms and worksheets, should be an invaluable resource as well, particularly for those readers who are just starting to think about a new business venue. Just the business plan outline alone is well worth the price of the book, and some of the tax issues mentioned in the last couple of pages were extremely useful and eye-opening.

I have enjoyed Mr. Teague’s clear and direct writing style, which remained pleasantly conversational, yet precise. I would highly recommend this book to those who are toying with the idea of branching out on their own, as well as any current owners of small or home businesses, since even those already established ones could clearly learn some valuable lessons from “Plan B.”

Plan B: 5 Differences That Make a Difference in your Small/Home Business
Cesar V. Teague
Xlibris (2011)
ISBN 9781465334787
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (8/11)

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense

Gerard D. Webster has masterfully crafted a sequel to his award winning novel “In-sight.” In “The Soul Reader” Ward McNulty and Carrie Hope reopen the investigation into the murder of Ward’s father and the suspicious deaths of three of six principals involved in a money-laundering scheme known as the North Beach Project in Jacksonville, Florida. The story picks up a year after the events of “In-Sight.”

Ward and ex-homicide detective Anton Gross join forces to reopen the investigation after Carrie signs an attractive six figure, book contract with a highly successful national publisher. Ward and Carrie become possible targets of a notorious assassin, reputed as being the most dangerous in the Western Hemisphere, Culebra. The investigation soon involves the DEA, Interpol, the FAA, as well as other local and national government agencies, covering three continents.

Webster has included all the elements of a well-paced suspense novel, including distinctive three-dimensional characters, intrigue, mystery, romance, and mounting suspense. Webster has done his research well. His accounts reflect a detailed awareness of the local of color of cities in Florida, California, Colombia, Mexico, and Italy which add authenticity to his writing, and to my personal enjoyment of his novel.

Webster’s writing is so gripping, I experienced vicariously the same adrenaline rush that Ward did when he was caught between an ambush and a police roadblock on a narrow winding road just outside of Medallion, Colombia, South America, or when face to face with Culebra the vile assassin. Unexpected plot twists with life-threatening consequences add to the fast-paced, non-stop action which leads to an amazing surprise ending.  Detailed dialog updating previous action sometimes slows down the narrative which gave me a feeling of unnecessary repetition. However, this also gives the reader a chance to match wits with the protagonists.

I was especially interested in the segments that took place in the Andes Mountains of Colombia, South America. My sister served as a Bible translator for twenty years in these mountains. She is no stranger to the impact of the drug traffickers, the guerrilla terrorists, and communism on the political instability of the country.

Various tenants and practices of the Catholic faith are skillfully woven in to the “woof and warp” of the novel. Webster’s protagonists subscribe to an inner faith, high ethical standards, and a concern for spiritual pursuits. Ward is portrayed as having a unique spiritual gift enabling him to recognizing truth when seeing directly into a man’s soul.

Anyone reading Webster’s first novel,” In-Sight,” will want to read this exciting sequel.  “The Soul Reader” establishes a fan base for Gerald D. Webster that will ensure his continued success as a highly celebrated suspense author. I am looking forward to more from Gerard D. Webster.

The Soul Reader: A Novel of Suspense
Gerard D. Webster
WestBow Press (2011)
ISBN 9781449720520
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (9/11)

Less Blah Blah More Ah Ha: How Social Savvy Real Estate Agents Become Trusted, Preferred, Referred -- and Rewarded

With the downturn of the economy in the past few years real estate sales have been down and many of the agents have been at a standstill; many changing careers or supplementing their income with part-time work.  Those that are on top of their market are still successful because they know the ins-and-outs of being a good agent.  Ken Brand’s book, “Less Blah Blah More Ah Ha” is geared for those that are struggling in the market because they haven’t learned what it takes to be an agent or for those breaking into the industry.  But, the book is also for those that aspire to learn new information and for those that have been in the business for a long time but are relentless in learning new techniques and strategies.

Written in a conversational style, Brand provides a book full of proven approaches and tactics that have helped him and his team succeed.  Chapter Two is titled “Surprise! We’re not in the Real Estate Business.”  If nothing else, that should grab your attention.  According to Brand, “Selling a house is the end result of a transaction, but client delight and our long-term success happen only when we focus on the total client experience...;the total client experience...is shaped by the quality of our communication, presentation, sharing, problem solving, and service.”   He continues to tell the reader that the total client experience is “a reflection of our values: what we believe in, what we stand for, and where we choose to draw the line between common and uncommon.”  At the end of the chapter Brand encourages the reader to jot down the answer to “What business are you really in?” as a personal mini Values Statement.  By the time you get to the end of chapter two, or in fact, any other chapter, I can guarantee you will want to proceed to the next because there is always a hook and bait to keep you engaged.

I am a former licensed agent and also have purchased and sold properties through other agents.  From my experience there are just agents, and then there those that are truly good agents; those that put the seller or buyer in the forefront and give total attention to their needs and wants. They are the ones that listen to the client and actually hear what is being said, and they are the ones that establish credibility in the beginning through their words and actions.  Brand gives the step-by-step formula to be what it takes to be a truly good agent.  (He also gives tips on how to adopt abandoned buyers - something many agents inherit.)

Although “Less Blah Blah More Ah Ha” is geared toward real estate agents, I can assure you anyone that is selling any item will find the strategies would work for him or her. The bottom line ends up being awareness, on-purpose direction, and attentiveness; those three will provide the person with communication skills that are beyond the run-of-mill seller. Brand teaches the skills with humor and directness.

Brand’s writing style is captivating as he draws the reader to the next page or next topic.  Like a well-written novel, the cliff hangers at the end of each chapter don’t allow you to put the book down. “Less Blah Blah More Ah Ha” by Ken Brand is a must-have for all real estate agents, especially those starting out in the highly competitive industry, as a resource/workbook.  But, the techniques only work if worked.

Less Blah Blah More Ah Ha: How Social Savvy Real Estate Agents Become Trusted, Preferred, Referred -- and Rewarded
Ken Brand
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9780615462424
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/11)

Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales (eBook)

As a young man just out of high school, author Mark Elswick experienced a devastating traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a car accident. Although doctors wrote him off, he beat the odds, and not only regained his life, he discovered a single act that is critical to the recovery process for both patients and caregivers. This is a giving back book for Elswick on more than one level. He is donating a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of each book to support TBI research. But, his kindest gift, given to all who will read “Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales” is the book’s collection of humorous short stories. Elswick writes in his preface that he hopes to “...entertain you with humorous stories taken from my life, but also to sprinkle in some more serious stories about my traumatic brain injury incident and other survivor stories.” His aim is true; he hits the mark!

While the book targets multiple audiences, the short stories will especially entertain the diverse reader population that can relate to a single parent, in this case the author, living the challenges of raising his daughter. Elswick also hopes his personal stories will provide much needed stress relief and an emotional pit stop for daily caregivers. There are many amusing books, blogs and articles out there chronicling the “Dad raises daughter” scenario. What creates point of difference for this book is Elswick himself and his stream of consciousness writing style. Elswick is quaintly macho - a source of humor in itself, and his story telling is based almost entirely on a streaming dialog in his mind, in which he encourages the reader to join. Among the stories included just for amusement and laughs, I laughed out loud at “Red Flags of Age, Frogger Shopping, Newborn to Dad: No Multi-Tasking and In Front of Me? (‘Listen punk! If you ever kiss my daughter again, there will be consequences that you won't like.’)” 

The stories which explore various aspects of TBI are sprinkled in, as directed by Elswick. The design is seamless, a result of the author’s clearly established persona, giving the reader a feeling that they are having a relaxed, informal conversation with the author. Among the best examples of these stories is “Little Brooke: A TBI Story ALL Parents Need to Read.” In fact, Brooke’s story will be compelling for anyone who reads it because it awakens the realization that on any given day, anyone could be affected by TBI. This is the story that is most likely to stimulate a greater interest learning more about the brain and the buzz around TBI. And it that regard, Elswick hits the bull’s eye again.
 
I like Mark Elswick’s book a lot. My own personal commitment to being of good humor every day is buoyed by these stories. And, I understand that we are not likely to care deeply about a problem like TBI unless we are familiar with it.  Elswick’s book compels me to care; to contemplate how I would cope if TBI affected me or someone I loved some day; how I can help those affected now? As Elswick notes, “Learning about traumatic brain injuries can, and does, have that big an influence on one’s thinking.”

So, as of this writing, I am officially announcing my own support for Mark Elswick, the writer who won his own battle with TBI and is now giving back of himself to those who are continuing or just beginning theirs. “Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales”offers an “edutaining” read on a subject that is anything but humorous. And it underscores the importance of embracing now the devastation of TBI among the general public, as well as in the face of our affected troops returning home. In the opening paragraph of this review, I mentioned that during his own experience, the author discovered a single act that is critical to the recovery process in general. As the patients and caregivers echo in their stories, that act is support. I highly recommend you begin giving yours by reading the book.

Padman: A Dad’s Guide to Buying...Those and Other Tales (eBook)
Mark Elswick
Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615999026
Reviewed by Joseph Yurt for Reader Views (8/11)

SAD: Suicide, Alcohol & Drugs in the Entertainment Industry

The author has written a very comprehensive and detailed book about suicide and substance abuse in the entertainment field. While we know that this particular culture isn’t the only one having problems, they are the most publicized.

His first six chapters cover suicide, addictions and drugs.  He also gives a historical view of drugs and their power over individuals along with current statistics. He then discusses problems in the entertainment world- parties, fast crowds and substance abuse. Sometimes sudden fame overpowers individuals and to escape reality they begin to use. In Chapter Five he discusses a few famous entertainers who are now “resting in peace.” Janis Joplin who began with a low self image until she gained fame, yet never stopped her “fast lane journey.” John Belushi partied nonstop; he died when he was thirty-three. We have all seen on the news how actors go in and out of rehab like it was a shopping mall and we can expect more to meet their maker due to making unwise choices.

In Chapter Six the author provides numerous pages to those who have lost their life to these activities. His point in providing a full chapter on these individuals is to show how many lives have been lost to SAD. I believe I got more impact from him sharing a few stories than to take the time to scan through several pages of names, dates and how they died. However, I do see what Mitchell was attempting to do. He is not using scare tactics; he is providing facts and valid information.

The latter part of the book is composed of sections that cover topics from abuse to bullying to religion. The author provides concise information on each of these topics as well as how to handle it. I see this as more of a self-help section for individuals to learn new ways to cope with events that happen in their lives.

This book captures the essence of drug misuse in the entertainment industry that readers can learn from. “SAD” is full of details that shows us how people in the entertainment industry are no different than anyone else. Awareness is the key and Mitchell is providing us ways to become conscious of what really is going on and be able to address the issues.

SAD: Suicide, Alcohol & Drugs in the Entertainment Industry
John Mitchell
Maple Creek Media (2011)
ISBN 9781937004422
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (8/11)