On May 1 in New York City, a twenty-four-year-old white ex-Marine named Daniel Penny choked a thirty-year-old Black man named Jordan Neely to death on the F train as it headed toward the Broadway-Lafayette station. Neely was a street performer known for his skilled Michael Jackson impersonation. He was also mentally ill, homeless, and had […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/05/11/jordan-neely-a-culture-of-repression-and-neglect/
My heart was shattered when the Crossbreeds series concluded, and I wished we could return to Raven, Christian and the Keystone characters. I am here to tell you that wishes come true. We get to attend a wedding! Swoons, humor, sexy-time and wonderful moments with beloved characters await you.
Forevermore
by Dannika Dark
Series: Crossbreeds #12.5
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Length: 3 hours and 34 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher, Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Heat Level: 
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Raven Black’s wedding is on a collision course with disaster. A bonus novella in the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series!
Keystone’s planning an unforgettable wedding, but there’s only one problem: the groom is missing. To top that off, the father of the bride is out of town, leaving Raven to wonder if destiny has screwed her over once again. Despite the setbacks, she’s full steam ahead-even if that means showing up at the altar alone.
Hilarious antics ensue as listeners catch up with their favorite characters. A high-octane chase, a tattoo gone wrong, and a stunning surprise. Will Christian pledge his eternal love, or has the twice-burned Vampire gotten cold feet?
The series ending you’ve been waiting for.
{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-05-11T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “My heart was shattered when the Crossbreeds series concluded, and I wished we could return to Raven, Christian and the Keystone characters. I am here to tell you that wishes come true. We get to “,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/forevermore-by-dannika-dark.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Forevermore”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Dannika Dark”,
“sameAs”: “http://www.dannikadark.net/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}
While less than fours hours long, this novella packed a punch. Dark gave us shenanigans, friendship, backstories and romantic gestures to melt your heart and wrapped it up in delicious heat and heartfelt moments.
The wedding was supposed to be a small affair with Keystone members, and Raven’s Dad, but that doesn’t mean it won’t have all the trimmings. From hunting for the perfect dress, to securing gifts, we spend a little time with everyone.
Christian was absent in the beginning, but makes up for it in the end. I laughed, swooned, and cried. These characters feel like friends and I was glad to be a part of this special moment. Dark has left a hole in my heart, and I will mourn the end of this series, but thank her for this little gift.
Fans of urban fantasy, strong characters, friendship, romance, and tons of Kick-Ass action and rescues will love the Crossbreeds series and the rest of the stories set in the same world.
Nicole Poole narrates, and I highly recommend listening. From accents to her tone, she enhances this series. I’ve said it before, but I will say it again, “Dark’s stories are like crack and Poole is my dealer.”
Forevermore is the perfect treat for fans of the Crossbreed series & Christian Poe & Raven Black’s swoon-worthy love story.
Amazon | Audible
Dannika was born on a military base in the U.S. and spent her youth traveling abroad. She developed an interest writing poetry and song lyrics early on, eventually gravitating toward a job that involved writing procedural training documentation. In her spare time, she wrote novels before she decided to pursue a career in publishing. In addition to writing about supernatural worlds, Dannika is passionate about graphic design and creates all her own covers and series art. When not writing, she enjoys indie music, movies, reading, Tex-Mex, strawberry daiquiris, heaps of chocolate, and unleashing her dark side. All of her published books to date are written in the same universe and contain material suitable for adults only. Dannika’s books have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.
Nicole Poole is a classically trained actor with equal passions for literature and improvisation. She has toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has been a member of the critically acclaimed Walter Thompson Orchestra for over fifteen years, and recently became a member of the Parisian groups SPOUMJ and Anitya. She is honored to have been recognized for her narration by an AudioFile Earphones Award, a Publisher’s Weekly Listen-Up Award, and nomination for an Audie Award.
Never miss a post by adding Caffeinated to your Inbox
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
Source
Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/05/forevermore-by-dannika-dark.html
Redemptive Trauma: Confession of a Defrocked Priest is a deeply personal and engaging exploration of the complexities of author David Giffen’s life experiences. Born to immigrant parents and raised in Canada, David’s childhood was marked by instability and a lack of emotional support. His parents’ separation only exacerbated his emotional struggles, leading him to seek solace in a life increasingly detached from reality. As he matured, David became embroiled in the world of sex, violence, alcohol, and drugs, trying to escape his troubled past. Despite his rebelliousness, he longed for stability and normalcy. Ultimately, he turned to spirituality and became a priest, starting a new chapter in his life. However, his past continued to haunt him, and he was eventually stripped of his priesthood due to his vulnerability.
Throughout the book, David’s writing is candid and introspective, inviting readers to explore his struggles and the challenges he faced on his journey. His reflections on spirituality and religion are particularly insightful, offering a nuanced and deeply personal account of the role these forces played in his life. His writing is infused with a sense of hope and resilience, reflecting his unwavering commitment to self-improvement. The book is structured non-chronologically, which may be confusing at times, as it can be easy to mix up the past and the present. Nonetheless, the writing is easy to follow, and David’s unfiltered accounts of his childhood provide a refreshing perspective on the issues of addiction and spirituality.
Redemptive Trauma is a compelling and honest memoir that offers a unique perspective on one man’s journey through life. I highly recommend it to readers seeking an engaging and deeply personal account of the challenges of addiction, spirituality, and self-discovery.
Pages: 138 | ASIN : B08LR15B1V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/11/redemptive-trauma/
Picture yourself as an ordinary teenage girl trying to navigate your way through high school, only to find yourself entangled with the most popular boy on campus. This scenario may seem like the perfect beginning to a romantic story, but there’s a twist – the boy holds secrets that have been passed down through his ancestors and could impact not just his life and yours but the entire universe. Would you be willing to explore a world far more significant than you ever imagined? Would you be willing to fulfill an age-old prophecy that centers around you? Are you willing to risk everything you’ve ever known for a greater purpose?
M.C. Ryder’s The Darkest Side of the Moon takes readers on a thrilling journey from the mundane world of high school to a darker, more sinister realm of fantasy, delivering a compelling coming-of-age narrative. At first glance, the novel introduces stereotypical characters that fit in the high school scene we all know, but as the plot thickens, readers soon discover that there’s a much larger world out there, one that includes vampires and werewolves. Moreover, the feud between these two factions transcends the world they’ve carefully constructed to hide their true identities.
Ryder’s writing style is refreshingly new and innovative. The author’s decision to refer to the female protagonist, Nadine Drexel, as “You” throughout the book was a bold move, but it paid off well. This approach allowed readers to immerse themselves in the character’s journey, feeling as though they were experiencing it firsthand. Additionally, the short chapters that end after each scene make the story more manageable for readers to digest. It serves as an avenue to delve into the character’s inner thoughts, enabling the audience to sympathize with even the most significant antagonist in the narrative. This is a great book to kick off a trilogy; the author’s decision to end the story will undoubtedly leave readers eager to read the sequel.
If you are a fan of the Twilight saga, then you will love The Darkest Side of the Moon. This novel is an excellent starting point for teenagers who want to delve into the world of book series. Overall, Ryder’s ability to transform a clichéd setting into a thrilling and captivating story is impressive, and I look forward to reading more in this series.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0BL5SN55F
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/11/the-darkest-side-of-the-moon/
Omnis 1: Beginnings, authored by Nelda Bedford Gaydou, is a captivating middle-grade graphic novel that packs a powerful punch. The story centers around Isabella and her family, who are living a contented life in Argentina, despite the challenges posed by the dreaded quarantine of 2020. With the hope that things will return to normal soon, the siblings eagerly anticipate the end of the lockdown. However, as the quarantine finally comes to an end, they are faced with an unexpected move to the United States to live with their grandparents. Here, they must navigate a new school and environment, all while dealing with the intolerance, mean-spirited peers, and prejudice that threaten their existence.
The narrative deftly weaves in the story of the Omnis, a mysterious group of heroes who help Isabella and her siblings find their inner strength and courage. The author’s use of English and Spanish makes this a bilingual masterpiece, ideal for anyone looking to learn or reinforce their Spanish skills. The graphic novel is engaging and offers a positive message of acceptance, which is particularly relevant in today’s world. As someone who was raised to celebrate diversity, I found the book to be an inspiring and impactful reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the world. Sabrina’s exceptional artwork complements the story perfectly, making for an enjoyable read that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages. The book concludes at an ideal place to introduce the second installment, leaving readers eagerly anticipating more from this talented author-illustrator duo.
Omnis 1: Beginnings is a remarkable graphic novel that has great cultural representation, an engaging storyline, and a profound message of tolerance and positivity. It is a heartwarming tale that speaks to the core of what it means to be human and the power of family, friendship, and community. Suitable for readers aged seven and above, this graphic novel is a must-read for anyone who loves world culture, graphic novels, and gentle superhero stories. In addition, it is an excellent resource for language learning and cultural studies, and I highly recommend it to all.
Pages: 106 | ISBN : 1950560880
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/11/omnis-1-beginnings-comienzos/
Murray the Cat follows an intelligent and caring cat who finds the perfect family to adopt; he just has to convince them. I think this original idea is intriguing. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
This book was inspired by a very special cat that adopted our household years ago. While names and the narrative are fictionalized to a certain extent, many of the events depicted are based on actual happenings. The family’s initial reluctance to take in the cat and Murray’s tenacity are both factual. The twist of the plot is also truth-based. I’m pleased that this book was published in time for “National Pet Month,” which is the month of May in the United States!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Tammy Brown?
I spotted Tammy Brown’s brilliant work several years ago when I first started writing this book. It was the art in her own book, “Herman the Mouse,” that convinced me she was the perfect illustrator for the job. When my text was ready, I contacted her. Tammy is so patient and talented; each beautiful watercolor illustration in my book was planned and discussed in detail. She was able to incorporate many elements that were of great importance to me, such as the pinkness of Murray’s belly, and subtle details indicating how the cat brought harmony to his new family. Also, because of the followers that my previous book, “The Princess, the Knight, and the Lost God: A Chess Story” is still sending my way, I made sure the presence of chess was included in Murray’s new home (also fact-based!)
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Although it is a sweet story for kids, there is an important point in the plot’s backstory for adults. You’ll find a brief mention in the book that a different family had previously adopted Murray from a shelter. What I’d like to share is that although the home with three kids and many other animals was not Murray’s dream home, it was still preferable to the fate an older and large cat like Murray would face in a shelter if not adopted at all. But every shelter has its own rules; some will not give an animal to a family with young children. Many insist there can be no possibility of certain animals ever going outside (regardless of the setting), and they often require that someone be home an unreasonable number of hours every day. These and other stringent rules result in many animals never being placed, and a very sad ending for them may follow. That is why a portion of royalties for this book will be donated to Nathan Winograd’s nokilladvocacycenter.org. This organization provides solid support and a step-by-step guide for animal shelters to vastly improve their pet placement rate. Mr. Winograd, from whom an introductory quote is included in my book, has spent decades of work in this sphere. His successful efforts might be the very reason that “Murray” had a chance to find us and bless our lives with his presence.
What is the next adventure that Murray will be going on?
When the family finally moves cross-country with Murray, he’ll be in for some fun and different experiences that will be sure to tickle your fancy!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Website
With a delightful balance of sweetness, humor, and heart, this early chapter book follows the unique journey of an older feline who is determined to claim his chosen home. Tammy Brown’s vivid and nuanced watercolor illustrations beautifully capture the essence of Victoria Winifred’s charming story.
A portion of the proceeds earned for this book will be donated to Nathan Winograd’s Advocacy Center, which provides support and a step-by-step guide for animal shelters to vastly improve their placement rate.
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/11/may-is-national-pet-month/
A Quilt for Charley is a heartwarming story about an older dog who finds hope in a dream, leading him to a new chance at love and a forever home. What do you hope readers take away from your story?
I hope that readers will take a chance and adopt older dogs. Old dogs need loving and caring homes, too.
The book also features the theme of love and the bond between humans and animals. How important is this connection, and why do you think it is so strong?
The connection between dogs and humans is a strong and loving bond because dogs aren’t just animals. They are sentient beings. They have all of the emotions that a human being has. Charley’s trainer had the opportunity to watch how Charley interacted with me, and he said, “In my entire career, training dogs, I have never seen a dog so in love with someone as much as Charley loves Sharon.” A dog’s love is without conditions.
The book conveys the importance of adoption and giving older animals a chance at a new life. Can you discuss your personal views on animal adoption and the work that animal shelters do?
Animal shelters struggle to place homeless animals in loving homes, and without shelters, many more animals would suffer alone, hopeless, and helpless.
Adopting an animal, especially older animals, is saving a life. The thought that Charley could have died alone and unloved brings me to tears. We promised Charley, he will never die alone, and he will be loved until his last breath. He is a bright light in our life that brings us great joy. He is sweet and kind. And as a service dog, he is by my side to help me up curbs and stairs.
A Quilt for Charley is a touching and memorable story. Are there any particular reactions from readers that have stuck with you?
Several of my friends who have read my book about Karl and Charley have told me that when they reincarnate, they want to be my dog.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/05/11/a-dogs-love-is-without-conditions/