New York City’s greatest natural resource—its cast of characters—inevitably attracts prospectors, but attempting an industrial-scale mining operation can be unwise. Efforts like the Facebook-page-turned-coffee-table-book Humans of New York or the Instagram empire of “New York Nico,” the city’s “unofficial talent scout,” illustrate how easily documentarians trying to represent such a vast and various range of […]
The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe by Seana Kelly, narrated by Samantha Desz, addresses the subject of Clive’s maker, Garyn and a meeting will go down at the Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe. Action-packed with a high body count, Clive & Sam will need all of their allies if they hope to survive.
The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe by Seana Kelly Series: Sam Quinn #6 Narrator: Samantha Desz Length: 9 hours and 9 minutes Genres: Urban Fantasy Source: Purchase Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: Heat Level: Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x
I’m Sam, the werewolf book nerd owner of The Slaughtered Lamb Bookstore & Bar. Clive, Fergus, and I are moving into our new home, the business is going well, and our folly is taking shape. The problem? Clive’s maker Garyn is coming to San Francisco for a visit, and this reunion has been a thousand years in the making. Back then, Garyn was rather put out when Clive accepted the dark kiss and then took off to avenge his sister’s murder. She was looking for a new family. He was looking for lethal skills. And so, Garyn has had plenty of time to align her forces. When her allies begin stepping out of the shadows, Clive’s foundation will be shaken.
Stheno and her sisters are adding to their rather impressive portfolio of businesses around the world by acquiring The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Café. Medusa found the place when she was visiting San Francisco. A dive bar filled with hot tattooed bikers? Yes, please!
Clive and I will need neutral territory for our meeting with Garyn, and a biker bar (& café, Stheno insisted) should fit the bill. I’d assumed my necromancy would give us an advantage. I hadn’t anticipated, though, just how powerful Garyn and her allies were. When the fangs descend and the heads start rolling, it’s going to take every friend we have and a nocturne full of vamps at our backs to even the playing field. Wish us luck. We’re going to need it.
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This is such a fun series with shifters, vampires, necromancers, witches, and more. Like most urban fantasy, the Sam Quinn series is best listened to in the order of its release.
Sam, Clive and their dog, Fergus, have recently moved into their new home and the wards are about to be tested. Garyn, Clive’s maker, is expected in San Francisco, but trouble arrives first. Stheno and her sisters have opened the Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe. Sam and Clive attend opening night as a show of support, but a dead man drained of his blood, have local PD looking at Clive. Then we have vampire battles, and hoards arriving all to support Fergus. Yikes.
Our duo and their friends will be tested and Kelly kept me listening as the action and suspense were never ending from battles to attempted break-ins at their home and bar. It was a barrage of mischief, magic, mayhem, and kickassary. Sam needed to hone all of her skills fast. A character stepped up and surprised us all. It was impressive.
As always, Kelly wrapped things up with just enough of a tease to have me excited for the next audio release. Samantha Desz does the narration and really captures Sam’s spark and Clive’s sensual tones.
Perfect for fans of urban fantasy, paranormal romance and supernatural elements.
Amazon | Audible
Narrated by Samantha Desz, The Viper’s Nest Roadhouse & Cafe by Seana Kelly delivered non-stop action and a suspenseful storyline. #NewRelease #SamQuinn #urbanfantasy Click To Tweet
About Seana Kelly
Seana Kelly lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, two daughters, two dogs, and one fish. When she’s not dodging her family, hiding in the garage and trying to write, she’s working as a high school teacher-librarian. She’s an avid reader and re-reader who misses her favorite characters when it’s been too long between visits. She’s represented by the delightful and effervescent Sarah E. Younger of the Nancy Yost Literary Agency
Website | Twitter | Instagram
About Samantha Desz
Samantha Desz is a classically trained actor with extensive theater experience. She also is an experienced voice actor, working on a variety of long form voice-over projects. Samantha has a passion for learning about different cultures and lifestyles. She’s lived around the US and in London, England, called New York City home for nearly twenty years, and is currently living in the Midwest.
Website | Twitter
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Growing up, going to Church was just something I had to do. I did not really understand the purpose, as my mother would drop me off for Sunday school and mass while she went for coffee and bagels with friends, only to return to pick me up. Church was an obligation, and as I grew older, I questioned more and more about it, drifting further off and away. Much like Jean Waight’s canoeing analogies, I felt stuck on a rock or headed for waters that just were not part of the enjoyable experience I had heard about and hoped for. I never felt the close-knit family and support system that everyone told me Church should be. As I grew older, my distrust and dislike for patriarchy and intolerance of LGBTQ+ issues caused me to drift further away from Christianity.
One of the first things readers will notice is the woodblock prints that open each chapter. They are like a small window into what is to come. Reading Jean Waight’s memoir, The River Beyond the Dam: Shooting the Rapids of Progressive Christianity, I felt like I was talking to a friend, someone who really got what I was thinking when it came to Church. Her blunt and direct approach to sharing her story was inspiring. In her book, she reminds readers what the real purpose of community is. It is not sitting in a building singing hymns; it is coming together to improve the community by buying diapers for those in need or taking on the coal industry standing with the Lummi. She does not just accept that men take leadership roles in the Church; instead, she brings feminism to the forefront of the discussion, saying it isn’t enough just to have women in leadership roles; they need to actually be treated as equals and allowed to hold leadership positions over men. Jean actively questions the dogma surrounding religion and holds those around her to higher standards, not settling for the status quo.
The River Beyond the Dam is not a book that readers can pick up and read cover to cover. If they do, they are missing a great deal. Each chapter is a chance for reflection and unpacking preconceived notions. Jean references multiple resources, providing insights that back up her thought process. Providing a full bibliography at the end of the book allows readers to continue their own research and personal journey after reading this memoir. For those who feel the Church is a lost cause, her story offers a glimmer of hope, a chance that, while slow, change can come if enough people put in the work.
In Conversations Behind The Kitchen Door: 50 American Chefs Chart Today’s Food Culture, food connoisseur Emmanuel Laroche escorts readers into the culinary psyche of renowned chefs from around the globe. This compendium features a stellar lineup, including Elizabeth Falkner, Gabriel Kreuther, Antonio Bachour, Johnny Spero, Chris Cosentino, Edward Lee, Jose Garces, and Fermin Nuñez, each discussing their culinary origins, favored dishes, and kitchen irritations.
The book excels in illustrating the diverse paths these chefs took to culinary prominence, debunking the myth of a singular route to success. The narratives are as varied as the chefs themselves, emphasizing that a prestigious culinary background isn’t the sole recipe for achievement in the gastronomic world. More than just a series of anecdotes, the chefs’ stories offer deep insights into the principles and strategies that have shaped their distinct culinary journeys. These insights extend beyond the kitchen, providing readers with principles applicable to various pursuits of excellence. This book is an explorative journey through the nuances of food culture, elevated by compelling dialogue and rich narrative. The text is crafted to engage and immerse the reader in the experiences and wisdom of some of the culinary world’s most distinguished figures.
Whether you’re a professional chef, an aspiring food enthusiast, or simply someone with a deep appreciation for culinary arts, Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door stands as an essential read. It not only introduces you to unique dishes but also acts as a source of inspiration, encouraging readers to explore and define their own culinary paths.
In Scavenger Hunt: A Novel, author Chad Boudreaux crafts an intricate narrative set within the perilous confines of the United States legal system. The protagonist, Blake Hudson, a lawyer deeply embedded in the justice system, finds himself at the heart of a dangerous and clandestine operation known as “Operation Scavenger Hunt.” Tasked with combating terror beyond the traditional reaches of government, Hudson soon discovers the murky moral waters he must navigate.
As the plot unravels, Boudreaux deftly blurs the lines between right and wrong, inviting both Hudson and the reader to question allegiances, motives, and the actual cost of justice. The book plunges readers into a high-stakes world filled with action and political intrigue, addressing fundamental issues surrounding elections and governmental ethics. While the first half of Scavenger Hunt: A Novel lays a detailed groundwork, setting the stage for the drama to unfold, it is in the latter half that the story accelerates into a series of unexpected developments, keeping readers firmly on their toes. Boudreaux’s extensive research is evident, providing a realistic backdrop that enhances the novel’s gripping nature. The inclusion of complex legal terminology enriches the authenticity of the setting, offering a detailed and immersive experience for readers. The vivid descriptions transport readers directly into iconic locations like the Justice Department Building. At the same time, the dry humor embedded in Hudson’s character adds a layer of entertainment to the suspenseful narrative.
As a debut thriller, Scavenger Hunt: A Novel offers a satisfying conclusion and simultaneously piques interest in the continuing saga of Blake Hudson. It’s a commendable choice for those drawn to thrillers brimming with tension and real-world intrigue.
In Growing Up Gracefully.. Sumita Bose offers a comprehensive and insightful guide specifically tailored for female teenagers navigating the complex journey of adolescence. Covering a broad spectrum of pertinent topics such as body image, relationships, puberty, and sex education, this book is an invaluable resource for young women seeking understanding and clarity about the changes they’re experiencing.
The author presents the information with thorough research and in a manner that resonates with a teenage audience. Teenagers will find the book informative, engaging, and empowering, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to address various aspects of their lives. For parents and educators, Growing Up Gracefully.. serves as an ideal tool to initiate important conversations with young women about sensitive and sometimes challenging topics.
One of the book’s significant strengths is its ability to open up avenues for communication between teenagers and their parents or guardians. Presenting the topics in a non-threatening and relatable manner alleviates the pressure often felt by parents to broach these subjects single-handedly. Instead, the book fosters an environment of openness and dialogue, enhancing the relationship between parents and their daughters.
A few highlights worth noting include the author’s discussion on the “Benefits of Sex Education,” where she eloquently articulates how comprehensive knowledge in this area can lead to reduced health risks, increased safety, improved self-esteem, and overall well-being. Another critical section delves into the multifaceted nature of puberty, offering clear explanations about the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive changes young women can expect. Bose’s writing is informative and imbued with positivity, making the learning experience enjoyable and reassuring for young readers. Her ability to distill complex information into understandable and relatable content is truly commendable.
Growing Up Gracefully.. is an essential read for any female teenager and a resource that parents will appreciate. This book is a lifeline of knowledge and empowerment for young women embarking on one of life’s most significant transitions.
In The B-17 Tomahawk Warrior: A WWII Final Honor, David E. Huntley offers a detailed account of a lesser-known World War II incident. The book revolves around the crash of a B-17 Flying Fortress in England in 1944, involving a crew of nine, known as the Tomahawk Warriors. Huntley, who witnessed the plane’s descent as a young boy, delves deep into the lives of these crew members, bringing to light a story that remained obscured for nearly a century.
Huntley’s narrative skillfully bridges the gap between a factual recounting and an engaging tale, making the book a compelling read. His approach gives the book a novelistic quality, often reminiscent of high-quality World War II documentaries or cinematic depictions of the era. The author’s chance witnessing of the crash and his subsequent discovery of a navigator’s diary form the backbone of this investigation, offering key insights into the fate of the B-17 and its crew.
Huntley expertly maintains suspense and emotional depth throughout the book. The narrative is engaging, pulling the reader into the story and culminating in a poignant conclusion that resonates deeply. The book is not just a recounting of historical events; it is also a tribute to the crew, crafted with a clear passion for uncovering and preserving this fragment of history.
The B-17 Tomahawk Warrior: A WWII Final Honor is more than a historical account; it is a homage to the bravery and sacrifices of the crew. Huntley’s work ensures that this story, and the memory of the Tomahawk Warriors, endures. This book is a meaningful addition to the literature on World War II, offering a unique perspective that stays with the reader well after the final page is turned.
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New York City’s greatest natural resource—its cast of characters—inevitably attracts prospectors, but attempting an industrial-scale mining operation can be unwise. Efforts like the Facebook-page-turned-coffee-table-book Humans of New York or the Instagram empire of “New York Nico,” the city’s “unofficial talent scout,” illustrate how easily documentarians trying to represent such a vast and various range of […]
