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Friday, May 15, 2015

Book Review of The Sect: The Windgate

Book Review of The Sect:  The Windgate
Sponsored by LIEP



Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.


THE SECT: THE WINDGATE (Book 1 of the School of Ministry Series)
                                         AUTHOR: BRAXTON A. COSBY

Genre: Fiction/Young Adult/New Adult/Inspirational
Publisher: Tate Publishing/Cosby Media Production
Date of Publication: April 21st, 2015
ISBN: 978-1681182032
Number of pages:290
Word Count: 99k

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

When Ziv is recruited by the secret society known as The Sect, he finds himself cast into a perilous journey of identity, love, and hope. As a Conduit, Ziv possess
the ability to see creatures of the night: demons. The Sect trains him along with two other trainees to be warriors of light and confront the challenges of the
treacherous Quad, in order to control their fear and hone their abilities. As an
untimely love triangle emerges, Ziv must control his emotions and chase down the evil Akabod before he can destroy The Windgate and banish the entire planet into enslavement by the underworld.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Multi-Award Winning and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author Braxton A. Cosby creates vivid, original stories that focus on relationships and world building that brings characters to life. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby. Braxton is the CEO of Cosby Media Productions, a fullservice entertainment studio that focuses on producing content in the areas of television, film, music, radio and print media. Braxton is also an actor and radio show host. As a writer, Braxton’s novels explore the psychology of human connection, concerning themes of trust, faith and selflessness. He resides in Lawrenceville with his wife and three daughters.  




Twitter:@BraxtonACosby



ENDORSEMENTS FOR PROTOSTAR:

"a story of hope, courage, and perseverance...a fun and entertaining read"- Examiner.com

"A fast-paced adventure...even a touch of romantic intrigue. Gripping, actionpacked." - Kirkus Review

"The Cosby gift of storytelling lives on in this page turning adventure." - Bill Cosby

"a thrill ride of suspense, fantasy, drama and fun...An unrequieted love story beats at the center of Ziv's journey" - Adriana Trigiani, New York Times Bestselling

Author of THE SHOEMAKER'S WIFE 


"action-packed supernatural thriller...highly engaging...plot twists and creative spins...compelling novel." - Literary Classics 5/5 STARS
"...action-packed supernatural world full of vivid imagery...contains some of the most enjoyable and memorable action settings available in young adult fiction...will keep you guessing until the last page." - Carey Corp, Co-author of

DOON 


      "...a tantalizing tale of the ongoing battle of Good versus Evil in the supernatural realm...fascinating…Superbly enthralling, captivating, mesmerizing, tantalizing and downright good story!" - Readers' Favorite  5/5 STARS
"...kept me turning pages throughout...Cosby is able to render his themes with a steady hand."

-- Sam A. Patel, Author of DATA RUNNER 


AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

READERS FAVORITE INTERNATIONAL BOOK GOLD MEDAL BOOK OF THE YEAR
AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULT
 
WINNER OF THE CLC SEAL OF APPROVAL
 
#1 AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR
 
WINNER of LITERARY CLASSICS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR FAITH-
BASED FICTION, YOUNG ADULT
           
PROLOGUE

Five years ago, one night changed everything. I was out horse playing with a bunch of friends, in the streets, acting crazy. We came to an old abandoned building and decided to play a game of hide and seek. But I played hide and seek a little too well, easily ducking away from the others, making my way to the lower levels undetected. As they scouted around looking for me, I lost myself, trapped in a maze of empty rooms. Trying to find my way back, I came across another group of other teens, making such a ruckus that I couldn't help but spy on them from a distance. But their horse playing was nothing like what we were doing. Boys. A pack of them and a lone girl, engaged in disturbing behavior. 
 
The boys were harassing her, hands everywhere. She cried out in screams that rattled my eardrums. My hands found their way over my ears, trying their best to block out the screeches. The more hands she batted away, twice as many appeared. They pressed in, grasping and groping. One of the boys pressed harder, adding slaps and kicks, until finally ripping a few layers of clothing from her body. 

That's when the others joined in. Her screams echoed through the rooms, breaking through my hands, making it hard for me to look away. I hid in the shadows, too afraid to help, too scared to make them stop. She tried to fight back, but there were too many. 
Finally I emerged from the darkness and bucked up the nerve to yell out, "Stop!" But they ignored me. Eventually, things got really heated, the girl screaming at the top of her lungs, and the boys pushing her down. That's when something broke free inside me. It started with a quiver, then a strong tremble, until my legs shook so hard I fell backward. My head slammed the floor. I winced and closed my eyes. What I saw terrified me. It was dark but I could see everything clearly. Horrible images shrouded me in a sheath of fear. Circling each one of the boys were hideous, great and fearful beasts. They had eyes that burned like embers, claws the length of fingers, and skin like that of dragons with patches of blazing red hair all over that seemed to stand on end. Grey smoke puffed from their mouths as they spoke. Some whispered obscenities, while others screamed deplorable things, encouraging the boys to continue. I opened my eyes and gasped. My heart fluttered and I looked around the room. The beasts were gone. Only the boys and the girl remained. Taking a deep breath, I shuddered at the thought of closing them again, but I had to. 

I had to know the truth. 

I did. It was true. I closed my eyes again and there they were. Within the dark recesses of my eyelids, I was able to see creatures from the other side. But what were they? Ghosts? 
I mustered the strength to run out of the building, screaming for help. People stared at me like I was crazy. Finally, an adult took my accusations seriously and the police arrived, but it was too late. The damage was done. The girl's family tried to press charges, but she was high on drugs and was not able to identify the suspects. I lacked the heart to come forward and testify against them, left town for good. From then on, I knew I was different. I had a path. But how it would all play out one day was beyond me. 
Until now…


Review: 

This story is set in a supernatural religious setting where demons and angels are real.  The characters in this book are charged with protecting the people of earth from these supernatural threats.  It is filled with twists and turns and leaves you on the seat of your pants until the end.

I give this story 5 out of 5 clouds.




This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Giveaway and Cover Reveal for The English Brothers

englishbrothersbanner

About The Books

Breaking Up With Barrett, The English Brothers #1

BreakingUpWithBarrettEbookCoverUseWhen business partners suggest that a fiancee might soften Barrett English's image over business dinners, he approaches the gardener's daughter, Emily Edwards, for the "job" of fiancee. And while love wasn't necessarily on Barrett's radar, he begins to realize that Emily always has been. But will his take-no-prisoners boardroom tactics work on the heart of the woman he loves?



Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/G2Tko
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/G2VzF


FallingForFitzEbookCoverUseFalling for Fitz, The English Brothers #2

After ten years apart, childhood sweethearts, Fitz and Daisy, are reunited when Daisy moves home to get married. Both are surprised to discover that their feelings for one another are as strong as ever, but old hurts and a new fiance stand between them. Can Fitz get Daisy to fall for him again before it's too late?

Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/G2TTQ
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/G2VFq



Anyone but Alex, The English Brothers #3

AnyoneButAlexEbookCoverUseAlex English, a notorious playboy, reunites with his childhood friend, Jessica Winslow, after years apart. Though both attempt to embrace a friendship, their passion won't be denied. Between disapproving brothers, scheming exes, and the biggest deal of English & Sons' history, their budding romance is going to be put to the test. The question is…will it be strong enough for happily ever after?

Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/KQQnE
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/KQQj4



Seduced by Stratton, The English Brothers #4

SeducedByStrattonEbookCoverUseStratton English, the hottest, youngest, most devastatingly handsome CFO in Philadelphia, has a problem: women make him nervous. Really nervous. Quirky Valeria Campanile, a PhD candidate who studies Courtship Rituals, can't seem to find herself courted. When Stratton helps Valeria with a financial problem, she is anxious to return the favor, and just might find herself being seduced by Stratton!


Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/G2UnU
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/G2VMY



Wild about Weston, The English Brothers #5

WildAboutWestonEbookCoverUseWhen recently dumped Weston English meets recently dumped Molly McKenna at his brother Fitz's wedding, sparks fly! From the ceremony to the cocktail hour, from dinner to dancing, from toasts to photos, Molly and Weston will discover that they have more in common than they could have guessed, and that some horrible endings lead to the happiest beginnings.


Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/G2V36
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/G2VTD



Kiss Me Kate, The English Brothers #6

KissMeKateEbookCoverUseKate English and Etienne Rousseau fell in love as teenagers, but their short affair ended disastrously. Thrown together as opposing counsel on an upcoming business deal, they will have to learn to work together. But, old feelings quickly resurface - is it possible to build something beautiful from the ashes of the past?


Buy the Book:
Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/G2Vnm
Smashwords: http://ow.ly/G2VgZ



About the Author

katyregneryKaty Regnery, award-winning and Amazon bestselling author, started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract for a winter romance entitled By Proxy.

Now a hybrid author who publishes both independently and traditionally, Katy claims authorship of the six-book Heart of Montana series, the six-book English Brothers series, and a Kindle Worlds novella entitled “Four Weddings and a Fiasco: The Wedding Date.” Katy’s short story, “The Long Way Home” appears in the first RWA anthology, Premiere, and she has published two standalone novels, Playing for Love at Deep Haven and the Amazon bestseller, The Vixen and the Vet, which is book one in Katy’s a m o d e r n f a i r y t a l e collection. The Vixen and the Vet was nominated for a RITA® in 2015.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, and two dogs create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

Upcoming (2015) Projects:

The Winslow Brothers (Books #1-4)
Never Let You go, a modern fairytale
Ginger’s Heart, a modern fairytale

Connect with Katy:

Katy LOVES connecting with her readers and answers every e-mail, message, tweet and post personally! Click below to connect with Katy!

Giveaway

Win a $25 Amazon gift card during the cover reveal!

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Book Review of The Unholy

Book Review of The Unholy
Sponsored by Virtual Author Book Tours



Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.



The Unholy:



Publisher: Sunstone Press (October, 2013)
Category: New Age Fiction/Metaphysical Thriller, Paranormal Thriller
Tour Date: April & May 2015
Available in: Print & ebook,  203 Pages
A young curandera, a medicine woman, intent on uncovering the secrets of her past is forced into a life-and-death battle against an evil Archbishop. Set in the mystic land of Aztlan, "The Unholy" is a novel of destiny as healer and slayer.
Native lore of dreams and visions, shape changing, and natural magic work to spin a neo-gothic web in which sadness and mystery lure the unsuspecting into a twilight realm of discovery and decision.
Praise for 'The Unholy':
"The imagery throughout is amazing and I love the writing style.  The plot kept me engaged throughout and the backstory is intricate and makes you think.  This is a relatively quick read but I would suggest starting when you've got time to invest.  Because you won't want to put it down once you pick it up!
"-Shana, The Bookie Monster

"The mystical novel, 'The Unholy' by Paul DeBlassie III is jam packed with native folklore, dreams and magic coming from all directions, which lead to the sadness and mystery that lures Claire, the heroine of the story, into a realm of discovery. The narrative of this book is fast paced and easy to read.
Claire is a strong female character, who has to not only fight against others, but also herself. There are so many components that made this novel unique, such as the setting of Aztlan, the Native American beliefs, religion, magic, and the overwhelming dark forces present. DeBlassie succeeds at telling a riveting story with an inventive narrative that carefully intertwines cultural and romantic elements into the good vs. evil fight, which pulsates throughout all the pages of the book."-Red City Review

"The theme of the novel is pretty basic, good vs. evil. But the author takes that theme, twists it around, comes up with intriguing characters who often walk the balance between right and wrong, and takes things to a whole new level. There's action, suspense, a hint of romance, and definitely enough darkness to share around in this book.
The writing style is very descriptive, almost poetic. Intruiging."-Majanka, I Heart Reading

"A new take on the classic good versus evil,  The Unholy is well written and will leave you wanting more. I was intrigued by the native lore that was used to develop the story, and also on how strong of a hold the Archbishop has on the people of the town - his fear and power is overwhelming. I really enjoyed the story and how the characters prepared for what was to come."-Tracee, Review From Here

"This is really a very good read but I have to warn you it's really dark. It reminded me of watching a movie where it is overcast, gloomy, a bit foggy and there are crows and ravens around. Well this had all that plus a psychiatric hospital, ancient and mystical powers, a cult, and unknown forces at work.
There is a sinister feeling that hangs over you as you read through this captivating story. It is really well written and so vivid, I had such a clear sense of where this all took place. The characters were very well done. The evil person is really dark and warped and creepy.
As I said this is quite a dark story but it is well told and a really good read. The very first chapter draws you into this story and will keep you reading to see whether good or evil wins. I definitely recommend it."-Maggie Thom, Author of  'The Caspian Wine Series'

About Paul DeBlassie III:

PAUL DeBLASSIE III, PhD, is a psychologist and writer living in his native New Mexico. A member of the Depth Psychology Alliance, the Transpersonal Psychology Association, and the International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, he has for over thirty years treated survivors of the dark side of religion.

Spotlight on Claire


I want to shed a little more light on the plight and terror of  Claire Sanchez, curandera, medicine woman, protagonist in The Unholy. As a young child, she witnessed her mother’s brutal murder in the nighttime forest of Aztlan at the hands of a black-robed man. Hiding behind the tress, Claire, a five-year-old girl, was powerless to help. This nightmare haunted her waking life and dreams for twenty-five years. Day and night, she feared fulfilling her destiny as a medicine woman. Her mother died because of who she was. Terrible fright dominated her life.

The black-robed man could find her and do what he had done to her mother. Death lurked around every corner of Aztlan. Religion, she came to discover, cloaked many a sordid deed and foul personage. There was no way she could continue to run. What she most feared came her way, discovered her whereabouts, what her life was about and was to become, and who she loved. The time came for her to decide. Decisions of life-long consequence are painful, agonizing. Nevertheless, she, I feel, did not regret the decision she made. She had to face the ghost of her past or forever be haunted by nightmares of what might come and what she could have done differently. She was not one to be indecisive.

It was all a matter of timing. Yes, it was violent. Yes, the world of the supernatural and natural collided and forever changed the lives of so many people; but, she would not have it any other way. She needed to be true to her life, destiny, to herself as a woman who could run no longer. She could no longer cling to old ways and crippling terrors that needed to be confronted. She did what she had to do and for that she was satisfied and complete. To all who read, she would send courage as you confront the dark side of religion and a woman’s quest to discover self, destiny, and whether, because of the scarring of her past, she could ever love again.
Unholy  Web Tour Schedule

Cassandra M's Place Apr 2 Review & Giveaway                                                 
BookJunkieMom Apr 7 Excerpt, Guest Post, & Giveaway
Mallory Heart Reviews Apr 8 Review                                                        
Second Book to the Right  Apr 8 Excerpt & Interview
Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author Apr 9 Interview & Excerpt
Inspire to Read Apr 10 Excerpt
Confessions Of A Reader Apr 13 Excerpt
Pinky's Favorite Reads Apr 14 Excerpt & Interview
Lisa's Writopia  Apr 15 Guest Post
What U Talking Bout Willis? Apr 20 Guest Post
Books, Authors, Blogs Apr 23 Review                                         
Winter Reads Apr 27 Interview & Giveaway
Happy Tails and Tales Apr 30 Interview & Giveaway
Pam Funke's Book Reviews May 1 Review                                              
Life is Fairytale Will Never End May 4 Review & Interview
Sapphyria's Book Reviews May 11 Guest Post                            
Books, Books, and More Books May 14 Review & Guest Post



Review: 

Interesting story combining religious zealots and Native American mythology.  The story is tense and mysterious, but do not read if you have issues with problems in religious organizations.

I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds.


This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.



Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Book Review of Service Before Self

Book Review of Service Before Self
Sponsored by Virtual Author Book Tours

Welcome to Books, Books, and More Books.  I am pleased to share this book with you.  Thank you for visiting and please come again.


Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing (February 24, 2015)
Category: Mystery/Thriller/Suspense
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: ebook, 154 Pages
Tegon Maus
 A recent transplant to Southern California, Toby Grant has landed his dream job. He’s a service tech for Handy Dandy Services—the premier handyman service in the southland. Things don’t go well for Toby on the first day when he is teamed up with Ryan Burnell, a twenty year veteran of Handy Dandy. Toby quickly learns the hardships of being Ryan’s partner, and finds himself in one uncomfortable situation after another. In an effort to understand his new partner, Toby accidentally uncovers Ryan’s unsavory past involvement with drugs, burglary and other things he shouldn’t know about. He also learns that Ryan’s last partner of five years—Delsin Honaw— had been murdered…stabbed twenty-seven times. Haunted by one misunderstanding after another, Toby learns the true meaning of the company’s motto—“Service before Self.”

Praise for 'Service Before Self' by Tegon Maus:

"From eccentric waste billionaires and very flirtatious women, to unbelievable roach problems and ghosts in the attic, Toby’s numerous adventures in this book will make you laugh repeatedly, however, be aware some will also make your skin crawl. And, all the while poor Toby has to follow the deadpan instructions both gestures and verbal of the reluctant Ryan and do his bidding at a flick of a coin. This story is not only a very funny, if cringe worthy insight into the working day of company representatives, and what sometimes they see when entering other people’s homes; but also an extremely gripping thriller in parts as Ryan is pulled back, yet again, into the world of drugs he left behind five years previously. I thoroughly enjoyed reading every page of this story and would happily recommend it as a brilliantly entertaining book."-Susan Keefe, Book Reviews by Susan Keefe

Praise for Tegon Maus's 'Bob':

Whether or not you believe the outcome, there is no denying that you will have great fun reading this very enjoyable science fiction story. It has all the essential components, good characters, a great plot and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, right up until the end."- Susan Keefe, Book Reviews by Susan Keefe "I love Bob! And I love Bob. Both the character and the book left me wishing for more. Bob, the character is great. His character had me cracking up for most of the book. Not that Bob is trying to be funny. It's just that he is. And Bob the book is better because of Bob the character. Whenever a problem arises, Bob tells Pete not to worry....he's "got cousin." This book is great. You will be both laughing during and enthralled by the story. The characters are perfectly written and the dialog is wonderful. The way the story flows keeps you reading quickly and you'll find yourself at the end of Bob way too soon. The story is a must read for any sci-fi lovers, but even if you aren't a sci-fi person, you'll enjoy the story....mostly because of Bob."- Christy M., Christy's Cozy Corners "Bob is science fiction but it is also suspenseful and funny. The characters are delightful. Bob, the man helping Peter (for a cost), is one of a kind. He’s not only funny and overbearing but he always comes through. He always has a “cousin” who can help them out. Emma is also unique as well as mysterious and Peter and Bob feel they need to help her. I was actually surprised at the end which is always good. I definitely recommend Bob. It has a little bit of everything: science fiction, humor, adventure, and suspense."- Dawn, Bound For Escape "There’s lots of action in Bob and the story will hold your interest from beginning to end. It’s an easy book to sit down with and read late into the night with. I thoroughly enjoyed Bob’s cousins, from the black-skinned cousin to the Italian cousin that spoke only Italian yet seemed to answer Peter in English every question. I thought that the plot was plausible and the characters were realistic."-Kathryn Svendsen, Shelf Full of Books

About Tegon Maus:

Tegon MausTegon Maus was raised pretty much the same as everyone else... devoted mother, strict father and all the imaginary friends he could conjure. Not that he wasn't friendly, he just wasn't "people orientated". Maybe he lived in his head way more than he should have, maybe not. He liked machines more than people, at least he did until I met his wife. The first thing he can remember writing was for her. For the life of him he can't remember what it was about... something about dust bunnies under the bed and monsters in my closet. It must have been pretty good because she married him shortly after that. He spent a good number of years chasing other dreams before he got back to writing. It wasn't a deliberate conscious thought, it was more of a stepping stone. His wife and himself had joined a dream interpret group and we were encouraged to write down our dreams as they occurred. "Be as detailed as you can," we were told. He was thrilled. If there is one thing he enjoys it's making people believe him and he likes to exaggerate. Not a big exaggeration or an outright lie mind you, just a little step out of sync, just enough so you couldn't be sure if it were true or not. When he writes, he always write with the effort of "it could happen" very much in mind and nothing, he guarantees you, nothing, makes him happier. He has consistently placed in the top 3 in 189 writing contest in a variety of genres and has been featured in magazines a couple of times to raise money for Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
 Tegon Maus Website: http://www.tegonmaus.com/#!
Author on Tirgearr Website: http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Maus_Tegon/
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/TegonMaus
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tegon-Maus/150255051766767
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/tegon/tegon-maus/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/101974688416833509592/posts

Buy 'Service Before Self' by Tegon Maus':

Amazon Barnes and Noble Smashwords

Follow the 'Service Before Self' by Tegan Maus Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 6 Interview & Giveaway 
  Inspire to Read May 8 Excerpt 
  What Jenna Thought May 11 Review & Guest Post 
  Books, Books & More Books May 13 Review & Excerpt 
  StoreyBook Reviews May 19 Review & Excerpt 
  Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 22 Review 
  What U Talking Bout Willis? May 26 Excerpt 
  PRATR May 27 Review 
  Lisa's Writopia Jun 3 Review & Guest Post 
  Deal Sharing Aunt Jun 18 Interview & Giveaway
  Service Before Self


Excerpt #2 – Service before Self

"Is that the best you can do old man," Ryan shouted, leaning on the tail end of the truck with disinterest.                              
"Am saying for last time, is mine.  All you see, mine.  Now go," the man shouted from behind the door.
"Can't go Auggie, your sister called and sent us here.  You got a problem I don't know about?" Ryan asked.
"Jessica?  Is bitch, wants all things mine.  Can't keep her hands off it.  She not call me."
"You have a phone out here, now, Auggie?  Cause I would have called you myself if you did," Ryan asked standing up right.
"Auggie have no phone, have number."
"Yes, I know.  Your number is three," Ryan said, coming around to my side of the truck.
"Ahh, why not say so... welcome friend," the voice called lightly and the front door swung open.
"Come on newbie," Ryan said opening the door on my side.
I shifted in the seat, pushing the door open all the way with my foot.
"Better bring the flash light, you'll need it."
"Ahh, is you.  Auggie hear the Vampires got you...  you dead now.  Not see almost in one life time."
"No Auggie, it wasn't me...  but it is good to see you again," Ryan said softly.
Uncertain about our safety, I wasn't sure who I thought more the lunatic, Ryan or the one who shot at us.  The man that had held us off at gun point, now stood on the porch, a shotgun slung through his right arm.
He stood a full four foot, seven inches and must have weighed all of 105 pounds.  His face, a bright red, held the unshaven stipple of a week or more as if his thin mustache were trying to branch out on its own.  His skin in general, appeared to be blotchy and painfully sunburnt.  His hair, what little he had, consisted of nothing more than a thin laurel reef that circled his head, flying wildly in every direction.   
His dark colored pants were filthy, covered in God only knew what, looking more like an abstract painting of odd colors and smears than clothing, held in place by an old faded pair of striped suspenders. 
His skinny arms, more bone than flesh stuck out of a wife-beater T shirt and held whatever the pants didn't, appearing to be stiff and crusty.  Having been white in its beginning, it held no glimmer of
     hope of ever returning to its origins.  
"Ahh, this replacement then?" the man with the shotgun asked.
     "Not mine Auggie... couldn't hold a candle," Ryan said turning to look at me, waving me closer.
I followed him, standing on the porch with the two men.
"Auggie... newbie," Ryan said lightly.
"Augustus Teslenko for your service.  You call me Auggie," the dirty little man said cheerfully, grabbing my hand, pumping it like a well.
"Nice to meet you sir," I replied, eager to get my hand back.  Once released, my first instinct was to wipe it off on my pants as quickly as possible.
As if having read my mind, Ryan slowly shook his head no, giving me a stern look.
I was waiting for just the right moment,  ­hoping they would turn their back to me for just an instant.  My hand trembled as my imagination began to run away with me.  It felt as though there were world destroying diseases firmly entrenched in my palm and were now marching up my arm to overtake me. 
"Ahhh, sir.  What kind of man call Auggie sir?  Just Auggie, yeah?" the little man said, grabbing my hand once more.        
"Alright, that's enough.  Show me what you've got old man," Ryan said, slipping an arm around the man's shoulder, following him inside.
I almost rubbed a hole in my pants the instant they turned for the door.  I sniffed tentatively at my hand and rubbed it again for good measure.
As we passed into the building I realized my hand was the least of my problems.
With the windows covered with foil, the house was dark and cool.  It took a moment for my eyes to adjust and less time than that for the appalling odor of the house to pour over me.  A dull, thick, smell.. a combination like very old socks, an unflushed toilet, rotting food and an over used cat box filled the air.  It felt as if the stench were soaking into my very skin, not to mention, my clothes. 
The main room, if I could call it that, was full from top to bottom.  Stacks of books, newspapers, magazines, paper in all manner and form, filled every corner of the room, stretching up to press against the ceiling itself. 
We thread our way through the massive columns, following a narrow trail as it snaked around to the kitchen.
Once there, I was overwhelm by a new smell, or the intensity of a predominate one, to be more accurate.  The pungent smell of onions mixed with that of rotting food brought tears to my eyes.
Stacked shoulder high, covering almost every available inch, the kitchen was populated by trash bags, hundreds of them.  Flies and gnats hung in the air like a dark cloud hovering over what I could only describe as the remains of a table.  
My stomach churned, growling loudly and I feared I would throw up, adding to the stench. 
"Ahh, hear that.  Your newbie is hungry," Auggie said turning to Ryan.

Review: 

So I thought this was going to be a scary mystery or murder story and it ended up being hysterical.  There is the mandatory gang references, a very strange love triangle thing, and a newbie who gets a shocking intro to life in LA. 

Definitely a good and quick read.  I give this story 4 out of 5 clouds.



This product or book may have been distributed for review; this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.