Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Didn't Get Frazzled is a humorous novel about the American medical school experience written by David Z. Hirsch. Studying and acing exams were things any medical student could take in their stride, but the real challenges facing the first year medical students in Seth's class had everything to do with their gross anatomy class. Teams of desperate students cut, sawed, and used memorization tricks to remember the parts of the human body that were - absurdly enough - laid out before them on their examination tables. Their subjects' bodies reeked of formaldehyde and, by extension, they stunk of the preservative as well. One could always tell when a first-year was approaching by that smell. Once, when he came home in a total state of exhaustion, Seth neglected to shower off the stink before he went to bed, and his bed reeked for months afterwards. It was all a matter of perspective, such as looking at a barrel filled with amputated limbs and not getting spooked. At least, Seth had a semblance of normalcy to come home to in the shape of his live-in girlfriend, April. However, as Seth and his classmates got more and more involved in the shared challenges of their schooling, April became more involved with her own co-workers, and their worlds gradually grew further and further apart.

David Z. Hirsch's humorous medical school novel, Didn't Get Frazzled, left me feeling profoundly respectful of those students who survive their academic and internship experiences while retaining their humanity and compassion at the same time. This beautifully written and very funny story also reveals the harsh truths medical students have to face and learn to live with. As I write this, I'm thinking quite vividly of the papoose board and the heart-breaking work faced by pediatricians. Hirsch's character, Seth, shares his personal and professional life with the reader, and it's a fascinating account. Some of the patients Seth deals with are unforgettable, and, likewise, there are doctors described who gave me chills and those who still maintained a connection with their patients. While some aspiring doctors may find this an inspirational read, I found myself glad that while I had seriously entertained veterinary medicine, I had never considered medical school. That said, Didn't Get Frazzled is a marvelous read, funny at times, even uproariously so, and poignant at others. As I finished this book, I thought how lucky Seth's patients were to have him as a doctor. And that's what it's all about in the end. Didn't Get Frazzled lets you live the medical school experience from a safe and sane distance. It's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Janelle Alex, Ph.D. for Readers' Favorite

Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine (The Green Room Chronicles Book One) is a very unique book indeed. What J.D. Frettier has crafted within the pages of this one-of-a-kind tale is a mix of grief, metaphysics, erotica, and love. The main character, Bonnie, suddenly finds herself in the emergency room with emergency technicians using the shock paddles on her. She's initially torn between leaving Earth as her old friend calls out to her, "Come on...it's fun over here," and staying as her husband, Peter, refuses to leave her side. Yet, it doesn't take her long to give in and follow her friend to a holding area between life and Heaven. As her friend pushes her to get "Body Sculpting" and regain her youthful looks, Bonnie starts to panic over what her super conservative daughter will find when she goes through her mother's things in the master bedroom closet. With the help of her friend, they not only get a message to Peter to hide the adult items in the closet, but Bonnie learns how to engage in metaphysical sex with her husband from the other side. Along the way, she becomes frustrated because she deeply misses him and wants him to join her sooner rather than later in this holding area.

J.D. Frettier melds sex, death and a metaphysical view of what happens after one dies into a hot, erotic story that may very well light some fires of Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine's readers. It reads almost like a low-budget pornographic movie, but if it creates tingles in its readers, that's all that really matters. Written from the perspective of a much older woman, it isn't likely to light the fire of millennials, but it might make older women think differently about their current sex lives and about potential sexual options once either they or their spouse face death and cross over in the future. Taking on a serious topic such as death and grief can be challenging, but Frettier did a nice job of using this rarely used perspective and turning it into a hot-to-trot erotic novella for the older population. Readers who want something far outside of the norm, with liberal views of sex, lovemaking and relationships, are likely to enjoy the titillating prose within Desperately Seeking Sixty-Nine.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Call Me Pomeroy: A Novel of Satire and Political Dissent is a humorous fictional narrative, written by James Hanna. Fifty-seven years ago, Eddie Beasley was born. Now, he finds himself forever on parole for a crime he unknowingly committed after bedding a woman who'd lied about her age. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time seems to be Eddie’s, or rather Pomeroy’s, gift in life – a moniker he assumed during his first stint in San Quentin. Diagnosed with several different personality disorders, Pomeroy wants nothing more than to make it big with his natural poetic talent. Unfortunately, he instead constantly finds himself in all sorts of trouble with the police, as he unwittingly happens upon riots and protests against the presidency and regime – even being arrested for rescuing a policewoman from unruly thugs mid-riot. Seen as a pest by police, a hero by protesters, and a quirky musician by many, Pomeroy will stop at nothing to fulfill his dream of becoming a household name around the world ... but only for the RIGHT reasons.

In all honesty, I do not think I have ever laughed so hard whilst reading a book. From the very beginning to the very end, James Hanna’s talent shines through in every single word (and verse) he writes. Pomeroy’s use of vile language adds to the humor – and reality – of the tale being told. Poor old Pomeroy seems to be a victim of circumstance on a daily basis, with the worst always being assumed about him by police. It was quite clever, and true to point, with all of the riots and discord surrounding the Bush presidency. Never before have I come across a writer who had me laughing so hard at such an unruly tale, where the main character was forever in the wrong place at the wrong time, a victim of circumstance, when all he wanted to do in life was to make people happy – especially the women he meets, since he seems to be the constant object of their obsession and lust (in his own mind). I very much enjoyed reading Call Me Pomeroy, and recommend it to mature readers aged over 18 years, due to the coarse language used throughout.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Double Blind is the first book in the Thanatos Rising series written by Tiffany Pitts. After Delilah Pelham gives herself a good workout at the gym, her twin brother’s new (and socially awkward) roommate, Dr. Carl Sanderson, hands Delilah a letter, clearly showing that Paul is in over his head and needs help. Although skeptical, Delilah is far from surprised that he has landed himself in yet another jam. At the airport, Carl realizes something is off and quickly books a ticket on the next flight, desperate to keep Delilah safe. Back at Delilah’s apartment, her huge cat (with way too many toes), aptly named Toesy, befriends and reveres Jake while making a discovery which leads to his own unexpected transmutation. As Delilah and Carl become embroiled in a sinister game of cat and mouse in the bid to rescue Paul, little does everybody know that all hell is about to break loose.

I very much enjoyed Double Blind in that it had just the right amount of balance in drama, humor and suspense. The chapter headings were eye-catching and quite clever as they clearly painted the location of the chapter contents in advance, much like a scene change in a movie. The main character’s horse-sized cat, Toesy, is a real hoot and I couldn’t help but chuckle at each encounter people had with the not-so-miniature fluff ball, and the hilarious thoughts that danced around inside Toesy’s head. The stories taking place, both in America and in Hong Kong, are shrouded in mystery and excitement, leading to one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. I applaud Tiffany Pitts’ excellent beginning to the Thanatos Rising series and recommend Double Blind to all readers who enjoy their action, adventure and crime fiction served up with a hilarious dose of animal antics.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

Wow! Just, wow! How's that for a review? Well, it's definitely the way I felt about The Second Diary, the absolutely fabulous work by author Ciara Threadgoode. This book will have its readers obsessively turning the pages from the very first words all the way through to the very last, and will have them laughing and even wiping away tears at times. Follow the story of an unexpected find, that of the second, secret diary of one Dorothy Rose Nolte Hughes, discovered by her granddaughter Cherry after Dorothy had passed away. While her first diary contained the mundane details of her life, those that many would expect to find in the diary of an older woman, this one contained the real dirt and this spunky woman's true thoughts about what was going on around her, often with hilarious results!

I loved The Second Diary. Loved. It. How's that for a review? I loved its fun premise, the characters detailed so well and lovingly by author Ciara Threadgoode, and the investigation of one family's life over the course of two generations. I have never read a book quite like this one, and since I am a prolific readers, that is truly saying a great deal. Any reader who loves a fun read of fiction, a story about families, or just a story with a great deal of heart should definitely read this book! I highly recommend The Second Diary, and I absolutely look forward to reading more from the very talented author, Ciara Threadgoode, as soon as I possibly can!

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

When stay-at-home mother Holly exhausts a seemingly never-ending collection of self-help manuals, she is content to spend her days indulging in long, gossipy, alcohol-infused lunches with her gang of gal pal friends. Every day brings the same challenges and anticlimactic events. That is until she discovers a new challenge. This one makes little to no sense to her, but she is intrigued with the candid ridiculousness of it all. Holly’s quest to find her inner goddess becomes an obsession. One that takes her directly out of her comfort zone while simultaneously offering an irresistible challenge. After committing to a year-long workbook activity of releasing herself from the hold of a rather decadent and shallow lifestyle, Holly follows the rules of the Goddess handbook to reach the surprising and unexpected satisfaction of being a woman of substance.

As the main character in Michelle Colston’s novel, The Undiscovered Goddess, journeys to discover the person she is meant to be, this reviewer greedily devoured each and every word. It is rare to find a story that so completely encompasses all of the positive qualities of the perfect read. Colston’s dialogue is funny, blatantly raw, and unabashedly honest. This is a novel to be read and read again, and to be shared with every woman in search of the key to self-happiness. I love, love, love this book. It hits so many key elements in every woman's spiritual journey. I look forward to purchasing multiple copies to share with the many undiscovered goddesses in my life. I can see myself working through the “workbook” in my own attempt at personal acceptance.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

At seventy-five years of age, Alice Williams is still a sharp, spunky character, but she does forget a few things. Her daughter Karen decides she can no longer live alone, and finds a place for her at the Sorrento Retirement Facility. Alice considers this a prison for old people, a place for them to die, and isn't going to stay, but she will look around for a bit. It doesn't take long for Alice to make a few friends, including a young girl named Lily who is doing community hours at the facility. She also meets an orange-haired woman named Ruby and they become fast friends. When a new man, Henry Taylor, joins their group, Alice is drawn to him, but Ruby likes him, too. Will this be the end of their friendship? While all this is going on, a theft occurs and Alice is determined to get to the bottom of it. Can Alice solve the mystery? Read Just Wondering by Jianna Higgins and find out.

The cover of Just Wondering really caught my eye, but the story inside really captured my imagination and wouldn't let go. Ms. Higgins easily grabbed me from the beginning pages with the character of Alice. She was such a funny character, even when she wasn't trying to be. She didn't hesitate to jump in and help a friend when she was being bullied, and I loved the way she didn't let the charge nurse Melanie Moth intimidate her. I really felt like Alice got a new lease on life by going to the Sorrento Retirement Facility, and it truly made me think differently about such places. The friendships that were made were wonderful, especially the friendships Lily made; it was just what she needed to boost her confidence. The character of Ruby Smith was great. I could easily imagine her, and honestly couldn't wait to see what she might say or do next!

There was never a dull moment with the story, and while there were a few serious moments, there were plenty of fun filled scenes. The mystery woven into the story wasn't easy to solve and lent a cozy feel to the story for me. While Just Wondering is the first book I have read by Jianna Higgins, it certainly won't be my last. Her writing style is engaging, her descriptions are very realistic, bringing the characters and setting to life. Anyone who enjoys a well-written, humorous read with strong characters won't be disappointed!

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

The ancient lore of Camelot meets the fantasy of the future in this incredibly amusing tale of the evil sister of King Arthur as she is transported forward in time to the late 21st century. King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Kim Iverson Headlee whisks Queen Morgan away from a dying Arthur to the future, to where she wanted to confront the Connecticut Yankee whom she blames for unacceptable changes to the Kingdom. Loosely based as a follow up to Mark Twain’s famous story, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, King Arthur’s Sister in Washington’s Court takes the infamous Morgan le Fay to the future where she has an unusual effect on American politics as well as the World Baseball Federation with her purchase of the London Knights. With a bit of magic and a lot of queenly determination, Morgan helps create a new path for the president and makes waves in the world of baseball while making more than a few new enemies. Will time travel get Morgan back to her brother or will some other transfer over the centuries create even more distortions in what history has to report?

Full of wit, woman power and clever critiques of the political scene as well as the ‘good old boy’ network of professional sports, King Arthur's Sister in Washington's Court by Kim Iverson Headlee is a pleasant read that crosses all types of preconceived ideas about style, substance, time and place. A love story, a quest for revenge, and a change of heart, plus so much more provide plenty of interest, and Headlee’s quick-paced narrative and dialogue keep you eagerly turning the pages. This is an unusual story that makes you glad you took the chance. A unique story that is a lot of fun with plenty of strategic jabs at conventional practices.

Reviewed by Jackie Timmons for Readers' Favorite

Randi M. Sherman’s The Lobby lets readers be a fly on the wall at the prestigious Shipley Hotel in San Francisco. The many intertwined stories take place over 24 hours from 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. the next day. The Shipley is hosting both a reunion and a large company conference so there are plenty of interesting individuals, meetings, and possible scandals around every corner. Then there are the tourists: a regimented, bossy husband with his wife who just wants to enjoy her vacation; a couple on their 30th anniversary who are treated to an impromptu wedding; and parents in town dreading their visit with their daughter and her atrocious family. Other fascinating characters also include Oscar Pasternak, a retired actor and longtime resident of the hotel’s upper floors, Mrs. “Bunnie” Rothman who is staying in a six-room suite while her house is under renovations and her husband is away, and a pair of adulterous couples. Add to this mix the many hotel employees including front desk workers, security personnel, the gift shop attendant, the floor polisher, and the florist.

All of these characters and stories equal one highly entertaining book. I enjoyed every moment of The Lobby and was quickly immersed in each of Randi M. Sherman’s characters. I was worried that there would be too many story lines to keep up with, but Sherman paints such vivid pictures and created such intriguing characters that I felt like I was there in the lobby experiencing it all. This book made me laugh, cry and cringe at the various behaviors, chance encounters, and hilarious situations. It was fun to read and now I want to quit my job and go work at the Shipley Hotel! I highly recommend this book!

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

In Sucker, a supernatural fiction by Mark Lingane, Van H. Abraham is plunged into a world with a supernatural twist. As soon as he set eyes on the beautiful Mina, his fate was sealed. She requests his services, her man has run off with a skinny blonde thing, and taken all her money to boot. Never one to relinquish a free drink, he agrees to hear her story, but in the end refuses. He needs to make the rent, but there are easier ways than a missing person case. Fate, however, had a different idea, and the very next day he awakes to find a corpse on his doorstep, a skinny blonde thing. He and the police have never been on the best of terms, in fact it seems they will make up any excuse to see him behind bars, so the appearance of the body gives them just the excuse for a night in the slammer. And what a terrifying, earth changing night it turned out to be. The hidden world of vampires and demons is revealed, but they don't want to stay hidden, not any more. Now they are moving to force a change, and it seems it is up to Van to stand in their way.

For the first few chapters of Sucker, I could almost hear the Dick Tracy style voice-over. It brought a familiar touch to a fascinating genre and filled me with nostalgia for those old novels and series. There is certainly no shortage of things to catch one's attention as the initial missing person mission soon becomes a quest for things forgotten in history, and reveals the true nature of the world and its real terrors. The plot is an amalgamation of horror and humour. Whilst the plot is entertaining and the characters are unique with great dialogue, I would have preferred more in the way of character development. The plot itself is unique and puts a new spin on the over saturated vampire and paranormal market. Mark Lingane presents an imaginative tale with some very interesting and unexpected twists. Given the contents, I would recommend it to urban/paranormal adventure fans.