Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

How do you feel about unexpected visitors? At one time, random company would not have bothered Claire. After the death of her husband, though, Claire faces a life alone with no surprise visitors and the impending departure of her college age twins. Alone except for the midnight visits from Clint, her adopted raccoon, who is intent upon bringing his uninvited raccoon posse outside her bedroom window every night. Maybe alone is better after all. She knew she had to ready herself for the empty nest syndrome that would settle soon upon her home. But she isn’t ready for the wave of unexpected guests in the form of Napoleon Bonaparte, Count Dracula, and Janis Joplin.

Occupying every inch of her home, eating Fruit Loops in her kitchen, these visitors are related to the job she left many months before. Unwanted and uninvited, Bonaparte, Joplin, and the Prince of Darkness were somehow detoured on their way from In Between to After. Fortunately for them, Claire is a retired Afterlife coach. Unfortunately for Claire, she said farewell to that job some time ago. All those years she managed to hide her profession from her friends, family and her beloved Daniel. She wasn’t ready to start explaining herself now.

Enjoy the antics of Claire and her deceased buddies in The Afterlife Coach by Susan E. Paul. Outrageously funny and remarkably witty, Susan E. Paul has created the novel of the decade. I am so glad that I selected this book to review. I haven't laughed so much in a long time. Hope to read about Cleopatra soon! There is never a dull moment, never a wasted page in this literary romp on the wild side.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

No fluff! Pure cowboy! Midway is the tenth book in Tell Cotten’s The Landon Saga. The Landon brothers, Cooper and Yancy, are just your average Texas Rangers. Well, maybe not average! Returning to Midway, after a rescue mission in New Mexico, Yancy is eager to see Jessica. He is going to propose right away, but Cooper convinces him to bathe first. Yancy awkwardly pops the question, and Jessica accepts. Much to everyone’s surprise, Yancy and Jessica agree to get married the following day. Why wait? While Yancy prepares for his wedding, Cooper is left handling all the town’s law issues. In one day’s time, Cooper must settle a domestic violence dispute, handle an alcoholic cowpuncher who destroyed the saloon, deal with Wyatt, his coming of age adopted son, and confront four Mexican bandits who want to kill Yancy. Proving once again, the Landon brothers rarely experience normal, peaceful days. Don’t mess with Texas!

Midway by Tell Cotten is an amusing gun-slinging western. Not having read any of the previous books in The Landon Saga, I was grateful for the list of the main characters and their current status given at the beginning of the book. Tell Cotten quickly catches the reader up on what is happening with the Landon brothers, and then jumps right into their continuing saga. The short chapters propel the plot action, creating a steady pace from one chapter to the next. Far from boring, there is no hitch in the giddy-up of this story at all! Being born and raised in the Texas panhandle, I felt right at home with the story’s West Texas setting. The narrative is written in first person, told from Cooper’s point of view; however, Yancy’s personality speaks loud and clear! The brotherly banter throughout the story was warm and comically entertaining. I believe the continual changing of shirts was my favorite part. Most would simply iron a shirt, not use them as element of irony! It wouldn’t be a western if the lawmen did not strut down the street to a gunfight! With this in mind, Tell Cotten totally delivers. Midway concludes with a happily ever after ending, well at least for the Landon brothers. Midway’s town sheriff might think otherwise.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Melvin is dead. There's no beating around the bush with that. But what a mess he left in his wake, or rather his Aunt Martha left after a brief possession of the priest to give him the 'no punches pulled' send-off she thought he deserved. His mistress is pregnant, and his wife, Melody, has made her own withdrawal from the Rogue Sperm Bank in the hope of letting her husband's legacy live on. Melvin has a choice: his aunt is insisting he is born again, and he must quickly choose which vessel his soul should enter, the child carried by his wife, or that of his mistress. There are, of course, complications that cause even those against idle chatter to sow the seeds of gossip. Melvin was indeed reborn, and what a stir it caused.

Lately, whenever I pick up a book claiming to be comedy, a brief wave of dread passes over me. Today's amusement seems often to be nothing more than a string of put-downs, and jerkish behaviour, something I would call closer to bullying than humour. I actually heaved a sigh of relief when I first started reading James Pumpelly's Twice Melvin. I don't remember the last time a book with such witty humour crossed the screen of my kindle. Only a few paragraphs in, I found myself chuckling, and the momentum continues. Refreshing wit, great banter, some ironic humour, all wrapped up in an interesting and enjoyable plot. This book certainly rekindled my faith in the genre, and restored my hope that there are still people who can be funny, without it being at someone's expense.

Within Twice Melvin you'll find some great characters, deep and real with their own unique personalities and agendas. The book itself is written in alternating perspectives between the first person narrative of Melvin (later Melvin Jr.), and the third person perspective of the other characters. Whilst Melvin, for a large portion of the book, is deceased, it in no way hampers the story-telling, and James Pumpelly manages to spin a creative, humorous tale with serious aspects, romance, otherworldly meddling, and mortal gossip. A refreshing read that had me laughing aloud more than once.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Up To No Good by Marsha Cornelius is an engaging story that revolves around Rachel who is soon going to turn forty. Her husband, Brian, thinks she is inquisitive as she loves gossiping about her neighbors. Brian is a photographer and Rachel is a writer and they work together at ‘The Good Life’, a wildlife magazine. Since they work together, Rachel does not seem to have much to talk to Brian about. Rachel slowly starts getting curious about the house nearby where the blinds are always drawn and no garbage cans are put out. She tells Brian about it and, as the story progresses, readers get to see how the mystery becomes exciting and enjoyable. Will Rachel be able to find out more about the mysterious house and what is going on inside?

I enjoyed the story as it not only throws light on the relationship of a middle-aged couple, but also has ingredients of fun, humor, sexual innuendo, mystery, suspense, and intrigue woven into the plot with expertise. The conversational style of writing makes it entertaining and the story connects well with readers. I like the way the author has brought out the curious streak of the main character, Rachel, which makes her real and relatable. The author handles relationship between friends, acquaintances, family, and marriage well. All the characters in the story complement the main characters, Brian and Rachel, very well, making it a fun and interesting read. Though the author makes it a light read, the reality behind the mystery house coupled with the intrigue make the story unique and thrilling! Loved the cover. It captures the essence of the story well.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Ever met a creative genius? Read Garage Band and you'll meet two of them. The first is the author, Adam Rabinowitz; the second is his protagonist, Lanthus Trilby. And Lanthus is surrounded by a supporting cast of colourful characters, each of whom is a genius in his or her own field, whether it is hacking into complex security systems, or swinging from building to building as easily as Tarzan does from trees. This Garage Band does not create music. It creates mayhem for a massive corporation, security companies, police and computer experts. This Garage Band is a group of highly talented and skilled individuals brought together by Lanthus Trilby when he is suddenly let go after years of service as an actuary for an insurance company.

Tired of being dismissed by his boss and co-workers, along with his wife and children, as being competent but dull, "beige" as it were, Lanthus launches a scheme that proves how very much everyone has underestimated his genius. His plans to financially bring down his former employers by threatening to destroy an entire shopping center parking lot full of expensive cars are pure genius. Lanthus Trilby's plot is so convoluted that one readily grasps the concept that genius is very close to insanity. And as all hell breaks loose everywhere, readers are simultaneously holding their breaths and smiling as they turn the pages of a book written by a creative genius, Adam Rabinowitz.

Garage Band is an impressive bit of writing, near impossible to fault. Characters are realistic; dialogue flows naturally; the plot is complicated but logical, and the conclusion is utterly satisfying. Those who will enjoy this book are intelligent, clued into the ramifications, both good and bad, of modern technology, and love a well-thought out and executed plot. But these readers will also have a soft side that understands how losing a job after years of loyal service can unravel an employee. They will identify with family members losing touch with each other to the point that they don't even know each other.

In its own way, Garage Band is about music, the music of life, where harmony isn't possible unless all the players are in sync and in tune with each other. Lanthus Trilby makes sure his garage band knows their parts perfectly till the very last note is played. And Adam Rabinowitz deserves the applause readers will give Garage Band.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

In Expired Listings by D.M. Barr, a murderer with a special taste for real estate agents is loose in Rock Canyon. Unfortunately, the real estate business has previously cried wolf so when two agents are killed, the police are not in any hurry to investigate. Everyone is terrified but not as much as Dana Black. Due to her very complex family dynamics, if anyone dug hard enough, they would find Dana a perfect suspect. Even worse, she suffers from severe blackouts and as it just happens, she has no memory of where she was at the time leading to both murders. On top all this, Dana has big secrets and lives a double life. It is through the connections in her secret life that she reaches out for help in getting to the bottom of the murders. Secrets will be revealed in the process and her relationship with her estranged family will never be the same.

Expired Listings by D.M. Barr is a thrilling story that combines enthralling plot and detail, all delivered in flawless style. Right away, the story came to life with a gripping scene that had me feeling like I was watching a scene out of 'Criminal Minds', only better. D.M. Barr effortlessly captures the intensity of the moments and characters' emotions to draw you in and completely immerse you in the story, luring you to go with her on this engrossing journey filled with a mix of pain, pleasure, romance and darkness; and she blends all this together perfectly without allowing one part to overshadow another. Every time I thought I was close to figuring it all out, D.M. Barr threw in a fresh curve ball that made me question my theories, with a mother of all twists at end that made me realise how wrong I had been all along. D.M. Barr wrote an absolute winner that cuts across genres and delivers an amazing experience.

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.