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Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Review: The Monster We Made by Shade Owens @ShadeOwens

The Monster We Made

by Shade Owens

Published: November 19, 2025

Publisher: Red Raven Publishing

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense, Thriller, Horror

 

Blurb:


Her


My new boyfriend, Jamie, is the epitome of perfection.
He’s kind, patient, funny—the total opposite of my abusive ex.
After everything I’ve been through, life was supposed to be smooth sailing from here.

​But someone’s been watching me. Following me.
I think my ex is trying to come back into my life.
And I’m terrified he’ll do something awful to Jamie.
It’s not like he isn’t capable of it.

Him

She’s perfect.
Everything I’ve ever wanted.
And she has no idea what’s coming.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub



My Review:

Shade Owens ranks among the finest authors I have ever encountered. The Monster We Made is undeniably one of the most exceptional books I've had the pleasure of reading, too. Shade Owens belongs to that rare group of writers whose work guarantees enjoyment without needing to read a synopsis first. She possesses the ability to craft a narrative that draws you into its universe from the very first page.

She has achieved this with The Monster We Made. As soon as I started reading, I became engrossed, unable to tear myself away as I hurried toward the conclusion, not wanting it to end, but eager to discover what surprises lay ahead. It kept me on my toes, pondering who was stalking Harper. Was it her former boyfriend, Mark? Or was it her current partner, Jamie? Perhaps it was all in her head. I never truly believed it was just her imagination, but the plot kept me guessing, trying to solve the mystery.

The storyline seemed to nudge me into thinking it was Mark, or perhaps it was more Harper's fear of him that led me to suspect him. Mark had psychologically and emotionally abused Harper, leaving her traumatized. Yet, I also found Jamie suspicious from the outset, as he was almost too perfect, too kind to be genuine.

I eagerly anticipate Shade’s next book to see what surprises are in store for us. I enjoyed reading The Monster We Made so much that I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who appreciates dark and twisty tales that keep you guessing and make it hard to turn the pages as quickly as you wish. Be sure to grab a copy today!


Connect with Shade Owens

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Website ~ Facebook ~ TwitterInstagram


 

Book Blitz + #Giveaway: The Christmas Wish in Twinkle Falls by Freda Ann @FredaAnn1663599 @XpressoTours

The Christmas Wish: in Twinkle Falls
Freda Ann
(A Twinkle Falls Novel, #6)
Publication date: November 21st 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

After my husband died overseas in an ambush, our kids became my world. He was my one and only—I could never meet anyone who makes me feel the way he did.

(Rochelle)

Needing a fresh start last year, I took my kids to Twinkle Falls for Christmas, but meeting Jesse was never part of my plan. When my best friend introduced us, this retired police officer’s charm and infectious smile started breaking down my walls.

Me and the kids agreed to make Twinkle Falls our forever home at the end of our three month break—but something went horribly wrong after returning home to pack up our things.

(Jesse)

After losing touch with Rochelle once she stopped all communication with me, I knew I’d been ghosted. Roe was the one person I could imagine a future with when my ex left me once I became an amputee.

With my buddies trying to fix me up, I decide it’s time to move on from the past.

(Rochelle)

Nine months after our planned move, me and the kids arrive in Twinkle Falls with everything we own after purchasing a home. Feeling horrible the way I left things with Jesse, our friends agree to let me be the one to tell him we’re here once me and the kids get settled.

Now ready to share the news, I texted Jesse asking if we can talk, but days go by with no response.

While having lunch with my friends I glance around the restaurant and my jaw drops. I see why Jesse didn’t respond to my message—he’s found another woman—the one whose hands are all over him.

Can a Christmas wish intervene and seal this couple’s fate?

This is a feel good, clean, faith-based Christmas romance featuring the charm of small town life, insta-love, and a Christmas miracle with a happily ever after.

It’s book 6 of an ongoing holiday themed sweet romance series, Hallmark style.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

EXCERPT:

When I open the back door to the parking lot, I practically walk into someone. “Sorry about—”

With my mouth still hanging open, my dog whines as I search the beautiful woman’s eyes before me saying, “Rochelle, hey! Did uh, did you get my text last night?”

“Excuse me, can we get by?” An elderly man asks.

“Yes, of course. Sorry about that.” I state while Beau and I step to the side, holding the door for him and a woman close to his age before moving so we don’t block anyone else.

“Hello, Jesse.” Rochelle locks eyes with me, appearing a bit nervous. “Uh, sorry, but I didn’t notice your message until I dropped the kids off at school.” She glances at my dog.

“It’s okay. This here is Beau. Can uh, can you sit with me for a few minutes?” I ask raising a brow.

Rustling my dog’s ears, she looks around and says, “I guess so.”

As we go back inside, Bridgette cuts her eyes at us from behind the coffee bar. Smiling at Roe, she says, “I think there’s a table open by the fireplace, if that works?”

My eyes lock with Rochelle’s as she concedes, “Sure, that’ll work.”

Bridgette smirks at her and leads the way to our table. “Here we go. Would you like some coffee?” She asks while I point to the floor near the wall for Beau to lay down out of the way.

“Yes, please.” We answer at the same time grinning.

Following a few minutes of silence as we stare out the front window facing the park, I turn and say, “Thanks for agreeing to sit with me. I um, wanted to apologize for not responding to your message. It took me by surprise since I hadn’t heard from you for so long and—”

“No, you don’t need to do that. If anyone apologizes, it should be me. There’s something I have to tell you so please bear with me.”

She starts blinking as if she has something in her eye, but I see a tear making its way over her perfect cheekbone. Why is she crying?

“Hey, what’s wrong? Are the kids okay?” I lay my hand on top of hers gently squeezing it.

Nodding, she explains. “It’s my Mom. She was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. She had to have a double mastectomy and go through chemo.”

Scooting my chair next to hers I tuck Rochelle under my arm holding her for what seemed like hours. When I feel her relaxing against me, I kiss the top of her head.

“I can’t begin to express how sorry I am for your mom and for what your family has been through. If only I had known, I would have been there for you.”

It was then when she lost all composure and slowly melted into me. At that moment two became one and the crowd around us disappeared and nothing else mattered.

Author Bio:

Freda Ann is fondly known for her sweet/clean, HEA RomComs. Her loyal fans and reviewers have compared several of her books to Hallmark movies. Many have hit #1 in multiple categories after release.

She writes relatable, faith and family based love stories which include kids and adorable dogs. Her writing style appeals to people of all ages. Her books will take you on an emotional journey with likable characters, and dreamy settings you'll wish you could visit.

After retiring from a career in the law enforcement field, Freda feels blessed to be able to write and self-publish her stories for everyone to read. She adores her large family, 5 children and 9 grandchildren, and hosts monthly family gatherings.

To hear about new releases, please follow her on Amazon and also on Goodreads.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram


GIVEAWAY!

The Christmas Wish in Twinkle Falls Blitz


Cover Reveal: Seven Point Eight: Virago by K.M. Gruchelska @RABTBookTours


Science-Fiction / Fantasy

Date Published: 11th December 2025

 


The Price of Salvation

The OOBE Project reached its shocking finale, leaving Tahra’s friends trapped in worlds they were never meant to enter.

Haunted by the mission’s catastrophic end, Tahra must put aside her own trauma and use her expanding abilities to stage a dangerous rescue. But as Paul faces the political consequences of failure, the manipulative Max seeks to weaponize Tahra’s unique power for his own agenda.

To bring her friends home, Tahra must walk the fine line between salvation and madness. Can she resist the dark temptation Max offers without compromising her soul, or will the very act of saving her friends destroy them all?

Written in the style of a TV series, Seven Point Eight has a twist of sci-fi intrigue which appeals to readers who love Stranger Things, Fringe, the X Files, and other paranormal thrillers with deeper layers.

 


About the Author

K.M. Gruchelska is a speculative fiction writer who travels extensively, having lived in Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Her career has been varied and exciting, from a stint as a fitness instructor, to working abroad teaching English as a Foreign Language in schools and universities. She is currently based in Uzbekistan, where she coordinates a centre for academic writing.

She is a child of the world, full of conjecture and imagination, and she regards herself as a global citizen. Her characters and situations reflect the diversity and wonder that she experiences during her travels, combined with a philosophical flavour and human drama.

In everyday terms, she enjoys different cuisines and making bougie tea, and has a cat that she adopted from Saudi Arabia. She considers the cat to be her soul animal because she hates water but loves tuna. Her secret dream is to own a pancake bar and an English school.

 

Pre-Order Today


RABT Book Tours & PR

Review Tour + #Giveaway: The Gold in the Grey by Wes Verde @WesVerde @GoddessFish


THE GOLD IN THE GREY

by Wes Verde

GENRE: Historical Thriller


 

Blurb:



For decades, Roy Orville fleeced money from fools. Now reunited with his grown daughter, he has found new purpose and a use for his particular set of skills beyond his own needs. But in the midst of the Great Depression, even an experienced con man has difficulty finding work.

Then, a golden opportunity: a wealthy target who could secure his daughter’s future. One hitch—the mark is locked in Greystone Asylum for the Insane. Undaunted, Roy dives in, certain that his talents will seal the deal. But Greystone hides dark secrets: predators masquerade as healers, and the stakes soar beyond his wildest bets.

In a race against time, Roy pits his wits against a sinister foe; a man holding more than one innocent life in the balance. It’s a gamble that will take him to the edge of his sanity.


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Purchase THE GOLD IN THE GREY on Amazon



Excerpt:

 So, Mr. Young, what is it exactly that’s bothering you?” Dr. Chulak began after they had made pleasantries. As usual, Roy thought it prudent to use a pseudonym.

Graham was a rotund and jolly individual. Once his red hair turned white, he’d make for a fine Santa Claus except for the beard. At this time, he only had a bushy mustache but that actually emphasized his full and rosy cheeks, reinforcing the Saint Nick image.

Graham went on, “Difficulty sleeping? Sleeping too much? Maybe a little bedroom trouble?”

Roy forced a smile. “None of the above, thank you.”

This seemed to confuse Graham who only shrugged. “Suit yourself.” He then proceeded to spoon a measured quantity of white powder into a glass, then poured half a bottle of Coca Cola into it, gently stirring it with the same spoon.

Just isn’t the same since they changed the recipe,” Graham went on. “Have to mix it myself now.” He then downed a third of the glass in a single swallow, grunting with approval. “Now that’ll put some pep in yer step.” He smacked his lips contentedly. “You want to know something funny? I actually predicted this whole mess with the stock market.”

Did you now?” Roy asked obligingly.

Oh, you bet. You ever been on a trading floor? Madness. Pandemonium. All men shouting over each other, making trades, jostling and elbowing each other to try and get the best edge. Fortunes change hands based on a difference of seconds. You think men can operate at that level for long without pharmacological help? Not likely. So, when the government banned cocaine how could Wall Street not help but go tits up?”

Quite,” Roy replied automatically. “As to the matter at hand-”


My Review:

 When I started reading The Gold in the Grey, I was uncertain about what I would encounter after perusing the summary, but what I discovered was far from my initial expectations.

 The Gold in the Grey offered me perspectives from multiple characters, which I genuinely appreciate. I feel like I get a deeper understanding of the characters this way, and I also absorb more of the narrative.

 The Gold in the Grey took its time to unveil the unfolding events, yet it was sufficient to keep me intrigued enough to want to unravel the mystery surrounding the patients and the doctor in the asylum. What sort of deception was taking place within those walls? What were the doctor's intentions?

 Roy earned his living by deceiving people and taking their money, and this time his scheme involved a woman in the asylum. True to form, he devised a plan to gain entry and converse with his client.

 However, Roy stumbled upon more than he bargained for, as there was already a scam in progress. Curious about what was happening and how the patients were being treated, he made it his mission to uncover the truth.

 I would highly recommend The Gold in the Grey to anyone who enjoys historical thrillers. Be sure to pick up a copy of The Gold in the Grey today!


Author Bio and Links


Wes is an engineer by trade, a busybody by habit, and a lifelong Jersey boy.

Writing has been a hobby in one form or another since 2006 when he started drawing 3-panel comics. When he is not putting words down, he is picking them up; the “to-read" pile only seems to grow larger.

A fan of nature, he spends as much time outside as possible.


Connect with Wes Verde

Giveaway:


$20 Amazon/BN gift card




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