09/02/26 ~ The Avid Reader

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Review: Blue Dog (Cryptid Charisma #2) by Karen Hulene Bartell @HuleneKaren

5:00:00 AM Blue Dog, Cryptid Charisma, Indigo, Karen Hulene Bartell, Review, Romance, Romantic Suspense No comments

Blue Dog

Cryptid Charisma #2

Karen Hulene Bartell

Published: September 2, 2026

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Genre: Romantic Suspense, Romance

Blurb:

Finalizing her dissertation while emerging from a destructive relationship, Deirdre ‘Dare’ Doyle finds a lifeline in Clay Landry, a rugged park ranger who introduces her to the mythical--yet menacing--lore of Louisiana’s bayous. As their hormone-fueled relationship intensifies, so does the threat from her past.

Kirk, her toxic ex, sabotages her academic future, forcing a choice between her love and her dreams. But when Hurricane Kirk brings both a violent storm and a dangerous confrontation, an enigmatic creature intervenes, blurring the boundary between folklore and fact.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

My Review:

Deirdre ‘Dare’ Doyle is spending her summer with her aunt Kim, who needs assistance following shoulder surgery. While Deirdre is busy finalizing her dissertation, she is also trying to move on from a difficult breakup.

During her stay, Deirdre encounters Clay Landry, a rugged park ranger who aids her in selecting a topic for her academic research paper by introducing her to the intriguing—yet ominous—folklore of Louisiana’s bayous. An undeniable chemistry ignites between Clay and Deirdre, leading to a series of romantic adventures and a blossoming friendship that quickly deepens.

Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend, Kirk, is creating disturbances in her academic life, persistently texting and calling her despite her efforts to ignore him. This situation escalates when Deirdre and Kim visit a restaurant and unexpectedly run into Kirk, forcing Deirdre to confront him.

Blue Dog unfolds its secrets slowly, keeping its mysteries tightly held for as long as possible. I found myself on the edge of my seat, unable to turn the pages as quickly as I desired, eager to discover the true nature of the rougarou. Is it a real entity or merely a mythical being from the Louisiana bayou? My anticipation grew as I found myself racing to the conclusion, desperate for answers.

The more I delved into the story, the more I craved to keep reading. Each time reality pulled me away from Blue Dog’s captivating world, I was quickly drawn back in by unexpected twists. The suspense was truly exhilarating! I can hardly wait for the next installment in the Cryptid Charisma series, or at least I hope there will be another tale set in this exciting universe.

I wholeheartedly recommend Blue Dog to all fans of romantic suspense! Don’t miss out—grab your copy of Blue Dog today!

Check out all the books in the Cryptid Charisma Series I’ve read.

Indigo #1

Blue Dog #2

Connect with Karen Hulene Bartell

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub ~ Website ~ Facebook ~ X ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn

Book Tour: The Edge of Motherland by Michael Leppert @RABTBookTours

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Literary Fiction

Date Published: May 14, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

A moving literary novel about friendship, identity, belonging, and the search for home in a divided America.

In the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial reckoning of 2020, two unlikely friends are forced to confront what home really means.

A young Black man and a middle-aged White man meet through the Indianapolis tech company where they both work. Though separated by age, race, and life experience, they discover a powerful connection through music, poetry, and the emotional landscapes that have shaped them. What begins as an unusual friendship becomes something deeper as both men find themselves questioning the world around them—and their place within it.

Disillusioned by their state’s response to the pandemic and shaken by the racial strife unfolding across the country, the two men leave Indianapolis on a transformative journey. Against the eerie backdrop of a fractured America, they face isolation, grief, uncertainty, and the complicated truths that define love, loyalty, friendship, and identity.

As the road carries them away from everything familiar, they begin to reevaluate their beliefs, their histories, and the meaning of belonging. Through shared adversity, conversation, art, and memory, they forge a bond that challenges them to see themselves—and each other—with greater honesty and compassion.

The Edge of Motherland by Michael Leppert is a moving work of cultural heritage fiction for readers who appreciate character-driven literary fiction, contemporary historical fiction, stories of unlikely friendship, and novels that explore race, resilience, connection, and hope during uncertain times.

“Motherland is a poignant story about love, friendship, identity—and the music, poetry, and places that shape us.”

—Lesley Weidenbener, Managing Editor, Indianapolis Business Journal

About the Author

Michael Leppert is an award-winning lecturer, columnist, essayist, and author based in Indianapolis, Indiana. A longtime communicator, public affairs professional, and educator, Leppert brings decades of experience in government, policy, business, and storytelling to his work.

He teaches speech and writing at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and serves as an adjunct professor at IU’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. He earned his B.S. in Public Affairs from Indiana University and his M.S. in Communication from Northwestern University, building a career rooted in the two fields that have shaped his life: government and communication.

Before entering academia and writing, Leppert spent thirteen years in public service for the State of Indiana. His career began at the Indiana Boys School, where he worked for five years and later served as program manager in the Intensive Treatment Unit. He then spent eight years at the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the IURC. In that role, he became known for his ability to explain complex and often controversial issues with clarity, insight, and accessibility.

After leaving state government in 2002, Leppert spent two decades as a private-sector lobbyist, public affairs consultant, and communications advisor, working with corporations, nonprofits, government leaders, community organizations, and business executives to help advance strategic priorities. His experience with public policy, political systems, and institutional decision-making has deeply informed his fiction and nonfiction writing.

Leppert began writing a weekly column in 2014, with his work appearing in newspapers throughout Indiana. His first book, Contrary to Popular Belief: A Chronicle of a Progressive in Indiana, was published in 2016. His novel Flipping the Circle, published by Greenleaf Book Group in 2021, is a political thriller that draws from his deep knowledge of Indiana politics, lobbying, and government culture. His fiction explores power, corruption, identity, morality, and the complicated human stories behind public life.

At the heart of Leppert’s work is a passion for helping people understand complicated ideas through story. Whether in the classroom, in public commentary, or on the page, he is driven by the belief that storytelling can bring clarity, challenge assumptions, and create meaningful connection.

Michael lives in a historic neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis with his wife, Amy Levander, and their rescue dog, Birdie. He has two adult children, Alex and Jack. He and Amy are competitive golfers, beach walkers, and enthusiastic lovers of live music, comedy, and theater.

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Book Tour: Summer of the Blue Jay by Mike Demaio @RABTBookTours

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Literary Fiction Novella

Date Published: March 30, 2026

Publisher: Manhattan Book Group

What would you do with the last 24 hours of your life?

For nineteen-year-old Tina, the answer is simple: live.

After receiving devastating news, Tina refuses to spend her final hours confined to a hospital bed. With time slipping away and an impossible dream still burning inside her, she convinces Jake, a fellow patient, to run. Together, they escape the hospital, steal a car, and set out for New York City—determined to squeeze an entire lifetime into one unforgettable day.

As their frantic parents race to find them, Tina and Jake chase freedom through the heart of the city. From the peaceful lawns of Central Park to the dazzling lights of Times Square, every stop becomes a stolen moment, every laugh an act of defiance, and every heartbeat a reminder that time is the one thing no one can bargain for.

But as the sun begins to set, their breathtaking adventure turns into a race toward one final, symbolic destination—one that will test their courage, their bond, and the meaning of a life fully lived.

Emotional, urgent, and deeply human, Summer of the Blue Jay is a poignant contemporary novella about friendship, love, resilience, and the power of choosing joy when the clock is running out.

Perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt coming-of-age fiction, emotional literary stories, and thought-provoking books that ask life’s biggest questions, this unforgettable debut reminds us that tomorrow is never promised—and that one day can hold the meaning of a lifetime.

About the Author

Mike DeMaio is an author and seasoned technology professional whose career has spanned more than twenty-five years in corporate Information Technology, including leadership roles supporting global teams across the pharmaceutical, biotech, and specialty food industries.

After decades of solving complex technical challenges, Mike turned to writing as a way to explore the human stories behind pressure, change, resilience, and time. What began as humorous reflections on life in IT soon evolved into a deeper creative calling, leading him from industry commentary and tech-focused articles into fiction.

His debut novella, Summer of the Blue Jay, asks one of life’s most powerful questions: what would you do if you only had twenty-four hours left? Inspired by Mike’s own reflections on career disruption, identity, and the urgency of living intentionally, the story blends emotional depth with a fast-paced journey about friendship, courage, and the priceless value of the present moment.

Mike continues to develop a diverse range of writing projects, including humorous technology-inspired work, fiction, and thriller concepts. Through his storytelling, he hopes to remind readers that time is never guaranteed—and that the moments we choose to truly live are the ones that matter most.

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Review: Dark Coalition (Phaethon Corp. #11) by Jaxon Reed @AuthorJaxonReed

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Dark Coalition

Phaethon Corp. #11

by Jaxon Reed

Published: August 27, 2026

Genre: Space Opera, Science Fiction, Space Marine

Blurb:

Phaethon Corp. sits on top of the heap at the frontier, with MicaBots exploring most known mining sites. Their AI has sensors and antennas on almost all of the ships used out here, too. The primary space station for incoming and outbound traffic is Aramis, and most of the mining companies use one or more services that Phaethon Corp. offers. Even pick-and-shovel selling Tinkers rent space from Phaethon to sell their goods. So it’s no surprise that Duck and the gang are target number one among malcontents. And the Unshaven are busy building up a coalition to take them on, once and for all . . .

Don’t miss the second-to-last book in this action-packed space opera! Featuring Space Marines, bar fights, bots, and much, much more on the fringes of the galaxy!

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

Dark Coalition is the exciting eleventh book in the Phaethon Corp. series by Jaxon Reed. Like all the books before it, this installment kept me on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what lay ahead. If you have been following my reviews on this series, then you already know that the bots are my absolute favorite. I love seeing them in action, and the fighting scenes are always a highlight for me.

Dark Coalition starts off with a blast, throwing the bots and AI into battle right from the beginning. I was instantly hooked, unable to take my eyes off the pages, and I couldn't turn them fast enough.

In this book, the stakes are higher than ever as the galaxy turns against Phaethon Corp.'s massive expansion. A dangerous new alliance called "the Unshaven" is gathering a massive coalition to tear down everything the corporation has built, threatening their mining networks and control of Aramis Station.

Caught right in the crosshairs is Bo Duckworth and his elite security team. Bo’s strategic genius and tactical leadership are put to the ultimate test as he orchestrates the defense against asymmetric warfare and brutal fringe sabotage, proving once again why he is the backbone of the corporation's survival.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all the characters and enjoy seeing them in battle as well—especially Bo, Lisa, Elle, and Tom Savage, of course. The action is nonstop from beginning to end. I get so lost in the story that I feel like I am a part of their world, visualizing everything playing out in my head as if I am right there with them.

I can’t wait for the twelfth and final book in the series, Coreflex Ultimatum, to make its appearance. However, I am very sad to see the last of these characters and the bots.

I highly recommend Dark Coalition to anyone who loves fast-paced, action-packed space opera stories. Grab a copy of Dark Coalition today! Oh, and while you are at it, I would also recommend picking up every single book in the Phaethon Corp. series as well.