RELEASE WEEK REVIEW: Disturbance by Jenna Clake

 Hi there friends!

Back again with another title to tantalize, tease, and perhaps grab the open spot on your never ending TBR. This time, it comes to us via W. W. Norton & Company and features the first Fiction release from author Jenna Clake. Potential trigger warning for some readers in regards to mental and physical abuse, though the on page description does not go into details, but be warned nonetheless. Diving right into things, here comes today's book of choice...

Disturbance

by

Jenna Clake

9781324050773

W. W. Norton & Company

About the book...

A spellbinding, genre-bending debut follows a woman’s attempt to heal from an abusive relationship―with the help of black magic.

As the sun sets on a feverishly hot July evening, a young woman spies on her teenage neighbor, transfixed by what looks like an occult ritual intended to banish an ex-boyfriend. Alone in a new town and desperate to expel the claustrophobic memories of her own ex that have followed, the narrator decides to try to hex herself free from her past. She falls in with the neighbor and her witchy friend, exploring nascent supernatural powers as the boundaries of reality shift in and out of focus. But when the creaks and hums of her apartment escalate into something more violent, she realizes that she may have brought her boyfriend’s presence―whether psychological or paranormal―back to haunt her.

With astonishing emotional depth and clarity, Disturbance explores the fallout of abuse. Propulsive and wry, this razor-sharp debut twists witchcraft and horror into a powerful narrative of one woman’s struggle to return to herself.

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Maybe it's me.

Maybe it's my mood.

Maybe it's my current life struggles, the time of year, or small snatches of time in grabbing for reading at the moment.

Maybe though, just maybe...it just wasn't the right one for me.

It happens, you know?

Sometimes as much as you think a book looks/sounds interesting, it just doesn't pan out for you, and unfortunately, that was the case for me here.

We've a woman trying to escape her past, but in some ways holding on to it firmly with an iron grip. We've the introduction of youth with all their hopes and dreams, and yet they're being viewed more as a mirror than a window. We've a touch of dark arts dabbling, yet whether or not it's actually DOING anything, affecting her surroundings or situation, is more up to the reader than actual evidence.   

So reading this for me left me in a conundrum. I couldn't NOT finish once I began in the hopes that my trepidation was resolved along the way, and yet I couldn't know if it would actually happen, making this probably one of the shortest books that has taken me the longest to read. Some may applaud her efforts, and take some delight from the rituals attempted. Others, such as myself, may find greater relief once she finally admits to herself what's not working, and seeks something else. 

Long story short, while it may not be for everyone (because no book truly is whether we would like it to be or not), it may be for you. If it appeals, give it a go... and feel free to stop back or catch me on social media to share your thoughts!

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About the author...

Jenna Clake is the author of two collections of poetry, Museum of Ice Cream and Fortune Cookie, which received an Eric Gregory Award and was shortlisted for a Somerset Maugham Award. She lives in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

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Special thanks to Gina at W. W. Norton & Company for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title celebrated its paperback release July 4th, so seek thee out a copy at your local brick and mortar, or your favorite online retailer. 

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... WARWICK'S MERMAID by Ellie Gray - EXCERPT!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're sharing an EXCERPT along the Rachel's Random Resources tour featuring the work of Ellie Gray.  It's a book about putting the past behind us and accepting second chances.  Sound like a match between the story and you?  Then let's get exploring as we climb between the pages of today's title in the spotlight...

Warwick's Mermaid

by

Ellie Gray

About the book...

Having escaped an abusive relationship, Chloe MacGregor is determined to put the past behind her. The little cottage high up on the cliffs overlooking the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Whitby is her safe haven, somewhere she is free to be herself.

When the arrival of her new neighbour and boss, Luke Warwick, threatens her peaceful, sheltered life, Chloe is forced to confront her past and to re-evaluate who she really is. Falling in love with Luke is not part of her plan but, to her surprise, Luke is falling for her too. The only thing preventing their happy ever after is Chloe herself. Will she ever truly learn to leave the past where it belongs?

AMAZON  |  SMASHWORDS

APPLE  |  NOOK  |  KOBO

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~~~   EXCERPT   ~~~

This is an extract from the prologue. Having suffered domestic abuse at the hands of her boyfriend Chris, Chloe has taken the decision to leave him. With the support of her friend, Rebekah, they are collecting Chloe’s belongings from the house she shared with Chris. Chloe has determined that she is going to take control of her life, and the end of this prologue marks the start of Chloe’s journey.

It was football this time; football and beer. His team had lost and, downing his fifth can of beer, he had turned to her, obviously looking to pick a fight so he could vent his frustration. Chloe couldn’t remember what it was he had said, but she had responded non-committally before asking him if he wanted a coffee—a somewhat obvious effort to change the subject. But he hadn’t let it drop, blocking her path as she tried to walk into the kitchen. Her stomach rolled as she recalled Chris pushing his contorted face into hers as he yelled at her through gritted teeth, backing her up against the wall and knocking over the plant stand by the fireplace as he did so.

She closed her eyes. It had been her fault. If she had just let him carry on, he would have calmed down eventually. But she hadn’t. She had pushed him away, pushed at his chest as he crowded in on her. And that was all it had taken. Any ounce of self-control Chris might have had went flying through the window, just as she went flying through the air when he grabbed her hair and threw her across the room.

She could remember lying on the floor in a daze, wondering what had happened, and Chris dragging her to her feet before punching her in the face. That was when she had fallen across the coffee table, her cheek grazing the corner as it tipped over and spilled the magazines to the floor. A kick to the ribs for good measure had followed, with Chris standing over her, his breath coming in harsh rasps, before he turned away and went upstairs, hissing, ‘You’re not worth the effort.’

‘Chloe? You okay?’

Rebekah’s gentle voice broke into her thoughts and Chloe blinked, unable to speak for a moment. ‘Um…yes. I just need a couple of things from here.’ 

She hurried over to a bookshelf and took a handful of books before casting a final glance around the room, sick with fear that Chris might return at any moment. There was very little here that she could call hers; Chris’s minimalist taste left little room for any of her personal items. Anything she had bought herself had either mysteriously gone missing or been accidentally broken.

Sorry, babe, don’t know what happened there. Never mind, it wasn’t expensive, we’ll get you something else.

‘I think that’s it. There’s nothing else here I want.’ Following Rebekah out of the house, Chloe locked the door and posted the keys through the letterbox. With a final look along the street, she walked back to her car. She was worth more than that. 

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About author Ellie Gray...

I’m a contemporary romance author, published with the lovely Tirgearr Publishing, and am a proud member of the Romantic Novelist Association. I live in the beautiful East Riding of Yorkshire in the UK and, although I work full-time in the public sector, my favourite pastime, when not writing, is wandering around old stately homes.

My debut novel, Beauty and the Recluse, was published in February 2016, closely followed by my second, Love on the Nile, which was released in the Summer of 2016. My third novel, Warwick’s Mermaid, was published in October 2017 and I’m currently working on my fourth.

A few random pieces of information about me:

Favourite TV shows – The Walking Dead, The X-Files, Nashville, Dr. Who, the Great British Bake-off.

Favourite Music – I’m an 80’s girl!, country, sixties, Elvis, classical (when I’m writing)

Favourite Food – Indian, tapas, crisps

Favourite Drink – black coffee (copious amounts when I’m writing) sauvignon blanc

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

WILD HORSES ON THE SALT by Anne Montgomery - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a title released a few months back from author Anne Montgomery.  I've read her work once before (The Scent of Rain) and was thoroughly moved, so when I was approached about this release, I wasn't hesitant to agree, but rather curious what her story would bring.  This time around, it's a work of Contemporary Fiction featuring a leading lady that needs a fresh start far from the hard times she's been living in, but that new beginning may come at an awfully high price when her past comes round to haunt her.  Ladies and gents, today's book of choice is...

Wild Horses on the Salt

by

Anne Montgomery

9788649678124

Liaison: A Next Chapter Imprint

About the book...

Can Rebecca find hope in the wilds of the Arizona desert?

Escaping her abusive husband, Rebecca hops the red-eye to Arizona. There, Gaby Strand - her aunt’s college roommate - gives her shelter at the Salt River Inn, a 1930’s guesthouse located in the wildly beautiful Tonto National Forest.

Becca struggles with post-traumatic stress, but is enthralled by the splendor of the Sonoran Desert. Soon, she meets Noah Tanner, a cattle rancher and beekeeper, Oscar Billingsley, a retired psychiatrist and avid birder, and the blacksmith, Walt. Thanks to her new friends and a small band of wild horses, Becca adjusts to life in the desert and rekindles her love of art.

After Becca's husband tracks her down, she has to summon all her strength. But can she finally stop running away?

AMAZON  |  BOOKSHOP.ORG

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We meet Becca at the lowest point in her life.  Her aunt has just help secret her away from her abusive husband, and she's just coming to grips with the reality of it all.  The systematic way her cut her off from everyone and everything she loved.  The violent turn from flattering gentleman caller to degrading possessor, as he no longer built her up, but tore her down every chance he got.  The outbursts that were no longer outbursts but everyday moments that simply had no end, and the endless stream of doctor appointments to fix the damage he'd inflicted with oh so many excuses as to what happened.  Enough was enough...it wasn't getting better, it wasn't going to get any better, and it was time to go.  And go she went...but trouble not faced head on has a way of cropping up again when you least expect it...and just when Becca is starting to gain her footing once again in this magically healing place, the worst happens with potentially deadly consequences.  Good thing she has friends now that will stand by her side.  Good thing she has someone to love that is good for her soul.  Good thing she is stronger now than she ever thought she'd be because when the moment comes, it's gonna take everything she has to face it AND him down.

While we're watching Becca grow back into her self, we also get to discover more about the wild horses living in this part of the country, and more specifically one stallion that admits an unusual addition to his team.  This particular beauty is hurt by some seriously dullard humans, and while the rescue group is trying to aid in his recovery, you heard about wild horses and fences?  Yeah, they're not so keen on them.  He makes a getaway and so begins a long journey back to his family with a wooly little companion by his side.  I'm sorry, but that little add in, that little friend, made him stand out not only to those whose paths they crossed along the way, but to me as well.  It showed what true empathy is, what true family is, what truly caring for life in all its forms really is, and that's a lesson we humans certainly need a good brush up on.

If I've learned anything from this story, it's that there's still beauty to be found in the world even when you think you've reached your rope's end, your true self is enough for those that REALLY count, and there's no shame in admitting you were wrong or asking for help. Recommended for adult readers due to some violent content; possible trigger issues regarding abuse...it's not openly on display, but there's enough to get the gist, and a scene separate from that issue of violence.

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About the author...

Anne Butler Montgomery has worked as a television sportscaster, newspaper and magazine writer, teacher, amateur baseball umpire, and high school football referee. Her first TV job came at WRBL-TV in Columbus, Georgia, and led to positions at WROC-TV in Rochester, New York, KTSP-TV in Phoenix, Arizona, and ESPN in Bristol, Connecticut, where she anchored the Emmy and ACE award-winning SportsCenter. She finished her on-camera broadcasting career with a two-year stint as the studio host for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Montgomery was a freelance and/or staff reporter for six publications, writing sports, features, movie reviews, and archeological pieces. Her novels include: The Scent of Rain, Nothing But Echoes, and A Light in the Desert. Montgomery teaches journalism at South Mountain High School in Phoenix, is a foster mom to three sons, and is an Arizona Interscholastic Association football referee and crew chief. When she can, she indulges in her passions: rock collecting, football officiating, scuba diving, and playing her guitar.

FACEBOOK  |   SITE  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to Lindsey at Smith Publicity, Inc, and to author Anne Montgomery for the copy for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizons, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it at virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... MANIPULATED LIVES by H.A. Leuschel - SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining Rachel's Random Resources (again!) for a stop along their current promotion (again!) featuring a Psychological Thriller slash Literary Fiction (definitely not in the again category!) collection of short stories from author H.A. Leuschel!  If the name sounds familiar, that's a GOOD thing...I did read/review a prior release from this author entitled Tess and Tattoos last year, which also happens to be featured in this set, and rather enjoyed it, so yeah, I was curious and thought you might be too.  Ready to add to your upcoming reading list?  Let's do this!  Ready, set, read all about it...

Manipulated Lives

by

H.A. Leuschel

About the book...

Five compelling true-to-life stories each highlighting a narcissist’s manipulative mind games

Narcissists are everywhere. 

They can be witty, charming and highly charismatic.

Anyone can be their target.

At first their devious, calculating mind games can be hard to spot because they are masters of disguise, but then they revert to their true self of being controlling and angry in private. Their main aim: to dominate and use others to satisfy their needs, with a complete lack of compassion and empathy for their victim. 

All stories highlight to what extent narcissistic abuse can distort lives and threaten our self-worth yet ultimately, also send a positive message that once the narcissist is unmasked, the victims can at last break free.

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About the author...

Helene Andrea Leuschel grew up in Belgium where she gained a Licentiate in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She now lives with her husband and two children in Portugal and recently acquired a Master of Philosophy with the OU, deepening her passion for the study of the mind. When she is not writing, Helene works as a freelance journalist and teaches Yoga.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK

GOODREADS  |  PINTEREST  |  LINKEDIN

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(1) paperback copy of Manipulated Lives

 (Open Internationally) 

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then I reserve the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun...

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!