Blizzard Warning Pre-Order!

Happy (cold) Sunday to you all! While most of the US is battling a massive cold snap that came through this weekend, I'd like to announce that Blizzard Warning: The Damaged Climate Series Book 3 is available for pre-order! Snag it today and it will automatically be delivered to your Kindle on January 16th!

Click here to purchase on Amazon!

Ryan's predictions of the weather in the Harper Springs area have all been accurate so far - when he realizes they are in for an early winter, everyone must work fast to get the crops harvested and their shelter ready for the arctic air headed their way. Due to the lack of winter clothing and supplies, they can't prepare for the heavy snowfall, high winds, blizzards, and sub-zero temperatures that leave them exposed to hypothermia, frost bite, and common colds that are now turning deadly.

The weather isn't their only problem - an imminent threat from a band of looters circles the perimeter of Harper Springs, halting their plans of rebuilding the small town. Ryan grows leery of people he once trusted and begins to investigate the possibility of a traitor among their group. He secretly follows the suspicious person toward the badlands of New Mexico to gather evidence and prove that his suspicions are justified.

Throughout the constant changing weather, Ryan has asked the same question - why has this happened? Tracking the traitor might get him the answers he needs - or it could reveal a problem so massive that there is no coming back from the damage that has already taken place.

Updates and Randomness

Yet another long break from updating my blog... yet another stupid excuse (I have no excuse).

With that being said... how's it going? (Taps on computer screen) Anyone out there? How's life treating you? How you getting through winter time (Ultimately my LEAST favorite season). I'm getting by.

I guess while I'm here, I'll announce my new release:

The Search for Skylar: A Charlie Wright Thriller (Book One)

Yes... that says book one. I have every intention of writing a second book about Charlie Wright and his shenanigans and have already started the idea. But first, you must go grab a copy of this one! It's in Kindle Unlimited for those of you who chuck out the $10 a month for unlimited reading. (The Netflix of Amazon)

I guess you need the link, right?

Click here to purchase The Search for Skylar (Book One)

Charlie Wright's life is plummeting into chaos. A recent divorce renders him helpless in an attempt to hold his family together. A weekend with his children is just what he needs to prove to his ex-wife Cassie that joint custody is the best option for everyone.

Tragedy strikes one Friday afternoon after school. Charlie's daughter Skylar goes missing. Every second that passes is a second wasted, and Charlie falls into a world of desperation and panic. Skylar has vanished into thin air - the only evidence that she was at his house is her shattered cell phone found in the alley.

With nothing to go on, the police label Charlie as a person of interest in the case. They harass and question him, basing their investigation around hearsay. His reputation quickly becomes tarnished, and he learns that the only way he'll find his daughter is if he takes matters into his own hands. With the help of his best friend Mary, he searches for Skylar, keeping hope that she is still alive.

The guilt Charlie feels for not protecting Skylar is his driving force, and he will stop at nothing to find out what happened to her.

Also, I've been busy putting several of my books into audio. Right now, Through Smoke is the only one available for purchase, but the others are in production and will hopefully be ready by this summer. 

So, busy times from me, and sadly, I've neglected my blog. For those who consistently read it, you know this is habitual. For those who have suddenly meandered here, strap in for a roller coaster ride.

60 days until spring. You know you're counting with me!

Happy Reading,

J.R. 

Bad Games - 5 out of 5 Stars

I've been thinking about things to blog about and dang it, I'm gonna practice what I preach. I've said many times, word of mouth is one of the BEST ways to help an author out. If you enjoyed a book that you've read, talk about it! Tell other readers about it! Leave a review. If the author leaves contact information, contact them! We love to hear from readers and writers.... even if you didn't enjoy what you had read. We want to improve, so constructive feedback is always useful too!

Anyway, to get to the point - I'm going to start blogging about books that I've read and enjoyed. I kick off the first entry with Bad Games by Jeff Menapace. 

Click here to go to the book in the Amazon Store

I gave it 5 stars out of 5 - it really was quite a thrilling read. I'll post my review from Amazon on here:

THERE IS A SPOILER IN THIS REVIEW, SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.... 
This was definitely a dark psychological thriller, as the title says. The Lambert family goes on a quick getaway to Crescent Lake to escape their hectic city life. After ample warnings, they decide to chalk it up to circumstance and stay there. They don't want two men ruining their plans. Little do they know, they're about to take part in a game where they have to participate.

Bad Games was very thrilling. I did get frustrated at the main characters for not taking note to all of the warnings - the creepy guy at the grocery store, the creepy man who talked Penn State to them and took their daughter's doll. If Patrick would have listened to Amy, they would've high tailed it out of there the first day and been home safe, but then again, if that would've happened, I guess there wouldn't have been an entertaining book to read.

There were a few spots that were somewhat drawn out, but I still feel this book deserves 5 stars. I'm definitely a fan of psychology, and this book displayed good knowledge of the evil in this world. Without giving too much away, **spoiler alert** -----

I loved the scene when Patrick and Amy go to Arty's hospital room at the end of the book and put him through his own torture, even if it isn't physical. Mentioning how he was likely adopted and how he also fit the "crazy mold" really played well against him and gave them good revenge on a man whose intention was to kill both of them.

I recommend this read. It is rough and gritty, but for thriller lovers!

----

Just a word of caution - Some language was harsh at times.... if you have a tender heart or get offended easily, tread lightly. It generally doesn't bug me if it goes with the story, and in this case, it did. There is also quite a bit of violence, so if this is not your thing, go on to the next book.

I on the other hand, enjoyed it very much! I like a good, thrilling. psychological read. If you're like me, you won't be disappointed in this one! 

(Another) Revamp!

Long time no see, readers! Here's a small update in the world of J.R. I was talking with another writing friend and we were trying to brainstorm some ideas on why I can't get my Troubled Heroes Series to sell. I've changed descriptions, prices, and covers several times. My friend was gracious enough to do some experimenting on her own, and she came up with 3 fantastic covers that I have changed those books over to. Here they are:

So my next concern was, how would I let people know that these books were about a firefighter? More brainstorming commenced, and we came up with a name change to the series. So, what was once known as The Troubled Heroes Series is now know as the Firefighter Heroes Trilogy.

I'm really loving these new covers - I'm trying hard to get eyes on this series and I'm hoping that they catch someone's eye. Again, special thanks to M.P. McDonald, fellow author and friend, for her ideas and wisdom on this!

As always, if you enjoyed one of my books, please spread the word! Word of mouth is one of the best promotional tools we can have! Happy reading!

J.R.

Cover Revamp!

Today I took some time to revamp my Troubled Heroes Series covers. Through Smoke, Backfire, as well as the Trilogy box set all got a makeover, and here are the covers for you to take a look at!

THROUGH SMOKE: BOOK ONE

 



 

 

BACKFIRE: BOOK TWO

 

TROUBLED HEROES SERIES TRILOGY BOX SET

 

 

The books were overdue for a facelift, so here they are! I hope you all like them, and as always, HAPPY READING!

 

Kindly,

J.R. 



 

Murphy's War Cover Reveal!

I am about 3/4 of the way through with my new book, Murphy's War! I don't have a book blurb on it yet, but here's a sneak peak of what it's about:

It is about an Irish American family in a big city (not specified, I'll let your imagination think up the city) who is involved in a family gang that has been active for many years. Sean Murphy is the main character who is struggling with his way of life and whether or not he wants to leave the gang and stray away from his family. There is a romance that blossoms between him and a non gang member by the name of Gracie Collins. I'm not going to say much else in fear of revealing too much, but it will be categorized in the Thriller/Romance genre.

And.... (drum roll)....

Here is the cover reveal for Murphy's War:

 

I am hoping to have the rough draft complete within a few weeks (depending on how productive I am in the coming days). The muse is really flowing with this one! Let me know what you think of the cover and happy reading!

Kindly,
J.R.

Through Smoke - The Paperback!

Front cover

(Click on blog entry to view entire blog post in a pop up window.)

I am officially announcing that Through Smoke is now available in paperback! It is 226 pages and I'm pricing it at $9.99. Right now, as far as I know, it is only available on Amazon.com. The Kindle version is also available as well. I know that ebooks are what is in style now and what is more common in general, but seeing my book as a paper copy feels great. It will be nice actually showing someone it. I've even had a few people request I sign a copy!  I've had several people tell me that they would read it if it were available as a paperback, so now, to those of you who told me that, no more excuses! :-P Just kidding!

Back cover

I'm planning on eventually making Backfire: Sequel to Through Smoke and Dance With the Devil available in paperback as well! The process of doing it through Createspace was not near as hard as I thought!

    Happy reading!