Beware Purchasing Flipped Houses--They Might Already Be Occupied! Check out Michael Cash's Latest Horror...

This had to be the worst flip they'd ever attempted.
He gave the creaky stairs a gimlet-eyed glance
and for a nanosecond hated Julie. Really hated
her and her cockamamie ideas. Where did that
idea of hate come from? He loved his wife,
didn't he?

The Flip

If you are considering going into Real Estate

to make a decent income, one of the ways you

might choose is to buy older houses in need of

work, either doing it yourself or having a con-

tractor bring it up to a basic standard at which 

it can be sold, can get you started, but in order

to build up a business, you need to immediately

take another house, and start over!

"I hate this place," Brad grumbled, as he shoved another piece of crap into the superthick black garbage bad. The basement smelled like shit, and here he was, alone on his birthday and shoveling hundred-year-old junk from a dank cellar..."

There was the sound of metal scraping against metal on the other side of the room. Brad walked closer, gingerly putting his ear against the cool wall. Tapping the surface with his knuckle, he heard the emptiness of the other side. It was a secret room, a walled-up scape, he thought with astonishment. He laughed uneasily when the old Edgar Allan Poe story popped into his mind--what was it? "The Tell-Tale Heart." He wondered if he'd find a chained skeleton bolted to the wall. His fingers caressed the surface looking for an opening. Another thump. Something fell on the hidden side. He banged on the wall, feeling foolish. There was a rumble of sound. Brad shrugged with impatience. Using his shovel as an ax, he hit the wall, breaking plaster, raining dust all over him. With all his might, he hit it again, pulverizing the anchient slat work under the wall to break into a vacant space. Stale air hit him in the face, and he created   enough of an opening to slide into the pitch-black area through the rent in the wall. Placing his hands on either side of it, he lowered himself through the opening. The floor of the other side was a good five feet deeper than the basement

~~~.

By Michael Phillip Cash

He didn't see her green eyes light up, but he
heard her squeal of delight at the price.
Three weeks and a construction loan later
they were the proud owners of Bedlam House
built in 1859 and owned by one of the 
prominent families of Cold Spring Harbor. It was named
for the street near which it was built...
Bedlam Street was the main artery of the
tiny Harbor town, which was now a
picturesque village filled with quaint shops.
The house was built by Frank Hemmings
and inherited by his daughter after he
died...
It had never left the Hemmings family
until the last descendant died.
It was on sale for $15,000...
~~~

Brad's skin prickled, and he felt the caress of a light breeze travel up his spine.
Tessa drew close to the human. The Sentinel had pulled him to safety. She hated their interference.
Just when she had control of a situation, they would step in to block her from doing as she pleased...
She was afraid of them and found herself backed into a corner when she felt their presence...
She glanced around, making sure she was alone. Smiling, she let her hands linger near Brad's face and felt him shudder as she led them down the back of his body...
~~~

 Julie and Brad Evans were newlyweds. She had already been in real estate and so when they were a couple and she brought up the idea of flipping houses, he was willing to try since he could do quite a bit of the work himself. They were on their way and Julie's boss was able to let her know about potential houses that could be flipped rather than sold as is... But when she saw Bedlam House, she fell for it, secretly wanting it to flip and hopefully to own! Brad was opposed to both, when she finally suggested it... But it was only when he got into how bad the house was that he really began to hate the project. And the atmosphere was able to affect anybody who was in the house for a short period...

Gerald and Tessa, and one other, were still living in Tessa's home. She had been a woman that liked the carnal activities she enjoyed as often as she could and really didn't want to leave--even if she died.

Gerald had been in love with her forever...and her father before he died, had asked him to watch out for Tessa and hopefully get her to accept him as husband... Gerald had been trying ever since, even though she was still chasing after any man who happened to come into the house.

The other one is from a concurrent storyline that was also fascinating...only hint is that one used to reside in the hidden room that Brad had found! And which resulted in stopping the whole project when his skeleton was found...

Then the real fun began for Tessa...and Gerald as well! I didn't have a clue that the book was going to end as it did! Let's just say that the bedroom got some action... LOL

I guess ghost stories are considered horror, but I found myself feeling more sorry for the ghosts--It's more drama than scary stuff in my opinion... Only one issue about the book itself is that it was totally double-spaced...made for getting those pages turning too quickly. After I got into the story, though, I got used to it. I enjoyed the book... The concept buying a house to flip, only to find it's already housing ghosts would sure put a damper on your plans...but, actually, the ending was perfect and more satisfying that if it had turned out to be an evil house! It's a fun, quick read and I'm thinking you'll enjoy it too...unless you're a scaredy cat

G.A.BixlerReviews

About

Author of:Brood X, Stillwell: A Haunting On Long Island, The Hanging Tree, Schism: The Battle for Darracia, Collision and The Flip!

Biography

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children.

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Mary Metcalfe's Excitingly Romantic...But Think "Fatal Attraction!"

"Good to see you too, Allison. How's your mother?" She tried to remember where the litter box was.
"She can't communicate at all. The stroke was so severe she'll probably never walk again."
"I'm sorry to hear that. You must be very worried about her." Carol stepped into the hall and moved towards the kitchen.
"Let's do a little tour then and make sure everything is ready..."
"You should know I've already put away everything of any value." Allison's eyes were hard.
"If you're referring to the con artist, he's now in prison for what he did." Carol smiled thinly. Allison hadn't even attempted to veil her snide comment. Most people weren't so blunt. "I'm sure the house is in showcase condition, but let's go have a quick look. It'll remind me of the features I want to play up." As Carol strode away, she didn't see Allison's piercing stare...
"The new owners will have a major redecorating project on their hands. I see some cars parked out front. Let's let the first visitor in." Time to get going, she thought, looking at her watch. As she opened the front door, she saw Devin Elliot striding up the walk. Of course, he'd be the first to arrive..."Hello, Devin Figured you'd be first."
"Hello, Carol. I need to warn you about something. This house and I have some history.
If Allison Wendover is here, it could get ugly."
"She's here. Should I call the police?"
"It won't get that ugly but--"
"What are you doing here, Devin?" Allison had come to the door and stood, legs akimbo, with her hands on her narrow hips. Carol glanced between the two of them, thinking she wasn't the only one who'd managed to get on Allison's bad side. She couldn't help but wonder what Devin had done.
"I'm here to see your mother's house, of course. It's a free world last time I checked."
"You are not welcome here." Allison's eyes blazed with anger.
"I don't have to be welcome. My money's as good as the next person's."
Carol watched in some alarm as the two titans suddenly squared off. "Allison. Can we please take this inside?" Carol could feel the electricity arcing off the two adversaries...Three couples on the sidewalk were watching the altercation with interest.
"He is not coming into this house."
"I most certainly am. I will simply call the police if you don't let me in to view this publicly advertised Open House."
Carol recognized the molten color of Devin's eyes. He was angry. Very angry. "Allison, you don't have a legal right to bar him from seeing the house. As your agent, I must ask you to step aside, let him in, and we'll go from there...
"When Allison moved to object, Carol cut her off. "Are we clear on this?
There are other prospective buyers waiting outside in the cold..."
!!! 

New Beginnings

By Mary Metcalfe

This is my favorite of the three read this weekend... Of course, you all know I go for suspense with my romance and this one has a female that I really enjoyed hating! What more could I want, besides a pair of lovers to watch come together! Carol Brock, best friend of Jennifer in Winds of Change comes to the "star" role in New Beginnings. She's had some bad experiences with men in the past and twice got burnt on the job because issues which really were not her fault. But, as we know, often that doesn't make any difference if there are others who resent you for some reason...

And Carol was somebody you either looked to as a role model...or hated, because she was so good at selling. Her activities with real estate in Boston had made her a very wealthy woman... During the last year, though, she had finally realized that she was not really happy. Her children, in college, were distant, not having had much time with her, due to Carol's hours on the job, even at nights and weekends when most people looking to buy were available and wanting to view the properties...

"When I met you and saw the fire in your eyes, you
reminded me of Aero and Sabrina. [horses] He traced
a finger along the line of her shoulder. "So high-
spirited and beautiful." Carol half closed her eyes
as his hand slowly explored under her sweater. "I
want us to take this slowly, Carol, but I don't think
I can. You've touched my heart in a way no other
woman has in many years...
"Outside, Aero and Sabrina nuzzled heads as the
eagles flew high in the soft November light..."
~~~

Right now, she's responsible for the sale of a beautiful Victorian home, whose owner is now in a rest home and who dies during the novel, making it even more of a...shall we say, challenge!

At the same time, Carol, who has stayed away from men since the last few have caused much havoc in her life, meets a new one, who convinces her she's made the right decision! Because when she met him, in a parking lot, he had parked too close to her vehicle, and knocked off her side mirror! Carol couldn't even get into her car, so she promptly took a camera, sent it to the police and called a tow truck!

Off course the owner came just as the tow was to begin and took the brunt of her anger quite nicely, apologized, and finally started to laugh at her! Well...any woman knows how Carol reacted to that laughter!

But from bad beginnings...

It soon got worse!

Devin Elliott, architect, Boston's most eligible bachelor, and destroyer of vehicle mirrors, wants to buy the Victorian home for which Carol is responsible! And he wants an early viewing, which she refuses. Then, when he's the first at the open house, the daughter of the owner, refuses to allow him to enter! Carol stands in the midst of their screaming, while other interested customers watch from the sidewalk! Another real estate nightmare for Carol! But Allison has friends and connections... And, this time, Carol is suspended!

Now that should leave you hanging and wanting to know more, right? Well, let's just say that Devin used to date the owner's daughter, but it's been years ago. Only to Allison, she has never gotten over him...and if Carol has any type of relationship with him, even if just professional, Carol is now part of all that must happen!

Compelling drama, outrageous stalking, arson and much, much more! I loved it and think you will too! See yesterday's review for Debut Winds of Change and next in series Road to Tomorrow here tomorrow!

GABixlerReviews

Originally from the Toronto-Hamilton area of Ontario, Canada, Mary moved to Ottawa to study journalism and fell in love with the region. Shortly after graduating, she met and fell in love with her soul mate.

In addition to being a full-time novelist, Mary edits memoirs, fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. She's adopted the moniker Lakefront Muse to reflect (pardon the pun) her love of living by a small lake and gaining inspiration from nature in her rural surroundings. While her novels are set in or near Boston, she lives in the foothills of the Laurentians in Quebec, Canada.

Please visit Mary on her blog at www.lakefrontmuse.blogspot.ca for weekly interviews with authors from around the world and musings about writing and publishing in general.

Learn more at www.marymetcalfe.ca.

Heartwarming Inspirational Story Leaves You Smiling...

Image via Wikipedia

"Looking back on the situation she told herself
 she'd been an idiot to think she and Jay would
marry,  buy a home in Cedar Forks,
and attend church together.
Now here she was in Destin, Florida,
where she knew no one, except Bill
 of course, and she'd just met him this morning."

Love Turns The Tide




By Gail Pallotta










Suspense coupled with lots of romance will entice new fans for Gail Pallotta in her new inspirational novel, Love Turns the Tide. The beautiful cover is only a hint of the many romantic walks and beautiful shore living that Cammie O'Shea found surrounding her new home. Still, when she was transferred to Destin, Florida, she was not sure she wanted to leave her family and friends. The only reason she had for leaving was Jay, her ex,  who had, unbelievably, been arrested for assaulting a woman:

Bill Collins was trying to get a small local newspaper off the ground. The Sun Dial was so new that Bill was the only one there so he had called for help from the Dexter Group and been "loaned" Cammie--who really had no choice in the matter. And now her very first major assignment was starting off badly. Not only did Vic Deleona cancel out on meeting with her, but he did so rudely and was clearly, in Cammie's opinion, not interested in granting her an interview...

Vic Deleona was a major real estate developer and was presently working on his new high-rise project called Pelican Point. He was a very important member of the business community and if he liked Cammie's story, he might begin advertising in the newspaper. So when Cammie returned to the office, Bill immediately asked how things went...responding worriedly when she shared he had cancelled.

"In a strained voice Bill said, 'I hope he gives you another time slot. Vic's so successful he doesn't need our help. We need him. If he likes the article you write and advertises with us, every developer from Fort Walton Beach to San Destin probably will..."

As Cammie waits for her interview, she creates a new series about the largest fish catch to occur by local fisherman, immediately gaining interest and ad income...she could do this if only given a chance!

But when the apartment of a new friend was broken into, and then her own was also, Cammie once again began to wonder about staying there. She had finally completed the article on Deleona and had even begun having dinner and long walks with him...but was it enough to keep her from going back home?

Love Turns The Tide has a good solid story line that allows readers to immediately empathize with the main character. We could be walking in her shoes--angry and upset over a broken relationship with a tarnished hero, forced to change jobs, move to a new location, leaving family and friends behind, and trying to once again gain the professional respect that can only be earned not demanded. Cammie is quick to share her concerns in prayers and to seek out scriptural references to guide her, sharing where she goes to find her inspiration to meet each day and move toward an unknown future. There is warmth and love surrounding Cammie and I quickly decided I wanted everything to turn out perfectly for her...

Even in the suspense and concern of the breakins, readers will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome, which, when it occurred, allowed Cammie to make her most important decision for the future. Heartwarming and enjoyable reading from Gail Pallotta. The e-book is available from Awe-Struck Publishing! Don't Miss This one!

Book Provided Through
Facebook's Reviewers Roundup


GABixlerReviews

"Softly, she spoke, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have
eternal life." (John 3: 16). It had been the first Bible verse she had
memorized. She hadn't thought of it in a long time, but she was glad she
remembered it now. She stood for a few minutes and watched the
seagulls soar over the crystal green tinted water, flying to the bright white
sand bar across the way to dive for fish, their course sure, their
destination fruitful. If God directed their paths surely he would guide her too.
For a reason she couldn't explain she felt close to Him now. It was as though
He was telling her everything was all right..."

Review: Make Me An Offer, Rohm's 1st Novel A Great Start!

Make Me An Offer


   By Jessica Dee Rohm


Smart, savvy, and sexy Alyson Strong had created the concept of Marry Well magazine as a student at Columbia Business School and with the right endorsements soon acted as the founder and publisher. She was exactly the right person to create a magazine that would teach women how to catch and keep a rich man. Her mother had ensured she explain that it would be just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one. Allyson was small-town Kentucky growing up, but now she owned a "big piece of the rock!"






At 35, Alyson had grabbed her own rich man--Walter Strong of San Francisco whose net worth in the $400 million range certainly supported Alyson's claims! Walter had fell for Alyson's brains, even if her beauty had first attracted him at 47 after being a widower for 5 years.

Perfect match? Hmmm...what do you think?

Camilla Madison thought the concept of the magazine was, in her words, "frivolous and absurd." She was just out of college so decided to go ahead and apply. Now the magazine was in its 9th year and Camilla had been there for most of that--she and her friend Rose had survived from the beginning, as well as Chuck Maynard who was director of advertising sales. Alyson was not the easiest person to get along with... Besides, her column "Him on Him: A Beditorial" the latter word coined while she was doing her research with "one attractive man of the month," kept her quite busy and away from home traveling.

A rich man called Rocky was Camilla's personal experience with the rich, selfish, yet powerful men, that had little they needed from women, except one thing. The problem was that Camilla had only been 14, and Rocky was a friend of her parents...She learned more about rich men from Rocky and her father than she had ever wanted to know!

Camilla had demanded that she be able to see and say a goodbye to her blue-eyed, blond-hair  son who had a small strawberry birthmark on his left shoulder, just like his father.

After I had read Sugar Tower, the latest novel by Jessica Dee Rohm, which I thoroughly enjoyed (http://gabixlerreviews-bookreadersheaven.blogspot.com/2010/10/review-heres-great-drama-for-your-next.html), I was pleased to be offered the opportunity to read Rohm's first two books! With an excellent writing style, plus a wide range of characters and sites explored, her books quickly pull readers deeply into the lives of her characters.  What happens when Rocky and Alyson start a business relationship that turns quickly into a sexual one that forces Camilla into reliving her past? Only to force Camilla into considering what she is herself doing by falling in love with a married man that could end her professional future...

Personally, I was rooting for Camilla all the way through!

If you enjoy reading stories about strong female characters in top professional roles, then you need to make Jessica Dee Rohm a must-read author. Gutsy, savvy, intelligent women, some of whom you'll quickly hate and some you'll love! Some will win and some will lose--and readers are going to love what happens! Begin with Make Me An Offer and proceed through all three. You'll be glad you did!

Book Received Via
Bostick Communications

G. A. Bixler

Review: Here's a Great Drama for Your Next Weekend!

Image by andrew mace— via Flickr

Sugar Tower


 Jessica Dee Rohm









Anabel Trainor Sugarman was not a nice woman. She had married for money and used that money to keep her supplied with drugs and alcohol. We don't know whether she was always like she was when she was murdered, but then again, she was murdered the same day that the book, Sugar Tower, began!  I just don't think, though that she, or anybody, deserved to die the way she did...

When I try to enumerate exactly why I liked this book by Jessica Dee Rohm so much, I can't quite pinpoint exactly what it was...I do know that I loved the main female character, except maybe her name--Marchesa Jesus Piazza...What were her parents thinking?! Anyway, most people called her Mach and she was a reporter at one of our struggling newspaper who had been moved as a reporter into the real estate area. She and her boss had been involved and when it was broken off, Mach had wound up in a new job--you figure it out...

Since Anabel Trainor Sugarman was married to the owner of the Sugar Tower, among many other buildings, and she had been found dead in their pool, and since Mach just happened to be in the building for business, she was the first reporter at the scene!

Mach immediately went into interview mode and talked to many of those critical to the case. And, of course, Mach knew, when she found out Anabel had been murdered, that it would mean Page One. Mach knew how to take advantage of the inside scoop...

As can happen when the right strings are pulled, Mach soon found herself partnered with the officer in charge. Now let me quickly point out that much had already been done by the police, but the murder had already gone cold. If you are a CSI fan same as I am, then you'll be joyfully involved when Dr. Matthew David Rowan becomess the major driver and, do you know why? He bargained with Mach to get publicity for his fund-raising activites for his department! So when Detective Urquia, the new head of a task force on toxicology-related murders, was introduced to Mach and quickly opposed her involvement, he really didn't have a chance, the deal had already been made!

Of course, the pair was soon working together and once again contacting everybody who had been involved. The husband had been alibied out of consideration; however, Mach had the opportunity to meet with him and they became mutually attracted. And that's when things started to twist and turn and people started sharing a lot more about the behind-the-scenes activities. The maid for instance was having an affair and was now pregnant, after sleeping with her lover in the master suite. Even dog lovers were suspected because Anabel had caused so many problems fighting with her neighbors, their dog walker, and one owner had already filed a legal suit for their dog's death!

OK, here's my own confession, I was able to empathize with the murderer! Now, you have to admit that the author had to do a good job writing her story to have at least one reader "understand" why she was murdered (just not the method!)! No? Well, you'll just have to decide yourself, because I understood how easily someone is pushed to the limit...

I enjoyed the book...it was fun in many parts and brought together many of today's issues with the ultimate potential result--murder! Read Sugar Tower by Jessica Dee Rohn--and have a wonderful weekend deciding whether you agree with my recommendation...but I am not wrong!

Book Received via
Bostick Comminications


G. A. Bixler