Book picks similar to
The Witch's Portal by J.B. Pettry


women-s-fiction
fiction
free-reads
1-o-n-read

Eye Bleach


Paul E. Creasy - 2018
    Sylvia Marstens, is making a fresh start. The move from NYU to Silicon Valley is just the ticket to break out of her rut. With a huge boost in salary, beautiful California weather, and complete autonomy at work, her new job is a dream come true. The world’s largest online video sharing service, UVid, has a problem. The Content Moderators hired to review questionable materials are quitting en masse. Some videos are just too disturbing and disgusting to forget. Dr. Marstens, with her unorthodox method of isolating and suppressing traumatic memories, has the perfect solution to solve UVid’s expensive turnover troubles. Her controversial technique, long denounced in the halls of academia, is more than welcome in the land of algorithms and code. It is a match made in heaven. She soon discovers some traumas cut too deep. Sometimes the past comes back. Some horrors will not stay buried. In this terrifying thriller, Dr. Marstens finds even she cannot escape her own dark history, because some things seen, can never be unseen.

Death's Dark Horse


Ruby Loren - 2014
     Her younger sister, Jo, has been spotted hanging around Witchwood’s vampire population and their parents are sure she’s getting herself into trouble. But when January tries to intervene, Jo gallops off in a cloud of dust. Literally. Now all she wants to do is play bass guitar, bake cakes, and find her sister again, but trouble always seems to find her. It’s probably something to do with her other job as a vampire slaying, bounty hunter. When January is instructed to kill someone a bit too close to her heart, will her feelings interfere with her ability to terminate her target?

A Week and Some Change


Justin Mermelstein - 2013
    After learning that Tracy has died in a terrible car accident, he is devastated. But after arriving at the restaurant to console his mother, he discovers that Tracy isn’t dead after all – in fact, she is working her shift, and no one else seems to think anything of it. While trying to make sense of the situation, Andrew begins to experience an overwhelming sense of dread: something isn’t right. He needs to decide whether to tell Tracy and risk sounding like a lunatic, or ignore what all his senses are telling him and enjoy what appears to be a second chance.

And A Meadowlark Sang


Jen Pretty - 2018
    One woman makes a life for herself after tragedy. One vampire is hell bent on keeping his city streets free of violent rogues. Where they intersect… …a journey begins. Lark’s life is strange. Vampires roam among us undetected, except by her. She learned the hard way to keep her curse to herself and run at the first sign of trouble. Meditation and yoga have been the core of her sanity as she sets down roots in the city she calls home. When she is suddenly backed into a corner, its fight-or-flight time, but a huge secret is lurking beneath her skin. One that will change the course of her life, forever. The time for running is over. But will the price of her new purpose be too high?

Found


Ashley Hohenstein - 2020
    Her new reality is not for the faint-hearted. Thrust straight into a conflict between gods and monsters that has raged for a millennia, she must face the fact that her gift will become the bond that puts a stop to the endless war, or the weapon that may annihilate the conduit world and humanity as we know it. With no time to hone her skill and her heart torn between two men—the man she is destined to be with or the man she has grown to love—what chance does a simple therapist from California have to save the world?Found is the first book in The Conduit Chronicles series in which myth and folklore weave a trail full of challenges and adversity for our protagonist, Ophelia Banner. Dive into these pages and join her on her journey. Interview with the Author Q: What makes Found special? A: I believe Found pulls all of the elements I love in an urban fantasy book and adds a little twist. Found has action, a little romance and cool beings with awesome powers who are hidden in plain sight. I personally love historical fiction with origins in magical realism, so I created characters you may have heard of in the history books and brought them to life with new fantastic powers. I also love a good mystery. I have woven little mysteries along with some major twists into the series. I hope that you find yourself enthralled in the story and chasing the clues. Q: Why should I give Found a try? A: If you have enjoyed the world building of Kevin Hearne in the Iron Druid Series, the character development in the Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlaine Harris and the magical twists in The Magicians Series by Lev Grossman with just a touch of the paranormal romance of Stephanie Meyer in the Twilight Series, give Found a shot! Q: When can I expect the next book? A: You're in luck, book two- Forsaken is available in December 2018. The rest of the series will follow in 2019, including some short stories and novellas featuring spin off storylines from the characters you love. For more information and some awesome BONUS content check out my website at ashleyhohenstein.com and sign up for my Readers Club.The Conduit Chronicles e-Book Categories Science Fiction and Fantasy Magical Realism Supernatural Thriller and Suspense  Paranormal Romance Fantasy Action and Adventure

Ruby Slips and Poker Chips: A Modern Day Wizard of Oz Romantic Comedy


Heather Kindt - 2017
    . . until Dottie’s given a free trip to Las Vegas. Second-grade teacher Dottie Gale lives in the tiny town of Quandary, Kansas, which is pretty much smack dab in the middle of nowhere. No mountains. No ocean. No life. Her ex-boyfriend and current school board member, Corbin Lane, cheated on her, making school functions more than a little awkward. But worst of all, a tornado named Maxine Westward rips through Dottie’s school as the new principal and has made her life at work a living hell. When Dottie is chosen to go to a teacher’s conference in Las Vegas, she knows her life is going to change. Driving from Quandary to Vegas, three strangers enter her life. Through a string of situations involving poppies, flying monkeys, and a life-size sculpture of an iconic rock star the four soon become inseparable. So, when Westward arrives on her broom in Vegas, Dottie is ready for battle. Her boss black mails her with stories of incarceration, thievery, and a steamy relationship with her travel companion, but Dottie knows that those who hurl insults shouldn’t hold secrets of their own. Editorial Reviews "I had so much fun reading this and spotting all the clever twists, it was very entertaining. In fact I’m tempted to re-read it, to find more of the subtle hints. I’ve also been to a few of the places mentioned in the book which meant an extra thumbs up for me. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoy a modern take on a good original oldie." Roses are Amber

Clean Kill


C.E. Nelson - 2016
    It was the chance of a lifetime for the band, touring with Prince, and a friend of a friend had a decked out tour bus they could use.  Things couldn't be better - except for the body in the bus.  A very clean body.Don Trask, Lead Agent for the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, finds it odd that someone would go to the trouble to bleach a body.  It was strange.  And things were about to become even more strange when additional bodies in Minneapolis and along the north shore of Lake Superior begin to appear.  All very clean.Don and his twin brother Dave, Sheriff of Lake County Minnesota, must now quickly stop the murderer before word gets out that a serial killer may be roaming the state - and another body is bleached.  Readers of John Sanford, Jeffrey Deaver, Michael Connelly, William Kent Krueger and like authors will enjoy this fast-paced thriller.  Scroll up to order now.   What readers are saying:"There's several suspects and then a twist at the end you never figured on.  This was a good enjoyable read." - PWA"Good Read!  I liked the characters and the fast-paced gameplay." - Lynda Hanson"Good Read.  Would recommend this book to anyone who likes this genre." - Martha Allen

The Glare


Anissa Stringer - 2015
    That's Jenna's motto. And it serves her well, even before a strange light blinds nearly everyone on Earth and causes the glare. Not that she minds the apocalypse. Why should she? It's the best thing that's ever happened to her. No more secrets. No more lies, and there's plenty of food, just waiting for her to take it. Best of all, she doesn't have to worry about who to trust anymore. Because almost everyone is dead. Or dying. But there are other dangers in the new world: vicious coyotes, legions of rats, and something worse. Much worse. Someone's out there. Someone else who can see in the glare. Someone she has reason to distrust...and fear. And he knows she's all alone... Grab your sunglasses and get the first book in the thrilling Glare Series now, because the apocalypse won't wait!

Trusting the Dragon


Rinelle Grey - 2018
    He certainly doesn’t expect to be woken by a human. In order to regain his energy and shift into his dragon form, he needs to bond with someone, but a human could never understand what he requires. Single mother Rylee has enough on her plate. When her eleven-year-old son, Rowan brings home a strange man he found asleep in a canyon, she’s determined to keep her distance. She’s just escaped one controlling relationship, she certainly doesn’t need another. But the pull she feels for him is not only unmistakable, it could be deadly. For both of them. Trusting the Dragon is Part 1 in the Dragon Shores serial.

Fireseed One


Catherine Stine - 2010
    Varik Teitur inherits a vast sea farm after the mysterious drowning of his marine biologist father. When Marisa Baron, a beautiful and shrewd terrorist, who knows way too much about Varik's father's work, tries to steal seed disks from the world's food bank, Varik is forced to put his dreams of becoming a doctor on hold and venture with her, into a hot zone teeming with treacherous nomads and a Fireseed cult who worships his dead father, in order to search for Fireseed, a seemingly magical hybrid plant that may not even exist. Fans of Divergent will likely enjoy this as well as those who like romance with their page-turners. ***Indie Reader notable, YA finalist in sci-fi & YA in USA News International Book Awards and Amazon bestseller. Includes discussion questions for book club or classroom.

Beyond Death


Deb McEwan - 2014
    A family secret. A psychic awakening. What should be the best night of Claire Sylvester’s life turns into the worst. But what can be worse than death? Discovering those you love are in danger, and you’re the only one who can save them? Having to watch them suffer? Or not knowing what to do? As she learns to come to terms with her strange new world, will love and hope give Claire the strength to overcome her fears and do what must be done?What will be her final destination? And will she get a second chance?Beyond Death is the first book in Deb McEwan’s Afterlife series. If you love supernatural thrillers about love and loss, and death and destruction, with a hint of dark humour, this is for you.“A humorous yet thought-provoking idea of the afterlife. This book will have you laughing out loud at one juncture and bring a tear to your eye at the next. If you liked Being Human and enjoy British satire, then you'll love this!” Amazon Reviewer“A really gripping read, couldn't put it down once I started. So many twists and turns. Before I finished I ordered the next two books in the series.” Amazon Reviewer“With so many supernatural tales on the shelves it’s hard to find something genuinely original yet Beyond Death fits the description well, with author Deb McEwan bringing a distinctive new voice to this ever-popular genre.” Book Viral Fans of 'Being Human' enjoy the Afterlife series which comprises four supernatural thriller books:Book 1: Beyond Death Book 2: Beyond LifeBook 3: Beyond DestinyBook 4: Beyond PossessionBook 5: Beyond LimitsBook 6: Beyond Sunnyfields (Coming Soon)My other books:Unlikely Soldiers Book 1 (Civvy to Squaddie)Unlikely Soldiers Book 2 (Secrets and Lies)Unlikely Soldiers Book 3 (Friends and Revenge)Unlikely Soldiers Book 4 (Murder and Mayhem)Court Out (A Netball Girls' Drama)The Island Dog Squad Series (inspired by our wonderful rescue dog Sandy):Sandy's StoryAnother Crazy MissionPeople Problems And for children:Jason the Penguin (He's Different)Jason the Penguin (He Learns to Swim)

Once Broken


D.M. Hamblin - 2016
    It's a story about a single mother, Jackie Martin, who has two objectives: First to raise her daughter, Gina with her self-esteem unscathed by her father’s abandonment; Second, to see her daughter’s father, Tony Salvucci suffer for his abandonment. Both objectives come to pass. With lots of twists and turns and memorable characters, Once Broken is an inspirational story about forgiveness vs. revenge and living one's life moving forward, no matter how painful the past.

Agent on a Mission


Rose Fox - 2015
    Renamed Abigail, she is smuggled and hidden away from the sight of predators during her childhood. She grows up into an amazing beauty and a renowned lawyer, who is recruited by the “Mossad”. On her dangerous mission in enemy territory, along with Israeli “Mossad” agent, Judge Adam Ayalon, both are abducted by terrorists and thrown into a living tomb. Trapped and chained up like dogs, beaten and abused, they succeed in... Yes, it is a unique story of abduction with an enthralling twist in the plot... The President of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres's read this book and wrote to me: "Your book integrates realistic and fictional elements and deals with a complex and painful issue… Its moving plot brings about difficult moral dilemmas, both on the personal level and on the national level, whose solution involves a sensitive performance… In your book, as well as in reality…" (-) Shimon Peres The President of Israel

The Devotee: Magic Academy


Oksana Grinberga - 2017
    But instead, I entered a world of magic that saw me fighting for my life.” Layne Vayris has lost the two most dearest people to her. Her mentor and her Uncle Niklas. Each have tasked her with delivering their last requests. Layne’s mentor requires three letters to be delivered on specific dates and specific times. Whereas her Uncle Niklas has asked that she deliver an unusual book of his, to an unworthy previous student called Goter. To complete their dying wishes she must leave her peaceful and tranquil village of Wolverdell to enter a bustling city of magic and depravity. There she meets a young homeless boy called Remi, who guides her through the city. Their friendship spurs her on to find the first addressee of the three letters, a Master Sharrez. But Master Sharrez is aloof and spends his time in whore houses, making an audience with him near on impossible. Layne realizes that the only way to fulfill her promise to her dead mentor is to join the Academy of Magic, where the warlock Sharrez teaches the Faculty of Dark Magic. Except this decision comes with its own demons and Layne finds herself setting off on a path she never envisaged. A path that leads her to discover her own dormant magic, which becomes all consuming and more powerful than anyone has ever seen before. But with power comes enemies. And in trying to deliver her second letter, she finds that not all ‘old’ friends are friends, and things take a turn for the worst. Layne finds herself having to fight for her life with some unlikely friends to boot. Will Layne be able to deliver the third letter in time? Will she pass on her Uncle’s book to the unworthy Goter? Or will the power of magic end her before she's even begun?

Of Lords and Commoners


Lynne Hill-Clark - 2016
    A breath of fresh air, as it tells the tale of a commoner thrust into a world of lords and vampires. It spans many years with many historical events, times, and places not like your average twilight telling in a high school back ground. I would recommend this book to anyone.” — SandersThe only future Vallachia could have imagined, as well as her wonderfully simple life disappears when she finds herself in a struggle to figure out the rules of a strange new world. She longs for her old life and the one she truly loves remains out of reach, as she embarks on an inconceivable journey.Vallachia quickly finds herself on the wrong side of a brewing battle for vampire domination. Not knowing who to trust could have fatal consequences … for millions of people.