Giveaway Contest for The Lasting Hunger

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Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Lasting Hunger

by Dennis F. Larsen

Giveaway ends April 30, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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The Lasting Hunger Is Now Available!

The release of The Living Hunger's sequel is finally here.  Let me introduce you to The Lasting Hunger, the second and final book in the series.  This novel has been a labor of love from its inception, but has taken longer than expected to complete.  Over the past few years, real life events have precluded me from finalizing the project, however, it is finished and I hope you enjoy it. (Amazon Universal Link)

As with the first in the series, I have dedicated this novel to, and patterned the main character after someone that impacted my life in a major way.  I speak of my friend, Jeff 'Boob' Ellis.  We became inseparable during our Jr. High and High School years, growing from boys to men along the way.  Our friendship continues to this day, but not in the literal sense.  Jeff was tragically taken in an industrial accident in 1987, ten years after we graduated from high school.  I have always wanted to memorialize this wonderful man in some way that would be lasting and true, which is why I initially started The Living Hunger books.

My intent, all along, was to write a fictional story, putting real life characters in the mix, drawing from their personalities and actual, real-life experiences to immortalize them for me and my family.  During this journey, my father passed away, which is why I started with Farrell (my father's given name) as the main character in The Living Hunger.  I had to tell his story to prepare the way for Jeff's.  Writing The Lasting Hunger was an emotional roller coaster, sometimes causing me to stay away from the computer for months on end.  I hope the readers of The Living Hunger can forgive me for taking so long to complete this task - it was never my intent.

Anyway, I wrote these books for myself more than anyone else.  The journey has pulled loving, fun-filled memories from the recesses of my mind and ever etched them upon my thoughts.  I pray I have done justice to the memory of these two great men, and many others who are captured in personas that lend themselves to the tale.  My father's brother, Rod, and his wife, Janet, have been such an inspiration to me, and they are entangled in the pages of both books.  They are stalwart, compassionate individuals who continue to bless the lives of our extended family.

The digital version of The Lasting Hunger was released today via Amazon and the Paperback version should be available tomorrow.  Thanks again for your support and patience.  The adventure continues, with a Civil War novel in the works.

Cover Design by Sean Strong

Jeff (Boob) and Me - A Day of Duck Hunting

Jeff Ellis - High School Portrait

Teenage Nonsense - Holding my dog, Bushy, as a show of strength.

We played baseball together for 5 years - Pony League 1974

Sports were always at the center of our friendship and our days.  We played baseball, basketball, football, tennis and more.  Above, Jeff's dad, Boyd, is pictured at the left.  Jeff is the third uniformed player from the back left and I am second from the right, again on the back.

A True Story of Pornography Addiction

We'd like to recommend a true story for our followers, FORSAKE ME NOT by Damian and Rachel Caprice.  It is a harrowing tale of sexual addiction that touched their family and interrupted their road to happiness.  Far too many families are being dragged into this sad, destructive lifestyle and we wanted to draw attention to the issue by highlighting this book.  It is available on all the retail sites, including Amazon and Smashwords.  It's only been available just this afternoon, so take a look and share with anyone who may be in need of support and/or help.

Amazon 5 Star Review by Lesley H.

"Honest and Compelling:
Pornography, although its use is virulent, is still very much a taboo subject. When people use porn, in the main, they like to keep it to themselves. That's why, from the outset, I thought the author of this book was very brave in telling his story. Porn often seems like harmless fun but, as the author shows in this touching and brutally honest account of porn addiction, its effects can be devastating; not only on the user of pornography but on their families.

Wonderfully well written, Forsake Me Not is a compelling and at times disturbing read that will make you question the accepted role of pornography in today's society. The book also provides great advice for dealing with porn addiction if you are currently experiencing problems.

All in all, this is a fascinating account of one man's struggle with this all too common addiction, and a great resource for those who are trapped in its grip."
 

Amazon $3.99 (New Release)

A True Story of Pornography Addiction and Its Tragic Consequences.

Pornography does not knowingly select its followers, nor does it seem to care the age or sex of the ensnared victims. It casts a wide net, capturing and reeling in all who cannot break free from its web of sultry images and hidden lies. Forsake Me Not recounts a 45-year struggle for one of porn's many casualties, Damian Caprice.

As a young boy he fell prey to this insidious plague, and battled it through a lifetime of deceit. Pornography addiction forced Damian to shelter his obsession from family and friends, successfully doing so for three decades of mental anguish. In this deeply personal tale, the author shares his thoughts, feelings, and regrets, dating back to the age of free love and the sexual revolution.

Damian and Rachel Caprice's 35-year marriage is scarred by years of sexual addiction. Their journey has been littered with turmoil, soul-rending hurt, and broken trust. However, their tale is one of hope and healing for individuals and families affected by porn's ever expanding reach. Through their words realize freedom and redemption are possible, and look to the future. Success truly is measured in trying...just one more time than you've failed.

The book chronicles their history and relationship, including the strategies they used to overcome the addiction. The Caprice's are not sexual therapists, but they are two people who found their love strong enough to bring them back from the brink of disaster. As further help, there is a summation of pornography myths and resourceful, online links for addicts, family members, and even children with addictive behaviors.

The battle against pornography addiction is grueling. Still, it is a fight worth waging and the rewards are plentiful. Download this insightful story, drawing on the restorative powers of love and forgiveness, and begin the process of healing today.

Visit Smashwords for all formats.

A Love Story With Heart

I recently purchased a book that tackles the tough issue of violence against women and date-rape.  It is handled with finesse and understanding by Author Mary Crawford.  So the Heart Can Dance is a tender story of young friendship that develops into something more, while helping to heal a woman's soul.  It is a read that will touch your heart -- be ready with the tissues.

Read more below and follow the link:

Amazon $3.99

So the Heart Can Dance

A Hidden Beauty Novel: Book #2

For most, between birth and death, lies years of hope, family, and love.  However, along that winding road that leads from one to the other, sometimes the unthinkable mars the journey, perpetuating heartache and unending despair.  Tara Isamu, a dancer blessed with grace and elegance, lives a remarkable life.  She sees her future as joyful and bright...but that all changes in an instant, when a single, rage-filled act of violence steals her innocence.

Tara’s dreams are suddenly, and irreversibly shattered, turning her emotions and talents inward, where she harbors a secret that has seemingly blemished her soul.  She is left in darkness until a chance meeting with an old friend opens the door to healing and love.  Aidan O’Brien and Tara’s relationship is borne of youthful exuberance and tempered in the foundry of tragedy.  Together, they walk a difficult path, one that heals through understanding and acceptance.

So the Heart Can Dance is a love story, written with deep meaning for anyone who has endured life-altering misfortune that leaves behind unseen, yet very real scars. Read it as a celebration of the soul’s ability to overcome the worst of life’s challenges.  It will lift, inspire and breathe hope into the most painful experiences, and teach us all...we can surely dance again.

Please Note: Throughout 2015 the author will donate 15% of gross profits to RAINN, a national charity dedicated to stopping sexual assault and abuse.

The Devil's Fox - An Abolute Delight

I recently read a wonderful book by first-time novelist, George Pollino.  The book, The Devil's Fox, is a magical, fantasy tale with a blend of action, adventure and Japanese lore.  Believe me it's quite a story.  My review is posted below, but for a buck you can't go wrong - download this book!

The Devil’s Fox

By George Pollino

Review by Dr. Dennis F. Larsen

Ten pages into this extraordinary novel, I had to stop and research the author.  I couldn’t believe this was the work of a first time novelist...but it appears my keen sense of ‘judging an author’s writing age by his work’ was badly misguided.  Mr. Pollino is a freelance writer, which made me feel a bit better, however, this is his first full-length novel.  Personally, I love to stumble upon a book like this, penned by someone without a big name, and have it blow me out of the water.  This was absolutely the case here.

The story captured my imagination from the very start and kept me enthralled for days, as I found moments, of all too rare time, to consume it.  Quite frankly, I’ve never read anything like it.  The tale effortlessly mixes the old with the new, blending characters from different eras together seamlessly, even as the author bounces back and forth from present day to past junctures in time.  In this, I have learned something and Pollino has inspired me with his skill.

Amazon $0.99

To the story: it is a blend of fictional genre’s I often read, but never in the same volume.  I was surprised throughout the text at how well he weaved fantasy and reality.  I soon found myself believing in Kitsunes, picturing Akane, an ancient, shape shifter, who seeks a soul of her own.  Her tale is beautifully intertwined throughout the book, in the most captivating way.  The imagery was impeccable; leading me to believe the writer has spent time in the orient.  If not, he has certainly done his homework.

I appreciated the depth of character he draws from his players.  The humans were beautifully flawed and so real that I saw myself somehow joined at the hip with the scientist, Nikolai, and his blind friend, Thomas, who happens to be a priest.  I thought the pairing was odd but fitting to the narrative.  On that point, the dialogue was delivered so matter-of-factly I could nearly hear what was being said – in my estimation the mark of true talent.

To delve deeply into the heart of the plot, in this review, would be to deny the reader the thrill of discovery and satisfaction, obtained one page at a time.  As the author himself has said, “it is a spellbinding story that will wrench your soul and touch your heart.  A literary tapestry entwined with vivid characters, a riveting plot and luxurious voice.”  To this I will add my own voice and say, “Amen”.

I will be recommending this book to my family and friends...and to you.  Beautifully written, edited, and imagined – it is a book for the ages and one I will read again.

Currently Featured on eReaderRecon.com

Tired of Zombies? Sink Your Teeth Into New Breed - Huskers!

Book #1, Operation Z-Day, of The Raven Falconer Chronicles is FREE for the next five days.  This is a three-part series that is available as standalone episodes or in a complete volume.  A 'zombie' theme but not in the traditional sense: a virus alters mankind but with realistic results: no coming back from the dead with a penchant for brains.  The undead here are altered to the basic of human survival skills, but they learn, they adapt, and they unite.  If you're looking for something 'real' and frightening, this is the series for you.

Try book one for FREE and see what you think.  Set against the backdrop of beautiful Banff, Alberta, follow four female roommates as they battle the horde.  Operation Z-Day sets the stage and book #2, Rise of the Huskers, follows up with non-stop mayhem and death.

FREE April 8-12

Amazon 5 Star Reviews:
"Raven and her friends are fun, interesting and well fleshed out. Pun intended (you'll get it when you read the books). Their dreadful adventure is fast-paced, thrilling and keeps you guessing. This is like no other apocalyptic work. Larsen knows what came before him, and he plays with well known themes while making his own unique story. His first book is a fun take on themes that needed a new, interesting voice. Well paced, interesting read that this reader really enjoyed. I give this book about apocalypse, friendship, love, and endurance despite the odds: 5 out of 5 Opinionated Zombies or stars." -- ReadersUnite

"If you have a thing for zombie books, if you loved the movie "Zombieland" or the TV series "The Walking Dead" than you will be mad about "Operation Z-Day (The Raven Falconer Chronicles)" by Dennis Larsen.

Raven and her friends are fun, interesting and well fleshed out. Their dreadful adventure is fast-paced, thrilling and keeps you guessing

Every one of the books in each of his series are different but highly entertaining and once you start one of his books you will not want to stop reading until that last page is turned. I started this book in the morning and before it was bedtime (to my disappointment) I had finished it. It was that difficult to put down. This is one author that will surely become a favorite of yours." -- Frank Edwards

National Poetry Slam - The Journey

When I first saw the title of this book, Autograph Penis, I was somewhat hesitant to even read the description.  I must ask, "Am I the only one with that reaction?"  Anyway, I was relieved to find it was not literal or the memoirs of a 'porn king', but rather a satirical look of one woman's journey to the National Poetry Slam in Boston.  Who would have known?  I couldn't help chuckling as I read the reviews, which are outstanding.  The author reminds me so much of my third daughter, who is a somewhat nerdy, quirky, out there kind of gal that loves to read and write poetry.  Perhaps it comes with the genetic splicing or the mind set, in any case, the book is unique, with plenty of laughs to carry you from page one to the last in a few short sittings.

I suspect this young writer will have a long and glorious career, filled with more side-splitting moments than she'll ever remember.  Please tell me, she keeps a journal.  Follow the antics of H.O. Tanager (Tanager.com) on her road to Poetry stardom in the pages of her road trip to remember - Autograph Penis, a non-fiction ah, ah...

Find out for yourself and buy this witty, self-recounted piece of poetic history.  I highly recommend it.

Amazon $2.99

And now for the Rave Reviews (of course, all 5 Star):

"H.O. Tanager does with Autograph Penis something I have seen nowhere else: she creates an image of the bar-game-turned-national-sport that is Poetry Slam. Autograph Penis ranges from hilarious to heartbreaking to deeply insightful, all while maintaining a sense of self awareness that immediately recruits the reader. Tanager's creation is accessible to everyone both inside and outside the slam community. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves, or wants to love, poets and poetry." by Ellyn

"H.O. Tanager does it again in her telling of the 2011 National Poetry Slam. No one has quite nailed the magnificent thrill and overwhelming feelings of anxiety that only the sport of Slam embodies, until now. Tanager's ability to combine the brutally honest with the almost magical makes Autograph Penis a go-to read for wit, drama, and many laughs. Her personable journey through the 2011 National Poetry slam is so relatable, I feel as if I were there with her. I mean the crying - it's such a real struggle. You've got to read to get this reference." by Tara

Featured on and recommended by eReaderRecon.com