Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl #1

Publication date: December 30th, 2025

Pages: 480

Spice: N/A

Synopsis:

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER •  The apocalypse will be televised! Welcome to the first book in the wildly popular and addictive Dungeon Crawler Carl series--now with bonus material exclusive to this print edition.

You know what's worse than breaking up with your girlfriend? Being stuck with her prize-winning show cat. And you know what's worse than that? An alien invasion, the destruction of all man-made structures on Earth, and the systematic exploitation of all the survivors for a sadistic intergalactic game show. That's what.

Join Coast Guard vet Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, as they try to survive the end of the world--or just get to the next level--in a video game-like, trap-filled fantasy dungeon. A dungeon that's actually the set of a reality television show with countless viewers across the galaxy. Exploding goblins. Magical potions. Deadly, drug-dealing llamas. This ain't your ordinary game show.

Welcome, Crawler. Welcome to the Dungeon. Survival is optional. Keeping the viewers entertained is not.

Includes part one of the exclusive bonus story "Backstage at the Pineapple Cabaret."

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STORY:

As far as stories go, this was one for the ages. I have never seen a fantasy book that leaned so far into comedic timing be able to find a way to not make it seem cheesy in the end until now. This book found the perfect balance of comedy, curious wonderment, and adrenaline pumping adventure to bring a truly original story to life. Carl's world became the wet dream of flat-earthers as it literally flattens to nothing. Strange disembodied voices speak to him and herd him into the doorways of an intergalactic game show that he would have rather entered with at least pants and shoes on. The story continues on following Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, as they take on the horrors some alien AI has decided to place in their pathways. Along the way they learn who they can trust and who they should be weary of. Even the other crawlers are not always ones to be trusted. I loved watching how the world unfolded and how many twists and turns the author creates for his world. It becomes a bid for who might actually be in charge and a curious wondering of what is actually going on behind the scenes. I never knew what was coming from one page turn to the next and struggled to keep with my book club schedule to not read ahead (I failed in the end).

CHARACTER(S):

Carl was stoic to a point but at the same time he was not openly aggressive or unapproachable. He was what you would expect of a military vet. He may have only been with the Coast Guard but that amount of structure that goes into a position with any military branch tends to give people a more stern approach to life. That benefited him a lot during his time in the dungeon. Carl was quick thinking and malleable to any given situation. He never went into something without at least having a running plan in place and if he didn't, he could think quickly. He was the brawn to Donut's quick-witted brain. Donut made me laugh more than any other fictitious character I have ever read. She had sass for days and it was exactly how I would think a cat who was sentient would be. I think if either character was missing, the book would not have been even half as enjoyable. Honorable mention of Mongo who I look forward to seeing more of in future books.

WRITING:

Flawless. I think I stumbled over a singular grammatical or spelling error in the entire book. Which is impressive even when edited by a legitimate publishing company. There were times while I was reading that I couldn't help but quote things back to my book club of snippets where the author just wrote something so poetically brilliant that I just was aghast.  One such quote I cackled over was:

"It tasted as if I'd taken a drink directly from the diseased asshole of an incontinent skunk."

Any reader who reads that singular quote can imagine just how horrendous the drink tasted with a giggle at the absurdity. Matt Dinniman is a wordsmith of his age and I will happily gobble up any book he writes for the foreseeable future.

OVERALL:

I hated it... no, if you can't figure out that I absolutely loved this book from cover to cover with how a fangirled all over the place then you may need to go back and read this review. I have nary a single critique to give nor any criticism. Dungeon Crawler Carl was an apocalyptic rollercoaster ride that ran off the tracks over and over but we still had fun even in the danger zones. The characters were well-rounded and beloved, the world was well described and fleshed out to the point it almost seems fun if not so deadly. I look forward to reading the second installment of this series and seeing what befalls Carl and Princess Donut on floor 3.

 

Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: The Sheik and the Slave by Nicola Italia @nicola_italia @XpressoTours

The Sheik and the Slave by Nicola Italia

Series: The Sheik and the Slave #1

Publication date: March 13th, 2026

Synopsis:

He owned her body... but could he ever claim her heart?

🔥 In the merciless splendor of the Arabian desert, Sheik Mohammed rules as an absolute master. His command is law. His power unquestioned. Women adore him, enemies fear him--and nothing he desires has ever been denied him. But when a golden-haired English beauty is dragged before him in chains, defiant despite her fate, something long buried in his warrior's heart awakens. For her, he pays a king's ransom... and claims her for his harem. Yet the proud, fiery Katharine refuses to surrender--not her spirit, not her will... and certainly not her heart.

🔥 Lady Katharine Fairfax was born to privilege, not bondage. The cherished daughter of English nobility, she has known only safety, luxury, and freedom. But when she dares to reject the vile advances of a powerful Baron, his vengeance is swift and cruel. Torn from her homeland and sold into the sultry, dangerous world of an Arabian palace, she becomes a prisoner of a man whose touch both terrifies and awakens her.

🔥 In a palace of silken veils, whispered secrets, and forbidden longing, passion ignites between captor and captive. Katharine burns with hatred for the man who owns her... yet trembles beneath the heat of his dark gaze. Mohammed has conquered kingdoms--but Katharine's love may prove the one prize he cannot command. And as treachery coils around them and enemies close in, they must risk everything for a love that could destroy them both... or set them free.

Sweeping. Sensual. Unforgettable.

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The candle lights flickered low and the music began. It was a beautiful piece of George Frederick Handel, a Trio Sonata in B Minor. Katharine listened to the music and closed her eyes. The violin, flute, and continuo were in perfect sync with each other as the music moved and flowed through the room. She stood with James, sipping a glass of champagne, while she watched her guests mingle. A hundred people filled the room, and dozens more stood or danced in clusters and groups around the food tables. Champagne was in abundance. She had lost count how many people she had greeted and smiled at. She suddenly felt lightheaded as the champagne drizzled into her veins. The trio sonata continued playing, and its beauty was mesmerizing.

When she opened her eyes and looked across the room, she glimpsed him across the room and knew she had drunk too much. He had walked behind a group of people standing at the far end of the room. Kat almost dropped her flute of champagne.

"Darling, what is it?" James whispered as he felt her lean into him.

"The heat. It's the heat," she answered. "I need some fresh air."

"Of course. I'll accompany you," he said.

"No, you should stay. I'll only be a few minutes," she replied. She moved her dress hem aside as she moved gracefully through the room.

Kat placed her champagne glass on a table and walked outside the ballroom and into the night. A few couples were outside talking and they greeted her. Her brother Charles and his wife, Sarah, smiled at her, and Charles kissed her in greeting.

She smiled to them and then turned away. She was going mad! She brushed a hand across her forehead and flushed cheeks.

Katharine looked out over the gardens that she knew so well. Earlier that day, she had stood next to James, thinking of the stallion and wanting to give him a proud name. She had always loved Greek mythology so she had thought of Ares, the god of war. But just then, she had seen him. Either that or her imagination was going wild.

She saw at first the figure behind the large group of people at the far end of the ballroom. He was dressed in a deep blue coat and waistcoat with snug knee-length breeches, low-heeled shoes and silk stockings. His hair was unpowdered but clubbed with a black ribbon, and he appeared to be clean-shaven. He was well-dressed, and the cut of the coat showed off his muscled back and the width of his shoulders.

The breeches did well to expose his muscled legs, and his dark shoes had no buckles on them.

But as much as tried to fit into this world, he did not. He was like a wild tiger in a small cage. He belonged in a hot world of sand and sandalwood incense, not in a ballroom filled with dandies and champagne.

He belonged in a world of sandstorms and harems, where the world smelled of incense and jasmine.

Kat shook her head. This was madness. This was what happened to women who had no clean grasp on reality. She wandered into a farthest part of the gardens, where the willow trees had been planted long ago. The birch and ash trees grew there as well.

Katharine was particularly fond of elm trees. The willow tree branches dipped low, almost to the ground, and she stepped inside one. She looked down at her hands and saw that they were shaking. She closed her eyes and remembered his goatee as his mouth touched hers. She remembered his hands on her, inside of her, and taking her that night after the party.

The air was cold, and her breath foamed out as she exhaled. The willow tree branches encircled her and protected her as she sighed. She must let it go. She must forget him. This can only drive me mad; she told herself for the thousandth time.

She touched the diamonds at her throat and tried to calm herself. Silly, she said to herself. She breathed out and turned to go back to the party.

But then, her quick intake of breath and the pounding of her heart inside her chest happened instantaneously. She shook her head and closed her eyes.

"You aren't real," she breathed out in disbelief, her breath foaming in the cold air.

"Oh, I'm real enough," he mocked her.

His clothes were European as she had seen in the ballroom and his hair was pulled back without a wig. But his golden body belied the fact that he was not European and never would be. He would never fit in and would never want to. He had come here for one reason.

"I don't understand. How are you here?" Katharine asked him, as her fantasy and nightmare collided together. She pressed a hand to her exposed chest as her heart raced.

"The horse, your Arabian, was my Arabian. I bred and sold him to your father," Mohammed explained.

"Did you know when you sold it to him that it was for me?" she asked.

"Yes," he said. His dark eyes met her blue eyes.

Mohammed watched her intake of breath, which caused her breasts to swell over her neckline.

He had watched her that night, not able to take his eyes from her. He had many dealings with Europeans because of the Arabian horses he bred. The horses were renowned for their beautiful bone structure and stamina, but he had never accompanied the horses once they were sold. He had always dealt with the foreigners, accepted their money and had his men transport the horses. This time was different, however. This time everything was different.

Her father had written to Mohammed, inquiring upon the price of an Arabian stallion. Edward wrote in detail about his spirited daughter, explaining that the horse must be the same, intelligent and spirited. Mohammed had accompanied the horse to England to bring back what was his by Arab law.

He had watched her stand near the English dandies at the ball and smile into their faces. He had watched a young blonde dandy rest his hand on Katharine's waist and clenched his own fist in anger. She had used her body well to trap men into wanting what they couldn't have. Poor Majeed had found out the hard way. His own brother was enchanted by the little falcon! Majeed should have known better.

And now, after coming across the sea, he was here to claim her again. There would be no negotiations and no bargains; she would be his.

Unaware of his thoughts, Katharine shook her head, confused. Her diamond earrings glistening in the dark.

"Why are you here?"

Mohammed stepped toward her.

"You know exactly why I'm here. I'm here to take back what's mine," he told her.

He closed the small gap between them and jerked her into his arms.

"No," was all she managed to say before his mouth took hers. He was clean-shaven and well-groomed, which only made him more dangerous. She knew what was underneath the fancy clothes.

NICOLA ITALIA is a Los Angeles native. Early in elementary school, Nicola had a great fondness for reading and began to write creatively. She graduated from university with a degree in communications and has held a variety of positions in journalism, education, government and non profit.

Nicola has traveled extensively throughout Europe, China, Central America and Egypt and loves all things historical.

She has nineteen historical romance and mystery novels on Amazon.

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The Sheik and the Slave Blitz

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Book Blitz with Excerpt + Giveaway: Abducted by J.S. Ash @XpressoTours

Abducted by J.S. Ash

Series: The Beast's Burden Chronicles #1

Publication date: February 22nd, 2026

Synopsis:

Trapped aboard a living spacecraft hidden above her hometown, a teenage outcast must wage a one-girl war against ruthless alien mercenaries to save her best friend before the ship jumps into deep space.

A SHIP FULL OF ALIENS TOOK HER BEST FRIEND, THEY SHOULD'VE LEFT HER ON EARTH.

Abigail Ashby was raised to be a weapon by a dad convinced the world was on the brink of collapse. Then, inexplicably, he forced her into early retirement--aka high school.

These days, Abigail's only battle is defending Harris, her outcast best friend who swears his parents were abducted by aliens. She's secretly sure he's delusional--right up until his bedroom explodes in amethyst light. 

They wake up aboard the Beast's Burden, an interstellar warship lurking above their town. Its leader, a sadistic warlord, seizes Harris as his prize, while Abigail slips away in the chaos--overlooked, underestimated.

Until she kills an alien to survive.

Now, hunted through the ship's living corridors, Abigail must decide: retreat into the shadows, or unleash the lethal training she buried to wage a one-girl war and save everything she's ever known... Because Harris isn't just a hostage. He's the trigger for humanity's extinction.

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"Wait-- I'm sorry. Abigail, I didn't mean that. Please don't go."

Abigail froze in her tracks, but it had nothing to do with Harris's plea. An unearthly shriek had erupted, ricocheting endlessly around the room, and all the warmth had instantly drained from her body.

"What is that?" she asked, ice surging through her veins.

Harris looked like he had seen a ghost. "I have no idea, but it's coming from--"

With a deafening crack, four dark spheres shot out from underneath the bed and slammed into the corners of the room. Abigail watched, petrified, as the spheres oozed apart, spreading to cover the walls in a thick layer of disgusting sludge.

"You're seeing this, right?" she said, voice trembling.

Harris nodded slowly, and Miss Biscuits started howling.

The ghastly sound reached a new ear-piercing level as the sludge began crackling with unstable amethyst purple energy.

"We need to get out of here!" Abigail shouted. She dashed for the window, but the light glittering across its surface flared violently in response, and she recoiled, backing away slowly. 

The shriek was becoming unbearable. Abigail could hardly hear herself think, let alone process what was happening.

"This way!" shouted Harris as he lunged for the bedroom door, but the pulsing glow surrounding the handle suddenly sparked, jumping eagerly to his outstretched hand.

Amethyst purple light rippled through Harris's entire body, shining beneath his skin. Abigail watched in horror as an unnatural smile slowly twisted across his face.

"Harris?" she said cautiously.

Harris's head swiveled toward Abigail and his morbid grin twisted into fear. The amethyst purple light erupted out of his skin, contorting him backwards into a jagged arch. His body was suddenly blasted onto the ceiling, held there for a moment by an invisible force before dropping sharply to the ground, the impact kicking up a cloud of dust from the hardwood.

"Harris!" Abigail screamed, rushing to his motionless body. This was a nightmare. Everywhere she looked the amethyst purple light was encroaching--over the ceiling, across the walls, and covering the floor, inching right for them. Abigail scrambled to grab Harris under his arms and used every ounce of her strength to drag him onto the bed, only just avoiding the energy as it engulfed the remainder of the room's surfaces.

"Harris, wake up!" she shouted as she checked for a pulse.

"Abby!?" came a muffled cry.

She strained to see Taylor pounding outside the window, an uncharacteristically horrified expression on his face through the amethyst-colored glare. He took a step back and then charged, but the barrier flared the moment his shoulder made contact, and he was repelled away in a shower of shattered glass.

Abigail's eyes darted around the room, her fear mounting as the shrieking hit yet another plateau. Blood pounded in her ears. "Harris, wake up. Please wake up!" she pleaded, her voice barely audible over the howling of Miss Biscuits and everything else.

The sludgy spheres had re-formed in the corners of whatever was happening--what was happening?!--perhaps they could be shut down somehow... But how? Abigail grabbed Harris's hand, hopelessly begging him to wake up, and her fingers made contact with a ripple of raised skin--the scar.

Abigail's gaze snapped to the samurai sword hanging on the wall. Scrambling to her feet, she ripped it from its mount and unsheathed it. The gleaming blade appeared as sharp as it had all those years ago.

"Abby! Abby! What are you doing?!" Taylor's voice cut through the chaos. He was back on his feet just outside the shattered window. He was holding up a small metallic object that Abigail couldn't quite make out through the amethyst refraction. She didn't have time for this. The high-pitched shriek was growing more and more deafening, the amethyst-colored light burning ever more severely. Instinctively, she knew it was now or never. She had to disrupt whatever was happening. 

She frantically scanned the spheres, her entire body shaking. Though she had no clue this would work, the one in the corner by the door seemed like her best shot. "You can do this," she said to herself, but she didn't remotely believe it. Gathering all her strength, she sprinted towards the edge of the bed, leaping into the air with the hilt held firmly in her grasp. With a loud clang, the sword sliced through the sphere, miraculously penetrating the energy barrier and lodging in the wall.

As gravity pulled Abigail toward the floor, time seemed to slow, and she watched the damaged sphere start to skitter in and out of reality, spewing sparks in all directions like it was about to explode. The blinding amethyst light and eardrum-bursting shriek reached their crescendos just before Abigail hit the ground.

She felt a surge of pure agony, and then, there was nothing.

J.S. ASH has spent over a decade working in media at one of the largest tech companies in the world, though his true love remains storytelling. His creative DNA was forged in the 90s--a blend of blockbuster action cinema, console gaming, and the high-stakes melodrama of the era's teen soaps. He lives with his wife and daughter, who serve as the primary inspiration for the resilient, protective heroines at the heart of his stories.

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Release Blitz with Excerpt + Teasers: Break the Girl by Jade C. Jamison @JadeCJamison @EJBookPromos

Break the Girl by Jade C. Jamison

Publication date: March 10th, 2026

Synopsis:

He's the man the music world forgot.

She's the one it refuses to forgive.

When thirty-eight-year-old former rock legend turned producer Quentin Russo agrees to help salvage the career at Raine Dennison--a Gen Z pop-punk star clawing her way back from public collapse--he expects a paycheck and a shot at professional redemption.

What he doesn't expect is her.

Raine's talent is undeniable. So are the scars she hides beneath her bravado. And, as Quentin pushes her to tell the truth in her music, he finds himself confronting the very demons that once destroyed his own career.

Their creative chemistry is volatile.

Their attraction is reckless.

And the label has a plan to exploit it.

They want a fake romance to sell the comeback.

But real feelings don't follow a well-laid-out plan.

In an industry that feeds on spectacle, where one mistake can go viral and forgiveness is never guaranteed, falling for each other could cost them everything--or force them to decide what's really worth losing.

Break the Girl is a raw, emotional rockstar romance perfect for fans of A Star Is Born and Jamison's Wilder Love.

Available at:

"They canceled all my tour dates and threatened to not record the third album... and that's why they sent me here."

Raine clasped her hands together in her lap again and let out a small breath. Although Quentin had been quiet, she had no doubt he was judging her--and maybe even believing she was full of shit.

When she looked up, he finally spoke. Even though his voice was quiet, it felt like thunder. "Was there ever a time, through any of that, where you felt like you could say no?"

Two tears dropped at almost the same time, but she pursed her lips together, forcing them to stop quivering. And then she said, "No. And I know the media had a heyday with what happened at the concert, saying my partying had finally gone too far--but that wasn't fucking it. Obviously, they hadn't listened to a goddamn thing I'd said." Letting out a long breath, feeling like now she was in control, she shifted her eyes from Quentin to her hands again. "They just couldn't see that I was trying to escape my reality. Instead, it was just a big fucking joke."

When she looked up at Quentin again, he gave her a soft nod, his eyes telling her that he believed her--and he saw her.

JADE C. JAMISON writes steamy contemporary romance that's full of heat, heartbreak, and hard rock. Known for emotionally raw rockstar romances, sizzling billionaire stories, and unforgettable second chances, Jade delivers passionate stories with fierce heroines and brooding heroes.

When she's not writing, she's jamming to metal, sipping strong coffee, or spoiling her pets and family. Whether set in small-town Colorado or on tour with a band, her books take readers on an intense, romantic ride--one story at a time.

Learn more on her website or join her newsletter.

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