Archive for July, 2013

Join the celebration organized by AToMR Tours.

Jenna-Lynne Duncan is celebrating the release of her new book, Aftermath.

You’ll learn what Aftermath is about and sneak a peek inside, and don’t forget to enter the awesome giveaway!

Living on the Gulf Coast, I was here during Hurricane Katrina. While my area wasn’t hit hard, the aftermath was felt deeply all along the coast.

Anyone living on the Gulf has experienced these powerful and deadly storms and as a community, strangers are no more. Everyone helps everyone else to pick up the pieces and go on.

I am really looking forward to reading this series and I’m always looking for books set in the south as I feel an instant connection and often recognize places mentioned in the stories.

Aftermath book cover

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Title:  Aftermath

Author: Jenna-Lynne Duncan

Publisher:  Stolen Kiss Press

Release date:  July 2013

Genre: Paranormal romance/urban fantasy

Age Group: Young Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Available Soon

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Book Description

Adriana can’t decide which is harder— living in post-Katrina New Orleans or living with two immortal brothers. Ana and Hayden are finally together but Hayden’s brother Luke is trying to come between them… and he’s never been known to play fair. While Ana still attempts to cling to her normal life, psychic visions take over her dreams. With Mardi Gras season approaching and a vision of a murder, Ana will find out if she can really change the future or if she’s just upsetting a very delicate balance. What she could never predict was just how far Luke would go to satisfy his obsession…

How about a little peek inside!

As I went to follow them, Luke stopped me. I stared at his hand curled around my arm, acutely aware of his touch.

When I looked up at him, his eyes became stormy. He licked his lips and then bent down to whisper in my ear. The heat of his breath tickled the sensitive area of my neck as he whispered, “ You can’t expect me to play nice, when you wear something like that. I’m afraid I simply won’t be able to keep my hands off of you.”

My jaw dropped open. His words appalled me—and at the same time excited me.

I recovered my composure. “You’d better keep your hands off me, unless you want me to break your fingers.” I gave him my best menacing smile. Where was this side of me coming from? Strangely, I knew.

“Ohh,” his chest rumbled with laughter. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Both.” I snapped as he slowly made his way around to my other ear. This had to stop.

“I look forward to any time where you touch me.” He had circled me, like he was a vulture and I was his prey.

“You’re disgusting!”

“We’ll talk more of what I am later, love. Right now, your friends are waiting.” At his last words, he left me there in the hallway, weak-kneed and boiling with anger.

“No, we will not talk about this later!” I called after him, but it was too late, I had already heard the door to the garage open. And he’d had the last word.

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Here’s a little bit about Hurricane, Book #1

Hurricane (Hurricane #1)

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Adriana couldn’t decide what was worse—that Hurricane Katrina was heading for New Orleans, or that she might not survive her kidnapping to see its potential effects. She had trusted Hayden, even fallen for him, and now he and his brother Luke were taking her deeper and deeper into the Bayou. Why had two of her classmates, the mysterious Boudreaux brothers, kidnapped her? Why had Adriana’s dreams started predicting the future? Most importantly, would she make it out of the Bayou alive…

 

About the Author

Jenna-Lynne Duncan graduated from the University of St. Thomas with degrees in Political Science, International Studies and Middle Eastern Studies. She is the author of the popular young adult series Hurricane. She is currently working on a fourth Hurricane novel as well as another YA series. Besides writing, Jenna-Lynne likes children and travelling. Preferably together.

To know more about Jenna-Lynne, please visit her website at www.Jenna-Lynne.com

Author social media links:

Twitter: @JennaLynneD or www.Twitter.com/JennaLynneD

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenna-Lynne-Duncan/198137450227636

GoodReads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4957254.Jenna_Lynne_Duncan

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A Hurricane gift basket which will include a signed copy of Hurricane, a signed copy of Aftermath, an eBook copy of Tempest, a fleur de lis necklace, a love potion necklace, Aftermath book charms, Hurricane book mark, Cafe Du Monde beignet mix, and a mardi grad mask! – US Only

Laissez les bons temps rouler

Let the good times roll!

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

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I’ve never been able to resist a book where an animal plays a significant role in the story.

As I was reading the descriptions for these books, I knew I had to meet Sydney and her dog, Blue.

Add in some mystery, murder, and romance and I have everything I need.

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SYDNEY RYE SERIES

by Emily Kimelman

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BLURB:

Books 1-3, The complete Series Box Set (Value Pack)

 

The Sydney Rye series of mysteries features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

This box set includes all three of the Sydney Rye Books.

UNLEASHED (A Sydney Rye Novel, #1)

Unleashed (A Sydney Rye Novel, #1)

When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller’s dog-walking business on Manhattan’s exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.

But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim–and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.

When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit–cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan’s elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.

EXCERPT

A white fog hung in the dark sky. The mist dulled the glare of the streetlights. Beads of dew covered the parked cars and sparkled in the soft yellow light. Blue led the way into ProspectPark.

As soon as I let him off leash, he bounced down the paved path. The gently rolling lawn glowed a silver green. The man-made forest was a wall of blackness. The fog hung low above us. We wandered onto smaller trails and roamed through the trees, up steps to the top of the biggest hill, then down and around the lake that glimmered in the night’s light.

Three men sat on a bench. They wore rags and suckled on bottles in brown paper bags. One stood up, unsteady. He opened his mouth to speak, a naughty smile playing in his rummy eyes. Blue stepped out of the shadows, where he had been investigating an interesting smell, and moved to my side, falling in step with me. Fear twisted the man’s smirk into a grimace. He stumbled back to his friends, whispering, “Devil.” The three men cowered on the bench as Blue and I passed. We walked home with our heads held high, afraid of nothing and nobody.

DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)

Death In The Dark (A Sydney Rye novella #2)

At the beginning of Death in the Dark we find Joy Humbolt hiding, not only from the law, but also from her past and the mistakes she’s made. Living this isolated life doesn’t last long though when a visit from Mulberry brings Joy to accept her new identity as the Private Detective, Sydney Rye. To complete the transformation, Joy must learn to control her emotions as well as her giant aggressive dog, Blue. With the help of an expert trainer, Joy learns to fight with her mind as well as her body. However, when the daughter of a close friend is brutally murdered in the desert, Rye turns away from her mentor to seek revenge. Sydney’s quick temper and deadly intentions lead her into a trap that she will need all of her new skills to survive.

INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)

Insatiable (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)

The third book in the series begins with private detective Sydney Rye living a simple, disciplined life in London, but when a dangerous man from her past calls, Rye finds she cannot turn him away. Robert Maxim explains that the daughter of a powerful friend has gone missing and he wants Rye to find her. In exchange he offers her something she had given up hope of ever having; freedom from her past.

With her dog, Blue, at her side, Rye meets up with her new partner, a handsome man she’s not sure she can trust. Heading for Mexico City, they go undercover, posing as husband and wife. After meeting with the bereaved parents, Rye starts to sense that there is more going on than just a missing girl. But it isn’t until they arrive in the YucatanPeninsula, hot on the girl’s trail in Paradise, that all hell breaks loose. Sydney has to reach out for help from old friends and deal with the consequences of her past, if she’s going to find the girl and keep them all alive.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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Emily Kimelman lives on a boat in the HudsonValley with her husband, Sean and their dog Kinsey (named after Sue Grafton’s Kinsey Millhone). Kimelman has a passion for traveling and spends as much time as possible in the pursuit of adventure.

Her “Sydney Rye Series” are dark murder mystery novels which features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. This series is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

The first three books in Kimelman’s series, UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, and INSATIABLE are available in the Kindle store individually and in a box set. The fourth book in the Sydney Rye series STRINGS OF GLASS is due out Mid-Summer 2013.

If you’ve read Emily’s work, and enjoyed it, please let Emily know. You can reach her via email ejkimelman@gmail.com

http://emilykimelman.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EmilyKimelman

https://twitter.com/ejkimelman

Buy links for all books:  Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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Giveaway

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Emily will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter. 

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

The tour dates can be found here.

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

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At any moment I felt like these covers were going to become real. To open a window into the Forces of Nature.
I expected the wind to ruffle her hair, to hear a symphony of songbirds, and to experience an ambrosial delight from the multitude of flowers.
Vibrantly colored book covers have always been a draw for me. I wouldn’t be able to walk past these on a bookshelf without stopping to pick them up.
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Natural Selection by Elizabeth Sharp
Average, plain-bodied Amelia Hoffman has resigned herself to a life of mediocrity, unable to escape the shadows cast by her all-too-perfect siblings. Worse, her feelings for her brother’s best friend are getting stronger.
 

Everything changes after the brutal murder of her close friend.Suddenly, Amelia’s life is transformed and she is thrust into a wondrous and frightening new world of myths and legends. As she explores this new world hidden within the layers of her own, secrets are revealed. When her body miraculously changes overnight,  Amelia is forced to hide in her home for her own protection. But as danger circles closer, Amelia has to figure out who is committing the ruthless homicides.

Otherwise, she could be next.
Second Nature by Elizabeth Sharp
Nothing seems right in Amelia’s new life. On the run with new names, her family has finally settled into a lavish life in North Carolina. Her relationship with Nate is strained almost to its breaking point, and she has no friends. As Nate pulls further away, a handsome stranger sweeps into her life.
Then evil comes for her again.
After her brother is kidnapped, they discover someone is draining demons for a deadly new drug that turns its users into mindless zombies. The drug ravages up and down the east coast, and all humanity is in danger. To make matters worse, an old enemy is back for revenge. With the help of her family and friends, Amelia must deal with her past.
Or they won’t have a future.
 
 
 
 
 
Better Nature by Elizabeth Sharp
No matter how she tries to deny it, Amelia Hoffman has a destiny. An evil plot threatens to destroy humanity and the future lies in her hands. To make things even more difficult, she is distracted by college, family squabbles and trying to decide between two men she loves.
But destiny won’t be ignored for long.
When an explosion tears through the Library that houses the entire history of the Otherworld, Amelia is thrust into action. She has to fight through the tension tearing the Otherworld apart to rally an army. As the danger grows, Amelia must rise to fulfill the prophecy.
Or the whole world could fall.
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Author Bio:
Elizabeth has a near crippling Facebook addiction, dwarfed only by her need for Dr. Pepper. A self-proclaimed techno geek, she loves cell phones, computers, tablets and all things technological. The internet has to be the greatest invention since the wheel, in her opinion. She lives in a quiet subdivision with her husband, one-year-old son, three cats, and far too many electronics. It’s quite possible she has some raccoon in her DNA, because she loves glitter and anything that sparkles. She enjoys making jewelry and costumes. Halloween is her favorite holiday since it’s the one day of the year that you can be whatever you want. But her first love will always be writing. Otherwise, hearing voices in her head would make her feel schizophrenic.
 
Links:
 

Freakin Fridays!

Freakin Fridays is my own little meme. I’ll be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.

Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!

Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

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I’m beginning to wonder if the rains will ever end.

Living on the Gulf Coast, I expect the daily afternoon torrential downpours. I do live in a tropical state, but this is getting ridiculous. It’s been raining for days and days.

What usually takes me about 16 minutes to drive home from work, took me 57 minutes.

It was a white knuckle drive as my wipers couldn’t keep the windshield clear and most of the roads I would use to get home were blocked off due to flooding.

I was doing about 10 miles an hour, creeping through rushing water over the roads. The water was so fast it had whitecaps and hit the fences on the side of the road and flew upwards.

I looked up at the sky thinking, “What’s next?”

Maybe it’ll rain cats and dogs!

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So, okay. It didn’t really rain cats and dogs. A good thing too, because I wouldn’t know what to do with them all!

I was worried that my wicked cousins would come calling since there was so much water they could easily swim right to my doorstep.

Believe me, any visit from them is too soon!

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I was beginning to think I would have to worry about water spouts too.

A water-spout looks like a tornado over the water and can have winds up to 90 plus mph!

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They mostly fall apart as soon as they hit land, but with all of this rain, who knows!

Hopefully, the sun will return to dry up all of the water and I can bask in it’s warmth again.

I miss sitting out by the pool, reading and playing on my computer.

If I don’t get outside soon, I’ll go crazy, and I don’t want that!

I wonder if there is a dance you can do to make the rain go away? LOL

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What can I say. I loved this series.

How great is it that you can get all three stories in one book, never having to wait for the next release.

When you start reading Welcome to Adelheid and meet all of the exciting characters, you’ll see how great this is.

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Welcome to Adelheid

Books One -Three
Mia Darien

Genre: Paranormal Suspense

ISBN: 9781476224244

Number of pages: Approx 375

Word Count: Approx 160K

Cover Artist: Mia Darien

Smashwords  Amazon Kindle  Amazon Print   BN

Kobo     iTunes   Audible

Book Description:

Welcome to Adelheid, CT. Freak central. Unofficial capital of legal preternatural creatures in the Northeast. Focal point for anti-preternatural sentiments in the United States.

Who would ever guess that this otherwise sleepy New England town houses many of the most powerful beings known to exist?

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Cameron's Law (Adelheid, #1)

In “Cameron’s Law,” meet Sadie Stanton, vampire poster girl for preternatural rights. She’s just trying to start a business to help the community, but when vampires and werewolves start attacking each other, she gets thrust in the middle.

My Review

Right from the start you are thrust into the action.

Her name is Sadie Stanton and she owns the Stanton Agency, where she serves all things preternatural.

When Cameron’s Law was passed, making all supernatural beings citizens, Sadie saw the opportunity and offered her services for paranormal investigations.

She’s perfect for the job, after all, she’s a vampire.

While helping a client in the graveyard, a crazed woman runs up and stakes Sadie. As quickly as she appeared, she ran away. Lucky for Sadie, the woman didn’t know her anatomy. It hurt like hell, but healed quickly. And the night is still young.

Following proper procedures, she files a complaint and has the bad luck to have her complaint taken by Detective Johnston, a shifter. There is no love lost between these species and he is being a jerk, or is she just reading him wrong. He definitely gets under her skin, and as her receptionist, Madison, said, “He was tugging on her pigtails.”

Soon enough, Sadie has to deal with Johnston again. It appears that young vampires are attacking werewolves and this could have an adverse affect on the new law. Sadie wants to avoid that at all costs and begins to work closely with Detective Johnston. They need to see who or what is behind this before there is an all out war between the vampires and the werewolves.

There are so many awesome characters in this book. Each one, even the ones with only small roles, stand out as individuals and their voices are strongly written.

My favorites are Sadie and Dakota. Can’t wait for you to meet Dakota. If you think Sadie is tough, wait until to see Dakota in action. She is a hunter and even Sadie isn’t sure of just what she is, maybe something shifty or fae.

The author left me wondering about that in this first book.

I also really liked the view of Sadie’s everyday life while being a vampire, her normalness.

“It was a standard evening. I showered and dressed, had breakfast and checked to see if I had any messages. After that, I ran a few errands, which were ultimately very banal. Just like all the other myths, being a vampire did not automatically make your life exciting or glamorous, and you didn’t come equipped with servants. Vampires still had to do things like go to the bank, buy food and do their laundry.”

Of course, her breakfast must have been some type of blood and her day started after dark. I wonder what the grocery stores are like, having to stock edibles for all types of supernatural beings.

There are more attacks and the race is on to solve this case before all hell breaks loose.

You’ll meet some very interesting characters, good and bad.

You’ll get to see how Sadie interviews  demon summoners, and lawyers for her agency, which was a fun way for the author to introduce new characters.

And you get to meet Dakota, the bounty hunter from hell. Still not sure what she is.

I had a really fun time getting to know the characters of Adelheid, the largest supernatural community in all of New England.

For a not so long book, this one is packed full of back story mysteries,  budding romance, lethal investigations, and a look at the politics of a preternatural town.

A great beginning to this series which the author wraps up nicely, but hints at answers to some lingering questions, which leads you to the next book.

5 Stars

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When Forever Died (Adelheid, #2)

In “When Forever Died,” Dakota is a rare shifter and hunter who has lived a long, hard life. But the past never sleeps and two simultaneous cases are going to test the personal defenses she’s built over the centuries.

My Review

I love it. This book features Dakota, bounty hunter extraordinaire. She is one of my favorite characters.

Dakota hunts the NHF, or Non-Human Form creatures. She’s the one police call when they can’t handle a particular supernatural being. Cameron’s Law may have made all preternaturals citizens, but just like humans, you get your bad seeds and that’s when they call Dakota.

Dakota now kind of works for Stanton at her agency. She has a long way to go to be a team player and she’s kind of scary.

She’s working a case for Myles Bail- Bonds. A fight ends in death and the vampire, wanted for manslaughter, has bolted.

Then she gets a phone call to come down to the police station. The Captain has a case he needs help with.

It seems he needs an ancient, a vampire over 1000 years old, found and brought in.

Dakota doesn’t usually work more than one case at a time, but she’s intrigued. She’s never hunted an ancient before.

And Detective Moore, the visiting detective, has caught her eye. When she learns the detective is looking for a mysterious being, the name slaps her in the face. She’ll need to stay close to Moore in order to monitor her hunt for this being, which happens to be Dakota’s sister.

Someone is following Dakota, things are heating up, people are being torn apart, and bodies are disappearing.

What I really enjoyed about this second book, is Dakota finally opens up, as much as she can, and tells what she is, or thinks she is. She starts to let others in, to trust a few people, to get this ‘friend’ thing.

The authors flashes you back into time so you can see Dakota’s origins and why she is like she is. You also meet her deadly sister. Not someone you are going to like at all.

The writing is so fluid. The characters and situations feel normal, not fictional. You forget they can’t really exist and just go with it.

All I’ll say about the ending is it left me grinning.

And, of course, wanting more.

5 Stars

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Voracious (Adelheid, #3)

In “Voracious,” the life D wants isn’t what it seems. He certainly never planned on the fangs, but he’s going to need a lot more than the pointy teeth to survive the first weeks of his new existence.

My Review

 D is a reluctant vampire. He is lured by a mysterious and beautiful woman to a vampire bar. He really should have known better.

I guess a few too many drinks left him with his guard down. He hates fangs, his name for vampires, and certainly wouldn’t have let this female turn him into one.

Their night of passion ends with a quick snap of his neck and now he’s that thing, a fang.

D is haunted by a dark hunger, has been for a long time, and now he has a hunger even greater, a hunger for blood.

As he gets the hang of it, of being a fang, he feels the need to find out why Ceille did this to him, why she thought he could help her. So he returns to the scene, to the vamp bar 5, and asks the owner, Quintus, what Ceille’s story  is.

What Quintus tells him leaves him hanging. Ceille was beheaded by another vampire. She is now truly dead.

When he turns Cassandra, a young woman dying after being attacked, he has a new bunch of problems. She can’t be left on her own, like he was, and he is her sire, he is responsible for helping her adjust.

There is something special about Cassandra, something that draws vampires to her. D takes her to the vampire coven lead by Jade. They will help her adjust and learn to control her abilities.

Now, a vampire is after him and her and he has no idea why. Too bad Ceille is dead for good, but maybe, just maybe, she can still tell him what he needs to know.

What I liked best about D is how at first, he came off as callous, as a drunk wandering aimlessly through life.

Then, when he’s turned into the thing he despises, only then does his humanness come out. That’s when I started to like him, to pull for him.

Dakota makes a boisterous appearance, as does Sadie, Johnston, and several other characters from the first two books.

I like that you could read these as stand-alones, but why would you want to. You can get all three books individually at a very affordable price, or you can get all three stories in one book!

I read one book each night and had a fun time doing it. I never had to wait for the next release and all of my favorite characters made appearances, like old friends stopping by to visit.

I caught myself wishing there was a town like Adelheid, a town of supernaturals and humans living side by side. I think I’d like it there. Who knows, maybe there is.

5 Stars

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I gave each of these books 5 Stars because I just couldn’t get enough of the characters. I was really sad to reach the end, but had such fun getting there.

As I can’t give Welcome to Adelheid 15 Stars I give it 5 Stars

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Quotes I liked:

“You can’t learn stupid like that. It’s got to be genetic.”

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He stared openly. “Is there some way I can get rid of you?”

“Not really, no. Except by telling me what I want to know and not lying to me. Believe me, you will not like me when I’m angry.”

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“I’ve been known to go to church from time to time, and the walls never came falling down.”

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Somehow, I heard her grin.

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The place was filled with shift work shifters. Say that three times fast.

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About the Author:

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Mia Darien is an indie author of speculative fiction, and a New England Yankee transplanted into Alabama clay. No matter her geography, she continues to stubbornly and rebelliously live the life of her choosing along with her family and pets. She doesn’t miss the snow.

http://www.miadarien.com

http://www.twitter.com/MiaDarien

http://www.goodreads.com/mia_darien

http://www.facebook.com/author.miadarien

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Giveaway

4 paperback copies of Welcome to Adelheid -open to US Shipping only

12 ebook copies of Welcome to Adelheid

To enter, click on the rafflecopter link below.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

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I was a part of the blitz for Hidden, Book #1 and just had to be a part of the Blitz for Lost, Book #2!

Enjoy the character interview and don’t forget to enter the giveaways!

Yep, that’s right, two giveaways!

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Lost cover

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Lost by M. Lathan  Series: Hidden, #2
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Publication date: June 20th 2013
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Genre: YA Paranormal
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Synopsis:

Three months ago, Christine Grant found herself, her love, and impossible friends, while losing the memories of the biggest piece of her past.
Now, her powers are spinning out of control and must be tamed by the woman who saved the world, the same woman Christine is predicted to kill in less than a month.
Wanting to punish catty girls was just the beginning. It’s only a matter of time before she discovers that the world is not as safe from her as she hoped it was.

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Let’s get to know Leah, shall we?

Character Interview with Leah –  Prior to Lost

So, Leah … or is it Christine?

Leah is what the nuns named me at my school. My real name is Christine.

Which one would you like me to call you?

Whichever you want.

Okay, I’ll go with Leah. First, I want you to relax. I know what you’re hiding. Your secret is safe with me. Okay?

Okay.

So when did you first realize you weren’t … human?

It sort of becomes apparent when you can’t seem to think of another room without accidently moving to it.

That must have been scary. I guess I can answer my next question on my own, then. I was going to ask if you had one wish, what would it be. I’d bet it would be to be human. Am I right?

Yeah. Life would be … uh … simpler that way.

Tell me a little about the disguise you keep up. How do you hide your powers?

It’s difficult. I have to be quiet and careful. I have to watch my every move. But I’m still alive so … I obviously don’t suck at it too much.

Obviously. Hats off to you. Have you picked up anything from imitating a human? Do you have typical teenage quirks? A favorite color or food?

I guess I have a favorite food. If oranges count.

Yeah, that counts. What about other typical high school things? Do you have a most embarrassing moment?

There’s too many to choose from. Let me see. Eighth grade, right after a math test I’d completely bombed. I’d been fighting with my magic all day. It seemed like every time I moved, something else in the classroom would move with me. So naturally, I’d stopped moving. A girl I hate, Sienna, screamed my name from the back of class and asked if I was constipated. I guess I looked kind of constipated. Anyway, I tried to move so I wouldn’t look as strange, and the American flag hanging over the chalkboard crashed to Sister Margaret’s desk. Scared out of my mind, I ran out of class. Of course, everyone thought I ran to the bathroom because of stomach issues. They called me Pepto for weeks.

Yikes, that’s embarrassing, all right. It doesn’t sound like you have friends, so what do you do in your spare time?

I draw. I’m pretty good at it. I did a full-scale sketch of the orphanage with shading and everything when I was six. That should have tipped me off that I wasn’t normal.

That sounds spectacular. Do you see yourself becoming an artist when you grow up?

Grow up? I’ve never thought about it. I guess I’ll have to pray that I’ll live long enough to make career decisions. Wish me luck.

Good luck. That’s for chatting with me today.

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Purchase (Book 1 is currently 0.99c!):
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AUTHOR BIO
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M. Lathan lives in San Antonio with her husband and mini-schnauzer. She enjoys writing and has a B.S. in Psych and a Masters in Counseling. Her passion is a blend of her two interests – creating new worlds and stocking them with crazy people. She enjoys reading anything with interesting characters and writing in front of a window while asking rhetorical questions … like her idol Carrie Bradshaw.
Author links:
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Giveaway
Two Giveaways
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I have one e-book copy of Lost to give away.
Open Internationally
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To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question:
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****What memory would you most hate to lose?****
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This giveaway ends July 21st.
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Grand Prize Giveaway
$45 Amazon or B&N Gift Card
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Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.
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Lost XpressoBannerTours
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!
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For all of my giveaways go here.

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Are you ready for the launch of Carlie’s newest book, Heart Search: Book Two, Found?

It’s that time and I have some goodies for you.

This is going to be such a fun tour. So much more is coming!

First, feast your eyes on her cover art. I believe she has a signature for her covers now. Further down in my post you can see the cover art for Heart Search:Book One,  Lost and you’ll see what I mean.

Heart Search: Found, Book II

Blurb

One bite started it all . . .

Another mysterious disappearance sparks a frightening chain of events for Remy and her family. Events foretold come to pass, and more strange and alarming occurrences assail her life. Where can she turn?

Coven politics continue to threaten Joshua’s existence, but an even bigger menace looms . . .

And Remy’s life hangs in the balance – can Joshua save her?

Fate still toys with mortals and immortals alike, as hearts torn apart by darkness confront perils which could lead to their doom.

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Heart Search: Found is now available to purchase!

Amazon US / Amazon UK

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Check out the new trailer!

Carlie has done something incredible!

You’re going to want to run right over and get this book. Just sayin!

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DSssMGyA1E]

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heartsearchauthor

Carlie M A Cullen

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing. She has been an administrator and marketer all her working life and was also a professional teacher of Ballroom and Latin American dancing until recently.

She has always written in some form or another, but Heart Search: Lost is her first novel. This was launched 8th October 2012 through Myrddin Publishing Group and book two, Heart Search: Found, is due out early July 2013. She writes mainly in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for YA, New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a professional editor.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. Their first anthology, The Other Way Is Essex, was published September 2012 under Myrddin Publishing Group. Their second anthology is in editing.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

You can find Carlie M. A. Cullen at the links below:

Blog/Twitter

I’ve read Heart Search, Book One: Lost and loved it!

Heart Search: Lost (Heart Search, #1)

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Go here to read my 5 Star Review

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Stay tuned for more fun and exciting things to come as the tour continues!

Check out these others wonderful bloggers participating in the tour.

Tour host’s:

Sherry Fundin

Joy Keeney

Donna L Sadd

Michelle Birbeck

We will be revealing more about Carlie’s new release with inerviews, reviews and exclusive excerpts

Come join the fun and help spread the word!

theatre stage photo: Theatre Stage TheatreStage.png

Welcome to Thursday Theatre

Here is where I’ll be posting video clips about books and movies and fun stuff.

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It’s been raining for over a week here on the Gulf Coast.

That means lots of movies!

I stumbled upon Finding Nemo and just had to watch it again.

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I often mimic Dory doing her ‘whale’ speak and use things like “Nope, nothing in my noggin” and “diddly-squat.”

It’s been many years since I went to see this in the theater with my son, but I love it still.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixVaAQVEiSM]

How can you not love Dory?

She is so spacey, but so sweet. Well, she’s sweet when she isn’t driving you crazy:)

And now I hear that she will be having her own movie, Finding Dory!

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=0yfDCqQ4QaI]

Does it surprise you that she might get lost? LOL

I’m going to have to borrow someones kids and go see this one. Or, go by myself. I do that too.

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I’ve been waiting for a while to tell you about these magnificent flying horses!

The day has arrived and the tour has begun.

I’ll be reviewing the first two books in Linda Ulleseit’s Flying Horse Trilogy.

I’ll be back to tell you about Book Three after it’s release.

Come to Wales and be enchanted.

In the Winds of Danger (Flying Horse Books, #2)

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In the Winds of Danger, Book #2

Synopsis

Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third

Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and

innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that

both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before

making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young

groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his

nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a

dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save

his people as well as the winged horses?

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Excerpt

As if choreographed, the First Barn mare and the Second Barn stallion converged on each

other. Eira’s upswept wing hid the other horse, then revealed him on the downbeat. Nia gripped

her mare with her legs and leaned forward, anticipating impact. She forced her eyes away from

Catrin’s approaching lance, focusing instead on the other rider’s armored torso. The horses’

wings beat in unison, down at the same time. Now! Nia’s lance struck somewhere near her

opponent’s shoulder and slipped off her armor. Meanwhile, Catrin’s lance connected with Nia’s

left shoulder, great pain accompanying the sound of the wooden lance thunking against armor.

The impact jerked Nia back, the restraining straps tightening against her legs, straining to hold

her in place as Nia fought against the weight of her armor to regain her balance in the saddle.

Eira’s wingstrokes broke rhythm as the weight on her back shifted. Panic roared inside Nia’s

helmet like the most violent storm, to be replaced by fury as she regained her balance. Eira

resumed the powerful wingstrokes that kept her aloft, and Nia patted the now-sweaty neck.

Fighting the urge to clap a hand to her injured shoulder, Nia struggled to maintain her hold

on the lance, now dipping and swaying above Eira’s head as if it had a mind of its own. The

mare flattened her ears against her head, and her neck stretched out straight in front of her.

Miraculously, the powerful wings beat cleanly as the mare swept past the other horse, feathers

brushing his tail.

Nia got the lance stabilized into its upright holding position and clutched it with her right

hand. Left shoulder throbbing, she guided Eira to the ground in front of First Barn. The mare

landed harder than usual, no doubt due to the extra weight she carried, and jarred Nia’s shoulder.

The pain inflamed her anger. Her left hand, freed of the reins, clasped her amulet. She hoped

serenity would flow into her from the necklace.

Catrin circled in to land at Second Barn as Tristan hurried toward Nia. “What happened? You

were supposed to go three passes!” he shouted up to her.

He was her barn leader, so tall she had to look up at him from her five foot height when

she was on the ground. Seven years older than her own seventeen years, Tristan sometimes

seemed younger. His blond hair was always neatly combed, but his dark eyes were charged with

emotion. If she ever wanted to know how Tristan felt about something, she read his eyes instead

of listening to his words. Right now he was angry. Well, so was she.

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My Review

The characters from On a Wing and a Dare return in this next book in the Flying Horse Trilogy, along with some new ones you’ll want to get to know.

The situations are more mature as the characters have grown and the suspense and intrigue are palpable.

I was eagerly turning the pages, flying(pardon the pun) through this book, eager to return to the air with these magnificent winged steeds, and to meet and come to know the new cast of characters and the challenges they face.

The aerial sequences are so vividly written, I was once again pulled into the skies, feeling the wind stream past my face and whistling in my ears. A good thing I don’t have vertigo!

I seemed to connect more with the previous and new characters in this follow-up book. The story reads like it’s written for a more mature reader, not so much for middle grade. I suspect that’s because the story should mature as the characters do.

I’m deep into this series now and anticipate a grand finale in the final book of this trilogy.

5 Stars

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On a Wing and a Dare (Flying Horse Books, #1)

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On a Wing and a Dare, Book #1

Synopsis

In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.

Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.

Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.

As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.(

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My Review

Emma is burdened with following tradition or following her heart.

She loves her family and takes her responsibilities seriously, but her strong bond with a winged horse from another barn is forcing her to make a tough choice.

Meanwhile, a mysterious illness strikes the flying horses and the townsfolk must decide whether to stay or move their settlement.

When I first discovered these winged horses I was so excited. I’ve had a love for them since I was a young child. and actually had an imaginary world, which you entered through an old tree stump in my backyard, where I rode one of these magnificent creatures.  It was so real for me, it makes me wonder.

pegasus photo: Pegasus Pegasus_05.jpg

Who could resist riding a winged horse in the Dance of Welcome or participating in the Aerial Games.

The games had me imagining jousting or polo in the sky.

I even visualized the games as playing Quiddich(Harry Potter) using flying horses instead of brooms. The danger is present as is the spectacular display of aerial feats.

A sky filled with these wonderous creatures would be something to behold.

As for the characters, once you become familiar with them, you are caught up in their stories.

There is a love triangle between Emma and the two brothers, Davyd and Evan. That’s not unusual with teenagers. Emma’s choice could tear this friendship apart.

While written for a younger audience, On a Wing and a Dare offers something for all ages: tradition, loyalty, tragedy, and coming of age.

Come fly with the barns of Tremeirchson.

5 Stars

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About the Author

Linda Ulleseit

Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary

school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending

time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice

scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former

students alongside hers in bookstores.

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

ParaNormal Detective_Banner

How can you resist a paranormal detective novel?

I sure can’t.

The idea that Cassie is a ‘Normal” detective sure makes this sound fun.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Cassie gets into and out of!

ParaNormal Detective cover

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Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective

by Christine Amsden

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BLURB:

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

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EXCERPT

 

My parents think the longer the name, the more powerful the sorcerer, so they named me Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot. You can call me Cassie.

I’ve been called a lot of things in my life: normal, ordinary, and even a disappointment. After the Harry Potter books came out, a couple of people called me a squib. Since I haven’t read them, I have to assume it’s a compliment.

Personally, I prefer normal, which is why the sign on my office door reads: Cassie Scot, Normal Detective.

You have to understand that around here, when your last name is Scot, people are easily confused. Not only are my parents powerful practitioners, but I have six talented brothers and sisters. Plus, my family hasn’t always been known for its subtlety. When weird stuff happens around here, the people who are willing to believe in magic are prone to suspect the Scots.

The day I opened for business I got a call from an old woman who swore her cat was possessed by the devil. She also swore she’d read my web site, which clearly stated the types of work I did and did not do. Exorcisms were on the No list, and while I hadn’t specified pet exorcisms, I would have thought it was implicit.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

para detectChristine Amsden author

Award-winning author Christine Amsden has written stories since she was eight, always with a touch of the strange or unusual. She became a “serious” writer in 2003, after attending a boot camp with Orson Scott Card. She finished Touch of Fate shortly afterward, then penned The Immortality Virus, which won two awards. Expect many more titles by this up-and-coming author.

Links

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Google+

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Giveaway

ParaNormal Detective_CoverBanner

Christine will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

The tour dates can be found here.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.