Archive for July, 2014

Ultimate Fear Cover Reveal ~ The Ultimate CORE Trilogy, Book Two

Posted: July 31, 2014 in Cover Reveal, giveaways, reviews, Romance, suspense, thriller
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I recently finished reading Ultimate Kill, Kristine’s first book in the Ultimate CORE Trilogy and had a tremendous read.

I’ve included my review in this post.

I’m thrilled to reveal the cover art and synopsis for the second book in the trilogy, Ultimate Fear.

What do you think? Does it creep you out? Does it give you a clue what the story is about?

Leave me a comment. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Ultimate Fear cover

Ultimate Fear—Kristine Mason

When a deranged mother’s grief drives her to replace her dead son over and over, obsession leads to murder…

Chicago detective Jessica Donavan will never stop looking for her missing daughter. Her obsession has destroyed her marriage, but the search is the only thing that helps keep her sane and her mind off of everything she’s lost—her husband and her baby girl. When she uncovers a string of unsolved disappearances and reappearances of a number of baby boys, Jessica turns to her soon to be ex, Dante Russo, a former Navy SEAL turned investigator for the private agency, CORE, to help her fit together the pieces in this perplexing puzzle. But as Dante helps her, she realizes just how much she still craves his support—and his touch.

Dante is still in love with his wife and would do anything to have her back in his life again. He’s been miserable since she left him to deal with the grief over their daughter’s abduction, never understanding how much he grieves as well. When Jessica tells him about the case she’s working, he jumps at the chance to take part in her investigation. He’s hoping not only to save their marriage and ease his personal pain over the loss of their daughter, but also to stop a serial kidnapper from taking another victim.

As Jessica and Dante work side by side, pregnant women begin to turn up missing or dead, and they start to uncover the consequences of another woman’s unfathomable grief. The childless mother doesn’t just want a baby. She wants a newborn straight from the womb.

And when forced to confront the dark and twisted perversion of a mother’s obsession, can Jessica and Dante find their lives again…or merely more death?

~~~

And now for my review of Ultimate KIll, Book One of the Ultimate CORE Trilogy.

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My Review

Jake finally found Naomi, after five years of searching. Taking a job at CORE, a private investigation company allowed him better access to information. He liked his job and was good at it. Using his new position and his former training as a Marine, he tracked her down. Now, he only has to ask her, why? Why, when they’d planned to be married, have children, grow old together, did she run?

Naomi is shocked when she looks into the eyes of the man she loves. She knew the day could come when he’d find her, but she’s still not prepared. How does she explain leaving him, running and hiding from him? She can’t tell him the truth. About how a monster killed her parents and her brother. A man who’ll stop at nothing to possess her. Jake would have wanted to hunt the man down. And she couldn’t risk losing him to.

Jake still loved Naomi, Lisa, or whatever her name was. They’d been together for three years before she vanished. They’d planned on getting married, having children, and growing old together. Those feelings were still there, as binding as ever, but he’s disappointed. She’s still lying to him. Still trying to protect him.

Mickey has got himself and his twin brother, Harrison, into something really bad. Harrison should have broken this chain some time ago. Mickey pulls him into a job, it goes bad, they end up in prison. Only this time, it won’t be a stay behind bars. It’ll be a permanent dirt nap.

Harrison has a good idea what the devices he helped plant across the country will do, if not the reason why. Only a select few know that, and they never allow the brothers to be alone. It can end only one way. Especially after they meet the boss face to face, and recognize him.

The boss is a very influential, famous man, with an insatiable need for power and that one woman he needs to possess, if only to break her. No one defies him, not even her.

Ultimate Kill has it all. A megalomaniac sacrificing countless innocents just to get that one woman. Two brothers caught in the middle, trying to get out alive. And the woman, trying to hide, to stay alive, and the man who loves her, who’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.

Lots of action, suspense, and some steamy sex scenes will keep you riveted, as the ultimate finale rushes at you. Brace yourself for the Ultimate Kill.

4 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

When the past collides with the present, the only way to ensure the future lies in the ultimate kill…

Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.

Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.

Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.

~~~

Author Kristine Mason

I didn’t pick up my first romance novel until I was in my late twenties. Immediately hooked, I read a bazillion books before deciding to write one of my own. After the birth of my first son I needed something to keep my mind from turning to mush, and Sesame Street wasn’t cutting it. While that first book will never see the light of day, something good came from writing it. I realized my passion and found a career I love.

When I’m not writing contemporary romances and dark, romantic suspense novels (or reading them!) I’m chasing after my four kids and two neurotic dogs.

LINKS:

Website ~ Email ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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Win a copy of Ultimate Kill

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Sheryl Winters’ New Release ~ Purr-fect Mating ~ My review and a fun character interview

Posted: July 31, 2014 in Blog Tour, New Release, Novella, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
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I originally joined the tour because I loved the cover art for Sheryl Winters’ new release Purr-fect Mating and the title was quirky fun.

Then I read the blurb and had to know more.

So, I’ve included my review and hope you enjoy it.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

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Title: Purr-fect Mating (A Lil Genie Series Novella)

Author: Sheryl Winters

Publisher: Roane Publishing

Release Date: June 23, 2014

Keywords: Paranormal, Romance, Shifters

My Review

At around 50 pages, I breezed through this in about 20 minutes.  You might think that’s not long enough to develop genuine characters and a good plot. But the author pulled it off splendidly.

From the moment Fhina discovered a naked man in her front yard I was hooked and from then on it was pure fun.

You have to keep in mind that these characters are not human, they are shifters. And the town is no ordinary town, it’s filled with supernatural beings, including some flighty witches.

When Wulfar and Fhina match gazes, they are bound. They’re soul mates. And things move quickly. The morning after their wedding, Fhina wakes up to a note from her absent groom, telling her to take care of his dog.

You’d think Fhina would fall apart, but she picks herself up and soldiers on.

Wulfar is in no position to tell his new bride where he is. All he can do is watch as the now pregnant Fhina tries to remember her missing husband and prepares for her new arrival.

This was fun from the first page to the last.

You might think Fhina is dumb. Why can’t she even remember who her husband is? Doesn’t she wonder why he left his dog? She’s under a curse, that’s why.

Her family is supportive and quick to help Fhina, but they can’t break the curse. Neither can the creepy witches she turns to for help. I wouldn’t trust them.

When Fhina tries to use a spell, it backfires, leaving her with an unwanted wing to get rid of. Poor girl. She really has no clue.

And poor Wulfar. No way to communicate with Fhina. Unable to be there for her as her due date nears. Fighting his shifter instincts to go run with the pack.

The dilemma for these two had me laughing out loud. What are they to do?

I knew the curse would be broken. I just didn’t know how. And I had a fun time finding out.

Once you start reading this story, you’ll get why the author chose the title.

A quickie romance with hilarious repercussions, Purr-fect Mating left a big impression.

5 Stars

~~~

Blurb:

On their wedding night, at the stroke of midnight, Wulfar changes into his shifted wolf form and cannot shift back. Not even to communicate with the woman he loves.   Fhina, upon waking the day after their mating, no longer recognizes her mate. Pregnant and confused, she’s convinced herself her mate has run away and left her to live alone. With his dog.   Can the cursed pair find a counter charm before Fhina gives birth? Will Wulfar be able to curb his inclination to run?   Or will their mutual curses break up their love affair before it’s really even started.

Purchase Links:

Roane Publishing ~ Amazon ~ Amazon UK ~ B&N ~ Smashwords ~ Bookstrand

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Enjoy my character interview with Fhina and Wulfar!

Hi Fhina and Wulfar. Please make yourselves comfortable. I’ll try to make this fun and painless. Shall we begin?

My first question is for Fhina.

What was your first thought when you met Wulfar?

I thought he was a tall drink of deliciousness.

When you woke up and Wulfar was gone and all there was, was a strange dog, did you believe Wulfar had just up and left or did you think something bad had happened to him?

I truly thought he left me. I remember being so upset, so nervous and then well, when I found out I was pregnant I was a little past miffed.

I’m trying to imagine what it must have been like to wake up and find you’re no longer yourself. What was your first thought and I’m curious about if it was hard to adjust to being a 4-legged creature. Was the stuff like walking, or, pardon me, going to the bathroom hard to navigate or was it second nature?

“Laura, if I can be blunt. I’m a wolf shifter so my second form comes quite naturally for me. As to body functions? I’ve always thought that females make a little more out of it than it is. I am after all a male I’ve never had a problem with bathroom functions.

“What he’s saying, Laura is that he has no problem peeing outside.” Fhina whispers.

Fhina, when Wulfar vanished and you’re left with this dog, did you immediately think there was something different about it, or did you accept it as an ordinary dog?

“I was so confused and then there was that fact that Wulfy, excuse me,” Fhina giggles, “My Wulfar makes such a beautiful dog.”

“Honestly, Fhina,” Wulfar snorts.

“Well you do. But to answer your question. I accepted him as an ordinary dog. I was after all cursed.”

Wulfar, so you’re stuck in wolf form. Which was harder. Trying to communicate to Fhina or resisting the call of the wolf?

Truthfully it was the begging for food that got me. It might come naturally for dogs but as an Alpha wolf I had a hard time with it. In my wolf form I’m more than capable of taking down a deer but the constant grovelling for food was very wearying.”

Thanks so much for being such fun to interview Fhina and Wulfar I hope we can chat again sometime.

Oh, I almost forgot one last question. This ones for both of you.

Are either of you wanting to get a dog now?

“I think the twins are more than enough challenge for us.” Wulfar laughs heartily. He’s bouncing Colton on his knee pushing the baby carriage with Angel sound asleep in it.

“I think perhaps later on.” Fhina pats her stomach a mysterious smile on her face.

~~~~

Author Sheryl Winters

I never set out to be an author. Only a story teller. Some days I succeed better than others.

  Winter’s Links:

Website /  Blog   /  Facebook / Twitter

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An eBook copy of Purr-fect Mating and a $10 Amazon Gift Card

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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Barefoot Review and Giveaway ~ The Gull Motel by Amie Denman

Posted: July 30, 2014 in Blitz, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, Humor, reviews, Series
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When I read that this story took place on the Gulf Coast, I had to read it. That’s my stomping grounds and I had to see if I recognized anything. Then I learned that the main character, Savannah, lived in Michigan. That’s where I was born. It was like a sign, telling me I’d love this book. And I did.

So kick off your flip-flops, grab a cool beverage, and check into The Gull Motel. Enjoy the fun excerpt and my review, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

The Gull Motel

by Amie Denman

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My Review

Savvy needs a vacation. She’s earned it after finishing college, top or her class in hotel hospitality and management. She’s applied for a job at The Grand Chicago, a posh hotel, and decides to cool her heels in Florida while she waits for their decision.

From the moment Savvy arrived at her Uncle Mike’s and Aunt Carol’s place, The Gull Motel in Barefoot Key, I felt at home. I live on the Gulf Coast and there are many of these little beachside motels. Painted in bright colors, like the aqua blue of the Gull, they call to me and are my favorite places to stay.

Savvy’s Uncle Mike greets her with a big hug and her Aunt Carol breaks out the Margarita mixer. Now that’s true southern hospitality.

She barely has time to settle in before her aunt and uncle need to leave. Carol’s mother got arrested for stealing the neighbors grapes and they need to go get her out of trouble. Savvy agrees to run the motel while they are gone, anticipating they’ll be back from Michigan in a week or so. How hard can it be with an established clientele and long-serving staff? Plus there’s Rita, the receptionist, described as” thirty-something with the sun damage of a sixty-something sailor.”

Savvy’s given permission to improve the motel without changing anything. Hmm, there’s a challenge.

The other challenge is sexy Skip McMcComber, the proud new owner of the bar next door. Savvy and Skip have a long history as she spent many summers at the motel while growing up. Last year they mixed more than Maragarita’s and haven’t spoken since.

Things have changed in Barefoot Key. Big business is buying up property and somethings fishy.

A week turns into several and Savvy stays busy, drumming up business and sparring with Skip. She keeps saying her stay is only temporary. Who’s she trying to convince?

Everything about this book was fun. I loved the descriptions of the motel and town. I live in a small single tax colony on the bay and it all felt familiar. How the small business owners pulled together to help each other. How employees and employers were also friends and their lives intertwined.

I can’t say I had a Skip McComber but I bet someone around here did. Skip and Savvy had me snorting with laughter as they mixed it up. I had my fingers crossed for Skip. He worked on her, wearing her down, and an opportune hurricane helped his efforts.

I wanted to mention the characters. They were funny and flawed. You could come to my town and meet people very similar to the ones the author created. They felt genuine, familiar, like someone I knew.

The Gull Motel charmed me, tickled me, and made me view my town through new eyes. I had to finish reading it outside by the pool so I could lie back afterwards, close my eyes, feel the suns rays on my face, and listen to the gulls overhead. Made me smile.

5 Stars

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A scene with Savvy and Skip that made me laugh out loud:

“I know a lot about fixing things,” he said.

Of course he did. He had the benefit of owning a penis, a wonderful device imparting knowledge about cars, computers, pool pumps, and probably the space shuttle.

And this description of Rita, the receptionist:

An experienced multi-tasker, Rita could probably smoke a cigarette, do her nails, and handle three guest complaints at the same time.

~~~~

BLURB:

 

Savvy Thorpe needs a vacation. Finally finished with college, she heads to her favorite shabby motel on Florida’s Gulf Coast where her aunt and uncle always save her room twenty-four. She quickly finds out, though, that The Gull Motel is not just her home away from home. It’s hers to manage while her aunt and uncle take an extended trip.

Skip McComber, The Gull’s former maintenance man, has been working on Savvy’s nuts and bolts for years. Now the new owner of the bar next door, his mission is to renovate a pirate bar while being a walking temptation for the girl he can’t get off his mind.

For Savvy, keeping her cool running a motel in Florida heat is one thing, but navigating the steamy waters of a former fling takes a whole other kind of savvy. In addition to the motel and the man next door, Savvy stumbles on a plot to swindle land from the residents of Barefoot Key. Devalued properties tumble like dominoes until Savvy musters her colorful crew from The Gull Motel to make the pillagers walk the plank.

~~~

Enjoy this fun excerpt!

Day four of what I had planned as a Gulf Coast vacation had me perspiring in the pool shed and wondering what I should do.

“Need any help?”

I whipped around, blood rushing from surprise and something else. Of course I knew the voice. Skip McComber leaned against the frame of the open shed door. Shirtless. Wearing low slung jeans and a grin that registered somewhere between caution and amusement.

He looked like a man who knew how to run a pool pump. From experience, I knew he could handle a lot more than that.

“I’m fine,” I said, trying for cheerful dismissal in my tone. “Just taking a look around.”

“Taking stock of your new property.”

“Temporary property.”

“Since it’s your place now and all,” he said, disregarding my comment, “looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

A mild earthquake rolled under my sternum and sent shockwaves from its epicenter. Maybe I’d have better luck with the space shuttle launch pad configuration than I would handling Skip.

“Temporary,” I repeated.

He nodded, continuing to appraise me with his look. Perhaps appraisal was too glamorous a word. He was looking at me like a cat who’d just opened the bird cage and was wondering how much fun he could have with the bird.

Skip had been rattling my cage since we were both sixteen. Every time I came to visit my aunt and uncle for a vacation, an added perk had been the endorphin boost from their local boy turned maintenance man. A skinny handsome kid, he had matured every time I came back to the Gull until he was the full-blown man standing in front of me.

“I know a lot about fixing things,” he said.

~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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Amie Denman lives in a small town in her native Ohio with her husband and sons. Her two cats and large yellow labrador are kind enough to share a sunny office where she lets her imagination run wild. Reading books was her favorite escape as a child, and growing up four houses away from the community library encouraged her addiction. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and running outside. The helpless victim of a lifetime of curiosity, she’s been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what’s going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.

 

Amie is the author of five contemporary romance novels:

The Gull Motel

Blue Bottle Beach

Her Lucky Catch

Her Lucky Prize

Will Work for Love

He’s on Her Trail

Please visit her at:

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance ebooks ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Turquoise Morning Press

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Amie will be awarding print copies of her three Barefoot novels from Turquoise Morning Press: Blue Bottle Beach, Will Work for Love, and The Gull Motel to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (US ONLY).

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Click on the banner below to follow the tour. And make sure you comment. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Stolen Dreams ~ A Cassie Scot Novel by Christine Amsden ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: July 30, 2014 in Blitz, Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, Series
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Welcome to the blitz for Stolen Dreams by Christine Amsden.

This is the final book in her Cassie Scot series and while I can’t wait to read it, I’ll be sad to see it end.

I love this series and each book gets more intense, more dangerous.

I have a peek inside the book for you and the spectacular cover art.

There’s also an awesome giveaway, so remember to enter and Good Luck!

Stolen Dreams

Cassie Scot , Book 4

by Christine Amsden

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Genre: Urban fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, new adult

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

Date of Publication: June 25, 2014 (ebook)

October 15, 2014 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-60619-281-8 / ASIN: Coming soon

Number of pages: 260 / Word Count: 84,000

Cover Artist: Ural Akyutz

 

Book Description:

 

Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood’s grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie’s father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own?

Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

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Excerpt:

The Prologue

 

            Evan’s face stared back at him from a large glossy poster hanging in the front window of the local post office. The words “Wanted Alive” were splattered across the top in big red letters. Someone had cast an animation spell over it to make his hooded eyes shift slightly, as if in guilt. Evan had seen all that before, but a new addition to the bottom of the poster stopped him dead in his tracks: “One Million Dollar Reward.”

            “Crap,” he muttered under his breath. He looked around, more than half expecting an ambush right there on the street, but he saw nothing sinister. He reached within himself for his magic anyway, channeling it into a shield that would protect him from most magical attacks.

            A million dollars. This was going to bring out every crazy in the country! He had been fighting bounty hunters for over a month, ever since the wanted posters first went up, but then the reward had only been $100,000.

            The Scots were either getting desperate or stupid to try something like this. Rumors already abounded regarding his bottomless reserves of magic, making him out to be some kind of inexhaustible fountain of power. The million-dollar reward would only confirm these lies in the minds of many; which meant that if someone did manage to catch Evan, the Scots were unlikely to get their hands on him. Why would a bounty hunter settle for money when he could have Evan’s magic for himself?

            Evan turned away from the poster and was just about to continue down the street when a black Suburban turned into the post office parking lot, cutting him off. He waited for it to pull into a spot, his shields still up, his senses alert.

            Robert Scot, Edward Scot’s cousin, stepped out of the vehicle, threw Evan a dirty look, then went around to the back to pull a four-year-old girl out of a car seat. The presence of the child did not convince Evan to lower his guard, though he truly hoped they hadn’t sunk so low as to fight when an innocent child might get hurt.

            One million dollars. People had killed for far less, and had allowed children to become victims. Robert Scot was a strong practitioner, on par with Edward, but he didn’t have access to the secrets of alchemy, and he was not a rich man. He earned a good living as a bank manager or something, but one million dollars had to be a temptation.

            The two men did not take their eyes from one another as Robert walked into the post office. Robert clutched the wriggling child, who clearly wanted down, to his chest in an almost painful grip. A minute later he was past, and Evan breathed a little easier. He walked away from the post office, heading down the sidewalk in the direction of his Prius, parked a few stores down. He still had errands to run, but in light of what he had learned about the reward, they didn’t seem important.

            Suddenly, an explosion rent the air. Evan dove behind the nearby antique shop, his shields maxed out, his senses hyper-alert. When he peeked around the corner, he saw smoke and debris where there had once been a Suburban.

            The chubby face of the little girl filled Evan’s mind, and he felt a moment of terror as he wondered whether or not Robert and his little girl had already returned to the car. Practically flying from his hidden position, Evan sped back to the post office and that mockery of a wanted poster, his eyes searching the interior until they fell, thankfully, onto the shocked faces of Robert Scot and his daughter huddled safely inside the building.

            Robert’s face didn’t remain shocked for long; it fell into an enraged scowl. Robert shoved the girl into the arms of a nearby post office patron and marched outside to confront Evan man to man.

            “You son of a bitch! My daughter could have been in there. I almost left her there while I ran inside, but then I saw you.”

            “I didn’t do that. I ran back to make sure you were all right.” More the girl than Robert, but still….

            Robert didn’t respond with words; instead he let loose with a torrent of raw energy that battered Evan’s shields until he could scarcely hold them. Raw magic wasn’t normally a useful attack strategy, but powerful emotion could turn it into one for a short time. Another blast like that and Evan would be in trouble, but he had no intention of letting Robert get off another shot. He parried the attack with his own telekinetic gift, throwing Robert bodily backward, forcefully enough that he smashed through the wanted poster and the glass window, shattering it.

            Evan didn’t wait for Robert to get back up; he ran. He hadn’t caused the explosion, and he had no reason to finish a fight against a man he scarcely knew, but one whose family seemed to want to go to war with his.

            The worst part was that someone in Evan’s family probably had done it–they had been muttering for weeks that they couldn’t just let the Scots persecute him. Evan had begged them to give him time, but obviously time had run out.

            Robert wouldn’t care whether Evan had been personally involved or not, nor would the rest of the Scots. And maybe they were right. Evan would find out who had done it and set him or her straight, but the damage was already done.

            The first direct shot had been fired.

~~~

About Author Christine Amsden:

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Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

 

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Website    Newsletter     Blog

Facebook     Twitter       Goodreads    Google+

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$100 Amazon Gift Card

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Tour giveaway:  from July 15-October 15.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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It’s Release Day for Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Dark Fantasy, Excerpt, horror, Release day, Series, Western
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The Legend of the Chupacabra is now available! Today is Release Day!

This is the third book in a six book series and the last one to take place in this era. The author will be taking us to new territory as the series continues.

Michael has provided an exciting excerpt from the book and you can click on the link below the book cover for my 5 Star review.

After checking out Michael’s fantastic cover art and learning all about his series, you can find purchase links, news about his upcoming release of the audible books, and catch a fun chuppie video!

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Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western

Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words

Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook

Retail: $17.95 (print) / $9.99 (audible) / $4.99 (e-book)

Click HERE for my 5 Star Review

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Synopsis:

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.

In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”

In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.

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EXCERPT:

Blood poured out of the chief’s wound, cueing the squaws to form a ceremonious line at Eagle Claw’s feet. With their jars ready, each dancing warrior paired with a woman. It was Raven Child and Mighty Wind who were the first to concoct the sacrificial mixture. Raven Child caught Eagle Claw’s blood with her jar, while Mighty Wind poured the mountain goat’s blood out of the beast’s skull into the same, creating a broth that Eagle Claw lifted into the air, once ready. He presented the bequest to the spirits, calling the goat spirit forth with the offering of its own powers of agility and energy joined with his powers as chief, and then spouted, “Goat, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

Eagle Claw took a sip from the jar and swallowed. He, then, poured the rest of the contents into the fire.

Storm Cloud stood at the edge of the platform. He gazed down at the flames still flipping about as the burning mixture sizzled and sparked.

With bated breath, everybody watched to see if the goat spirit had been properly deceived. Eagle Claw did exactly as instructed by Atraco. The Pniese’s instructions were to simply ask the spirits for their wisdom and protection; making sure to keep all truth from them. Deceit from a heart filled with rage and hatred was the only way to conjure revenge; the requests for help needing to be as treacherous as the act of revenge itself. The one responsible for Loud Fire’s death would suffer mercilessly before dying.

The strength of the fire changed; the flames whipped about like a blistering weapon, and the escaping smoke blackened. It was happening; the goat spirit had been fooled into accepting the offering.

Storm Cloud continued to gaze over the edge as the thick smoke began to take the shape of a mountain goat. It rose into the air–as common smoke would–but gave the illusion of the goat charging towards him. Once he and the entity met, Storm Cloud took a deep breath and inhaled the smoldering spirit. The moment the possessed fumes filled his lungs, it took every ounce of self-restraint to suppress his urge to cough, but Atraco had warned him ahead of time of this egregious mistake as it would release the spirit back into the universe, never to return. He only needed to wait a short time before the smoke spirit would find its path and seep into his body like a cancer; and the old Pniese had been right. He could feel his need subside as the spirit began to take control.

The moment the smoke spirit had been born, the black stallion became restless. He and Tree Cradle had lived most of their years together, and she thought of Black Wild as family, as he did the same of her. So it was with considerable ease that she was able to calm her four-legged brother by stroking his elongated nose and looking him in the eye to let him know all would be fine.

Tree Cradle twisted her head back to the ritual, saw that the smoke spirit was gone, and Storm Cloud’s body was beginning to relax. She wondered if Black Wild would continue to listen to her when the next eight spirits were called.

Water Stone and Talking Bear were next. As before, Eagle Claw’s blood seeped into the jar while Talking Bear poured the blood from his bear’s head.

Eagle Claw lifted the jar containing the powers of defense and transformation, calling to the bear spirit, “Bear, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

He swallowed a single mouthful of the blood mixture then threw the remainder into the fire. Again, the blood spoke as it burned and the waves of the flames grew more intense.

Storm Cloud readied himself, now with the understanding of what was to come next should the bear spirit accept the offering.

It did.

The flames released another cloud of smoke that transformed into an earthly bear. Once more, the spirit rose towards the sky, charging at Storm Cloud as though he were its prey, only to be sucked into the young man’s body with one long breath.

Tree Cradle had guessed correctly; Black Wild did not like the bear spirit’s summoning, and he had not been as easy to tame the second time, but they both would have to endure since they were bound and could not leave. Each had a purpose for being there, as the wandering shaman had previously inculcated.

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For all of you who like audio books, great news!

Michael has a tentative release date of Sunday, August 10th for all three chupacabra books. And he’s priced them at a steal for around $10 each. So keep on the lookout.

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Booksamillion

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Author Michael Hebler

chup Author, Michael Hebler

Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Forgein Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).

Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.

CONTACT DETAILS

Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

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Fun short chupacabra footage.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Chilling new cover art for A Human Element by Donna Galanti ~ The author’s character interview and giveaway

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Cover Reveal, giveaways, New Release, Paranormal or fantasy, thriller, Uncategorized
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I’m thrilled to once again showcase Donna Galanti and her book, A Human Element.

Donna has just re-released A Human Element with new scenes and a chilling new cover!

There’s all kinds of goodies awaiting you so read on. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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A Human Element: Character Interview
by Donna Galanti

Meet Ben Fieldstone, a Character from Donna Galanti’s newly re-released paranormal suspense novel, A Human Element, book 1 in the Element Trilogy.

Ben’s Fabulous Features
Tall at 6’1″
Lean and tough
Dark looks, brooding
Intense gray eyes
Broken by evil influence
A loner
Closed off from love

a human element ben

Ben Tidbits…
Feisty. Can go looking for a fight, for no reason at all.
Not sure about this love thing.
A survivor who chooses to live.
Fiercely loyal, especially to the one who has shown him love again.
Knows what he wants and never gives up trying to get it.
Hot in dog tags.

a human element SexySailorBen

Where do you live?

Nowhere. I am a nomad. After being a photographer in the Navy, I started up my own business…after I hit rock bottom and cleaned up my drinking. I don’t have a home. And that’s the way I like it. Especially the one-night stands that come with it.

What is your problem in the story?

I never dealt with my parent’s death. They were crushed under a meteorite when I was nine. Years of foster homes left me cynical and a loner. I eventually wised up and figured out I needed to come to peace with my parent’s death if I ever wanted a real life. One that involves people.

Do you embrace conflict?

The first time I did was when I hit my foster father back. I was sick and tired of him beating on me. Yeah, sometimes I look for a fight. Like the time I tried to rescue a girl from a bully Marine in a bar and ended up getting my face smashed in on the street. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the girl either.

How do you see yourself?

A loner and I like it. Next to my blond Norse-God friend, Andy, I look like a scowling, rebellious teenager mad at the world with my dark looks. I’m fine with that.

How do your friends see you?

My best friend, Andy, says I’m missing the big picture. Andy says everyone has a past, but it’s your future you can change. He calls me a skinny James Dean wanna-be.

Do you have any special weaknesses?

Yeah. The first one was booze, but I overcame that. Sink or swim, you know? Second is women. Love them all. And after three years stationed at Pearl Harbor in the Navy, I sampled them all too.

What do you regret?

Running away the night my parents died. When you’re a kid everything is so dramatic. I wanted to scare them, that’s all. Then when they found me they’d tell me everything was fine. Only they never did find me. They died. I feel guilty as shit about it. I know I couldn’t have prevented their deaths. But part of me still feels if I hadn’t run away they wouldn’t have died.

What makes you angry?

Injustice. Bullies. Mean people. I have no tolerance for any of that. My foster father was a bully. I watched him go up I flames and enjoyed it. That’s how much I hate bullies. And the man that killed Laura’s loved ones and chases us now. Give me the chance to take him down and I won’t miss. He’ll suffer long and hard. It won’t be a quiet death. That’s if Laura and I survive.

What, if anything, haunts you?

Laura. I fell in love for the first time with her and then, like that, one morning she was gone. We could have made a life together. Why did she leave when she was the only woman I ever loved? I felt like I had no destination after that. She had been my destination and now that was gone. I would do anything to find her again.

Are you lucky?

Most definitely unlucky. What do you think? Parents crushed under a meteorite. Foster father that beat me. Nearly did myself in with drinking. Dudes in Hawaii that whipped me and almost killed me. Fall in love with a woman who’s being chased by a killer and then she leaves me. I hope I got all my bad luck out of the way early on. It’s got to change sometime, right?

Have you ever failed anyone?

Laura. I wanted to protect her from this killer that chased her but discovered it was out of my control. There was no way I could hope to save her and that frustrated the hell out of me.

What in your past would you like to forget?

Man, all the prostitutes I hooked up with in Honolulu. Thank God, I stayed clean. But one of them damn near got me killed by her pimps. She turned out not to be a woman either. Not fun.
If you were stranded on a desert island, who would you rather be stranded with, a man or a woman?
Umm, let’s see…being that I had a “close encounter” with a man once and didn’t know it I heartily opt for a woman. Only one though. The kind with long chestnut hair, perky breasts, and large brown eyes. Laura.

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About A Human Element:

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Evil comes in many forms…

One by one, Laura Armstrong’s friends and adoptive family members are being murdered, and despite her unique healing powers, she can do nothing to stop it. The savage killer haunts her dreams, tormenting her with the promise that she is next.

Determined to find the killer, she follows her visions to the site of a crashed meteorite in her hometown. There, she meets Ben Fieldstone, who seeks answers about his parents’ death the night the meteorite struck. In a race to stop a madman, they unravel a frightening secret that binds them together.

But the killer’s desire to destroy Laura face-to-face leads to a showdown that puts Laura and Ben’s emotional relationship and Laura’s pure spirit to the test. With the killer closing in, Laura discovers her destiny is linked to his, and she has two choices—redeem him or kill him.

My 5 STAR Review of A Human Element

Ben is hiding from his parents on the shore of Coopersville Lake when it happens.

A meteorite crashes. What was once the sight of a dozen or so cabins, one of them containing his parents, is now only a huge crater of steam and fire. In one bright green flash, Ben’s life is forever changed and for another, it has just begun.

No one could know the long-reaching consequences of that fateful night. Or of the horrors to come.

9 months later.

A young girl struggles to bring her child into the world. She came to the doctor in secret. Not even the Armstrong’s, the kindly couple who took her in, know where she is. The doctor doesn’t know why the mysterious man waiting outside wants the baby, he just wants to get paid.

In a rush, the baby enters the world. Sadly, the young mother does not survive the delivery. But wait, another baby is fighting to be born, a twin, a beautiful baby girl.

An exchange is made. The mysterious man leaves with the thing, the baby boy, but the doctor doesn’t mention the girl. He will give her to the Armstrong’s to raise.

Many years later, the baby girl, Laura, is all grown up and back home to find out why the people closest to her are being slaughtered. The answer lies here. Laura has always had the headaches and nightmares and she knows things are coming together now – the monster chasing her in her nightmares, the mysterious man in black, who has always been on the periphery of her life, and whatever happened on the night of the meteorite. It is all connected.

Laura and Ben are thrown together as death races towards them. Both need answers about the night of the meteorite if they are to survive what is coming.

I want to keep telling you more. I’ve only scratched the surface of this story.

Two babies were born that night, Laura and the boy child called X-10. One looks human in every way and the other looks like a monster.

The many secondary characters made this story real for me.

Everybody should have a friend like Jim, a grumpy curmudgeon with a gentle soul and a fierce love and loyalty to Laura.

The Armstrong’s, Laura’s adoptive parents, who though they knew she was different, had special talents, loved her as their own.

The mysterious man in black, who has always been around, lurking in the shadows.

The cruel and sadistic Dr. Bjord, who thrills in tormenting X-10, his failed experiment.

And X-10, the monstrosity who’s only thought is getting out, finding Laura, and tearing her to pieces.

From the first page to the bitter-sweet end, I was totally immersed in this book. A story of wonder, love, humanity and absolute evil.

Donna Galanti’s debut novel has, at its core, an energy, an essence, that gives it life.

Superb writing and a thrilling all-out race to the end, A Human Element is an excellent read.

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**Get your evil on with this re-release by Imajin Books! Newly edited, new scenes, new cover! Book 2 in the Element Trilogy, A Hidden Element, releases 8/28!**

Praise for A Human Element:

“Be afraid. Be very afraid. And be utterly absorbed by this riveting debut that had me reading till the wee hours of the night. A thriller star is born.” –M.J. Rose, International bestselling author

“An elegant and haunting first novel. Unrelenting, devious but full of heart. Highly recommended.” –Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author

“Lyrical and creepy, A Human Element tugs on our heartstrings and plucks the gut-strings of horror. This debut thriller author is a true storyteller, highly reminiscent of Dean Koontz.” –Dakota Banks, Award winning author

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About Donna:

Galanti, Donna 2
Donna Galanti writes murder and mystery with a dash of steam as well as middle grade adventure fiction. She is an International Thriller Writers Debut Author of the paranormal suspense novel A Human Element, A Hidden Element (August 2014), the short story collection The Dark Inside, and Joshua and The Lightning Road (Books 1 and 2, 2015). She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer.

Website ~ Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Purchase A Human Element HERE

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GRAND PRIZE Monsters vs. Aliens: Signed paperbacks 1 & 2 of NY Times bestseller Jonathan Maberry’s Rot & Ruin series, Supernatural Season 8 on DVD, Cloverfield & District 9 on DVD

e-Book Bundle: 4 thriller books from Imajin Books authors

$25 Amazon Gift Card

5 e-Book copies of Donna Galanti’s short story collection The Dark Inside

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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A YA Thriller ~ Three Little Lies by Melissa Wolff ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, thriller, YA
Tags: , ,
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three little lies banner

Welcome to my stop on the two month tour for Three Little Lies by Melissa Wolff.

Check out the awesome cover art.

I wonder what she looks like? I wonder what her expression is?

Read the synopsis and excerpt and tell me what you think.

And don’t forget to enter for a chance to win a copy!

Three Little Lies

Author: Melissa Wolff

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Genre: Young Adult Thriller

Pages: 260 pages

Date Published: June 4, 2014.

Synopsis

It is the summer of 2012. The sky is blue, the ocean is crisp, and six young women are missing, including Madison Porter.

At the disappearance of her best friend, Amber Swanson falls into a spiral of destruction. She smokes, drinks and gets caught stealing. Her parents don’t know what to do with her, so she is sent to live with her half-sister, Rebecca, in Virginia.

Ethan Hunter lives by the saying ‘blood is thicker than water’; even when his mother up and left him. At sixteen, he’s torn between holding on to the only family he has left and forging his own path for the future. He secretly plans his escape from his small, southern town.

The two lives collide and, as Amber puts the pieces of her best friend’s disappearance together, she and Ethan are thrown into a whirlwind of secrets, deceit, and murder.

Book Links-

Goodreads / Amazon

Excerpt

“Amber!” My eyes snapped open and I looked around wildly. Cold sweat beaded my forehead and my hands were shaking. My wooden leg wasn’t next to me but my sister and Jacob were. Jacob held crutches and handed them to me as our eyes met.

“Thanks,” I muttered, forgetting for a moment that I didn’t like him. “Why are you screaming at me?”

“Because you were screaming yourself,” Rebecca said. “You must have fallen asleep and you started crying out.” I sat up straighter. Not this again I thought. The doctor said the pills would take care of it.

“How bad?” I asked. “What did I say?”

“I couldn’t understand you,” Rebecca admitted. “But it sounded pretty bad. Is everything okay?”

“It’s fine,” I said sharply. There was no way that I was going to tell Rebecca about the dream. “I’m fine.”

“There’s no reason to be so angry Amber,” Jacob said. “Your sister is just trying to help.”

“I said I’m fine,” I snapped. “She’s not trying to help as much as trying to get on our father’s good side. She was always the goody two shoes…daddy’s little princess. If her perfect reputation wasn’t at stake, she wouldn’t give a damn about me.”

~~~~

Author Melissa Wolff

Melissa Wolff

Melissa Wolff was born and raised on Long Island. This is her second self-published young adult novel. She is also a writer for LIB Magazine and has been featured on Patch.com as well as the Post Pioneer.

Website / Independentauthornetwork / Facebook / Pinterest / Goodreads / Linkedin / Instagram /Google Plus / Twitter / Amazon

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Enter to win a copy of Three Little Lies.

An International Giveaway!

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

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sparkle book tours

Tour Schedule – Two Month Blog Tour for Three Little Lies by Melissa Wolff from June 23 to Aug 23, 2014.

June 23

Coffee Books & Art – Promo, Playlist, Dream Cast & Top Ten

http://sarityahalomi.blogspot.com/

June 24

Our New Generation for Reading – Promo

http://jessica13bridgers.blogspot.com/2014/06/three-little-lies-by-melissa-wolff.html

June 25

3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Promo

http://3partnersinshopping.blogspot.com/2014/06/three-little-lies-by-melissa-wolff-blog.html

June 26

Deal Sharing Aunt – Promo & Author Interview

http://dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/2014/06/three-little-lies-by-melissa-wolff.html

June 27

Booky Ramblings of a Neurotic Mom – Promo & Top Ten

http://bookyramblingsofaneuroticmom.blogspot.co.uk/

June 28

Bound 2 Escape – Promo

http://www.bound2escape.com

July 1

A Cauldron of Books – Promo & Dream Cast

http://acauldronofbooks.info

July 2

Read It Write – Promo

http://mbernsen.blogspot.com

July 3

Angels with Attitude Book Reviews – Promo & Author Interview

http://angelswithattitudebookreviews-joelle.blogspot.com

July 4

The Idle Musings of a Writer’s Mind – Promo

http://theidlemusingsofawritersmind.blogspot.com

July 7

The Phantom Paragrapher – Promo

http://www.thephantomparagrapher.blogspot.com

July 8

Night Owl Reviews – Promo

http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Blog

July 9

Bajgajka Loves Books And Giveaways – Promo & Dream cast

http://bajgajka.blogspot.com

July 11

The Avid Reader – Promo & Dream cast

http://the-avidreader.blogspot.com

July 12

Crazy Beautiful Reviews – Review

http://www.crazybeautifulreviews.blogspot.com

July 13

Fiction Dreams – Promo & Author Interview

http://www.fictiondreams.com

July 14

iHeart Books by MiLo18 – Promo

https://iHeartBooksbyMiLo18.blogspot.com

July 15

Book Hostage – Promo

http://bookhostage.wordpress.com/

Undercover Book Reviews – Promo & Review

http://undercoverbookreviews.blogspot.com/

July 16

Eclipse Reviews – Promo, Character Interview, Playlist & Dream Cast

http://www.eclipsereviews.weebly.com

July 17

Portals to new Worlds – Promo, Playlist & Dream Cast

http://authorkarenswart.blogspot.com

July 19

For The Love of Books – Review

http://ftlobblog.blogspot.com/

July 21

Book Talk Review – Promo

http://www.michelle808205.blogspot.com/

July 22

Breny’s Book Obsession- Promo & Dream Cast

http://brenysbookobsession.blogspot.com/

Books, Brownies and Barkers – Review

http://booksnbrownies.com

July 23

Sinful Reviews – Promo

http://www.sinfulreview.wordpress.com

July 24

The Whispering Pages Book Blog – Promo & Playlist

http://thewhisperingpagesbookblog.blogspot.com/

July 25

The Book Fairy Reviews – Promo, Review, Playlist & Dream Cast

http://thebookfairy1.blogspot.com/

July 26

Sassy Southern Book Blog – Promo & Review

http://sassysouthernbookblog.blogspot.com/

July 28

Bookworm for Kids – Review

http://www.bookwormforkids.blogspot.com

July 29

Fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s Ramblins And Reviews – Promo

http://fuonlyknew.com

The Page Princess – Promo & Dream Cast

http://www.thepageprincess.com

July 30

For The Love of Books – Review

http://ftlobblog.blogspot.com/

July 31

Movies, Shows & Books – Promo & Review

http://moviesshowsnbooks.blogspot.com/

Aug 1

Read That – Promo

http://www.sookie72.wordpress.com

Aug 4

Book Hostage – Promo

http://bookhostage.wordpress.com/

Aug 5

Once Upon a YA Book – Promo & Top Ten

http://onceuponayabook.blogspot.com

Aug 6

Books, Authors, Blogs – Promo & Dream Cast

http://therightbook4u.blogspot.com

Aug 7

The Book Enthusiast – Review

http://www.thebookenthusiast.net

Aug 8

A One-click Addict’s Book Blog – Promo & Review

http://aone-clickaddictsbookblog.blogspot.com/?zx=d1de3b7206157a58

Bound 2 Escape – Promo

http://www.bound2escape.com

Aug 11

Fictional Rendezvous Book Blog – Promo

http://fictionalrendezvousbookblog.blogspot.com/

Aug 14

TTC Books and more – Promo & Playlist

https://www.facebook.com/TamsBookBlog

Aug 15

Pretty Girls Read Books – Promo

http://opinionatedperson.wordpress.com

Aug 18

Cajun Book Lover – Promo, Review

http://www.cajunbooklover.blogspot.com

Aug 19

Tammy’s Tea Time – Promo, Review

http://tammysteatime.blogspot.com

Aug 20

Sweet Treat Reading Reviews – Promo

http://strreviews.blogspot.com/

Aug 22

Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – Promo

http://devilishlydeliciousbookreviews.wordpress.com/

Aug 23

Dalene’s Book Reviews – Promo, Review & Playlist

http://dalenesbookreviews.blogspot.com

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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All aboard! Next Stop On The Book Blast and Giveaway For Strangers on a Bus by Rob Manary

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Book Blast, comedy, giveaways, Romance
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How far can they get on a bus ride anyway?

 

Publication Date: March 29, 2011

Genre: Romantic Comedy/Memoir

If you liked When Harry Met Sally, you’ll fall in love with Robb and Gertrude from Strangers on a Bus…

Robb is crushed by a failed relationship with the love of his life and finds himself unexpectedly on a long bus trip from his adopted home in the U.S. back to his native Canada.

At the first stop in NYC, a girl gets on and so begins a contemplation of life, love, and strange events that will bring tears of laughter and heartache streaming down your face.

Is this girl Robb’s real true love or just a rebound? How far can they get on a bus ride anyway?

This is a true story.

View the Trailer

****

Purchase the Book at Amazon (US) (UK) (CAN)

 

 

Robert Manary is an international playboy and man of mystery, with the charm and sophistication of James Bond shaken not stirred with a couple ounces of Cyrano de Bergerac, a dash of Rasputin, and garnished with the rapier wit of Thurston Howell the Third.

That’s how he sees himself, anyway.

The truth is Robert Manary is a construct created to protect the dubious reputation of his Clark Kent like mild mannered writer/puppeteer/the man pulling the levers and breathing life into the Great and Powerful Oz (don’t look too closely behind the curtain).

Manary is an award winning blogger, an erotic romance novel writer, the author of a pretty decent romantic comedy, and for a brief period in the early nineties served as dictator of a small South American country.

Most of that is true.

Manary is also an experimental artist who has no clue how to write an Author’s Bio, and definitely no idea how to end one.

P.S. He is also a shameless plunderer of pop culture.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Pinterest  |  Google Plus

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Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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Monday Minis Review #28 ~ Derelict by Albert Berg

Posted: July 28, 2014 in Monday's Minis, reviews, Science Fiction, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , , ,
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Welcome to my Monday Minis

For today I’ll be reviewing Derelict by Albert Berg

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My Review

When an E-class space ship docks at an orbital station without heeding to or sending any response, a team is assembled to enter and investigate.

Available information says the ship was the Persephone and it was supposed to have a full passenger roster and a cargo load. But when the team of three men begin to search the ship, they quickly realize something is very wrong. There is no evidence people or cargo were ever aboard the ship.

As they explore further, things begin to go weird. Doors are there, then not there. Corridors stretch on to impossible lengths and become dead ends where they shouldn’t.

 The team fears they may never find their way out. They believe the ship will never let them go.

This is a quick read at around 33 pages, so I zipped right through it. I was reminded of the movie Sphere, except this takes place in space, not under water.

I still felt the claustrophobic effect of being trapped with no help close by. Of the possibility their minds might be playing tricks on them. Or maybe something else was there with them. Something malignant, evil. Toying with them.

Eerie with a twisted ending.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

In the dark heart of space, a derelict freighter drifts empty and lifeless. But in the shadows…something waits.

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Check out the new release of Stormling by John Hennessy ~ Excerpt and International Giveaway

Posted: July 28, 2014 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, YA Fantasy
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Stormling is now on tour!
Check all the hosts and don’t forget to join the International giveaway
running here and on each tour stop!

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Stormling

(Stormling #1)

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Synopsis

In an age when Stormlings have only known peacetime, one man’s desperate action threatens not only the stability of the mystical world of Mordana, but Earth as well.

Teenager Ophelia Drewe discovers a jewel that has been lost from its homeworld, and whilst she thinks she can keep it, demonic forces believe otherwise.

She’s not alone, but who can she trust? The head Stormling, Anadyr, hasn’t been to the Earth in 500 years, but go there he must – if the jewel is not returned, it will destroy both Ophelia’s world and his own…

Amazon

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Enjoy the excerpt from Stormling. Let me know what you think!

“Father, we can go, can’t we? Please? Don’t you want to see who will win today?”

Aldyr Veroynne knelt down in front of his son, and placed his hands on the boy’s shoulders, squeezing them gently with firm hands.

“Anadyr, please, give it a rest. That would be six days in a row. We know who is going to win, anyway. You don’t need to come along. Just know that the winner is always someone from Mill’An Draythe.”

“Still, the Easterners come,” said Anadyr. “I must go to see how they fight, so that when I have the glory to represent my land, I know how to win.”

Anadyr had been just ten years of age when he became involved in his first fight, against another young Stormling, as it happened. At first, it seemed like the bigger and older Stormling would win, and had far too much strength for Anadyr.

During the fray, Anadyr connected with few blows, but could not knock his bigger opponent down. Then, with a swift kick to his mid-section, Anadyr’s strength left him, and he rolled into a ball on the ground, one hand clutching his stomach, the other, keeping his hair from covering his eyes.

The sun was blocked out by the shadow of the Stormling standing over him, who must was five years his senior.

“Loser?” he inquired.

“You wish,” replied Anadyr, who sat up, and clapped his hands three times together before placing them on the ground, one hand either side of him.

“I don’t need applause from a loser,” said the bigger Stormling.

“That wasn’t applause,” replied the young Anadyr.

Suddenly, the ground started to shake all around them, the bigger Stormling’s smug look of apparent victory was erased by the tremors on the ground, and the almost instantaneous appearance of black clouds that filled the sky.

A few moments later, the clouds burst and soaked only the bigger Stormling and his crew of friends, whilst Anadyr stood laughing at them. The group started to run, but the rain lashed them in every way, from both sides, from above, and even as they ran into the ground which became ever more sodden, until they fell face forward.

“Why isn’t it raining on you?” the biggest one screamed. “You’re in league with the Lord of Monus! Say it isn’t so, for Stormlings don’t lie.”

Anadyr smiled and leaned over his sodden nemesis, who he was merely toying with.

“That’s right, Stormlings don’t lie, and I am not in league with anyone. So! Are you a loser?”

The bigger Stormling seethed. “So it would seem. Just make the damned rain stop. Who are you, boy?”

Anadyr clicked his fingers and rested his fists on the top of his hips.

“I am Anadyr Veroynne, and I command the Storms. The wind, the rain, the clouds all answer to me, and as for you….I will have your allegiance.”

The other Stormlings mumbled, saying they would not answer to some preppy brat, but the one who had hit Anadyr, stood up and bowed to him.

“I am good with a sword, but my true prowess lies with the double daggers. My skill is such that I could skim the sweat off a faerie’s wings. If you ever need my help, you shall have it, although…one who can bend the Storms to his will, surely has no need for an edged weapon.”

“Not so,” said Anadyr. “In fact, I practise with a longsword twelve hours a day. What is your name?”

“Kirnosst. Though my sword wielding days are at an end. I’m being sent to Firetop to learn, watch and ultimately take over from Aynara. Unlike us, she’s not an immortal, but I suppose your father told you that already.”

Anadyr nodded emphatically to show he knew about Aynara’s supposed mortality, but no-one knew when her time would end. There were none like her on Mordana.

Aldyr Veryonne was none-too-impressed with his son’s handling of things. “You wanted him to knock you down, so that you could show off, isn’t that so? The truth now, Anadyr.”

“I just wanted to show I wasn’t afraid of them. If I can instil fear into the heart of my enemies, maybe I can bend them to my way of thinking, as easily as I do the storms.”

“You are just a boy, Anadyr. You are too young to have enemies.”

“Didn’t you say that those East of the Wisty River are our enemies?”

“Well, yes, but I don’t see what that has to do with anything.”

“It’s got everything to do with it,” said Anadyr. “That’s why I want to go see the fight today. The Lord of Monus sends a Tryer from the Mordis Mountains, or from the heart of Caldreah itself.”

“Yes, Anadyr, but the point is-”

“The point is, Father, that today’s Tryer is from AnnanGhorst, and that makes things very interesting. I have never seen a ShadowWraith, much less seen you fight one. Tell me you’ll take me, please!”

Aldyr sighed. Putting combatants from the East out of their misery is something he loved to do, but a ShadowWraith of AnnanGhorst was different. Even the weakest of their kind were not to be taken lightly. Even if the Wraith lost, it would be most likely sent to the Island of Dead Skin, where Andus Rey, ruler of Caldreah Monus and a Stormling himself, ran his own sick tournament, where combatants often had to fight to the death.

Having a Wraith enter the fray was no battle at all. Under Rey’s watch, they would win, and win easily. Aldyr let out another sigh. He was considering throwing the match, even though this was illegal.

“Alright Anadyr, I’ll take you. But whatever happens, you come straight back home. That’s an order.”

“I will, Father. I will,” said Anadyr, who could not believe there would be any other outcome but a clear and decisive victory for his father, who was a skilled swordsman and had been known to dabble in magic.

ShadowWraiths were difficult adversaries for all sorts of reasons. Although they were scary to look at, it was more a case of what you couldn’t see, rather than what you could.

There were all sorts of rumours about them, which, outside of AnnanGhorst, became the very fabric of legend.

Some would say that there actually were no ShadowWraiths, but that it was Rey himself, who would come to test himself against the foes of Monus.

Others believed the Wraiths did have a face, but it was one so terrible to view, that one would die of fright from resting innocent eyes on their hateful faces.

Still others believed that the ShadowWraiths could not be killed, and one had to have a death wish if standing against them. But everyone who knew Aldyr Veroynne believed that he must know how to defeat a ShadowWraith.

As expected, there was a great throng of people in the town centre. They gathered round the platform, which stood some twenty feet from the ground. The ShadowWraith was already on the platform as Aldyr and Anadyr arrived.

As they walked, Aldyr beamed smiles and waved to everyone. They had come to see him triumph, which would be his thirty-eigth win in a row. The ShadowWraiths had triumphed every time to date, but the locals felt it was time one of their own succeeded.

The Wraith extended a bony finger towards Aldyr, and beckoned him to stand on the platform with him.

“Remember Anadyr,” whispered his father, “whatever happens, you will return home. Understood?”

“Yes Father, of course,” said Anadyr, who was surprised his father was making so much of this battle. Winning fights is what Aldyr Veroynne was all about. ‘He’s just more fodder from AnnanGhorst, who will slink back to that hellhole when my father’s through with him,’ thought Anadyr.

Whilst Anadyr watched the two men line up, a third man, the one who usually judged the battles, pulled himself up onto the platform, and from underneath his robes he produced a rather large wooden box. An omnious gasp came out from the crowd. “What? What is it?” said the young Stormling. Anadyr craned his neck to see what the commotion was.

The judge extended his arms to the crowd. “Today’s battle is a red match. In this box are two weapons from the challenger’s province of AnnanGhorst. The fighter who represents us has agreed to the terms, and will use the weapon provided to him.”

Anadyr nudged the man next to him. “What is it? What is a red match?”

The man solemnly shook his head. “It means that this is not for children’s eyes. They will fight to the death.”

~~~

John Hennessy

John Hennessy

John Hennessy is a young adult / new adult novelist whose works to date have been Dark Winter (published 2013), a paranormal horror thriller, and Stormling, an epic swords and magic (and cookies) fantasy. The first short story he ever wrote brought together Fagan, Lizzie Bennet, Sherlock Holmes and Dracula, which despite impressing his long suffering English teacher, thankfully remains unpublished. For recreation he will visit paranormal hotspots, but prefers to write about ghosts rather than meet them. He also believes almost any problem can be overcome so long as there is an inexhaustible supply of tea and biscuits. He has also written the non-fiction title The Essence of Martial Arts (published 2011), and released The Essence of Martial Arts: Special Edition, in 2014.

Blog – Twitter – Facebook – Goodreads

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Follow the Tour:

July 7th | Mind Reader (Author Interview)

July 8th | Reader Girls (Excerpt)


July 9th | Behind the Pages (Author Interview, Excerpt)


July 10th | What’s Beyond Forks? (Author Interview, Excerpt)


July 11th | Nomi’s Paranormal Palace (Excerpt)


July 14th | Proserpine Craving Books (Excerpt)


July 15th | Cherry Mischievous (Excerpt)


July 16th | Mythical Books (Author Interview)


July 17th | Sapphyria’s Book Reviews (Excerpt)


July 18th | Mean Who You Are (Review, Excerpt)

July 21st | Darkest Sins (Excerpt)

July 22nd | Lusty Penguin Reviews (Author Interview, Excerpt)

July 23rd | The Avid Reader (Review, Excerpt)

July 24th | Gracen Miller (Author Interview)

July 25th | Happy Tails and Tales (Review, Excerpt)

July 28th | Fuonlyknew (Excerpt)

July 29th | Tower of Babel (Excerpt)

July 30th | Justified Lunacy (Author Interview)

July 31st | Much Loved Books (Excerpt)

August 1st | Creating Serenity (Excerpt)

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