Archive for February, 2015

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be hosting a Book Blast for the third and final book in the “Adventures of Caramel Cardamom” middle grade science fiction trilogy by Julie Anne Grasso: “Stellarcadia”.

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Stellarcadia by Julie Anne Grasso

Title: Stellarcadia (Adventures of Caramel Cardamom, Book 3) | Author: Julie Anne Grasso | Publication Date: December 24, 2014 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 128 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 12

Book Description

Caramel Cinnamon is one lucky elf. She can hardly believe she’s invited to attend the first Intergalactic Youth Summit, on-board the Stellarcadia. Her friends can’t wait to go “hyper,” but even the thought of it chills Caramel to the bone. However, nothing could compare to the icy reception she receives upon her arrival. Keen to get to the bottom of it, Caramel stumbles on a dangerous conspiracy, but no one will believe her. In the exciting conclusion to The Adventures of Caramel Cardamom Trilogy, Caramel will have to do more than outwit her enemies, she will have to convince her friends to take her seriously. For ages 8-12.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

 

The Early Buzz

The book is also a perfect mix of magic, science, and technology. Don’t be surprised if readers get to use their imaginations and learn something. Julie Anne Grasso has proven herself to be an original and versatile author…” ~ 5 Stars, Ilana W., Amazon

“Couldn’t put it down.” ~ Jemima P., Goodreads

 

About Author Julie Anne Grasso

Julie Anne Grasso

With a background in paediatric nursing, Julie Anne Grasso spent many years literally wrapping children in cotton wool. Every day she witnessed great courage and resilience from the tiny people she cared for, which inspired her to write stories to encourage and entertain them.

She lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband Danny and their little girl, Giselle.

Website | Blog | Facebook

Twitter | Goodreads

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* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card

Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: March 25, 11:59 pm, 2015

Open: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Julie Anne Grasso and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

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All month long Carlie M A Cullen is celebrating the release of the third and final book in her series, Heart Search: Betrayal

I loved the first two books in the Heart Search Series and am thrilled to feature the final book.

Check out her wonderful cover art! Also included are the covers of the first two books. All of them are amazing!

I’m also sharing a thrilling book trailer.

And a giveaway! Don’t forget to enter.

Betrayal front cover

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Amazon

My Review

This series started with two young people in love. When Joshua went missing, Remy was inconsolable. She set out to find him and when she did both of their worlds changed forever. Joshua was now a vampire and she and the twins he hadn’t known about had no place in his world.

In the second book of this series, Joshua and Remy are together again and multiple plots put them and their twins in danger.

Now we get to the last book, the end of this awesome series. It’s always exciting and bittersweet when you read the last book. You can’t wait to see how it ends but you’re sad to say goodbye to the beloved characters and their world.

In case you haven’t met these vampires before I feel I should explain them a bit. They are as human as us in their love, loyalty, and struggles to survive. yet, once turned, they change. They have no trouble feeding on humans. They don’t just prey on the evil. They choose their dinner, feed until full, and dispose of the bodies with no thought about that person. Who they were, if they had loved ones.

They sometimes appeared cold and distant in their actions. This didn’t make them monsters to me. It actually made them more believable, which I appreciated. I also had no problem becoming attached to them.

Remy and Joshua love each other as much as any human can. Their devotion and adoration for their twins, Aidan and Ashley, is perhaps even more powerful, as they are predators and protect them like a momma bear would. Other members of the coven have loving relationships also.

There are the bad apples though, just like the humans. Vampires that relish the hunt, toy with the humans before feeding. And the ones who don’t hesitate to kill other vampires. To take what they have.

This is what is coming for them. Joshua and Remy, Samir and Jakki, Pavel and Iskra, and the rest of the coven. Liam, a vampire created by accident, has plans to destroy them, to take what is theirs. And he is creating an army of fresh vampires to kill them all.

This is just the tip of the iceberg with the story.

Josh and Remy have their hands full with the twins, Aidan and Ashley, half vampire and half human. They are unique and developing mutiple gifts. Intelligent and fast growing, they are small weapons in their own. A decision will have to be made whether to use them in the battle to come.

And the worst thing possible has happened. There is a traitor in their midst. Goes by the name of Phoenix. And this traitor has been sharing with Liam and his coven plans to their compound and security systems.

There are kidnappings, deaths, and distrust racing through this story.  You become immersed in this world of vampires, you care about them or hate them accordingly.  And the more you come to care, the more hurt and enraged you become.

I knew not everyone would survive the final battle, but I felt so bad when the deaths were revealed. One in particular had me near tears. This character was very important and I wonder if there is a story to be written there.

Carlie wrapped up her series in style. Lots of intrigue, action, and dramatic scenes. I couldn’t have asked for more.

5 Stars

One bite started it all . . .

Joshua, Remy, and the twins are settled in their new life. However, life doesn’t always run smoothly. An argument between Becky and her twin causes unforeseen circumstances, an admission by Samir almost costs him his life, and the traitor provides critical information to Liam. But who is it?

As Jakki’s visions begin to focus on the turncoat’s activities, a member of the coven disappears, and others find themselves endangered.

And when Liam’s coven attacks, who will endure?

Fate continues to toy with mortals and immortals alike, and as more hearts descend into darkness, can they overcome the dangers they face and survive?

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About the author

Betrayal Photo of Carlie

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 always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. She writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

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Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linkedin

Amazon ~ About me ~ Wattpad ~ Goodreads

BOOKS:

Heart Search, book one: Lost

Heart Search, book two: Found

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About the other books

Heart Search: Lost

Book One

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Click on the cover for my review.

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Heart Search: Found

Book Two

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Click on the cover for my review.

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Here are some of the pretties you can win!

Along with signed print copies of the complete series.

Carlie jewelry

Carlie jewelry 2

Enter the rafflecopter now!

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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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Welcome to the blitz for Broken Souls!

If you haven’t heard of the Primani Series, I’m happy to introduce you now.

Check out that cover art.

Learn more about this urban fantasy.

Get the first book in the series free February 23rd thru 27th!

Links provided further down in my post.

And enter the giveaway!

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Broken Souls

Primani #4

by Laurie Olerich

Dark Urban Fantasy Romance

Published on September 2014

This is the first standalone book in the Primani series. It’s a dark romantic suspense that layers a decades-old murder with chilling demon possession on top of two broken people who must somehow heal wounds too deep to see the light of day.

Stalked by evil… Psychic Rori Austin’s life is over. She just doesn’t know it yet. Suffering from recurring nightmares and terrifying fugues, she’s hanging on by a thread. When she blacks out and wakes up in 1969, she knows she’s out of control. Broke and alone in the city that never sleeps, she’s desperate to find someone who can hold back the darkness in her mind. When gorgeous Declan shows up out of nowhere, she’s thrilled until he starts asking questions she has no intention of answering.

Haunted by guilt… Declan Manning is a ruthless killer and a renowned healer. Demons fear him. Humans love him. Life is good. The last thing he needs is a human woman. After saving Rori’s life, he walks away but can’t forget the fear in her exotic eyes. It haunts him, dredging up memories better left buried deep. Intrigued by her secrets, he uncovers the horrifying truth: She’s marked for Hell, and her time is almost up.

AmazonBarnes & NobleiBooks – Smashwords

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SPECIAL OFFER:

The first book in the series, Primani, is currently FREE!

AmazonBarnes & NobleiBooksSmashwords

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Laurie Olerich is the author of the urban fantasy romance series Primani. She loves to create guilty pleasures full of exciting locations, roller coaster action, strong, quirky heroines, and steaming hot heroes who’ll raise the temperature in any room you’re in! Paranormal romance? Check! Urban fantasy? Check! Romantic suspense? Check! Her Primani series combines the best of the three. When not plotting, writing, or fantasizing about her next hero, she’s planning parties, traveling the world, and spending lazy nights with her son, her Dal pals, and friends. Laurie spent most of her life in the Northeastern United States and in Germany. She now lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her son and Dalmatian duo, Domino and Rambo. Before throwing caution to the wind and diving into a writing career, Laurie dedicated 20 years to a career spent around men with guns and cool toys…this explains her obsession with both!

WebsiteTwitterFacebookPinterestGoodreads

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One lucky winner is going to take home:
Swag bag
E-copies of Call the Lightning, Stone Angels and Darkness Calling by Laurie Olerich

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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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M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are revealing Chapter 2 of

Hunted (Sinners #2) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Hunted

HUNTED is the electrifying sequel to the bestselling debut BRANDED, A Sinners Series, by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki.

It’s been three months since the revolt against the Commander’s fifty-year-old regime failed.

Under a new ruler, things were supposed to change. Get better.

But can anyone really be trusted?

Lexi and Cole soon find out, as life takes an unexpected turn for the worse.

In this ever-changing world, you must hunt or be hunted.

Lives will be lost.

Dreams will be crushed.

Fears will be realized.

Secrets will be exposed.

When Cole is once again faced with losing Lexi at the hands of a monster, one encounter will change everything.

Forever.

Connect with BRANDED fans on Instagram at:
#abiandmissy
#Sinnersfandom
#Sinnersseries
#Colexi
#Sinnersseriesbranded
#Brandedofficialfanpage
#Brandedfandom
#Lexihamilton

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add to goodreads

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Title: Hunted (Sinners #2)
Publication date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki

Available for Pre-order:

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excerpt

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You can read Chapter Two HERE!

Happy Reading and Enjoy!

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About-the-Author

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Abi and Missy 2

Abi and Missy met in the summer of 1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable hobby has now become an incredible adventure.

 

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumbler

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Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

The book will be sent upon the titles release.

 

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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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Ready, set, action!

I have a great horror story to share with you today.

Like being scared? Afraid to keep reaching, but have to now what happens?

You’ll get a lot of this in Horror Business.  Very emotional and creepy.

So come in in. Let’s dim the lights. And get rolling!

Oh yeah, don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Title: Horror Business

Publication date: February 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.

Author: Ryan Craig Bradford

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My Review

Jason and his twin brother are into making their own horror films. They are trying to finish the latest when Jason’s brother disappears. He’s just the first.

As more and more teens go missing in Silver Creek, other strange things happen as well. Jason is no longer dealing with botched lines and fake blood. Reality is much scarier and he’ll have to be smart to find his brother and the other missing teens and not become a fatality himself.

Whether reality or fantasy, nothing can be more terrifying than missing kids. How people treat Jason after his brother goes missing is so genuine. Some people don’t mention it at all, while others over compensate and treat him like he’ll break. It’s hard to know what to say or do. And his parents aren’t doing much better.

I’m struggling to tell you about this book without spoiling it. So many creepy and awesome things going on. I want to tell you all about them. Since I can’t, I’ll tell you what the story is like.

It’s like a really good B-Movie. You know, the ones you love but don’t want to admit it. Why do they make so many of these movies? Because they scare the crap out of you, give you outrageous scenes to tear apart with your friends, and the really good ones take you back to when the atmosphere scared you as much as the monster or whatever did.

Horror Business has kids making horror movies. What a great set up. The author has freedom to take the story wherever and uses flashes of past and present to keep the suspense rolling. Anything can happen, and some strange and creepy stuff does. It sneaks up on you, jumps out at you, goes quiet, and then, cue the music, the ending is unleashed.

Horror Business is a horror/slasher/ zombie story, yeah there’s this zombie dog thing, he’s my favorite.

  I also enjoyed the movie mentions, seen a lot of them, and discovered some new ones.

The book read super fast and made this horror fan very happy.

4 Stars

 

Armed with a passion for classic B-grade horror movies, a script co-written by his twin brother, and a wicked crush on his death-obsessed neighbor; hardcore horror fan Jason Nightshade must finish his student film.

But his plans are derailed when the children of suburban Silver Creek start disappearing – his twin brother among them. Battling a possessed video camera, a crazy zombie dog, a monstrous bully, and a frighteningly broken down family life, Jason embarks on a mission to find his lost brother so the two can write an ending for his story.

As any horror fan knows, saving the day won’t be easy, as Jason finds himself forced to face the real world where death isn’t just a splash of fake blood on a camera lens.

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ABOUT RYAN CRAIG BRADFORD:

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Ryan grew up in Park City, Utah. His fiction has appeared in Quarterly West, Paper Darts, Vice, Monkeybicycle and [PANK]. He currently lives in San Diego where he acts as Creative Director for the nonprofit literary arts organization So Say We All. He’s the co-editor of the anthology Last Night on Earth and founder of the literary horror journal, Black Candies.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter 

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The Third Twin

by C.J. Omololu

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When they were little, Lexi and her identical twin, Ava, made up a third sister, Alicia. If something broke? Alicia did it. Cookies got eaten? Alicia’s guilty. Alicia was always to blame for everything.

The game is all grown up now that the girls are seniors. They use Alicia as their cover to go out with boys who are hot but not exactly dating material. Boys they’d never, ever be with in real life.

Now one of the guys Alicia went out with has turned up dead, and Lexi wants to stop the game for good. As coincidences start piling up, Ava insists that if they follow the rules for being Alicia, everything will be fine. But when another boy is killed, the DNA evidence and surveillance photos point to only one suspect—Alicia. The girl who doesn’t exist.

As she runs from the cops, Lexi has to find the truth before another boy is murdered. Because either Ava is a killer . . . or Alicia is real.

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

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Praise:

“[An] original, riveting thriller.” — Melissa Marr, New York Times bestselling author of Made for You

“Delicious and deceptive, The Third Twin is a twisty-turny thrill ride! I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough!” –Kimberly Derting, author of the Body Finder series and The Taking

“A classic whodunit.”–Kirkus Reviews

 

CJ

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CJ OMOLOLU is the author of the ALA-YALSA Quick Pick Dirty Little Secrets and several other YA novels. She loved to read but never thought to write until she discovered that the voices in her head often have interesting things to say. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and their two sons.

Website * Twitter

 

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 3/19/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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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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iRead Book Tour Logo Medium

Have you ever lost your socks? Sure you have. We all have.

Wonder what happened to them? We all do!

Learn what happens when two boys find out where those socks went.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

The Monster That Ate my Socks

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My Review

His mother has had enough and is threatening to ground him for the summer. What is Max to do? His dirty socks are there when he goes to bed and gone in the morning.

So, in order to avoid a grounding, he sets out bait, dirty socks, and waits to see what shows up that night. And in creeps a little green monster.

Max jumps on it but it squirms away and runs in his closet. His mother comes in, scolding him for still being awake and doesn’t believe his story about the sock eating monster.

The next day at school, Max tells his friend Ryan about the monster. They devise a plan to capture the little green guy and save Max’s summer. The trap works, but then the monster tells his story and they face two choices, help the monster or let him and his family go hungry.

Such a delightful story with vibrant and exciting illustrations, this story is meant to help children with their reading and has some lesson plans at the end of the book. Parents will have fun reading this with their kids, and the young ones will learn some valuable lessons.

I particularly liked the plan the boys come up with for the monster and his family. It was a funny one and I could see kids eyes lighting up and hear their giggles when they read it.

I hear Max and the monsters are in another pickle in the second book and look forward to seeing how they solve that one too.

5 Stars

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Book Synopsis

A young boy, who is about to be grounded for going through so many socks, discovers that a monster has been eating them.

Max is a young boy who is constantly getting in trouble for his socks disappearing. He doesn’t know where they go, but he does know that if he doesn’t do something quickly his mom will ground him for summer. Max soon discovers that a little green monster is sneaking into his room at night and eating his sweaty socks. His mother, of course, doesn’t believe him, so Max calls on his best friend to come for a sleepover to catch the monster.
They devise a trap and capture the monster only to learn that the creature can speak. It hasn’t meant to cause any harm, it’s just trying to feed its family. The monster shows them his home and his three little children and begs the boys not to turn them over to the adults. Adults, he says, want to destroy monsters.

The boys are left in a pickle. Allow the monsters to be and get grounded, or turn the monsters in knowing what will happen to them? Neither idea seems good, so they come up with a new plan!

Author’s Bio

AJ Cosmo

A.J. Cosmo’s stories are crafted to help parents teach their children simple everyday lessons in an easy to understand manner. By artfully marrying beautiful illustrations and language, children are challenged to explore his magical worlds. Written for the transitional reader, A.J.’s stories allow your child to develop and master a new level of reading.
Connect with A.J. Cosmos

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Where to buy the book:

Amazon

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

Feb 9 –  One Frugal Girl – review / giveaway
Feb 9 –  Rockin’ Book Reviews – review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – Library of Clean Reads – review / giveaway
Feb 10 – Bookroom Reviews – review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 10 – Hello, my name is Alice – review / author interview
Feb 11 – Book Dilettante – review 
Feb 11 – Back Porchervations – review
Feb 12 – Nighttime Reading Center – review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 12 – Book Loving Hippo – review / guest post / giveaway
Feb 13 – Working Mommy Journal – review / giveaway
Feb 16 – Life as Leels – review / author interview / giveaway
Feb 16 – Genuine Jenn – review / giveaway
Feb 17 – Reading Authors – review / giveaway
Feb 17 – Bound 4 Escape – review
Feb 18 – Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks – review
Feb 18 – Deal Sharing Aunt – review
Feb 19 – Walking with Nora – review / giveaway
Feb 19 – Girl With Camera – review / giveaway
Feb 20 – View From the Birdhouse – review / giveaway
Feb 20 – Being Tilly’s Mummy – review / giveaway
Feb 23 – Just One More Chapter – review
Feb 23 – Kincavel Korner – review
Feb 24 – Pinky’s Favorite Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Feb 25 – fuonlyknew – review / giveaway
Feb 26 – Did YOU Hear About the Morgans? – review 
Feb 27 – DeDa Studios – review / author interview / giveaway
March 2 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – review / giveaway
March 3 – Life with Katie – review / giveaway
March 4 – 3 Partners in Shopping – review / giveaway
March 6 – I’d Rather Be At the Beach – review / giveaway

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Other books in the series.

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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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Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter Banner 851 x 315

Bring you stakes, your cross bows, or your weapon of choice. We’re going vampire hunting!

Author Nikki Jefford has her eBook Aurora Sky : Vampire Hunter free February 23rd thru 27th, so hurry and get it now.

Links to get your free copy are further down in the post.

And don’t forget to enter the International Giveaway for a chance to win an audible copy!

Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter

Volume 1

Nikki Jefford

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Genre: New Adult, Paranormal Romance,

Urban Fantasy

Date of Publication: November 27, 2012

ISBN: 1939997488 / ASIN: B00AEGD5XY

Number of pages: 260 pages / Word Count: 62,000 words

Cover Artist: Phatpuppy Art

 

Book Description:

 

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it’s to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn’t hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora’s life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she’s a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job… by hand.

Now Aurora’s only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.

 

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ExDDqf6nlk]

 

Available at Amazon US   Amazon UK BN   iBooks

 

Google Play   Kobo   Smashwords   Audible

 

Excerpt:

Volleyball had been replaced by badminton while I was in the hospital. Mr. Mooney let me get away with sitting out class the first two days, but by the third he decided to diagnose me as fit for participation.

“Sky, ready to jump back in?”

I paused on my way to the bleachers. “I’m not dressed.”

Besides, everyone was already paired up.

“Fane!” Mr. Mooney called. “Get out here. You can be Aurora’s partner.”

I tried not to flinch or show signs of distress. My last memory of Fane involved his tongue tracing his upper lip in lewd gesture.

Fane stood up and gave Mr. Mooney a glare so dark it sent a shiver down my spine. It was the first real sensation I’d experienced since the accident. When his eyes moved to me I momentarily forgot to breathe.

Fane held my gaze a moment longer then slipped out of his leather jacket. I watched, transfixed. This was history in the making. Fane Donado taking off his coat.

All of his imperfections breezed out the door as soon as I got my first look at the six-pack straining against his cotton tee. My eyes must have been playing tricks on me. For a guy with such a slender build, Fane was surprisingly muscled.

Fane took deliberate steps down the aisle of the bench, straight to the edge. He jumped from the bleachers, causing them to rock in his wake.

I swore I felt a thud inside the pit of my stomach when he landed.

Mr. Mooney nodded at Fane. “You two are playing Clayton and Tyler.”

Fane walked past me and took two rackets off the floor. He handed me one. I took it from his outstretched hand then followed several steps behind.

Part of me was relieved he didn’t say anything. All I could think about was the obscene gesture he’d made right before my world turned up-side-down. I hardly noticed his hair. I was too distracted by his lips. And now his abs. Luckily, I wouldn’t have to look at either while we played side by side.

At the far court, Clayton and Tyler bounced birdies up and down on the strings of their rackets.

Clayton nudged Tyler as we approached. “Oh great. Goth boy and zombie girl. This should be fun.”

I took my place beside Fane. He held his racket loose and lazy. I barely held mine at all. Clayton pelted the birdie at me. I tried to shield my face and ended up dropping my racket.

“Oh, come on!” Clayton shouted.

I picked up the birdie and threw it over the net.

Clayton served the birdie to Fane, who smacked it over the net with the flick of a wrist. Tyler launched the birdie at me. It hit me on the shoulder, but I swung anyway as it bounced to the floor.

“Hello? Earth to Aurora,” Tyler called across the net.

“I think she’s still in a coma,” Clayton said.

“That’s game,” Tyler said. “Your serve.”

I picked up the birdie and handed it to Fane. It’s a good thing it wasn’t a real bird. Fane crushed it in his hand. Only for a moment. Only I saw. He relaxed and looked across the net. I felt that odd shiver return.

Fane smacked the birdie as though it were a fly. He walloped it right between Tyler and Clayton so fast neither boy had time to react. When they did manage a return hit, Fane gracefully flicked away any stray birds that came at me. I watched in fascination, fully engaged for the first time since the accident.

The boys tried to hit the birdie back. Fane had them racing across every corner of their court. By the end of the period they were out of breath. They took off without a backwards glance when Mr. Mooney blew his whistle signaling the end of gym.

As I walked past Fane I felt a twitch. Not my own. I felt the twitch of his hand wanting to stop me.

“Hey, you. Are you okay?”

If I had any emotion left I’d laugh. He didn’t even know my name—that or it wasn’t worth saying.

He studied me carefully. “I’ve seen that look before.”

Now I was curious.

Valerie jumped down from the bleachers. “Fane!”

He didn’t pay attention to her. I held my breath waiting for him to tell me what he saw.

Valerie sashayed her way over to Fane, red hair blazing down her shoulders. She held out his jacket. “I’m ready to blow this joint. Let’s get a bite.”

Her last words grabbed his attention, and he forgot me completely. Valerie looped her arm around Fane’s and they walked toward the double doors. I was right behind them, silent as a ghost. When I reached the hall entrance leading to the locker rooms I stopped. I saw his head start to turn. I knew he was going to look back, but by the time he did I’d be gone.

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About the Author:

Nikki Jefford

 

Nikki Jefford loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt. Books, travel, TV series, hiking, writing and motorcycle riding are her favorite escapes. She loves meeting people from all walks of life, from around the globe, and wouldn’t trade her French husband in for anyone – not even Spike!

She’s a third generation Alaskan, born & raised in Anchorage, now living in northern Washington. Crazy about her dog, Cosmo. (Writer’s best friend.) The dark side of humanity fascinates her, so long as it’s balanced by humor and romance.

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Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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Tour giveaway

1 Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter Audiobook (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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iRead Book Tour Logo Medium

Pants! No Chance! by Susan Lanyi is a fun picture book illustrated by Alexandre Rouillard.

Before we get to my review, I have a Guest Post by the author. She shares a freakish encounter with a masked bandit.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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A Guest Post by Author Susan Lanyi

Sometime around my twentieth birthday my father left me home alone for the weekend, something any teenager would consider a gift of mega proportions. Saturday had been a full day of shopping.  Happily, my friends and I stumbled through the front door of my house. The three of us were ready for some much needed relaxation. Instead, what we got was a large dose of excitement.

As we entered the house I noticed that a standing lamp lay flat on the couch. Perplexed, I moved towards the kitchen. There was garbage scattered all over the floor.  Warning lights began to go off in my head. Something was terribly wrong.  Then I saw it, a carpet of brown fur making elegant brush strokes on our shiny yellow kitchen floor.  I admired my cat’s tail for a moment. Then I snapped out of it. In a flash, it occurred to me that we did we not own a cat. Even the more distressing however was when I concluded that this was no cat at all. No, this was one big fat raccoon.  The front door seemed painfully far.  “GET OUT!” my lips moved but nothing escaped my mouth.  Luckily my legs did remember how to work.

Two men arrived with a big cage.  Unsure if the beast would go quietly, I wished them luck.  After about ten minutes they materialized with my fluffy friend.   They explained that he would be set free.   Overwhelmed with relief I thanked the animal rescue guys and watched them place the creature in the back of their truck.  We said our goodbyes and they drove away.

My friend and I made plans for the evening.  Two male friends decided to join us.  I regurgitated all the elements of my coon story.   When the evening came to an end my post trauma had me feeling nervous about going back into the house alone. The guys were quick to offer their protection services.

My friends went ahead of me. “Hey the lamp is lying on the couch.”  One of them said, “Oh, stop being such a joker.”  I responded. The other guy backed him up, “No it’s true.”

Was this a horror movie entitled “the night of the living dead rodents”? I was in total disbelief. “How can this be?”  I cried out.  The guys moved further into the house.  “Awwww he’s so cute” one of them muttered.  On my kitchen counter between the toaster and the blender lay a baby raccoon.

I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation. I tried animal rescue but it was fruitless.  No one was coming to get this raccoon at 2:00A.M.  Luckily, the two guys managed to prod the little fur ball out the window with a broom.

In a flash, I grabbed a few items and asked my friend if I could crash at her house.    There was no way I was going to risk running into another masked eyed animal on my way to the toilet that night.

It was not easy to return home the next day but I did take some comfort upon my fathers return.  If there were any more animals lurking in the shadows, it would be his and his problem alone.   Still, I guess the raccoons liked me more than him because they never showed their furry little faces again.

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Pants No Chance

My Review

Each morning, no matter what outfit her mother suggests she wear, Lulupop stubbornly insists on wearing a dress. It’s always a dress, even when it causes problems or she misses out on some fun stuff.

The pictures are delightful and fill the pages. You’ll see the consequences of Lulupop’s insistence upon wearing a dress in colorful, fun ways.

When her mother finally throws in the towel, Lulupop surprises her and comes up with her own solution. Kids are funny like that.

I see where parents can learn from this. Lulupop is showing her personality. Be patient. Let your child express themselves. My son used to always wear a stocking cap and matching cloth gloves. I have so many pictures of him with toese items on. It makes me smile now, but I remember the frustration when trying to get him to take them off.

Lulupop finally learned yet still kind of had her own way.

A delightful picture book to read aloud with your child. Sure to make you giggle.

5 Stars

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Book Synopsis:

Lulupop rarely puts up a fuss, except when it comes to wearing pants. Dresses, dresses, dresses, is all she will ever wear! With time, a little drama, and no lack of imagination, Lulupop realizes that wearing dresses is not always the best choice.

 

Author’s Bio:

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pants no chance Susan Lanyi
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Susan Lanyi lives in Montreal with her husband, three children and puppy. She is a writer and has previously been published in The Globe and Mail. When Susan is not busy writing or doing “mom stuff” she is shopping for dresses with her daughter….Too bad her daughter only wants to wear pants!

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Connect with Susan:  Website  ~  Twitter  

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

TeaserTuesdays2014e

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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My Tease for this week is from

Vostok

by Steve Alten

 

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My Tease is from page 139 in the Hard Cover.

But I was no longer listening to them, for the emptiness that had occupied our sonar monitor was no longer empty, the vacuum of space replaced by three distinct blips —

— and they were coming our way.

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Synopsis

East Antarctica: The coldest, most desolate location on Earth. Two-and-a-half miles below the ice cap is Vostok, a six thousand square mile liquid lake, over a thousand feet deep, left untouched for more than 15 million years. Now, marine biologist Zachary Wallace and two other scientists aboard a submersible tethered to a laser will journey 13,000 feet beneath the ice into this unexplored realm to discover Mesozoic life forms long believed extinct – and an object of immense power responsible for the evolution of modern man.

In this sequel to The Loch and prequel to the upcoming MEG 5: Nightstalkers, New York Times best-selling author Steve Alten offers readers a crossover novel that combines characters from two of his most popular series.

Steve Alten is the New York Times and International bestselling author of fourteen novels, including the MEG series about Carcharodon Megalodon, the 70-foot, 100,000 pound prehistoric cousin of the Great White shark and Domain trilogy, a series about the Mayan Calendar’s 2012 doomsday prophecy. His work has been published in over 30 countries and is being used in thousands of middle and high school curriculum as part of Adopt-An-Author, a free teen reading program, which he founded with teachers back in 1999.

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I’ve read all of Steve’s Meg series and The Loch book and loved them all. I’m so excited to get this ARC. It ties all of the books together and gets you prepared for the upcoming fifth book in the Meg series.

Giant magalodons and prehistoric creatures of the deep. My what big teeth you have! LOL

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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