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Archive for May, 2015

From boy to man….Anthony by Harold J. Fischel ~ Tour Review & Giveaway

Posted: May 14, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Literature, New Adult, reviews
Tags: Anthony by Harold J. Fischel, coming of age, Contemporary Fiction, NA

Harold J. Fischel

Anthony

by Harold J. Fischel

21810611

Publisher: Harold J. Fischel (April 3, 2014)
Category: New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction
Tour Date: May/June, 2015
Available in: Print & ebook, 309 Pages

My Review

Compelling. That’s the word I’m looking for. This story is compelling.

There isn’t a lot of action, no weird plots. It’s a story about a boy and the events that make him a man.

A shy, somewhat pudgy young boy, Anthony discovers swimming and as his body matures, he grows into a strapping young man.

During those years, he faces many adversities, suffers a tragic loss, and is involved in a taboo affair. The shadows of his past follow him as he goes off to college. There he makes friends, finds his path, and falls in love.

But the past catches up to him. Now he could lose everything. Perhaps love can save him.

This is another of those stories I call life fiction. From boy to man, you follow this character. Feel his insecurities and doubts. His sadness and pain. His hope.

I mentioned compelling. I opened this book, started reading, and the writing compelled me to continue. I read a chapter, then another, and another. Soon, I reached the end. It read almost like a movie. Flashing from scene to scene through the years as Anthony grew up.

A wonderful story.

4 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

Life has never been easy for Anthony, the secret love child of a well-known US general and his beautiful mistress. After his father perishes in a plane crash, his cancer-stricken mother, Yuni, is forced to move with him to a tiny New York City apartment. And to make matters worse, he’s flagged as an easy target for neighborhood bullies, who constantly terrorize him inside and outside of school.

But after a brutal attack prompts him to fight back in a fit of rage, things start to turn around for the young boy. He shows promise joining the swim and wrestling teams in school, and begins to grow into the tall and physically fit body he inherited from his father.

Just when Anthony’s situation seems to be getting better, however, tragedy strikes his life yet again. In order to put the pieces back together, he turns to some of the strong female figures in his life. But it’s the one girl whom he least expects who may have the power to heal him—shedding his image as the illegitimate son through the magic of love and helping him leave his tragic childhood behind.

~~~~~

Praise for Anthony by Harold J. Fischel:

“It’s not often that I find a book that truly moves me, but Anthony may have just been it. Anthony is so real…such a realistic and poignant character. He is bitter, confused, sad, angry, and while his experience is not necessarily the norm of a typical young adult, you can easily relate to him. What a transformation. Anthony goes from a scared and weak child to a fierce, understanding, and competent young man. Fischel writes with skill and craftsmanship that is a joy to read. I would read anything else he has to offer in a heartbeat.”- Katelyn Hensel, Readers’ Favorite

“The young boy, Anthony, captures your heart in the first few chapters, and you will want to continue with him through his happy, frightening, joyful, daunting journey toward manhood. A good read from start to finish.” J. Herrick, Amazon Reviewer

“New Adult, Coming of Age, Contemporary Fiction’s coming of age story, Anthony, is inspiring and heartwarming. Fischel’s writing style is accomplished and smooth, and I quickly became immersed in this athletic and ethical story of triumph over adversity. Anthony is a marvelous book and is highly recommended reading.”- Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite

“Loved the story line, could not put it down. Although it is listed as a novel, it is sad to think this is reality for some kids.”- Donna Connely, Amazon Reviewer

“Anthony by Harold J. Fischel is a wonderful coming of age novel. I loved the story of Anthony,… I welcomed all the surprises and I loved all the characters. Anthony was resilient and strong, even when he was still a kid. Everything he experienced growing up only made him stronger, some of the things that happened to him even made me cry. All the supporting characters also played big roles in Anthony’s success. Overall, a good book with great characters.”- Lorena Sanqui, Readers’ Favorite

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About Harold J. Fischel

Harold J. Fischel, a graduate of Washington & Lee University and the NYU School of Law, has lived and worked on four different continents. His family fled the Netherlands shortly after the Nazi invasion, moving to Curacao and Aruba before settling in the United States in 1952.

After law school, Fischel served the US Army in Germany, later retiring as a captain. Since then, he again lived in the Netherlands, before returning to the United States to work for the US subsidiary of a Chinese company.

Fischel is now retired and living in Michigan with his wife, Jan, and their beloved Labrador retriever. He has two daughters, five wonderful grandchildren, and two great sons-in-law. Since retiring, he has published two novels and is working on a third.

Facebook ~ Goodreads

Buy Anthony by Harold J. Fischel

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository
Kobo

~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

I have one copy of Anthony to giveaway. Winners choice of eBook or Print.

Print copy is US only.

To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“If you could go back and live your life over, would you?”

~~~

Follow the tour for more fun posts!

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 5 Spotlight & Giveaway

aobibliosphere™ May 6 Review

Cassandra M’s Place May 7 Review & Giveaway

IndieWritersReview May 8 Excerpt

Indie Review Behind the Scenes May 9 Live Interview 11 am Centeral

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings May 11 Review

Inspire to Read May 11 Interview

What Jenna Thought May 13 Review

fuonlyknew May 14 Review & Giveaway

What Jenna Thought May 14 Interview & Giveaway

Binding Addiction May 15 Excerpt

Housewife Blues & Chihuahua May 18 Excerpt

Random Musesomy May 21 Review & Giveaway

Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews May 25 Review

Confessions Of A Reader May 27 Review

The Book Lover’s Lounge May 29 Review & Giveaway

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 1 Review

Ordinary Girlz Book Reviews June 1 Guest Post

Rockin’ Book Reviews June 5 Review & Giveaway

What U Talking Bout Willis? June 15 Guest Post

Jersey Girl Book Reviews June 19 Review & Guest Post

The Mama Games June 23 Review & Giveaway

Deal Sharing Aunt June 26 Review & 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!

In the shadows, in the mist…..Madman Across The Water ~ Debut Book Release Blast

Posted: May 14, 2015 in Book Blast, horror, Mystery, New Release, suspense
Tags: Author Caroline Angel, Horror, Madman Across The Water, mystery, suspense

Madman Across the Water

By- Caroline Angel

Genre- Horror

For generations one family has been haunted by something… something that stalks. It sees and listens, it watches and follows. In the shadows and mist it waits, to take you, to hurt you, perhaps to kill you. And if it doesn’t kill you, you’ll wish it did.

A creepy, suspenseful saga of family, horror, and mystery, this is one story sure to leave you frightened of the woods at night, fog, and all things tall and slender.

(more…)

#T4T Two For Thursday Blast & Giveaway ~ Reaper’s Rite Series by Dorothy Dreyer

Posted: May 14, 2015 in Book Blast, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, YA
Tags: Author Dorothy Dreyer, Reaper's Rite Series, YA paranormal romance

Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Reaper’s Rite series by Dorothy Dreyer!

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

My Sister's Reaper

Sixteen-year-old Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she liked she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake was actually doing it.

When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong. Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, or let Mara die … this time for good.

What Readers Are Saying:

“I felt that the author did a great job with her character developement. She was very vivid in her details and I felt like they were people I would meet on the street.” – Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer

“My Sister’s Reaper was a great paranormal, YA novel. Dreyer did an awesome job at creating Zadie’s linage and having it make complete sense.” – Tyler, Jolley Chronicles

“Okay, reapers, zombies, and death? Yeah, I was definitely reading this one.” – Kelly Hashway, Author

~~~~~

My Tethered Soul

Months have passed since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, during which time she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning 17, that protection is about to run out. When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.

What Readers Are Saying:

“The series is magnificent and should be on the best sellers list!!” – Holly, Author

“Dorothy Dreyer continues the fast-paced, heart pounding journey she started in My Sister’s Reaper, delivering a YA paranormal romance filled with believable characters battling unbelievable odds.” – Katie, Author

“Ms. Dreyer has upped the ante in terms of characterization, suspense, some down-right spooky scenes, and a playful sense of humor, particularly in the dialogue between her teen protagonists.” – Stuart, Author

About-the-Author
Dorothy Dreyer

Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and American Father, Dorothy grew up a military brat, living in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Guam, New Jersey, and New York. She now lives in Frankfurt, Germany, with her husband, two teens, and two Siberian huskies. Dorothy not only writes books with some element of magic in them, but has a fondness for reading those kinds of books as well. She also enjoys movies, chocolate, take-out, and spending time with family and friends. She’s known to make a pretty sweet cupcake when she has the time. She also tends to sing sometimes, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

It’s a mad world… The Publicist by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 13, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: Author Christina George, contemporary romance, The Publicist Series

For today I’m sharing the covers and blurbs for all three books and my review for The Publicist, Book #1. Be sure to stop by next week on May 20th for my review of The Publicist, Book #2 and the following week on May 27th for my review of The Publicist, Climax, Book #3.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Kindle or #100 Amazon Gift Card!

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The Publicist (Book One)

My Review

Beware. You are now entering the publishing zone!

First things first. I had a bit of a rough patch with Kate and Mac. He’s married, after all. I don’t condone that behavior one bit. But there are special circumstances here. I actually found myself hoping these two would get their happy ever after. This is the first of three books so I was pretty sure it wouldn’t happen soon. And the author throws in Nick. He’s just as sexy as Mac, and single. Who knows where it will go.

What a lovely mess is the world of publishing. As a publicist, Kate has to deal with some crazy stuff. From authors faking 5 star reviews, to stage fright, to squeezing that next book out of them, she’s always stressed out. I bow to her tenacity. No matter how impossible some things seemed, she found a way, often making me laugh at her ingenuity.

I read a lot of books and have come to know many authors and some of their experiences with being published. Now I have a peek into the other side of that process. I don’t envy either. It can be cut throat and you need a tough skin and lots of patience. And sometimes, a heart.

Many characters are introduced. A few secondary ones really had an impact. And there are some I’d gladly show to the door.

The chapters are short, making it a fast read. I read this straight through in one night. I started it, got sucked in by the smooth writing and genuine characters, and kept thinking I’d read just one more chapter. It was the wee hours when I finished it and I kept looking at the second book, but I resisted and did get some sleep.

I recommend this to authors, publishers, and word lovers everywhere.

“It’s a mad mad mad mad world.”

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Behind every book, there’s always more to the story. Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t always sell (at all) and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.Enter the star Editor, MacDermott Ellis. Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author, now as forgotten as yesterday’s news; and his nephew Nick, who wants to sweep Kate away from New York for another coast, California.

As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, the over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week”, she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.

Shelf Life (Book Two)

It’s an industry of out-of-control egos, unrealistic expectations, and unfulfilled promises.This is publishing and it’s Kate’s world, but maybe not for long.When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. With the shelf life of her career and her love affair quickly expiring, Kate sets off on a new adventure…Starting over in California is easy but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nick Lavigne is eager to help her forget but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis.As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she’s welcomed back with open arms.But at the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she’d been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart.Behind the book, there’s always more to the story. Welcome to Publishing, the ego has landed.

Climax (Book Three)

Climax__the Publicist_Part_1_2 Bundled Set Cover (2)

Kate Mitchell has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick Lavigne’s heart. Now he’s back and he’s moved on, and it’s affecting Kate’s life more than she’s willing to admit.

Kate Mitchell has everything. She’s the head of a crazy successful publishing house, engaged to the traffic-stopping sexy Mac Ellis and she’s about to sign one of the biggest authors of her career.

And that’s when everything falls apart.

Everything is perfect…until it’s not.

In a city of 8 million people Kate manages to run into someone she never expected to see again.

Nick is handsome, impossibly kind, every girl’s dream, and Kate’s former fiancé. He’s also the brother of the rising star author she’s trying to sign. Now that Nick’s back in town and has moved on he insists he’s over Kate, but part of him still can’t get past how amazing they were, and his sister won’t let anyone forget how brutally it ended.

When Mac is dealt a life-changing blow, it forces Kate to question every single choice she’s made.

Follow Kate as she embarks on a journey of life and love, navigating through the decisions that will change it all forever.

Author Christina George

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn’t. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.

Connect with Christina: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Where to buy the book

Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

May 4 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Shelf Life / giveaway
May 4 – Book Nerd – review of The Publicist
May 5 – XoXo Book Blog – book spotlight / interview or guest post / giveaway
May 5 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Climax
May 5 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 5 – Book Stop Corner – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 5 – T’s Stuff – review of Climax / giveaway
May 6 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of Shelf Life
May 6 – Book Stop Corner – review of Shelf Life
May 6 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of The Publicist
May 7 – For Life After – review of Climax
May 7 – Book Stop Corner – review of Climax
May 7 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of Climax
May 7 – The Booksnake Etc – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 8 – Book Nerd – review of Shelf Life
May 11 – The Booksnake Etc – review of Shelf Life
May 11 – Julia Piccolo – review of Climax
May 13 – fuonlyknew – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 13 – Back Porchervations – book spotlight / interview or guest post / giveaway
May 13 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of Shelf Life
May 14 – Book Nerd – review of Climax
May 14 – Vic’s Media Room – review of The Publicist
May 15 – The Book Fairy – review of Climax / giveaway
May 15 – Vic’s Media Room – review of Shelf Life
May 15 – The Booksnake Etc – review of Climax
May 18 – Vic’s Media Room – review of Climax
May 20 – fuonlyknew – review of Shelf Life
May 20 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of Climax
May 27 – fuonlyknew – review of Climax
May 27 – Stuck in YA Books – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 28 – Stuck in YA Books – review of Shelf Life
May 29 – Stuck in YA Books – review of Climax

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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!

2 Ghosts bought off of eBay ~ Ghost For Sale by Sandra Cox ~ Cover Reveal

Posted: May 13, 2015 in Cover Reveal, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
Tags: Ghost For Sale by Sandra Cox, paranormal/fantasy romance

Who knew you could buy ghosts off of eBay. I guess they sell anything!

Check out the cover for Ghost For Sale!

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Ghost For Sale

Title: Ghost For Sale
Author: Sandra Cox
Publisher: Lyrical Press

Synopsis

Caitlin King can’t believe that her shopaholic cousin actually bought two ghosts off of eBay. But she can’t ignore the truth when she starts seeing sexy Liam O’Reilly, who’s been dead for over a hundred years. He’s a fascinating specter, and the more time Caitlin spends with him, the closer they become—sending them both spiraling into a star-crossed tailspin. No matter how desperately they long for each other, there’s just no future with a guy who’s already stopped breathing.

In order to help Liam and his twin sister, Anna, leave their earthly limbo and cross over into the light, Caitlin must find the ghost of Anna’s fiancé. But a malevolent spirit is dead set against Anna moving on. Now Caitlin will have to unravel the mystery surrounding the twins’ past lives in order to keep Liam’s spirit safe—even if it means sacrificing her heart in the process.

PRE-ORDER INFORMATION

Ghost for Sale is available for pre-order at Apple, Amazon, B&N, Kobo and Google Play

~~~~

Author Sandra Cox

Multi-published author Sandra Cox writes YA fantasy, historic and paranormal romance and metaphysical nonfiction. Sandra lives with her husband, a menagerie of pets, and an occasional foster cat in sunny North Carolina. To see the brood go to her website www.sandracox1.com and click on the cat tab.

For More Information

Visit Sandra’s website.

~~~

Until the next time….

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Ghost Love by Nelli Rees ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted: May 12, 2015 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
Tags: Author Nelli Rees, Ghost Love, romance with a bit or paranormal

Ghost Love

Nelli Rees

Genre: Romance (with a hint of the paranormal)

Publisher: Phaze

Date of Publication: 20th January 2015

ISBN: ISBN-13 978-1-60659-849-8 / ASIN: B00SNYRXH8

Number of pages: 332 / Word Count: 90,000

Cover Artist: Niki Browning

Book Description:

In the madcap, chaotic days when Communism crumbled in the USSR, Tonia meets and falls in love with Englishman, Peter Monroe. Despite the protests of her family and the more strenuous

objections of the KGB Tonia agrees to marry Peter only for him to mysteriously disappear.

Twenty years later a life-toughened Toni must revisit these bitter-sweet memories when she finds herself and her daughters endangered by the consequences of that love affair.

In her despair Toni comes to realise that true love really does conquer all … even death.

Available at Phaze Amazon BN ARe

~~~

Excerpt

Present Day: Dorset, England

Excitement being a kindred spirit to fear, Toni was undecided as to whether it was a trickle of fear she felt shivering down her spine or a trickle of excitement.

As she sat staring at the screen of her laptop, the darkness shrouding the room seemed to draw in on her: her head swam, her palms became clammy. Tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them away, hoping that by doing so the message on her screen would disappear. It didn’t.

Peter Monroe wants to be friends on Facebook.

Hesitantly she maneuvered the cursor over the ‘connect’ button and pressed ‘enter.’ The screen mutated to show the Facebook page for ‘Peter Monroe.’ It was Peter! She recognized the profile photograph instantly. She’d taken it. She remembered posing him in front of the bandstand in Gorki Park on that spring day back in 1990, remembered laughing at the stupid faces he pulled, remembered the way his long chestnut hair flopped over his forehead, remembered…

How could she forget? He had been her one true love.

Love. A word made empty by misuse…by overuse. She wondered how many had ever endured the touch of real love, that soul-eviscerating sensation that comes when you know you have found your soul-mate. Very few, she decided. Perhaps this was all for the good: true love brought anguish in equal measure to joy. As the last twenty years had taught her, finding true love was a bitter-sweet blessing. Her fingers trembled as she typed.

Is it really you, Peter?

The reply was instantaneous.

Yes…I’ve missed you, Tonia.

She couldn’t stop herself: the tears flowed down her cheeks.

But…

She paused, terrified that what she would type next might cause this marvelous mirage to vanish.

But I thought you were dead.

The seconds ticked by, then:

I am.

~~~

About Nelli Rees

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Nelli Rees, born in Moscow, trained as a linguist and a musician. With her future husband Englishman Rod she worked and travelled around Russia, finally coming to live in England in 1998. Nelli has had several successful careers: recording a critically acclaimed nu-jazz album “Jazz Noir”, becoming an award-winning jewellery maker, writing a book “Glass Bead Jewelry Projects”, and doing all this whilst being a mother and a wife. “Ghost Love” is Nelli’s first novel and draws heavily on her own experiences as a young woman in Soviet Russia and the obstacles she and her husband-to-be faced during those difficult times.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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Video of Nelli performing “Falling In Love Again”:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2J5Phukc8Y]

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Look at the awesome prizes!

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Prize 1: “Pink Flowers” Necklace from Nelli’s “Jewelry for All Seasons” collection (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings, crystals and hand dyed silk ribbon);

Prize 2: “Malachite Mystery” Pendant and earrings (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings and chain, crystals);

Prize 3: “Tiger! Tiger!” Earrings (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings, crystals);

Prizes 4-7: Bookmarks with glass bead ornamentation (handmade lampwork beads, crystals, steel dividers);

Prize 8: Signed paperback copy of ‘Ghost Love’;

Prize 9: Signed copy of Nelli’s book ‘Glass Bead Jewelry Projects’;

Prize 10 – 14: Signed promo copies of Nelli’s album ‘Jazz Noir’.

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!

Teaser Tuesdays #114 ~ The City of Blood ~ A Paris Homicide Mystery

Posted: May 12, 2015 in Mytery/Thriller, Series, Teaser Tuesdays
Tags: A Paris Homicde Mystery, Author Frederique Molay, The City Of Blood

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of A Daily Rhythm.

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!

~~~

My Tease for this week is from

The City Of Blood

A Paris Homicide Mystery

by Author Frederique Molay

Translated from French by Jeffrey Zuckerman

22633351

My Teasers from page 13 and 48 in the paperback book.

My teaser from page 13.

“This place is a city within the city. It’s an incredible story…”

My teaser from page 48.

This little boy with a round head and a smile that curved like a banana was the cutest baby in the world.

~~~

Synopsis

When a major Parisian modern art event gets unexpected attention on live TV, Chief of Police Nico Sirsky and his team of elite crime fighters rush to La Villette park and museum complex. On the site of the French capital’s former slaughterhouses, the blood is just starting to flow, and Sirsky finds himself chasing the butcher of Paris, while his own mother faces an uncertain future.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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Things get mighty hot in…Southern Heat by David Burnsworth ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 11, 2015 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Mytery/Thriller, reviews
Tags: Author David Burnsworth, mystery, Southern Heat, thriller

southern heat large banner640

Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

There is plenty of drama, action, mystery and characters that you like and want the best from.
~readalot

…a really good read. A fast paced page turner from page 1. David Burnsworth has created enjoyable characters that are engaging, and the setting is beautiful.
~Tea and A Book

I am just amazed that this was David Burnsworth first novel…let me tell you this is an author to watch!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Southern Heat

18351878

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Five Star; first edition (February 19, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-1432828004
E-Book ASIN: B00IF9FAKS

My Review

Brack Pelton’s life changes in an instant after witnessing the murder of his uncle. The police suspect him and a beautiful, persistent reporter puts him in the spotlight.

Much comes to light after his uncles death. Brack inherits his uncles ramshackle bar, Pirate’s Cove, his old beach house, and some valuable undeveloped land.

I couldn’t help but compare some of this book to my neck of the woods. Pirate’s Cove sounds so much like a local bar we used to have called Judge Roy Bean’s. I spent many afternoons there, sharing good times with the other regulars. And the scenery described is such that I felt like I was home.

I just loved Brack. He never took himself seriously. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. He’d claim to know about women and be so off the mark. It seemed like every few pages something he’d do or think would have me chuckling. Gotta love him.

And his dog, Shelby. Brack loves that dog and does everything to make sure he’s safe and happy when things start getting dangerous. In the south, it’s not uncommon for people to have multiple dogs and they go where their owners go.

As Brack digs into his uncles murder, two detectives hound his every move. Brack was such a rascal. He pulled all kinds of stuff on the two poor fellas. One I actually came to like was Wilson. He had potential to become a good guy.

When the powers that be come after the land Brack inherited, goons come out of the woodwork, bullets fly, and people get hurt.

Gripping and intense, David Burnsworth has written a winner. The southern atmosphere is as thick as the humidity and the mystery and suspense make the story fly.

I was thrilled to receive a print copy of Southern Heat and was thrilled when I discovered that after removing the book flap, the actual book still displayed the same beautiful scene. Often a book is blank under the cover, but not this one.

Living in the south, I’m always drawn to stories that have a southern setting and I had a blast with this book. I must have marked so many pages with post-its so I could tell you about something that leaped out at me, though I didn’t use most so I wouldn’t spoil the mystery.

The author did everything right with this exciting mystery and I’m anxious to see what he writes next. Hopefully more about these flawed yet lovable characters.

5 Stars

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Synopsis:

Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie’s murder and targets Brack.

The sole heir of his uncle’s estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate’s Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston’s wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle’s killer.

From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.

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About This Author

David Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Southern Heat is his first mystery. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along with their dog call South Carolina home.

Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N

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I have one Print copy of Southern Heat to giveaway!

To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“Do you look for stories written in familiar settings?”

Giveaway ends May 16th.

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Tour Participants

May 6 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

May 7 – readalot – Review

May 8 – Tea and A Book – Review, Guest Post

May 9 – Mystery Playground – Interview, E-Book Giveaway

May 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

May 11 – fuonlyknew – Review, Print Giveaway

May 12 – Lori’s Reading Corner – Guest Post, Print Giveaway

May 13 – Omnimystery News – Guest Post

May 14 – View from the Birdhouse – Review

May 15 – Brooke Blogs – Review, E-Book 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!

What’s New On My Bookshelf #108 and The Sunday Post

Posted: May 10, 2015 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: Laura Thomas, my weekly book news, The Sunday Post

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This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

Another fun way to share your book news and enjoy others is The Sunday Post hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Head on over and leave a link to your Sunday Post and hop around to visits others.

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Some chit chat.

It was a hot and busy week at work so I came home every day and dove into my house. AAH! The delicious AC! LOL I don’t know how they did it before it was invented.

One thing that still feels like spring here on the Gulf Coast is the cooler mornings and low humidity before that scorching sun builds it up and you are trying to breath that moist air.

I spend most mornings enjoying a hot cup of tea on my back porch and start my weekend mornings there too. This is my outdoor office. I’m working now.

Nice, eh?! When I’m not reading or on my computer, I pick up my gardening tools and tweak things and plunge in the pool to cool off. I’m in Heaven:)

And I want to thank everyone for your helpful comments about what eReader I should buy last week. You ALL Rock!

I made up my mind and this recently arrived in my mailbox. Yeah!

Yep, I chose the Paperwhite and am learning about all of the bells and whistles now. I love it!

And for all the moms and soon to be moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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My mother is flying down and arrives next Wednesday. I can’t wait to see her!. She’ll be here for five months. I have a brother and a sister that live close by and we all fight over her. LOL She’s my best friend and an angel on this planet. I can only hope I’m as a great a mother to my son as she is to me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you so much!

I’ll be hopping over to check out your Sunday posts so be sure to leave me your link!

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Here are my new books for review.

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I was thrilled to be offered Special Passage. I’ve read the other three and love this series.

And I was also thrilled to get Terminal. I’ve read the first three books and loved them. Just got to tidy up a review and on to this one.

And I couldn’t pass up In The Eyes Of Madness when the author offered it for review. Just my kind of reading!

I was thrilled to get The Gatherers. Been waiting a long time for this one. I had wicked fun with the first book, The Harvesting.

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New ones just because.

On my Kindle

I got so lucky and spotted this free on Amazon! I just reviewed Killing Weeds, the 8th book in this series and plan to go back and read the others. How cool that I got this one free. I prefer getting cozies in print but I still need to get 6 more books in this series and that gets a bit pricey.

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I’m into a lot of books for young readers and this sounded fun for all ages. Just check out the description!

A fast paced, original adventure about a boy who tries to outrun a nightmare. An epic trip into a rich and beautiful world.

Packed with detailed maps and 18 stunning illustrations – Tyler’s Dream is a thrilling tale that is underscored by a fierce and breathtaking pace.

And it’s FREE until the 16th. Click on the cover to get your copy.

From Netgalley

I know. I said no more. LOL

23210147

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And here are some freebies for ya!

Click on the covers to get yours and remember to make sure they’re still free before you click that buy button.

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Books I reviewed this week. Click on the covers for my reviews.

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Books I’ll be reviewing next week.

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What I won.

This arrived in the mail this week.

It’s an American flag I won from the Marikay’s Rainbow Book Launch Party.

Thanks so much Marilyn.

I’ll be hanging it this week and will take pictures then:)

And I won Boring Girls from Stephanie’s giveaway on A Dream Within A Dream.

Thanks so much Stephanie and thank you to Author Sara Taylor.

Plus I won Learning To Float by Allan Ament.

The author sent me his book, some yummy chocolates, and a cool coffee mug!

Thanks so much Allan.

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News from around the web.

Over on Rabid Reads Carmel has a question for ya – Do You Read ARCs?

Check out Vicky’s 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging post on Books, Biscuits and Tea

A Guide To Epic Book Hoarding ~ This fun post by Shannon on It Starts At Midnight had me laughing! Great gifs!

And check out her review and giveaway post for Salt and Stone. It was a blast. Those gifs get me every time!

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Killing Weeds ~ A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery ~ #10th Anniversary Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 8, 2015 in Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery, Authors Joyce and Jim LaVene, Killing Weeds

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This is the 10^th year writing Peggy Lee so the authors would like to do a big anniversary prize with a book and a goody basket of seeds, gardening supplies, gloves, etc. for the gardeners out there who love Peggy Lee. Also a $20 Amazon gift card. You can enter the rafflecopter at the bottom of the post!

But first, please enjoy my review.

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Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Killing Weeds (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery Book 8)
File Size: 348 KB
Print Length: 235 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (May 5, 2015)
ASIN: B00UG9SBBK

My Review

This is the 8th book in this series and I can tell you right now, you don’t have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but you’ll sure want to.

The first thing I liked about the characters was Peggy Lee is close to my age. She’s a grandmother with a husband several years younger than her, but she doesn’t dye her hair, over exercise to stay firm, or hide her wrinkles. She earned them and wears them with pride.

And something that makes me have to go back to the beginning, besides loving these characters, is Shakespeare, Peggy’s Great Dane. I didn’t get to know him much in this book, but I have a feeling he played bigger roles in some of the other books in the series. I’m huge on animals as key characters in stories and I bet that big, lovable cuss had some major parts in some of these mysteries.

There’s more than one type of killing weed in this mystery. You have your flora and your fauna.

That’s something else I really enjoyed. The local police hire Peggy when they need a forensic botanist. This felt a bit like CSI, especially as Peggy’s son, Paul is married to Mia, a forensic chemist. This probably isn’t the first time these two gals teamed up to solve a riddle.

A strange coincidence or just bad luck. This book is about a killing weed, Hogweed, highly toxic and used in a murder. I was out clearing a flower bed and removed a nasty thorned vine. Forgetting to wash my hands, I rubbed my eyes and was in agony for over 2 hours. Couldn’t open my eyes, couldn’t shut them for the fiery pain. They finally cleared up after two days. Shows how deadly plants can be.

This has the usual recipe for a cozy mystery. Fun, colorful characters, a furry friend, and, or course, a murder. One that wasn’t easy to solve. I had an idea, then I didn’t, then I did.

Great fun, which I’ve come to expect from these authors. I’ve read books from a few of their other series’ and enjoyed them too.

4 Stars

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Synopsis:

It’s spring in Charlotte, North Carolina, home of forensic botanist and garden shop owner, Peggy Lee. This spring has been beautiful, as always, with flowering trees and blue skies.

But a killer is on the loose, and seems determined to destroy everyone and everything she cares about.

When her garden shop, the Potting Shed, is brutally vandalized, Peggy doesn’t realize that it is only the beginning. Her son, Paul, who has been moonlighting as a private detective to investigate the death of his father, John Lee, is suspected of murder when a mink coat lined with poison kills the woman who is wearing it.

Peggy identifies the particularly virile blend of botanical poisons in the coat. Unfortunately, her work as a specialist with plant poisons makes Paul even more interesting to the police. When attacks against her and her family continue, Peggy must go back through her years of sleuthing to finger the person responsible . . . before it’s too late.

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About Authors Joyce and Jim Lavene

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links

Joyce and Jim Lavene ~ Peggy Lee Mysteries

Facebook ~ Amazon ~ Twitter

Purchase Link
Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Participants

May 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post

May 6 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review

May 7 – MysteriesEtc – Review

May 8 – fuonlyknew – Review

May 9 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

May 10 – Laura’s Interests – Review

May 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Guest Post

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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!

fuonlyknew

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Archive for May, 2015

From boy to man….Anthony by Harold J. Fischel ~ Tour Review & Giveaway

In the shadows, in the mist…..Madman Across The Water ~ Debut Book Release Blast

#T4T Two For Thursday Blast & Giveaway ~ Reaper’s Rite Series by Dorothy Dreyer

It’s a mad world… The Publicist by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

2 Ghosts bought off of eBay ~ Ghost For Sale by Sandra Cox ~ Cover Reveal

Ghost Love by Nelli Rees ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Teaser Tuesdays #114 ~ The City of Blood ~ A Paris Homicide Mystery

Things get mighty hot in…Southern Heat by David Burnsworth ~ Review and Giveaway

Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

What’s New On My Bookshelf #108 and The Sunday Post

Killing Weeds ~ A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery ~ #10th Anniversary Tour Review and Giveaway

Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

categories

Follow my birdie

Follow me via Bloglovin

Say hi on Facebook

My Pins

Books I’ve Read

Archives

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Archive for May, 2015

Southern Heat by David Burnsworth

Killing Weeds by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene