March | 2018 | fuonlyknew

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Archive for March, 2018

Who let the dogs out …… Requiem For A Rescue Dog Queen ~ Excerpt and Review

Posted: March 15, 2018 in Cozy Mystery, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, M.K. Scott, Requiem For A Rescue Dog Queen, revuew

Title: REQUIEM FOR A RESCUE DOG QUEEN
Author: M.K. Scott
Publisher: Sleeping Dragon Press
Pages: 240
Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Review

Nala Bonne is still teaching pre-school as her new private investigations company gets on it’s feet. Things start looking up when she gets a new case. Someone is stalking the rescue dog queen and her charges. Nala calls on all of her resources to stop the stalker in their tracks.

While Nala was a delightful character with her completely disorganized life and seat of your pants investigation techniques, I must admit that Max, the talking dog, stole the show. I could almost hear his snark and see him try to manipulate with his puppy dog eyes. It was funny that people gave Max a lot of credit for things that Nala had actually done. I guess a talking dog would upstage most anyone.

Not having read the first book, which I plan to go back and do, I was a bit confused about why Nala’s dog, Max, could speak. Once I figured that out, I was able to focus on the mystery and enjoy all of the quirky character’s I came across.

The mystery starts off as a maybe stalking and takes a dark turn for the rescue dog queen. I had several character’s on my suspect list, but when the culprit was revealed, none of them made the cut. I like when the author provides false leads and keeps me guessing.

I enjoyed this fun mystery and getting to know the star players, two and four-legged and want to continue following the series to see what kind of pickle they get into next.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Pre-school teacher turned private eye Nala Bonne, and her opinionated dog, Max, have a nose for evil doings in Circle City. They’ve recently gone to the dogs, make that rescue dogs. Not everyone in Indianapolis has a soft spot for a homeless pup. Someone has it out for the dogs and the people who love them. A midnight call jolts Nala and Max into action as they rush to the aid of a local rescue dog queen, but it may already be too late.

Order your copy on AMAZON

Enjoy the book excerpt:

Forget about it and enjoy the moment. Her hair streamed behind her as the boat picked up speed. Even though it had been a hot Indian Summer day, going this fast on the water chilled her. The windbreaker she brought just in case would solve the issue but would cover up the flirty top she’d donned for the date. Should she be comfortable or becoming?

A loud noise interrupted before she could decide. The lake remained empty and calm, except for the wake behind the boat. Using her flat hand as a sun shield for her eyes, she peered toward the shore to figure out who might be playing the same trio of notes repeatedly. No one on the shoreline, which only deepened the mystery. It sounded so familiar. In an aha moment, she realized it was her phone. Unfortunately, the realization forced her to open her eyes in her dark bedroom.

The red numerals on her clock indicated it was one-thirty in the morning. It was too late or too early for anyone to call. The sound stopped when she realized the tune had been the one she assigned to Karly, her best friend. Karly would only call her this late if it was an emergency. A cold canine nose touched her hand as she reached for her phone on the nightstand.

“Go back to sleep, Max. It doesn’t involve you.”

Even though it was dark and Max was a black German shepherd mix, she would have sworn the dog cocked his head and gave her an oh, really look. The damp nose disappeared with the sound of dog nails on the wood floor as Max settled on the floor. She could hear him mutter under his breath, “We’ll see.”

Yeah, dealing with a talking dog could be problematic at times. Her fingers found the phone which now had a glowing dot on the dashboard for notifications. Before she could call back, the phone rang again, vibrating in her hand. Karly again.

“Why in the world would you be calling me in the middle of the night?”

Her friend’s breathless voice gasped out. “We need your help!”

~~~~~

M.K. Scott

M.K. Scott is the husband and wife writing team behind The Painted Lady Inn Mysteries and The Talking Dog Detective Agency. Morgan K Wyatt is the general wordsmith, while her husband, Scott, is the grammar hammer and physics specialist. He uses his engineering skills to explain how fast a body falls when pushed over a cliff and various other felonious activities. The Internet and experts in the field provide forensic information, while the recipes and B and B details require a more hands-on approach. Morgan’s daughter, who manages a hotel, provides guest horror stories to fuel the plot lines. The couple’s dog, Chance, is the inspiration behind Jasper, Donna’s dog. Overall, both are a fun series to create and read.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Kid’s Korner #29 ~ Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

Posted: March 14, 2018 in Children's books, reviews
Tags: children's illustrated book, Don't Ever Look Behind Door 32, review

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing an adorable children’s book that will have your kids oohing and aahing.

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Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

by B.C.R. Fegan

Illustrated by Lenny Wen

Genre: Children’s Book

Grade level K – 3

Age Level – 3 – 8

My Review

As soon as you open the book, you’re greeted by the friendly yet mysterious Mr. Nicholas Noo, who invites you to tour his magical Hotel of Hoo. As his very first guests, he’s eager to share the surprises hidden by each door of the haunted mansion. His only condition, don’t ever look behind door 32.

Young ones will be eager to see what each door reveals. They’ll meet dancing zombies, miniature giants, baby wizards, unusual pets and so many more delightful and sometimes frightful beings. Fegan’s rhyming prose makes this one you’ll want to read aloud as narrator Lenny Wen bedazzles you with his vivid and colorful illustrations.

The suspense builds as you’re frequently reminded not to open door number 32. What ever could it be hiding? Nope, not gonna tell ya.

I found this book a delightful adventure. I have the hardcover edition and got the full benefit of the fabulous illustrations and couldn’t wait to find out if anyone peaked behind door 32.

You’ll want to keep this close at hand as I’m sure it will become a family favorite to read over and over again.

5 Stars

Thanks so much to TaleBlade Press and Author B.C.R. Fegan for my gorgeous complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

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Synopsis

The magical Hotel of Hoo is a mysterious place with some very unusual occupants. As our guests explore the strange hotel, they are invited to experience everything it has to offer with just one warning… don’t ever look behind door 32.

This imaginative picture book aims to take children beyond the first ten cardinal numbers, and introduces them to the patterns of counting in a fun and accessible way. With rooms to explore and unique objects to count, children will enjoy lingering on each page as they make their way closer to the forbidden door.

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Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32 will be available in hardcover, paperback, Kindle and ePub through all major online retailers on March 14, 2018..

Amazon / B&N / Goodread

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About Author B.C.R. Fegan

B.C.R. Fegan

BCR Fegan is an award-winning author who has written a number of fairy tales and fantasies for children and young adults.

Raised on a small hobby farm only minutes from some of Australia’s greatest beaches, Fegan grew up inspired by the power of natures ambience. From the intensity of the frequent summer storms, to the overwhelming serenity of a lonely beach in the early hours of the morning. His ravenous appetite for both reading and writing soon saw him drawing on the transformational influence of the world around him to craft short stories, poems and picture books.

As time wore on, Fegan also found inspiration in the magic and depth of authors and compositors like Hans Christian Andersen, the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault. He was mesmerised by the potency of small but beautiful phrases that were carefully carved from the minds of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Robert Frost. He grew to appreciate the worlds meticulously created by David Eddings, JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.

Eventually, he began to forge his own complete works. Weaving his own magic, piecing together his own phrases and crafting his own worlds. Agonising over plots that would inspire, characters that would be loved and circumstances that would delight. In time, his efforts saw a number of children’s books and young adult fiction produced. Through the efforts of TaleBlade Press, these works are now being published with that same careful dedication.

Website / Twitter / TaleBlade Press

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Two Day Sale And Giveaway ~ The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

Posted: March 14, 2018 in giveaways, Romance, suspense
Tags: Cami Checketts, giveaway, romantic suspense, sale, The Protective Warrior

Don’t miss this two day sale. You can get Cami Checkett’s The Protective Warrior for just 99 pennies!

And don’t forget to enter the swimsuit giveaway!

The Protective Warrior

by Cami Checketts

A daughter escaping, a Navy SEAL sent to protect her, and the beautiful island that might prove more dangerous than her father.

Ally, daughter of the Duke of Gunthry, has spent her life terrified of her father and dreams of the day when she can escape his tyrannical rule.

When her mum helps her escape to the beautiful island of Kauai, Ally thinks she’s found paradise and maybe more with the handsome River who keeps crossing her path.

But there are unexpected enemies lurking in the shadows. And no matter how tough River seems, no one can withstand the army her father will send when he discovers her location.

River Duncan is part of an elite security task force of ex-Navy SEALS. Little does he know his first assignment might prove irresistible to resist and protect. When he finds himself falling for the fun-loving Ally he plans to resign his position so they can join forces in their common goal of fighting human trafficking. River has never underestimated the enemy before, but is he fully prepared to protect and love Alexandria Gunthry?

Will River’s protection and Ally’s love be enough to conquer a lifetime of fear and responsibilities? Or will they be forced to give up on their dreams in the face of her sadistic and powerful father?

Praise for The Protective Warrior

I’ve read pretty much every Cami Checketts book, and I think this is my favorite of all time ever!

I absolutely love the way Cami Checketts is able to sweep me away to an exotic location, completely immersing me in the story. She always adds an element of suspense that keeps me on my toes and I was almost looking over my shoulder while hiking the lush trails of Kauai this afternoon.

It doesn’t get any better than this! An excellent read from start to finish! I love this book! Outstanding! One of my all-time favorites!

The Protective Warrior is the perfect balance of sweet romance and on-your-toes suspense. I loved it!

Enjoy the Excerpt

.
“This seat taken?” a nicely timbered voice asked.
Ally glanced up and took her time looking over him before she answered.
He arched an eyebrow and smiled. “Did I pass muster?”
“How do you do?”
He cocked his head to the side. “I’m good. You?”
Ally laughed. “I’m glad you’re good, but ‘how do you do’ is more like ‘hello.’”
“Hello.” He smiled, and ooh, he was cute. “So I do pass muster?” He moved to sit down.
Ally held out a hand. “Not so quick, chump.” His dark hair was short, military or missionary short, but it was nice—clean and thick and would probably feel good beneath her fingertips. His face was lean and proportioned with a firm jaw, a straight nose, and smooth, tanned skin. She liked the crinkles next to his eyes and mouth as he smiled at her, awaiting her perusal. He’d had some experiences in life, good and bad, if those crinkles told her anything. He was a big guy—broad and at least six-three with lots of lovely muscles peeking out from underneath his T-shirt and board shorts. It was his eyes that finally convinced her to accept his request. Their deep brown sparkled at her, though she could tell he could be very serious.
He tapped the edge of his tray. “How about now?”
“Okay, no harm in sharing a table.” She winked at him and picked a bite of rib off the bone, savoring the tang of the barbecue sauce and the heartiness of the meat. No, she never took men home, only selectively dated those who passed her intuition test. She trusted her intuition completely and she could have fun with this hot, tough-looking guy.
He smiled and dug into his brisket. “Mm. This place is good.”
“One of my favorites.”
“Have you been on the island long?”
She wished. “A few days.”
“Oh. You act like a local.” He ate a bite of beans and took a drink of water before asking, “Which part of England are you from?”
“London. Kensington, to be exact. You?”
“Long Island originally. I like your accent a lot.”
“I’ve been in the States for over six years, so it’s faded.”
“Don’t let it fade.”

Author Cami Checketts

Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.

Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.

Website * Instagram * Facebook

Nani Swimsuit Giveaway

To celebrate the release of The Protective One we are giving away an adorable Nani Swimsuit of your choice ($80 value). Enter to win below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: March 13, 2018 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review, Six Feet Under, Tonya Kappes

Six Feet Under

A Kenni Lowry Mystery

by Tonya Kappes

Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – Kentucky
Henery Press (March 13, 2018)
Paperback: 268 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635113082

My Review

A new Kenni Lowry mystery is something I can’t pass up.

I love the idea of a female sheriff and Kenni takes the cake. She’s tough yet vulnerable, especially when her mother butts into her business, and smart too. And she’s falling in love! The new romance is going to be put to the test though. A new murder case puts her mother at the top of the list of suspects and she’s tempted to go outside her legal boundaries to clear her mother’s name. She could use a little help from the other side of the grave and her poppa is happy to oblige.

This series never gets old. There’s a bit of romance, a juicy murder, a sprinkling of the paranormal, and a whole lot of southern flavor and shenanigans. All the fixins you need for a fun cozy mystery.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. And let me tell you, this broth is in trouble. Get ready for a Southern showdown.

The residents of Cottonwood, Kentucky are sent into a tizzy when the Culinary Channel comes to town to film an episode of Southern Home Cookin’ with celebrity chef Frank Von Lee.

Especially Sheriff Kenni Lowry.

Her mama’s award-winning chicken pot pie is what brought Frank to town, and they don’t make hair in the South bigger than her mama’s ego after the news.

When Frank Von Lee is found dead from food poisoning and the most likely culprit is Mama’s chicken pot pie, Kenni’s poppa, the former sheriff, comes back from the Great Beyond to assist in the investigation.

But nothing’s prepared Kenni for such a personal tie to a case, and she finds herself pushing the limits of the laws she’s sworn to protect.

This book’s so delicious it’ll make your mouth water and leave you hankerin’ for more.

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About Author Tonya Kapps

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.
Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com .

Visit Tonya:

Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes

Kappes Krew Street Team

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

Purchase Links:

Amazon B&N kobo

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 6 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 7 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – CHARACTER GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 7 – Queen of All She Reads – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 8 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 8 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 10 – Christa Reads and Writes – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 10 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY

March 11 – Varietats – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 12 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

March 12 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

March 13 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 13 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 14 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 14 – Books, Movies, Reviews. Oh my! – REVIEW

March 15 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 15 – The Montana Bookaholic – SPOTLIGHT

March 16 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 16 – Community Bookstop – REVIEW

March 17 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, GIVEAWAY

March 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

March 18 – La libreria di Beppe – SPOTLIGHT, GIVEAWAY

March 19 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW, GUEST POST, GIVEAWAY

March 19 – Back Porchervations – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

My Monday Minis #38 ~ Gaelan’s War

Posted: March 12, 2018 in horror, reviews, Supernatural, thriller
Tags: Gaelan's War, Horror, review, Supernatural, thriller

Welcome to my Monday Minis where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.

Today’s book has so much going on. Can’t wait to share!

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Gaelan’s War

Gaelan Kelly #1

Genre: Horror / Thriller / Supernatural

My Review

Gaelan returns from the war only to have to fight another one at home. Dumped by his girlfriend and disillusioned, his parent’s take him on a trip to boost him up. What happens next is straight out of a horror movie and Gaelan will stop at nothing to avenge the horrific death of his parents.

I’d suggest you set aside some time when you start this book. It hooks you quickly and you’ll find it hard to stop once you start. From horror to vengeance, it doesn’t let up.

Gaelan is a damaged man. Up against a foe that defies belief, he sets a course to get his revenge. I’m big on character driven stories and I think Gaelan’s journey to accept what he’s up against and use it to further his vengeance was my favorite part of the story. It kept me focused and eager to see how he put his experience to work and used things to his advantage.

I see this is the author’s debut novel. Sure doesn’t read like it. The writing is strong and the plot and character development are excellent.

A character study as much as a horror thriller, I was delighted by this first book and excited to know there will be more. If you enjoy a good thriller with some horror thrown in, along with some beasts that will give you the shivers, you ought to try this one.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

WHEN GAELAN KELLY RETURNS FROM WAR, physically and emotionally scarred, he tries to piece a normal life back together. But the horrors of war couldn’t prepare him for the terror he discovers, thrust into a world he never knew existed. Dealing with the trauma of combat and plagued by nightmares of a monster that shouldn’t exist, Gaelan finds himself embroiled in a battle to protect humanity even as he struggles to preserve his own.

He fought a war of men. Now he fights a war for mankind. But Gaelan’s greatest war will be within.

Amazon / B&N

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About Author Thaddeus McGrath

Thaddeus McGrath is a former U.S. Marine Corps fighter/attack pilot, a veteran of the War on Terror and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He has loved writing since he was a boy. His debut novel, Gaelan’s War, was inspired by a desire to continue the discussion about PTSD, and a love of all things supernatural. In his world, werewolves aren’t big dogs and vampires definitely don’t sparkle! He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, kids, and oversized dogs.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

What’s New On My Bookshelf #249 and The Sunday Post

Posted: March 11, 2018 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: fuonlyknew, my weekly news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

It’s been a quiet, uneventful week, except for the weather. We went from 80 to 40s and almost freezing at night. I can’t wait for spring to finally arrive. This up and down stuff is making me feel weird. LOL

I’m sharing more pics of my plant. I went to the local nursery with pictures and they told me this is a split leaf philodendron.

Last week Daniela asked me if I’d named my plant. Never done that before.

Would you like to help me name my plant!

Come on. It’s so pretty and needs a name to flourish! Leave a suggestion in the comments!

Here’s last week picture.

20180303_110520

One week later.

I was a bit concerned as we had a cold front move through and got some frost. But it did just fine. Look at all of the new shoots.

20180310_085244

20180310_085304

It’s really starting to spread out now. I plan to get the mulch down now that I can see how far out the base reaches. I’m going to use the red mulch. It looks so pretty and easy to see so I don’t run over it with the lawn mower.

Sorry these pictures aren’t as bold as previous ones. Clouds came in and covered up the sun.

Have a fabulous Sunday!

*****

My new books this week.

*****

And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

*****

This weeks reviews. Click on the covers to view them.

*****

Wild Fire by Kristen Banet ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: March 10, 2018 in Adult Fiction, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
Tags: adult, giveaway, paranormal, romance, urban fantasy, Wild Fire

Wild Fire
Kristen Banet
(The Kingson Pride #2)
Publication date: December 17th 2017
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

Riley has her pride and now it seems like their lives might go up in flames as hunters target them. Secrets of the pride’s past come to light, old grudges resurface, and Riley needs to stay strong if she’s going to survive. Not only against their enemies, but also with her own pride, the five males who have carved a place in her life and offered her a family she’d never had.

The hunters won’t be the only thing to underestimate the cheetah of the Kingson Pride and Riley will need to learn how to fight fire with fire.

*This is a Reverse Harem series with graphic scenes, mature language, and mature themes. Suitable for ages 18+*

*Potentially triggering subject matter*

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:

Kristen Banet has a Diet Coke problem and smokes too much. She curses like a sailor (though, she used to be one, so she uses that as an excuse) and finds that many people don’t know how to handle that. She loves to read, and before finally sitting to try her hand at writing, she had your normal kind of work history. From tattoo parlors, to the U.S. Navy, and freelance illustration, she’s stumbled through her adult years and somehow, is still kicking.
She loves to read books that make people cry. She likes to write books that make people cry (and she wants to hear about it). She’s a firm believer that nothing and no one in this world is perfect, and she enjoys exploring those imperfections—trying to make the characters seem real on the page and not just in her head.
She might just be crazy, though. Her characters think so, but this can’t be confirmed.

Check out her social media to catch what’s going on in the worlds inside her head. She drops teasers, new covers, and opens ARC reader slots through her Facebook group, The Banet Pride.

Facebook Page / Facebook Group / Goodreads

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Raw and Wriggling ~ Witch Creek by Laura Bickle ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: March 9, 2018 in Dark Fantasy, giveaways, reviews
Tags: dark fantasy, giveaway, Laura Bickle, review, Witch Creek

Witch Creek

The Wildlands Series

Book Four

Laura Bickle

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Date of Publication: Feb. 27, 2018

ISBN: 978-0062567314 / ASIN: B071VBHPW7

Number of pages: 384 / Word Count: 88,160

My Review

So much drama. Petra is in treatment for cancer. Sig, her coyote sidekick, is lost without her. And her husband, Gabriel, is still missing. And now there’s a flesh eating mermaid on the loose.

Petra is such a strong woman. She’s overcome some truly crazy obstacles in the world of alchemy and finally married her true love. It all sounds rosy, but the Big C is kicking her butt. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine cancer as her deadliest foe. As she weakens and all things point to a bad ending, she uses her remaining time and strength to find Gabriel. And nothing, not a crazy would be alchemist or a deadly mermaid, will stop her.

Witch Creek was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I adore Petra and always pictured her as a fierce warrior, strong and unstoppable. But cancer has weakened her. My heart went out to her. Her once strong body so gaunt and weak. The face staring back at her from the mirror, a stranger. She may be down but don’t count her out, though. I loved that she still had a trick or two up her sleeve. And when the unthinkable happened, I had to stop, go back, and read it again, stunned.

Sig still brings a smile to my face. A loyal companion to Petra and always looking out for her. But he’s still a wily coyote and up to some fun antics.

And the mermaid, Muireen. She’s a nasty one. Tricky and not too pretty to look at, she likes her meals raw and wriggling. Don’t get too close. She lurks just beneath the surface. Hungry. Waiting.

While not as fast moving as the previous books, Petra’s story is still a strong one and the saga is still addictive.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

In the backcountry of Yellowstone, evil moves below the surface . . .

Following Nine of Stars comes the next chapter in Laura Bickle’s critically acclaimed Wildlands series.

As the daughter of an alchemist, Petra Dee has battled supernatural horrors and experienced astonishing wonders. But there’s no magic on earth that can defeat her recent cancer diagnosis, or help find her missing husband, Gabriel. Still, she would bet all her remaining days that the answer to his disappearance lies in the dark subterranean world beneath the Rutherford Ranch on the outskirts of Temperance, Wyoming.

Gabe is being held prisoner by the sheriff and heir to the ranch, Owen Rutherford. Owen is determined to harness the power of the Tree of Life—and he needs Gabe to reveal its magic. Secretly, the sheriff has also made a pact to free a creature of the underground, a flesh-devouring mermaid. Muirenn has vowed to exact vengeance on Gabe, who helped imprison her, but first . . . she’s hungry. Once freed, she will swim into Yellowstone—to feed.

With her coyote sidekick Sig, Petra must descend into the underworld to rescue Gabe before it’s too late . . . for both of them.

HarperVoyager Amazon Kindle

BN Books a Million Indiebound

Enjoy this glimpse inside:

Peering through the cattails, she saw a man with a fishing pole, standing on an outcropping. He seemed alone, caught in a bit of reverie, gazing at his line skipping along the surface of the water.

She dipped below the surface of the water, toward the shiver of the fishing line. With green-spotted fingers, she lifted the struggling fish from the hook. The line jerked away.

The man swore.

Muirenn lifted her head above the water.

“Holy shit.” The man stumbled backward. “I didn’t realize you were swimming there . . . I . . .”

His expression changed from embarrassment to curiosity as he looked at her. The pupils of his eyes dilated. “Who . . . are you?”

Muirenn gripped the fish close to her chest, giving a small smile.

The fisherman crouched on the rock, setting his pole beside him. “Wow. You’re uh . . . green? Is that real?”

Muirenn cocked her head and slipped forward a bit in the water. The edge of her tail skimmed above the surface.

“Is that like . . . one of those tails that the girls have at that park in Florida? For a movie or something?” His suntanned brow wrinkled. “No. That’s real,” he decided. “You, um . . . want the fish? You can have it.”

She was within arm’s length of him. She released the squirming fish into the water.

“You wanted to let it go? Look, I . . .”

The man talked too much. She swam closer, tentatively.

The fisherman looked at her, at her dappled skin and the dark rust hair spreading into the water. She wouldn’t ordinarily have been so bold. The weight off her tail was going to her head. She let him take in the black of her eyes, the gills on her throat. He gazed in wonder, and his fingers twitched to a small square piece of plastic on top of his tackle box.

“Can I take your picture? What . . . are you?”

A smile played across her lips, and she spoke to him in a silvery voice. “I’m the Mermaid.”

“Wow. I . . . wow. I’m, uh, Norm. Do I, like, make a wish or something?”

“You can, if you want. I’ll listen.”

She reached up with delicate fingers to touch him. Her fingers brushed the pockets of his fishing vest, playing with wonder over the bits and baubles there meant to lure the attention of fish. The man forgot about his camera and stared, transfixed.

Muirenn reached up for his collar . . .

. . . and dragged him down into the water.

He splashed and flailed. She brought him down—down to the bottom of the creek. It wasn’t so far, but it was far enough for a land dweller. He couldn’t fight her for long. He thrashed until his lungs grew heavy with creek water. He convulsed as the lack of oxygen reached his heart and filtered up to his brain. And then he stopped.

Muirenn grinned, showing row upon row of shark-like teeth. She ripped off his arm and began to chew. It had been so long since she’d had anything but the errant fish that wandered into her realm . . . this was a meal worth waiting for.

The creek ran red.

Red as the idle red-and-white bobber drifting on the surface of the water.

About Author Laura Bickle:

Laura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology – Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams.

Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.

Website / Newsletter / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Laura’s series quickly became a favorite of mine! I never miss each new book.

Click on the covers for my reviews.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Friday 56 #178 ~ Alice In Murderland

Posted: March 9, 2018 in Cozy Mystery, Paranormal or fantasy, The Friday 56
Tags: Alice In Murderland, cozy mystery, paranormal, Samantha Silver

Welcome to The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

This is a really fun meme!

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!

My 56 for this week is from:

Alice In Murderland

A Magical Bookshop Mystery #1

by Samantha Silver

Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery

From 56% in the eBook.

I pulled out the bean bag chair from the first box and decided to place it on the right side of the room. Muffin sniffed it carefully, then pounced on it, sinking deep into the beans and lying there contentedly, his legs sticking out in every direction.

“So I take it you approve,” I told Muffin with a smile.

Kitty approved. LOL

Cat, Funny, Kratzbaum, Paws, Supine Position, Move, Is

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Read on if you want to know more.

Synopsis

Moving from Miami to small-town Oregon was supposed to be boring…

When Alice Calliope takes over her recently deceased aunt’s bookshop in Sapphire Village, Oregon, she’s not expecting her world to be flipped upside down, but that’s exactly what happens when her cousin Cat reveals to Alice that she’s actually a witch. Add in the fact that the two of them stumble upon a dead body, and Alice’s first day in town ends up being a lot more eventful than she could have possibly imagined!

What was supposed to be a simple cross-country move winds up with Alice having to learn how to navigate a whole new magical world while at the same time trying to clear Cat’s name as she emerges as the main suspect in the murder. Add in the eccentric Grandma Cee, witchcraft lessons, a whiny old ghost and the laziest cat ever, and Alice definitely has her hands full.

With pressure mounting for the super-hot local sheriff to arrest her cousin, will Alice be able to hunt down the real killer before it’s too late?

Alice in Murderland is a full-length novel and the first book in the Magical Bookshop Mystery series of paranormal cozy mysteries.

Amazon

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Leave your link and I’ll drop by your 56.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Dragon Blessed by Ophelia Bell ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: March 8, 2018 in Adult Fiction, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
Tags: adult paranormal romance, Dragon Blessed, giveaway, Ophelia Bell

Dragon Blessed
Ophelia Bell
(An Immortal Dragons Novel)
Publication date: March 6th 2018
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

Dragon-blessed twins Neela and Naaz have waited nearly three thousand years for their chance to awaken their fated dragon mates. On the brink of a war with the enemy who enslaved them, their commander finally sends them to do just that.

But the twins’ mission isn’t called “Operation Wildcard” for no reason. These dragons are unique. Zorion and Asha are the children of the Immortal Blue named Belah; Zorion was sired by none other than The Void himself, and Asha is the product of Belah’s ancient union with the dragons’ former enemy who is now their most powerful champion in the war. These dragons’ powers are unknown, and Neela and Naaz will be the humans to reveal them and recruit them for their cause.

But their true enemy is ever watchful, and when Neela makes a risky decision to reveal her new lover’s powers, things go wrong. It will take nothing short of immortal dragon fire to set things right, and neither twin will emerge quite the same.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Author Ophelia Bell

Ophelia Bell loves a good bad-boy and especially strong women in her stories. Women who aren’t apologetic about enjoying sex and bad boys who don’t mind being with a woman who’s in charge, at least on the surface, because pretty much anything goes in the bedroom.

Ophelia grew up on a rural farm in North Carolina and now lives in Los Angeles with her own tattooed bad-boy husband and four attention-whoring cats.

If you’d like to receive regular updates on Ophelia’s publications, freebies, and discounts, please subscribe to her mailing list: http://opheliabell.com/subscribe/

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

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Archive for March, 2018

Who let the dogs out …… Requiem For A Rescue Dog Queen ~ Excerpt and Review

The Kid’s Korner #29 ~ Don’t Ever Look Behind Door 32

Two Day Sale And Giveaway ~ The Protective Warrior by Cami Checketts

Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes ~ Review and Giveaway

My Monday Minis #38 ~ Gaelan’s War

What’s New On My Bookshelf #249 and The Sunday Post

Wild Fire by Kristen Banet ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Raw and Wriggling ~ Witch Creek by Laura Bickle ~ Review and Giveaway

The Friday 56 #178 ~ Alice In Murderland

Dragon Blessed by Ophelia Bell ~ Blitz and Giveaway