February | 2019 | fuonlyknew

February 2019
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
	1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28

Archive for February, 2019

Books From The Backlog #2 ~ Not A Drop To Drink

Posted: February 28, 2019 in apocalypse, Dystopian, YA
Tags: post-apocalyptic, YA

If you’re like me, you have a pile of books beckoning to you from your lists. Carole hosts this fun feature where you can share some of those older books and perhaps nudge you to finally read them. If you want to join in on the fun, head over to Carole’s Random Life In Books and leave a link to your post.

Not A Drop To Drink

by Mindy McGinnis

Genre: Post Apocalyptic / YA

Synopsis

Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water.

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn’t leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own.

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

I’ve had this on my shelf since September of 2013. The synopsis sounds thrilling and the cover art is gorgeous. Have you read it?

~~~~~

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Armed ‘N’ Ready ~ A Romantic Suspense by Tee O’Fallon ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Posted: February 27, 2019 in giveaways, Romance, suspense
Tags: giveaway, romantic suspense

Title: ARMED ’N’ READY
Author: byTee O’Fallon

Pub. Date: February 18, 2019
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 370
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Massachusetts State Police Sgt. Nick Houston is as tough as they come, and he and his K-9, Saxon, are hot on the trail of a major illegal gun dealer. But his best lead—the beautiful owner of the Dog Park Café, Andi Hardt––is not cooperating. Doesn’t matter how sexy she is, or that his dog seems to be in love with her. She’s a suspect and he won’t cross that line. Ever.

Andi Hardt sank everything into her dream business—the Dog Park Café, a restaurant catering to dogs as much as people. Now everything is in jeopardy because of one extremely frustrating, incredibly hot state trooper. Like it or not, she’s in Nick’s crosshairs, and he’s calling the shots. Her only option: cooperate, or lose everything she’s worked so hard for.

Nick and Andi are catapulted straight into the danger zone, forcing them to make life-altering choices, and face their desires. Risking his life for Andi is the easy part. Risking his heart is the toughest assignment Nick will face.

Enjoy the excerpt

She finished setting a table at the far end of the deck, then paused to look into the dog run. Her profile was to him, and he could see a smile forming on her lips, but it was short-lived. Slowly, she turned, searching the tables she hadn’t gotten to yet, and he understood what she was looking for. Him. Dogs like Saxon were distinctive in size and color. There was only one of him within at least a several-hundred-mile radius, and wherever Saxon was, Nick was.
When she finally found him, her eyes narrowed to slits and her lips compressed into a thin line. With the tray still in her hand, she took a deep breath and headed straight to his table with long, determined strides.
So much for their little truce yesterday afternoon. She had to know something was up.
“Good morning,” he said when she came to stand beside his outstretched legs. From the irritated gleam in her eyes, he thought she might dump the tray over his head.
She set down the tray and crossed her arms. “What are you doing here?”
A light breeze brought with it her scent, all flowery and pretty. No matter how much he

wished otherwise, he couldn’t deny it. Something about her torqued every one of his senses.
“Can’t a guy get some relaxation while he’s watching his dog play?” He locked his hands behind his head and looked up at her.
“I have no doubt this is not a social call. For you or your partner.” She jerked her head to the dog run.
“And you accused me of being overly suspicious?” He clucked his tongue. He was beginning to enjoy this. “Now who’s being suspicious?”
Her lips compressed into an even thinner line. “I’m not stupid, Sgt. Houston.” She yanked out the chair next to his, then sat and leaned into his personal space. With her blue eyes and sun-kissed complexion, she was just as lovely as he remembered. “I know you want something. You said you don’t deal in bullshit, so how about doing me the courtesy of getting to the real reason you’re here.”
“Fine.” He unlocked his hands from behind his head and leaned in until their faces were only inches apart. Bad idea. This close and his senses were more than going into overdrive—they were sparking with ignition.
Her sweet scent was in his nose and lungs. Her warm breath fanned his face like a gentle caress.
The job, he reminded himself.
He hadn’t acted since college, but he could do it, and he wouldn’t fail.
Showtime. Act I, Scene I, starring Nick Houston.
“Until Joe Myer shows up, I’m your new bartender.”

Author Tee O’Fallon

.
Tee O’Fallon has been a federal agent for twenty-two years, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. Tee’s job affords her the unique opportunity to work with the heroic and sexy men in law enforcement on a daily basis. For Tee, research is the easy part!

Tee O’Fallon is the author of the Federal K-9 Series and the NYPD Blue & Gold Series. Tee has been a federal agent for twenty-three years, and is now a police investigator, giving her hands-on experience in the field of law enforcement that she combines with her love of romantic suspense. Tee’s job affords her the unique opportunity to work with the heroic men and women in law enforcement on a daily basis. When not writing, Tee enjoys cooking, gardening, chocolate, lychee martinis, and all creatures canine. Tee enjoys hearing from readers and can be contacted here where you can also Sign up for Tee’s newsletters and contests!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
2/25/2019- Kelly P’s Blog– Excerpt
2/25/2019- Lone Tree Reviews– Spotlight

2/26/2019- BookHounds– Excerpt
2/26/2019- Dena Garson-Real… Hot… Romance– Spotlight

2/27/2019- Reese’s Reviews– Review
2/27/2019- FUONLYKNEW– Spotlight

2/28/2019- The Reading Café– Review
2/28/2019- Random Bookish Banter– Review

3/1/2019- Two Chicks on Books– Excerpt
3/1/2019- Owl Always Be Reading– Excerpt

~~~~~

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Series ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

Posted: February 27, 2019 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review

Think Murder

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 1

By Cassidy Salem

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Good friends, wine and conversation… Great fun – until somebody turns
up dead.

Adina Donati came to Washington D.C. to find excitement, not a dead body.
When a friend is murdered, Adina is drawn into the middle of the
police investigation. Tensions rise as the suspect list expands to
include Adina, her friends, and colleagues at the prestigious think
tank where she works. But every cloud has a silver lining. Between
the nice detective, the hot new volunteer at the dog rescue center,
and the newly available preppy ex-boyfriend, Adina’s dating dry
spell appears near its end. That is, if she doesn’t become the next victim.

Goodreads * Amazon

Dying For Data

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 2

A rival suitor and a deadly attack are enough to put a damper on any date.

A romantic evening with a hot guy goes downhill fast when dinner is
interrupted by the scream of sirens and the arrival of Adina’s
favorite police detective.

Afraid her bartender boyfriend might be accused of murder, Adina’s neighbor
enlists her assistance, and in the process exposes her to the seamier
side of illegal immigration and crime in the city. Hard as she tries
to limit her involvement, the more Adina learns, the more she needs
to know – until a case of mistaken identity lands her in hot water.
Will she uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Goodreads * Amazon

Killer Reputation

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 3

Adina can’t resist snooping when someone she knows turns up dead. Again.

When a colleague at a prestigious think tank meets a violent death,
Adina’s not convinced any of the obvious suspects disliked him
enough to want him dead. Can the young research assistant, her quirky
neighbor, and a lovable rescue pup help the police put together the
pieces of the puzzle?

Killer Reputation is the third mystery in the Adina Donati, Accidental
Sleuth Series by Cassidy Salem. The books are standalone reads and
can be read in any order.

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review

A violent attack. The victim recovers only to be found strangled several days later. Adina can’t let it go. The safety of people she cares about hangs in the balance. The assailant struck so close to home.

This was a fun, quick read. Finished it in a couple hours. There’s a bit of a mystery in a mystery as the two attacks could be the same or two different assailants. I quickly grew to bond with several of the characters. Adina and her policeman boyfriend, Jonathan, were adorable. And retired policeman and neighbor Bart Crockett is someone I’d like to have living in my neighborhood. I spid a little romance brewing between Bart and Joan, owner of the Cutie Pie dog rescue center. His recent adoption of one of her puppies doesn’t appear to be the only reason she comes to visit.

While I haven’t read the previous books in the series. I had no trouble following along and enjoying the characters. And being a huge fan of cozies, I’m sure I’ll be going back to the beginning to see how the series began.

~~~~~

Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of
mysteries (both cozy and traditional) and police procedurals. Over
the years, her favorite mystery authors have included Agatha
Christie, Kathy Reichs, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Grisham. When
she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and
friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible. Her
travels have taken her to destinations throughout the United States,
Europe, and Scandinavia.

Cassidy is the author of the Adina Donati Mystery Series, which includes
Think Murder, Dying for Data, and Killer Reputation. Cassidy
co-authors, together with Christa Nardi, a YA mystery series, which
includes The Mysterious Package, Mrs. Tedesco’s Missing Cookbook, The
Misplaced Dog, and Malicious Mischief.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

No way could they have seen her coming ~ Moses & Mac by Franca Pelaccia

Posted: February 26, 2019 in Action/Adventure, Mystery, reviews
Tags: Adventure, mystery, review, women's fiction

Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Franca Pelaccia’s Moses & Mac from Febraury 4th – 28th. I sure had a blast reading this book and I’m excited to share my review!

MOSES & MAC
Author: Franca Pelaccia
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Pages: 303
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Adventure/Mystery

My Review

Mackenzie didn’t expect much for her 30th birthday. A cake would be nice. But it seems everyone forgot about her. No phone calls from family. Well, except for a strange package that arrived from her Aunt Sara. That can’t be right. Her aunt has been dead for some 30 years. Maybe it’s an elaborate ruse to throw her a surprise party.

Not so fast there, Mackenzie. I don’t think getting shot at by terrorists is a birthday party. A surprise yes. Before she can say we’re off, she is off on the adventure of a life time. She’s initiated into the Vatican Archaeological Service, VAS, and is whisked off to foreign lands. Before her plane leaves the ground, bullets fly and the plane is blown up. It’s a race against time to stop global domination.

What a crazy, fun read. Mackenzie is a hoot. She’s just a normal gal turning 30 and now she’s off on adventures that could get her killed. More than one group is trying to kill her and she has to adapt and think on her feet. She finds she can do a lot of things she never would have considered and is growing to like it. Not bad for a Victorian Scholar.

The action is relentless and the pages are filled with character’s of all walk’s of life. Is the plot believable? Well, maybe or maybe not. It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code, only funnier and with some potential for romantic hanky panky. Did I enjoy Moses & Mac. You betcha. Lots of action, snark, sexual innuendo and surprising characters.

I like that the author included an epilogue answering some lingering questions about certain events and characters. There was a lot going on in this book and including it left me with questions answered and a satisfied feeling. Now that Mackenzie is finding her way place as a member of VAS, I’m excited to see where she lands next and whether it’s on her feet or on her rear end. Either way, it’ll be fun.

~~~~~

Synopsis

On her dismal 30^th birthday, unassuming Victorian scholar Mackenzie Braden receives a mysterious package from her Aunt Sara, urging her to locate Moses’ rod. The most powerful weapon in history will start global chaos if it lands in the wrong hands. Sara was an agent for the top-secret Vatican Archaeological Service. She has also been dead for 30 years and the agency dormant for just as long. Mackenzie’s only clue is a souvenir figurine of Moses, and except for hunky ex-military pilot Eoin Reilly, her allies are as inept as she is.

But nothing is going to stop Mackenzie from recharging her lacklustre life, fulfilling her mission, finding answers about her aunt, and making Eoin her birthday present. Armed with the figurine, Mackenzie sets off with Eoin for the Middle East. There she has to fend off a Ph.D. candidate turned terrorist, a dysfunctional family of treasure hunters, a fake Mossad operative, a manic former VAS agent, the underground tunnels of the Gaza Strip, and a whole lot of rocket launchers. But this is training for the ultimate confrontation with her aunt’s and now her greatest foe, a charming deposed Saudi prince with world domination on his mind.

Purchase link: Amazon

Author Franca Pelacci

Franca Pelaccia

Franca Pelaccia is the author of Moses & Mac, a fast-paced and lively action/adventure/mystery and the first book of the Vatican Archaeological Service series published by Solstice Publishing. The second book is tentatively entitled Mac & the Crusaders. Under the pseudonym of Kirsten Paul, Franca is the author of two romantic comedies for the Calendar Men of King Court series. The first book, The Hockey Player & the Angel will soon be published by the Wild Rose Press. The second book, The Detective & the Burglar is in progress. Writing as Francesca Pelaccia, Franca self-published The Witch’s Salvation, a historical paranormal novel, which won the Beck Valley Reviewers’ Choice Award for 2013. An avid reader, Franca reviews novels for the Historical Novels Society.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

~~~~~

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Teaser Tuesday #252 ~ Beach Blanket Homicide

Posted: February 26, 2019 in Chick Lit, Mystery, Teaser Tuesdays
Tags: chik lit, mystery, Teaser Tuesday

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday hosted by Ambrosia @ The Purple Booker.

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 Teaser for this week is from

Beach Blanket Mystery

Whispering Bay Mystery #1

by Maria Geraci

Genre: Chic-Lit / Mystery

Teaser from 21% in the eBook.

She puts a leash on Paco. “Say goodby to Lucy, Paco.”

“Are you sure he’ll be okay? I mean, he’s been traumatized. He was with Abby when she… you know, died. Is there a pet psychologist that can come see him? If he needs anything, anything at all, just let me know.” He looks at me with the saddest eyes. I hope he doesn’t think I don’t want him….. I can tell he’s special.

This was a sweet scene. Paco, the chihuahua, is staying at the shelter until they can find his real owner. Lucy doesn’t think she can keep him as she is allergic to dogs but she feels bad about leaving him there.

~~~~~

Synopsis

A fun, quirky chick-lit mystery starring Lucy McGuffin, world’s best muffin maker and amateur sleuth.

Everyone agrees that Lucy McGuffin bakes the muffins in Whispering Bay, but she’s got another talent, one that she’s tried her whole life to hide. Lucy can always tell when a person is lying or telling the truth. Being a human lie detector isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Especially when you really don’t want the answer to the universal question, “Does this dress make my butt look too big?”

When Lucy is hired to cater the grand opening celebration of the city’s new community center, she stumbles across the dead body of Abby Delgado, a prominent member of the Sunshine Ghost Society. Lucy’s brother, Father Sebastian, a local priest, is the last person to have seen Abby alive. Convinced he’ll be breaking a confidence, Sebastian refuses to cooperate with the police, forcing Lucy to put her skills to the test to save her brother’s good name.

Enter the town’s new hotshot deputy, Travis Fontaine. Travis doesn’t want an amateur like Lucy snooping around his turf, so he offers her a deal. He’ll stay out of her kitchen if she stays away from his crime scenes. But Lucy isn’t about to let her brother’s fate rest in the hands of an arrogant cop.

Good thing she has her best friend, Will, and her new rescue dog, Paco, to back her up, because it’s up to Lucy to figure out what everyone in the quaint little beachside town is hiding

Amazon

~~~~~

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Mother Of The Chosen by Janeal Falor

Posted: February 25, 2019 in Fantasy, giveaways, Romance
Tags: fantasy, giveaway, romance

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Mother Of The Chosen organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

This series sounds thrilling and the cover art for each book is gorgeous.

Janeal Falor will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter.

And be sure to click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Mother Of The Chosen

by Janeal Taylor

Synopsis

Adriella is pregnant with the child she’s always wanted.

She can’t wait to share the joy with her husband. Prophecy has other plans. The countryside is a ablaze with rumors of a soon-to-be-born child who will destroy the High King.

A royal decree demands the death of any child who could threaten the throne, including Adriella’s unborn baby. Worse, her husband is one of the soldier’s enlisted to carry out the king’s demands.

Now Adriella must keep her secret and flee, rather than celebrate with her spouse.

With the High King’s men searching for anyone who defies him, the country is full of grieving parents, and the streets run red with the blood of the innocents. Adriella knows her chances of survival are slim, but she’ll sacrifice everything to stay one step ahead of the law.

If she can’t evade capture, she’ll lose the one thing more precious to her than her own life—her child.

Book One of her Mother of the Chosen series.

Enjoy this peek inside:

Candui glanced around before she leaned close and whispered, “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”

The blood rushed from my head.

“You’re so pale,” she said. “It’s true, isn’t it? You’re going to have a baby. You and Richart have been trying for so long…”

“N—no. It’s such shocking news. That’s all.” She couldn’t know, not if I was to protect the life of my child.

Then another thought hit me. Richart, my husband, worked for the zasin. The high king’s army. He was well-ranked, and even better regarded, especially for someone only twenty-eight years old. Our town was mostly controlled by him. He would be the first person to turn me in. My baby would die.

About Author Janeal Falor

Janeal Falor lives in Utah with her husband and three children. She loves both reading and writing fantasy–with romance, always romance. In her non-writing time she teaches her kids to make silly faces, cooks whatever strikes her fancy, and attempts to cultivate a garden even when half the things she plants die. When it’s time for a break she can be found taking a scenic drive with her family, dating her husband, or drinking hot chocolate.

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links: Amazon / B&N / Apple / Google Play

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The High Sierras Series by Diane Benefiel ~ Blast and Giveaway

Posted: February 25, 2019 in giveaways, Romance, suspense
Tags: giveaway, romance, suspense

I can’t wait to share these with you. Two thrilling stories with gorgeous covers! Check out Already Gone and Deadly Purpose . Keep reading to learn about the awesome giveaway! You can enter at the bottom of the post.

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Diane Benefiel will be awarding Flash Point + Dead Giveaway to 2 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

ALREADY GONE

A decade after Logan walked out on Maddy, he returns, and emotions long banked surface, then everything becomes complicated and dangerous.

DEADLY PURPOSE

Thrown together, and neither is happy about it, Meg and Declan navigate their unwanted growing attraction as they fight to keep Meg alive.

~~~~~

Read an Excerpt from Already Gone:

Under the week’s worth of beard his face looked drawn, and he’d taken off the beanie to reveal a serious case of hat head. “What do you want?”

“To see if you’re breathing.”

“Not dead yet.”

When he leaned against the door, gaze fixed on her, she sighed in exasperation. “Look, I don’t want me to be here, either. I’ll change the bandage, then leave.” She waved the container with the café logo. “I’ve got food for you.”

“What kind?”

“Sandwich, berries, and a cookie.”

“What kind of cookie?”

“Really?” She glared at him. “Oatmeal.”

He stepped back, and she didn’t think he caught her eye roll. He moved carefully across the room, and she followed him into the cabin. The inside looked cleaner, neater than before. His father had let things go. Hardly able to take care of himself, Bob Ross had neglected his son and his home. Logan had sworn never to return, yet here he was.

“I brought you something else, too.” She set the bag and food on the dining table, and reached into her purse, coming up with a small bottle.

“What’s that?”

“Advil. I don’t have anything stronger.”

“God bless you.” He took the bottle from her and shook out four tablets.

“Have you eaten anything? That much is going to irritate your stomach.”

He shook his head and picked up a mug. After tossing the pills into his mouth, he swallowed a mouthful of coffee she suspected was long cold. His eyes remained on her, watchful. “You looking after me, blondie?”

“My name’s not blondie.”

“Blonde hair, that makes you blondie.”

She checked another sigh. “Seriously, I don’t want to look after you. But someone has to, and I don’t see people lining up at your door to do the job.” She studied him, trying to keep it analytical. “Let me see the gunshot wound. If it looks like you’re healing, you won’t have to see me again. I checked on Sophie, too, so don’t think I’m doing anything special for you.”

“Sophie? You named my dog Sophie?”

“Your dog? She’s my dog if no one claims her.”

“I found her. And her name’s not Sophie unless she weighs eight pounds and has her toenails painted pink.”

“You’re being ridiculous.”

He dropped his weight into a chair at the kitchen table. “How is she?”

“Stable. Jason says she’ll survive.”

“You bring the vet a sandwich, too?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Hell of a way to run a business, giving away food.”

“Jason runs a business, too, and he didn’t charge me extra for the off-hour call to pick her up.”

Logan frowned. “I’ll go in tomorrow to pay the bill.”

“Since she’s mine, I’ll pay it. You gave up any rights you had when you brought her to me.”

“Christ, I forgot that about you.”

“What?”

“People think you’re all sweet and agreeable, but they don’t know. You’re as stubborn as the day is long.”

She ignored the effect of his words, the knowledge that no one had ever gotten her like Logan Ross. “Let me see the wound, then I can leave you to your splendid isolation.”

He scrubbed a hand over his face, his beard making a rasping sound. “Right. Let’s get this over with.”

About Author Diane Benefiel:

National Readers’ Choice Award winner for her novel, Solitary Man, Diane Benefiel has been an avid reader all her life. She enjoys a wide range of genres, from westerns to fantasy to mysteries, but romance has always been a favorite. She writes what she loves best to read – emotional, heart-gripping romantic suspense novels. She likes writing romantic suspense because she can put the hero and heroine in all sorts of predicaments that they have to work together to overcome.

A native Southern Californian, Diane enjoys nothing better than summer. For a high school history teacher, summer means a break from teenagers, and summer allows her to spend her early mornings immersed in her current writing project. With both kids living out of the house, in addition to writing, she enjoys camping and gardening with her husband.

Diane loves hearing from her readers.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Goodreads / BookBub / Pinterest

BUY LINKS:

ALREADY GONE

Boroughs Publishing / Smashwords / B&N / iTunes / Kobo / Amazon

DEADLY PURPOSE

Boroughs Publishing / Smashwords / B&N / iTunes / Kobo / Amazon

~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

What’s New On My Bookshelf #301 and The Sunday Post

Posted: February 24, 2019 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.

~~~~~

Some chit chat.

It’s Mardi Gras here on the Gulf Coast and the parades are rolling, beads, moon pies and all kinds of fun stuff are flying off the floats. Great music and food are in order. I used to love this time of year. I’d buy the expensive ball gown. Go to the dance and party all night. And join the crowds to catch the bounty that’s tossed my way. Now, I stay at home. Been there. Done that. I leave it to the enthusiasts to enjoy. I can always pull up a book on my Kindle that involves Mardi Gras and stay safe and snug at home. Many people mistakenly believe Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans when in fact it was started in Mobile, Alabama. Right across the bay from me. Just a fun fact I wanted to share.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Let The Good Times Roll!

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

~~~~~

My new books this week.

~~~~~

Movies and shows I watched this week.

I’m continuing b

my binge of Criminal Minds. Now on Season 9, Episode 4. I thought I’d come across some episodes I’d missed. Come on, there are 277 episodes. But so far I’ve seen everyone.

I watched Mandy starring Nicholas Cage. I really liked him in this one. The movie…not so much. It’s so out there and really violent. And that’s where Nicholas really pulled it off. He looked deranged and he needed to be to get the job done.

Then I watched Kiss And Cry. I didn’t realize it was a true story. Carley Ellison was 17 when she was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. Sarah Fisher played her character in the movie and she was brilliant. I smiled so much it hurt. Cried so much I was exhausted. And was so uplifted. And truly thankful Carley’s story was shared. She was brave beyond words, with a heart so big, it enveloped all those around her.

~~~~~

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.

~~~~~

Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

~~~~~

Saturday Screams #62 ~ Dark Corners Three Times Around

Posted: February 23, 2019 in horror, reviews, thriller
Tags: Horror, reviews, Saturday Screams, thriller

Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that thrill and chill!

Today I thought it would be fun to share three scary books with similar titles.

~~~~~

Dark Corner

by Brandon Massey

Genre: Horror

My Review

Okay, I didn’t know exactly what this story was going to be about going in. I missed the clue in the blurb that mentioned something undead. When I found out what that was, I was thinking, oh no, not sure this book is what I was hoping it would be. About 8 chapters later I realized I didn’t want to put the book down.

Told from several points of view, you learn exactly what evil is hovering over the town. I think the multiple POVs made this story a richer experience for me. I really came to know the characters, to like them, to despair for them and, yes, to loath some of them. That goes without saying when evil comes out to play. Or bite you in the…..

I’d like to tell you more. Perhaps make some references to books and movies that came to mind while reading this, but why spoil things for you. I enjoyed Massey’s writing and how he had me wishing the one bad guy wasn’t so bad.

~~~~~

Synopsis

From award-winning author Brandon Massey comes a terrifying new novel about a town besieged by evil . . . and the one man who is determined to fight the darkness . . .

When renowned author Richard Hunter dies in a boating accident, his son David travels to Mason’s Corner, Mississippi, to find out more about the father he never really knew. At first, Mason’s Corner seems friendly and unassuming-–the perfect small town. But after a newcomer moves into the old-–and supposedly haunted-–mansion on the hill, everything changes . . .

People begin to disappear. Dogs viciously attack. And soon David discovers that the terror consuming this place has its roots in his own family tree . . .

For something has risen in Mason’s Corner. Something with bloody ties to the town’s past. Something undead–and hungering for vengeance . . .

Amazon

~~~~~

Dark Corners

by William Andrews

Genre: Horror / Short Stories

My Review

I enjoy short story collections. It gives me a fun way to sample the authors writing. From the synopsis and cover art I was expecting some pretty dark tales. They really weren’t. And of those offered, I’d say a few were good and some missed the mark.

I did enjoy the writing and would be curious to read some longer works by the author. Perhaps then I would get more involved in a story of his.

Not wowed but I’m glad I read these.

~~~~~

Synopsis

DARK CORNERS is a short story anthology showcasing the various styles, genres and influences of William Andrews. Most of these are dark as Hell. Embrace the darkness and read on…. If you dare!

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

Dark Corners

The Elle Reynolds Series #1

by Liz Schulte

Genre: Paranormal / Horror / Thriller

My Review

After the murder of her husband, Ella withdraws from everyone. Shuts herself away. But someone or something won’t let her heal. As time passes, she sinks deeper into grief and doubt. Is the house causing the eerie events? Or is it someone who wants to harm her? Or is she just going insane?

The author smoothly takes you back to past events and forward to the present, keeping you unsettled and clueless about what is real and what could just be in Ella’s mind. I couldn’t help but sympathize with her. She went through such a tragedy and now she fears she’s either haunted, stalked or crazy. Closing herself off from the world aroused suspicion with people that maybe she killed her husband. i wondered about that myself.

Of course, I read this at night. Read it straight through, my eyes darting to the dark corners whenever I thought I heard something. There are some really spooky scenes in this that made me question why I waited until dark to read it. I guess I wasn’t expecting to get scared as I read a lot of horror. But scared I got and I couldn’t stop. This reads like a ride on a tilt-a-whirl. It went one way then the other, jerking me from one conclusion to another. A dizzying, haunting story and so well executed.

I had this book on my kindle for several years before reading it. That won’t happen with the rest of the series. Yes, there are more books and I’ve got them lined up to read.

If you enjoy a scary, haunting story with a good mystery and some drama and thrills thrown in, I recommend you give this a go.

~~~

~~~~~

Synopsis

Ella Reynolds knew from the first moment she walked into the old house someone or something was watching her. Waiting. Her husband’s violent murder sent her spiraling into a world of grief and isolation, but Ella isn’t alone. Who or what is responsible for her husband’s death is still with her.

Darkness has engulfed the past year of Ella’s life. Everyday reality slips a little more between her fingers as she struggles to break free from her memories. She must look deeper into her past as well as the present to discover truth of her husband’s homicide. A string of uncanny events takes place and practical explanations run thin as Ella follows the terrifying road to closure. As the past and present come to a head, Ella must decipher who or what the murderer is before it takes her as well.

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

The above cover is the one I own.

Here is an alternative cover.

Which do you like more?

~~~~~

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Ian Dodge Mysteries by Judy Nichols ~ Excerpts and Giveaway

Posted: February 23, 2019 in giveaways, Mystery
Tags: giveaway, mystery

Sportsman’s Bet

Ian Dodge Mysteries Book 1

by Judy Nichols

Genre: Mystery

Velma Saunders, the town clerk of Tobias, North Carolina never had a kind
word to say to anyone. In fact, most people were afraid of her,
including her boss, Mayor Mike Ellis.

Still, the whole town is shocked when Velma’s body is found in the Municipal
Building’s old bomb shelter. The only clue to her murderer is a copy
of a cryptic message from a Nigerian email scammer.

All the evidence points to Mayor Mike, who’s charged with killing Velma.
Investigator Ian Dodge, a British transplant who’s never quite taken
root in the Deep South,sets out to find out who else hated Velma
enough to kill her.

In the course of his investigation, Ian discovers the dark secrets Velma
has been hiding all these years, and exactly why she was so mean.

Goodreads * Amazon

Why is it the last time always sticks in your memory?
Like the last time I saw my mum on a long ago visit to England. I can still see her, drinking her tea and raging against the new management at the Black Swan. Now it was ferns and toffee-nosed gits, she said. And the price of a pint was outrageous.
Or the last time I drove my beloved ’69 Camaro before it was stolen. Nicked right outside my New York apartment, it was. The cops never did find it. Not that they looked very hard.
And of course, the last time I saw Velma Saunders.
Velma was the secretary/bookkeeper for Tobias, North Carolina, my adopted hometown. To say Tobias is off the beaten track is being charitable. It’s forty miles away from anything interesting, like the city of Wilmington or the Atlantic Ocean. No one ever comes to Tobias unless they have family here—or they’re lost.
Velma was here because of family. I, on the other hand, count myself among the lost.
As always, Velma was at her post in the mayor’s office, answering the phone and guarding the mayor from salesmen and other petty annoyances, like irate constituents. And that’s how I picture her, sitting at her desk glued to her computer screen, engrossed in an e-mail.
At the time, I thought it was funny, seeing as how she’d fought tooth and nail against the Internet when the town fathers decided to enter the twenty-first century and invest in an Internet connection. Velma said more than once that telephones and the U.S. Postal Service worked just fine, why bother with all this e-rubbish? Only threats of forced retirement persuaded her to log on.
That day she wore her usual ensemble of a baggy brown cardigan] sweater, a beige blouse, and a brown and black plaid skirt. Always reminded me of the school uniforms the girls at my grammar school wore. Nobody ever looked good in those, especially a woman on the high side of sixty.

Trouble and Strife

Ian Dodge Mysteries Book 2

Lorrie Mattingly has it all.

Young and beautiful, married to the richest man in town, she spends her
time driving fast cars, riding horses and keeping herself pretty. And
yet, she’s down to earth, and sweet, devoted to her handicapped twin
sister Linnie. Everyone loves her.

Maybe not everyone.

When she suffers from a severe allergic reaction during a tanning session,
private investigator Ian Dodge is called in by the owners of the
salon, since they’re getting sued big time. It doesn’t take long for
Ian to figure out Lorrie’s attack wasn’t an accident, or negligence
but attempted murder. Or to learn that there were plenty of people
who wanted this sweet girl dead.

Goodreads * Amazon

Needles and pins, needles and pins. When a man marries, his trouble begins.
My granddad loved that little ditty, and repeated it often, usually when my Nan was pissed off at the old bastard.
But never loud enough for her to hear it.
He knew what was good for him.
If I had known what was good for me, I wouldn’t have married so young. Or gotten married a second time, when I was old enough to know better.
My friends have told me the third time’s the charm, but I’ll pass on taking more of what Granddad called “the old trouble and strife.” Cockney rhyming slang for wife.
That about sums up my two marriages.
Of course, some people were made for marriage, like my friend Jerry Fowler owner of the Sunspot Auto Body Shop and Tanning Salon in Whitley, North Carolina. Best body man in the Cape Fear region and just a twenty minute drive from my adopted home town of Tobias, North Carolina.
Jerry and Brenda Fowler got together when they were in the eighth grade at Whitley Junior High School. He asked her to go steady at the Spring Dance. Forty years later and his face would still light up when she walked in the room.
Jerry was happy as a clam (although I’ve never understood what clams have to be happy about). He had his wife, his family and his cars to work on. Jerry was one of the few people I ever knew who made a good living doing what he loved. He’d be the first to tell you he had a great life.
Until things changed. In a most dreadful way.
However, on this particular day in January, Jerry was blissfully unaware of how fate was going to screw him over.

Pork Pies

Ian Dodge Mysteries Book 3

Crusty British transplant Ian Dodge is back on the beat, this time in the
service of Her Majesty, otherwise known as Laura Lane, the Food
Queen, star of a popular TV cooking show. A blackmailer has
threatened to expose her sordid past as a con artist, so she turns to
Ian Dodge to get it sorted.

When her blackmailer is found stabbed to death in his hotel room, Her
Majesty is the prime suspect. It’s Ian’s job to untangle the web of
deception and pork pies (lies) to find the culprit, all the while
dealing with the antics of his twin sons, Jesse and Mac.

Goodreads * Amazon

My Nan always hated the pork pies.
“You’d best not be telling porkies, Ian Archibald Dodge,” she’d say.
And I knew I was in for it. Whatever story I was giving her wasn’t going to cut it and I would have to tell her the truth.
It was a constant in my life. Don’t tell lies. Ever.
I suppose that’s where I got my own aversion to lies, even though at times I’ve had to tell them. I admit to having misrepresented myself in the line of duty now and again.
But on the whole, I’ve done my best to avoid lying.
It’s always easier in the end. Who has the time and energy to keep track of them all?
Sooner or later someone catches you. And what do you then? You can’t take them all back and start over.
Still, there are people who manage to build successful careers based on lies.
Like my friend Ruth’s boss, who was always referred to as Her Majesty. The woman had a cooking show where she demonstrated her own original recipes, but she paid a slew of accomplished cooks to come up with them.
It was perfectly legal. Her Majesty had an army of lawyers spewing out contracts and binding agreements that covered everyone’s ass and made sure that it was everyone’s interest to maintain the deception.
I’d heard plenty about Her Majesty.
But I was about to experience her firsthand.

Judy Nichols lives in Wilmington, North Carolina, but she is by no means a
“Southern writer.” Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in
the nearby town of Batavia, she still is a no-nonsense midwesterner.
Although she does find true southerners quite charming.

Judy holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kent State University.
She has been a newspaper reporter, a teacher, a temporary office
worker, a customer service representative, a stay-at-home mom, a
volunteer, and a proud organizer of the now defunct Cape Fear Crime
Festival mystery writers’ conference.

Judy started her first novel “Caviar Dreams” while her daughter
was napping one day. Five years later it was finished. The biggest
challenge arrived once her daughter stopped taking naps and
eventually lost interest in watching the “Toy Story” video.

Since then she has gone on to write several more books, including the Ian
Dodge Mysteries inspired by her UK born husband Nigel. Ian Dodge is a
persnickety private investigator, living in coastal North Carolina,
who refuses to be assimilated and instead hangs on to every shred of
his Britishness.

Now that her daughter is grown up and gone, she spends lots of quality
time with her husband and Bailey the Wonder Dog. Also, reading and
writing good books.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

fuonlyknew

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

categories

Follow my birdie

Follow me via Bloglovin

2021 Reading Challenge

2020 Reading Challenge

2019 Reading Challenge

2017 Reading Challenge

Say hi on Facebook

My Pins

Books I’ve Read

Archives

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Archive for February, 2019

Books From The Backlog #2 ~ Not A Drop To Drink

Armed ‘N’ Ready ~ A Romantic Suspense by Tee O’Fallon ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

GIVEAWAY

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Series ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

No way could they have seen her coming ~ Moses & Mac by Franca Pelaccia

Teaser Tuesday #252 ~ Beach Blanket Homicide

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Mother Of The Chosen by Janeal Falor

GIVEAWAY

The High Sierras Series by Diane Benefiel ~ Blast and Giveaway

GIVEAWAY

What’s New On My Bookshelf #301 and The Sunday Post

Saturday Screams #62 ~ Dark Corners Three Times Around

Ian Dodge Mysteries by Judy Nichols ~ Excerpts and Giveaway