Archive for October, 2024

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for The Goblin King’s Mischief organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author D. Lieber will award a $10 Bookshop Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

The Goblin King’s Mischief

by D. Lieber

 

 

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Synopsis

A promise unkept. A love she can’t forget. This wily human will do anything to reclaim the heart of the Goblin King.

Lady Melody Piobaire never lost faith her first love would come for her when she was forced from his side. That is, until she finds out he doesn’t even know who she really is…doesn’t even know she’s human. To make things worse, she’s the promised mistress of the sidhe king. Rather than bear Tir’s heir, she devises a plan to win back her true love in the most goblin of ways.

Orphaned elf Aodh never forgot what it was like growing up on the mean streets of Goblintown. And now, as Goblin King, he’s dedicated to being the just and attentive ruler the neglected goblins deserve. So when a spoiled human who knows nothing of what it means to be a goblin tricks him into marriage, he’ll do anything to be rid of her.

Melody is certain she can win Aodh’s heart again, so she isn’t prepared for his hot and cold hostility. Aodh is unsettled by the forward human in his home and the way she seems to know just how to get to him.

What can Melody do if her only love no longer wants her, or worse, no longer exists?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

I looked up at Aodh, taking in the face I used to know so very well. His features had sharpened in the last ten years. His thick hair—which had been quite messy when it was shorter—now fell in long locks that could no longer hide the pointed tips of his ears. The groove between his straight nose and wide lips had deepened, and he still had a tiny break in the hair of his left eyebrow, a scar too small to see if not for the space where the hair no longer grew.

I took in the sight of him, memorizing the small changes that had taken place since the last time I’d seen him. He’d grown both taller and wider—his shoulders now the broad and strong shoulders of a man. Though, despite the added years, his eyes had changed the most. They were much darker than I remembered, not in color but in substance. He’d helped me as I knew he would, but he no longer had that carefree glint in his eyes. The lack of that little light of mischief hurt more than anything else.

“Miss?” he called. “Where do you live? What’s your name?”

I let my mouth widen in a smirk of bravado. “Me? My name is Lady Melody Píobaire, daughter of the Earl of Piskishire.” I swallowed my heart. He’s not going to like this. Raising my left hand, I displayed the ring I’d just sneaked from his finger onto mine. “I’m the goblin queen, and you can come for me at Maplecrest, my family home, whenever is convenient for you, husband.”

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About Author D. Lieber 

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  1. Lieber has a wanderlust that would make a butterfly envious. When she isn’t planning her next physical adventure, she’s recklessly jumping from one fictional world to another. Her love of reading led her to earn a Bachelor’s in English from Wright State University.

Beyond her skeptic and slightly pessimistic mind, Lieber wants to believe. She has been many places—from Canada to England, France to Italy, Germany to Russia—believing that a better world comes from putting a face on “other.” She is a romantic idealist at heart, always fighting to keep her feet on the ground and her head in the clouds.

Lieber lives in Wisconsin with her husband (John) and cats (Yin and Nox).

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Bookbub

Preorder Links: Amazon / B&N / Universal / BookBub / 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.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

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Free Computer Seeks photo and picture

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I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

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 Sam

by Lisa McCourt Hollar

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Genre: Horror

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MY REVIEW

I grabbed this on a whim after reading the synopsis. A goldfish dies. A boy wants him back. A woman casts a spell. Voila. Sam the goldfish is swimming around in his tank again.

Wait for it…. Sam isn’t the friendly little goldfish anymore. He’s got a strange new hunger.

At only about 17 pages there’s not much I can say without spoiling it for you. I don’t think I could look at a pretty goldfish the same anymore. Creepy good fun.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

Sam is dead. Tommy, his best friend, wants him back. Sam might only be a goldfish, but he is the only friend the neglected boy has. When Mama Tasha casts a spell to bring Sam back to life, things get a little strange and Sam develops a decidedly, un-fishlike appetite.

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

     

     

     

     

     

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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.

Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Dying For Monet organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author Claudia Riess will award a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter!

And you can click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Dying For Monet

by Claudia Riess

 

 

Genre: Mystery

Synopsis

Dying for Monet, book 5 of Riess’s art history mystery series, opens on a gala evening auction at Laszlo’s, an upstart auction house in New York City. After a much sought-after Impressionist still life painting is without notice withdrawn from the auction block, its broker is found dead at the foot of an imposing statue in Laszlo’s courtyard. Amateur sleuths Erika Shawn and Harrison Wheatley are once again drawn into an investigation involving an art-related homicide, this time with one sharing an unnerving coincidence with violent crimes occurring abroad.

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Enjoy this peek inside:

For a short while they ate in a silence broken only by the soft clatter of utensils and restrained exclamations of praise, the meal more than living up to its aromatic overture. Yet, beneath the silence there was an insensate hum of anticipation, like an underlying spice that defines a dish, but can’t quite be identified.

Erika was slicing into a tender fragment of chicken; Harrison, scooping up a forkful of buttered noodles; Greg, wiping his lips with his napkin—when Robin, staring down at her plate, suddenly blurted, “Ivan and I—we were having a squabble.” She looked up. “It wasn’t much of anything at the start, but it escalated. We were having dinner. Right where we are now, at this table.” She seemed to marvel at the coincidence. “I complained, not very adamantly, that he was spending a lot of time in Manhattan—too much time. He said he was ‘learning the ropes.’ I remember thinking, how odd, I’ve never heard him use that phrase.” She studied her plate again. “I told him he didn’t share things with me. What was he doing at Laszlo’s? Who were his colleagues? I became agitated. I asked him if he was having an affair.” She sucked in her breath, as if someone other than herself had surprised her with that statement.

“He was stunned by my accusation. At a loss. For a minute he was silent, and then he said, ‘An affair? You want to know what I haven’t shared with you? Something personal? All right, I’ll let you in on my secret, my only secret, but you have to swear you’ll keep it to yourself. It concerns the contract between me and one of my clients. I’m going against my word, here, you understand. I gave Mr. Keller my word I’d keep it between us.’ It was essential, Ivan said. Essential.”

Robin picked up her fork and began pushing a morsel of chicken around on her plate, poking at it, as if to get a response out of it. “What was I thinking?” She let the fork drop onto the plate and looked up. “I can’t talk about this. I swore not to. There was a reason not to tell. A danger in telling.” She shook her head. “Greg, Greg, I was drunk with grief when I shared this with you. I know you’ll keep your word. Erika, Harrison, I’m sorry. I’ll give you anything else but this. Not this.”

Erika was sitting next to Robin. She laid her hand on hers. Robin placed her free hand on Erika’s and kept it there. Erika nodded her understanding, inwardly begging Robin to recant. The plea went unanswered.

A short time later, after acceding to Robin’s remorseful insistence they partake of her apple pie à la mode and coffee, the sated visitors were back on the road, heading toward Manhattan.

All three were seated in the back of the car, Erika between the men. Bill had taken it upon himself to shut the partition separating him and his passengers so that they could converse in private.

For a while silence ruled. Then, not quite breaking it, Erika turned to Greg, on her left, and, cocking her head ever-so-slightly, fixed him with an imploring look.

“No,” Greg said.

“Just thought I’d ask,” she answered. “I understand.” She rested her head on Harrison’s shoulder and tried to distance herself from the double-edged guilt for having pressed Greg to break his oath and disappointment for not having succeeded at it.

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About Author Claudia Riess:

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Claudia Riess has worked in the editorial departments of The New Yorker and Holt, Rinehart and Winston, and has edited several art history monographs. Stolen Light, the first book in her art history mystery series, was chosen by Vassar’s Latin American history professor for distribution to the college’s people-to-people trips to Cuba.  To Kingdom Come, the fourth, will be added to the syllabus of a survey course on West and Central African Art at a prominent Midwestern university.  Claudia has written a number of articles for Mystery Readers Journal, Women’s National Book Association, the Sisters in Crime Bloodletter, and Mystery Scene magazine.  To read more about Claudia and her work, visit the author’s website.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest

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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.

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell Banner

A HUSH AT MIDNIGHT
by Marlene M. Bell
October 7 – November 1, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

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Synopsis:
From the award-winning author of the ANNALISSE MYSTERY SERIES.

THE VISIT THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING. Celebrity chef Laura Harris dwells on the horror of finding her mentor’s body in the groundskeeper’s disheveled bed—pillow and bedding half covering her open eyes—purple bruising around her mouth. A grisly snapshot in time revealing the Texas woman’s last moments during her attack. The elderly matriarch from the small town of Stenburg has left the physical world, and Laura is shattered. She is catapulted headlong into the pursuit of a casual executioner, one bold enough to come and go from the crime scene with ease, dropping bizarre crumb trails designed to mock the deceased. But Laura herself doesn’t go unnoticed. As she digs deeper, she is followed and bombarded by warnings to leave the state. When the victim’s attorney informs Laura that she’s to inherit the entire Stenburg fortune, the last act of kindness has made Laura the main person of interest in the investigation. Message by message, Laura is methodically taunted by someone so deranged and driven they’ll do whatever it takes to dislodge Laura from Texas – permanently.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Amateur Sleuth/Mystery/Cozy Mystery

Published by: Ewephoric Publishing Publication Date: October 1, 2024 Number of Pages: 368 ISBN: 979-8-9863409-6-8

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

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MY REVIEW

I do like my mysteries and the author had me coming and going, at a loss as to the who or why in this one.

I like a strong female protagonist and Laura fits the bill. She has a protective instinct along with some stubbornness. When she visits her mentor and friend, elderly Hattie, she notices something’s off. She seems so frail. She knows something is very wrong when she discovers Hattie dead. What killed her? Why was she in the grounds keeper’s house? These are some of the questions she asks herself and she smells a rat.

I mentioned the author was adept at keeping me guessing. There were plenty of false trails and suspects. I’d love to say I had it all figured out. Not the case and I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.

4 STARS

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Marlene M. Bell:

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Marlene M. Bell

Marlene M. Bell has never met a sheep she didn’t like. As a personal touch for her readers, they often find these wooly creatures visiting her international romantic mysteries and children’s books as characters or subject matter. Marlene is an accomplished artist and photographer who takes pride in entertaining fans on multiple levels of her creativity. Marlene’s award-winning Annalisse series boasts Best Mystery honors for all installments including these: IP Best Regional Australia/New Zealand, Global Award Best Mystery, and Chanticleer’s International Mystery and Mayhem shortlist for Copper Waters, the fourth mystery in the series. She offers her children’s picture book, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! written primarily for younger kids based on true events from the Bell’s East Texas sheep ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of belonging and unconditional love between a little girl and her lamb.

Catch Up With Marlene M. Bell: www.MarleneMBell.com Goodreads – @dorsetghal BookBub – @dorsetgalwrites Instagram – @marlenemysteries Twitter/X – @ewephoric Facebook Facebook – @marlenembell Amazon Author Page

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

Win Big! Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Marlene M. Bell. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

 

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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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.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

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Free Computer Seeks photo and picture

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I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

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 Horrorstor

by Grady Hendrix

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Genre: Horror

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MY REVIEW

As I work in a huge retail store and work lots of night shifts, it was a no brainer that I would read this book. I also knew I had to have a physical copy and it sure added to the fun and creepiness. A glossy cover with chilling images captured in the frames promised scary fun. I loved how the book was designed like a catalog, the start of each chapter offering an advertisement for goods sold in the store. As the story plays out the ads get more and more ominous.

Some people may not enjoy the slow start as it’s all about the store, how it works, and the employees who work at Orsk. I’ve always liked that. I like to envision the location and picture the characters. One or two in this story were very similar to people I work with. At my job, I’m often staying past closing and it gets really creepy without people around and noises seem to come from nowhere. I felt that when Amy and her coworkers stayed after closing to try to catch whoever had been damaging and moving products around after hours. Gave me the heebie jeebies. Once things started happening, it got more and more creepy and I ate it up.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

Something strange is happening at the Orsk furniture superstore in Cleveland, Ohio. Every morning, employees arrive to find broken Kjerring bookshelves, shattered Glans water goblets, and smashed Liripip wardrobes. Sales are down, security cameras reveal nothing, and store managers are panicking.

To unravel the mystery, three employees volunteer to work a nine-hour dusk-till-dawn shift. In the dead of the night, they’ll patrol the empty showroom floor, investigate strange sights and sounds, and encounter horrors that defy the imagination.

A traditional haunted house story in a thoroughly contemporary setting, Horrorstör comes packaged in the form of a glossy mail order catalog, complete with product illustrations, a home delivery order form, and a map of Orsk’s labyrinthine showroom.

Designed by Andie Reid, cover photography by Christine Ferrara

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

     

     

     

     

     

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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.

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Bowling Bodies at Spare Lanes Alley

by Laura Hern

 

(The Lainey Maynard Mystery Series, #5)
Publication date: August 20th 2023
Genres: Adult, Cozy Mystery

What a fun and exciting read! Humor and suspense kept me engaged, and it was hard to put down! Looking forward to the next book in this series!!” Bobbi

When planning a murder, practice makes perfect…or does it?

Super sleuth Lainey Maynard and the Whoopee group are preparing for the bowling tournament fundraiser to save Spare Lanes Bowling Alley. Until an envelope arrived during their practice game that caused more excitement than a scored card filled with strikes. Why hadn’t Gerry Hayward been more concerned?

Spare Lanes Alley had been the hot spot where local celebrity bowlers and newbies gathered. Even framed and signed photos of professional bowlers lined the trophy wall. Now, threats of foreclosure loomed over Gerald and Phoebe Hayward, the owners, and the entire bowling community. More than bowling balls are crossing the foul line.

Gerald and Phoebe Hayward purchased the alley to start fresh after the Professional Bowling Association banned him. Past suspicions of murder, accusations of impending revenge, and enormous gambling debts don’t exactly stop the gossip mongers’ embarrassing rumors.

Lainey and the Whoopee Pin-Slayers will need more than gutter bumpers, shoe covers, and shammy rags to solve the unfolding mysteries.

A fun and intriguing cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. You’ll love the delightful characters, and the twists will keep you turning the pages!

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“What crazy weather! I’ve been running all over town in this icy rain!” Della shivered as she hurried through the door of Babe’s House of Caffeine and toward the Whoopee’s regular table.

“Mother Nature must think it’s March, not October.” Francy grinned and pulled out the chair between her and Lainey. “Sit down and dry out. Mom’s running a bit late, too.”

“Are you still trying to figure out a costume for the bowling fundraiser?” Lainey asked. “I think I’ve decided on mine!”

“Didn’t Francy tell you? We’re going as the Blues Brothers!” I’m Jake and she’s Elwood.” She leaned closer to Lainey and, looking at Francy, pretended to whisper. “She’s jealous of my dancing abilities!”

“Absolutely not!” Francy smirked. “I have dance moves that make Elwood look like a beginner!” She stood up, pushed her chair from the table, and began stomping her feet, shaking, and wiggling her body, waving her hands in the air while shouting ‘Hallelujah’!

Everyone in the cafe laughed. Some clapped and chanted, “Go Francy. Go Francy. Go Francy.” “Okay, okay! You can dance, but I’m still the lead singer,” Della chuckled.

Francy stopped, turned to the cafe patrons, and took a bow while they applauded. She pretended to blow kisses to thank them, then turned to sit down at the table again.

“Whew! That’s hard work. I should have done more of Mom’s ‘Sweating to the Oldies’ workout videos!” she said breathlessly. “I’m going to need a large Caramel Macchiato.”

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About Author Laura Hern:

Laura Hern is an author who writes Cozy Mysteries and Romance novels.

She loves cats, charred brussel sprouts with bacon, and romantic murder mysteries!

Laura grew up in Texas and lives in Minnesota. She loves to ride motorcycles, and is an avid domino and card player. Music and traveling are her passions.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

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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.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2023! I missed doing this the last couple of years due to Covid and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

Free Computer Seeks photo and picture

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

~~~~~

 Let Me In

by Samuel Small

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Genre: Horror / Short Story

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MY REVIEW

This is a very short story. Around 18 pages on my Kindle. On Goodreads, there is no description so I’m going to share my review that way too.

Short stories are like a box of chocolates. You know…. you never know what you’re gonna get. This little gem packed a lot of scary good stuff in it.  Quick and to the point. No frills and quite the ending.

4 STARS

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

     

     

     

     

   

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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.

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Today Aileen Erin and Rockstar Book Tours
are revealing the cover for INFESTATION, the second book in her YA Romantasy
series book which releases January 21, 2025!

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Check out the awesome cover and
enter the giveaway!

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On to the reveal! 

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INFESTATION (Days Of Iron And Clay #2)

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by Aileen Erin

Pub. Date: January 21, 2025
Publisher: Ink Monster, LLC
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 414

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Find it:
Goodreads, https://books2read.com/INFESTATION-ERIN

Special Preorder Price of $1.99 until release day!

 

SAMANTHA

I never thought I’d willingly walk into Hell again, but I did.

I survived and am back where I belong—at home. But Gabe, my demon-dead friend,
is still missing. And the guilt is crippling me.

While I’m laughing and happy with my boyfriend, Gabe is suffering. While I’m
resting and healing, Gabe is being endlessly tortured. But every plan I come up
with is a suicide mission. And despite what it sometimes looks like,
I’m not ready to die.

So, when my werewolf friends ask me to help their pack with a problem, there’s
no way I can say no—even if I’m not ready to jump into another fight. There’s a
mysterious evil the werewolves can’t track, and they need me to help them kill
it.

It’s the perfect distraction. The only problem? Phoenix, a mortal, wants to
go with me.

Even though he’s proven he can handle the supernatural, I can’t help but think
nothing good can come from him getting an even better glimpse of how not normal
my work life is. But I can’t say no to him; all I can do is pray
Phoenix is still by my side when this is over.

PHOENIX

My life pre-Samantha was turmoil. Soccer career, over. Family life, devastated
after the loss of my grandmother. Dating? Laughable. Every relationship fell
apart because the door in my heart had been shut tight. I was unknowingly
holding out for the one girl who had completely changed my world.

Samantha is it for me; my heart knew it before I did. I’d go anywhere as
long as it’s with her.

But her guardian angel, Eli, said something to me that makes me think something
truly terrible will happen to Samantha. And I’m not about to let that
happen. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.

 

Tropes:

 

Good v. Evil

Found Family

Angels & Demons

Slow Burn Romance

YA Dark Fantasy

 

Enjoy this peek inside:

(The morning after the events of INVOCATION. Samantha is just waking up, and
spots her mom sitting in a chair beside her bed…)

 

I started to say something, but she put her finger over her
mouth and pointed.

I looked down, and there was someone laying at the foot of my
bed.

Wait. Not just someone. Phoenix was sleeping
curled up at my feet.

So, he really had been here last night. He’d stayed.

I was confused. And excited. And thankful. Then again,
confused. Truly. Why would he have stayed?

When I thought about it, I barely knew him. That was the
logical part of me. But the rest—the emotional, spiritual, soul part of me—felt
like this was right. That I knew him and that of course he
should be here. Because where else would he be?

But that made exactly zero sense. And yet, here he was.

I glanced at Mom in question, but she just shrugged. As if
that explained everything, but it really didn’t explain anything at all. I
needed actual words. A hand gesture. Something. Anything.

Phoenix was still in the pack’s standard joggers and T-shirt,
which triggered more of the memory from last night. He’d been there when I woke
up earlier from the nightmare. I’d gotten dressed, and he’d been in the
kitchen. He’d cooked for me. Fed me.

I didn’t have any memory of how or when I’d ended up back
here in this bed, but I must’ve been carried back upstairs. Mom couldn’t have
done that. Or Frank. One of the werewolves could’ve but they’d been gone. I
didn’t remember Eli being there either.

That left Phoenix.

He’d carried me?

Oh man. A foggy memory hit me, and I cringed. He totally had carried me up
here, and I’d grabbed him and begged him to stay like some massive clinger.

Way to just show him all the ugly bits in one go, Samantha.

Of course he stayed. I’d guilted him into it. What a
nightmare.

His long legs were tucked in tight as he slept, but his feet
still hung off the edge. It was almost as if he didn’t want to risk touching me
and waking me up. And yet, he had one arm reaching out to me, lightly gripping
my ankle.

He looked younger when he was asleep, but no less fierce or
handsome. The short-sleeves of his shirt had ridden up on one side, displaying
more of his tattoos. They took up more of his arms than I’d thought, and I
wanted to get a closer look, to run my fingers over them, to ask what they
meant, but that could wait. I didn’t want to wake him up.

I glanced at Mom, and she gave me a barely-there smile, as if
she were holding back whatever she was thinking about him. That was a first.
Mom was never shy about her feelings. She had to be hiding something, but from
the way her smile quirked up as I stared at her, I knew she wasn’t going to
spill anytime soon.

 

 

About Author Aileen Erin:

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Aileen Erin
is half – Irish, half – Mexican, and 100% nerd—from Star Wars (prequels don’t
count) to Star Trek (TNG FTW), she reads Quenya and some Sindarin, and has a
severe fascination with the supernatural. Aileen has a BS in Radio-TV-Film from
the University of Texas at Austin, and an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from
Seton Hill University. She lives with her family in Texas, and spends her days
doing her favorite things: reading books, creating worlds, and kicking ass.

Sign up for
Ink Monster’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

 

 

Giveaway Details:

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Giveaway contest ribbon promo label prize. Vector giveaway banner badge design template

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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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Do you dare enter Dr. Frankenstein’s la-BOR-uh-tree? 

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Upas Street: Shocking Specter

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The Botanic Hill
Detectives Mysteries Book 6

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by Sherrill Joseph

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Genre: Middle Grade Paranormal Mystery

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Do you dare enter Dr. Frankenstein’s la-BOR-uh-tree?

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 A fearless quartet of teen sleuths, the Botanic Hill detectives, travel to
Llanfair, a fictitious Welsh village in present-day California, to solve the
mystery of the Shocking Specter.

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The green-glowing apparition reportedly roams the countryside, setting
fire to buildings and meadows during the new moon. The occurrences began
shortly after a motion picture stagehand Scotty Roberts’s accidental death by
electrocution in this case inspired by the filming of Universal Pictures 1931
classic horror movie Frankenstein.

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Supernatural?

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Coincidence?

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Or is criminal activity at work?

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And why, nearly a century later, has the Shocking Specter returned?

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Readers will enjoy learning about real-life horror film star Boris
Karloff, Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, other key players
in the movie’s production, and 
some early Hollywood cinematic history. Our fabulous four might need to kick some monsters to the curb to solve
this challenging mystery!

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 For ages 9 to 14. Adults like this series,
too! My present-day Middle-Grade mysteries have a twist of history,
this time, harking to the filming of 1931’s Universal Pictures classic horror
movie Frankenstein.
It is not within the Young-Adult genre that serves ages 14 to
18. 

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What readers are saying:

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 “Follow our detectives to the fictitious Welsh
settlement of Llanfair, California, as they chase a green-glowing specter and
get caught up in a riveting mystery that will introduce young readers to the
magic of old Hollywood horror movies. Kids will stay intrigued from start to
finish.”

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–KIMBERLEY KRAMER, Literacy Specialist, Saint
Katharine Drexel Academy, San Diego, CA

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“I loved this book and could not put it down! I
loved learning about the Hollywood monsters from the old-time days and meeting
the people of Llanfair. You will not be sad that you chose this book to read.”

–SOPHIA O., age 10, San Diego, CA

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“As a professor of History of Film and Monster
and Character Makeup Design, I was intrigued from the first page of this book!
The Golden Age of Hollywood is brought to life in the eyes of the young
protagonists through their exploration of Universal Studios’ Frankenstein
franchise. Joseph not only captured my attention with the charm and
intelligence of her four detectives but had me searching for clues and secret
messages (Easter eggs) to unravel this horror-movie-inspired mystery. Joseph
includes facts about Boris Karloff that I did not know, which delighted me to
no end. Jack Pierce may have never received an Oscar for his iconic makeup
designs, but he gets a wonderful tribute through this exciting story. A
must-read for mystery lovers and film buffs of all ages.”

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–SHARON LYNN, award-winning author of A
Cotswold Crimes Mystery series; aka SHARON BOLMAN, Senior Professor of Digital
Video and General Education, University of Advancing Technology, Tempe, AZ

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Background: The four Botanic Hill detectives are having dinner with their Llanfair hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Llewellyn. There was one night to go before the new moon and the specter’s likely appearance, so this evening should be relaxing . . . 

The detectives took turns filling the couple in on all the clues and leads they had gathered so far. As usual, Lanny was quick to remind everyone that evidence was scarce so far, but they hoped they were on the right track.

The diners also discussed the day’s unlocked-door issue at the tower museum and were glad the problem seemed under control now. But it would be critical to find out who made a duplicate key and why.

As Moki was reaching for dessert, a powerful, clanging sound began.

The Llewellyns pushed back their chairs immediately and headed for the front door.

Mrs. Llewellyn turned around to the detectives. “It’s a warning bell coming from the village church. Something terrible must have happened! Come with us, quickly.”

Everyone abandoned the dinner table and bolted outdoors. Smoke was already clogging the air, and the group heard a roaring sound. But they continued toward the source. Soon, they joined other villagers, who were shouting and gathering in the town square.

The detectives noticed a large wooden structure on fire! The fire brigade was on the scene trying to douse the tall flames.

“What’s burning?” Lanny asked anyone who would answer.

“Our St. David’s Day festival stage!” said a young woman with a catch in her voice. “We thought building it early would be a good idea, but . . . ” She shook her head.

Lanny looked at the squad. “Are you guys thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Yep,” replied Lexi. “The Shocking Specter did this to distract everyone. It’s on the run—a day early!”

Lanny exhaled. “Ugh! And it’s got a jump on us.”

Rani tugged on Lanny’s sleeve. “Then, what are we waiting for? Let’s go after it.” The athletic girl raced ahead without waiting for a reply. Her three friends followed.

The Shocking Specter likely had a good head start, so the squad decided to go right to the cemetery and tower, ignoring the pond and bridge. The detectives traversed the grassy field in record time. No villagers followed them. Upon reaching the cemetery, Lanny told Moki and Lexi to check there while he and Rani would see if there was any trouble at the tower or its back door.

Soon, the four met between the two destinations.

Lexi held up a large corpse candle. It was a duplicate of the one Lanny had found in the pond, only hers was sparkling a bright red. “We found it by Scotty Roberts’s grave! And congratulations, Moki, for not complaining about returning to your least favorite spot in Llanfair.”

Without waiting for Moki’s reply, Rani said, “The tower museum’s door is still locked, thank goodness, but the doorknob’s loose as if someone’s been tugging on it. And we found a speck of its costume on the bush going down the steps!” She smiled and held up a few threads of fabric, brilliantly glowing green in the dark.

“Hey, guys. Look out there!” Lanny said, pointing.

Far off in the deserted meadow, running northwest toward the dense woods, was the Shocking Specter. It glowed a ghastly green from head to toe, shimmering and pulsating like an animated, computer-generated image. Just as Lanny was going to suggest they follow it, the apparition vanished— as if its lights had been switched off!

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**Don’t miss the rest of the series!**

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Find them on Amazon

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Q:  Please discuss your favorite inspirational authors or books.

A:   Nancy Drew mysteries (The Secret of Red Gate Farm and The Phantom of Pine Hill are two favorites), Frances Hodgson Burnett (The Secret Garden), and Phyllis A. Whitney mysteries (The Mystery of the Green Cat; The Secret of the Samurai Sword) still enthrall me. I still reread those for fun and inspiration. As a college English major, I developed a lifelong love of the classics, especially the Sherlock Holmes stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (“The Hound of the Baskervilles”), the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre; Wuthering Heights), Daphne du Maurier (Rebecca), Bram Stoker (Dracula), Mary Shelley (Frankenstein), Edgar Allan Poe’s stories and poems, and Wilkie Collins (The Moonstone; The Woman in White). From modern times, I am awed and inspired by the writing style of Hazel Gaynor (The Cottingley Secret), John Fowles (The French Lieutenant’s Woman; The Magus), and Frances Mayes (Under the Tuscan Sun), particularly, all three authors’ uses of metaphor and descriptive language. Among children’s authors, I enjoy Steven K. Smith (The Virginia Mysteries), Aaron Johnson (The National Park Mysteries), and Nancy Springer (The Enola Holmes Mysteries).

Q:  Is any of your writing inspired by your actual life?

A:  Yes, mostly from my ongoing childhood! Mysteries have always been my favorite reading and writing genre. Therea re snippets of memories that influenced each of my Botanic Hill Detectives Mysteries. For example, in Book 1, Nutmeg Street: Egyptian Secrets, I employed a memory of visiting my great-aunt. She lived on a canyon and had an old, mossy pond down some steep stone steps. Many trees created a dark, mysterious world there for me. A cousin told me a big black snake hid in the pond and came out at night. In Book 2, Eucalyptus Street: Green Curse, I recalled childhood-book mysteries with secret passages and characters hunting for something hidden. In Book 5, Jacaranda Street: Gravestone Image, I wrapped a mystery around one of my favorite writers, Edgar Allan Poe. In Book 6, Upas Street: Shocking Specter, I showcased my love of Universal Pictures 1931 classic horror film Frankenstein and its inimitable star Boris Karloff as the monster. As a kid, I used to watch those old horror movies on television’s Shock Theater on Saturday nights. I often collect plots ideas on my daily walks in my neighborhood of vintage, historic homes.

Q:  Why the mystery genre, and why do you write cozy mysteries for kids?

A:   I have loved the mystery genre since I discovered Nancy Drew Mysteries at the age of ten. I would finish my schoolwork early so I could pull my book out of my desk and escape to “Nancy Land.” I used to write short mysteries starring Nancy and her friends and vowed that someday, I would write mysteries for children. Kid cozies offer kids a safe place to try on problems and work out solutions. There is crime, but minus the gore and dark peril, so squeamish readers won’t be turned off. Instead, young readers can focus on the actions of likable, role-model amateur sleuths who want to help right wrongs to ensure justice is served. There are often intriguing twists and turns in cozies, lots of clues, food, pets, a red herring or two, and a believable solution to wrap things up with a smile for everyone except the villains.

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Sherrill Joseph was a shy kid whose BFF was
Nancy Drew. From her, the author learned to seek adventures, be kind and fair,
help others everywhere, and become a mystery author someday.

Convinced early on that she was an architect in
a former life, Sherrill was receptive to the magic of her Southern California
neighborhood’s historic houses. To this day, she dramatizes those old
“castles,” filling them with mysteries, staircases, a ghost or two, and
exaggerated occurrences.

The author graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa
cum laude
from San Diego State University. Once retired in 2013 after
teaching kids for thirty-five years in the San Diego public schools, the inner
child in Sherrill created the multi award-winning Botanic Hill Detectives
Mysteries series so her grandkids and all kids can gallop with her and her four
forever-thirteen-year-old sleuths in their standalone cases after clues to nab
the bad guys.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive (The Redemption Detective Agency)
by Michele Pariza Wacek

 


The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive (The Redemption Detective Agency)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Wisconsin
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love-Based Publishing (October 15, 2024)
Number of Pages ~200 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CL7YVSJN

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When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Or maybe a gin and tonic.

Emily Hildebrandt has run into a bit of a rough patch. She’s lost her job, her fiance and her apartment. Still, she never expected to be desperate enough to accept an invitation to live with her eccentric Aunt Tilde in Redemption, Wisconsin.

But, beggars can’t be choosers. Even if part of the deal is she has to pretend to work at her aunt’s latest hair-brained scheme, The Redemption Detective Agency.

Seriously, the woman is a retired nurse. Why does she think she’s remotely qualified to run a detective agency, especially in a creepy little town like Redemption?

But, when a strange phone call suddenly thrusts them into an actual case, Emily finds herself hoping her aunt really does know what she’s doing … or an innocent person may be the one to suffer the consequences.

A spin-off from the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series! The Redemption Detective Agency is a funny, twisty cozy mystery series set in the 1990s featuring silver sleuths solving cold cases. Great for fans of the Thursday Murder Club.

About Michele Pariza Wacek

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A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes, and more, at MPWNovels.com.

Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram

Purchase Links – AmazonB&N 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 14 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 16 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 16 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

October 17 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 18 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

October 22 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

October 23 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW  

October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 26 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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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.