Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Veils And Vampires by CEE BEE ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 18, 2023 in giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
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Veils and Vampires

by CEE BEE

 

(Vampires of the Daemonverse, #2)
Publication date: October 14th 2023
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance

Highlander meets Twilight with a dash of Fifty Shades of Grey in this vampire romantasy…

Caelin MacGregor is an ancient king with a new love
Ages ago, I ruled a clan of vampire raiders. We were allies to the Vikings and enemies of the Rus. That life ended when the bloodkin plague wiped out all our women, including my beloved vampire bride, Elisava. A thousand years have passed. My heart remains empty. Then I see a human woman named Lexa. For the first time in ages, I feel true desire, respect and love. Could Lexa actually be a lost bloodkin lady … or is she a horrible trick from Pyri, the ancient fire goddess of the Rus raiders?
Lexa Uznetsov has a plan
To save my sister, Sash, I took on my father’s debt to Konstantin the Rus, leader of the New York Bratva. As a result, my life became a never-ending (and incredibly illegal) stakeout for the mob. After years of scheming, I’ve finally come up with a solid escape plan: find all three pieces of the infamous Veil Pendant. Once I reassemble this magical item, I’ll have the power to cure my sister … as well as the ability to say buh-bye to Konstantin. Sure, legends warn that reforming the Veil Pendant may bring about some nastiness called Pyri’s doomsday. Yet if it saves Sash, I’m willing to risk anything.
“Veils and Vampires is amazing! It has action and adventure and a little spicy. Enough that it makes you drool and want more. Honestly a totally different take on modern day vampire soulmates. I devoured this book in one sitting.” – Teresa, Goodreads
Vampires of the Daemonverse
1. Violins and Vampires
2. Veils and Vampires
3. Vixens and Vampires

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Lexa

 

When a girl decides to have sex with vampire, it isn’t easy to wait for the fun to begin. Yet, that’s exactly what Caelin’s asked me to do.

We left the Bold Tsarina—a building which is now in need of major renovations, by the way—and came over to Caelin’s penthouse. Once here, the man insisted that we shower and eat. Apparently, we have to keep up our strength for the next few days. I’d complain, but Caelin’s playing that I’m a thousand year old vampire card while looking at me all steamy-like. It totally works.

But if we wait much longer, I can’t be held responsible for what happens. Just saying.

Which brings me to where I am now: Caelin’s shower. It’s a modern set-up with a million nozzles and a ton of hand-held shower hose deals. I’m sure all that stuff has fancier names, but I’m used to sneaking into the performer’s bathroom when they’re between sets at the Lucky Ladies. This is way over my skillset. There’s even a touchpad with buttons. Who knew that you could put electronics in a shower without killing anyone? Apparently, it’s a thing.

Caelin is off cleaning up the last crumbs left in the kitchen after he whipped me up a delish omelet. I got to stare at his ass with abandon during the cooking process, too. All in all, very enjoyable.

Back to the shower. I toss aside my very plush robe, step into the stall and push a few buttons. A trickle of icy water dribbles from one high up nozzle. I force myself under the flow and, teeth chattering, take the quickest shower ever. Then, I hit the stop button.

Turning around, I find one very naked Caelin standing behind me. Did I mention this is a big shower? It is.

I take a moment to soak in the sight of him. There’s Caelin’s intense whiskey-brown eyes, strong jawline and wide mouth. But all these I’ve seen before. Now, I scan the ropes of muscles on his bare arms and chest. For someone who’s been in his share of battles, his skin is unscarred. A line of dark hair trails down his flat stomach to his large, hard cock.

Caelin steps into the shower, pausing when we’re both very naked and close. “That willna do, my beauty.”

“No?”

“Nae. Let me take care of ye.”

Caelin takes to pushing buttons until there’s a warm water shooting at me from all directions. He then lathers me up, staring off by standing behind me and washing my hair. That part is nice. Caelin then rubs suds all over my chest and ass. I don’t think my skin has ever gotten this much attention.

To rinse me off, he uses this hand-held shower-head and slowly makes each bubble go away. It’s killing me.

“D’ye know how many times I pictured you here, just as you are now?”

My core tightens. The idea of a naked Caelin imagining me makes my nipples tighten. Caelin notices the change. He leads a drop of water from my shoulder down to the tip of my breast.

“How many times?” I ask.

He slips his hand between my legs. For each word he speaks, he rubs once against my most sensitive spot. “Every. Damned. Day.”

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About Author Christina Bauer:

Author Christina “CEE BEE” Bauer has sold more than 1M copies across her 45+ epic fantasy books for young adults. She’s recorded (and narrated) eight of her books into audiobooks, as well as led the translation of her novels into four different languages. USA Today has called her work “must-read paranormal fantasy.” Bauer is an autism advocate and quirky loudmouth whose writing style really isn’t for everyone. But if you like stories with complex worlds inhabited by chicks who kick ass and take names, then read on!

Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. She loves to connect with her fans at ChristinaBauerAuthor.com.
Be the first to know about new releases from Christina by signing up for her newsletter: http://tinyurl.com/CBupdates

Website / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Instagram / TikTok / LinkedIn

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Bigfoot Queen by Jennifer Weiner ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: October 17, 2023 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, middle grade, reviews
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I am thrilled to be hosting a  review spot on the THE BIGFOOT QUEEN by Jennifer Weiner Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

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Check out my review and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

Title: THE BIGFOOT QUEEN (The Littlest Bigfoot #3)

by Author: Jennifer Weiner

 

 

Pub. Date: October 24, 2023

Publisher: Aladdin

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 352

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Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/THE-BIGFOOT-QUEEN 

 

From #1 New York Times bestselling
author Jennifer Weiner comes the third and final book in the “cheerful” (The
New York Times Book Review) and “charming” (People) trilogy about
friendship, adventure, and celebrating your true self.

Alice Mayfair, Millie Maximus, Jessica Jarvis, and Jeremy Bigelow face their
biggest challenge yet when exposure of the sacred, secret world is threatened
by a determined foe, someone with a very personal reason to want revenge
against the creatures who call themselves the Yare.

The fate of the tribe and its members’ right to live out peacefully in the open
is at stake. Impossible decisions are made, friendships are threatened, secrets
are revealed, and tremendous courage is required. Alice, her friends, and her
frenemies will have to work together and be stronger, smarter, and more
accepting than they’ve ever been.

But can some betrayals ever be forgiven?

Weiner will be celebrating the book’s publication with an in-person event via Children’s Book World on October 24, 2023 at 7:30pm ET. A hardcover boxed set collection of all three books in The Littlest Bigfoot series will be published on November 13, 2023—just in time for the holidays!

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Grab all 3
books now from Amazon!

 

 

MY REVIEW

I confess, the title for the book was what first caught my attention. I then went over and learned about the author. Jennifer has written plenty of books and I wanted to try one. While this is the third in the series, I easily jumped in and had fun. As it’s also the end of the series, I now want to go and read the other books too.

Alice and her three companions have a big pickle to tackle. The hidden Bigfoot community, or Yare’s, are about to be exposed. They need help and Alice and her friends are just the ticket.

What a delightful and thoughtful story. I think young ones, and adults, will benefit by reading this story about strength of character, love and acceptance. With plenty of adventure and excitement to make for a super fun read.

5 STARS

 

 

About Jennifer Weiner:

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Jennifer Weiner is the #1 New York Times bestselling
author of twenty-one books, including The Summer Place, That Summer, Big
Summer, Mrs. Everything, In Her Shoes, Good
in Bed, and a memoir in essays, Hungry Heart. She has
appeared on many national television programs, including Today and Good
Morning America, and her work has been published in The Wall
Street Journal and The New York Times, among
other newspapers and magazines. Jennifer lives with her family in Philadelphia.
Visit her online at JenniferWeiner.com.

Subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

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1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE BIGFOOT QUEEN, US Only.

Ends October 24th, midnight EST.

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Tour Schedule:

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Week One:

10/9/2023

YA Books Central

Excerpt/IG Post

10/9/2023

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt/IG Post

10/10/2023

@dharashahauthor

IG Post/TikTok Post

10/10/2023

preciousbooksworld_

IG Post

10/11/2023

Review Thick And Thin

Review/IG Post

10/11/2023

Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s

Review/IG Post

10/12/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

10/12/2023

Gryffindorbookishnerd

IG Review

10/13/2023

@enthuse_reader

IG Review/TikTok Post

10/13/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

10/16/2023

FUONLYKNEW

Review

10/16/2023

avainbookland

IG Review

10/17/2023

@anitralovesbooksanddogs

IG Review

10/17/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

10/18/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

10/18/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

10/19/2023

@jenguerdy

IG Review

10/19/2023

The Momma Spot

Review

10/20/2023

@enjoyingbooksagain

IG Review

10/20/2023

@froggyreadteach

Review/IG Post

 

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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.

Better Watch Out by Kate SeRine ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 17, 2023 in giveaways, Novella, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance
Tags: , ,
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Just in time for the holidays, Kate SeRine is back with a holiday novella in the Transplanted Tales series. Grab Better Watch Out as Seth, “Big Bad” Wolf, senses something dark in the winter wind. Something deadly that threatens the peace and happiness he’s finally found. Read the prologue & enter the giveaway before grabbing your copy!

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Better Watch Out by Kate SeRine

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Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iBooks

Miscast as the villain most of his life, Seth “Big Bad” Wolf never believed he would get his very own happily ever after—until he found it with Lavender Seelie, Cinderella’s former fairy godmother and the Tale whose magic transplanted them from Make Believe to the ordinary human world. But now, as the holidays draw near, Seth senses something dark in the winter wind, something deadly that threatens the peace and happiness he’s finally found. And one thing’s for sure—whatever evil is coming to town better watch out, ’cause there’s nothing Seth won’t do to protect his family, even if that means unleashing the full fury of the wolf he keeps caged inside…

Read the Prologue

Prologue

Monsters are real.

I don’t give a shit what you’ve been told. Those brave reassurances from well-meaning parents meant to assuage childish fears that torment you in the lonely, murky darkness? Total bullshit.

The shadows that slither across the walls, undulating with foul purpose, just on the edge of moonlight? Exactly what you feared. Monsters in the closet, ready to pounce. Under the bed, waiting to grab your innocently dangling feet and drag you down into their hellish realm, eager to tear the flesh from your bones and devour your soul.

I would know.

I’ve spent most of my life hunting monsters down, bringing them to justice—dead or alive—even before I was cursed to become a monster myself. Then the hunter became the hunted, living life on the run, hiding in those very same shadows I knew harbored the worst abominations.

I thought it’d be better after we Tales were transplanted to the Here and Now, living among the very same Ordinary humans who’d told our stories for centuries. But freed from the constraints of our narratives, the monsters that had once been confined by plot and characterization and literary conventions were made flesh. And once more, I was forced to bring them down, even while trying to keep myself from being pinned with every attack on Tales and Ordinaries alike.

Then I met her. Lavender Seelie. Former fairy godmother to Cinderella and currently my heart, my love, my life. When she came crashing into my world—quite literally, actually—I realized just how empty my life had been. And this beautiful, powerful force of nature filled my world with light and love, healing my broken places, giving my life purpose again.

Together, we’ve battled not only our own demons, but also the monsters who threatened everything we’d built in the Here and Now and everyone we care about. Loving Lavender has given me the kind of strength that I’d always imagined I had but had never actually realized. And then she blessed me with the most amazing gift of all—she loved me in return, despite all my failings and mistakes and self-pity.

I owe her my life.

And for the last five years, we’ve lived in blissful quiet, healing each other’s wounds, building our own little corner of the world, confronting whatever came our way with the kind of courage that only being truly loved can inspire. And when we were blessed with our daughter Violet, that courage increased ten-fold.

Holding that baby girl in my arms for the first time made me feel invincible. Me. Seth Wolf. You’d know me better as the Big Bad Wolf, one of the most hated and hunted Tales in both Make Believe and the Here and Now. The same guy who had—once upon a time—been so devoid of hope that he’d kept a silver bullet hidden in a book of poetry, a last resort in case the monster ever completely consumed the man. I’m a big guy and my wolf is pretty impressive. But I’m definitely not bad. Just misunderstood and profiled by people looking for someone to blame.

Okay, yeah, back in Make Believe I’d had a history with Tess Little, aka Little Red Riding Hood. But I wasn’t some predatory asshole stalking her in hopes of a hot lunch. She was a grown woman, and we were lovers. And the only harm I ever did was break her heart—and my own, for the record. But that was a long time ago and we’re still close friends, our paths crossing again while she was investigating a gruesome series of murders (for which I was a suspect, of course) a year or so before I met Lavender—which, coincidentally, was a meeting engineered by Red.

And don’t get me started on the Pigg brothers. Those pricks were fleecing people out of their hard-earned money with their shoddy building practices. They got what was coming to them.

So, yeah, what you’ve read about me is bullshit.

These days I’m a husband, a father, a restauranteur and chef…hell, I’m even the de facto law enforcement, the local representative of the Fairytale Management Authority—or FMA—in the little town of Tales we call the Refuge. My life is perfect now—as quiet and calm and blissfully happy as I’d always dreamed.

So, what the hell was my problem?

As the holiday season ramped up, Christmas just a week away, my wife and daughter literally glowed with excitement and joy (hey, they’re fairies; it’s their thing) as they looked forward to all the festivities, the time with family and friends, the visit from Santa. But I had reverted to my old brooding ways.

The truth is, I didn’t trust this perfect peace. Still didn’t think I deserved it. And I missed the monsters.

I mean, not the actual monsters. They could fuck off and die. But it was what I knew, what I could control, especially before, when I’d only had me to worry about.

I missed the adventure, the hunt, teaming up with the woman I love to kick some ass… I wanted that again. Wanted the danger, the adrenaline rush, the victory over evil, the feeling that I’d made the world just a little safer, a little better for the people I care about.

And, hell, I don’t know…maybe it was because I was a dad now that I felt it was a moral imperative to protect my sweet girl and every other child from the foul, vicious, malignant miscreants I knew were out there, waiting to strike.

I had to do something.

The inactivity was driving me crazy. I couldn’t just sit on my ass and let everyone else deal with the dangers of the world. Otherwise, what good was I? What did it matter that I’d once been a formidable force against every evil under the sun and every villain hiding in darkness?

But, as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for.

’Cause one thing’s for sure: When you’re a Tale, you better watch out wishing for monsters to darken your doorstep. You never quite know what the hell could be coming to town…

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Red

Grimm Consequences

The Better to See You

Along Came a Spider

Ever After

Better Watch Out 

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About Author Kate SeRine:

Kate SeRine (pronounced “serene”) is a hopeless romantic who firmly believes in true love that lasts forever. So it’s no surprise that when she began writing her own stories, Kate vowed her characters would always have a happily ever after. She’s the author of the award-winning TRANSPLANTED TALES paranormal romance series as well as two romantic suspense series: PROTECT AND SERVE and DARK ALLIANCE. Kate lives in a smallish, quintessentially Midwestern town with her husband and two sons, who share her love of storytelling. She never tires of creating new worlds to share and is even now working on her next project — probably while consuming way too much coffee.

 

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Newsletter

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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.

Defying Evil by Abbie Roads ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 17, 2023 in giveaways, Romance, thriller
Tags: , , ,
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Defying Evil: A Dark Romantic Thriller

by Abbie Roads

 

(Blood is Thicker Than…, #1)
Publication date: October 17th 2023
Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller

He’s the son of a serial killer.
She’s his father’s only surviving victim.
He’s obsessed with her.
She’s frightened of him.
Before it’s all over they’ll need each other to survive.

Cain Killion’s life has revolved around blood. From a childhood of torture by his father, to his gruesome ability to solve crimes. When a current case is directly connected to his past, there’s only one person with answers.

But she isn’t talking, and the bodies are stacking up. The only solution… Kidnap her.

Defying Evil is the first book in the Blood is Thicker Than Series of dark romantic thrillers. It features a man tortured by his past who never thought he was capable of love. If you devour edge of your seat thrillers and romance novels, you’ll love a series that combines both in a roller-coaster ride of mind games and tragic love.

Read this dangerously dark romance today!

Trigger warning: Depictions of violence.

Previously published until the title Saving Mercy.

Goodreads / Amazon

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Enjoy this peek inside:

The first thing Mercy became aware of was her face throbbing a low-level beat. Her bones ached, and her muscles felt too heavy to move. Her side burned with every inhale and exhale. Her stomach felt oddly distended and empty at the same time.

“Are you awake?” a masculine voice whispered.

Her heart slammed against her spine, and her muscles leaped. She gasped a sound of undiluted shock and wrenched her eyes open.

The world around her had changed. Gone was the sterile room with bars on the windows. Gone was the stench of industrial cleaning products laced with cafeteria food. Gone was the entire Center. In its place was a cozy wood-paneled room with a quaint stone fireplace and a man.

His hair was the color of dark caramel and cut just long enough to be swept messily to the side. His features were angular and hard and so damned masculine it almost hurt to look at him. His eyes were the color of a changing sky—light in the center of the iris like a cloudless summer day and dark like a winter’s night toward the outer edge.

She knew him. Recognition stabbed her in the neck—in the scar she bore across her throat. The echo of that past pain stole her breath. She grabbed her throat, hand pressing over the cold scar. Her heart turned into a battering ram and beat against the bars of her ribs.

She went from lying on the bed to fully upright and ready to run.

“You.” The word was an accusation, a condemnation, a judgment, scraping its way up her throat and out her lips. She wasn’t going to show him an ounce of fear. He’d swallowed her fear twenty years ago and enjoyed the flavor.

He blinked, a long, lazy closing of his eyes, and when he reopened them, the light in his gaze had been devoured by the dark. “I’m not him.” He spoke with just as much conviction as her allegation had contained.

His words turtle-crawled from her ears to her brain, their meaning finally firing along her synapses, and she understood.

Her body unclenched, and she relaxed against the headboard with an exaggerated sigh. As the initial in-your-face shock wore off, she could actually see him. See the humanity in his features. Something his father would never possess.

“I know you.” Her voice was softer and held a bit of wonder in its palm.

“I’m not him.” He repeated the sentence, nothing in his tone changing, but she saw something in his eyes—through his eyes. Sadness. Resolve. And just a hint of fear. That was her undoing. That he could be scared of her—wow.

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About Author Abbie Roads:

Abbie Roads is the best-selling author of the Fatal Dreams Series and the Fatal Truth Series. Her novels have been finalists in many prestigious contests including The Golden Heart, The Greater Detroit Booksellers Best, The Oklahoma National Readers’ Choice Award, The Write Touch, The Strut Your Stuff Contest, The Aspen Gold Contest, The Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, The Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award, The Midnight Sun, The Kathryn Hayes Contest, The Chanticleer, The Daphne du Maurier, The National Readers’ Choice Award, The New England Readers’ Choice Contest, The Beverly Award, and The Maggie Award. Her debut novel Race the Darkness was Publishers Weekly Top 10 Pick for Fall and Never Let Me Fall is an Amazon Editor’s Pick.

By day Abbie Roads is a mental health counselor always focusing on the bright side. By night she writes on the dark side, putting her characters through the wringer before she gives them their happily-ever-after. She loves a good inspirational quote and is a fan of true crime.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

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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.

Brush Up On Murder ~ An Aurora Anderson Mystery by Sybil Johnson

Posted: October 16, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
Tags: ,
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Brush Up On Murder: An Aurora Anderson Mystery
by Sybil Johnson

 


Brush Up On Murder: An Aurora Anderson Mystery
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – California
Vista Beach Press (October 10, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 284 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CFSZGMD8

Love is in the air in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and decorative-painting enthusiast, Aurora (Rory) Anderson.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, residents are training for the annual Love Run and expressing their undying affection for each other by attaching love locks to the pier railings. But a string of bank robberies is ruining the romantic vibe.

While Rory helps friends prepare for a Valentine’s Day wedding, a body is found and the groom is implicated in the murder. Convinced of his innocence, Rory puts her heart into the investigation. Can she identify the killer before someone else encounters their own brush with death?

About Sybil Johnson

Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After twenty years in the computer industry, she decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Sybil now wields pen and paint brush from her home in Southern California.

Author Links: Facebook / Twitter / Website

Purchase Link – Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – My Reading Journeys – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 10 – Carstairs Considers – REVIEW

October 11 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 12 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 12 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 15 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 16 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT

October 16 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 17 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW  

October 18 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Overdue Or Die ~ A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook

Posted: October 15, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Overdue or Die (A Haunted Library Mystery)
by Allison Brook

 


Overdue or Die (A Haunted Library Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
7th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2023)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639104836
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639104833
Kindle ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BRMP7C37

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Carrie Singleton has a wedding to plan, a killer to catch, and a conspiracy to uncover in this charming seventh novel of Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor’s home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor’s collection.

Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery.

How far will Carrie go to find the killer and uncover the truth? If the killer finds her first—will Carrie finally be taken out of circulation?

About Allison Brook 

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries and novels for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook, she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series.

Her juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice and has recently come out in a new edition. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards.

Marilyn lives on Long Island, where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids.

Author Links:

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Website and Sign Up for My Newsletter
Facetime
BookBub – Marilyn Levinson / BookBub – Allison Brook

My Amazon Page
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter
Pinterest

Purchase Links :
Amazon    B&N    Bookshop.org Kobo
Penguin Random House (has links to many sellers)

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW

October 10 – Kenyan Poet – SPOTLIGHT  

October 10 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 11 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

October 11 – Angel’s Guilty Pleasures – SPOTLIGHT

October 12 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW

October 12 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 13 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 13 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 13 – Lady Hawkeye – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 14 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 15 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 15 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 16 – Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 16 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 17 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 17 – The Mystery Section – SPOTLIGHT

October 18 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW

October 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 18 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

October 19 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW

 

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Death And The Sisters by Heather Redmond ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: October 12, 2023 in giveaways, Historical, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
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Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond Banner

Death and the Sisters
by Heather Redmond
September 25 – October 20, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
The tangled relationships between Frankenstein author Mary Shelley, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Mary’s stepsister Jane Clairmont form the backdrop for an intriguing historical mystery, set in London in 1814, that explores the complex dynamic between sisters and the birth of teenaged Mary’s creative genius.

London, 1814: Mary Godwin and her stepsister Jane Clairmont, both sixteen, possess quick minds bolstered by an unconventional upbringing, and have little regard for the rules that other young ladies follow. Mary, whose mother famously advocated for women’s rights, rejects the two paths that seem open to her—that of an assistant in her father’s bookshop, or an ordinary wife. Though quieter and more reserved than the boisterous Jane, Mary’s imagination is keen, and she longs for real-world adventures. One evening, an opportunity arrives in the form of a dinner guest, Percy Bysshe Shelley. At twenty-one, Shelley is already a renowned poet and radical. Mary finds their visitor handsome and compelling, but it is later that evening, after the party has broken up, that events take a truly intriguing turn. When Mary comes downstairs in search of a book, she finds instead a man face down on the floor—with a knife in his back. The dead man, it seems, was a former classmate of Shelley’s, and had lately become a personal and professional rival. What was he doing in the Godwins’ home? Mary, Jane, and Shelley are all drawn to learn the truth behind the tragedy, especially as each discovery seems to hint at a tangled web that includes many in Shelley’s closest circle. But as the attraction between Mary and the married poet intensifies, it sparks a rivalry between the sisters, even as it kindles the creative fire within . . .

Praise for Death and the Sisters:

“Death and the Sisters is a terrific blend of gritty history with a mystery that will keep readers turning pages. Impeccably researched and imaginative, Redmond’s first Mary Shelley Mystery immerses readers in the drama of young Mary Godwin and her family, as well as her budding romance with Percy Shelley, as they work together to solve a wonderfully bookish murder. I thoroughly enjoyed this series kick-off and can’t wait for the next story!” ~ Susanna Craig, author of The Lady Knows Best “Death and the Sisters is a rip-roaring murder mystery with twists and turns that introduces teenaged Mary Godwin, not yet the author of the immortal work Frankenstein, as an amateur detective. Redmond’s foray in the world of rational atheists in early 19th century London is a mesmerizing, forceful delight.” ~ Eilis Flynn, author of The Riddle of Rym “Crafted with vivid historical detail, an artfully twisted plot, and engaging characters, Death and the Sisters is an excellent start to what I hope will be a long-running series.” ~ Dianne Freeman, author of the award-winning Countess of Harleigh Mysteries “It might be the way London comes to life in all of its dark and gritty complexities, or the dynamics between Mary and her step-sister, Jane, as they set out to find the killer of the man who they discover dead in the bookshop. Everyone is a suspect—even Percy Shelley who has caught the eye of the women in the household. Propulsive and immersive, Heather Redmond is at the top of her game until the intense and satisfying end.” ~ Mary Keliikoa, author of Hidden Pieces “An intrepid cast of characters, a stunningly atmospheric 19th-century London, and a riveting murder… Highly recommend.” ~ Melissa Bourbon, bestselling author

 

Book Details:

Genre: Historical mystery

Published by: Kensington Publication Date: September 2023 Number of Pages: 320 ISBN: 9781496737991 (ISBN10: 1496737997) Series: Mary Shelley Mystery, 1

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Kensington

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MY REVIEW

Little did Mary know, her late night search for reading material in the family bookstore would land her and her step-sister, Jane, in the middle of a murder investigation.  The girls were relieved to find it was a stranger’s body they stumbled upon and not the dashing and loquacious Mr. Percy Shelley. They both found him to be quite polished and easy on the eyes.

What a fascinating look into 19th Century England. The richness of detail put me there. Experiencing the less fortunate side of trying to keep a roof over ones head. Not the glam and glitz of higher society.

I enjoyed the dual points of view between the two sisters. It helped me understand what motivated them. What made them tick. They were both very intelligent but differed greatly in personality. Things got more intriguing when Percy also joined them in their search for answers.

Death And The Sisters is a perfect title for this story. The cover is stunning. And the writing is strong and persuasive.  A solid plot and I’d be happy to read more if this is to be a series.

4 STARS

 

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Read an excerpt:
“Come, Mary.” Jane flopped onto her bed. “Tell us a story about the prisoner ghosts wailing.” “I’ll have to think it up,” Mary said and then began to quote. “‘This relation is Matter of Fact, and attended with such Circumstances as may induce any Reasonable Man to believe it.’” “What’s that?” Jane asked. The floor creaked as she kicked off her slippers and knocked them to the floor. “Defoe, I think,” Mary said, already considering the form of her story. If only Mother had written such fanciful tales, to give her ideas on how to construct them. “I’ll consult his works in the bookshop for further inspiration. It seems like quite a good start to a ghost story.” Mary placed her slippers next to Jane’s and walked down in her stocking feet, hugging the wall so as not to set off the worst of the creaking stairs. If Mamma heard her, she’d be set to mending something. Her stepmother never thought about the cost of candles when she could make her daughters work themselves into exhaustion after dark. The bookshop’s interior door hung open. Very odd, as Mamma was particular about making sure that the smells of domestic life, particularly cooking odors, did not damage the books. Mary shrugged, glad she had come downstairs, because if Mamma had been the first to notice, she’d have no doubt blamed Mary. She lit the lantern kept in readiness for customers who wanted to browse in the dark corners. While she knew exactly where Defoe was kept, she first went to a back corner of the shop and dropped to her knees, then pulled out a much-loved volume that Mamma kept in stock because she knew that it sold, even though it was anything but highbrow or philosophical. Ann Radcliffe’s The Romance of the Forest. Feeling a little breathless, like a Gothic heroine about to swoon, she opened the book to her favorite page. With the lantern held over the engraving, she examined the bare legs of the man removing a blindfolded girl from a house. She bit her lip as she looked over the engraved musculature, feeling a familiar shiver dance up through her body. Did Shelley have legs so magnificent? He certainly possessed the broad shoulders and narrow waist of the figure on the page. She set down the lantern when it shook in her hand. “Oh, to see a form like that,” she whispered to herself. None of her Scottish suitors had possessed a body she wanted to caress. As such, none of them had enticed so much as a kiss from her. After a last heated glance, she closed the book and tucked it away again. The next shelves were in front of the bow windows. The Juvenile Library was shelved there, at the perfect height for children. Works of historical merit were on the other side. Mary rose. Her foot twisted as she took the first step. She grabbed for the edge of the bookcase with one hand, the other gripping the lantern tightly. Her fingers were trembling by the time she righted herself. She reached down and swiped at her foot. Something sticky coated her fingers. What was on the floor? “Honestly,” she muttered to herself. More cleaning. She set the lantern on the bookcase and walked past the windows. Slatted lines from the shutters were illuminated by the oil lamp that burned all night at the corner of the road. Distracted by the sudden reflected light, she tripped again. “Blast,” she cried. When she tried to take another step forward, her way was blocked by something solid. Confused, she prodded it with her foot. It felt warm, dry, and slightly yielding. She backed up to take the lantern in her hand again, then cupped the side of it with her hand to keep the illumination from the road. When she reached the mass again, she held the lantern out over the floor. Her mouth dropped open when she saw what lay in front of her. A man, like something out of a painting of the French Revolution, was sprawled on the floor. Facedown. She swept the lantern over his body. Her hand shook as she saw first one knife, then another. The first was impaled in his back. The other, in the mysterious recesses between his legs. “Faith!” Wobbly, Mary blinked hard, then forced herself to kneel down beside the sprawled figure, to touch the man’s hand. Still warm. She squeezed it, feeling that strange sensation of callused male flesh under hers, then dropped the hand. What was she doing? Molesting a corpse? She scooted back, her eyes closed, then opened them again, feeling her lips tremble at the sight of the dark blue velvet coat, the dark stain around the knife gleaming wetly in the light. She knew that coat. Shelley! That fine figure of a man, ended so cruelly. They had just seen him leave not twenty minutes earlier. Had he been accosted in the street and dumped here? “I could have loved such a being.” Tears sprang to her eyes, and she let them fall, keenly feeling her sensibility. Hadn’t he said he was a new father? And his poor young wife, not even twenty yet, a widow. “Mary?” Drat that Jane. Could she not offer up a moment’s solitude to anyone? Her stepsister’s footsteps came closer, along with the bobbing of a candle flame. “Don’t come any closer,” Mary warned. She set the lantern down. Ignoring her, Jane came down the space between the bookshelves and turned in the nook in front of the windows. “What are you doing?” she asked. Mary scrambled to her feet, hoping to block her sister’s view. The candle wavered as Jane took in the scene. She gasped loudly. “What,” Jane asked, “is that?” “Knives,” Mary said. “Murder has been done here.” “What?” Jane repeated, some frantic power coming into her voice. “Papa?” “No,” Mary said, grabbing the candleholder before the candle dropped. “Shelley.” She saw what was going to happen and held up her other hand, hoping to forestall it. But she failed, and Jane, coming closer, screamed. Mary bent under the onslaught and grabbed her sister’s hand. “Hush,” she begged, pulling her away. “We have to tell Papa before the watch comes.” Though Jane resisted, Mary pulled her through the bookshop, then forced her to sit on the steps and hold the candle while she went back for the lantern. She set it on the table in the hall. “Stay here,” she commanded. “But,” Jane whispered. “But the body.” “Papa will know what to do.” “But the watch.” “Papa should call them, not us. Do you want him surprised?” “The bookshop,” Jane said next. “Yes, it’s very bad,” Mary agreed. “It isn’t S-Shelley,” Jane stuttered. “He just left.” Mary pulled the handkerchief from her sleeve and tucked it into Jane’s unresisting hand. “It must be,” she said. “Who else? Cry quietly, please.” Hoping her sister obeyed, she picked up her skirts and ran up the steps to her father’s library. *** Excerpt from Death and the Sisters by Heather Redmond. Copyright 2023 by Heather Redmond. Reproduced with permission from Heather Redmond. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Heather Redmond:

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Heather Redmond

Heather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last British ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century. She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, has received a coveted starred review from Kirkus Reviews.

Catch Up With Heather Redmond: www.HeatherRedmond.com Goodreads BookBub – @heatherredmond1 Instagram – @hiestandheather Twitter – @heatheraredmond Heather Hiestand Redmond’s Reader Group on Facebook

 

 

Tour Participants:

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

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Heather Redmond. 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.

Mortal Weather by KP McCarthy ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: October 11, 2023 in Contemporary Literature, giveaways, reviews
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Join us for this tour from Sep 26 to Oct 16, 2023!

Book Details:

​Book Title:  Mortal Weather by KP McCarthy
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  310 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction, Novel
Publisher:  Top Reads Publishing
Release date:  September 26 2023
Content Rating:  PG-13 + M rating. There is bad language, no explicit sex scenes, but there is a lot of death and some references to suicide. 
 
Book Description:

Stanhope Ellis finds himself absorbing the stories of quirky characters who have one thing in common: closeness to death. As he struggles with whether he’s Death Man or a cosmic witness, he meets a wise nurse, Gayathri Das, who helps him navigate the emotional minefield. But will she die, like the others? The unforgettable characters, including several dogs, will captivate you from the first page.
 
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ Bookshop
add to goodreads
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MY REVIEW

I wasn’t sure what it meant when as this book is categorized as an existential adventure. Once I started reading and met the main character, Stanhope Ellis, I got it. And I got the title then, too.

Stanope lost his wife and nearly died in a car accident. To rejoin the land of the living he sets off on a journey of discovery.  But, while trying to rejoin the land of living, the people he meets and comes to know are dropping dead. Is he the grim reaper? Surely, not?

I enjoy character driven stories and there are a huge amount of them in this book. Including some animals. Sounds daunting. But it’s really not. The author gave each their story and they were genuine and well fleshed out. I’m thinking what made it easy to keep straight was that you were on this journey with Stanhope, and you met each character right along with him. Not all of them at once.

While in the beginning Stanhope’s story seemed bleak, all those people dying, it became an eye opening adventure. Sometimes sad but also hopeful and funny. You know how people say they were pulled into a story? That’s what happened to me and I savored every word.

5 STARS

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Meet the Author:

Among other things, Kevin Patrick McCarthy has been a geothermal geologist, a technical writer, a critic, and a screenwriter. His humor, essays, poetry, and fiction have been widely recognized. “Enough Sky,” the epigraph for Mortal Weather, was Commended by The Poetry Society (UK) in 2014. He is a fourth-generation Coloradoan who now lives in the Pacific with his wife Tricia, and their dog, Nani.

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connect with the author: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

 
 
 
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MORTAL WEATHER Book Tour 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.

The Socialite’s Guide To Death & Dating ~ A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery by S. K. Golden

Posted: October 11, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
Tags: ,
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The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
by S. K. Golden

 


The Socialite’s Guide to Death and Dating (A Pinnacle Hotel Mystery)
Historical Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – 1958 New York City
Crooked Lane Books (October 10, 2023)
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1639104852
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1639104857
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BS2SG88V

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Perfect for fans of Rhys Bowen and Ashley Weaver, the second Pinnacle Hotel mystery finds another murder that strikes too close to home, and hotel heiress Evelyn Murphy knows she’s the only one who can save the hotel before it’s lights out.

New York, 1958. Even though Evelyn Murphy has made progress conquering her agoraphobia by leaving the Pinnacle, she still feels most comfortable in her father’s hotel. With Malcolm Cooper, her new boyfriend and fellow employee at the hotel, Evelyn feels prepared for whatever happens next. In this case, it’s throwing a big fundraiser with the who’s who of New York City.

The night is a success, and Evelyn finally takes up Malcolm’s offer to finally visit his apartment in Yonkers. As the party ends, they sneak away to the garage to get Evelyn’s car. But Evelyn’s always been good at finding things, and she discovers the dead body of a guest, Judge Baker, in a car—with a needle in his arm.

Detective Hodgson and his new partner, Detective McJimsey, arrive on the scene, but before they can begin to question Evelyn, they are startled by another mysterious discovery: there’s a woman in the trunk of the car, and she screams as soon as she sees Evelyn’s face. Tangled up in the police investigation, Evelyn’s got another problem, too—her father insists she break off her relationship with Mac. The next day, her father is found attacked just like the judge, only this time the detectives find a dead woman nearby.

With Mac accused of the attacks and in police custody, Evelyn will have to find the killer on her own before she’s checked out of the hotel—this time, for good.

About S. K. Golden

S. K. Golden is the author of the Pinnacle Hotel cozy mystery series. Born and raised in the Florida Keys, she married a commercial fisherman. The two of them still live on the islands with their five kids (one boy, four girls — including identical twins!), two cats, and a corgi named Goku. Sarah graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and Administration and has put it to good use approximately zero times. She’s worked as a bank teller, a pharmacy technician, and an executive assistant at her father’s church. Sarah is delighted to be doing none of those things now. Follow her across all platforms @skgoldenwrites.

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

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 5 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

October 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW

October 6 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 6 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 7 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 7 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

October 7 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 8 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

October 8 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 9 – Reading Is My SuperPower – SPOTLIGHT

October 9 – Lady Hawkeye – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 10 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

October 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 10 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 11 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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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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Balancing Entropy by M. H. Cali ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: October 10, 2023 in giveaways, Romance, suspense
Tags: ,
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Balancing Entropy organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author M.H. Cali will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B&N Gift Card plus a special edition paperback copy of the book (which includes a physical copy of the novel, an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, an original sketch inside the book by Laurie Ya, the artist who made the cover, and drew the interior illustrations, and assorted merchandise including coasters, stickers, a tote bag, and more) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY). Don’t forget to enter!

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

Balancing Entropy

by M.H. Cali

 

 

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Synopsis

When life catches up with young and brilliant investment banker Lucas Blake in the form of anonymous threats, his existence is exactly what he always wished it could be.

Or is it really?

He can barely remember what his true aspirations looked like a decade ago. All he knows now is that everything he worked so hard to build could crash down in a split second if whoever is blackmailing him decides to act on it.

To make matters more complicated, the team he ends up hiring to silently find the culprit of those menaces includes Raven Collins. A woman Lucas lost touch with, but who he still can’t get out of his head completely even years after having met her.

As the race to keep him out of harm’s ways unfolds, he enters a journey of self-discovery that might very well make him question the core of his life choices.

When greed, power, and old ideals pair together within a perfect storm is it possible to come out of it unscathed?

Can one’s principles thrive in a system that seems to bend even the strongest minded to its will?

Lucas and Raven are about to find out for themselves.

Enjoy this peek inside:

This exchange feels smooth. He’s effortlessly flirting with her.

Maybe Lucas didn’t change a whole lot, after all.

But back in Greece there were a ton of unspoken things between them.

They never talked in depth about their families or their friends. They weren’t together long enough to notice the other’s quirks either.

It was fun and easy. Exactly like they had agreed on.

Now they’re not on vacation. They’re in each other’s real lives with all it entails.

There’s no more carefree sentiment of a fleeting adventure.

No matter where things lead them this time around, she knows he’s Lucas Blake. One of the managing directors of a very important and well-known investment bank.

Similarly, he knows she’s Raven Collins; a lawyer who clearly moved to NYC at some point and who’s working on his case.

There’s no hiding behind inconsequential circumstances because everything would reset the minute they would part ways at the airport.

This is tangible. It could lead them somewhere, or nowhere fast.

She breathes in, deciding to reorient the exchange.

R: What are you doing?

She takes another sip of her rosé.

L: Watching the basketball game with a friend. You?

She shifts her stare at the TV for a second to check the score.

R: Same, but alone.

She watches the game for a beat until she gets a new message.

L: Cheers🍻

A picture of Lucas’ hand raising a bottle of beer in front of a screen where the game is playing is accompanying the text.

She smiles absentmindedly.

She takes a similar picture with her glass of wine, extending her feet on the table to get them in frame before curling her legs under herself, and putting her glass back on the table.

R: Cheers🥂 I’m surprised you don’t have season tickets.

L: I would be too busy to attend most days. You look very cozy. Only missing a cat in your lap.

Raven smiles sadly.

R: I had one. She passed away last year. I miss her presence in my condo every day.

She presses ‘Send’ and then stares at what she just told Lucas.

She never confessed to anyone that she was still feeling the loss of Toast—her white tabby rescue cat.

It somehow felt right to share it with him just now.

L: I’m sorry, Raven. I personally always wanted a dog, but you know how it is when we work long hours…

R: I totally get it. Toast was very independent, so it was easier. She definitely put life into the apartment.

L: Such a great name. Something tells me it has a fun meaning.

She feels oddly thrilled that he is interested in that particular story.

R: It did. First off because of her fur coloring, but mostly due to my annoying toaster at the time.

L: You had an infernal toaster?

R: Yeah. It kept burning toasts. No matter the setting it was on, the bread would come out of it dark as the night. I didn’t take the time to go buy a new one for weeks so when I adopted Toast it was still there.

She sends the message intuitively before typing the rest and gets an instant reply.

L: Let me guess. Your cat was a fan.

She cackles.

R: My cat was the ONLY one who absolutely loved it. She would jump on the counter and wait until it was done so she could eat it. She was a rescue who just got to the shelter the morning I adopted her. I decided to wait a bit before naming her when she got to my apartment, so it was the perfect opportunity to use one of her quirks.

L: You’re amazing. I’m sure Toast lived her best life with you.

She stares at her phone for a moment.

She could honestly chat with him like this for hours.

But he’s with a friend, and she considers that she took enough of his time for now.

R: I’ll let you watch the game with your friend. It was fun conversing with you a little.

L: You can keep texting me. Mark is also spending a lot of time on his phone messaging his newest crush.

She smiles but keeps her resolve.

R: Good night, Lucas

L: Good night, Raven 🙂

She puts her phone next to her, getting lost in the game for an instant.

The last thing she expected was to sense a sure serenity upon casually chatting with Lucas.

It has been a well needed breath of fresh air in her day.

If this short discussion was any indication, working with him should be enjoyable.

About Author M.H. Cali:

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M.H. Cali is my pen name. From as long as I can remember, writing has been my biggest creative outlet. There are tales that take hold in my brain, and I have to write them. Which means that when it happens, I sit down and do just that.

The world is complex and flawed, and so are the characters inhabiting the universes I build. In my fiction novels, I thrive fleshing out stories that explore multiple themes within. If you ever read any of my works, you’ll notice that I love writing layered characters, having a diverse cast, and that to me quiet moments are just as important—if not more—than action-packed ones.

Storytelling is all about balance in the emotions and events throughout the narrative. It’s my motto.

If I manage to make you feel what the characters are going through, live the events with them, and wonder what is going to happen, then I succeeded.

If you ever give my stories a chance, I hope you enjoy!

Master link for all socials, website & more: http://bio.site/MHCali

Website / Goodreads / Amazon / Instagram / Twitter / Bluesky

Link to buy the book on all platforms (ebook or paperback available): https://books2read.com/BalancingEntropy

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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.

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