Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Passport To Spy ~ A Kat Lawson Mystery by Nancy Cole Silverman

Posted: June 13, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Passport To Spy

A Kat Lawson Mystery

by Nancy Cole Silverman

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Passport to Spy: A Kat Lawson Mystery
Historical Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting – Germany
Level Best Books (June 6, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BXCGY2Y5

After losing her job as an investigative reporter for The Phoenix Gazette, Kat Lawson has a new gig. The FBI has asked her to work undercover as a reporter for Travel International to cover Munich, Germany’s festive holiday scene—an excuse to get close to Hans von Hausmann, a very charismatic and popular museum curator suspected of hiding a cache of stolen masterpieces believed to be part of the World’s Largest Art Heist. The job comes with lots of perks: airfare, travel expenses, the opportunity to see the world…and for a seasoned reporter like Kat, nothing she can’t handle. But, when a trusted source is found dead, Kat realizes the tables have been turned. Armed with evidence that will expose a cache of artwork stolen from museums and the homes of wealthy Jews during the 2nd World War, Kat must find a way to avoid being caught by the German Polizie, who have enough evidence to charge her with murder, and those who want her dead to keep their hidden treasures forever secret. The hunter has become the hunted; now, Kat has a target on her back.

About Nancy Cole Silverman

Nancy Cole Silverman spent nearly twenty-five years in news and talk radio, beginning her career in college on the talent side as one of the first female voices on the air. Later on the business side in Los Angeles, she retired as one of two female general managers in the nation’s second-largest radio market. After a successful career in the radio industry, Silverman retired to write fiction. Her short stories and crime-focused novels—the Carol Childs and Misty Dawn Mysteries, (Henry Press) are both Los Angeles-based. Her newest series THE NAVIGATOR’S DAUGHTER, (Level Best Books) takes a more international approach. Silverman lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a thoroughly pampered standard poodle.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links – Amazon 

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June 6 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

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June 7 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

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June 8 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

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June 9 – Books to the Ceiling – SPOTLIGHT – PODCAST

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June 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – REVIEW

June 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 12 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

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June 14 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

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June 16 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 17 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

June 17 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 18 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – CHARACTER GUEST POST

 

 

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Muddled Matrimonial Murder ~ A Cupcake Catering Mystery by Kim Davis

Posted: June 12, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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38

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Muddled Matrimonial Murder
(Cupcake Catering Mystery Series)
by Kim Davis

 


Muddled Matrimonial Murder (Cupcake Catering Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – California
Cinnamon & Sugar Press (June 13, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8223497615
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C1THMWZJ

With only two weeks left to finalize the nuptial ceremony and reception for her best friend, Brad, and a Thanksgiving feast to plan, Emory Martinez has enough to keep her busy. But when Emory and Brad stumble across the body of his former stalker, with a wedding gift marble muddler lying next to the body, it soon becomes apparent someone is intent on framing the groom before vows can be exchanged.

How did the victim locate Brad and how did she end up murdered at the scene of the impending nuptials? Was someone so desperate to stop the wedding that they’d resort to murder? Or was she killed for revenge? As the countdown to the wedding speeds by, it’ll take Emory and her family and friends to pull together to pick through the muddled clues to clear the groom’s name.

Includes recipes.

About Kim Davis

Kim Davis lives in Southern California with her husband. When she’s not chasing her puppy or spending time with her granddaughters she can be found either writing stories or working on her blog, Cinnamon, Sugar, and a Little Bit of Murder, or in the kitchen baking up yummy treats.  She has published the suspense novel, A GAME OF DECEIT, the Cupcake Catering Mystery series, and the Aromatherapy Mystery series. She also has had several children’s articles published in Cricket, Nature Friend, Skipping Stones, and the Seed of Truth magazines. Kim Davis is a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / BookBub / Pinterest
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Purchase Links: Amazon

 

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June 17 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

June 18 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

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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.

Death Of A Soprano ~ A Joseph Haydn Mystery by Nupur Tustin

Posted: June 11, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Death of a Soprano: A Joseph Haydn Mystery

by Nupur Tustin

 


Death of a Soprano: A Joseph Haydn Mystery
Historical Cozy Mystery
5th in Series
Setting – Eighteenth-century Royal Hungary, Habsburg Empire
Foiled Plots Press (May 27, 2023)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 319 pages
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C3SR4GGW

When murder invades Haydn’s opera stage, scandal isn’t far behind . . .

Charged with ensuring that an imperial wedding transpires without mishap, composer Joseph Haydn has his hands full. Barely seventeen, Archduke Ferdinand Karl, the imperial bridegroom, is reluctant to marry. And the bride, Maria Beatrice, has her reservations as well.

But when an extortion note surfaces—an unpleasant reminder of the bridegroom’s shameful past—the wedding seems truly doomed. Worse still, all the evidence points to Haydn’s prima donna, Lucia Pacelli, being the blackmailer.

Before Haydn can confront her, however, Lucia is fatally poisoned. And Haydn is left to wonder whether his imperial charge had a hand in her death.

Troubled by the dark secrets he might uncover, Haydn is nevertheless compelled to investigate. Will the young Archduke be found innocent? Or must Haydn lead His Imperial Highness to the gallows?

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Is Lucia drunk, ill . . . or worse? Haydn is beside himself with worry.

In the pit, Haydn watched aghast as his prima donna crashed gracelessly to the floor. For a brief moment, he wondered whether Karl had made a spur-of-the-moment change to the libretto. It was not unheard of for a librettist to do such a thing. But surely it was unwise to do it without consulting either the composer or opera director.

Almost simultaneously, another thought flitted through Haydn’s mind. Had Lucia taken her role too far?

But all such considerations instantly fled when his gaze drifted up to Nencio’s face. The panic-stricken expression plastered over the tenor’s features and his wide, staring eyes told the entire tale. This was no spontaneous act. It had certainly not been intended.

Lucia was . . . Haydn’s fingers felt stiff as they depressed, almost of their own accord, the keys of the harpsichord. Whatever afflicted his prima donna, she was clearly in no condition to continue.

Good God, what was to be done?

Raising his hand just high enough for the tenor to see, Haydn let it flutter through the air. A silent signal to Jakob Friberth—the tenor playing Nencio—to carry on as though nothing had happened.

What the man would do—or indeed could do—the Kapellmeister knew not. He could only pray for divine inspiration to fall upon his hapless tenor.

Fortunately, Jakob understood, nodding imperceptibly as he wiped the shock off his features. Deathly pale but smiling broadly, Jakob in his role of Nencio feigned glee at the situation.

“Ah, the drunken servant of a marquis!” Jakob gestured down at the prone Lucia. “If the servant is thus, can the master be any better?” Bending down, Jakob lifted the soprano’s arms and began dragging her offstage.

He snickered at the audience. “What say you, we let that false villain, Filippo, think the marquis has changed his mind?”

Near the wings, Jakob dropped Lucia’s arms to jab his forefinger at his chest. “Then Sandrina—beautiful Sandrina—can be Nencio’s!” Still singing the last few words, Jakob, along with Lucia, disappeared behind the wings.

The loud burst of laughter that greeted the scene was satisfying evidence that the ploy had worked.

And fortunately the curtain fell just as Nencio and Lucia exited the stage. That was thanks to Johann’s quick thinking, Haydn realized with immense gratitude, noticing his brother was no longer at his side.

Karl had written his libretto in two acts, but it did no harm to let the audience think a third was to follow.

Bouncing up from his seat, Haydn quickly turned and acknowledged the thunderous applause with a rushed bow. Then, leaving Luigi to conduct the orchestra as it played the music for the interlude, he hurried backstage—eager to discover what was amiss with his prima donna.

Lucia’s body had been dragged into the area beyond the grooved slots in which the wings sat. It was crowded with a variety of props. But Jakob had managed to find a narrow space where she lay between cooking pots on one side and a large table on the other.

There Haydn found Johann bent over Lucia’s still frame.

“What ails her?” the Kapellmeister asked anxiously. Against all hope, he continued, “Can she be revived?”

“I fear not, brother.” Johann turned around, his features whiter than a meadow of edelweiss in the spring. “She is dead—God rest her soul!” He hastily crossed himself.

“Dead!” Haydn’s eyes were drawn to Lucia’s body, lying unnaturally still on the floorboards. At least she was face up. “B-b-but how?”  Had she really been ill? Or—

Resolutely, he pushed the thought away from his mind. Best not to consider it an unnatural death.

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About Nupur Tustin

A former journalist, Nupur Tustin relies upon a Ph.D. in Communication and an M.A. in English to orchestrate murder.  She also writes the Celine Skye Psychic Mysteries based on the Gardner Museum theft.  Childhood piano lessons and a 1903 Weber Upright share equal blame for her musical works.

Get Two Complimentary Mysteries At: ntustin.com
Music: ntustin.musicaneo.com

Website / Blog / Shop / Facebook / Goodreads / Bookbub

Purchase Links – Buy Direct & Support The Author

Amazon / Nook / Apple / Kobo

 

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June 14 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

June 15 – The Mystery of Writing – EXCERPT POST

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June 16 – My Reading Journeys – EXCERPT POST

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Giveaway And Peek Inside ~ Babe In The Woods by Jude Hopkins

Posted: June 10, 2023 in Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: ,
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Babe in the Woods

by Jude Hopkins

 

Published by: The Wild Rose Press
Publication date: June 7th 2023
Genres: Women’s Fiction

It’s September 1995, the first year of the rest of Hadley Todd’s life. After living in Los Angeles, Hadley returns to her hometown in rural New York to write and be near her father. In addition to looking after him and teaching high school malcontents, Hadley hopes to channel her recent L.A. heartbreak into a play about the last moment of a woman’s innocence. But she seeks inspiration.

Enter Trey Harding, a young, handsome reporter who covers sports at the high school. Trey reminds Hadley of her L.A. ex and is the perfect spark to fire up her imagination. The fact that Trey is an aspiring rock star and she has L.A. record biz connections makes the alliance perfect. She dangles promises of music biz glory while watching his moves. But the surprising twist that transpires when the two of them go to Hollywood is not something Hadley prepared for.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo

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Enjoy this peek inside:

“Have you ever fallen in love?”

He winked at her. “All the time.”

She’d have the last word, something she realized was important to her. “I think it’s wrong, all these women you lead on. Don’t you? I mean, they may get attached, fall for you. But you seem to use them, to see what you can get out of them for your own purposes. I think that’s wrong, They’re human beings, after all. With feelings.”

He turned around, his eyes drained of any light. “They use me, too. It’s not like they’re not getting anything out of it.”

“What am I getting out of this?” she asked him, if not rhetorically.

He stood on one hip, a move that made him appear more rakish than usual. “I really don’t know, Miss Todd. I wondered that myself. I thought perhaps you were bored or intrigued. Or maybe you’re a control freak.” He took a step toward her so he was within half an inch of her face. “Or maybe you’re just like the rest and can’t resist me.”

Hadley stood her ground. “How do you know when it’s over? The moment when love, or lust, turns into something else. Something not as passionate?”

“I don’t think about it,” he said, returning her gaze. “It’s something that happens. Maybe it’s not one moment. It just is.”

He turned around and walked out of the room.

About Author Jude Hopkins:

Women’s fiction—with a splash of romance, albeit tempered. I was once an adjunct professor in English at various universities, expecting a lot of my students. But the need to write something besides comments on student essays gnawed at me. I wrote poems and essays, one of which appeared in the L.A. Times. One day, I took out my old self-help book manuscript from a cobwebby drawer and began the process of turning it into a novel. That novel became Babe in the Woods, coming out June 7, 2023. I was a runner-up in the 2018 Personal Essay Contest by Proximity Magazine, judged by Hanif Abdurraqib. Besides the essay in The Los Angeles Times, you’ll find me on Medium, including The Belladonna, The Writing Cooperative and others, and have had poems published in Timber Creek Review and California Quarterly, among other journals. My publications can be seen on my website: judehopkinswriting.net/. Thanks for visiting!

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Reflections On The Boulevard by L. J. Ambrosio ~ Giveaway And Peek Inside

Posted: June 9, 2023 in Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: ,
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Welcome to my stop on the virtual book tour for Reflections On The Boulevard organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.

Author L. J. Ambrosio will award a $20 Amazon or B&N Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner and an autographed copy of the book to a second randomly drawn winner. Don’t forget to enter.

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

Reflections On The Boulevard

by L. J. Ambrosio

Genre: Coming Of Age

Synopsis

Michael’s story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.

Enjoy this peek inside:

“The air is not meshing well with the smoke in my lungs,” Michael said to himself. When he got back to the room, Ron was already sleeping with Rhonda on his leg.

The next morning, Michael got up early and woke Ron telling him to wash his face. He then took Ron to the door of their room, opened it, and walked outside. Ron just gaped at the sight of the Grand Canyon. The colors and the sun bouncing off these jagged cliffs looked like cut out mountains from a magazine.

He turned to Michael, he said, “It looks like a painted drop! Not real. How was this created? What events led to this? I understand all the bullshit you learn in Earth Science, but this is so much more.”

Michael noticed a little tear in Ron’s eye, shed for the beauty, for the nature that Michael had always talked to him about.

“Those guys in New England, those Transcendentalists, they knew the answer, this is God. This is it! I know we will leave but I will never forget this, and the emotions it moves in me.”

“Alright I have a surprise. We are off to the North Rim of the Canyon. We are taking an entire day tour of the North Rim on the Katibah trail, exploring the inner canyons. We will travel on mules.”

“What did you say? Did I hear mules? I have never been on a horse, no less a mule. You expect me to ride a mule alone? No way!” said Ron.

They got into the car and Ron asked, “Where are we going?”

“To the North Rim!”

Ron was very worried. He listed all the reasons he could never ride a mule. He even claimed that Rhonda would be jealous of his attention to another animal.

At the entrance to the North Rim, Michael assured Ron that he would be okay.

“Ron, all will be fine! Just trust the mule. Trust the mule!”

“I don’t trust myself!” Ron said, then suddenly got on the mule. He was afraid he would fall off, so he waited there for a moment. He used the opportunity to tell the mule about Rhonda. Ron started to like the mule now, especially because she was not moving. He was more comfortable now with the mule and even told her how well Rhonda would get along with her if she did not try to eat Rhonda’s food. The mules took off on the trail with Michael following the guide and Ron following Michael, holding on for dear life.

About Author Louis J. Ambrosio:

Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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Broadway ~ A Charlotte Smart Mystery by Stan Charnofsky

Posted: June 9, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
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Broadway: A Charlotte Smart Mystery
by Stan Charnofsky

 


Broadway: A Charlotte Smart Mystery
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Setting – New York, Broadway Theatre District, and Times Square
Hawkshaw Press (April 13, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 248 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 195722407X
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1957224077
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C2HX23KX

Charlotte Smart is back, and New York may never be the same again!

After helping to solve murder mysteries in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, 70-year-old Charlotte Smart is summoned to The Big Apple by an actor brother, Broadway, whose beautiful fashion model sister, Brooklyn, was pushed down a flight of stairs.

Charlotte, who insists she is not a police-woman, is set up in a posh hotel in Times Square, and teams with a big-city detective. It’s a heady and stirring challenge.

Is Charlotte ready for this tough new adventure?

About Stan Charnofsky

 

STAN CHARNOFSKY is a retired professor of psychology at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where he taught for more than fifty years. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition to his work at CSUN, Stan also writes books, and it could be said that his life reads like one. Before teaching, in the 1950s Stan signed with the New York Yankees where he played in their farm system for six years. He later managed teams in Edmonton and St. Petersburg. Later still, Stan worked as the assistant coach at USC under the famous Rod Dedeaux, who was voted College Baseball Coach of the Century. Stan also served as head coach at CSUN from 1962-1966, with one championship team. He was the founding director of the Educational Opportunities Program at CSUN (then known as Valley State College). Stan was inducted into the CSUN Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. This was followed, in 2018, by his induction into the USC Baseball Alumni Hall of Fame. Stan is the former President (and a current board member) of the National Association for Humanistic Psychology. In 2016, Stan received the Distinguished Teaching Award at CSUN. And of course, Stan writes books. His numerous publications include When Women Leave Men: How Men Feel, How Men Heal (New World Library) and The Deceived Society (Trafford). Stan resides in Northridge, California.

Author Links : Facebook / Instagram / Amazon / Website

Purchase Links – Devil’s Party Press – Amazon

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 7 – Christy’s Cozy Corners -REVIEW

June 7 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

June 8 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 9 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

June 13 – Cozy Up WIth Kathy – SPOTLIGHT

June 13 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – 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.

ChupaCarter And The Haunted Pinata ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: June 8, 2023 in Action/Adventure, giveaways, middle grade, reviews
Tags: , ,
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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA by George Lopez & Ryan Calejo Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

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

 

 

CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA

Author: George Lopez, Ryan Calejo, & Santy Gutiérrez (Illustrations)

 

 

Pub. Date: May 30, 2023

Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 320

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Find it: Goodreads, https://books2read.com/CHUPACARTER-AND-THE-HAUNTED-PINATA

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In this hilarious follow-up to ChupaCarter,
world-famous entertainer George Lopez delivers a spooky tale of mystery,
revenge, and friendship starring 12-year-old Jorge and Carter, the fearsome but
friendly Chupacabra!

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Inspired by his own childhood and packed with clever illustrations, George
Lopez’s sequel to ChupaCarter sees Jorge finally feeling at
home in his new town, thanks to his awesome friends Liza and Ernie—and
especially Carter, the chupacabra.

New kid Jorge is shocked to learn
that his beastly friend Carter isn’t the only legendary creature in Boca falls.
Every few years, the town is terrorized by a haunted . . . piñata?
Rumor has it that the petrifying party decoration floats around setting eerie
fires to avenge a long-ago betrayal. Jorge can’t help but laugh, until a rash
of green fires forces the townspeople to consider moving away, including the
parents of his pals Ernie and Liza!

With Carter at their side, the three
friends are in a race against time to catch the real culprit before they’re
separated forever . . . or the whole town is set aflame. Which will come first?

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MY REVIEW

It’s great to be back with friends in Boca Falls, New Mexico. Jorge, Carter, Liza and Ernie are in a pickle again. This time it’s a haunted pinata. Or should I say a pinata possessed by the spirit of a dead boy bent on vengeance. There’s an arsonist setting fires and the pinata is suspect numero uno. Creepy fires, haunted paper maches, oh my.

This series just keeps on giving. There are a bunch of fun illustrations all through the book and they are one of my favorite things. I get to see faces and actions instead of just using my imagination. The characters are so real to me now. And the humor is spot on. ChupaCarter has to pose as a dog in order to help solve the case of the haunted pinata and the fires cropping up around town.  Not surprising, the people who see him make remarks on how strange he looks, in some cases they call him ugly. This makes Carter growl. Sure hope he doesn’t take a bite out of someone.

I do love this series and I’m crossing fingers and toes that there will be more.

5 STARS

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Get Book 1, CHUPACARTER
now!

 

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MY REVIEW

After Jorge is kicked out of school for his anger issues, his mother sends him to live with his grandparents in New Mexico. While sitting on the roof one night stewing in his anger at being sent away, he meets a Chupacabra. The encounter terrifies him. That changes when the Chupacabra saves his life. Jorge and Carter become close friends and help each other see things in a different light.

The author put me in a young boys shoes. I saw things and felt things as though I was a twelve-year-old boy. Jorge’s anger, his resignation to living away from his mother, his hope when he makes new friends, and his fierceness in defending them. And finally, the lightbulb going on as he begins to understand why things are the way they are.

I’ve always has a fondness for children’s books and especially ones with monsters. My mother used to set aside an entire day so my siblings and I could peruse the shelves at the library. Once I got home, I would run to my room, spread out all of my finds, and dive in. I’m still that way today. When I got my hands on this book, I dove right in. What a fun, crazy adventure. I loved Jorge, Carter, Liza and Ernie. They had such a tight friendship. The crazy antics of Jorge and Carter were such a hoot. And the illustrations added so much fun to the story. I had some giggles and actually laughed out loud when I came across mention of mosquito’s as Carter’s mini-mes. There’s also some scary bits. Like when they come across some slaughtered cows and Jorge learns their are other monsters out there and they’re not the fun, furry kind.

Chupa Carter had everything I would have loved as a young girl, and I’m still a young girl at heart. Great fun and I can’t wait to start reading Chupa Carter And The Haunted Pinata. Sounds like more fun for me.

5 STARS

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About George Lopez:

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George Lopez is a New York Times bestselling
author, stand-up comedian, actor, and talk show host. He made waves as the
star of the most successful English-language prime-time television series about
Latin Americans in recent history. His successful stand-up comedy showcases his
idiosyncratic point of view and impeccable comedic timing. He lives in Los
Angeles.

 

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

 

 



About Ryan Calejo:

Ryan Calejo is an award-winning
author born and raised in sunny south Florida. His critically acclaimed Charlie
Hernández series has been featured in half a dozen state reading lists and has
earned starred reviews from Booklist and Kirkus,
was a Texas Bluebonnet Master List Selection, and won an International
Latino Book Award, a Sunshine State Young Readers Award, and a Florida Book
Award (Gold Medal). He lives in Miami.

 

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

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1 winner will win a finished copy of CHUPACARTER AND THE HAUNTED PIÑATA, US ONLY.

Ends June 20th, midnight EST.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

5/22/2023

Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

Review or Excerpt/IG Post

5/23/2023

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

5/24/2023

yabookscentral.com

Excerpt/IG Post

5/25/2023

Log Cabin Library

Excerpt

5/26/2023

onemused

IG Post

5/27/2023

A Dream Within A Dream

Excerpt

Week Two:

5/28/2023

@allyluvsbooksalatte

Review/IG Post

5/29/2023

Country Mamas With Kids

Review/IG Post

5/30/2023

@bookish_cherie

Review/IG Post

5/31/2023

Lifestyle of Me

Review

6/1/2023

Jeff_of_allmedia

IG Review

6/2/2023

Confessions of the Perfect Mom

Review/IG Post

6/3/2023

The Momma Spot

Review/IG Post

Week Three:

6/4/2023

@froggyreadteach

IG Review

6/5/2023

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review/IG Post

6/6/2023

Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s

Review/IG Post

6/7/2023

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

6/8/2023

FUONLYKNEW

Review

6/9/2023

Carly Sunshine Books

Review/IG Post

6/10/2023

The Book Countess

Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/11/2023

@pagesforpaige

IG Review

6/12/2023

@stargirls.magical.tale

IG Review

6/13/2023

Jaime_of_gryffindor

Review/IG Post

6/14/2023

A Blue Box Full of Books

IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post

6/15/2023

Author Z. Knight’s Guild

Review/IG Post

6/16/2023

Books With a Chance

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.

Review And Giveaway ~ New Normal by Michelle Paris

Posted: June 7, 2023 in Adult Fiction, giveaways, reviews
Tags: , ,
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New Normal tour banner

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Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for New Normal by Michelle Paris. New Normal tells the story of a young widow with hope and humor.

This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours and the tour runs from 30 May till 12 June. You can see the tour schedule here.

New Normal

By Michelle Paris

 

New Normal by [Michelle Paris]

Genre: Women’s Fiction
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 2 May 2023

Blurb:

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After the sudden death of her husband, Emilie Russell just wants to feel normal. But being a middle-aged widow doesn’t come with a how-to manual. Her well-meaning friend, Viv, believes the cure to all that ails is simple: a new man. So, she sets Emilie up with her handsome and charming new neighbor, widower Colin. There’s only one problem with the plan—Colin is gay.

Emilie embarks on a rollicking journey of self-discovery with Colin as her mentor and best friend. From learning to swipe right without cringing while midlife dating in constricting shapeware to cougar moments in Key West, Emilie reenters the dating pool with both humorous and soul-crushing results.

With the encouragement of her friends, including a new furry one, plus a little therapy, Emilie begins forging a new life, one where she exchanges tears for laughter, and one that maybe—just maybe—includes the courage to find love again.

Links:
– Goodreads
– Bookbub
– Amazon
– B&N
– Kobo
– Walmart
– Bookshop

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MY REVIEW

My initial attraction to this book was the main character, Emilie. She’s middle aged, as am I, and it helped me relate to her. The sudden death of her husband leaves her dealing with a devastating loss. How will she adjust to being a widow? Will she ever feel happiness again? Will she ever find love again?

Time passes and the pain lessens somewhat and she finds herself ready to get back out there and date. Colin, the first man she’s fixed up with, is perfect, except for one tiny hiccup. He’s gay. His loss of a loved one enables him to guide Emilie and be there when she needs a shoulder to cry on. I loved their friendship.

I felt all the ‘feels’ in New Normal. Grief, fear, courage and happiness. Emilie was a strong character and I was pulling for her all the way. The author was able to touch on a delicate subject and leave me smiling at the ending.

4 STARS

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Enjoy this peek inside:

Opening the July fifth Baltimore Sun, Emilie gasped. “Oh, God. No!” The full-page ad she’d taken out for the Nature Channel’s new series on Antarctica—the one she reviewed the copy from several times—had the typo all PR professionals dread. In bold it read, “Penguins: A Cold Reality, premiering on the Nature Channel this fall, for more information contact Emilie Russell, Pubic Relations Manager, American Communications.” There it was, as big as day, her pube exposed for all of Baltimore—maybe even the world—to see. She envisioned herself becoming fodder for late-night television, the internet, oh and the cruel world of social media. Can’t forget that! Pube-gate.

She thought hard about what to do. Maybe she could buy all the newspapers and handwrite an l in all of them. How many papers could there be? A hundred thousand or so? Doing the math not only did she not have forty or fifty thousand dollars to spare, and it would be physically impossible, nor would it solve the problem entirely. What about the deliveries? Her heart sank. She could hear the shrieks of laughter now.

She pounded her fist to her head and said, “Shoot, shoot, shoot!”

Just then, the phone in her office rang.

On the third ring, she answered, “Public Relations, this is Emilie Russell.”

“Hi, Emilie. This is Tina Jenkins from the Inner Harbor

Hotel.”

Oh, dear God! Tina saw my pube! Emilie cringed at the thought.

Emilie decided to play it cool. “Yes, hi, Tina. What’s up?” Emilie had been working with Tina on a black-tie event in conjunction with the Nature Channel show. It was an opportunity for the cable company’s largest ad buyers, and members of the media, to preview the series before it aired on the fall schedule.

“Emilie, I think I know the answer to this question, but here goes. Last week, you emailed me that Perry and Penny Penguin needed a hotel room. I’m just checking to make sure they aren’t, well, you know, real penguins.”

“Yes, they’re real birds.” Emilie laughed. “I’m sorry. I thought I told you we were getting penguins on loan from Arctic Land in New York. They’re going to greet people and provide a photo op. I can see where it may not be a request you get every day.”

“Hmm,” Tina said. “Well then, I see. I thought Perry and Penny were costumed characters . . . like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Since they are real, we have a problem. Our hotel has a strict no-pet policy. None at all.”

“What?” Emilie felt her heart begin to beat faster. “Tina, can you hold on for a second?” She pressed the hold button and opened the “Penguin Event” folder. In the file, she found the contract. Hoping she had written something about live penguins in it, Emilie scaled her finger down the first page. Nothing. The second page. Nothing. Midway down the third page, under the subject “Other Considerations” was typed “none.” She closed her eyes and muttered, “No. No. No.” Then she looked on the last page to see when the contract was signed. February twenty-eighth, three weeks after Rob died. Seeing the red blinking hold light, she put her head in her hands and tried to think quickly. Arctic Land was an eight-hour drive from Baltimore. The owners had insisted the penguins have premium housing before they would lend them to the event. Not really knowing what to do, she decided to wing it. She removed the call from hold and said, “Tina, these aren’t pets, they’re actors—show birds,” she said, trying hard not to let her voice crack.

Tina said nothing.

About Author Michelle Paris:

 

Michelle Paris author picture

Michelle Paris is a Maryland writer who believes laughter can heal the heart. Her debut novel, New Normal is loosely based on her own experience as a young widow. Her personal story of overcoming grief was featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. And her essays about grief and mid-life dating have appeared in multiple editions of the Chicken Soup for the Soul inspirational book series as well as in other media outlets. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Maryland Writer’s Association. Currently, Michelle is enjoying chapter two of her life with her new husband, Kevin, who keeps her from being a cat lady but only on a technicality. For more information, please visit www.michelleparisauthor.com.

Author links:
– Website
– Twitter
– Instagram
– Amazon

 

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There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of New Normal. One winner wins a $20 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback and a canvas bag. 5 winners will win an ecopy of new Normal. Open international.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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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.

Signed by Coach Tim Burris ~ Peek Inside And Giveaway

Posted: June 6, 2023 in Excerpt, giveaways
Tags: ,
15

 

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

Author Tim Burris will be awarding a $10 Amazon or &BN Gift Card to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Don’t forget to enter!

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

Signed

by Tim Burris

Genre: Non Fiction

Synopsis

It’s time to get serious and start preparing to take your football talents to the next level. But understanding the multiple recruiting pathways and signing to a postsecondary football program can be challenging. Don’t worry, though . . . Coach Burris of IRONWILL Football will help guide you through the recruiting process.

Signed is a guide for Canadian football players in Grades 9 to 12 who aspire to play post-secondary football. Coach Burris gives you the football recruiting blueprint so you can make informed recruiting decisions for your future.

With a dedicated chapter for parents, Signed breaks down everything you need to begin your journey toward the U Sports, NCAA, Junior football, CEGEP, and Junior college.

Enjoy this peek inside:


How to start

A successful transition plan starts with deciding and committing to football at the post-secondary level and then developing a plan around where you want to play. Take this seriously. You need a plan to have a smooth transition to the post-secondary level. Believe me when I say this: You need to be honest with yourself and determine which pathway best suits you.

In Canada, there is one high school route and three post-secondary pathways a student athlete can take:

1. University football (U Sports), or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
2. Junior football
3. CEGEP football
4. High school prep school Alternatively, student athletes can participate in a combination of junior or CEGEP football, then move on to the university level.

If you have the desire to play in the NCAA in the States, make sure to read the Canadian high school prep school section on page 11 and the chapter on NCAA football page 24. These will help you get started with the process.

When I say to be honest with yourself, I mean you need to ask some key questions. This also means knowing yourself and understanding your personal weaknesses, strengths, and skill sets. When you honestly answer the questions below, you will figure out which direction you should head after high school.

Knowing yourself is the most important part of your journey. When you really take the time examine your motivation, the direction you need to follow will be clear.

About Author Coach Tim Burris:

Coach Tim Burris is a former U Sports student athlete and is a Vanier Cup Champion. He has coached at the U Sports level and has over a decade of coaching experience ranging from bantam level to the university level. Coach Tim Burris has worked with more than a thousand players across Canada. He also had the honor of coaching on the Alberta U18 Team for three years, in addition to running his football performance camps and defensive line academy program.

Website
Facebook
Instagram

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

 

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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.

Hotshot Shamus ~ A Persephone Cole Vintage Mystery by Heather Haven

Posted: June 6, 2023 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways
Tags: ,
3

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Hotshot Shamus (The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries)
by Heather Haven

 


Hotshot Shamus (The Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
New York City 1948
Wives Of Bath Press, The (April 18, 2023)
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 324 pages
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8988050209
Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BZQX43TW

Persephone (Percy) Cole saves the life of a senator’s granddaughter but had no idea how much her own life was going to change as a result. There’s the unwanted fame, reporters hounding her mercilessly, and past enemies crawling out of the woodwork. Worse yet, our 5’11” lady shamus now has to dress the part of the successful PI! Then an unknown murderer tries to frame Percy for his killing spree, leaving deadly clues pointing to her. Worse yet, these are followed by death threats against her and her family.

But who? And why?

About Heather Haven

Back in the Punic Wars, Heather wrote ad copy, comedy acts, and had several plays performed very Off-Broadway. Her novels include the Silicon Valley-based Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries, Manhattan-based Persephone Cole Vintage Mysteries, Love Can Be Murder Mysteries, Snow Lake Romantic Suspense, and standalone, Murder under the Big Top, inspired by her mother’s stint as a performer with Ringling Brothers’ Circus. Just to break up the monotony, her short stories are featured in here anthology, Corliss and Other Award-Winning Stories. She and her husband are allowed to live in the foothills of San Jose, California, with their cat, Ellie.

Author Links: Website / Blog / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Link – Amazon 

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

June 5 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee – SPOTLIGHT

June 6 – I Read What You Write – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 6 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

June 7 – Indie Author Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

June 8 – The Mystery Section – AUTHOR GUEST POST

June 9 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

June 9 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

June 10 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT  

June 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

June 11 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

June 12 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST 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.

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