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Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

#T4T Two For Thursday Blast & Giveaway ~ Reaper’s Rite Series by Dorothy Dreyer

Posted: May 14, 2015 in Book Blast, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, YA
Tags: Author Dorothy Dreyer, Reaper's Rite Series, YA paranormal romance

Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

The Reaper’s Rite series by Dorothy Dreyer!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

My Sister's Reaper

Sixteen-year-old Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she liked she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake was actually doing it.

When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong. Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, or let Mara die … this time for good.

What Readers Are Saying:

“I felt that the author did a great job with her character developement. She was very vivid in her details and I felt like they were people I would meet on the street.” – Michelle, Goodreads Reviewer

“My Sister’s Reaper was a great paranormal, YA novel. Dreyer did an awesome job at creating Zadie’s linage and having it make complete sense.” – Tyler, Jolley Chronicles

“Okay, reapers, zombies, and death? Yeah, I was definitely reading this one.” – Kelly Hashway, Author

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My Tethered Soul

Months have passed since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, during which time she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning 17, that protection is about to run out. When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.

What Readers Are Saying:

“The series is magnificent and should be on the best sellers list!!” – Holly, Author

“Dorothy Dreyer continues the fast-paced, heart pounding journey she started in My Sister’s Reaper, delivering a YA paranormal romance filled with believable characters battling unbelievable odds.” – Katie, Author

“Ms. Dreyer has upped the ante in terms of characterization, suspense, some down-right spooky scenes, and a playful sense of humor, particularly in the dialogue between her teen protagonists.” – Stuart, Author

About-the-Author
Dorothy Dreyer

Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. Born in Angeles City, Philippines, to a Filipino mother and American Father, Dorothy grew up a military brat, living in Massachusetts, South Dakota, Guam, New Jersey, and New York. She now lives in Frankfurt, Germany, with her husband, two teens, and two Siberian huskies. Dorothy not only writes books with some element of magic in them, but has a fondness for reading those kinds of books as well. She also enjoys movies, chocolate, take-out, and spending time with family and friends. She’s known to make a pretty sweet cupcake when she has the time. She also tends to sing sometimes, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

It’s a mad world… The Publicist by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 13, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: Author Christina George, contemporary romance, The Publicist Series

For today I’m sharing the covers and blurbs for all three books and my review for The Publicist, Book #1. Be sure to stop by next week on May 20th for my review of The Publicist, Book #2 and the following week on May 27th for my review of The Publicist, Climax, Book #3.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win a Kindle or #100 Amazon Gift Card!

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The Publicist (Book One)

My Review

Beware. You are now entering the publishing zone!

First things first. I had a bit of a rough patch with Kate and Mac. He’s married, after all. I don’t condone that behavior one bit. But there are special circumstances here. I actually found myself hoping these two would get their happy ever after. This is the first of three books so I was pretty sure it wouldn’t happen soon. And the author throws in Nick. He’s just as sexy as Mac, and single. Who knows where it will go.

What a lovely mess is the world of publishing. As a publicist, Kate has to deal with some crazy stuff. From authors faking 5 star reviews, to stage fright, to squeezing that next book out of them, she’s always stressed out. I bow to her tenacity. No matter how impossible some things seemed, she found a way, often making me laugh at her ingenuity.

I read a lot of books and have come to know many authors and some of their experiences with being published. Now I have a peek into the other side of that process. I don’t envy either. It can be cut throat and you need a tough skin and lots of patience. And sometimes, a heart.

Many characters are introduced. A few secondary ones really had an impact. And there are some I’d gladly show to the door.

The chapters are short, making it a fast read. I read this straight through in one night. I started it, got sucked in by the smooth writing and genuine characters, and kept thinking I’d read just one more chapter. It was the wee hours when I finished it and I kept looking at the second book, but I resisted and did get some sleep.

I recommend this to authors, publishers, and word lovers everywhere.

“It’s a mad mad mad mad world.”

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Behind every book, there’s always more to the story. Can one woman change an age-old institution like publishing? Probably not, but Kate Mitchell sure wants to try. As a publicist with a large, respected New York publishing house, Kate finds herself at the mercy of a broken publishing system, books that don’t always sell (at all) and author egos that are often, well, as big as the island of Manhattan.Enter the star Editor, MacDermott Ellis. Tall, handsome, charismatic, married, and ready to save the day. Kate wants to do the right thing but her hormones seem to be driving her decisions. Then there’s Allan Lavigne, once a revered author, now as forgotten as yesterday’s news; and his nephew Nick, who wants to sweep Kate away from New York for another coast, California.

As Kate tries to navigate the landmine of publicity, the over-the-top author expectations, and the careful dance of “I’m sorry, your book isn’t on the bestseller list this week”, she also finds authors who are painfully overlooked by a publisher wanting more sex, more celebrities, and more scandal.

Shelf Life (Book Two)

It’s an industry of out-of-control egos, unrealistic expectations, and unfulfilled promises.This is publishing and it’s Kate’s world, but maybe not for long.When one of Kate Mitchell’s star authors is carted away in handcuffs, it’s only the beginning of her troubles. As her world crumbles around her, Kate desperately looks for anyone to hold onto but finds that happy endings are truly works of fiction. With the shelf life of her career and her love affair quickly expiring, Kate sets off on a new adventure…Starting over in California is easy but Kate soon learns that leaving her old life behind isn’t. Nick Lavigne is eager to help her forget but two things still own her heart, the dream of discovering the next great American novel, and MacDermott Ellis.As Kate tries to rebuild her life she finds a surprising gift that reboots her career in a new and unexpected direction. Suddenly her name becomes synonymous with one of the biggest bestsellers publishing has seen in ages and she’s welcomed back with open arms.But at the height of her success the ghosts of her past come back to remind her of the world she’d been trying to forget and the man who never let go of her heart.Behind the book, there’s always more to the story. Welcome to Publishing, the ego has landed.

Climax (Book Three)

Climax__the Publicist_Part_1_2 Bundled Set Cover (2)

Kate Mitchell has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick Lavigne’s heart. Now he’s back and he’s moved on, and it’s affecting Kate’s life more than she’s willing to admit.

Kate Mitchell has everything. She’s the head of a crazy successful publishing house, engaged to the traffic-stopping sexy Mac Ellis and she’s about to sign one of the biggest authors of her career.

And that’s when everything falls apart.

Everything is perfect…until it’s not.

In a city of 8 million people Kate manages to run into someone she never expected to see again.

Nick is handsome, impossibly kind, every girl’s dream, and Kate’s former fiancé. He’s also the brother of the rising star author she’s trying to sign. Now that Nick’s back in town and has moved on he insists he’s over Kate, but part of him still can’t get past how amazing they were, and his sister won’t let anyone forget how brutally it ended.

When Mac is dealt a life-changing blow, it forces Kate to question every single choice she’s made.

Follow Kate as she embarks on a journey of life and love, navigating through the decisions that will change it all forever.

Author Christina George

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn’t. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.

Connect with Christina: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

Where to buy the book

Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

May 4 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Shelf Life / giveaway
May 4 – Book Nerd – review of The Publicist
May 5 – XoXo Book Blog – book spotlight / interview or guest post / giveaway
May 5 – Working Mommy Journal – review of Climax
May 5 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 5 – Book Stop Corner – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 5 – T’s Stuff – review of Climax / giveaway
May 6 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of Shelf Life
May 6 – Book Stop Corner – review of Shelf Life
May 6 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of The Publicist
May 7 – For Life After – review of Climax
May 7 – Book Stop Corner – review of Climax
May 7 – The Bookish & The Romantic – review of Climax
May 7 – The Booksnake Etc – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 8 – Book Nerd – review of Shelf Life
May 11 – The Booksnake Etc – review of Shelf Life
May 11 – Julia Piccolo – review of Climax
May 13 – fuonlyknew – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 13 – Back Porchervations – book spotlight / interview or guest post / giveaway
May 13 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of Shelf Life
May 14 – Book Nerd – review of Climax
May 14 – Vic’s Media Room – review of The Publicist
May 15 – The Book Fairy – review of Climax / giveaway
May 15 – Vic’s Media Room – review of Shelf Life
May 15 – The Booksnake Etc – review of Climax
May 18 – Vic’s Media Room – review of Climax
May 20 – fuonlyknew – review of Shelf Life
May 20 – Coffee *Book* Mom – review of Climax
May 27 – fuonlyknew – review of Climax
May 27 – Stuck in YA Books – review of The Publicist / giveaway
May 28 – Stuck in YA Books – review of Shelf Life
May 29 – Stuck in YA Books – review of Climax

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Ghost Love by Nelli Rees ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Posted: May 12, 2015 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, Romance
Tags: Author Nelli Rees, Ghost Love, romance with a bit or paranormal

Ghost Love

Nelli Rees

Genre: Romance (with a hint of the paranormal)

Publisher: Phaze

Date of Publication: 20th January 2015

ISBN: ISBN-13 978-1-60659-849-8 / ASIN: B00SNYRXH8

Number of pages: 332 / Word Count: 90,000

Cover Artist: Niki Browning

Book Description:

In the madcap, chaotic days when Communism crumbled in the USSR, Tonia meets and falls in love with Englishman, Peter Monroe. Despite the protests of her family and the more strenuous

objections of the KGB Tonia agrees to marry Peter only for him to mysteriously disappear.

Twenty years later a life-toughened Toni must revisit these bitter-sweet memories when she finds herself and her daughters endangered by the consequences of that love affair.

In her despair Toni comes to realise that true love really does conquer all … even death.

Available at Phaze Amazon BN ARe

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Excerpt

Present Day: Dorset, England

Excitement being a kindred spirit to fear, Toni was undecided as to whether it was a trickle of fear she felt shivering down her spine or a trickle of excitement.

As she sat staring at the screen of her laptop, the darkness shrouding the room seemed to draw in on her: her head swam, her palms became clammy. Tears welled up in her eyes. She blinked them away, hoping that by doing so the message on her screen would disappear. It didn’t.

Peter Monroe wants to be friends on Facebook.

Hesitantly she maneuvered the cursor over the ‘connect’ button and pressed ‘enter.’ The screen mutated to show the Facebook page for ‘Peter Monroe.’ It was Peter! She recognized the profile photograph instantly. She’d taken it. She remembered posing him in front of the bandstand in Gorki Park on that spring day back in 1990, remembered laughing at the stupid faces he pulled, remembered the way his long chestnut hair flopped over his forehead, remembered…

How could she forget? He had been her one true love.

Love. A word made empty by misuse…by overuse. She wondered how many had ever endured the touch of real love, that soul-eviscerating sensation that comes when you know you have found your soul-mate. Very few, she decided. Perhaps this was all for the good: true love brought anguish in equal measure to joy. As the last twenty years had taught her, finding true love was a bitter-sweet blessing. Her fingers trembled as she typed.

Is it really you, Peter?

The reply was instantaneous.

Yes…I’ve missed you, Tonia.

She couldn’t stop herself: the tears flowed down her cheeks.

But…

She paused, terrified that what she would type next might cause this marvelous mirage to vanish.

But I thought you were dead.

The seconds ticked by, then:

I am.

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About Nelli Rees

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Nelli Rees, born in Moscow, trained as a linguist and a musician. With her future husband Englishman Rod she worked and travelled around Russia, finally coming to live in England in 1998. Nelli has had several successful careers: recording a critically acclaimed nu-jazz album “Jazz Noir”, becoming an award-winning jewellery maker, writing a book “Glass Bead Jewelry Projects”, and doing all this whilst being a mother and a wife. “Ghost Love” is Nelli’s first novel and draws heavily on her own experiences as a young woman in Soviet Russia and the obstacles she and her husband-to-be faced during those difficult times.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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Video of Nelli performing “Falling In Love Again”:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2J5Phukc8Y]

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Look at the awesome prizes!

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Prize 1: “Pink Flowers” Necklace from Nelli’s “Jewelry for All Seasons” collection (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings, crystals and hand dyed silk ribbon);

Prize 2: “Malachite Mystery” Pendant and earrings (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings and chain, crystals);

Prize 3: “Tiger! Tiger!” Earrings (handmade lampwork beads, sterling silver findings, crystals);

Prizes 4-7: Bookmarks with glass bead ornamentation (handmade lampwork beads, crystals, steel dividers);

Prize 8: Signed paperback copy of ‘Ghost Love’;

Prize 9: Signed copy of Nelli’s book ‘Glass Bead Jewelry Projects’;

Prize 10 – 14: Signed promo copies of Nelli’s album ‘Jazz Noir’.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Things get mighty hot in…Southern Heat by David Burnsworth ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 11, 2015 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Mytery/Thriller, reviews
Tags: Author David Burnsworth, mystery, Southern Heat, thriller

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Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

There is plenty of drama, action, mystery and characters that you like and want the best from.
~readalot

…a really good read. A fast paced page turner from page 1. David Burnsworth has created enjoyable characters that are engaging, and the setting is beautiful.
~Tea and A Book

I am just amazed that this was David Burnsworth first novel…let me tell you this is an author to watch!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Southern Heat

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Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Five Star; first edition (February 19, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-1432828004
E-Book ASIN: B00IF9FAKS

My Review

Brack Pelton’s life changes in an instant after witnessing the murder of his uncle. The police suspect him and a beautiful, persistent reporter puts him in the spotlight.

Much comes to light after his uncles death. Brack inherits his uncles ramshackle bar, Pirate’s Cove, his old beach house, and some valuable undeveloped land.

I couldn’t help but compare some of this book to my neck of the woods. Pirate’s Cove sounds so much like a local bar we used to have called Judge Roy Bean’s. I spent many afternoons there, sharing good times with the other regulars. And the scenery described is such that I felt like I was home.

I just loved Brack. He never took himself seriously. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. He’d claim to know about women and be so off the mark. It seemed like every few pages something he’d do or think would have me chuckling. Gotta love him.

And his dog, Shelby. Brack loves that dog and does everything to make sure he’s safe and happy when things start getting dangerous. In the south, it’s not uncommon for people to have multiple dogs and they go where their owners go.

As Brack digs into his uncles murder, two detectives hound his every move. Brack was such a rascal. He pulled all kinds of stuff on the two poor fellas. One I actually came to like was Wilson. He had potential to become a good guy.

When the powers that be come after the land Brack inherited, goons come out of the woodwork, bullets fly, and people get hurt.

Gripping and intense, David Burnsworth has written a winner. The southern atmosphere is as thick as the humidity and the mystery and suspense make the story fly.

I was thrilled to receive a print copy of Southern Heat and was thrilled when I discovered that after removing the book flap, the actual book still displayed the same beautiful scene. Often a book is blank under the cover, but not this one.

Living in the south, I’m always drawn to stories that have a southern setting and I had a blast with this book. I must have marked so many pages with post-its so I could tell you about something that leaped out at me, though I didn’t use most so I wouldn’t spoil the mystery.

The author did everything right with this exciting mystery and I’m anxious to see what he writes next. Hopefully more about these flawed yet lovable characters.

5 Stars

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Synopsis:

Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie’s murder and targets Brack.

The sole heir of his uncle’s estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate’s Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston’s wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle’s killer.

From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.

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About This Author

David Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Southern Heat is his first mystery. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along with their dog call South Carolina home.

Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links:
Amazon B&N

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I have one Print copy of Southern Heat to giveaway!

To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:

“Do you look for stories written in familiar settings?”

Giveaway ends May 16th.

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Tour Participants

May 6 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

May 7 – readalot – Review

May 8 – Tea and A Book – Review, Guest Post

May 9 – Mystery Playground – Interview, E-Book Giveaway

May 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

May 11 – fuonlyknew – Review, Print Giveaway

May 12 – Lori’s Reading Corner – Guest Post, Print Giveaway

May 13 – Omnimystery News – Guest Post

May 14 – View from the Birdhouse – Review

May 15 – Brooke Blogs – Review, E-Book Giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

What’s New On My Bookshelf #108 and The Sunday Post

Posted: May 10, 2015 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: Laura Thomas, my weekly book news, The Sunday Post

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

Another fun way to share your book news and enjoy others is The Sunday Post hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Head on over and leave a link to your Sunday Post and hop around to visits others.

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Some chit chat.

It was a hot and busy week at work so I came home every day and dove into my house. AAH! The delicious AC! LOL I don’t know how they did it before it was invented.

One thing that still feels like spring here on the Gulf Coast is the cooler mornings and low humidity before that scorching sun builds it up and you are trying to breath that moist air.

I spend most mornings enjoying a hot cup of tea on my back porch and start my weekend mornings there too. This is my outdoor office. I’m working now.

Nice, eh?! When I’m not reading or on my computer, I pick up my gardening tools and tweak things and plunge in the pool to cool off. I’m in Heaven:)

And I want to thank everyone for your helpful comments about what eReader I should buy last week. You ALL Rock!

I made up my mind and this recently arrived in my mailbox. Yeah!

Yep, I chose the Paperwhite and am learning about all of the bells and whistles now. I love it!

And for all the moms and soon to be moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

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My mother is flying down and arrives next Wednesday. I can’t wait to see her!. She’ll be here for five months. I have a brother and a sister that live close by and we all fight over her. LOL She’s my best friend and an angel on this planet. I can only hope I’m as a great a mother to my son as she is to me. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. I love you so much!

I’ll be hopping over to check out your Sunday posts so be sure to leave me your link!

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Here are my new books for review.

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I was thrilled to be offered Special Passage. I’ve read the other three and love this series.

And I was also thrilled to get Terminal. I’ve read the first three books and loved them. Just got to tidy up a review and on to this one.

And I couldn’t pass up In The Eyes Of Madness when the author offered it for review. Just my kind of reading!

I was thrilled to get The Gatherers. Been waiting a long time for this one. I had wicked fun with the first book, The Harvesting.

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New ones just because.

On my Kindle

I got so lucky and spotted this free on Amazon! I just reviewed Killing Weeds, the 8th book in this series and plan to go back and read the others. How cool that I got this one free. I prefer getting cozies in print but I still need to get 6 more books in this series and that gets a bit pricey.

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I’m into a lot of books for young readers and this sounded fun for all ages. Just check out the description!

A fast paced, original adventure about a boy who tries to outrun a nightmare. An epic trip into a rich and beautiful world.

Packed with detailed maps and 18 stunning illustrations – Tyler’s Dream is a thrilling tale that is underscored by a fierce and breathtaking pace.

And it’s FREE until the 16th. Click on the cover to get your copy.

From Netgalley

I know. I said no more. LOL

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And here are some freebies for ya!

Click on the covers to get yours and remember to make sure they’re still free before you click that buy button.

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Books I reviewed this week. Click on the covers for my reviews.

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Books I’ll be reviewing next week.

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What I won.

This arrived in the mail this week.

It’s an American flag I won from the Marikay’s Rainbow Book Launch Party.

Thanks so much Marilyn.

I’ll be hanging it this week and will take pictures then:)

And I won Boring Girls from Stephanie’s giveaway on A Dream Within A Dream.

Thanks so much Stephanie and thank you to Author Sara Taylor.

Plus I won Learning To Float by Allan Ament.

The author sent me his book, some yummy chocolates, and a cool coffee mug!

Thanks so much Allan.

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News from around the web.

Over on Rabid Reads Carmel has a question for ya – Do You Read ARCs?

Check out Vicky’s 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Blogging post on Books, Biscuits and Tea

A Guide To Epic Book Hoarding ~ This fun post by Shannon on It Starts At Midnight had me laughing! Great gifs!

And check out her review and giveaway post for Salt and Stone. It was a blast. Those gifs get me every time!

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Killing Weeds ~ A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery ~ #10th Anniversary Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 8, 2015 in Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery, Authors Joyce and Jim LaVene, Killing Weeds

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This is the 10^th year writing Peggy Lee so the authors would like to do a big anniversary prize with a book and a goody basket of seeds, gardening supplies, gloves, etc. for the gardeners out there who love Peggy Lee. Also a $20 Amazon gift card. You can enter the rafflecopter at the bottom of the post!

But first, please enjoy my review.

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Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Killing Weeds (A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery Book 8)
File Size: 348 KB
Print Length: 235 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (May 5, 2015)
ASIN: B00UG9SBBK

My Review

This is the 8th book in this series and I can tell you right now, you don’t have to have read the previous books to enjoy this one, but you’ll sure want to.

The first thing I liked about the characters was Peggy Lee is close to my age. She’s a grandmother with a husband several years younger than her, but she doesn’t dye her hair, over exercise to stay firm, or hide her wrinkles. She earned them and wears them with pride.

And something that makes me have to go back to the beginning, besides loving these characters, is Shakespeare, Peggy’s Great Dane. I didn’t get to know him much in this book, but I have a feeling he played bigger roles in some of the other books in the series. I’m huge on animals as key characters in stories and I bet that big, lovable cuss had some major parts in some of these mysteries.

There’s more than one type of killing weed in this mystery. You have your flora and your fauna.

That’s something else I really enjoyed. The local police hire Peggy when they need a forensic botanist. This felt a bit like CSI, especially as Peggy’s son, Paul is married to Mia, a forensic chemist. This probably isn’t the first time these two gals teamed up to solve a riddle.

A strange coincidence or just bad luck. This book is about a killing weed, Hogweed, highly toxic and used in a murder. I was out clearing a flower bed and removed a nasty thorned vine. Forgetting to wash my hands, I rubbed my eyes and was in agony for over 2 hours. Couldn’t open my eyes, couldn’t shut them for the fiery pain. They finally cleared up after two days. Shows how deadly plants can be.

This has the usual recipe for a cozy mystery. Fun, colorful characters, a furry friend, and, or course, a murder. One that wasn’t easy to solve. I had an idea, then I didn’t, then I did.

Great fun, which I’ve come to expect from these authors. I’ve read books from a few of their other series’ and enjoyed them too.

4 Stars

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Synopsis:

It’s spring in Charlotte, North Carolina, home of forensic botanist and garden shop owner, Peggy Lee. This spring has been beautiful, as always, with flowering trees and blue skies.

But a killer is on the loose, and seems determined to destroy everyone and everything she cares about.

When her garden shop, the Potting Shed, is brutally vandalized, Peggy doesn’t realize that it is only the beginning. Her son, Paul, who has been moonlighting as a private detective to investigate the death of his father, John Lee, is suspected of murder when a mink coat lined with poison kills the woman who is wearing it.

Peggy identifies the particularly virile blend of botanical poisons in the coat. Unfortunately, her work as a specialist with plant poisons makes Paul even more interesting to the police. When attacks against her and her family continue, Peggy must go back through her years of sleuthing to finger the person responsible . . . before it’s too late.

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About Authors Joyce and Jim Lavene

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links

Joyce and Jim Lavene ~ Peggy Lee Mysteries

Facebook ~ Amazon ~ Twitter

Purchase Link
Amazon

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Tour Participants

May 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post

May 6 – I Wish I Lived in a Library – Review

May 7 – MysteriesEtc – Review

May 8 – fuonlyknew – Review

May 9 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

May 10 – Laura’s Interests – Review

May 11 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Guest Post

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages ~ $50 Blast Giveaway

Posted: May 8, 2015 in Book Blast, giveaways, New Release, reviews
Tags: Book Reviewer Yellow Pages, giveaway, reviewer list

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages: A Book Marketing Guide for Authors and Publishers Christine Pinheiro

Book blogging today has grown into a serious business. It is a necessary marketing tool to promote books and the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages—now in its sixth edition—is the definitive guide to this informal network of book reviewers. -Author David Wogahn, President of Sellbox.com

This book is designed to make book marketing easier. The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages is a popular book promotion reference guide for authors and publishers. Use this guide to learn about book tours, author etiquette, and how to write a good pitch to grab the interest of a book reviewer.

Updated every year, this reference lists hundreds of book reviewers, their contact information, submission guidelines, and genre preferences.

Grab Your Copy Now!

Amazon Kindle * PDF * Print

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages

Foreword by David Wogahn

I wrote my first eBook in 1991. In those days, like today, it wasn’t hard to do if you had something to say and a computer to produce it. But what was hard, was marketing those early eBooks. Even if you advertised the book on a service like CompuServe, Prodigy or AOL, how would you ever find people willing to tell other people about your book?

I “discovered” the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages more than five years ago; April 29, 2011 to be exact (then called The Indie Book Review Yellow Pages). Newspapers and magazines were still employing book reviewers and “book bloggers” were considered an anomaly, given the same respect that big publishers were giving the new-fangled eBook formats like Kindle.

Fast forward to today and those same reviewers—if they are still writing reviews—most likely have started a blog (and in fact might even be in this book). An indie author trying to get reviewed by a traditional media outlet is an exercise in futility. It’s also fair to say that eBooks have made the big publishers huge profits and now form a permanent part of their publishing operations.

Book blogging today has grown into a serious business. It is a necessary marketing tool to promote books and Christy Pinheiro-Silva’s Book Reviewer Yellow Pages—now in its sixth edition—is the definitive guide to this informal network of book reviewers.

Collectively they rival the promotional power of the large circulation newspapers and magazines. Individually they can help niche books break-out to a wider audience. And that’s what book marketing is all about: helping thousands of small products in scores of categories seek and find their own passionate audience.

How I met Christy is a testament to modern book marketing, itself a lesson for new publishers. As a long-time reader of the pioneering eBook news website Teleread.com, I came across an article saying that her second edition was available for free. Free is still a popular way to connect with readers but in 2011 it was the fastest, sure-fire way to get your name and book noticed. Everyone had Kindles to fill-up and as a book marketer and author, who couldn’t use a free directory?

By the time the fourth edition was published in 2013 it had grown to a 778 page tome. Seeing an opportunity for constructive feedback, I took to Amazon reviews to voice my ideas about what makes this guide book so important for my clients, and where I thought it could be improved. I’m happy to say that Christy read that review, contacted me, and took many of those suggestions to heart.

Here are the two things you should know about the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages:

It defines a standard of etiquette. Christy’s 10 rules for author etiquette should be required reading for every author, regardless of whether or not book bloggers are part of your marketing mix. I confess it is so solid that I based a section of my own book, Successful eBook Publishing (Sellbox, 2012) on her advice. The blogosphere would be a better place if every author took her admonitions to heart in all their book promotion interactions.
It codifies the essential facts about a book blogger, so you don’t have to. Shouldn’t we be able to just “Google” book bloggers and fire off emails to reviewers? Nope. In reality it isn’t that easy. Trying to find the pertinent information so you can approach the reviewer who is right for your book (see point 1) is going to take you hours! There are no standard website designs for review websites, and you will need to visit each one (again, see point 1). Here is where the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages shines. Your small investment will pay big dividends in saving time in finding the relevant reviewers, and their contact information.

But one thing still remains the same, as it did for me in 1991. You simply must get people talking about your book if you are ever going to be a successful author. A book no one talks about is even worse than a book that doesn’t make money.

And that’s where this wonderful community of book bloggers comes into play. Let the Book Reviewer Yellow Pages be your Michelin Guide to the Wild West World of book review bloggers.

David Wogahn

President, Sellbox.com

Publisher, PartnerPress.org

Author, Successful eBook Publishing

For more information visit:
The Book Reviewer Yellow Pages
Website * Facebook

$50 Blast Giveaway

Enter to win an Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/1/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by readinglight.com. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

#M9B Friday Reveal & Giveaway ~ Meet Lisa T. Cresswell ~ Author of Vessel

Posted: May 8, 2015 in Book Promos, Dystopian, giveaways, Interview, Science Fiction, YA
Tags: Author Lisa T. Cresswell, dystopian, Science Fiction, Vessel, YA

M9B-Friday-Reveal

Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we are featuring

Lisa T. Cresswell, author of Vessel

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Lisa T. Cresswell

Meet Lisa T. Cresswell!

Lightening Round Questions

Twitter or Facebook? Twitter by far!

Favorite Superhero? Hulk

Favorite TV show? Um, I don’t watch tv anymore.

Sweet or Salty? Sweet

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi before I gave it up; now its coffee 🙂

Any Phobias? Heights/fear of falling

Song you can’t get enough of right now? They play it way too much, but
I still like Uptown Funk.

Who is your ultimate Book Boyfriend? That’s tough. I’m sure Peta’s up
there. I’ll get back to you on that one 😉

What are you reading right now or what’s on your TBR? I want to read
the latest Neil Gaiman book. Always!

Fall Movie you’re most looking forward to? It’s really next winter,
but it’s STAR WARS!!

Lisa, like most writers, began scribbling silly notes, stories, and poems at a very young age. Born in North Carolina, the South proved fertile ground to her imagination with its beautiful white sand beaches and red earth. In fifth grade, she wrote, directed and starred in a play “The Queen of the Nile” at school, despite the fact that she is decidedly un-Egyptian looking. Perhaps that’s why she went on to become a real life archaeologist?

Unexpectedly transplanted to Idaho as a teenager, Lisa learned to love the desert and the wide open skies out West. This is where her interest in cultures, both ancient and living, really took root, and she became a Great Basin archaeologist. However, the itch to write never did leave for long. Her first books became the middle grade fantasy trilogy, The Storyteller Series. Her first traditionally published work, Hush Puppy, is now available from Featherweight Press.

Lisa still lives in Idaho with her family and a menagerie of furry critters that includes way too many llamas!

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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LCresswell_Vessel_M9B_eCover_1800x2700

The sun exploded on On April 18, 2112 in a Class X solar storm the likes of which humankind had never seen.

They had exactly nineteen minutes to decide what to do next.

They had nineteen minutes until a geomagnetic wave washed over the Earth, frying every electrical device created by humans, blacking out entire continents, and every satellite in their sky.

Nineteen minutes to say goodbye to the world they knew, forever, and to prepare for a new Earth, a new Sun.

Generations after solar storms destroyed nearly all human technology on Earth, humans reverted to a middle ages-like existence, books are burned as heresy, and all knowledge of the remaining technology is kept hidden by a privileged few called the Reticents.

Alana, a disfigured slave girl, and Recks, a traveling minstrel and sometimes-thief, join forces to bring knowledge and books back to the human race. But when Alana is chosen against her will to be the Vessel, the living repository for all human knowledge, she must find the strength to be what the world needs even if it’s the last thing she wants.

Title: Vessel
Publication date: May 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Lisa T. Cresswell

Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

The book will be sent upon the titles release.

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~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

Oh Say Can You Fudge ~ A Candy-Coated Cozy Mystery ~ Review & GIveaway

Posted: May 7, 2015 in Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: A Candy-Coated Mystery with recipes, Author Nancy Coco, Oh Say Can You Fudge

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Oh Say Can You Fudge
by Nancy Coco

Very fast paced with lots of clues to keep the reader guessing. I was eager to turn each page to see what happened next. The reveal brought with it a total surprise.
~Lisa K’s Book Reviews

I love this series , it is fun, well written and the characters make it a smashing hit.
~Shelley’s Book Case

If you enjoy cozy mysteries – all the elements are here. Somehow our heroine is in the middle of discovering a dead body, she has a cute dog, lots of friends, and some cantankerous folks that blame her for things out of her control.
~Lilac Reviews

With fireworks and Mal Allie’s wonderful dog you will be kept guessing until the end of who done it in this great mystery.
~Bab’s Book Bistro

Oh Say Can You Fudge
(A Candy-coated Mystery)

Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Publisher: Kensington (April 28, 2015)
Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0758287144
E-Book ASIN: B00ONTR4U8

My Review

I was so excited and knew I had to read this book when I discovered it took place on Mackinac Island.

I visited there a few times and loved it. A ferry is the only access to the island and no cars are allowed. You can hire horse drawn carriages or bikes, or you can stroll and take in the loveliness. And the Marriott Grande Hotel is beautiful.

Hard to imagine a murder taking place there, but you know what they say, “I never would have believed it would happen here.”

This started out a bit slow for me in the beginning. It took me a bit to get all of the characters straight as I hadn’t read the first two books. Once I got everyone sorted out in my mind, it picked up.

I learned I’m a troll! People who live under the Mackinac Bridge (the lower peninsula of Michigan). I seem to recall that fact now.

Allie finagled her way into being in charge of the fireworks for the Star Spangled 4th celebration and everything is ready to go. And it does. It goes boom. She received an urgent call from the pyro tech warning her that the fireworks had been tampered with. When she was finally able to get to the warehouse, she discovered a dead body and barely got out before the building disintegrated.

Apparently, this isn’t the first dead body Allie’s stumbled over. I wonder if she’s contagious and next her friends will start finding dead bodies.

Allie knows the show must go on, but while scrambling to find more fireworks and a new pyro tech, plus running her hotel, the Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop,and making the delicious fudge, she still finds time to do some snooping. She just can’t help it. She’s naturally nosy and this puts her in danger. The next dead body might be hers.

And what’s a cozy without some critters. Allie has Mal, her Bichon-poo puppy, and a stray calico cat that adopted her. I was always waiting for more scenes with these cuties.

Also there’s more than one kind of fireworks happening too. Allie’s rich, sexy boyfriend, Trent, and local police officer, Rex, who has a crush on her. It’s not a love triangle on her part, as she’s head over heels for Trent, but I thought Rex would be a better match for her. He’s bossy and stern when in cop mode, but all bashful when he’s not. Probably why he always appears in uniform when around her.

The cover art is adorable and perfect as it features her two furry friends and the main theme of the book, the fireworks. So cute and colorful.

Sprinkled at the end of about every other chapter are some yummy recipes. I’m going to try some of them. That’s a bonus, food and critters!

I always enjoy the colorful characters in cozy mysteries and there are plenty in this book. From snooty to quirky to grouchy, the author brought them to life.

I mentioned wanting to read this book because of the location. It was fun to flash back to my visits to the island. It helped me to visualize this story and relish it when I recognized something.

Great mystery too. It really was a surprise when the culprit was revealed.

I’ll be going back to read the first two books and any new ones that are released.

4 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

Allie McMurphy is busy making yummy fudge for the summer holiday–until murder gives her something else to chew on. . .

Red, White, And Boom

It’s not Fourth of July on Mackinac Island without fireworks and fudge. The Historic McMurphy Hotel and Fudge Shop is supplying the treats–and Allie has hired Rodney Rivers, the biggest name in aerial displays, to create an unforgettable spectacle. Unfortunately, Allie finds him dead, covered with screaming chicken fireworks, just before the entire warehouse of pyrotechnics goes up in smoke. Is it arson or is it murder? Allie and her bichonpoo, Mal, must sift through the suspects until the killer is caught and the island can enjoy a star-spangled celebration.

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About This Author

Best known for writing plucky heroines Nancy Coco AKA Nancy J. Parra has 15 books published-

Most recently Nancy has three cozy mystery book series going.
Gluten for Punishment and Murder Gone A-Rye are both part of the Gluten Free Baker’s Treat Mystery series. (Berkley Prime Crime)
All Fudge Up and To Fudge or Not To Fudge are part of the Candy Coated Mystery series (Kensington) -which Nancy writes as Nancy Coco
Then there is Engaged in Murder- the first in the Perfect Proposal series from Berkley Prime Crime.

All Fudged Up was Nancy’s first National Best seller.

Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links
Amazon B&N Book Depository Kobo Google Play

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Tour Participants

April 28 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post

April 29 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post

April 30 – Lilac Reviews – Review

May 1 – Babs Book Bistro – Review

May 2 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – Spotlight

May 3 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

May 4 – Back Porchervations – Review

May 5 – Brooke Blogs – Review

May 5 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review

May 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

May 7 – fuonlyknew – Review

May 8 – Laura’s Interests – Review

May 9 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Review

May 10 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Interview

May 11 – View from the Birdhouse – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

#T4T Two For Thursday Blitz & Giveaway ~ Very Superstitious & Two and Twenty Dark Tales Anthologies

Posted: May 7, 2015 in Anthology, Blitz, Dark Fantasy, giveaways, otherworldly, Paranormal or fantasy, Short stories and collections, Supernatural
Tags: multiple authors, Two and Twenty Dark Tales, Very Superstitious

Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Two and Twenty Dark Tales and Very Superstitious Anthologies!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Two and Twenty Dark Tales

In this anthology, 20 authors explore the dark and hidden meanings behind some of the most beloved Mother Goose nursery rhymes through short story retellings. The dark twists on classic tales range from exploring whether Jack truly fell or if Jill pushed him instead to why Humpty Dumpty, fragile and alone, sat atop so high of a wall. The authors include Nina Berry, Sarwat Chadda, Leigh Fallon, Gretchen McNeil, and Suzanne Young.

What Readers Are Saying:

“Great short story collection! Allegorical, interpretive, and entertaining.” – Levina, Goodreads Reviewer

“ EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED in this book” – Kwinn, Goodreads Reviewer

“I truly enjoyed the stories in this anthology. Some are dark and depressing, and yet beautifully told…” – Angie, Author

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Very Superstitious

The stories are based on urban legends, myths, tribal tales and superstitions from around the world. A charity anthology to benefit SPCA International with stories by Shannon Delany, Jackie Morse Kessler, Stephanie Kuehnert, Jennifer Knight, Marianne Mancusi, Michelle E. Reed, Dianne Salerni and Pab Sungenis.

What Readers Are Saying:

“VERY SUPERSTITIOUS is a fine anthology for fantasy readers looking for something slightly creepy for Halloween reading.” – Liviania, In Bed With Books

“A collection of spook-licious tales that will taunt, and in a few cases, tickle the fear bone in any reader.” – S.A. Larsen, Author

A timely collection for a good cause, with some delightful surprises, full of myths and superstitions, and a vast array of stories that will make you laugh, cry and think.” – Tammy, Books Bones Buffy

Giveaway

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

fuonlyknew

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#T4T Two For Thursday Blast & Giveaway ~ Reaper’s Rite Series by Dorothy Dreyer

It’s a mad world… The Publicist by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Ghost Love by Nelli Rees ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

Things get mighty hot in…Southern Heat by David Burnsworth ~ Review and Giveaway

Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

What’s New On My Bookshelf #108 and The Sunday Post

Killing Weeds ~ A Peggy Lee Garden Mystery ~ #10th Anniversary Tour Review and Giveaway

Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Book Reviewer Yellow Pages ~ $50 Blast Giveaway

#M9B Friday Reveal & Giveaway ~ Meet Lisa T. Cresswell ~ Author of Vessel

Oh Say Can You Fudge ~ A Candy-Coated Cozy Mystery ~ Review & GIveaway

Oh Say Can You Fudge
by Nancy Coco

#T4T Two For Thursday Blitz & Giveaway ~ Very Superstitious & Two and Twenty Dark Tales Anthologies

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

categories

Find me on X

Follow me via Bloglovin

Say hi on Facebook

My Pins

Books I’ve Read

Archives

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Southern Heat by David Burnsworth

Killing Weeds by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Oh Say Can You Fudge by Nancy Coco

Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth

Killing Weeds
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Oh Say Can You Fudge
by Nancy Coco