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Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Shelf Life ~ The Publicist #2 by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 20, 2015 in Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, reviews, Series
Tags: Author Christina George, contemporary romance, Shelf Life, The Publicist Series

Thanks for stopping by! I’m sharing the covers and blurbs for all three books and my review for Shelf Life: The Publicist, Book #2. Be sure to stop by next week on May 27th for my review of Climax: The Publicist, Book #3 and I’m reposting my review of The Publicist, Book #1 so you don’t have to leave this page.

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)

My Review

I really enjoyed the first book in this series so I was anxious to see where Kate and mac were in this next chapter.

The world or a publicist is a crazy as ever. From authors faking 5 Star reviews, to one who wrote a book about how she lost a bunch of weight, except shed didn’t, to an author being arrested for a despicable crime, Kate is in the thick of it.

Then Kate is betrayed by the man she loves and is assaulted by someone and her whole world comes crashing down. No way will she be returning to Morris and Dean.

Now Kate is behind the wheel of a pink Cadillac convertible, heading towards Los Angeles and a new future and maybe a new romance.

Nick is opening his home to her, as a guest, but I’m sure he wants more. He’s still in love with her and remains hopeful Kate will get over Mac.

Mac betrayed her in the worst possible way. I couldn’t believe it. He always seemed so strong, so sure of himself. I guess he isn’t that strong after all. He chose a cowards way out of a sticky situation and it hurt Kate deeply.

I wanted to give Kate a high five for finally putting the brakes on her relationship with Mac. He is married and shows no signs of leaving his wife. His latest stunt broke her heart but set her on a new path. One I find very exciting.

There are big changes in this second book. Some so exciting I wish I could share. But that would be spoiling it. Gots to leave you with some anticipation.

I’m still having fun with this series and am almost finished reading the third book, Climax. If your looking for a great summer read, these will do nicely. I hope you try them.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

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!

Blitz Giveaway ~ Swoon Romance YA Wednesdays ~ Author Rachel Schieffelbein

Posted: May 20, 2015 in Blitz, giveaways, Romance
Tags: Author Rachel Schieffelbein, Don't Fall, romance, Run For The Roses, Secondary Characters

Welcome to this week’s

Swoon Romance YA Wednesdays!

This week features Rachel Schieffelbein’s titles

Run for the Roses, Secondary Characters, Don’t Fall!

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

Abigail Conrad has spent her whole life training for one goal: to win the roses at the Arabian Youth Nationals. She’s given up friends, a social life, and doesn’t have time to even think about guys — much less date!

Now that she’s headed off to college in the fall, it’s her last chance to be a Youth National Champion, and she won’t let anything distract her from that dream.

Except maybe Chase, the older brother of Abigail’s biggest rival. He’s charming, funny, and possibly Abigail’s biggest problem. How can she focus on riding when her mind keeps wandering to Chase’s green eyes and confident smile?

With her dream on the line, Abigail had better learn to fight her growing attraction to Chase, or she might end up losing the roses and the guy.

Run for the Roses
by Rachel Schieffelbein
Publication Date: November 2013
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Amazon | B&N

*****

Secondary-Characters

When Mabel’s best friend, Amber, drags her along on a double date she finds herself falling for Lance, the obnoxious class clown whom she swore she’d have no interest in. The only problem is, she’s not sure if she’s really the girl Lance is into, or if, like every other guy she knows, it’s really Amber he’s after. One thing is clear, if Mabel wants to be the lead in her own love story, she needs to start acting like it.

Secondary Characters
by Rachel Schieffelbein
Publication Date: May 2013
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Amazon | B&N

*****

Don't-Fall

In which a teenage girl endures the over-protective love of her adoptive mother until she falls for a boy who has her wanting to spread her wings, pitched as a contemporary retelling of Rapunzel.

Seventeen-year-old Anya leads a very secluded life in a house on the edge of town with her adopted mother. She doesn’t go to school, but instead has a private tutor. Her over-protective mom keeps her so sheltered that she doesn’t even have a best friend.

But Anya doesn’t seem to mind. She has her books, her photography, and her daydreams, and would do anything to please her mom. Until one day at the library, the only place she’s allowed to go, she takes a picture of a beautiful boy.

Before long she’s lying to her mom, and sneaking out late at night to meet Zander. But Zander wants more than a secret romance. If Anya wants to be with the boy of her dreams, she will have to risk her relationship with the only other person she’s ever cared about.

Don’t Fall
by Rachel Schieffelbein
Publication Date: May 2014
Publisher: Swoon Romance

Amazon | B&N

*****

About-the-Author

Rachel Schieffelbein

Rachel Schieffelbein grew up in a tiny town in Southeast Minnesota reading books, riding horses, and participating in speech and theater. She is now married with four kids and enjoys reading books, riding horses, and coaching speech and theater. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! She enjoys writing characters she can relate to, ones she would want to hangout with, or fall in love with. She hopes her readers will love them, too.

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

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!

They won’t see it coming ~ The Bleikovat Event ~ Tour and Giveaway

Posted: May 18, 2015 in Action/Adventure, Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, Science Fiction
Tags: Cairns Of Sainctuarie by Hawk MacKinney, science fiction adventure, The Bleikovat Event

I love the epic looking cover art for this book.

I used to look for covers like these when I first got addicted to science fiction books.

And all those names I struggled to pronounce made it like a game. LOL

Check it out.

Enjoy the excerpt.

And remember to enter the giveaway!

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The Bleikovat Event

The Cairns of Sainctuarie

by Hawk MacKinney

BLURB

Among the close-kin clans of western rural Malfesian Murians, farming and gelf ranches are long held traditions. Times are good…full barns, fat gelf calves and large families thrive among the sprawling grain fields and hamlets and the river from which they derive their name—the Feldon. Word comes with the trade caravans that times are not so good in the regions far to the east of the Feldon River: tumultuous changes stir among the remote province of Bleikovia. Old timer Feldovats shrug it off as one more squabble between clans over boundaries or water rights…too distant to affect the Feldovats

The western clans learn too late, however, it is no local squabble. Outnumbered and unprepared, Feldovats resist a hoard bent on plunder and conquest. Days of battle along the Feldon River stain the riverbanks in green Murian blood. In the finals days of exhausted fighting, Judikar Klarvko Celo, leader of the Clan Klarvkon and the Feldovats, is fatally stabbed with the slow-acting sevon poison. The Judikar’s consort, Etikaa Klarvkaa, becomes Regentkaa, and with Celovat Field Commander Korvo Celo serving as her advisor, she leads the demoralized Feldovat survivors on a gruesome ill-prepared winter trek through high mountain passes of ice and blizzard snow in an attempt to elude the Green Dragon forces of the Bleikovats.

Etkaa’s only son, Klarvko Celo II, helps spirit Feldovat young across a remote mountain exodus to the west toward Eedov Province. The battered, starving Feldovats reach the Malfesian coast at Eedov City only to be confronted with their implacable enemy determined to destroy the remaining Klarvkon rabble. Taking passage on crowded lumbering Maalonovion freighters, Feldovats and Malfesian refugees set sail. On arrival in Maalon City they are welcomed among their Maalon hosts, and settle into a new life.

But famine and a pandemic pestilence stir old hates and nurse former ambitions. The enraged Overseers of Bleikovia move against the Klarvkons, this time bringing bloodshed to Maalonovia. The exiles from the Feldon must fight once again, but starvation and plague across the Planete Myr make it a different war from the battles along the Feldon…a na’ä blikovat…the Bleikovvat Phenomenon…an event with unexpected consequences and outcomes none could have foreseen.

Before the vendetta killing is exhausted, the Regentkaa Klarvkaa and her son are swept onto the Maalon throne, setting the Klarvkon Dynasty and the Murians toward an intergalactic golden age, and a star-flung destiny the once-agrarian Feldovats could never have envisaged.

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Check out this excerpt!

The catafalque of the old Dowager Queen rested on the high rostrum of the Temple of the Goddess Myraa. There was little ceremony to the cremation of dead. Yet, all that had passed made this requiem for the Dowager Queen Klarvkaa Etkaa Bremanova Celovaa Bremanova a symbol of the changes which had swept so many lives. Long annuals before the ascendancy of The Klarvkon Dynasty, the massive wood and granite Temple to the Goddess Myraa had been destroyed in the firestorm which laid waste Eedov City. After the close of the Malfesian War the temple was rebuilt, but not the city. On the ashes of the old temple, immense columns rose above the sanctuary and vaults. Iridescent alabaster and polished marble greeted pilgrim supplicants who had come to the shoreline plains washed by the Green Sea.

Dowager Etkaa Klarvkaa—wife, myäat, founding matriarch of the Klarvkon Dynasty—gave hope from a time without hope. As was her wish, she would be cremated on the soil of her birth, her ashes to mingle with those of her consort, Klarvko Celo. Their son, His Imperial Majesty Klarvko Celo the Second, decreed it would be done. At the enormous base of the great temple in a spectacular vision never seen before and seldom since came an undulating ocean of banners. Some of them clans which no longer existed, even the once-hated Green Dragon of Bleikovia. Murians had taken her to their hearts and never relinquished her. Even in death, her shadow would reach across the centuries, and measure all who followed.

~~~

Author Hawk MacKinney

With postgraduate degrees and faculty appointments in several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. In addition to professional articles and texts on chordate neuroembryology, Hawk has authored several works of fiction.

Hawk began writing mysteries for his school newspaper. His works of fiction, historical love stories, science fiction and mystery-thrillers are not genre-centered, but plot-character driven, and reflect his southwest upbringing in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Moccasin Trace, a historical novel nominated for the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award, details the family bloodlines of his serial protagonist in the Craige Ingram Mystery Series. Vault of Secrets, the first book in the Ingram series, was followed by Nymrod Resurrection, Blood and Gold, and The Lady of Corpsewood Manor. All have received national attention. Walking the Pet is Hawk’s latest release in the Ingram series. The first book in another mystery-thriller series is scheduled for release in 2015. The Bleikovat Event, the first volume in The Cairns of Sainctuarie science fiction series, was released in 2012. Its sequel, The Missing Planets, has just been released.

www.hawkmackinney.net

www.sagewordspublishing.com

www.archebooks.com

http://youtu.be/IFbsl36LTC8

http://youtu.be/-m-H8pfoh-A

http://youtu.be/OvV8gqls688

http://youtu.be/tLOOHlQ3IYs

www.amazon.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win!

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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!

A Science Fiction Dystopian ~ Aftermath ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: May 18, 2015 in Blitz, Dystopian, giveaways, Interview, Science Fiction
Tags: Aftermath, Author Tom Lewis, science fiction/dystopian

The first thing I did after seeing the cover for Aftermath was rub my hands together and grin. I enjoy a good sci fi dystopian and am thrilled to share with you today!

I have a lot to show and tell.

Enjoy the author interview.

Check out the blurb.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Interview with Author Tom Lewis

Tell us about your debut novel:

The book’s called “Aftermath”. It’s a fast-paced, dystopian sci fi actioner that follows a teenage girl’s struggles for survival in the increasingly hostile wake of civilization’s collapse, and humanity’s domination by an alien race of beings. I’m calling it a “Hunger Games” with aliens.

“Aftermath” is the first novel in the “After the Fall” dystopian series, which will follow my heroine, Paige, and the remnants of humanity in their efforts to both survive, and reclaim our world.

How did you get into writing?

I started writing screenplays in 1999, and had my first screenplay optioned that year. I followed that up with several other screenplays, a few of which were optioned by production companies and ended up getting me hired for writing assignments. Two of those scripts were made into movies which I produced and directed. The first of those movies was picked up by Lionsgate for distribution, and we’re in negotiations with distributors on the second film, a spooky ghost story called “The Chanel”. It’s about a teenage girl, who after surviving a near-death experience in a car crash, finds herself haunted by a shadowy figure she sees from the corner of her eye – something that followed her back from the other side of death.

You’re also an attorney?

Yes. I practice entertainment law from my office in Santa Monica. My clients are mainly producers, so that’s helped with getting my screenplays out there. Before that, I served in the Marines.

Where did your interest in post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction come from?

My first exposure to the dystopian genre came about 4 years ago, when I was negotiating movie rights to a best-selling novel for one of my clients. I read that novel, and then read the “Hunger Games” trilogy, and then I was hooked. Dystopian, YA, NA, sci fi action, survival, and post-apocalyptic stories are far and away my favorites.

Where did the inspiration for Aftermath come from?

I came up with the idea for Aftermath about a year ago. I was searching Amazon for something post-apocalyptic and dystopian, but with ordinary people thrown into that upside-down world. Most of the books I was finding had either elite commandos, or the threat wasn’t big enough, or there just wasn’t enough action, thrills, or scares. So basically I wrote Aftermath as the story I wanted to read. I originally started drafting it as a screenplay, but then I saw the potential of it as a series of novels. The story is epic in scope – it follows the survivors through the end of civilization, and its conquest by this alien race. And by doing it through novels, I wasn’t limited to budget considerations you have when writing screenplays. But I did have the fun of shooting the trailer I made for the book. You can see that trailer here: https://vimeo.com/124008432

What’s next for you?

I’m about halfway finished with the second installment in the series, and hope to publish it later this summer. The working title is “The Whisperers.”

About Tom Lewis

Tom Lewis grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where his family still resides. He served in the Marines, before returning to Arizona, where he attended Arizona State University, receiving his BS in Business Management. After ASU, he moved to San Diego, where he attended law school at the University of San Diego. He graduated in 1996, and was admitted to the State Bar of California the same year. Shortly after that, he moved to Santa Monica, where he practices law as an entertainment attorney.

His novel, “Aftermath,” is loosely based on one of his screenplays. In writing “Aftermath,” his goal was to take his readers through a post-apocalyptic America, where civilization had been crushed in an alien attack. The reader is taken on this journey through the eyes of his protagonist, 16-year-old Paige O’Connor, and encounters this hostile new world as she does.

“Aftermath” is the first book in the “After the Fall Dystopian Series,” which will continue to chronicle the adventures of Paige and the remnants of humanity in their struggle to survive, and ultimately reclaim our planet from the invaders.

When he’s not writing, or handling the legal work for his clients’ films, Tom enjoys working out, hanging out at the beach, bike riding, reading, and movies.

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Aftermath by Tom Lewis
(After the Fall #1)
Publication date: March 28th 2015
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

Synopsis:

The end of the world came fast. Between the time the warning had sounded on the TV, till when 16-year-old Paige O’Connor awakened sometime later, civilization had been crushed.

The attacks had come by “them” – those things in the ships in the sky that had appeared suddenly, and without warning.

And as Paige would soon discover, the attacks had only been the beginning.

Aftermath is the first book in the new After the Fall dystopian action series, which follows a young girl’s struggle for survival in the wake of civilization’s collapse, and humanity’s domination by an alien race of beings.

Purchase:

AMAZON

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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!

What’s New On My Bookshelf #109 and The Sunday Post

Posted: May 17, 2015 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: meme, my weekly book news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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

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’s kind of a dog day afternoon. Mostly cloudy and breezy and lots of looming rain clouds. Even my dog, Quigley, and my cat, Sheba, know when it’s a day to chill. To do what they love best. Sheba is so funny. Quig will be all stretched out and there will be just a tiny space on the sofa. She’ll eye it and meow. Then she’ll jump up and turn round and round looking for room to lie down. Quig will lift his head, softly rumble, and she’ll settle down. They are such a pair.

I’ve been reading a bunch of books and felt like I needed a break. So I’ve spent a lot of time going through Netflix, watching some obscure and low rated movies. I was surprised to find a few that were pretty good. And a bunch that were god awful bad. LOL And guess what? Now I”m kind of burnt out on watching television. So what am I doing now? Well, I’ve been working crosswords, playing some video games, and I actually started playing solitaire with an actual deck of cards. Plus I’ve pulled out a few crafting projects that needed to be finished.

I think it’s time to get out of the house and do something fun. So what do you do when you can’t focus on one thing?

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.

23876717 22965853 25397036

I was contacted by the publisher about reading The Anatomy Of Melancholy. I was intrigued by the cover and had to check it out.

I just couldn’t resist Kittens Can Kill. Just look at it! LOL

And Drop Dead Punk sounds just twisted enough for me.

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New ones just because.

After buying my new Paperwhite last week I tried to resist buying some new books. I did pick up a freebie that looked fun.

On my Kindle

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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.

I won these awesome books from the April Mystery Box Giveaway on Book Hounds. Thanks a bunch Mary!

And I won these cool comic books from a giveaway on Mymcbooks Blog. Thanks Ella!

These books I won from the Spring Cleaning Giveaway on The Howling Turtle. Thanks so much Larissa!

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Unleash The Undead ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: May 15, 2015 in Blog Tour, giveaways, horror, reviews, Short stories and collections, Zombies
Tags: Compiled by Samie Sands, Horror, mulitple authors, short stroies collection, Unleash The Undead: Tales From The Apocalypse, zombies

It’s summer here on the Gulf Coast and you know what that means? It’s zombies time!

I don’t know why, but it seems I read a lot more apocalyptic stories, especially ones featuring zombies, in the summer. And have I got some goodies to share with you today.

Unleash The Undead is a collection of stories compiled by Samie Sands.

All kinds of zombie goodies in it!

Check out my review.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Oh yeah! Watch out for zombies. They be prowling this post! zombies photo: zombie EatBrainsEatBrainsEatBrains.gif

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Unleash the Undead

Compiled by Samie Sands

My Review

Lots of zombies in this one.

So many different contributions, from short stories, to flash fiction, to poetry.

And there are some great illustrations sprinkled throughout these stories. It made the reading even more fun.

I had some I enjoyed more than others but all in all a very solid collection.

I’m huge on the apocalyptic genre and zombies so I read this cover to cover without pausing.

I cringed. I laughed.

It may sound morbid, but the ones I liked the most had the worst endings. I know, I’m a sucker for the shockers and who expects a happy ending when the shuffling horde is out to eat ya. LOL I’d be disappointed if some of the main characters didn’t meet a grisly end, and these authors didn’t disappoint me.

Now that I’ve sampled these authors I’ll be checking to see what else they have to offer.

4 Stars

zombies photo: ZOMBIES Zombie-At-Tiffanys-By-Marion-Cromb.gif

BLURB:

Delve into the horrifying world of the zombie apocalypse, as bought to you by the following authors and artists: J.L.Drake, Marina Hume, Matías Andrés Bravo Jara, Ana Prundaru, J.H., Dale Herring, Jonny Graham, Klarissa Del Rossario, Saadia Ammad, Akash Sagar, Rob Shepherd, Rhys Curtis-Thompson, Kayleigh Edwards, Diego Tonini, Lachelle Redd, Victoria Pagac, Noel Osualdini, Glen Holman, Mathias Jansson, Kyle Flack, Ceri Matthias, Gia Berryman, Max Ferreira, Diana Alexandru, Kevin S. Hall, Art Pic, Zoja Vladisavljevic, B.S. Purwanda and Samie Sands.

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Enjoy the excerpt

Along with the thigh-high PVC boots, Lucy was also wearing a long-sleeved leather body suit and a pair of PVC goggles. Anna smirked; she looked like the lovechild of the steampunk genre and a member of Marilyn Manson.

“Well what was I meant to do? He came at me, all chompy and toothy so I stamped in his eye.” Lucy shrugged, moving to examine a shelf crowded with accessories.

“No, not Colin. I wouldn’t have blamed you for stamping in that pervert’s eye even if he wasn’t one of them.” Anna replied, rolling her eyes as Lucy found, and snapped on, a pair of leather gloves.

“He was my best customer.” Lucy grumbled. zombies photo: zombie gif 08.gif

“I mean the outfit.” Anna explained, shaking her head. “I realise you run a sex shop whilst moonlighting as a dominatrix, but do you really have to dress like that now? We’re in the middle of an apocalypse; you don’t need your uniform.”

“It’s an underwear shop! And this outfit is for practicality. It’s nearly impossible to chew through this stuff. I’ll have the last laugh when your jeans are in tatters and your legs have been eaten off, and there’s barely a scratch on me.” Lucy smiled, grabbing a bullwhip from the wall and coiling it around her forearm.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Samie’s debut novel, Lockdown has been published by Triplicity Publishing, and she is currently working on the sequel. She has a degree in Media and loves to gain inspiration for her writing from travelling. Check out her website http://samiesands.com

Lulu ~ Smashwords ~ Amazon US ~ Amazon UK ~ Samiesands ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win.

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#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!

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

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

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)

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.

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.

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

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!

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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

18351878

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!

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Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

Shelf Life ~ The Publicist #2 by Christina George ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Blitz Giveaway ~ Swoon Romance YA Wednesdays ~ Author Rachel Schieffelbein

They won’t see it coming ~ The Bleikovat Event ~ Tour and Giveaway

A Science Fiction Dystopian ~ Aftermath ~ Blitz and Giveaway

What’s New On My Bookshelf #109 and The Sunday Post

Unleash The Undead ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

#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