Archive for the ‘giveaways’ Category

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Welcome to my stop on the Blurb Blitz Tour for Alpha Girl!

The first thing I want to talk about is the cover art.

Isn’t it stunning?

I could look at it over and over again.

How could you resist picking up this book and diving into the story.

Now, the story was a surprise. Check out my review below to see why.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway:)

Alpha Girl

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Alpha Girl

by Kate Bloomfield

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BLURB:

 

Seventeen year old Rose Goldman is highly unpopular in the little town of Halfway. Ever since the ‘attack’ when she was a girl, people and animals have been afraid of her. She gets bullied in school, and called ‘wet dog’ because of the way she smells, despite being extremely hygienic. However, life takes a turn when a new teacher starts at Halfway High. Mr. Stone, the quirky and charismatic English teacher is twice Rose’s age, but she feels an unexplainable pull towards him from day one. Despite her better judgement, Rose pursues a friendship with Mr. Stone, who seems unable to stay away from her.

What is pulling this unlikely pair together?

Alpha Girl is the first book of the Wolfling Saga, and is not intended for audiences younger than 15 years of age, as it contains scenes of a sexual nature, and coarse language.

Please do not read if you are easily offended.

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Excerpt

(Chapter Eight)

Mr. Stone’s smile faltered. ‘I like my women to have a mind of their own – to be witty. Like you.’

My throat closed up. Like me?

‘You’re an amazing girl,’ he said suddenly.

His use of the word girl made my stomach twist painfully.

‘Am I?’ I asked.

‘Of course.’

‘A girl?’

He smiled knowingly. ‘An amazing woman,’ he corrected himself.

‘No one has ever told me that before,’ I said.

‘I don’t believe that,’ he smiled. ‘You’re clever, and beautiful, and damn witty.’

Mr. Stone’s jaw tensed as he realized what he was saying.

‘Beautiful?’ I asked, the word escaping as nothing more than a whisper.

‘Don’t you know?’ he asked.

My heart thundered as I stared at him. Oh please, my mind begged. Please tell me what is going on in that head of yours.

‘D-don’t I know what?’ I asked.

‘Don’t you know what you’re doing to me?’ He said as though I was torturing him.

‘What?’ My skin stung and my head swam with the possibilities.

‘Rose, I-’ He paused to collect his thoughts. ‘I’ve felt this … this pull towards you since day one. I can’t explain it.’

He didn’t need to explain it, because I felt it too. His eyes, his smile and his scent had me drawn in.

I placed a shaking hand over his, which was still on the steering wheel. He looked at our hands for a moment before allowing me to thread my fingers through his. I could feel his pulse in between each of my fingers.

Mr. Stone inhaled deeply. ‘Christ,’ he muttered, shutting his eyes tightly.

‘What’s the matter?’ I breathed.

‘That … that scent. The way you smell-’

I suddenly became very self-conscious. Bullies at school often accused me of smelling like wet dog. I sniffed my shirt, but I smelled perfectly normal.

‘What is it?’ I said defensively. ‘I showered this morning-’

Mr. Stone laughed, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment.

‘No,’ he said with a small smile. ‘You smell amazing.’

‘I do?’

‘Absolutely. You always do.’

I never wore perfume, only regular home brand antiperspirant.

‘It makes me dizzy,’ he confessed. ‘It’s intoxicating.’

‘What do I smell like?’ I asked, rather flushed.

Mr. Stone licked his lips as though he could taste me in the air. ‘Sweet,’ he said.

My cheeks burned crimson, and I wished he would look at me. I couldn’t believe this was happening.

‘I want to kiss you so very badly, Rose,’ Mr. Stone said under his breath. ‘But I can’t … and it’s killing me.’

My heart hammered so loudly against my ribcage that I was sure Mr. Stone could hear it from where he sat.

Suddenly, I felt powerful. He wanted me … and it terrified him.

‘Mr. Stone,’ I breathed, but he still didn’t look at me. ‘Tom.’

A small groan escaped him as though his name leaving my lips was taboo.

‘Look at me,’ I said, my eyes fixated on him.

‘I can’t,’ he said, shaking his head.

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My Review

I tip my hat to Kate Bloomfield.

Alpha Girl is more than a coming of age novel. It is about a young girl on the verge of womanhood, struggling with the angst and sexual urges that come with it.

But, it’s also about her monthly cycle. Ever since she was attacked, once a month she has to be confined. Not just for her own good, but for the safety of others.

One time, when the change was upon her, she got loose. She came to the next day, covered in blood, with no memory of the night before.

That must never happen again.

“Mom, it’s starting,” I croaked.

“Come on sweetie, it’s time to take you downstairs.”

She was right. I couldn’t hold on much longer.

“You have to do it now, Mom,” I wheezed.

She secured the restraints around my wrists and tightened them…my father secured my ankles.

“It’s starting…”

My parents didn’t need telling twice. They left the basement before…

Any parent should have been proud of Rose. She’s bullied by her peers and saddled with an affliction that will be with her for the rest of her life.  So young yet so brave. Rose’s parents act like she doesn’t exist most of the time, but they do make sure to be there for her monthly cycle. Most of the time.

Rose is strongly attracted to her teacher, Mr. Stone, but that is taboo.

What dwells within Rose is much older and makes her mature beyond her years in some ways, while her naiveté and yearning for him are almost most than he can withstand. To give in would be disaster for both of them.

This story is not too long or too short, making it a fast read, but giving plenty of background about Rose, her affliction, and about Mr. Stone.

Keep an open mind while reading this story. There is much more going on than you at first think.

There’s also an excellent twist that I should have seen coming.

4 Stars

 Giveaway

Kate will be awarding an autographed copy of ALPHA GIRL to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (US ONLY).

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found at the link below.

BBT Alpha Girl Book Cover Banner

Tour Schedule

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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Best-selling and independent Australian author, Kate Bloomfield, has successfully made a name for herself in the world of self-publishing at just twenty-three years old. Her newest and most precious book yet, Alpha Girl, is a controversial Paranormal Romance between a student and teacher. A book not for those easily offended.

Kate was born in Enfield, London in 1989, but has lived in Wollongong, Australia for most of her life.

Now working full time as an independent author, Kate has published four novels, and two short stories.

Her fifth novel ‘Alpha Girl’ is a paranormal romance that explores a complicated a student/teacher relationship. It is due for release on April 1st 2013.

For more information about Alpha Girl, please visit: www.bloomfieldkate.com

Blog: www.katebloomfieldauthor.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/katebloomfield

Facebook: www.facebook.com/katebloomfieldauthor

Wattpad: www.wattpad.com/katebloomfield

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/KateBloomfield

Amazon: http://amzn.com/e/B0077DUFJO

ISBN:

9781300804

The best word I can use to describe Taylor Deans writing is ‘haunting.‘

I have read all of her books, and they all stayed with me, lingered.

The same can be said about Sierra.

Taylor is my guest today. She’ll be talking about her book and revealing some fun facts.

Enjoy her post, read my review, and don’t forget to enter the wonderful giveaway!

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Please welcome Taylor Dean.

She’s here to reveal some fun facts about Sierra!

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TEN Things you Don’t Know About Sierra 

1. Sierra is my first novel.

2. Sierra was originally a 165,000 word monstrosity. (It’s now 100,000 words.)

  1. Sierra was inspired by the true-story-TV-movie of the ordeal endured by Olympic Medalist Kari Swenson, entitled, Abduction. (1987) This movie inspired a ‘what if’ story in me. What if the kidnapping had been successful? What if she was taken deep into the woods? What if she was rescued there? What if she had to stay with her rescuer through the winter?

  2. The first ten pages of Sierra were handwritten back in 1991 (pictured below) on a day when I just couldn’t stand it anymore, I had to write my story. If I didn’t commit it to paper right then, I was going to die! Frankly, the hastily written pages are really, really awful. But, the gist of the story is there and it’s eerily similar to the published version that stands today. Back then, for some unknown reason, I thought Nightmare into Paradise was a good title. (I blame it on the nineties.) I’ve come a long way.

I didn’t officially write Sierra until 2006. 

 

5. My sister—one of the first people to ever read Sierra—stayed up ALL night to read it and still says it’s the best book she’s ever read.

My sister’s thoughts on Sierra:
If you only read one of her books, it should be this one. Dean captures the real terror and thoughts of a woman in a dangerous situation; the real fears we have in love; the realistic responses of survivors of terrifying scenarios.If you like to see the man you love chopping wood with his shirt off, save you from any situation you encounter, and then go inside and make you dinner, Sierra is the book for you!

6. Of all of my novels, Sierra is my personal favorite.

7. The original cover of Sierra was an actual picture of a snowbound cabin. (It was never published with this cover.)

 
©iStockphoto.com/rita
robinson]
 


8. In my original story of Sierra, Alyssa takes Alex to court to have their marriage declared legal. Ugh. It was one of the first plot lines to get DELETED. Thank goodness. But I sure had fun writing it.

9. It took me one year to write Sierra. (and even longer to EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!)

10. The original (awful) title of Sierra was Sanguinity.

Below is how my family and friends read my early manuscripts–somehow they still liked them! When people enjoy your early unedited and unformatted stories–you know you’re on to something.
 


I am about to release TWO more books! (June 2013)

Zachary Drake had love in his life–and tragically lost it. He knows it won’t come his way again.

Andie Parker would do anything for the love of her life.Even marry a total stranger.In spite of the unorthodox manner in which Zach and Andie come together, there is no denying that things are unexpectedly good between them, taking them both by surprise. However, when secrets come between them–and trust does not–Andie soon finds herself vowing to never make the same mistake again. But, she’d do it again in a heartbeat and she knows it. She’d marry a hundred strangers if it helped Nick.She’d do anything for Nick . . . anything.

After Marisa survives a traumatic experience in her youth, she finds comfort in the form of a photograph of Joshua, her foster mother’s nephew. She falls in love with him, creating and refining an image of the man of her dreams. When Marisa has the opportunity to visit Joshua’s cattle ranch outside of Amarillo, Texas, she meets Joshua in person for the first time. She quickly realizes he is someone she could really fall in love with, not just a silly childhood crush.

Life is seemingly perfect for Josh and Marisa, with endless possibilities before them. That is, until Josh’s reservations take a toll on their relationship and their summertime romance ends rather unexpectedly.

Will Marisa be able to forgive Josh for his folly?

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My Review

Taylor classifies her books as love stories.

There is romance in all of her books, but I classified some of them as horror and thrillers.

Sierra starts out with your typical happy family on vacation.

Then it turns dark in a hurry.

Two maniacs abduct Alyssa and Sam and their son Clay, forcing her to drive them deep into the woods.

Pa and Adam had found their Eve. They had no use for the man and the boy.

Sam and Clay are gunned down right before her eyes and Alyssa succumbs to the shock.

When she comes to, her reality is horrifying.

Her escape attempt is thwarted by her kidnappers, but now they’re lost.

But wait, they stumble upon a cabin.

Alyssa dares to hope. Could her savior be inside? Maybe she can survive this, but does she want to?

I can’t imagine anything more soul-destroying then to see your loved ones murdered.

No matter how much she grieves for her husband and son, Alyssa’s will to survive drives her on.

There is a miracle in the cabin. The miracle is Alex.

He’s damaged goods, but then, so is she.

Two people, trapped in a cabin for the winter, turn to each other.

What I like most about Sierra was how Taylor lulls you in the beginning, then she shreds the peaceful scene to pieces. It happens so fast you barely have time to comprehend what is going to happen. Just like in real life.

You’ll be proud of Alyssa. Her heart has been shattered, she doesn’t want to live, but she can’t quit.

So she fights. with everything she can dredge up, she fights to live.

And life is waiting. Alex is waiting. He just doesn’t know it yet.

So, Sierra is a thriller, wrapped around a love story.

Of all of Taylor Dean’s books, this one moved me the most.

I cried, wiped the tears so I could see to keep on reading, and cried some more.

I smiled, then grinned, then laughed, and finally clapped.

Taylor gives you stong, genuine characters, a horrifying scenario that could happen, and the healing power of the human spirit.

I guarantee, after you read Sierra, you’ll have to read Taylor’s other books!

5 Stars

Taylor, I’m waiting for more!!

Giveaway

Look at what you can win!

Taylor sierra giveaway DSCN0374

To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question,

“If you were snowbound in an isolated cabin, who would you like to have there with you?”

***This swag pack is for US/Canada Only***

Please specify you are entering for the swag pack.

You will also be entered for the e-book.

***I also have 5 e-books of Sierra to giveaway ~ International & US***

Giveaway ends May 30th.

About Taylor Dean

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Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.

Find & Follow:
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 My reviews of Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle

My Review of i have people

For all of Taylor Deans books go here.

Lancaster House  The Middle Aisle (Lancaster House)

Sierra

I Have People

and coming soon!

Joshua's Folly 

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This Reveal includes an Excerpt, Author Q & A and a Giveaway.
Feel free to browse and learn more about Donna Fasano and Reclaim My Heart.
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ReclaimMyHeartCover (2)
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Title:  Reclaim My Heart
Author:  Donna Fasano
Format:  Paperback and eBook
Publisher:  Hard Knocks Books
ISBN:   978-1939000200
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Purchase Now:

Kindle  §  Nook  §  Kobo  §  iTunes

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ABOUT THE BOOK
Sixteen years ago, Tyne Whitlock cut all ties to her past and left town under the shameful shadow of a teenage pregnancy. Now her fifteen-year-old son is in trouble with the law and she is desperate for help. But reaching out to high-powered attorney Lucas Silver Hawk will tear open the heart-wrenching past in ways Tyne never imagined.
Forced to return to the Delaware Indian community where Lucas was raised, Tyne and Lucas are tempted by the heated passion that consumed them as teens. Tyne rediscovers all the reasons she found this man irresistible, but there are scandalous secrets waiting to be revealed, disgraceful choices made in the past that cannot be denied. Love is a powerful force that could heal them both—if the truth doesn’t rip them apart.
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EXCERPT
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From Chapter Two
”Please, Lucas.”
He couldn’t dismiss the tone of those two small words, nor could he ignore the magnitude of emotion clouding her expression. He had no choice but to relent.
“Sit down,” he murmured. He closed the door of his office and then returned to perch himself on the corner of his desk. He steeled himself before asking, “What’s on your mind?”
She seemed to shrink a little as a thousand thoughts ran though her head. Seconds passed, and still she didn’t speak.
Lucas witnessed the phenomenon almost on a daily basis. The people who wound up in his office often felt as if they were carrying the world on their shoulders. He knew her anxiety would eventually discharge, and from the looks of it, he wouldn’t have to wait long.
Finally, she pressed her hand to her chest. “I can’t breathe.”
“Relax. Do you want some water?”
She shook her head, a lock of her long, platinum hair falling over her forearm. “No. I need to get this out. I promised you I’d hurry.”
He couldn’t keep his brows from arching a fraction. She hadn’t kept her promises in the past. Why would he expect her to now?
Tyne ran her tongue along her full bottom lip, hesitated another moment, then blurted, “I need a lawyer.”
Lucas closed his eyes and stifled a sigh. He could have guessed as much, of course. He’d worked hard to get himself into the privileged position of being able to pick and choose his clients. The last person he wanted to represent was Tyne Whitlock.
“A good lawyer, Lucas.”
Common sense told him Tyne wasn’t attempting to flatter him. She was speaking purely out of desperation.
“Look, Tyne—” Something made him stop. He sighed, and then he stood, taking his time rounding his desk and sitting down. The leather-upholstered arms of the chair were cool and smooth under his fingertips.
“I know some of the best attorneys in the city.” He plucked a pen from the cup on his desktop. “And many of them owe me a favor or two.” He reached into his inside jacket pocket, pulled out one of the business cards he always kept handy, and turned it over, poised to write. “Let me give you some names and numbers—”
“I don’t want just any attorney.” Her chin lifted. “I want you. Why else would I have come here?”
His gaze lowered to the small white card in his hand. With much deliberation, he set down the pen and the card, and then he looked her directly in the eyes.
Every muscle in her body appeared board-stiff.
“Listen to me—” he kept his tone calm “—when people find themselves in trouble with the law, or victimized, or wrongfully sued, or unjustly accused, they tend to get lost in a strange, I don’t know, franticness. A recklessness that they almost always regret. Believe me when I tell you that no situation is hopeless, and circumstances are rarely as desperate as they might be perceived. Whatever trouble you’re in, don’t let panic and fear haze your thinking.”
“You don’t understand.”
“I think I do,” he rushed to assure her. “I see it every day. Honest, hardworking people finding themselves in dire straits. And this unfamiliar territory throws them. They grasp at help from the first source that comes to mind.”
“But—”
“Just like that old adage warning that only a fool acts as his own lawyer, it’s also foolish to choose an attorney in haste. You and I have a past, Tyne, and even though all of that took place years and years ago, the fact remains that we have a history. I don’t believe I would be the best person to represent you in a court of law. You need someone who’ll be totally unbiased. Let me give you some names. I’ll make some calls for you myself—”
“Stop!” She lifted her hands and scooted to the edge of the seat. “You don’t understand. And I can’t make you understand if you won’t shut up for a minute.”
His eyebrows arched and the frustration in her statement had him leaning back a bit.
She frowned. “I’m sorry. Really, I am. I had to stew all day yesterday.” She fisted her hands in her lap. “I didn’t expect to reach anyone on a Sunday, but do you know that your firm doesn’t offer an emergency number on the answering machine?” She exhaled with force. “I’m a nervous wreck just being here. Seeing you. But all that aside, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Please accept my apology.”
He didn’t react, didn’t move. He just waited for her to continue.
“The thing is… what you need to know…”
Once again, she grew terribly cautious, and Lucas found that extremely curious. What the hell was it she found so hard to tell him? What kind of trouble was she in?
She blanched, but then her spine straightened. “I’m not the one who needs a lawyer. I want to hire you, yes. But I’m not the one needing representation. It’s my son who’s in trouble.” A nerve at the corner of her eye ticked, but her gaze never veered from his as she added, “Our son, Lucas.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Donna Fasano
Donna Fasano is a three time winner of the HOLT Medallion, a CataRomance Reviewers Choice Award winner for Best Single Title, a Desert Rose Golden Quill Award finalist, and a Golden Heart finalist. Her books have sold over 3.6 million copies worldwide and have been published in nearly two dozen languages. Her books have made the Kindle Top 100 Paid List numerous times, climbing as high as #17.
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AUTHOR Q & A
What attracted you to writing in the first place?
I came to writing from my love of reading. While growing up, I lost myself in books in order to escape an unhappy childhood.
What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Romance. I wrote for Harlequin for 20 years, writing sweet romance (as Donna Clayton) and women’s fiction/contemporary romance (under my own name). I have self-published some of my back-list Harlequin books. The Merry-Go-Round was never published by a traditional publisher, so I guess that would be my first indie-published book. Reclaim My Heart is the second of my front-list indie-published titles.
How has your upbringing influenced your writing?
I think authors who face a lot of pain and anguish seem to write stories with great depth, with honesty and compassion. It could be that dealing with trauma brings out the best (or worst) in people. I believe that losing my mother at such a young age had a huge impact on me not just as a writer but as a human being. I became, I don’t know, more maternal towards my family, my friends, heck, towards everyone I meet… more giving of myself. I’m not sure. But I know that the loss could have made me bitter and angry. I’m just so grateful that the exact opposite seems to describe me.
Where do you get your inspiration and ideas from?
My mind is always on the alert. I take ideas from everything I see, hear, read, experience. I have been known to take a snippet of conversation overheard in an elevator and turn it into a book (Return of the Runaway Bride), or from a location (His Wife for a While), or from a person I met (Taking Love in Stride). So be careful! If you interact with me, you might end up in one of my novels.
What’s your favorite place in the entire world?
I have visited so many beautiful places. The South of France, the rolling mountains of Italy, the Mediterranean Sea, the cobbled streets of Brussels, the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, beautiful Morro Bay, California, and I spend lots of time in Ocean City, Maryland. I obviously can’t pick a favorite. Besides, there are so many places waiting to be seen!
What was your favorite part of this book to write? Which part was the hardest?
I really enjoyed writing the love scenes. In my sweet romances, all the ‘spice’ takes place behind closed doors. So this was very fun. And which part was hardest? The “kitchen love scene” (naughty pun intended!).
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
I wanted to be a teacher. My aunt attended college and earned her teaching degree. I always idolized her.
If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
Teacher. I love kids, and I often include them in my stories. I always say that children are very honest and outspoken. Kids inject a great deal of fun into a book.
If you could live inside the world of a book, which book would you choose?
Pride and Prejudice. Love that Mr. Darcy!
Give your fans three fun facts that they may not already know about you.
I love to cook! (I often post recipes on my blog.)
My reading tastes are crazy-eclectic. I read anything and everything.
I’m a little on the chubby side.
Chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry?
Depends. If we’re talking ice cream, then vanilla… and I love mine topped with sliced banana and warm caramel sauce. If we’re talking cake, then chocolate, and don’t forget the fudge frosting. If we’re talking milkshakes, then strawberry. Wow, now I’m hungry.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
I put my heart and soul into this Reclaim My Heart, and I think it shows… in the characters and in the story.
So what’s next for you as an author? Any last words?
I’m thinking of writing a book that revolves around three friends in different stages of marriage, but I’m not sure yet. I’ve worked very hard on Reclaim My Heart and I’m going to take a few days off. Then I’ll get back to work!
I want to thank you for hosting me, and I want to thank your followers for taking the time to read about Reclaim My Heart.
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What others are saying about Donna’s books:
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“…complex, funny, and realistic…” ~Wilmington News Journal
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“Excellent!” ~Bookreview.com
“Could not help myself from reading excerpts to my husband and friends. This book is well written, the characters are real, everyday folks. It is very easy to identify with them. Donna Fasano is a talented author.” ~Elizabeth M. Caldwell on Amazon
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“…a fast paced riotous look at family life today. Donna Fasano is right on target!” ~Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com
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Follow Donna Fasano at the links below:
  Website  §  Facebook   §  @DonnaFaz §  GoodReads
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Giveaway
Grand Prize: Winner’s Choice of 3 Backlist Donna Fasano titles in paperback, eBook or Audio Book.

  • Second Place: Winners choice of 3 eBooks from Donna Fasano’s Backlist
  • Third place Winner’s choice – 1 eBook title from Donna Fasano’s Backlist
Enter to win these great prizes at the rafflecopter link below.
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Follow the tour and enter the giveaway at the links below.

TOUR STOPS

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

I’m going to have to go read the first book in this series too.

The Brown House, The Visitor’s Series, Book One.

I just love a good scare!

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This book was awesome, scary and definitely gave me the hebie gebies!

I read this in one night, unable to put it down and hanging on every word to see what happened next.

~ Dawn Gray, author of Fire Storm

The Crimson Key (The Visitor's Series, Book Two)

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Buy at Amazon!

The truth can be deadly.

Brylee BransonⳠbest friend and boyfriend have fallen victim to a horrible curse that haunts her home. With the witches who cast it dead she has no choice but to rely on the ghosts inside the Brown house to help her find a cure. But time is not on her side, because Lynley’s illness is spreading rapidly.

Confused and scared, seventeen-year-old Brylee must confront a new ghost in the house she has never spoken to before. This spirit is not a Brown relative and makes no promises to help them unless she can re-unite her with a loved one.

The fate of those she loves now rests on her. Can Brylee put the pieces of this puzzle together in time to save them? Or will the Brown house claim another victim?

The VisitorⳠSeries continues to scare and entice its readers with this gripping second book.

TWITTER PARTY!

Tuesday, May 21 at 8 pm eastern

#CrimsonKey

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Giveaway

Prize pak Includes :
Signed copy of book 1, The Brown House, Key necklace and Handmade official Crimson Key soap

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the author

Christy Sloat

Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17787229-the-crimson-key

Christy Sloat
http://www.christysloat.com/

A GWR Publicity promotional event paid for by Anchor Group Publishing. The giveaway is sponsored by the author.

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This is my own version of a weekly bookhaul post where  I’ll be telling you about all of the books I got this week, whether print or e-book plus all things bookish.

I got a few books this week, some free, some for review, and some I purchased just for my reading pleasure.

I also post reviews on another blog aknifeandaquill . It’s all about horror. If someone doesn’t die, we don’t do it here!

Here’s some I picked up to review on both blogs. Double exposure for the author:)

My Heart Belongs To You: A Psycho Thriller  Strange Magic

Here are some I picked up to review on fuonlyknew.

Promise Cove  Gold Train (Accidental Spy Russia Adventure)

The Possession of Cassie Quinn  Skankenstein

Got some good ones!

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Books for Review.

Dawn of a Dark Knight  Invitation to Die

Shudder (Stitch Trilogy #2)

I had to have these!

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Books I won.

I won Samantha Durante’s Stitch from Elle Casey’s Springtime Indie Book Giveaway!!

Thanks so much Elle and Samantha.

I’ll need to get reading as I’ve signed up for Samantha’s upcoming tour for Shudder, Book Two!

Stitch (Stitch Trilogy #1)

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Books I’ll be reviewing this coming week. These will all have giveaways too!

I’m tag teaming my reviews of What Matters Most, Precipice,  and Accendo with my sister and fellow blogger, Sherry. Many of you know her as fundinmental . She moved her blog and lost her followers. Here is where you can find her again! Also did a blogger interview with Sherry here.  She reveals all!

I have a special giveaway to go along with my review of Sierra from Taylor Dean!

What Matters Most  Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)  Sierra

Precipice: The Beginning (Book One)

Scheduled Reviews

Alpha Girl

You can read my review and enter the giveaway for Alpha Girl on Tuesday, May 21st.

Super Dark  (Super Dark, #1)

You can read my review on Tuesday, May 21st.

Books I reviewed this week.

Frostwalker

You can read my interview with Brandon here. He talks about himself, his writing, his new release of Frostwalker, and answers some fun questions! You can read my review here.

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The Dead of Winter

Go here to read my review of  The Dead of Winter on my Freakin Friday meme.

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For my review and the giveaway of Paranormal Properties go here.

Paranormal Properties

Going to be telling you about some fantastic books this week! Also, some of these will have giveaways!

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Go here to find all of my giveaways. Enter one or enter all of them!!

Go here for a list of free e-books.

Busy, busy, busy. So many delicious reads! Some I’ve read and will be posting my reviews soon.

So what did you get this week? See something you like? Do you have any of these? Leave a comment and let me know.

trail of bones tour
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I seriously want to read this book!
I know it’s not the first time I’ve told you that.
Check it out, read the exciting excerpt, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!
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trail of bones

Ready for a new adventure? Are you a fan of fantasy, young adult, science fiction and action stories?
“No mercy, No rules – Welcome to the Trail of Bones!”
Run with Purpose – battle cry of the Shade Wolves

Magnus, the runt of a litter of Shade Wolves, wants nothing more than to be a loyal, strong member of the pack. But when an ancient enemy threatens his friends and family, he faces a choice that could tear him from all he’s known and loved.

Born in captivity, the giant panther Kelor knows nothing but suffering and loss. He struggles to find his place in this world of terror, and he battles to protect his family without succumbing to the darkness lurking inside him.

Falling captive to the evil Warden, the two are forced to fight in the battle of the beasts known as ‘The Trail of Bones’. How will Kelor and Magnus learn to work together? How will they escape a fate of despair and death? How will their choices affect their comrades? Their enemies? And the forgotten magic that could doom all life of their world?

Let the adventures begin!

A fun, exciting, clean read for teens, young adults, adults and readers of all ages. Pick up your copy of this fantasy adventure today!
Are you a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Robert Jordan, Orson Scott Card, Jim Butcher and other fantasy and science fiction authors? You’ll feel right at home with Trail of Bones. This fantasy story offers a strong moral message, suspense, action, and mystery, in a world full of magic, unlikely heroes, and devious villains.

Amazon

Book Trailer

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

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Enjoy this thrilling excerpt.

“You’ve seen a Shade Wolf? While the sun was overhead?” Chief Draghone asked. The boy nodded. “Then you were too close to their dens. I thought we talked about this Adolphus? You could endanger the entire village with your foolish desires.”

            “But you said the Shade Wolves are our friends. That they protect Thornmount and the forest just as we do,” the boy said.

            “True, but neither man nor beast likes it when an intruder comes to his home uninvited. And with a new litter coming, you’re lucky they didn’t tear you apart and feed you to the cubs for their first meal.”

            Surprisingly the boy did not back down. Mildly irritated, the chief still admired his son’s conviction and passion. “I did no harm, father, I swear it. He even spoke to me. He warned me to go away,” Adolphus said with the excitement only a boy could display.

            “And what did this Shade Wolf say?”

            “He said run with purpose.”

            “And did you?” the father asked.

            “Of course. I’ve never run so fast. When I made it back to the village, the wolf was gone,” Adolphus said excitedly.

            Thayne Draghone bellowed with laughter, and put his massive arm around his son. They all fear what they do not understand, he thought. That is why you are chief.

            “You still have much to learn, young one. Listen closely, son, for this is truth,” he said as he knelt next to his boy so they could see eye to eye. “Run with purpose is not a warning, it is an ancient wolf saying.”

            The boy was perplexed; this was not at all what he thought happened during his brief encounter with the wolf. “I don’t understand. What does that mean?”

            “Run with purpose. It means do not waste energy, life, seasons. When you hunt, hunt until your prey is in your jaws. If you fight, fight with all your strength until you win your enemy’s throat. If you love, love until your heart stops beating.  And if you must run, go swiftly until you run with your pack once more. This is the way of the wolf. This is the way of the warrior. And I pray to the gods it will be your way too,” the chief explained.

            Adolphus looked back in the direction of the wolves with a new understanding and appreciation. His fear vanished, replaced with admiration and a sense of wonder. I want to see a Shade Wolf again. I’ll be brave, he thought.

            “Come boy, the night grows darker still. Your mother will whip your hide… and mine if we don’t return to the cooking fires soon,” said Thayne.

            “Can’t we stay a while longer? I want to listen. I wonder what they’re saying now, Father,” said the boy.

            “When the sun rises I’ll travel to their den and pay my respects. I will offer gifts of meat and dugan entrails in celebration of new life. I was hoping my son could accompany me, but I fear if he doesn’t find his bed soon, he’ll be too weary,” said the chief.

He barely finished his sentence before the boy scrambled down the watchtower and scurried toward home. The father chuckled as he watched his son dash away. Run with purpose, young one. Now you’re getting it, he thought.

Editorial Reviews

Salisbury is a rising star in genre fiction. This book makes a unique and exciting contribution in the fantasy realm. The first of great things to come. –Jake Black, “The Authorized Ender Companion” “Smallville” “Ender’s Game: Recruiting Valentine”

Amazon Reviews

Conclusion:
A fantasy adventure that features lots of action and intrigue that is geared to a YA audience.
There are moments in this tale that are especially well done… story telling at a level that I’d be interested to see what this author would do with an adult orientated fantasy work.
As a dedicated YA work… 5 Stars.
~ Ray Nicholson

The beginning of a great adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book of the Trail of Bones series. It is an unpredictable adventure, with heartwrenching acts of love and friendship. The story ended before I was prepared to put my Kindle down, and now I will wait anxiously for the second book to be published. In the meantime, I think I’ll read it again with my eleven-year-old son; I’m sure he’ll love it as much as I do. Give it a read!
~ HRL

Enthralling story line that really pulls you in
…The characters were some that I will not easily forget because he explains their background in a way that makes the reader really connect and believe they are real. He creates a world that I long to see. I really grew to both love and hate different characters. I think that is a sign of a really great author when they can make us feel so much emotion towards a character.
~ Janason

About Chris Salisbury
Chris Salisbury has been writing fantasy, science fiction, suspense, and action thrillers for years in independent films. Now he’s expanded his love of good movies, such as Gladiator, Counte of Monte Cristo, Saving Private Ryan, Braveheart, Star Trek, to the world of books. Trail of Bones is the first book in a planned four part fantasy, young adult series targeted at readers of all ages.
The father of four enjoys a wide range of interests from scuba diving to softball, coaching basketball to playing Battlefield 3 on his Xbox 360 or NCAA Football with his sons. He is also a big advocate for literacy and reading for young boys. There seem to be few titles that appeal to young boys and young men to hold their attention, trigger their imaginations and create a love of reading. Chris is out to change that.
In addition to the Trail of Bones series, he also has a number of other titles in development including historical fiction, action, suspense thrillers, and several science fiction properties. There’s a lot more on the horizon, so enjoy Trail of Bones but be sure to look for more captivating titles from Chris Salisbury in the near future.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/31/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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trail of bones tour

Make sure you visit the other stops on the tour and see other exciting posts!

Tour Schedule

Do you want to win a  paperback copy of Frostwalker?

A Survival Horror Novel

Title Artwork

Frostwalker

goodreads-badge-add-plus

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There’s something in the woods behind Jake Marsden’s house – and someone wants him to find it. A strange dream shatters his sleep, night after night, and a compulsion to find the dark presence in the forest wars with his logical and ordered nature. What’s a geek to do?

When his small hometown of Wynn falls under an ancient curse, Jake will find himself in a battle against creatures worse than any he’s faced in a game. Playing for keeps, it will be geek versus god in the fight to stop an evil force bent on destroying everything he holds dear.

The Geek Shall Inherit The Earth – If They Live Long Enough.

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  Giveaway

Brandon is having a Goodreads Giveaway.

He’s giving away three paperback copies of Frostwalker!

Go here to enter.

Giveaway runs now through June 15th.

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Want to read my review of Frostwalker?

Check it out here.

And don’t miss out on my fun interview with Brandon Luffman here!

M. Leighton’s new release of her contemporary romance, Until I Break, promises to steam up your kindle!

I’m so excited to be a part of this tour.

I have this sexy cover art to show you, the book description, an amazing trailer, and a yummy excerpt.

You’re going to want to race right out and get it!

Something else exciting!

I have one e-book to give away.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post!!

UNTIL I BREAK 4-8

Title:  Until I Break

Author:  M. Leighton

Release date:  May 14, 2013

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group:  Adult

Event organized by: AToMR Tours

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17667913-until-i-break

**Available on Amazon!**

  [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CooN5i67EEs&w=560&h=315]

 

Book Description:

Laura Drake is an author.  She writes bestselling paranormal romances that continue to top the charts.  She is sharp.  She is confident.  She is in control.

And she doesn’t exist.

Samantha Jansen is the woman behind the wig, the woman most of the world doesn’t know exists.  She is shy.  She is insecure.  She is nothing like her main character or her alter ego.  She is scarred—deeply scarred—by a past she can’t let go of and a present she can’t make peace with.

Samantha’s dreams are consumed by one man, the broken hero from her books.  Mason Strait is both her wildest fantasy and her most terrifying nightmare.

When Samantha meets Alec Brand, a corporate consultant, it is as though Mason has come to life.  Alec is handsome to a fault, as elegant as he is arrogant, and more intense than any man has a right to be.

Samantha is soon sucked into a world that mirrors the fiction she writes.  Just like her main character, Daire Kirby, Samantha finds herself unable to resist the forbidden lure of Alec.  And just like Daire, she also finds that she is faced with taking a chance on a man who could either set her free or destroy her.

The scale tilts toward destruction when Samantha finds out that Alec is as much a work of fiction as Mason.  And he has scars of his own, scars that could ruin them both.

Check out this yummy Excerpt

“Ohmigod, ohmigod, ohmigod!” she hisses through lips that move very little.  “Here he comes!”

I don’t move. Not a single muscle.  I just stare into Chris’s wide eyes until a shape appears at my right.  Slowly, I turn my head and look up, falling headlong into the most amazing eyes I’ve ever seen in real life.  I see them in my head all the time.  And I saw them from somewhat of a distance.  But no amount of exposure could’ve prepared me for the reality of them up close.  They’re like drops of cool lime with a splash of warm cream.

He glances away from me and nods to Chris before his eyes return to mine.  He tilts his head slightly to the side as he considers me.  Still, he hasn’t said a word.  Still, my pulse is racing out of control.

“Can we help you?” Chris says from across the table. I can hear the smile in her voice.

He doesn’t answer for several long seconds.

“I know you.” It’s a statement, not a question.

A voice inside my head, one that I only listen to when I’m writing, cries out emphatically.  Yes, yes, yes!  You know me inside and out!  Just like I know you.

But I shush her.  He doesn’t know me.  He couldn’t possibly.  And I couldn’t possibly know him.  Even though he looks and, thus far, acts exactly like the man that arose from the core of my imagination, from my darkest desires and deepest fears, I can’t let myself forget that he’s not Mason Strait.

“No,” I reply.

He falls silent again, his continued perusal making me increasingly breathless.  Finally his eyes narrow on me.  “I want to.”

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International Giveaway!

I have one e-book copy of Until I Break to give away to one lucky winner!!

To enter, please leave your email address and answer this question:

“What book character would you like to meet?”

Books will be gifted from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Giveaway ends May 25th.

Good Luck!

About the Author

M. Leighton at desk

Shorter Bio:  New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton lives in the deep South with her super-hero husband and super-smart malti-poo.  She has a fondness for coffee and chocolate, loves the color red, laughs at almost anything and often stares out her window, daydreaming of far-away places.

Author social media links:

Blog  http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com

FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Leighton/189192087759491#!/pages/M-Leighton/189192087759491

GR  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1152263.M_Leighton

Twitter  http://twitter.com/#!/mleightonbooks

EM  m.leighton.books@gmail.com

Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/M.-Leighton/e/B004LL0TAU/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

B&N  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/m-leighton?r=1

Untitled-1

banner for runes Pictures2

I just know you’re going to have to get your hands on this one!

Book One: Runes

You can preorder it now!

Check out this awesome trailer and description.

You’ll be as excited as I am.

And be sure to enter the awesome giveaway!

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What reviewers are saying:

HOLY RUNES!I really enjoyed this story especially Torin *swoon*. Ednah did a wonderful job on Runes! It is a must read for fans of YA books!…Breanna- http://two-tall-tales.blogspot.com/

Wow! I’ve got to start by saying that it takes something original and excellent to surprise me, and this book did just that! I found myself about 75% of the way through the book with my mouth hanging open… Carrie Williams (Goodreads)

 Oh HOLY COW! This book was a mind blowing surprise! I loved the way it turned out and I am literally going crazy over the ending. I was not expecting it to turn out the way it did….Maida…full review May 23- http://loveaffairwithabookreviews.blogspot.ca/

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

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Runes

 Links: where Runes will be avialable for a sale price of $0.99

Amazon Pre-order link for print:  http://www.amazon.com/Runes-Ednah-Walters/dp/0983429766/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367437599&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Runes+ednah+walters

Amazon links:

Kindle (US) / Kindle (UK) / Kindle (CA)

Barnes&Noble / Smashwords

Runes Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

 Raine is drawn to Torin’s dark sexiness against her better judgment, until he saves her life with weird marks and she realizes he is different. But by healing her, Torin changes something inside Raine. Now she can’t stop thinking about him. Half the time, she’s not sure whether to fall into his arms or run.

 Scared, she sets out to find out what Torin is. But the closer she gets to the truth the more she uncovers something sinister about Torin. What Torin is goes back to an ancient mythology and Raine is somehow part of it. Not only are she and her friends in danger, she must choose a side, but the wrong choice will cost Raine her life.

Giveaway!

Two winners will each get a signed copy of Runes, a Tee-shirt, and a Runes pen!

shirt photo

Enter at the rafflecopter link below.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

US Only. Sorry to my International Friends!

Good Luck ya’ll.

About Ednah Walters:

EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.

Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN.

Ednah also writes New Adult paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. She is presently working on book 2, IMMORTALS.

Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She’s presently working on book six. You can visit her online at www.ednahwalters.com or www.ebwalters.com.

Contact Ednah:

Website:  http://www.ednahwalters.com/index.html

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/EdnahWalters

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ednahwalters

mailbox photo: MAILBOX MAILBOX.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly bookhaul post where  I’ll be telling you about all of the books I got this week, whether print or e-book plus all things bookish.

I got a few books this week, some free, some for review, and some I purchased just for my reading pleasure.

I also post reviews on another blog aknifeandaquill . It’s all about horror. If someone doesn’t die, we don’t do it here!

Here’s some I picked up to review on both blogs. Double exposure for the author:)

DRACULAS

Here are some I picked up to review on fuonlyknew.

The Darkening (A Zombie Awakening)  Everblue (Mer Tales, #1)

Got some good ones!

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Books I received for Review.

The Harvesting (The Harvesting, #1)

I had to have this!

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Books I won.

I won all three of these paperbacks from Nancy Straight’s Giveaway!!

Thanks so much Nancy. Now I won’t have to wait for Centaur Rivalry!

Blood Debt (Touched, #1)  Centaur Legacy (Touched #2)  Centaur Rivalry

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These are books I reviewed.

Claws

You can find my review here .

Mortality

You can read my review here.

The Fragile Things

You can read my review here.

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Books I’ll be reviewing this coming week. These will all have giveaways too!

I’m tag teaming my reviews of What Matters Most and Accendo with my sister and fellow blogger, Sherry. Many of you know her as fundinmental . She moved her blog and lost her followers. Here is where you can find her again! Also doing a blogger interview this coming week. Keep an eye out! She reveals all!

What Matters Most  Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)  Sierra

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Frostwalker

You can read my interview with Brandon here. He talks about himself, his writing, his new release of Frostwalker, and answers some fun questions! You can read my review here.

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The Dead of Winter

I’ll be reviewing Dead of Winter on Friday, May 17th on my Freakin Friday meme.

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I’ll be reviewing Paranormal Properties for the book tour on Thursday, May 16th here.

Paranormal Properties

I managed to get half of last weeks promised reviews done and the others are finished and will be posted this week. Going to be telling you about some fantastic books this week! Also, some of these will have giveaways!

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Go here to find all of my giveaways. Enter one or enter all of them!!

Go here for a list of free e-books.

Busy, busy, busy. So many delicious reads! Some I’ve read and will be posting my reviews soon.

So what did you get this week? See something you like? Do you have any of these? Leave a comment and let me know.