Archive for the ‘horror’ Category

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Welcome to My Monday Minis Reviews where I share short reviews of books I’ve read. For today I’ll be sharing three books.

Johnny and Jamaal

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My Review

With all of the tragic recent events we’ve seen and heard on the news, this book had a timely release.

Exploring issues occurring today with interracial relationships, coping with racial injustice, and addressing the controversy of punishment fitting the crime, this book will in turn have you cheering characters on, crying out at the inequality doled out, and hoping for a happy ending.

I became quite fond of the characters. They each had a lot of emotional baggage and much to overcome, yet all of them touched me. And I wanted to mention, it’s not all seriousness . There are the fun moments too. And sports. Got a little bit of everything for you.

Having read other books by this author, I knew I’d enjoy his writing, but was a bit worried about this story. Not my normal reading, but it’s trying something new that reveals hidden gems like Johnny and Jamaal. The strong writing of K.M. Beakey captivates you, pulling you along until you reach the end. I very much enjoyed this and recommend you give it a go.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Two athletes from different planets are on the verge of greatness. Johnny’s a carefree Canadian making his mark in the NHL. Jamaal’s set to follow LeBron and Kyrie out of the ghetto. When their worlds collide, the catastrophic clash ignites racial conflict not seen since Ferguson. The incident tests the fledgling love of Johnny’s best friend Lucas and his African-American girlfriend Chantal, and sets them on a quest for truth and justice in the perverse racial landscape of 2016.

As chaos escalates across American cities, an MLK-like voice rises from the ashes. Wilbur Rufus Holmes may be salvation for Luke and Chantal, but can he stop society’s relentless descent into racial discord?

Johnny and Jamaal is awash with sports, violence and political taboo, as America’s seething dysfunction is laid bare.

Amazon

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The Hatching

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My Review

Many of my friends wondered why I read this book. I have an irrational fear of spiders. Even the teeniest ones creep me out.

So, while reading The Hatching, and all the way to the end, I swear I felt something tickling the hairs on my arms, tiptoeing up the nape of my neck, and parting the hairs on my head.

A creepy crawly tale of spiders and how humanity panics and does it’s darnedest to destroy itself while trying to stop the onslaught of spiders.

One part that particularly creeped me out was when the spiders did something called kiting. They attached a strand of silk to something and let out more and more as they flung themselves into the air. Can you picture that. Looking up and thousands of the nasty beasts are falling from the sky to devour you from the inside out. Or perhaps they’ll cocoon you and drink you slowly. Yuck and yuck.

I’m surprised I didn’t suffer from nightmares after reading this book. For all of you fans of horror and monsters, I dare ya to read this one.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Deep in the jungle of Peru, a black, skittering mass devours an American tourist party whole. FBI agent Mike Rich investigates a fatal plane crash in Minneapolis and makes a gruesome discovery. Unusual seismic patterns register in a Indian earthquake lab, confounding the scientists there. The Chinese government “accidentally” drops a nuclear bomb in an isolated region of its own country. The first female president of the United States is summoned to an emergency briefing. And all of these events are connected.

As panic begins to sweep the globe, a mysterious package from South America arrives at Melanie Guyer’s Washington laboratory. The unusual egg inside begins to crack. Something is spreading…
The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic disaster. An virulent ancient species, long dormant, is now very much awake. But this is only the beginning of our end…

Here’s the alternate cover. Which one do you like best?

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Amazon / B&N

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Dawn Of The Spiders

Special Edition

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My Review

Yep. This would be a good movie. The first thing I though of was some of those old black and white ones. Or maybe something along the lines of Eight Legged Freaks, which was actually scary fun.

It figures that the government caused the end of the world. They act first, never ask questions, and bang! There goes everything and everyone we know and love.

Now, a town struggles to survive as hungry mutant spiders cocoon it.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? I sure had fun, even though spiders are a phobia of mine. Perhaps it’s good for me to read about them. Maybe it’ll help me to face down those evil little monsters. Maybe not. I do know it was a thrilling read. And my heart goes out to those that didn’t survive.

Grab this book. It’s a fast thrill ride to a messy ending. Caused by the spiders, of course, not the author’s writing. That was good too.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Brian O’Gorman’s international best seller returns uncut and extended. A virus designed to control the burgeoning spider population causes them to mutate into overgrown, venomous killers. A large hoard of the spiders take over the small village of Newtown, killing all but two of its residents. Laurence Johnson and Chloe Jones have only been together one night after Laurence parted ways with his wife. They find themselves trapped in the house with no way of escaping. Their only hope is to try and stay alive long enough for the army to intervene. Lorna Johnson is on the outskirts of town with nowhere to go and the spider invasion taking control. Her only hope of survival lies with a team headed up by Doctor Michael Briggs. He has a plan to stop the invasion before it gets out of hand. But he is running out of time and he is running out of allies. If he doesn’t move quickly then mankind will face the darkest day it has ever known.

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Here’s the alternate cover. Which one do you like best?

Dawn of the Spiders: Special Edition

Amazon / B&N

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share reviews of all things scary. Recently I did a post asking for help in choosing the next book I should review.

You chose Pale Rider: Zombies Versus Dinosaurs. So I’ll be sharing my review today and asking you which book I should review next.

And now, without further adieu….

Pale Rider: Zombies Versus Dinosaurs #1

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This is free on Amazon. Just click on the cover to grab your copy!

My Review

I like a good post-apocalyptic story. How could I resist one with zombies and dinosaurs in it.

Mind you, this takes place in modern times. No cavemen here. Civilization has ground to a halt. Humans are no longer at the top of the food chain. Instead, zombies roam freely while humanity cowers, struggling to survive.

Pockets of survivors are trying to change things.  They engineer these creatures, similar to dinosaurs, to help with clearing land and planting crops. Others think it’s foolish. So, of course, they fight amongst themselves.

You get the picture. Read it before. But with dinos and zombies? Don’t think so.

Gory, funny, and over the top. This may not be one that wowed me, but it kept me entertained and I read it in one sitting. Plus, the ending was left open for more and I’ll be watching to see if another chapter is released.

3 Stars

Synopsis

“I am often left to wonder why a zombie, walking around in the sun, smells better than a pooping dinosaur.”

Two worlds collide in this action novelette. Zombies have destroyed civilization. Gasoline fuel is no longer an option, but humanity must find a way to survive. In response to trying to restore our way of life, we engineer franken-monsters. Because of their small brains and massive sizes, these beasts make quick work of farming and clearing land. These large creatures are immune to the zombie virus and perform excellently in loud conditions. They are easy to train. They behave like war horses, prone to help charge in and defend our livelihood.

In honor of the past, and to help build our future, we named these creatures dinosaurs.

***

So, which book should I review next?

Turning Grace

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Synopsis

**Medal Winner of the 2014 New Apple Book Awards in the E-Book Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category**

Life or death?
It all seems to be the same for Grace…

Some of us have been there before — falling for the hot, popular jock who just so happens to be dating the hot, popular girl in school.

Your snarky-but-always-right bestie insists you make a move, but you’re not so much into putting yourself out there.

Then it happens, and suddenly you find yourself eating a cat on your neighbor’s porch.

No? Never happened to you?

Well, Grace Watkins can’t say the same. Her hunger is growing with each day that passes and her urges are getting harder to control.
No one can explain why her body is changing, except one man.

***

Hell’s Gate: A Victorian Monster Novel

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Synopsis

Uncle Howard went looking for Hell. No-one imagined he might find it.

The locals say he sacrifices girls to demons at his estate on the remote coast of Victorian Ireland. But no-one has seen him for weeks before Hope and her family arrive to visit.

Did he leave on another quixotic quest, or does he have something more dangerous than fairies living at the bottom of his garden?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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It’s been a very quiet week for me and I couldn’t think of what to post today. So, I pulled together a short review and am asking for your help on which book to review next.

I’ve read a bunch of books and really need to get some reviews written before I forget the stories. You can choose from the ones I’ll be showing below or I’m open to suggestion!

The Army Of The Night

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Review

The great thing about short stories is they aren’t that expensive and you get a sample of the author’s writing to see if they are a good fit for you.

And now and then you find that little gem that just wows you.

This is tagged as a historical horror and that’s what you get. But when Napoleon needs to find a safe passage to retreat through the mountains, the author gives you a supernatural solution. You can bet the solution comes with strings. Some horrific ones.

The writing pulls you right in and the historical setting comes through as the anticipation builds. Once the secret hidden in the mountains is revealed, the action really gets going and the horror comes out.

So glad I tried this story and would love it if the author chose to write more about the characters and beings that haunt these pages.

4 Stars

Synopsis

It’s 1813. Napoleon’s army needs to retreat from Spain and return to France, but the main pass across the jagged peaks of the Pyrenees is within easy reach of the British forces.
In his search for an alternative escape route, Alaine Bellanger discovers more than just an ancient mountain trail. High up, in a cleft between two peaks, he finds something very strange indeed — and someone even stranger.
But who can he tell?
And who would believe him?
(A long short story: 17,000 words.)

If you want to read this one, it’s free right now on Amazon. Just click on the cover to grab a copy!

***

And now for some I’ve read and need to review. Let me know which you want to read next or suggest something else!

Pale Rider: Zombies Versus Dinosaurs #1

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This is also free on Amazon. Just click on the cover to grab your copy!

Synopsis

“I am often left to wonder why a zombie, walking around in the sun, smells better than a pooping dinosaur.”

Two worlds collide in this action novelette. Zombies have destroyed civilization. Gasoline fuel is no longer an option, but humanity must find a way to survive. In response to trying to restore our way of life, we engineer franken-monsters. Because of their small brains and massive sizes, these beasts make quick work of farming and clearing land. These large creatures are immune to the zombie virus and perform excellently in loud conditions. They are easy to train. They behave like war horses, prone to help charge in and defend our livelihood.

In honor of the past, and to help build our future, we named these creatures dinosaurs.

***

Turning Grace

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Synopsis

**Medal Winner of the 2014 New Apple Book Awards in the E-Book Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror Category**

Life or death?
It all seems to be the same for Grace…

Some of us have been there before — falling for the hot, popular jock who just so happens to be dating the hot, popular girl in school.

Your snarky-but-always-right bestie insists you make a move, but you’re not so much into putting yourself out there.

Then it happens, and suddenly you find yourself eating a cat on your neighbor’s porch.

No? Never happened to you?

Well, Grace Watkins can’t say the same. Her hunger is growing with each day that passes and her urges are getting harder to control.
No one can explain why her body is changing, except one man.

***

Hell’s Gate: A Victorian Monster Novel

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Synopsis

Uncle Howard went looking for Hell. No-one imagined he might find it.

The locals say he sacrifices girls to demons at his estate on the remote coast of Victorian Ireland. But no-one has seen him for weeks before Hope and her family arrive to visit.

Did he leave on another quixotic quest, or does he have something more dangerous than fairies living at the bottom of his garden?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Partners In Crime Tours

Hidden Truths & Lies

by Fran Lewis

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My Review

I enjoy short stories and collections, especially creepy ones.  And I take into account that they are just nibbles, not complete stories.

Some of these were great. They gave me the shivers and I truly thought the characters got what they deserved. And a couple had me a bit confused. Perhaps because the dead were too.

The dead speak from their graves in Golden Stone Cemetery. They have some ghastly tales to tell. Just how wicked were they to be buried and forgotten?. Would they repent if they could? Do they lust for revenge? Are their souls worth saving?

The answers lie in these pages. It takes talent to spin good tales using so little words, and this author passed my test. While the stories are short, they leave a lasting impression.

This is one that I couldn’t stop reading until I read the last word. Several of the stories had me thinking long afterwards. That’s why I’ll be reading more from this author.

To quote R.L. Stine: “Beware, you’re in for a scare!”

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life.

We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.

Enter at your own risk.

Genre: Horror; Paranormal Suspense
Published by: Fideli Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: April 7th 2016
Number of Pages: 98
ISBN: 1604149124 (ISBN13: 9781604149128)
Series: Hidden Truths and Lies is the 4th book in Fran Lewis’s FACES BEHIND THE STONES series of stand alone novellas.
Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble Smashwords Goodreads

More Reviews:

“The stories in this collection by Fran Lewis are gripping in suspense and demonstrate a vivid imagination. I picked them up planning to read for a few minutes and couldn’t stop until I had finished the last story. Fran understands well and expresses the dark side that many people have. Motivated by greed or self-interest, some in these stories who seem like people we encounter every day are willing to undertake terrifying actions. It makes for an excellent read.” — Allan Topol, author of !e Italian Divide and The Washington Lawyer

Hidden Truths and Lies is a compilation of stories told from beyond the grave each one filled with terror as the character faces his or her own fate. The final two stories are pure science fiction and will hopefully allow readers to see the magnitude of this talented writer.” — Susan Ross, Board Of Education, NYC

Read an excerpt:

Introduction

Each story in this series teaches a lesson the person behind the stone should have learned before committing crime, hurting someone else, or generally failing at life. We’re about to enter Golden Stone Cemetery, where these unfortunate people are buried so deep you can barely find their markers. Their crimes are so heinous and their deeds so cruel that family members buried them here because they want to forget they ever existed.

Welcome to Golden Stone Cemetery, where the voices of these unfortunates can be heard loud and clear. Learning what they did and what their fates became will make you shudder. When you find out just how cruel they were in life, you’ll be glad they’re gone. You’ll be relieved that their families made sure the spirits of each of these nefarious characters will never rise again.

Who lies behind these unmarked stones? Let their stories unfold…

© Copyright 2016 Fran Lewis All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Author Fran Lewis

Fran LewisFran Lewis: Fran worked in the NYC Public Schools as the Reading and Writing Staff Developer for over 36 years. She has three masters Degrees and a PD in Supervision and Administration. Currently, she is a member of Who’s Who of America’s Teachers and Who’s Who of America’s Executives from Cambridge. In addition, she is the author of three children’s books and a fourth that has just been published on Alzheimer’s disease in order to honor her mom and help create more awareness for a cure. The title of my new Alzheimer’s book is Memories are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey; Ruth’s story and Sharp as a Tack and Scrambled Eggs Which Describes Your Brain? Fran is the author of 13 titles.

Catch Up:
Fran Lewis's website Fran Lewis's twitter Fran Lewis's facebook

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Follow The Tour

Click here to view the ‘Hidden Truths and Lies by Fran Lewis’ Tour Participants

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Welcome to my stop on the tour for Special Levels Of Earthly Hell.

Special thanks to Author Merry Freer for answering my question.

Enjoy her guest post and my review.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Now. let see what Merry has to say!

 “Why did you choose this event to write about and have you ever experienced a paranormal experience?”

The events in “Special Levels of Earthly Hell” are inspired by actual events that occurred to members of both my nuclear family and my extended family. There is something cathartic about writing about experiences that are either frightening, unexplainable, or horrific. The protagonist in the story is my son. I feel that through reliving these unbelievable events it helped him to bring up buried feelings and deal with them.
We were never a family who gave much thought to paranormal activity until my son was married and began to experience the demonic possession of his wife in a very personal manner. It was all the more disturbing to him because he is not a religious person and he had a great deal of difficulty reconciling his experience with his belief.
I have never had a personal paranormal experience, but I was certainly  affected by the unworldly events seemed to precede the horror documented in this book. People were killed. Children were murdered. Like I said…..cathartic.

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Special Levels Of Earthly Hell

by Merry Freer

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Genre: Supernatural Horror

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My Review

What a sad, creepy story. It reads like a family saga, going from sister to sister, country to country, following them as their lives intersect and slowly crumble.

What made this especially chilling to read was realizing that, while fictionalized, this story was inspire by actual events.

Something is tearing these families apart, right down to their foundations. Possession is often scoffed at, but not by me. Nothing chills me more than to think of something taking over my body, controlling me, trying to kill me.

I could understand the hesitation and disbelief. But I wondered why they didn’t get the hell out. It turns out the outcome wouldn’t have changed. What happened was far removed from their focus.

Knowing something terrible will happen doesn’t make it any less scary when it finally does. The author does a good job of putting you in the character’s shoes. And when the entity shows itself, you’ll be glad you’re just reading about it, not there facing it.

The ending was rather abrupt for my taste and left me with a few unanswered questions. But it did have one of those ‘finally’ moments where the characters finally did what they should have done a long time ago

Disturbing and realistic. Not one for the faint of heart. And one I recommend for mature readers.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Drew Collins experiences the world in black and white. As an educated man of science, he rejects belief in the paranormal and the existence of demons. Until an evil energy he calls “The Beast” repeatedly enters his bedroom at night and takes possession of his wife’s body.

What he witnesses at night in his own bedroom cannot be reconciled with science. And yet he sees it with his own eyes, feels its presence, ominous and evil, with his entire being.

Against every instinct, Drew reaches out for help. It is not just his marriage that’s at stake. The evil force has invaded his wife’s family, tearing them apart and culminating in bloodshed and murder. Drew must face a stark choice: sacrifice his belief that the world is a rational place and fight an entity he doesn’t understand and is reluctant to label, or abandon his wife and her family.

Author’s Note to the Reader: Sadly, the most frightening and brutal events in this book are factual. The story is loosely based on one family’s experience with multiple tragedies, some of them “ripped from the headlines.” It is also an excruciatingly factual account of one man’s experience with a loved one who is possessed by a demonic presence. However, it transcends genre and is as much a tale of romance, of cultural barriers, of abuse, and of family drama, as it is of demonic possession.The link between the introduction of an evil spirit and the heartbreaking misfortunes that are visited on the family is left for the reader to decide.

Enjoy the excerpt

It was 3:00am, though Drew didn’t notice the time. He was startled into a state of complete consciousness by a feeling of intense dread and fear. Had he been sleeping? Had the feeling returned because he let go – drifted off and let down his guard? Terror ripped through him when he sensed a malevolent force above him. Slowly, he opened his eyes. Even in the pitch darkness of the room, he could see that a dark silhouette straddled him, standing upright, and as he recognized the form, he knew, with a lightning fast certainty he didn’t yet understand, that it only appeared to be his Adriana, her body inhabited by the evil force, her spirit squeezed from her helpless body and now possessed by whatever energy had terrorized them. He brought his eyes to meet those of the adversary that stood above him, silently begging to find recognition, but its black, dead eyes rolled back in their sockets and he realized instantly, as though by telepathy, that it intended to attack him…to fall on him! The form became completely rigid, falling straight forward like a stone slab toward his prone body, with no regard to how it might land. He let out a scream of primal fear that came from the depths of his being. Some kind of demonic beast was hurtling toward him and, throwing up his arms and hands to protect himself from its fall, he instinctively pushed at the foreign creature and threw it from his body, his hands burning with the contact. The creature’s head took the force of the fall, cracking into the heavy nightstand beside the bed.

Sitting up in the bed, shaking, perspiration dripping from his pores, he reached for the lamp on the nightstand and reluctantly turned the switch, terrified of what he might find, knowing he had no choice.

On the floor beside the table lay Adriana, his wife, in a fetal position, holding the back of her head, crying and confused. Drew climbed from the bed, taking her in his arms.

“What happened to me?” she whimpered, still rubbing the growing bump on her head.

“You don’t remember anything?” Drew whispered, carrying her limp body back to the bed.

“I think I hurt my head,” she said.

“You climbed over me to turn on the light and you fell,” Drew lied.

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Author Merry Freer

SpecialLevelsOfEarthlyHell author

Merry Freer is an author of memoir and fact-based fiction. “Special Levels of Earthly Hell: The Story of One Family’s Chilling Struggle with Demonic Possession”  was inspired by actual events that were experienced by her nuclear and extended families, tearing relationships apart and making national news headlines. This book comes on the heels of her first book, a memoir named “Doctor, Doctor.”  While “Doctor, Doctor” is her debut novel, she has been a writer and editor for many years, including work with the San Diego Chargers and the San Diego Hall of Champions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from San Diego State University and has been a featured speaker for classes dealing with medical ethics.

Her controversial memoir, “Doctor, Doctor,” topped the Best Seller List in True Crime/White Collar Crime for 10 months and received a “Best Books of 2014” award from “Suspense Magazine.”

Visit her Facebook Page

Purchase On Amazon

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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!

Goddess Fish Promotions

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Teaser

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB at Books And A Beat.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
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I thought it would be fun to do something different this week. I’m going to share teasers from teasers!

Do you like to read samplers? Do you ever download the free ones you discover? I do. What better way to find out if you enjoy the author’s writing or the plot!

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I won these awesome ARC Samplers from Lauren @ Always Me. Thanks, Lauren! More goodies to read! And now, after tasting each story, I want all of them.

Many of these already have reviews.Check them out!

Keep in mind, these are uncorrected samplers and the content may be changed or not even used in the novels when they’re released.

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Something In Between

Expected Publication: 10/4/2016

Genre: YA / Contemporary Romance

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When your country doesn’t want you there, how do you know where you belong?

Jasmine de los Santos has been pushed by her Filipino immigrant parents to over-achieve, be the best she can be, work as hard as she can at school and reach for the American Dream. She’s thrilled to be named a finalist for the National Scholarship Award and prepares to go to Washington, D. C. to receive it. But when she brings home the paperwork, she learns that she and all her family are in the country illegally.

As Jasmine’s world shatters around her, she rebels, trying to make sense of herself – who is she? Is she American? Illegal? Something in between? Jasmine decides to accept the award anyway and goes to D.C., where she meets Royce Blakely, the handsome son of a Republican congressman. As she fights for her very identity, will Jasmine find help in unexpected places, and will she ever figure out where she belongs?

Teaser:  It almost takes my breath away. I can see it so clearly. My future.

Goodreads

Amazon

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The Call

Expected Publication:8/30/2016

Genre: YA Fantasy / Horror

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The Hunger Games meets horror in this unforgettable thriller where only one thing is certain . . . you will be Called.

Thousands of years ago, humans banished the Sidhe fairy race to another dimension. The beautiful, terrible Sidhe have stewed in a land of horrors ever since, plotting their revenge . . . and now their day has come.

Fourteen-year-old Nessa lives in a world where every teen will be “Called.” It could come in the middle of the day, it could come deep in the night. But one instant she will be here, and the next she will wake up naked and alone in the Sidhe land. She will be spotted, hunted down, and brutally murdered. And she will be sent back in pieces by the Sidhe to the human world . . . unless she joins the rare few who survive for twenty-four hours and escape unscathed.

Nessa trains with her friends at an academy designed to maximize her chances at survival. But as the days tick by and her classmates go one by one, the threat of her Call lurks ever closer . . . and with it the threat of an even more insidious danger closer to home.

Teaser: A chill steals up Nessa’s spine. She can’t know it, but this is the first hint of the fear that will never leave her again; that will ruin her life as it has ruined the life of everybody in the whole country.

Goodreads

Amazon

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It’s Not You, It’s Me

Expected Publication: 10/25/2016

Genre: YA / Contemporary Romance

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One high school girl’s comedic examination of her dating past as told by the friends, family, and boys who were involved!

Avery Dennis is a high school senior and one of the most popular girls in her class. But a majorly public breakup with the guy she’s been dating causes some disastrous waves. It is right before prom and Avery no longer has the perfect date. She runs the prom committee, how could she not show up with somebody?

Post-breakup, Avery gets to thinking about all of the guys that she has ever dated. How come none of those relationships ever worked out? Could it be her fault? Avery decides to investigate. In history class she’s learning about this method of record-keeping called “oral history” and she has a report due. So Avery decides to go directly to the source. Avery tracks down all of the guys she’s ever dated, and uses that information, along with thoughts from her friends, family, and teachers, to compile a total account of her dating history.

Avery discovers some surprises about herself and the guys she’s spent time with — just in time for prom night!

Teaser: Natalie: And then he started whispering. Then she whispered a little. Then he whispered a lot more. And then there was some furious simultaneous whispering. And then Luke Murphy whispered for a long, long time, and Avery Dennis was silent.

Goodreads

Amazon

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The Amateurs

Expected Publication: 11/1/2016

Genre: YA / Mystery

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As soon as Seneca Frazier sees the post on the Case Not Closed website about Helena Kelly, she’s hooked. Helena’s high-profile disappearance five years earlier is the one that originally got Seneca addicted to true crime. It’s the reason she’s a member of the site in the first place.

So when Maddy Wright, her best friend from the CNC site, invites Seneca to spend spring break in Connecticut looking into the cold case, she immediately packs her bag. But the moment she steps off the train in trendy, glamorous Dexby, things begin to go wrong. Maddy is nothing like she expected, and Helena’s sister, Aerin Kelly, seems completely hostile and totally uninterested in helping with their murder investigation.

But when Brett, another super user from the site, joins Seneca and Maddy in Dexby, Aerin starts to come around. The police must have missed something, and someone in Dexby definitely has information they’ve been keeping quiet.

As Seneca, Brett, Maddy, and Aerin begin to unravel dark secrets and shocking betrayals about the people closest to them, they seem to be on the murderer’s trail at last. But somewhere nearby the killer is watching . . . ready to do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

Teaser: She was actually going to do it. Travel to the place that had consumed her thoughts, question the people she already knew so much about. It would bring up a lot of memories she’d long tried to ignore.

Goodreads

Amazon

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Carve The Mark

Expected Publication: 1/17/2017

Genre: Sci Fi / Dystopian

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Fans of Star Wars and Divergent will revel in internationally bestselling author Veronica Roth’s stunning new science-fiction fantasy series.

On a planet where violence and vengeance rule, in a galaxy where some are favored by fate, everyone develops a currentgift, a unique power meant to shape the future. While most benefit from their currentgifts, Akos and Cyra do not—their gifts make them vulnerable to others’ control. Can they reclaim their gifts, their fates, and their lives, and reset the balance of power in this world?

Cyra is the sister of the brutal tyrant who rules the Shotet people. Cyra’s currentgift gives her pain and power—something her brother exploits, using her to torture his enemies. But Cyra is much more than just a blade in her brother’s hand: she is resilient, quick on her feet, and smarter than he knows.

Akos is from the peace-loving nation of Thuvhe, and his loyalty to his family is limitless. Though protected by his unusual currentgift, once Akos and his brother are captured by enemy Shotet soldiers, Akos is desperate to get his brother out alive—no matter what the cost. When Akos is thrust into Cyra’s world, the enmity between their countries and families seems insurmountable. They must decide to help each other to survive—or to destroy one another.

Teaser: He could be handsome when he smiled, my brother, even if it meant he was about to kill you.

Goodreads

Amazon

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Tales Of The Peculiar

Expected Publication: 9/3/2016

Genre: YA Fantasy / Fairy Tales

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Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales.

Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series.

Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories in this deluxe volume of Tales of the Peculiar. Featuring stunning illustrations from world-renowned artist Andrew Davidson, this compelling, rich, and truly peculiar anthology is the perfect gift for not only fans, but for all lovers of great storytelling.

Teaser: “If you can’t eat grains, vegetables, or animals,” asked Farmer Pullman, “then what can you eat?”

“People,” the man replied.

Everyone in the small house took a step back from the visitors.

Goodreads

Amazon

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The Diabolic

Expected Publication: 11/1/2016

Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Dystopian

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Red Queen meets The Hunger Games in this epic novel about what happens when the galaxy’s most deadly weapon masquerades as a senator’s daughter and a hostage of the galactic court.

A Diabolic is ruthless. A Diabolic is powerful. A Diabolic has a single task: Kill in order to protect the person you’ve been created for.

Nemesis is a Diabolic, a humanoid teenager created to protect a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. The two have grown up side by side, but are in no way sisters. Nemesis is expected to give her life for Sidonia, and she would do so gladly. She would also take as many lives as necessary to keep Sidonia safe.

When the power-mad Emperor learns Sidonia’s father is participating in a rebellion, he summons Sidonia to the Galactic court. She is to serve as a hostage. Now, there is only one way for Nemesis to protect Sidonia. She must become her. Nemesis travels to the court disguised as Sidonia—a killing machine masquerading in a world of corrupt politicians and two-faced senators’ children. It’s a nest of vipers with threats on every side, but Nemesis must keep her true abilities a secret or risk everything.

As the Empire begins to fracture and rebellion looms closer, Nemesis learns there is something more to her than just deadly force. She finds a humanity truer than what she encounters from most humans. Amidst all the danger, action, and intrigue, her humanity just might be the thing that saves her life—and the empire.

Teaser: “The Emperor wishes me to send my innocent little lamb to the slaughter. No. Instead, I’ll send him my anaconda.”

Goodreads

Amazon

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How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Gotta love a freebie! Anthony has a creepy short story for you.

Just click on the links at the bottom of the post to get yours.

A Haunted House Tale

by Anthony Renfro

Genre:Horror Short Story

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My Review

They must have seen the movies, read the books. Yet these five friends think it won’t happen to them.

Clearly something will and does.

The legend is, if you survive the night, you receive untold riches.

The temptation lures them in.

There’s safety in numbers, right?

Then it all goes south and everyone is scrambling to get out.

I never get tired of these stories. I was thinking of Scream, the movie, where they go over all of the rules of what not to do.

If these characters had any sense, they’d know not to go in that house, but then I wouldn’t have had such fun reading what happens to them.

3 Stars

Synopsis

This short story is about five students on Halloween night who discover the secrets and terrors of the town’s most infamous haunted house. Will they live to see the morning?

Links

Amazon – US / UK / AU / CA

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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What day is it? It’s Hump Day! And I have three awesome books to share with you.

I’ve been hooked on the Onyx Webb series from the first episodes and have just finished the third, fourth and fifth books containing Episodes 7 thru 15.

Onyx Webb

Book Three – Episodes 7 thru 9

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My Review

As the author’s promised, these next three episodes start tying together the characters from past to future.

I knew things were going to be revealed. I knew it would get darker, scarier. And I knew there would be new mysteries and questions.

What I didn’t expect was for this story to explode. I couldn’t believe how excited, grossed out, and happy I became. I can’t begin to imagine

Every time I thought I knew something, especially about Onyx, I was given another enigma. It’s no secret  that Onyx is dead, it’s the how that I can’t seem to put my finger on. And every time I started to feel bad for her, something horrific happened and I remembered the Onyx I met in the first episodes.

As old characters entered the story, and new ones were introduced, I got more excited to read what was in store for them. These authors pull no punches and I bet they laugh and high five each other when something particularly dastardly culminates when they put their heads together.

So many breath stealing scenes make these some excellent new episodes. My non writer description of the Onyx Webb series so far: scattered, covered, and smothered in dark delicacies.

I hope I’ve teased you enough to give this series a go. I promise you, it’s hypnotic and unpredictable. Oh, and addictive. I should also point out, it’s meant to be read in order so make sure you start at the beginning.

5 Stars

Synsopsis

Welcome Back to the World of Onyx Webb. This is Book Three. (Episodes 7, 8, and 9) One reviewer describes it as: “A suspenseful ghost story with a light touch of horror, a heavy dose of gruesome, and a cast of characters where some, but not all, are exceptionally creepy.”

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera, each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

In Book Three… It’s in the late 30’s and Onyx and Ulrich have started a new life in Crimson Cove, Oregon. It’s 2010, and Koda Mulvaney is picking up the pieces of the latest tragedy and still looking for the girl in the mirror. Paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge have a run in with a ghost at the Open Arms. It’s the 60’s and Declan Mulvaney is building the family fortune – a good intent with horrible consequences.

AMAZON

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Onyx Webb

Book Four – Episodes 10 thru 12

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My Review

With each new book, I think the same thing. This is the best one yet. And it’s true.

What I loved most about these next episodes were the ghosts. There were plenty and all were so different. Oh, how I wish I could tell you all about them.

And I’d also love to tell you what’s happening with the characters. Their stories are getting louder, with even minor characters becoming larger and more important to the series. After reading so many horror stories and watching all of those horror movies, it’s nothing new to me for authors to kill off their characters or put them through some hellacious ordeals. These two authors should feel lucky their characters can’t retaliate. LOL I’d love to have been a fly on the wall while they were cooking up some of the scenes I read. Just hope they don’t have a fly swatter.

I’m crossing my fingers some aspiring film maker spots these stories and makes Onyx Webb into a series. How cool that would be!

5 Stars

Synsopsis

More questions get answered in Book Four. A darkness is building and more supernatural twists occur. Onyx Webb is a series you will enjoy reading more than once. After you finish Book Four, consider a complete re-read of the series!

A multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more.

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera, each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

AMAZON

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Onyx Webb

Book Five – Episodes 13 thru 15

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My Review

Things are ramping up even more in this next book in the series. The past and present are getting closer together and you begin to see how the different character’s stories are connected. Not to say that there aren’t still a lot of unknowns.

And watch out for those got ya’s the authors spring on you. Plenty of shocking surprises await you, along with their trademark horror and suspense.

It continues to amaze me how these authors keep the reading flowing so smoothly with so many characters. Especially as their actions have a ripple affect on each other from past to present.

It was also fun to get some answers while more were raised. My brain worked overtime trying to guess what was coming.

Let’s not forget the horror. The ghosties are all through this book and the eerie atmosphere is palpable. You really do want to look over your shoulder to see what might be there. You will jump at the slightest noise. And the anticipation is killer.

I’m lucky if I finish a series. I read so many and they often have so many books in each one. Plus, sometimes the series never gets finished. I honestly was reluctant to start this one. But, the author’s promised they would complete their series. And to be honest, I fell in love with the cover art and couldn’t resist a scary story. That being said, I’ve stocked up on Doritos and Hershey’s Chocolate Bars, my required reading staples, and am waiting anxiously for the next installment.

5 Stars

Synopsis

Welcome Back to the World of Onyx Webb! This is Book Five. (Episodes 13, 14 & 15) Haven’t Gotten Entangled Yet? Please Start with Book One. Readers of the series will see the web tighten in this book, the past and present are slowly starting to catch up to each other and shocking connections continue to be made.

Onyx Webb is a complex multi-genre mash-up that combines elements of supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times.

The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of your favorite tv series (think: supernatural soap opera like American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

In Book Five: It’s the 1980’s and Bruce Mulvaney starts his own family while a killer watches from afar. It’s 2010, and the Mulvaney’s are dealing with Koda’s accident. Onyx Webb fights to keep her way of life.

AMAZON

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I’m sharing my previous reviews of the first two books so you don’t have to leave this page.

Onyx Webb

Book One – Episodes 1 thru 3

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My Review

I loved everything about this book. From the different points of view to the different dates in time to the fantastic illustrations and the hair raising creepiness.

When I reached the end of this book, Onyx Webb was still an enigma to me. I know there are many more episodes to come and I’m sure I’ll figure her out. The jury is still out about her right now.

Ever wanted to know how it felt to be a ghost? From what I learned in this book, it’s no fun. Can’t taste, can’t feel, and can’t love. Why stick around? This story will tell you why.

Taking place in different time periods, all of the characters start their stories here and it’s promised by the authors that following episodes will reveal their full stories and bring all of the characters together.

For now, I’m just getting to know Onyx and her father Catfish, rich boy Koda Mulvaney and his best friend Dane, Quinn Cole and his missing sister Juniper, and a slew of secondary characters.

I’ve read other books written in episodes but not quite like this. The characters stories span many centuries but it’s easy to follow them as their voices speak clearly. And there are several mysteries happening at different times and I have no clue how they’ll all come together.

I also knew there wouldn’t be an ending in this book, so no surprise there. And that’s the ‘hook.’ I was hooked from the first chapter, compelled to keep reading, and in no hurry to finish.

The illustrations are spectacular and the writing is easy to follow. Not what you’d expect at all with the story occurring in several different time periods and told from many points of view.

Trying to label this, I’d call this a ghost story and a mystery. Maybe adding a dash of historical too. With lots of showing and some telling. Short chapters that make the read fly. And I believe I already mentioned the illustrations. They are all through the book and ‘tell’ a story too.

There are several more books to come, each containing three episodes. You can bet I’m off to grab the second book now and will be watching for others as they are released.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Delectably Creepy. Gripping. Fascinating.
Onyx Webb is a multi-genre mash-up that combines supernatural suspense, crime, horror, romance, and more. So the story… Onyx Webb is a ghost. Billionaire playboy Koda Mulvaney becomes obsessed with a girl he sees inside a mirror. Juniper Cole is on her way to the prom and… well, we don’t want to spoil anything – we’ve probably told you too much already. How all these events are related is part of the mystery that is, Onyx Webb.

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. The billionaire Mulvaney family, piano prodigy Juniper Cole and her brother Quinn, paranormal show hosts Cryer and Fudge, and a few others make up the core of the series. Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera (think: American Horror Story) each character’s story moves forward with most every episode.

It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

AMAZON

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Onyx Webb

Book Two – Episodes 4 thru 6

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My Review

As with the first book, you get three episodes.

I’m starting to get a feel for Onyx now. She kind of creeped me out in the first book. Now, I’m learning more about what she went through and why she wound up where she was. I wish I could have told her to leave that no good husband of hers.

Rich boy Koda is still obsessing over the girl in the mirror. His father and grandfather finally drill it into his head to get back to work or lose his job and all that money. When his good friend Dane suggests he go see a psychic, Koda’s skeptical. Yet, he gives in and boy does it go wrong on so many levels. This could be the end of their friendship.

I swear, what happened to Koda with the psychic came out of left field. I didn’t see it coming and it was just so awful, yet funny too. Can I get a, “There’s a sucker born every minute?”

I’d love to share more of the characters but then I’d be telling you everything. I’m becoming quite attached to all of them. They’re revealing more of their stories, their circumstances, and it’s really getting exciting.

I was worried I’d forget who was who and have trouble jumping forward and back in time, but the authors made it easy. I fell right back in and became lost in the pages.

The authors are starting to tie in some of the characters from future and past events. I got really excited as I saw this happening. And they also through me for a loop with one tragic event. I couldn’t believe it. Why? It’s just so sad. I’m sure they will string it into upcoming episodes. I’m kind of curious how they plan to do that.

Here’s where I wish I was a writer so I could express how this series makes me feel. How these next three episodes got to me. It seemed like every page had something vital to tell or show me. I couldn’t read fast enough. Before I knew it there were only a few pages left. And then, none.

With several points of view and places in time, this is not a book to be read by itself. You really need to start this series at the beginning. That being said, I hope you try them. It’s a thrilling experience that keeps you engaged and hungry for more.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Best-Selling Authors Fenton & Waltz Welcome You to the World of Onyx Webb. This is Book Two. (Episodes 4, 5, and 6) One reviewer says, “Fabulous. Different. Odd. Crazy. Wonderful. I’ve never read anything like it. You’ve created the weirdest, coolest new genre of fiction and I love it.”

The Onyx Webb series follows the unusual life of Onyx Webb along with a central group of characters in various locations and times. Written like a book version of a supernatural soap opera, each character’s story moves forward with most every episode. It may appear that the characters are entirely unrelated and yet episode by episode, the connections will become clearer And this is especially true in Book Two. Like being an inch away from a spider web, with each book, the web will move further and further away revealing the full story of every character and most importantly, the stunning conclusion for Onyx Webb herself.

In Book Two… It’s the 30’s and Declan Mulvaney and best friend Tommy Bilazzo learn to survive at the Open Arms Orphanage despite the adults who run the place. It’s 2010, and Koda Mulvaney is insane trying to see the girl in the mirror again. Onyx Webb is finds herself living all over the country married to the crazy German, Ulrich, with no way out.

Special Note: All the pictures and graphical memes can be found in our Onyx Webb Series pinterest catalog.

AMAZON

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About Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton:

Andrea Waltz and Richard Fenton

Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz are best known as the authors of the #1 Amazon Sales & Selling book, Go for No!  They are professional speakers who travel internationally speaking to audiences about how to overcome fear of failure and rejection.  Although they have written several business books over the last fifteen years, Onyx Webb is their first fictional series.

They are married and manage to write to together while staying happily married, a fact they are very proud of. Richard and Andrea live in Central Florida along with their cat, Courage.

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Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Welcome to my tour stop for Undead Ultra (A Zombie Novel) by Camille Picott! This is an adult post apocalyptic horror novel and the tour runs June 20 through July 1st with reviews, interviews and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule!

Undead Ultra

by Camille Picott

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Genre: Adult Apocalyptic Horror / Zombies

My Review

I’ve read plenty of zombie apocalypse stories with lots of different scenarios, but this is something new.

Kate and Frederico are Ultramarathon runners. That’s any race longer than a little over 26 miles, all on foot, no bikes or swimming.

Wouldn’t you know it. While out on a run, the apocalypse happens. Now Kate and Frederico must run all the way to where Kate’s son, Carter, is trapped at his college. That’s over 200 miles away.

You can imagine all of the snags they run into. Aside from the zombies, which are everywhere and very hungry, there’s the people to worry about too. Frederico would be excess baggage to those wanting to snag themselves a woman to snuggle up with in the end times. Injuries could mean their death. And  finding food and water will slow them down as they can’t carry it while running.

I thought this was very believable. If you were a seasoned runner and without injuries, you could run the 200+ miles. It’s all the things that could go wrong that would prevent you from succeeding.

You can’t help but cheer these two on as they race to the rescue. Their run gets your own endorphins pumping. The dangers they encounter on the way keep the suspense levels high. And you remain hopeful they’ll get where they’re going, rescue Kate’s son, and somehow survive.

Strong writing and well developed characters make this one I recommend to all zombie lovers. And you runners might get a kick out of it too.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Undead: a reanimated corpse with a craving for human flesh.
Ultramarathon: any footrace longer than a traditional marathon (26.2 miles).

For ultrarunners Kate and Frederico, a typical Saturday morning is spent pounding out a twenty- to thirty-mile “fun run.” It’s during one of their runs that an insidious illness descends upon northern California, turning humans into flesh-shredding zombies.

When Kate receives a desperate call from her son, Carter, she and Frederico flee their hometown and set out to help him. The only problem? Carter attends college over two hundred miles away and the freeways—clogged with car wrecks, zombies, and government blockades—are impassable. Running back roads and railroad tracks becomes their only means of travel, but neither of them has ever run so far before.

As pain, injuries, hunger, and fatigue plague them, getting to Carter and staying alive seem impossible. It’s either outrun the undead or become one of them, and for Kate, death is not an option.

Goodreads | Amazon

About the Author:


Camille Picott has been writing novels since she was twelve. When she’s not working on a book, spending time with family, or whipping up a new vegetarian meal, you can find her trail running in Sonoma County, California.

Website | Twitter | Facebook 

 

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GIVEAWAY:
Two (2) $5 Amazon gift cards (INT)
Ends July 6th
Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible. Must be 13 or older to enter and have parental permission if under 18. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

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Follow the tour for more fun posts!

6/20

Bookhounds – Interview

6/21

fuonlyknew – Review

Astounding Books– Interview

6/22

A Page to Turn – Review & Excerpt

6/23

The Mystery Tavern – Review

6/24

Curling Up With a Good Book– Interview

A Thousand Words a Million Books– Review

6/27

Natural Bri– Review

6/28

Mary’s Cup of Tea – Review

Book Lovers Life – Review

6/29

WS Momma Readers Nook – Review

Rambling Reviews – Review

6/30

Jael’s Reviews – Interview

7/1

Deal Sharing Aunt– Review

Brooke Blogs– Review & Excerpt

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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

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Cowboy and the Vampire Banner 851 x 315

I have got to get this series. I’m a huge fan of Western PNR Horror. And these sound fabulous.

If you haven’t read any, you should try these. Never know what you might be missing.

Check out the series.

Enjoy the glimpse inside the book.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

The Cowboy and the Vampire: The Last Sunset

The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection Book Four

Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

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Genre: Horror, Western, PNR

Publisher: Pumpjack Press,

Date of Publication: June 9, 2016

ISBN: 978-0-9974113-0-0 / ASIN: B01F0MFBE2

Number of pages: 357 / Word Count: 83,000

Cover Artist: Aaron Perkins

Synopsis

The Cowboy and the Vampire: The Last Sunset is the fourth book in award-winning The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection, a series called everything from cult classic to trailblazer in a new genre: Western Gothic.

Take one long, last look at LonePine, Wyoming, population 438. It’s been two years since the vampires quit the quirky little town and things are mostly back to normal — broken dreams and never enough whiskey. But that’s about to go to hell.

Hold on tight for a midnight showdown when a psychotic religious order takes the entire town hostage — including Tucker’s long-lost brother — to lure Lizzie from her frozen exile in Russia. The mad monks know Lizzie’s murder will strand the ruling vampire elite in a disembodied afterlife so the cult can impose their twisted beliefs on the living and undead alike. It’s a rip-roarin’ stampede as a cowboy and a vampire try to round up the shattered pieces of their unusual romance.

With the fate of the world on the line yet again, can Tucker and Lizzie put aside their broken hearts to face one last sunset together?

Slap leather or reach for the sky.

This is the fourth book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection.

Amazon

 

Excerpt:

The first few months were anguish. But then she threw herself into bringing order to her inherited chaos. If she was to run this vampire shit show, she would run it right. And she had, intensely, ruthlessly, for the first year.

Now, everyone knew the rules, knew the consequences for breaking the coda, and—if grudgingly—understood the wisdom behind the annual allocation. She kept her word, showing no favoritism. Nine turns picked by the Council, followed by one pick for Lizzie, with nine nights of rest. By the end of the first year, a fragile trust in her leadership was established.

By the beginning of the second year of her self-imposed exile, as the intensity of the work began to wane, she realized something had shifted. The full weight of her future lodged permanently, sadly, in her soul.

Rurik, forever circling like a handsome vulture, sensed the change.

“Finally, you admit to yourself he is not coming for you,” Rurik said.

“I knew he wouldn’t come,” Lizzie said, more sharply than intended.

“I’m not the one who requires persuading on this point,” Rurik said. “But no matter the reason, I am pleased. Stop working so hard. Amuse yourself with the privileges and pleasures your position affords. You can have anything you want, with no punishment.”

“Punishment?”

“From the society you once valued, or from yourself,” Rurik said. “You are free from guilt, free of all constraints, free to act upon your desires and to assume the glorious existence that awaits only your assent.”

Rurik felt something akin to compassion as he watched Lizzie struggle to control her emotions, mistaking liberation for captivity. He was right in one sense, though; she was coming to the same realization all vampires faced at some point in their long, undead existence, even those whose turning was consensual: there was no going back.

Yes, Lizzie thought, defiantly, as the first year passed into the second. If she was no longer ever to be a human, she might as well have fun. Why the hell not? She submerged herself into her passions and found that although not exactly fulfilling, it was diverting, covering her nightly routines with a shroud of hedonistic numbness that prevented any feelings at all—other than immediate pleasure—from surfacing.

She would never admit it, ever, but Rurik was right on another point. She had waited. She had hoped he would come for her, but why would he? She made it clear by breaking his heart that they would never be together. That he believed her ruse broke her heart.

Such a sad and dusty little tragedy, she thought, clutching the railing. A shadow by the lake’s edge caught her eye—Rurik, out with his dogs.

He felt her gaze and looked up, taking in her nude body and letting his senses wash over it, the closest—it seemed—he would come to possessing her, at least for the time being.

She could feel his heart stuttering, but held her own body in perfect check until he averted his eyes and continued his walk.

Lizzie once again considered whether it was time to move. Rurik’s home was spacious and lonely and safe and remote, and while he had been a good host to her, he enjoyed the power of proximity over the other tribes, and she understood he was motivated by a hope of his own.

“It is inevitable that you and I come together,” he once told her. “You have known this since we first met in that godforsaken American outpost.”

“Nothing is inevitable,” she said. Thwarting his passions had become a habit.

She wondered if Rurik ever missed the man he had once been, the brilliant military strategist who helped turn back the crusaders all those many years ago in a battle for Russia’s soul. “Ironic that you lost your soul in the process,” she said aloud and in his direction.

Her private cell phone buzzed on the bedside table. Lizzie padded back into the room, the wolfhound in tow.

Elita. She picked up the phone.

“Yes?”

“My queen,” Elita said, managing to sound both sarcastic and reverential. Was there a difference, Lizzie wondered?

“My loyal subject, my lovely maid-in-waiting,” Lizzie replied. In all this madness, Elita was her only certainty.

“Whatever that means,” Elita said. “How’s the frozen tundra treating you?”

“Still frozen. Have you wrestled the American Royals and the Reptiles into peaceful coexistence?”

“We’re making progress, one corpse at a time.”

“When will you visit?” Lizzie asked.

“I’m on my way now,” Elita said.

Lizzie paused. That was not a good sign. “That’s a welcome, but unexpected surprise.”

“What I must tell you may not be so welcome.”

“Tell me now,” Lizzie said.

“I’ll save the details until I can tell you face to face, but in brief, I’ve heard rumblings, screaming really, that you have a new enemy.”

“Why would that concern me?”

“Keep your guard up until I arrive.”

“My guard is never down,” Lizzie said, breaking the connection.”

About Authors Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall

Clark Hays

Between the two of them, Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall have worked in writing jobs ranging from cowboy-poet to energy journalist to restaurant reviewer to university press officer. After they met, their writing career took center stage when they wrote the first book in The Cowboy and the Vampire Collection as a test for marriage. They passed. Clark and Kathleen now live in Portland, Oregon.

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