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Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

What’s New On My Bookshelf #133 and The Sunday Post

Posted: October 25, 2015 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: my weekly book news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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

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

Sunday Post

Kimberly the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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

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Some chit chat.

I’m sitting on my couch typing my Sunday Post and fighting the cat and dog for elbow room. LOL They are such hogs and stretch out full length. They’ll start out all curled up and slowly extend their bodies until I’m almost hanging off the end. Boogers!

It’s funny how the change of weather changes their patterns. My dog, Quigley, used to run outside to go to the bathroom and rush back in to get out of the heat. Now he likes to go out in the yard and sleep in the sun since it’s a bit cooler.

My cat, Sheba, used to curl up on a chair or the couch to avoid the cool terra cotta tile floor. Now she chooses a spot in the sun by the back door. The sun is at a lower level in the sky and shines through the glass door, warming the tile.

This got me thinking about how things change with me. I’ve begun pulling out my winter clothes, changing my comforter on my bed to a heavier one, and keeping two changes of clothes in my car since the weather changes so quickly during the day.

So how about you? Do your pets change their habits with the weather? Do you?

Happy Sunday!

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

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I’m participating in The Spooktacular Giveaway Hop again this year. I love this event and am offering a print book of your choice (up to $15, International) from Amazon.

Click on the banner above and it will take you to my giveaway page. While you’re there, you might want to enter some of the other giveaways going on!

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Here are my new books for review.

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Books I grabbed up just for fun.

I managed to stay away from Netgalley and Edelweiss, but I did grab this freebie from Amazon. Sounds like a fun one. It ‘s still free, so if you want to check it out, click on the cover.

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And here are some freebies for ya!

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

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

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Books I’ll be reviewing next week.

I’ll also be reviewing one other book by this author, to be revealed.

And a few more reviews for next week.

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Some books I won.

Huge thanks to the blog hosts, authors, and tour organizers for these wonderful prizes.

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Queenie is such a….BAAD DOG ~ Horror Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 24, 2015 in Blog Tour, giveaways, horror, reviews, thriller
Tags: Author Sal Conte, Baad Dog, Horror, thriller

Isn’t it cute?! Such a sweet little doggie.

Come on in and meet Queenie.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Baad Dog by Sal Conte

Publication Date: October 16th, 2015

Genre: Horror/Thriller

My Review

If you ask Harry why he went in the store, he’s tell you it’s because he’s always wanted a dog. And the kids would love it too. He figures he can get around his wife’s objections with this dog.

Queenie is a robot. She looks and acts like a dog. The plus is she doesn’t eat or drink, so Pam won’t get stuck having to take care of her. She doesn’t pee or poo so there are no accidents to clean up. And she comes fully programmed so you don’t have to train her.

There’s still a problem though. Queenie doesn’t seem to like Pam. How can that be? And the robot dog comes with a warning. Don’t ever over charge her battery.

Well, you know what happens don’t ya? Queenie is left on the charger too long and has a melt down and starts to act weird. This is where Pam can and does say, I told you so.

A robot dog sounds ideal. Until you start thinking about all of those movies you watched and books you read. Nothing good can come of it.

I really got creeped out by this story. Once Queenie went bad, the horror began.

Imagine this cute little doggie, hiding in the shadows, setting traps, luring you into the dark. And then…..

I could see it. Lured outside by a sound, seeing this tiny dog appear from the shadows. It steps towards you. So little. So cute. So dang scary.

I almost felt sorry for Queenie, Almost. Then the terror began and all I wanted was to run her over with a big piece of farm equipment. Smash her flat. But I had a feeling she’d be too slippery for that to happen.

Queenie is a Baad Dog. If something seems to good to be true, don’t buy it!

There’s plenty of chills and hair raising scenes to make any horror fan a happy camper.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Don’t let the cute face fool you

Cujo has got nothing on this cute fuzzy faced little mongrel… or should I say fuzzy faced little killer?

Harry wanted a dog. He’d wanted a dog ever since his mother gave away the pup they’d adopted when he was a kid. She gave her away because Harry and his brother, Lenny, wouldn’t take care of her. Now Harry is a grown man with children of his own. He brings home, Queenie, a miracle of modern robotics that looks and behaves just like a real dog. Big Mistake. Harry’s wife, Pam, feels there’s something off about Queenie right from the start. But will Harry see the light before he and his entire family become dog food?

Excerpt

Some dogs are dangerous…

You can’t deny it. Everyone’s heard a story or two about the friendly pit bull, or the loveable Rottweiler who was the treasured family pet until the day he was playing with the kids in the yard and chewed little Liza’s fingers off.

But truth be told, those dogs— Rottweiler’s, Pit Bulls, Dobermans, aren’t born mean, they’re mean because they’ve been mistreated. A mistreated dog is nothing more than ticking time bombs just waiting for the right moment to go Cujo on an unsuspecting public lulled into a false sense of confidence by their giant gentleness.

But my, dog… my dog, the man thought. His dog was loved and cared for right from the start. His was a lap dog, cute and cuddly, and… perfect, which is why he was having the damndest time accepting the bitter truth— that his cute, cuddly, well treated dog was also a murderer.

So he lay there, his legs rendered useless, feeling as if they’d been set on fire like Christmas kindling. His world was spinning, spinning, spinning as if he’d been set down on a runaway merry-go-round. Through the pain and the spinning he heard the dog coming for him, coming to finish him off, her soft, doggie footsteps scratching gently toward him on the dust covered road.

Then she climbed up onto his body as he lay, eyes gazing up at the moon. She stood on his stomach, and teetered for a second before looking into his eyes.

Go get help, he thought. I need help. Of course, he knew better. She was the reason he was in this position in the first place. As the little dog began moving up his torso toward his chest, he thought of all the killer dogs he’d heard about or seen on the news over the years, and as his dog closed in for the kill, he wondered: since when did man’s best friend become his very own worst nightmare?

About the Author

Sal Conte is the horror writing alter ego of Amazon #1 Teen Horror author, E. Van Lowe. As Sal Conte, the author turns his talents to gruesome horror with stunning results. Sal Conte is the author of 80s pulp horror classics “Child’s Play” and “The Power,” as well as recent shorts “The Toothache Man” and “Because We Told Her To.

“Baad Dog” is Sal Conte’s first solo ebook. You can visit him at http://evanlowe.com/sal-contes-page/

Goodreads / Twitter / Website /Amazon Page / Facebook Fan Page

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Some scary Halloween fun to share before the giveaway!

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Tour

October 19th:

Wag The Fox– Promo Post
Awesome Book Assessment– Review
Book Wormie Spot– Promo Post

October 20th:
The Bookie Monster– Review

fundinmental– Promo Post
Read to my Heart’s Content– Review

October 21st:

Rainne’s Ramblings– Review & Promo Post
Bookwormia– Review

October 22nd:

Books! Books! Books!– Review
Book Crazy Lady– Promo Post

October 23rd:

One Book Two– Review
BooksChatter– Promo Post

October 24th:

fuonlyknew– Review

fundinmental– Review

October 25th:

BooksChatter– Review
Paranormal Sisters– Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

Lonely Planet Kids Adventures Around The Globe ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 23, 2015 in Action/Adventure, Blog Tour, Children's books, giveaways, reviews
Tags: Adventures In...Series, Around The Globe, Lonely Planet Kids, sticker and activity book

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the new titles recently released by Lonely Planet Kids (an imprint from Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel publisher), from October 15 to 31, 2015.

Lonely Planet collage

Lonely Planet Kids aims to enhance learning, interaction and appreciation for the planet’s rich
diversity of people, places and cultures. Immersive, engaging and educational, the new Lonely Planet Kids books continue to explore the world and inspire a whole new generation of travelers as only Lonely Planet can.

About Adventures Around the Globe

Title: Adventures Around the Globe
Publication Date: September, 2015

Publisher: Lonely Planet Kids

Pages: 60 + 12 pages of stickers

Recommended Ages: 4+

My Review

Adventures Around The Globe is one of several fun activity books in the “Adventures In…” series.

This is a heavy book with large glossy pages. There’s maps, spot the difference games, and pages to color.

There’s also a lot of fun facts about the places you visit in the book. Learn about the native wildlife, about the oceans, about mountains and cities and people.

Solve the maze, find the animals, and then head to the back of the book. There are pages and pages of stickers. You find the corresponding page and start sticking away, creating your own tapestry of adventure.

Three generations of my family, my mother, myself, and my son, had some fun with the Spot The Difference games. We took turns trying to find all of them and whoever did it in the least amount of time won.

I really wanted to get to the stickers and create some fun adventures. But, I have plans to give this book as a gift and let a special someone have all the fun.

The pages are thick and shiny and the colors so vivid the images leap out at you. And when I opened the book, it smelled so good. I love the smell of books.

Even after you do all of the activities, you’ll keep coming back to this wonderful book. There’s always something you missed, some fun fact or something hidden in a picture.

I recommend this to all ages. For the kids, they’ll spend hours immersed in these activities, and for the adults, hey, we are all kids inside.

5 Stars

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Description: Come and explore some of the world’s most amazing places with Adventures Around the Globe, a special edition sticker atlas from the ‘Adventures in…’ activity book series. Young explorers (ages 4+) will discover fun facts, interact with maps and puzzles, decorate real-life locations with over 250 reusable stickers–
even create a fold-out 3D model of the globe.

About Lonely Planet Kids

From the world’s leading travel media company comes Lonely Planet Kids, a children’s imprint that brings the world to life for young explorers everywhere. We’re kickstarting the travel bug and showing kids just how amazing our planet can be. We will inspire and delight curious kids, showing them the rich diversity of people, places and cultures that surrounds us. We promise to share our enthusiasm and love of the world, our sense of humour and continual fascination for what it is that makes the world we live in the diverse and magnificent place it is. It’s going to be a big adventure! Come explore.

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Lonely Planet Kids
Blog Tour Schedule

October 15

Mother Daughter Book Reviews (Launch & Giveaway)

Cherry Mischievous (Spotlight: Adventures Around the Globe)

Rockin’ Book Reviews (Review: How to be an International Spy)

October 16

Domestic Chanteuse (Spotlight: The Travel Book)

Reading Authors (Review: You Rule!)

October 17

Adalinc to Life (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Geo Librarian (Review: The Travel Book)

October 18

2ReadBook (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Tea Time and Books (Spotlight: You Rule!)

October 19

The Blended Blog (Review: The Travel Book)

Icefairy’s Treasure Chest (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

October 20

Bookworm for Kids (Review: You Rule!)

Mami Tales (Review: How to be an International Spy)

October 21

Here’s the Story (Review: The Travel Book)

Alwaysjoart (Review: You Rule!)

October 22

Tina the Bookworm (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Sunshine Girl Blog (Spotlight: Adventures Around the Globe)

October 23

Fuonlyknew (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Books for Books (Review: You Rule!)

October 24

Jemima Pett (Review: The Travel Book)

October 25

Published Bestsellers (Spotlight: How to be an International Spy)

October 26

K&A’s Children’s Book Reviews (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Christy’s Cozy Corners (Review: The Travel Book)

October 27

My Soul Called Life (Review: How to be an International Spy)

I Read What You Write (Review: You Rule!)

October 28

Blooming Brilliant (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

Writer With Wanderlust (Review: The Travel Book)

October 29

View From the Birdhouse (Spotlight: The Travel Book)

Kevin Gerard, Author of Diego’s Dragon (Review: You Rule!)

October 30

P is for Preschooler (Review: Adventures Around the Globe)

The Logonauts (Review: The Travel Book)

October 31

Oh My Bookness (Review: How to be an International Spy)

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or
$25 PayPal cash prize, winner’s choice
Giveaway ends: November 8, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE
PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Lonely Planet Kids and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to
Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

All Agos, Ne’er Now, and Will Be Once ~ Convergence ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 22, 2015 in Action/Adventure, Blog Tour, Fantasy, giveaways, reviews
Tags: Author Trudie L. Hayes, Convergence, fantasy, time travel

Thanks for visiting my stop on the tour for Convergence.

I’m sharing my review today.

And there’s a giveaway so don’t forget to enter!

Convergence

by Trudie L. Hayes

My Review

I’m still debating whether to categorize this as fantasy or science fiction or both.

The story feels like both as it has different dimensions of time, and beings like the Triigors and Vengenites, who were on Earth long before humans.

It starts normal enough for three junior high students. One girl and two boys are thrown together by what appears to be coincidence and they quickly form a strong bond.

Before they can even get settled into new classes, they are whisked to the side and learn they are special. They are Triigors and their mission in life is to protect humans from the Vengenites, another type of being bent on mankinds extinction.

The beginning is a little difficult to navigate as you learn about these beings and the author builds this world. It took me some time to get the feel for it.

From there, the kids set off on their missions and things start to fall into place and the story reads easier.

I did enjoy this story. I just had some difficulty navigating the world the author built. It’s quite unique and you could tell she put a lot of time into it.

As for the characters. The three teens, Marissa, Chandler, and Otis were a delight. I really liked their friendship. They developed a strong bond based on trust and self growth.

You’d think these kids were too young for the responsibilities they were dealt, but the author explained how they matured so quickly because they ‘became’ Triigors. I had a few laughs when they traveled through time and ended up in adult bodies.

This is a large book and doesn’t read quickly. I needed to reread some spots to get the gist of things. I’d recommend this to those of you who like reading about new worlds and beings along with some time travel and adventure, but would suggest it be read by young adult readers and older as it is complicated.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

It was the first day of school and anxieties were running high. For certain there was the excitement of moving up a grade, but there was also the dread of anything and everything that could go wrong. Not only were the possibilities endless, they were totally out of your control. Whether or not you were accepted rested squarely on the shoulders of the popular kids. Suppose you were too short or too tall; too smart or not smart enough; too rich or too poor; or just plain different?

These thoughts were fresh on the minds of Otis, Chandler and Marissa. Three pre-teens whose paths had never crossed, although they lived in the same town in Connecticut. Their backgrounds were so diverse they may as well have lived worlds apart. That was all about to change when on their way to school a series of bizarre events lump them together. Literally!

Join them on this unreal journey to alternate realities never before revealed. Go back in time to a parallel past, the All Agos. Coexist in a present experience that mirrors your own, the Ne’er Now. Finally and with greater understanding, manifest in a future of your creation, the Will Be Once.

Then you will have come closer to achieving …as it should.

Buy the book: Amazon

Author Trudie L. Hayes

Trudie L. Hayes’ personal story and family life influenced her mission to spread the core values of self-acceptance, self-esteem, and self-love to children and persons of all ages. An affiliation with physically and mentally disabled adults and children spanning many years is a major contributing factor. The caregiver role has been paramount throughout much of her life, even while furthering her education or working full-time in a corporate setting.

These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the trials and struggles associated with a compromised existence. As well as the inspiration and joy derived from living life to one’s personal best.

It is through these myriad life experiences that Hayes began writing and registering several related trademarks. With a grander vision of promoting confidence and self-worth.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Hayes still calls the Nutmeg State home. The oldest of two children, she remains close to her siblings. When Hayes is not writing or managing her business, she dedicates her time to other creative outlets and artistic pursuits. Hayes has a deep appreciation and passion for music in its many forms; she enjoys writing song lyrics, performing, and has an affinity for Jazz.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

Thirteen authors give you….Happy Homicides ~ Review and Two Giveaways

Posted: October 20, 2015 in Anthology, Blog Tour, Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Mystery, New Release, reviews
Tags: anthology, Happy Homicides, multiple authors, New Release

Happy Homicides – 13 Cozy Holiday Mysteries
by Joanna Campbell Slan and 12 more Cozy Authors

Doesn’t this sound awesome. You’ll probably recognize many of these authors, as I did, and find some new ones too!

Come on in, cozy up, and enjoy my review.

And don’t forget to enter the awesome giveaway!

Happy Homicides Cover Final Happy Homicides Bonus Final

Happy Homicides & Happy Homicides Bonus

Not Available for Sale or Pre-Order Yet.

My Review

Thirteen stories for the holidays. How great is that!

Some of my favorite authors contributed to this anthology along with some new ones for me.

Each story, though not a full length novel, was so well written it felt complete. That shows the talent of these authors, giving you a beginning, middle, and end, in a limited amount of words.

Spend the holidays meeting new characters, falling in love, and solving some murders.

Each new story brings that feeling of wonder. You are entering a new world, going on a new adventure.

After I finished one story, I couldn’t resist starting the next one. And so it went until I finished them all.

With weather cooling down, these stories would be great companions while curled up with a snug blanket and a hot cuppa tea.

5 Stars

Synopsis:

A holiday bonanza! A collection of traditional mysteries to celebrate the holidays, written by thirteen bestselling and award-winning authors. Heartwarming, brain puzzling, craft-centered, and character driven reads that’ll keep you entertained for hours. Nearly 800 pages of reading material, plus a special Recipe and Craft Bonus.

Included are:

Kiki Lowenstein and the Rowan Branch – (Joanna Campbell Slan) When Horace Goldfader is accused of murder, Kiki learns how difficult it can be to maintain peace on earth—and to keep her deathbed promise to her late friend, Dodie.

Cara Mia Delgatto and the Misdirected Gifts — (Joanna Campbell Slan) Two waylaid items cause Cara to take a break from her booming retail business and follow her heart. Can a sprinkling of holiday magic create a “happily ever after” ending for all involved?

The Christmas Dog — (Joyce and Jim Lavene) A woman running from her deadly past finds hope, and a dog, at Christmas.

and more.

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About This Author

Joanna Campbell Slan is the award-winning author of the Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries (an Agatha Award Finalist) and two other mystery series. Her stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series has been read and loved by millions. Her books reviving the classic heroine Jane Eyre have won the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award. In her past life, Joanna was a television talk show host, an adjunct professor of public relations, a sought-after motivational speaker, and a corporate speechwriter. She is married to David Slan, CEO of Steinway Piano Gallery-DC. The Slans make their home on Jupiter Island, Florida. Visit Joanna’s website at www.JoannaSlan.com

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Purchase Links
Amazon
B&N

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

There are two giveaways today!

First Giveaway

Win an eBook copy!

Entry is easy. Please leave an email address so I can contact you if you win, and leave a comment.

What do you think of the covers? Do you love mysteries? Show some love!

Giveaway ends October 29th.

Second Giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Click on the links below to follow the tour for more fun stops.

Tour Participants

October 15 – Michelle’s Romantic Tangle – Guest Post

October 16 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too ! – Spotlight, Giveaway

October 16 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review

October 17 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

October 18 – Community Bookstop – Review, Giveaway

October 19 – THE SELF-TAUGHT COOK – Review, Giveaway

October 19 – MysteriesEtc – Review, Giveaway

October 20 – fuonlyknew – Review, Giveaway

October 20 – Book Babble – Spotlight

October 21 – A Year of Jubilee Reviews – Review

October 21 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Interview, Giveaway

October 22 – readalot – Review, Giveaway

October 23 – A Fold in the Spine – Review

October 24 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Interview, Giveaway

October 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Giveaway

October 26 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – Review, Giveaway

October 27 – Laura’s Interests – Review, Giveaway

October 27 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Guest Post, Spotlight

October 28 – Bubble Bath Books – Review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

Brood X and Nightlight Tales On Saturday Screams ~ With a Giveaway

Posted: October 17, 2015 in horror, reviews, Short stories and collections, suspense, thriller
Tags: Author Anthony Renfro, Author Michael Phillip Cash, Brood X, Nightlight Tales

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Welcome to my Saturday Screams!

With Halloween fast approaching, I’ve amassed a bunch of creepy stories to share with you.

halloween photo: EveryDayIsHalloweenPinkFlash EveryDayIsHalloweenPinkFlash.gif

Recently I showcased several books I won from Michael Phillip Cash and I asked you to help me choose which order I should review them in.

The Flip was the top choice and you can read my review HERE.

Next up was The After House. Check out my review HERE.

Third up was The Hanging Tree. Check out my review HERE.

And now for Brood X.

Come on in and get your scare on!

Brood X

My Review

I swear I was itching all over after reading this book. I’m not crazy about bugs and Brood X are huge cicadas.

I’m sure you’ve heard them in the summer, calling each other from tree to tree. They can get so loud it drives you indoors.

A lot of the people in Long Island heeding the warnings and packed up, heading to somewhere safe until the outbreak is over. The cicadas, Brood X, are due to hatch and they’ll number in the trillions.

Some people scoff and say it’s just bugs. Well, try this. Hold out your hand. Now picture a cicada as long as that hand. Have you ever seen one up close. They’re not pretty. And though they aren’t known to bite, the bugs don’t know that.

One bite from these buggers is excruciating. Imagine a swarm covering your body. And the females are the worst. They have stingers, and will try to lay their eggs in any available orifice.

So, in the beginning. Seth and his pregnant wife aren’t leaving. He blows it all off as nonsense. This didn’t sit well with me. What if it gets bad? No water. No electricity. No one to rescue them. And his wife is very pregnant. He came off as selfish and and a boor. I never did warm up to him.

And sure enough, things get really bad. The neighborhood is unrecognizable. It’s coated with crawling cicadas. They are clogging up the water supply. Chewing through the electric wires. And are so thick you can’t see to drive, even if you dared to go outside.

This story moves quickly. It doesn’t take long for you to get to know the characters and once the cicadas enter the tale things go bad fast. You’ll think of this book whenever you hear a cicada’s call.

Are you itching yet?

4 Stars

Synopsis

Seth is laid off from work. His wife Lara just found out they are expecting a baby this summer. Seth plans on documenting the entire pregnancy with his brand new digital camcorder.

During an evening home watching television, the news reports that a swarm of cicada (Brood Ten) are expected to overwhelm the entire Northeast.

Brood Ten is vicious and ready to invade.

During a sweltering summer night, Brood Ten emerges and wreaks havoc with the electric grid, phone and cell service, wi-fi, food and water supply. Civilization as they know it is gone.

Seth and Lara are thrown back to the stone age in their own home with trillions of cicada trying to deposit their eggs and breed.

Fast paced and filled with tension, Brood Ten is the perfect summer read when you’re sitting outside listening to the cicadas sing.

Click on the cover to get your copy.

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EXTRA! EXTRA!

And I have one more I want to squeeze in before Halloween is over.

I’ve read all of Anthony Renfros’ stories and I’m thrilled to share his newest collection with you.

***And Anthony has a giveaway on Goodreads.***

Go HERE and scroll down for a chance to win a print copy!

Nightlight Tales

My Review

It’s been my pleasure to read all of Anthony’s stories and now he has gathered them together in one volume.

I’d love to share my reviews of each story individually but that would be one huge review. So I’ll tease you instead.

Looking for some scary good reads?

From demon possession to fanatics.

From a cave dwelling monster to a haunted house.

From zombies to she devils.

There’s daylight vampires and sunrise werewolves.

And all things haunted and beastly.

There are plenty of ways to get your fright on in these pages.

These stories, spun from Anthony’s imagination, will fill you with wonder and hope and the darkness beyond.

Lots of action. Lots of suspense. Well developed characters. And terrific plots. There’s something for everyone in this collection.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

13 tales of terror.

13 tales that will have you reaching for the nightlight before you go to bed tonight.

The stories in this chilling collection are as follows.

1. The Man from the Road: A man suddenly appears on a road. He’s lost, confused, no clue as to how he got there. He starts to walk and stops suddenly. There’s a bonfire in a field nearby. He sees people dancing around this fire. They are performing some kind of ritual. He turns to flee, but he’s captured. No chance of escape. He hopes he is only dreaming, because all of this seems a bit too real.

2. The Living Sand: Two boys discover a hidden beach and the evil deadly secrets that lie within its soft white grains of sand.

3. SHe: A monster stalks the city of Tampa Bay. This monster is only attacking women taking only the one thing it needs. Tim Roberts, a detective, is hot on this monster’s trail. Will he catch this monster in time or will this monster feed until it has its fill? Be careful Tim, this monster has a secret yet to be revealed.

4. A Zombie Christmas: Three men risk life and limb in a Zombie Apocalypse in order to bring happiness to surviving kids on Christmas Morning.

5. Need to Feed: Another year. Another massacre looming. When the sun rises on the Old West town of Saltwater Junction this town will face head on two fierce predators. Vampires who stalk you in the sunlight and werewolves that transform with the sunrise. This short story rewrites the legends and all you’ve ever known about these creatures of the night. Where do you go when there’s no place left to hide?

6. A Haunted House Tale: Five college students on Halloween night set out to discover the secrets of the town’s most infamous haunted house. Will these students live to see the morning or will this house claim five more victims?

7. A Zombie Thanksgiving: A woman risks life and limb in a Zombie Apocalypse in order to keep the Thanksgiving tradition alive.

8. Sandy and The Stranger: A road racing champion meets his match in the form of a stranger who may or may not be the ghost of James Dean himself.

9. Demon Energy: A short story about 1 man possessed and tormented by a 1000 demons who must fight for a soul he is starting to lose. Will he ever find salvation or is his body now an eternal host of hell?

10. Killer Treads: A short story about a man who sees a flashy ad online advertising a twenty dollar treadmill. He buys the machine, too cheap to be scared, and realizes much to his dismay that this machine has a taste for blood. Big Bob better run like his life depends on it because in many ways it does.

11. A Zombie New Year’s Eve: Becky and Joe are separated in a Zombie Apocalypse and risk life and limb in order to reunite for their New Year’s Eve kiss.

12. Joyride: A Joyride in a Chevy Chevelle. The car was just sitting there for the taking. What could possibly go wrong? Vinnie and Mike are about to find out what can and will go wrong once they turn the key. Evil awaits.

13. A Vampire at Christmas: A Vampire uses his riches and immortal skills to bring joy to those in need during the Christmas Season.

Click on the cover to get your copy.

~~~~

You can click on the covers below to read my reviews.

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Be sure to stop back by for next Saturday’s choice.

And thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

It was supposed to be a relaxing getaway ~ The Cypress Trap by JC Gatlin ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 16, 2015 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Mystery, reviews, suspense
Tags: Author JC Gatlin, mystery, suspense, The Cypress Tarp

Welcome to my tour stop for The Cypress Trap by J.C. Gatlin. This is an adult suspense/thriller novel. The tour runs October 12-23 with reviews, interviews, guest posts and excerpts. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.

The Cypress Trap

by JC Gatlin

My Review

Hang on to your boot straps! This is one intense, suspense filled read.

Rayanne knows her marriage is in trouble, so she talks her husband, Owens, into changing his plans and going fishing with her. They need to work on things.

She’s none too happy when Owens fishing buddy Daryl shows up, but sucks it up and goes along with them. What first appears to be some punk kids messing with them on the lake quickly turns into a fight for their lives.

From the water, to the woods, to an old cabin, they are relentlessly pursued by maniacal teens and a ferocious Rottweiler.

It makes you think twice about going off road. You go on a trip into the wilderness, or even just a bit away from the populace, never thinking anything bad will happen. Is that ignorance? Or is it denial? Bad things happen all the time. People disappear and are never found.

What do the teens want? How did it get so out of control?

I can’t wait for you to read this book and find out. It’s something so inconsequential.

And the relentless suspense will keep you reading to the end.

4 Stars

~~~~

Synopsis

When Rayanne commandeers her husband’s weekend fishing trip, she knows it’ll take work to adjust Owen’s attitude. She has no choice. Since the tragedy, they lost so much. They need to reconnect.

Without her knowledge, Owen texts his best buddy, Daryl, to join the getaway. The three of them aren’t alone in the backwoods of Georgia, though. Owen took something that didn’t belong to him. Something that changed their lives. And now the owner wants it back. By any means — including a posse led by a killer dog.

At first, Rayanne is clueless about the item and its value. One thing becomes crystal clear: If it’s not returned, they might not make it home alive.

Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube Book Trailer

~~~~~

About the Author:
JC Gatlin lives in Tampa, Florida. In addition to regular fishing trips, he wrote a monthly column for New Tampa Style Magazine, then began penning several mystery/suspense stories. He also maintains a blog about the art of spinning a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat mystery yarn.

Coming from a large family with five brothers, JC grew up in Grapevine — a small Texas town just outside of Dallas. He moved to Tampa in 1999, and most of his stories feature the rich landscapes of Texas and Florida as backdrop.

Website | Amazon Page | Goodreads

$10 Amazon Gift Card (INT)

Ends Oct. 28th

Prizing is provided by CBB Book Promotions, hosts are not responsible for prizing.

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

~~~~~

Follow the tour for more fun stops.

10/12

Excerpt – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too!

Excerpt – Born Bookish

10/13

Excerpt – WS Momma Readers Nook

10/14

Guest Post – CBY Book Club

Review – The Desert Bibliophile

10/15

Excerpt – Crystal’s Chaotic Confessions

Guest Post – Bookhounds

10/16

Excerpt – Turbulence In The Eye Of The Storm

Review – fuonlyknew

10/19

Review & Guest Post – fundinmental

Review – Candace’s Book Blog

10/20

Review – Cassandra’s Reviews

10/21

Excerpt – Alpha Book Club

10/22

Guest Post – Curling Up With A Good Book

10/23

Review – Maureen’s Books

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

What’s New On My Bookshelf #132 and The Sunday Post

Posted: October 11, 2015 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: my weekly book news, The Sunday Post

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

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

Sunday Post

Kimberly the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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

~~~

Some chit chat.

I feel like I keep repeating myself. LOL

Nothing new in my life at this time.

I’m still spending every minute I can with my mother and will be doing so until she returns to Michigan.

Mr. and Mrs. Wonderful (my sister and brother-in-law), along with my mother and I hit Wind Creek Casino again. I lost everything but my clothes! LOL Luckily I didn’t take that much money with me.

We had a blast and ate some great food too. I’m hoping we have one more trip before my mother hops on the plane home.

I did manage to get out some of my Fall and Halloween decorations. I’m missing two boxes of stuff and I’m debating whether I want to dig for them. I have a walk-in closet jamb packed with Christmas stuff in there. I usually keep the Halloween stuff in one place but must have got lazy and stuffed them anywhere in there. Don’t know if it’s worth the effort to drag everything out to find them. LOL

How about you? Doing any decorating yet?

Are you going to carve a pumpkin? I was thinking, not. But, now I think I will. It’s messy but scary fun and I love to roast the pumpkin seeds!

scary pumpkins photo: Halloween pumpkins Hallowwenpumpkins.png

Happy Sunday!

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

~~~

Here are my new books for review.

A BIG FAT ZERO!

“What?” you say!

Yep, I just realized I have no new review books this week.

But don’t worry. I have a bunch of reviews I’ll be sharing through the holidays and some will have great giveaways.

I’m sure I’ll be adding new ones too.

~~~

Books I grabbed up just for fun.

Both of these were free downloads from Amazon. They look fun and both are new authors to me too.

You can click on the covers if you want to grab them. Just make sure they’re still free!

~~~

And here are some freebies for ya!

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

~~~

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

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Books I’ll be reviewing next week.

I have a couple of others I’ll be sharing too. Just not sure which ones quite yet.

~~~

Your Third Choice for Saturday Screams ~ The Hanging Tree

Posted: October 10, 2015 in Dark Fantasy, horror, Novella, reviews
Tags: Author Michael Phillip Cash, dark fantasy, Horror, novella, The Hanging Tree

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Welcome to my Saturday Screams!

With Halloween fast approaching, I’ve amassed a bunch of creepy stories to share with you.

halloween photo: EveryDayIsHalloweenPinkFlash EveryDayIsHalloweenPinkFlash.gif

Recently I showcased several books I won from Michael Phillip Cash and I asked you to help me choose which order I should review them in.

The Flip was the top choice and you can read my review HERE.

Next up was The After House. Check out my review HERE.

Now for your next choice, The Hanging Tree.

Come on in and get your scare on!

The Hanging Tree

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My Review

A scary good tale.

The location, Long Island. The setting, beneath the legendary Hanging Tree.

The characters.

Arielle, a seventeen year old girl. Frustrated and angry at her parents, she sneaks off to the tr to meet Chad.

Chad, one year older than Arielle, is there for her. Understands her. Cares about her. He meets her under the tree.

The tree.

A local legend and truly haunted.

The inhabitants of the tree.

Spirits, young and old, angry and sad, despairing and hopeful.

And one more thing. Watch out for the cat!

This was a short story but so well written. The characters, alive and dead, were so captivating. Arielle and Chad had me feeling their pain, their hope. And the spirits in the tress. Well, most of them really creeped me out.

How the author presents the spirits and their ties to the Hanging Tree is quite creative and eerie. Now I look twice when I see one of the massive Live Oaks that grow everywhere in the south. Their twisted branches, some growing right along ground are how I pictured the Hanging Tree. I wonder if they have spirits lingering, attaching to those branches, just waiting for someone to come along.

I still think about this story. About choices I’ve made. About choices I will make in the future.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Enter a world where spirits roam the earth in Michael Phillip Cash’s haunting new novella, The Hanging Tree. Set amid the eerie backdrop of Long Island, an area famously steeped in old legend, two young would-be lovers contemplate their future while visits from those who have come before them reveal the lure of fate…and the power of free will. At seventeen years old, Arielle’s relationship with her parents is slowly deteriorating. Angry and defiant, she is at a loss on how to cope with the tumultuous situation in which she finds herself. Arielle’s only comfort is Chad, an eighteen-year-old young man who seems to truly understand her struggles. Arielle and Chad meet beneath the low-hanging branches of what the local community has nick-named the “Hanging Tree”. An ancient and majestic landmark, it has long been rumored that the tree is haunted by ghosts. These ghosts span various centuries and vary wildly in age, but each one of them has one thing in common: their deaths are all somehow connected to the tree itself. As Arielle and Chad commiserate over their current situation and their precarious nature of their future, the spectral inhabitants of the Hanging Tree witness their conversation. One by one,the ghosts begin reminiscing about their own lives-and deaths- as they examine the inner demons with which their human forms long struggled. An eerie meditation on the oft-overlooked power of choice, Cash’s The Hanging Tree will stay with readers long after they turn out the light.

Trailer

~~~~~

Be sure to stop back by for next Saturday’s choice.

And thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Lancaster House ~ Free to you through October 11th!

Posted: October 9, 2015 in Freebies!, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Romance, Series
Tags: Author Taylor Dean, freebie, Lancaster House, Paranormal/Fantasy

Taylor Dean has her paranormal romance, Lancaster House, free on Amazon now through October 11th!

You don’t want to miss this one!

Click on the cover to get your copy!

I’m reposting my review for ya!

My Review

To find out why Joy tried to kill herself, why she is under the care of Dr. Channing at Serenity HIlls, and why she is suspected of killing two men, we have to go back to the beginning.

When Joy first laid eyes on Lancaster House, she knew she had to have it.

She couldn’t wait to get started on the restoration. Couldn’t wait to bring the old house back to its former glory.

The work was slow but rewarding. She was doing one room at a time. She would go to bed exhausted and rise to start again the next morning.

After five hours of scraping and sanding the bannister, she took a lunch break. When she returned to finish up, she couldn’t believe her eyes. It was finished!

She told herself maybe she was confused, being so tired and all.

But the next night it happened again. She didn’t get the wall papering done.

In the morning, when she came downstairs, it was finished.

Now she panicked, racing through the house, but no one was there.

Not one to be scared, she knows she can figure this out.

Stop standing here like a ninny and figure this out. There has to be a logical explanation.

But there isn’t. And she is beginning to think the former owner, Andre Lancaster, is still living in the house. Either that or she is going crazy.

~~~

Mini Excerpt for ya.

“You can see me?” he asked again, his tone urgent.

“Yes,” she whispered, unable to find her voice.

For several seconds he simply stared at her, his eyes smoldering. She trembled under his gaze, her bottom lip quivering. One hand reached up, his motions slow, and cupped her cheek. He let out his breath and closed his eyes as if the feel of her did something to him.

“I won’t hurt you Zoe.”

~~~

But how can that be? He’s been dead for many, many years.

A really fun part of this story is the language. The slang from the 1920’s is quirky and I enjoyed reading how Joy figured out what Andre meant by some of the sayings.

Stuff like giggle water is alcohol. Makes sense. And Bank’s closed which means no kissing.

After you finish reading Lancaster House you tell me what you think. Is Joy crazy?

Did she just make up Andre and their passionate affair to keep from being alone?

Is Dr. Channing right in that ghosts don’t exist?

So many questions and an ending that will let you decide, or not.

I adored Joy and Andre and want a Lancaster House of my own.

5 Stars for this haunting love story.

Synopsis

A Paranormal Romance

Zoe Grayson needs a change. So, she moves to another state, purchases an old, dilapidated 1920s Victorian Mansion, and sets out to restore it to its former glory. As she begins the restoration, she finds herself falling in love with the old house . . . not to mention its illustrious builder, Mr. Lancaster. Zoe becomes obsessed with the house as she discovers its secrets; hidden rooms, secret passageways . . . and a mysterious man who seems to think the house is his. Who is he? More importantly, how does he live in her home unseen and unheard?

The unexpected answers leave her reeling—and questioning everything she’s ever known. To her dismay, Zoe’s actions land her in the local psychiatric hospital, scheming for ways to return to Lancaster House . . . and the love of her life.

~~~

When you’re over grabbing your free copy, you might want to grab the other book in this series, The Middle Aisle.

The eBook is only $2.99 ! Click on the cover to get yours.

Sharing my review of this one too!

My Review

Hmm, how do I tell you about this book without spoiling it. It’s hard to review the next book in a series.

In Lancaster House, you are left wondering if Andre is real or a ghost. Is Joy crazy as a loon, desperate for any kind of love, or is her house haunted?

In The Middle Aisle, you will still be wondering. You may think at some point, “Oh, now I see.” But then, as you read further, you are in doubt again.

Taylor Dean has written a series like none other. You are kept “in the dark,” figuratively, throughout both books.

I don’t recall ever being so unsure of my own conclusions in a book.

The love between Joy and Andre is very real and so endearing. But is Andre real? If he isn’t, then is their love real?

~~~

Mini Excerpt

“You’re imagination intrigues and fascinates me, Zoe,” Wade commented, his voice cracking. He cleared his throat and ran his hands over his face. “Why don’t we take a break?” he suggested and quickly exited the room, stumbling on his own feet as he left.

It wasn’t possible, it just wasn’t possible, he thought, as his mind wandered to that moment…. Turns out it was possible, it just wasn’t real…

~~~

And if Andre is real, then that makes the alluring, malevolent Adelle real as well.

Aah! I can’t say I ever really figured it out. But, I don’t have to. I feel it is up to each reader to decide for themselves. And whether you figure it out or not doesn’t matter. It is still a love story for all time. One that goes beyond the physical, to the otherworldly.

5 Stars for keeping me wondering.

Synopsis

Zoe Grayson is back in Lancaster House, ordered to bed rest for the duration of her unexpected pregnancy. Doctor Wade Channing, her overzealous psychiatrist, is living in Lancaster House, taking care of her, waiting on her, and tending to her every need. It seems to be the perfect arrangement.

There’s just one catch.

She has to tell him her story—everything that has happened in her life since the moment she escaped from Serenity Hills. It’s been quite an adventure to include renovating another home and a walk down the middle aisle.

But, that’s all over now. Nothing is real. It never was.

How did she end up in this miserable situation?

~~~

Author Taylor Dean

WEBSITE NEWSLETTER FACEBOOK TWITTER

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 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.

~~~

Until the next time…..

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

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What’s New On My Bookshelf #133 and The Sunday Post

Queenie is such a….BAAD DOG ~ Horror Review and Giveaway

Lonely Planet Kids Adventures Around The Globe ~ Review and Giveaway

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the new titles recently released by Lonely Planet Kids (an imprint from Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel publisher), from October 15 to 31, 2015.

About Adventures Around the Globe

About Lonely Planet Kids

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Lonely Planet Kids
Blog Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Giveaway

All Agos, Ne’er Now, and Will Be Once ~ Convergence ~ Review and Giveaway

Thirteen authors give you….Happy Homicides ~ Review and Two Giveaways

Happy Homicides – 13 Cozy Holiday Mysteries
by Joanna Campbell Slan and 12 more Cozy Authors

Brood X and Nightlight Tales On Saturday Screams ~ With a Giveaway

EXTRA! EXTRA!

It was supposed to be a relaxing getaway ~ The Cypress Trap by JC Gatlin ~ Tour Review and Giveaway

What’s New On My Bookshelf #132 and The Sunday Post

Your Third Choice for Saturday Screams ~ The Hanging Tree

Lancaster House ~ Free to you through October 11th!

Follow Blog via Email

Recent Posts

categories

Find me on X

Follow me via Bloglovin

Say hi on Facebook

My Pins

Books I’ve Read

Archives

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the new titles recently released by Lonely Planet Kids (an imprint from Lonely Planet, the world’s leading travel publisher), from October 15 to 31, 2015.

About Adventures Around the Globe

About Lonely Planet Kids

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Lonely Planet Kids Blog Tour Schedule

Blog Tour Giveaway

Happy Homicides – 13 Cozy Holiday Mysteries by Joanna Campbell Slan and 12 more Cozy Authors

EXTRA! EXTRA!

Lonely Planet Kids
Blog Tour Schedule

Happy Homicides – 13 Cozy Holiday Mysteries
by Joanna Campbell Slan and 12 more Cozy Authors