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Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

Lets get metaphysical with The Riga Hayworth Series by Kirsten Weiss ~ My Reviews and Giveaway

Posted: April 24, 2014 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
Tags: Kirsten Weiss, Riga Hayworth Series

Lets get metaphysical with Kirsten Weiss’s Riga Hayworth Series!

I read these books out of order starting with the fourth and fifth and then the first book. They can be read as stand alones. I like that.

For today I’ll be reviewing The Metaphysical Detective and also I’ve provided a link to my review of The Infernal Detective. Stop back tomorrow for my review of The Elemental Detective.

Then I’m hoping to read the second and third books!

Also got a great giveaway for ya so be sure to enter!

~~~

THE METAPHYSICAL DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 1

October 24, 2011

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

~~~

My Review

I have already read Book Four and then Book Five in this series and had no difficulty getting into them. The author reintroduces you to the characters and past invents with no slowing down the new story.

I couldn’t wait to get to this first book so I could meet Riga as if for the first time.

What a rush this was. Riga took on a client who claimed her dead husband was trying to kill her. Voila, the client ended up dead and powerful magic was afoot.

The author lends Greek mythology and the power of Tarot to this mystery, keeping it interesting and driving the story forward.

As much as I was curious about who killed who, how, and why, I was also curious about an odd incident Riga had. She goes to the usual pub for some wine and encounters a sexy, enigmatic man who claims they know each other very well. Riga blows him off as a nutcase as she has no friends.

What tweaked my radar was a comment the bar owner, Takako, said. After Riga told her the handsome stranger was no friend of hers, Takako uttered, “But you two have been coming here together for years.”

With Riga’s powers acting wiggy, I wondered what in the world was going on and had a fantastic time finding out.

Meeting characters I already knew as if for the first time endeared them to me even more. I loved this book and can’t wait to read the next two!

I recommend this to everyone who likes a mystery in a mystery, lots of magical elements and strong writing with a mixed bag of characters, human and otherwise.

5 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

Tarot, the Archetypes, Good Wine… and a Dog Named Dog.

When Riga Hayworth finds her new client dead, she smells a set up of metaphysical proportions. Now, to find a killer, Riga must travel from San Francisco to the underworld… and make it back alive.

Riga’s client, Helen Baro, believes her husband is trying to kill her. One problem: her husband died in a car crash last year. Riga isn’t sure what to think. Is Helen mad? Is someone else trying to harm the woman? Or is this really a case of attempted murder from beyond the grave? But then Helen is found dead, leaving a strange haiku and tarot for a clue, and Riga is hurled into an investigation that threatens the detective and those she loves.

An urban fantasy based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Metaphysical Detective explores the power of the archetypes through the double lens of tarot and Greek mythology.

~~~

THE ALCHEMICAL DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 2

May 31, 2012

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Synopsis

Where Alchemy, Demons, and Good Wine Collide… with a Lake Monster Named Tessie.

A psychic has been murdered in an occult ceremony and the police pay a visit to Riga Hayworth, metaphysical detective. But this time, she’s not a consultant on the case. She’s a suspect.

There’s a storm on the horizon.

Riga’s lost her magic and has come to Lake Tahoe to recover and spend quality time with her new love. But life for Riga is never that simple. A psychic’s been murdered, and the police believe Riga has a connection to the crime.

They’re right.

And if that’s not enough, Riga is drafted as the host of a reality TV show about the local lake monster, and her niece is rejecting her metaphysical abilities. Juggling demons, daimons, and angry tarot card readers, Riga must catch a killer before she becomes the next target.

The Alchemical Detective is an urban fantasy exploring the world of alchemy and the imagination.

~~~

THE SHAMANIC DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 3

October 19, 2012

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

Synopsis

A Fast-paced Urban Fantasy

When Riga Hayworth’s lover is arrested, she’s determined to unearth the truth, no matter the cost. But life – and death – get in the way.

All Riga wants is to clear the name of her almost-fiancée, Donovan Mosse. But a death faerie has other plans for her, and Riga is forced to protect a shaman with a house full of murderous relatives. The only way to stop this killer is to figure out who he, or she, is before the next strike. As the two cases become entangled, Riga must choose between facts and faith, and decide just how far she’s willing to go for love.

The Shamanic Detective is a paranormal mystery set in Lake Tahoe, exploring shamanism, the shadow, and the world of the fae.

~~~

THE INFERNAL DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 4

Published by: Misterio Press

May 21, 2013

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

*****Check out my 5 STAR review HERE*****

~~~

Synopsis

Murder. The undead. Irritating relatives.

When Riga Hayworth finds a dead body in her bedroom, it’s par for the course. When the corpse drives off with her fiancée… That’s a problem.

Riga knows dead. More intimately than she’d like. So when a murdered photographer walks away from her pre-wedding party, she believes there’s necromancy afoot. And when she discovers that several of her wedding guests are under the influence of dark magic, she’s certain. But how can she catch a killer and stop a necromancer when even her nearest and dearest are lying to her?

Marrying romance, mystery, and the metaphysical, The Infernal Detective is a fast-paced urban fantasy, where nothing is quite as it seems, and magic lies just beyond the veil.

“A high-voltage, cleverly spun mystery, that I couldn’t put down. Riga Hayworth is addictive.”

– Diana Orgain, Best-selling author of The Maternal Instincts Mysteries

~~~

THE ELEMENTAL DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 5

Published by: Misterio Press

December 21, 2013

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

Word Count: 70,647

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

****Stop back by tomorrow for my review!****

~~~

Synopsis

Mermaids, menehunes, and murder.

Riga Hayworth just wants to relax with her new husband on their Hawaiian honeymoon. But a body on a Kauai beach pulls them into a murder investigation, sending the supernatural world into an uproar.

When Riga detects traces of magic at a murder scene, she knows she can’t ignore the call. There’s necromancy afoot, and she must prepare for the battle to come. But can Riga fight the forces of nature? Or will they destroy her and everyone she loves?

Book five in the Riga Hayworth series of paranormal mystery novels, The Elemental Detective is a fun, fast-paced urban fantasy blending romance with the supernatural, and exploring the magic of Hawaii.

About Kirsten Weiss

Kirsten Weiss is the author of the Riga Hayworth paranormal mystery series: The Metaphysical Detective, The Alchemical Detective, The Shamanic Detective, The Infernal Detective, and The Elemental Detective.

Kirsten worked overseas for nearly fourteen years, in the fringes of the former USSR and deep in the Afghan war zone. Her experiences abroad not only gave her glimpses into the darker side of human nature, but also sparked an interest in the effects of mysticism and mythology, and how both are woven into our daily lives.

Now based in San Mateo, CA, she writes paranormal mysteries, blending her experiences and imagination to create a vivid world of magic and mayhem.

Kirsten has never met a dessert she didn’t like, and her guilty pleasures are watching Ghost Whisperer reruns and drinking good wine.

You can connect with Kirsten through the social media sites below, and if the mood strikes you, send her an e-mail at kirsten_weiss2001@yahoo.com

You can connect with Kirsten on:

Kirsten’s Website | Kirsten’s Twitter Profile | Kirsten’s Facebook PageKirsten’s Google+ Page | Kirsten’s Pinterest Boards | Kirsten’s Amazon Page

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

TOUR GIVEAWAY: US Only please

Grand prize: Riga’s mini-magick kit (including spell paper, a quartz crystal, herbs for incense, and a candle) and a signed copy of The Elemental Detective.

****US Only please****

Second prize: a purse charm plus e-copy of The Elemental Detective.

****US Only please****

Third prize: an e-copy of The Elemental Detective.

****US Only please****

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

She knows about dead ~ My Review of The Infernal Detective by Kirsten Weiss

Posted: April 23, 2014 in Mystery, reviews, Series, urban fantasy

This is going to be a busy week!

For today I’ll be telling you about The Infernal Detective, the fourth book in thee Riga Hayworth Series by Kirsten Weiss.

Then on Thursday, April 24th, I’ll be reviewing The Metaphysical Detective, Book One and hosting a giveaway, so be sure to stop by!

And on Friday, April 25th, I’ll be reviewing The Elemental Detective, Book Five.

What I really love about this series is you can read them as stand alones easily. I read the fourth book first and then the fifth before I read book one and never was confused.

Now I need to read book two and three. Can’t wait!

THE INFERNAL DETECTIVE

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Riga Hayworth, Book 4

Published by: Misterio Press

May 21, 2013

Genre: Adult, Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Mystery

BUY LINKS: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

My Review

I was given a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

The first thing I discovered was that although this is the fourth book in her Riga Hayworth series, it read easily as a stand alone novel.

The author introduces a new mystery for Riga to solve and laces past characters and events into the story in increments so you don’t feel lost and are able to become acquainted with everyone easily.

Riga’s wedding day is only a week away and hectic doesn’t describe her life. When she finds a dead body in her bedroom things go from hectic to crazy. The dead body is seen driving away with her soon to be husband.

A lot is happening in this book. Riga has accepted she’s a necromancer but struggles with being drawn into dark magic. Her niece, Pen, is also struggling with it, and Riga has her hands full trying to coach her and deal with some wicked aunts, a magic attack on her wedding guests, and a sarcastic gargoyle who gives cryptic answers.

I think it would be fun to have a companion like Brigitte. The gargoyle is a formidable foe and guardian and never hesitates to set you straight, often not sparing your feelings. She’s also funny and extremely loyal.

Riga is stronger than she thinks. She’s able to sort things out without losing it and when you find out what’s really going on with the dead guy and her fiance, you’ll wonder how she does it.

Urban fantasy slash mystery slash romance, The Infernal Detective unleashes all that plus magic galore and an excellent cast of characters. There’s so much to keep you entertained and guessing, which leads to an addictive series.

I recommend this to all who enjoy a good mystery, fantasy, and some laughs.

5 STARS

~~~

Some quotes from the book:

“But you said you were a necromancer It doesn’t sound like you’ve got a choice. And what about me? I can see the dead, too.”

“There’s always a choice, Pen. Don’t settle for the magic of the grave.”

“Necromancers are like black holes for trouble, and the people around them…get caught in the cross-fire.”

Brigitte cocked her head, thoughtful. “That is true.”

“And you wonder why I don’t want to be one.”

~~~

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kohhn5z3bM]

~~~

Synopsis

Murder. The undead. Irritating relatives.

When Riga Hayworth finds a dead body in her bedroom, it’s par for the course. When the corpse drives off with her fiancée… That’s a problem.

Marrying romance, mystery, and the metaphysical, The Infernal Detective is a fast-paced urban fantasy, where nothing is quite as it seems, and magic lies just beyond the veil.

“A high-voltage, cleverly spun mystery, that I couldn’t put down. Riga Hayworth is addictive.”

– Diana Orgain, Best-selling author of The Maternal Instincts Mysteries

~~~

About Kirsten Weiss

Now based in San Mateo, CA, she writes paranormal mysteries, blending her experiences and imagination to create a vivid world of magic and mayhem.

Kirsten has never met a dessert she didn’t like, and her guilty pleasures are watching Ghost Whisperer reruns and drinking good wine.

You can connect with Kirsten through the social media sites below, and if the mood strikes you, send her an e-mail at kirsten_weiss2001@yahoo.com

You can connect with Kirsten on:

Kirsten’s Website | Kirsten’s Twitter Profile | Kirsten’s Facebook PageKirsten’s Google+ Page | Kirsten’s Pinterest Boards | Kirsten’s Amazon Page

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Murder in the Dog Park & Dog Spelled Backwards ~ My reviews and a chance to win these books!

Posted: April 22, 2014 in Blog Tour, crime thriller, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: Dog Spelled Backwards, Jill Yesko, Murder in the Dog Park

Murder in the Dog Park/Dog Spelled Backwards
by Jill Yesko

Ms. Yesko is skilled as a writer…
~rantin’ ravin and reading

Great series, well-written and very entertaining. Four Stars!
~Mommasez

This is a more gritty detective story. Unique characters, with lots of flaws.
~readalot

Murder in the Dog Park
Mystery
Paperback: 128 pages
Publisher: Baxter World Publishing (May 28, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0985485207
File Size: 242 KB
Print Length: 128 pages
ASIN: B00A10IU7O

My Review

I loved this book right from the first sentence. The author cracked me up and it was something I could relate to as a dog lover. From then on it was full speed ahead.

Jane reminds me of one of my sisters in her younger years. A wise cracking woman who hunts down bad guys, drinks too much, smokes too much, and breaks the rules on a regular basis.

She has an oddball cousin, Lenny. He’s kind of a lost soul. Not sure why, but I like him.

And Archie, Jane’s bull terrier, is as ballsy as she is. If you don’t know what a bull terrier is, picture Spuds McKenzie from the old Budweiser commercials. A short, stout body packed with muscle, and beady little eyes. A land shark with attitude. Ever had a dog take you for a walk? The author called it fourpaw drive.

A freezing constitutional walk for Archie at the dog park lands Jane in a murder mystery after the dog unearths a dead body.

Her skills at hacking help her make a living and come in handy when she attempts to solve the murder and clear her cousin’s name.

There’s also a hint of romance when hot cop Don and Jane meet. I was looking forward to finding out if he could handle her.

The writing is neat. The author keeps the story moving quickly. It’s earthy and the characters are flawed and genuine. Definitely a series I’ll be following.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Discovering a brutally murdered boy in a rainy dog park sends misanthropic private detective Jane Ronson on a journey through Baltimore’s gritty underbelly. Aided by a sexy cop, a bad-ass bull terrier, and an only-in-Baltimore cast of characters, Jane must use her computer-hacking and street-fighting skills to save her only family member from being framed as the killer.

Dog Spelled Backwards: An Unholy Mystery
Mystery
Paperback: 210 pages
Publisher: Baxter World Publishing (August 17, 2013)
ISBN-13: 978-0985485214
File Size: 1355 KB
Print Length: 118 pages
ASIN: B00FDXQVO8

My Review

I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with such a mishmash of characters and scenarios.

I had a hard time picturing Jane as an Orthodox Jewish woman. Several scenarios left me laughing. She’s a hard partying, sailor cussing, nobody tells me what to do gal and it was fun seeing her play this undercover role.

Jane and Don’s romance is steaming along. Her odd cousin Lenny and her hot cop boyfriend are scheming for wedding bells for the couple. I don’t see her as the settling down and getting married type, but we shall see.

And Jane’s loveable bull terrier, Archie, is up to his old tricks along with some new ones. Nothing like a dog to make a story more fun.

The author really ups the ante for Jane. She has a huge target on her back with the Russian mob after her. Also, she learns she’s Jewish, not the Catholic girl her mother led her to believe. Talk about a curve ball.

This second book in the Dog Park mysteries is even more intense, with very interesting and diverse characters. Another race to the finish line read and every bit as good as the first book, Murder in the Dog Park.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Private investigator Jane Ronson suffers from oppositional defiant disorder, the uncontrollable urge to punch first then ask questions later. When a rabbi with a shady past offers her a bag of cash to spy on a rival rabbi, Jane jumps at the chance to make what think will be easy money. To get her cash, Jane impersonates an Orthodox Jewish woman and infiltrates a black market kidney ring in Baltimore’s Orthodox community. Between Russian gangsters and double crosses, Jane is number one on everyone’s hit list. To save her life, she forms an alliance with a religious woman and confronts a family.

About This Author

Jill Yesko’s 20+ year writing career has included stints as a sport writer, NPR commentator and investigative reporter. She’s written about everything from body piercing to human pyramids in Spain. After a solo trek around the world, Jill was profiled as an “adventurous traveler” in O, the Oprah magazine. Before becoming a writer, Jill was a national-class cyclist and graduate and cartographer. A New Jersey native, Jill now patrols Baltimore’s dog parks with her basset hound.

Author Links

Website / Blog / Goodreads

~~~~

Tour Participants

April 14 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review
April 15 – Mommasez… – Review, Guest Post
April 16 – readalot blog – Review
April 17 – Kelly P’s Blog – Interview
April 18 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Guest Post
April 19 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review
April 21- deal sharing aunt – Guest Post
April 22 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review
April 22 – fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s Ramblins and Reviews – Review
April 23 – Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Review
April 24 – fundinmental – Guest Post
April 25 – Thoughts in Progress – Review, Interview
April 26 – Chloe Gets a Clue – Interview
April 27 – Melina Book Blog – Guest Post
April 28 – Teena in Toronto – Review
April 29 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review
April 30 – Brooke Blogs – Review, Guest Post

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Tour giveaway

An eBook copy of Murder in the Dog Park

An eBook copy of Dog Spelled Backwards

Click on the rafflecopter below to enter.

~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

A review do-over that nearly blew up my Kindle! Dark Cravings by Madeline Pryce

Posted: March 27, 2014 in Adult Fiction, Erotic, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Romance
Tags: Dark Cravings, Ellora's Cave Publushing, Madeline Pryce

I don’t normally rereview (is that even a word?) a book but when I heard about Dark Cravings I couldn’t resist. I adored this book when it was titled Blood Lust Rising and when I learned it was being released by Ellora’s Cave Publishing with a new title and new content, I had to read it.

I’m going to get right to it!

Dark Cravings

By Madeline Pryce

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MY REVIEW

I reviewed this story when it was titled Blood Lust Rising. Since then it has received a new title and cover art, the author has a new pen name, Madeline Pryce, and she’s added a whole bunch more to this story.

I mentioned in my review how the sex was so steamy it fogged up my Kindle! Well it did it again and yes, my Kindle survived round two! LOL

The characters are a bit older which makes it more appropriate as the sex is even steamier, more erotic. Don’t let that fool you though. There’s one hell of a lot of action and danger, much more to this than just romance.

The ending is different too but I can’t talk about it as it’ll spoil things and I don’t think you’d appreciate that much.

Here are my previous review comments:

This is one of the best first chapters I have read. I am not one to blush easily, but my whole face was rosy before I finished it.

You don’t have to kneel down and peek through the keyhole because the author leaves the bedroom door (or any door) wide open. The intimate, arousing sexual scenes fogged up my Kindle screen, they were that HOT!

About the story

They don’t get along at all. Micah and Ella are partners, working for the Shadow Agency. Their job, hunt vampires and demons.

A late night chase after a succubus through the cemetery does not go as planned. The Demon hits them with a spell that changes everything.

They awaken in a hotel 4 days later with no memory of how they got there. Both are exhausted and dehydrated, weak from a marathon of sex. Separating them is out of the question. The demon’s spell has awakened a yearning that can’t be ignored, an intense sexual need that was already there, just beneath the surface.

As their sexual desire deepens into something more, they join together, battling vamps, weres and numerous types of demons, while delving into Micah’s mysterious origins and fending off the unwanted and lethal attention of Julian, Ella’s sire.

What I felt

I feel a strong physical and emotional connection to Micah and Ella. I want them to be safe and I want a happy ending for them.

Characters

Ella starts out as a self-contained, don’t need anybody, kick-butt slayer. The author is able to show me Ella’s transformation, making me see all sides of her character, including her flaws. Ella is still tough as nails, but her fierce loyalty to family and friends, and her deepening love for Micah make her very real to me.

And Micah. I was already attracted to his oozing sexuality and sarcastic personality. As I read more, I was able to see his tender side, his love for family and his passion for and commitment to Ella.

Scenes to share – I want you to feel what I felt.

The green glow emanating from Micah’s eyes lit the night. Micah threw himself at Julian. The two men collided and rolled in the mud, a tangle of blood-smeared fists. They were both wearing black and, the more they coated themselves in mud, the harder it was to tell them apart.

Micah pulled his fist back, drove it into Julian’s face again and again. Crack. Crack. Crack. Julian threw Micah to the side, straddled his body. Blow after blow, they rolled and cursed, jockeyed for position. They pounded the holy living hell out of each other.

A body melting scene – Micah to Ella

“If you go upstairs with me. I’m not going to be able to stop from touching you, from stripping you naked. You’re tired and hurt and I can’t promise to be gentle. The Darkness.” He drew in a breath and corrected himself. “The demon wants you tied to my bed, wants you screaming and so drunk with pleasure you won’t be able to walk away from us. You are ours. The man and the demon. We need to claim you.”

Thoughts

It had to have been really challenging for the author to put her characters into very dangerous and compromising situations and make the conclusions believable and satisfying. She has shown that she can and has what it takes.

Blood Lust Rising took me by surprise. My connection to the characters was deep. The story was flush with sexual tension, grueling fighting scenes and compelling dialogue. I found myself immediately engaged and immersed in the book without even trying.

Quotes I loved. You will understand it’s significance once you read the book.

Slaughter. Defend. Obliterate.

Murder. Guard. Destroy

Something Funny:

I had Vampire ED, on top of everything else!

Something tender:

Micah pulled back, gave Hannah a smile that melted solid objects.

Warning:If your kindle starts smoking while you are reading this book, don’t be alarmed. Mine still works fine!

There you have it. I swear my Kindle was overheating. Either that, or I was!

When you think a book can’t get any better, think again. Dark Cravings did!

5 STARS Again!

~~~~

Synopsis

As a half-breed vampire, Ella Grey’s life sucks. She does her best to pass the time killing demons and secretly admiring her Shadow Hunter partner, Micah. He’s hot, dangerous and knows it. He’d be just Ella’s type if he weren’t likely to kill her the moment she put a toe out of line.

A chance encounter with a succubus changes everything. From the second the succubus’s spell washes over them, Ella and Micah are helpless to keep their hands off one another. The sex, when it’s not leaving them on the verge of death, is earth shattering and for the first time in ages Ella is connected with someone on a level she’d feared lost forever. But a dangerous prophecy has been set into motion, and if Ella’s not careful it’ll pull her straight from Micah’s arms and into the deepest bowels of the underworld.

A Romantica® Paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

Publisher’s Note: This book was previously published under the title Blood Lust Rising. It has been revised and expanded for EC.

~~~~

Next up

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Stop back on April 3rd for my review.

Synopsis

Hannah Grey will do anything to escape the tortured memories haunting her. Every breath brings back the pain, the fear and the unbearable knowledge that she’ll never be the once-perfect girl everyone thought her to be. When the self-destructive fog of drugs, alcohol and meaningless sex starts to clear, Dante, a lion shifter sexier than sin itself, emerges through the darkness ready to rescue her for the second time in so many weeks.

In the safety of Dante’s embrace, Hannah allows herself to become the woman she’s always wanted to be—smart, sexy, capable and empowered. His every touch electrifies. His hot, hungry kisses set her senses ablaze. As Dante masters her body, Hannah finally finds the strength to master her fears.

Perfection shatters as a mysterious vampire escalates from anonymous phone calls to violent encounters. When Hannah’s enemies unite, placing both her and Dante in mortal peril, it’s going to take all of her newfound strength to face the coming darkness and save the man she loves.

A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave.

~~~

And the newest release by Madeline!

Claiming Ecstasy

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I’ll be reading this soon.

Synopsis

Jolie Dupree is prophesized to bring an end to the deadly war waging between the vampires and the Seelie court. Groomed from birth by a vicious mother, Jolie knows her future can only end in blood—and the murder of the one man she can’t resist. Consumed with guilt, Jolie can’t fight the lure of Nicolas Larkin, the vampire king. She returns to him over and over again, every caress of pain and every stroke of pleasure drawing her deeper into the darkness. She must decide between the concrete and the chaos, the light and the dark, for her choice will tip the scales between good and evil, and quite possible, cost Jolie her soul.
A Romantica® paranormal erotic romance from Ellora’s Cave

~~~

About Madeline Pryce and her books

Madeline Pryce wrote her first novel when she was ten, penned with neon-pink ink in a loose-leaf binder. Captivated by romantic literature, yet intrigued by the paranormal, she continues to develop her own voice, writing the kinds of stories that inspired her as a teen.

Blog ~ Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Ellora’s Cave Publishing

Madeline Pryce on Facebook ~ Madeline Pryce – Author on Facebook

~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

The Grimmtastic Girls ~ Reviews and Giveaway

Posted: March 26, 2014 in Blog Tour, giveaways, reviews
Tags: co-authored, fairytale retellings for young readers, Grimmtastic Girls Series, Joan Holub, Suzanne Williams

About the Books: The Grimmtastic Girls

Book #1

MY REVIEW

I wish they’d had books like this when I was a young girl. The cover art is adorable and fun. How could any young lady resist.

The wicked stepsisters, an absent father, and greedy step mother stick with the original story but then the author takes you somewhere new. Grimm Academy was established by the Grimm brothers for all of the fairytale folk and you’ll encounter many of your favorites.

Cinda is a newcomer to Grimm Academy. She quickly becomes friends with Red, Snow, and Rapunzel and begins to enjoy her new life despite her stepsisters attempts to ruin it for her.

When Cinda learns of an evil plot by the steps, her friends join her to stop them from ruining the big ball.

There is so much to delight you in this short story. Some that stand out are the names the author used for her characters and the roving library.

I think you can guess who Prince Awesome is. Then there’s Prince Foulsmell. No he doesn’t smell bad. But the name was passed down from an uncle who did. I like him and I suspect his role will get bigger in forthcoming books.

The library is fantastical. It’s never in the same place and once you answer the riddle and are admitted inside, it stretches for miles. There’s much more than books in there, lots of magical items, and the filing system is out of this world confusing. I particularly liked the mirror the girls used to create their ball gowns. Boy, it would come in handy.

The friendship of these young ladies is realistic and fun. I remember how scary it was to be the new kid and the girls welcomed Cinda and helped her adjust to her new life.

I’m sure you recognize, Red, Snow and Rapunzel. Red does wear her cape, Snow hates mirrors, no one knows where Mermily sleeps, and Rapunzel is always trimming her hair. Makes you think these girls know something.

While this is a fairytale retelling, the writing has a modern feel. And the authors having the fairytales enacted by characters at a young age makes this a “Grimmazing” good read.

I’d recommend this for pre to early teens and all of those who are young at heart.

5 STARS

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Summary: The authors of the hit Goddess Girls series put a fun and girly twist on another super-popular theme: fairy tales!

Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia…

A Grimmtastic girl named Cinderella is starting her first week at Grimm Academy on the wrong foot. Cinda’s totally evil stepsisters are out to make her life miserable. The Steps tease Cinda, give her terrible advice about life at the academy, and even make her look bad in front of her new friends, Red, Snow, and Rapunzel! But when Cinda overhears the Steps plotting a villainous deed that could ruin Prince Awesome’s ball, Cinda, her new friends, and a pair of magical glass slippers have to stop them–before the last stroke of midnight!

*****

Book #2

MY REVIEW

We’re back at Grimm Academy and Red just froze on stage. All she ever wanted to do was be an actor, but maybe she’s good at something else.

Certainly not good at finding her way. When Red and her friends Cinda, Snow, and Rapunzel try to find a treasure in Neverwood forest, Red loses her way.

Will she run into the big bad wolf before she can find her way out?

The first book in this series, Cinderella Stays Late, introduces you to these young friends and reveals the academy in all its spendor. There’s also a secret EVIL society emerging.

In this second book you get more involved with these girls, the mystery of who’s good or bad deepens, and it’s told from Red’s point of view.

There’s some puppy love going on too. Prince Wolfgang likes to tease Red by calling her by different versions of the color, like crimson and scarlet. Once she sees past this annoying habit, she sees a really cute boy.

I’m really becoming attached to these characters and I’m curious who will be starring in the next Grimmtastic book. There’s still Snow and Rapunzel and many more to get to know.

A tisket, a tasket, what’s next in these author’s baskets?

5 STARS

*****

Summary: Red Riding Hood might have a terrible sense of direction, but her grimmtastic friends are always there to help!

Once upon a time, in faraway Grimmlandia…

Red Riding Hood is thrilled to try out for the school play. Acting is her dream, and she’s great at it–too bad she has stage fright! After a grimmiserable audition, Red decides to focus on helping her friends Cinda, Snow, and Rapunzel save Grimm Academy from the E.V.I.L. Society. But when Red gets lost in Neverwood forest and runs into Wolfgang, who might be part of E.V.I.L., she needs her magic basket and a grimmazingly dramatic performance to figure out what’s going on!

About the Authors: Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams

Joan Holub has authored and/or illustrated more than 130 children’s books, including Little Red Writing (illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet) and Zero the Hero. She lives in NC and is online at www.joanholub.com

Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

Suzanne Williams is the author of nearly 50 books for children, including the award-winning picture book Library Lil (illustrated by Steven Kellogg). She lives near Seattle, WA and is online at www.suzanne-williams.com

Author Blog | Goodreads

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Co-authors Joan and Suzanne have written the Goddess Girls, Heroes in Training, and Grimmtastic Girls series. Though they live in different states and hardly ever get to see each other, they spend lots of time together in Grimmlandia.

Facebook (Grimmtastic Girls) | Facebook (Goddess Girls Books)

Online Author Visits

****

$50 Book Blast Giveaway

Prize: $50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal cash (winner’s choice)

Contest ends: April 23, 11:59 pm, 2014

Open: 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 the authors, Joan Holub & Suzanne Williams and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.

~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

In the mood for a fun mystery? Tip of a Bone ~ My review and a giveaway too

Posted: March 25, 2014 in Blog Tour, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: Christine Finlayson, mystery, Tip of a Bone

Who’s up for a good mystery? I always am and I’ve got a fun one to tell you about.

Tip of a Bone has plenty of suspects and more than one mystery to solve.

Check it out. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win your own copy!

~~~

Genre: Mystery Paperback: 264 pages

Publisher: Adventure Publications (September 3, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-1591934394 E-Book ASIN: B00EGWE5HC

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My Review

Tip of a Bone is all about mystery. There are brief touches on romance but it doesn’t really play a part.

Maya moves from California to Oregon after her divorce. Same old story. Husband falls for younger woman, gets her pregnant, starts a new life. Old wife, like she never was.

The move gives her a chance to get to know her brother, Harley. As young kids, their parents divorced and each parent took one of the children. Maya was raised by her mother, having no contact with her father or Harley.

Just when they are starting to connect as friends, as siblings, Harley dies in a mysterious fire. The authorities say it was arson, the fire set by her brother, and he succumbed to smoke inhalation. Maya suspects something else.

As she questions his friends and fiance, she must stir up something, because she’s now being stalked, someone has broken into her apartment, and she’s nearly killed when a truck runs her off the road.

Now it’s a race to solve the mystery before she’s killed too.

What drew me to this book was the mention of eco-activists. There are the big companies coming in to set up their condos and the environmentalists who try to stop development, doing things like tree hugging and lying down in a busy intersection to stop traffic. Then, an activist vanishes and someone ups the ante to arson, burning equipment, a boat, and buildings.

One thing I missed was a connection to the characters. I enjoyed Maya, her divorce and subsequent struggles to find a path hit home. Been there before. But I didn’t really connect with anyone else in the story. Her brother, Harley, sounded promising if I’d had more time with him. Others played their part, adding to the list of suspects, but I didn’t much care about them.

While I didn’t particularly connect to a couple, they did make me wonder what they were. Good guys or bad guys?

Nick seemed like a nice guy while Tomas seemed scary. Both were part of the Coast Defenders group. Nick became suspect when right in the middle of some heavy petting, he stopped to answer his phone. Hmm…interested in Maya or what she knows? And Tomas was a looming hulk, gruff like a bear. He made no bones about how he felt towards Maya sticking her nose in their business.

About half way into the mystery I had my suspect tagged. It wasn’t blatant, but I had a good idea he was guilty. Still had fun following Maya as she did her snooping and the ending was quite good. I got my man and you’ll find out if Maya got hers.

4 Stars

~~~

Synopsis

Buried bones, a missing eco-activist, and a deadly fire? It’s not what Maya Rivers bargained for when she moved to the coastal city of Newport, Oregon to reunite with her brother, Harley. Yet when Harley is accused of an unthinkable crime, Maya insists on adding “amateur sleuth” to her career options. It isn’t long before she discovers an eerie clue . . . but the closer she gets to the truth, the closer a murderer follows.

Purchase Links ~ AMAZON ~ B&N ~ Book World

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About This Author

Christine Finlayson borrowed from her “past lives” as a waitress, barista, environmental educator, and water scientist when creating her debut mystery novel, Tip of a Bone—a tale that takes place on the stormy Oregon coast. In her spare time, Christine loves to run on forest trails, watch waves break, compete in triathlons, and photograph anything Northwest-weird or wild. She’s now working on her second book, a novel of suspense.

Christine’s an active member of Sisters in Crime, Friends of Mystery, Oregon Writers Colony, and Willamette Writers.

Author Links:

Webpage ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

I have one copy of Tip of a Bone to giveaway.

Print or eBook (winners choice)

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

“Do you like a lot of suspects in a mystery?”

Giveaway ends April 4th

~~~

Tour Participants

March 25 – fuonlyknew ~ Laura’s Ramblins and Reviews – Review, Giveaway

March 26 – readalot blog – Review

March 27 – Books-n-Kisses – Review

March 28 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review, Guest Post

March 29 – Deal Sharing Aunt – Review, Interview, Giveaway

March 31 – Reviews By Molly – Review, Giveaway

April 1 – Queen of All She Reads – Review, Guest Post

April 2 – Brooke Blogs – Review

April 3 – Kelly P’s Blog – Interview

April 4 – rantin’ ravin’ and reading – Review, Guest Post, Giveaway

~~~

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 #59 ~ Now that’s a lot of books!

Posted: March 23, 2014 in Book Promos, Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: bookish news, Laura Thomas, What's New on my Bookshelf

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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

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

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

~~~

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

I’m reading this right now. Looks like about 20 minutes to read the entire story. It’s FREE right now on Amazon. Click on the cover if you want to get a copy!

~~~

Here are some I picked up this week.

I won a bunch of books and took in some for review so I didn’t add anything else this week. Boy, was that hard. Especially when you look at all those freebies I posted for ya!

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Got some freebies for ya!

Click on the covers to get yours.

And a few more.

And one for the young and the young at heart. Great for reading around the campfire or with the lights out and a flashlight!

Tried to find a little something for everybody.

Just click on the covers to get yours. Make sure they are still free. Were at time of posting.

You can also find more free books HERE.

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Books I took in for reviews.

I have a couple new ones.

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Books I won.

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I won these ARCs from Sabrina’s Leap Into Books Giveaway Hop on I HEART YA Fiction.

Thanks so much to Sabrina and these wonderful authors!

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I entered a free promotion on Lori’s blog Escape With Dollycas and the author promptly sent me these thrillers!!

Thanks so much Lori and and Thank you John L. Betcher.

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And I won these from the huge giveaway at Emily’s Crammed Bookshelf! Thanks so much Emily!

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Reviewed this week

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Read my review and enter the giveaway HERE.

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You can read both of my reviews HERE.

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You can read my review and enter the giveaway on HERE.

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Reviewing this coming week

Tip of a Bone cover image copy

You can read my review and enter the giveaway on Tuesday, March 25th.

18371589 18371588

My reviews and giveaway on Wednesday, March 26th.

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Check out my review on Thursday, March 27th.

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Several more reviews and awesome giveaways coming this next week.

Not sure yet which ones I’ll be posting. Be sure to stop by!

~~~

Other posts this week. Just click on the links to see the posts.

Zombies and Disney Land? Apocalypticon ~ Super Book Blast and Giveaway

Enter for two chances to win a Kindle Fire HDX ~ Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Summoned by Rainy Kaye ~ The Super Book Blast

5 Stars for Unleashed by Emily Kimelman ~ Fun Giveaway and FREE book!

The Joe Knowe Series by H.D. Gordon ~ Reviewing JOE #1 and #2

What’s in your planetary go bag? Evacuation by K.D. McAdams Fun Spotlight and Giveaway

The devils and spies are stirrring ~ By the Fates, Fought ~ Blog Tour and Giveaway

A Psychological Twister ~ The Freeing of Jonathon Mark ~ Review and Giveaway

Jeepers Reapers! Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ My Tethered Soul by Dorothy Dreyer

The Cowboy and the Vampire Series gets a gothic western makeover

Won’t you join me for The Fortune Cafe Book Blast and Giveaway

The Friday 56 #19 ~ Pretty When She Dies

Rose Garcia’s new release Final Stand coming March 24th ~ Win a Kindle Paperwhite

More sass and comedy ~ My Life From Hell by Tellulah Darling ~ Blitz and Giveaway

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

Go here for a list of free e-books.

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

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

A Psychological Twister ~ The Freeing of Jonathon Mark ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: March 20, 2014 in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, giveaways, reviews, thriller
Tags: Nathan Gross, psychological thriller, The Freeing of Jonathon Mark

Welcome to my stop on the tour for The Freeing of Jonathon Mark by Nathan Gross.

I’ve been agonizing over my review for days. I just know I’m not going to do this book justice. It’s been a very hard review to write. Don’t get me wrong, the book is fantastic and like nothing I’ve read before. I just struggled with how to tell you about it.

Enough of that! Read on and enjoy getting to know more about the book. And don’t forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of my post!

Publisher: Paperback: Nathan Gross. Ebook: 7write (Dec 8, 2013)

ISBN-13: 979-1093074016

Category: Thriller, Paranoid Fiction

Tour Dates: March, 2014

Available in: Print & ebook, 324 pages

***

My Review

This book was so unique, I made up my own category – psychological twister. It’s seldom that I can state I’ve never read anything quite like this, but in this instance, I can.

Jonathon is a Taker. His job is to listen to his clients, take their pain, their grief. He can’t speak to them or show empathy of any kind. I mentioned grief and I’m sure you were thinking one thing and I was talking another. The grief is more like whining and griping than about sorrow. In fact, an older woman came to see Jonathon, and when she starts talking about her recently deceased husband, he asks her to leave, stating he can’t take her grief, it’s old-style grief, not modern. Against company policy.

As you can imagine, the clients aren’t all that pleasant and it’s probably a good thing Jonathon can’t say what he’s thinking. The author wrote Jonathan’s point of view every other chapter, and the chapters in between being his clients. It made for interesting and disturbing reading.

About the time I was thinking how could anyone do this, Jonathon begins to unravel. A new client, so unlike his others, a shining beacon in all the bitterness, has him wanting something different. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined what he did though.

There were some lighter parts. They actually have these Rage Room Boxes on the streets. You stick your head in and scream all of your anger and rage and nobody can hear you. These might come in handy in any city.

And the neighbor who is always trying to download her grief for free. He has to be on his toes, or she’ll give it to him.

The dialogue is fascinating. Even though Jonathon’s side of the conversation is only in his head, you’ll find yourself agreeing with him, nodding your own head, and thinking some of the same nasty thoughts.

I need to mention there’s sex and language in this book. It’s for adult readers. It’s in your face, nothing subtle about it. If you don’t mind that, you should definitely give this book a go. It’s strange, twisted, and darkly comedic. Never a dull moment.

5 STARS

***

Synopsis

Jonathon is a Taker, some type of modern day psych in the growing industry of modern grief. Takers treat people for all that ails them just by listening. In session, a Taker doesn’t speak. A Taker doesn’t move. A Taker doesn’t even blink. They take till their patients have got no more negativity to give.

A chance meeting throws a new patient into Jonathon’s life. A girl whose carefree lightness of being is in complete contrast to the average patient. She makes Jonathon realise he can no longer refuse to deal with how his job makes him sick, nor his own destructive vice.

Murder is his only way out, an action that leads him towards his own death and beyond. It is a path he hopes will lead him to his freedom.

Read Sample Chapters Here

View the trailor:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mP3aExxHfgI]

Praise for The Freeing of Jonathan Mark:

“Small book but great story! It’s more and more rare to find a book like this one.”– dvdchrono, Amazon Reviewer

“Loved this book, can’t wait for the next one! I had not heard of this author but I do not think it will be long before the world has heard of him. Do yourself a favour and buy this book, you will not be disappointed. I judge a book on its ‘cannot put down factor’. I found myself quickly intrigued and fully immersed in the book and could not put it down. It is really well written and does not follow other writers safe templates. Hurry up and release your second book ! I am glad I jumped on the Nathan Gross bandwagon from the beginning. I suggest others follow suit.”– Ben Mitchell, Amazon Reviewer

“With the publication of his first novel, The Freeing of Jonathon Mark, Nathan Gross has announced to the literary world that he has arrived and demands attention. This book is a psychological thriller that compels the reader to keep reading. The almost dystopian world it portrays is both disturbing and fascinating, and displays Gross’ novel viewpoint of where society is headed. We become partners in Jonathon Mark’s nightmarish journey into the depths of despair and hope for some form of redemption for him, although that seems unlikely. The book is a little too long, but it is a wonderful achievement for a first-time novelist. I look forward to his next book to see where his fertile imagination has led him, and to follow his further maturation as a writer.”- Morry Frenkel, Amazon Reviewer

*****

About Nathan Gross:

Nathan is passionately obsessed with scratching the itch that is his absolute need to write. Whether it be in the form of novels or short stories, film / video scenarios, scripts or songs: writing keeps the demons at bay.

Nathan draws on and interprets the events that transpire around him, transforming minute observations and a distant, large view of the world into prose. He expresses at once his hopes and despairs, and equally his surprise and complete comprehension of events before, or as they unfold, if not always as everyone else sees them.

If his book ‘The Freeing of Jonathon Mark’ is part of his journey as a writer, then perhaps it traces his experiences chasing the plastic happiness of consumerist dreams. Perhaps it is also a study of how he opted out of these pursuits for a fresh start, in order to forge a new life where he can be free from empty conformity; to discover and further himself in the journey that is his life. New beginnings bring new ideas to draw upon and it goes without saying that we will find these thinkings in his subsequent writings.

His other published works include Ginger the Carrot, the first in a series of picture books for adults entitled Rotten Veggies, and the song and music video Tais Toi for the musician Monsieur Grandin. He is also the director and scenarist for a number of award winning short films. A collection of his works both written and visual are to be discovered at zamsteepa.com.

Born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, Nathan now resides in the south of France.

His short story ‘Grampy Joe’ won third prize in the Odyssey House Victoria 2012 short story competition. You can read ‘Grampy Joe’ here.

Nathan Gross Website ~ The Freeing of Jonathan Mark Website

Twitter ~ Facebook

Buy The Freeing of Jonathan Mark: Amazon

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

I have one copy to giveaway (Print or ebook)

Print copy for Great Britain, France, Canada, Australia & US Only

Ebook is international

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

“What would you like to yell from the rooftop?”

Giveaway ends March 30th.

***

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Mar 4 Giveaway & Spotlight

Deal Sharing Aunt Mar 5 Review

Deal Sharing Aunt Mar 6 Guest Post

A Dream With a Dream Mar 7 Review & Giveaway

Let’s Talk About Books Mar 12 Review

Aspired Writer Mar 13 Guest Post

Princess & the Gummy Bear Mar 17 Video Review

Manic Mama of 2 Mar 18 Review

fuonlyknew Mar 20 Review & Giveaway

I’m A Voracious Reader Mar 24 Review

Little Black Marks Mar 25 Review

Giveaways & Glitter Mar 26 Review

Life With the Stewarts Mar 27 Review

The News in Books Mar 28 Review

The News in Books Mar 27 Interview

Room With Books Mar 31 Review & Giveaway

***

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

The Joe Knowe Series by H.D. Gordon ~ Reviewing Joe #1 and #2

Posted: March 19, 2014 in reviews, Series, Supernatural, suspense, thriller
Tags: H.D.Gordon, JOE #1, JOE #2:White Sheets, The Joe Knowe Series

H.D. finally delivered! I’ve just finished reading Joe #2: White Sheets and can’t wait to tell you about it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, this author just keeps getting better!

I’ve also reviewed Joe, Book One. Enjoy.

H.D. Gordon

H. D. Gordon is the bestselling author of THE ALEXA MONTGOMERY SAGA, THE SURAH STORMSONG NOVELS and THE JOE KNOWE SERIES. She is twenty-five years old and a true lover of words. When not hanging out with her two beautiful daughters, she can be found reading, writing, or just taking in the world so that she can translate it’s beauty and wonders into the written word.

You can follow H.D. Gordon at:

Blog

Author Facebook Page

Twitter

Goodreads Author Page

H.D.Gordon Facebook page

Webpage

Goodreads Fan Club

comments

JOE

Book One of The Joe Knowe Series

by H.D. Gordon

AMAZON

My Review

Joe is very different from the other books I’ve read by H.D. Gordon.There is an element of the supernatural, but it’s in no way the main focus. This has more of a suspense/thriller story line and you’ll feel it in your heart beat.

The writing is indescribable, it’s so good. I’ll do my best to tell you how this story made me feel.

It’s told from several different points of view, with Joe being the main character. You’ll really like her. She’s got this ethereal look to her, and the author gave her a flaw, a stutter, which only made her stronger for me. She wasn’t shy about it, she just didn’t talk much because it was hard. Maybe that’s why she has the special ability of seeing things before they happen, since she spends so much time in her own head.

When something really bad is about to happen, her hands begin to itch and she has to sit down and let it take control, drawing an image of what’s to come.

It’s bad. very bad. Someone plans to go on a killing spree in the Quad at the university she attends. Joe’s biggest fear is failure. She doesn’t always succeed when she tries to intervene in her visions, and the worse they are, the higher probability of failure. As Joe says, she’s no hero, but I beg to differ.

Maybe if she didn’t have to go it alone, things could be different.

I mentioned the story being told from multiple POVs and it worked fantastic for this story. You read the gunman’s thoughts, his madness. You get to know some of the people who are unaware of what’s coming, connect with them, become involved in their lives, and fear for them. As they are so prominently featured in the story, does this mean they are victims, helpers, or survivors? I was afraid to know the answers.

I’ll try this once to describe how the writing felt. As I read, I felt this need for one more sentence, one more paragraph. one more chapter. It was conscious, like hearing your heart beat, your harsh breathing, feeling your muscles tense. the hairs stand up on your neck. I was there. I was in Joe’s head and in the story. I hope you get what I mean.

Once again, the author has surpassed my expectations. Each new book I read goes one step further, moves me that much more. What a ride!

5 STARS

~~~~

Synopsis

From the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga comes a story that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people, and the world of a very special girl named Joe. Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities, Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her. Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho, and save the lives of people. People like you and me. Ordinary people.

~~~

JOE 2 : WHITE SHEETS

Book Two of The Joe Knowe Series

by H.D. Gordon

Available for purchase March 26th

My Review

You jump right back into the story of Joe where it left off in the first book.

I can’t really tell you about it as it will spoil things for ya.

What I will talk about is the writing. Once again, I can’t begin to pull out of my head the words to express how the author mesmerized me. It’s like she cast a spell and I was taken into Joe’s head. I read her thoughts, felt them, and visualized them so clearly. And it was gut wrenching.

This time Joe is up against a diabolical lunatic. A cult leader crazed beyond control with so many innocents under his fanatical influence.

When Joe’s ability shows her what’s going to occur, she once more peers into the abyss, enters the darkness, and hopes to reemerge, mission accomplished.

It sounds easy, but Joe will need to protect herself in more ways than one. The dangers aren’t all plain to see.

This is told from many different points of view, like the first book, and works every bit as good in this one. You’ll begin to understand how the cult followers accept the madman’s teachings and blindly follow. You’ll see inside the fanatic’s mind and be appalled by his deranged thinking and rants.

And you’ll get to know Joe even better. With some of the innocents being young children, Joe’s maternal instincts come forth. This was especially moving, as Joe hasn’t had an easy life. And that’s why I was thrilled to see the two men in her life were back in this book. It’s not a love triangle. Fra from it.

The young man would like to be more than friends, but knows not to push it and the other is an older gentlemen, Joe’s neighbor, and he is a huge support when she feels so alone.

I classify this as a white knuckle read. I don’t think I relaxed from the first page to the end. I wasn’t assured of a happy ending. Joe says she’s no hero, and you never know what can happen.

Thrilling and suspenseful. Drink the kool-aid. You’ll love it.

5 STARS

***

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

***

Synopsis

Joe Knowe sees things before they happen. Bad things. Just a couple months ago it was a psychopath planning a massacre at the college she attended. Now, she’s facing a whole different kind of madman, and one potentially far more dangerous. To keep the pending disaster from happening, this time Joe will have to get up close and personal, making herself at home in the lion’s den, and attempting not to be swallowed whole. Will she be able to keep herself and those around her from drinking the Kool-Aid? Or will they all end up under white sheets? In this second installment of the thrilling JOE series, H. D. Gordon takes you into the heart of a cult, the mind of its leader, and the lives of his followers.

*****

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

5 Stars for Unleashed by Emily Kimelman ~ Fun Giveaway and FREE Book!

Posted: March 18, 2014 in Adult Fiction, Blog Tour, Mytery/Thriller, New Adult, reviews
Tags: Emily Kimelman, The Sydney Rye Series, Unleashed

You may recognize Unleashed as I’ve featured it several times on my blog.

Now I’ve read it and have my review ready.

Also, you can vote for the best voice for Sydney Rye and enter the giveaway for a chance at some great prizes.

Choose the Voice of Sydney Rye

Sydney Rye is coming to Audio and we need your help picking the narrator!

Emily Kimelman’s “Sydney Rye” series features a strong female protagonist and her rescue dog, Blue. It is recommended for the 18+ who enjoy some violence, don’t mind dirty language, and are up for a dash of sex. Not to mention an awesome, rollicking good mystery!

Haven’t read Sydney Rye yet? Download the first book, UNLEASHED, for free on Amazon, iTunes, B&N, or Kobo and see how she sounds in your head then vote for the best narrator!

Voting enters you to win all sorts of great prizes including Amazon gift cards, signed books, and the finished Audio book! Add to your chances of winning by joining Emily’s email list, liking her Facebook page, or telling your friends about the contest. The Rafflecopter is at the end of this post.

Here are your choices:

The code to listen to each artist is below along with their bio.

Emily Strong

WordPress:
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/135354626″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Other:

Bio:
Emily Strong is an actor, voiceover talent, and first time filmmaker. As a native of Michigan, she is a nature-lover at heart but has the mind of a city girl and moved to Chicago nearly three years ago because she wasn’t smart enough to go somewhere warmer. She takes full advantage of what the city has to offer by training at legendary places like The Second City and eating lots and lots of ethnic food (will travel all the way across the city to Pilsen for the best tacos!). Her love of reading was the catalyst for her adventurous spirit and the reason why she is always stoked to tell stories in their many different forms.

You can visit her at www.emilystrong.net

Erin Jones
Wordpress:
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Other:

Bio:
Erin has narrated over 500 audio books including “The Hunger Games” trilogy for The National Library Services/Library Of Congress, “A State Of Wonder,” The Garden Of The Beasts,” “Anna Karenina,” “Ferdinand The Bull, and “Madeline.”

Sonja Field

WordPress:
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Other:

Sonja has two loves: acting and reading. Narrating audiobooks is her absolute passion. She has logged over 600 hours recording textbooks with an organization called Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, and is currently in the process of recording a kids’ action-fantasy-adventure novel, a steamy and mysterious paranormal romance, and a non-fiction about writing. She loves nothing more than bringing vivid worlds and unique characters to life. When she’s not recording, Sonja can be found onstage, traipsing around Brooklyn, or entertaining children with a variety of dubious accents.

Erica Newhouse

WordPress:
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Other:

Bio:

Erica Newhouse is a film, television and theater actor living in New York City. She is a graduate of The Juilliard School.

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My Review

I’ve been wanting to read Unleashed for a while now. The cover art for the book caught my eye and the blurb reeled me in.

I really connected with Joy (later to be known as Sydney Rye). I may be quite a bit older than her, but I’m still not sure what I want to do. If I could find a dog walking business where I only had three clients and made $1200 a week, I’d be sitting pretty for now. She’s like a young girl lost, no idea what she wants to do, but working on figuring it out. Her amateur sleuthing might turn into a career move.

In one day she breaks up with her boyfriend, loses her job, and buys a dog.

When she’s offered a chance to obtain a dog walking business she takes it.

Joy ends up knee-deep in murder and mystery. The woman she buys the dog walking business from disappears, and her first day on the job she finds a dead body, and that victim turns out to be one of the her clients. She is impetuous and strong-willed and wades in to solve the mystery, putting herself in the middle of something much bigger than she’d thought and in the killers crosshairs.

Most of the secondary characters are interesting and lend to making for a fleshed out story but didn’t detract from the main ones, which I liked. She gets friendly with the ladies at the dog park and various door men and such, which gives her access to the elite’s secrets. Who’s having affairs, who’s broke, who’s being investigated?

Hugh told her to take time out and really look at people. She realizes she doesn’t even know what her take out delivery guys look like. Just pays them for her food. She’s one of those invisible people, the ones no one really looks at. This might work to her advantage.

I experienced many emotions while reading this book. Joy made me laugh. Her brother, James, and his lover Hugh were her support system and added realism to the story. I really liked them. Officer Doyle made me suspicious. Like Joy, I felt he was too good to be true, and I’m not sure I’d like someone who ordered my food for me without asking my opinion.

Then there’s Mulberry. He evoked annoyance and disgust in me when he first entered the story. But the author made me stop and take a closer look as the story evolved and he became a bigger part of the mystery. He wasn’t what he seemed.

Blue was like icing on the cake. I like it when animals play a part in the story and while Blue wasn’t prominent in this first book, he earned his place and I have a feeling he’ll be playing a larger part in future books. When Joy adopted him from the shelter, it made me think of how I acquired most of my dogs through the years. All of them were strays I took in or adopted.

A good mystery keeps you on your toes, searching for clues, dodging danger, and finally giving you the answers. You’ll find all of that here.

There was no cliff hanger, the mystery was wrapped up neatly with no lingering questions and I loved the final scene. My rating went from 4 stars to 5 because of this and I hope the series has many more books.

5 STARS

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More about UNLEASHED:

UNLEASHED is the first book in Emily Kimelman’s best selling Sydney Rye series of mysteries.

When the series begins Sydney Rye is named Joy Humbolt. She does not like people telling her what to do, so it comes as no surprise that she was just fired from her last job. When she buys Charlene Miller’s dog-walking business on Manhattan’s exclusive upper east side, it seems like the perfect fit: Quiet environment, minimal contact with people.

But then one of her clients turns up dead, and Charlene disappears. Rumors say Charlene was having an affair with the victim–and of course, everyone assumes Joy must know where she is. Joy begins to look into the crime, first out of curiosity then out of anger when there is another murder and threats start to come her way.

When police detective Mulberry is assigned to the case, Joy finds a kindred spirit–cynical and none-too-fond of the human race. As they dig deep into the secrets of Manhattan’s elite, they not only get closer to the killer but also to a point of no return. One last murder sends Joy Humbolt hurtling over the edge. Her only chance of survival is to become Sydney Rye.

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The Rest of The Sydney Rye Series:

DEATH IN THE DARK (A Sydney Rye Novella, #2)

INSATIABLE (A Sydney Rye Novel, #3)

STRINGS OF GLASS (A Sydney Rye Novel, #4)

THE DEVIL’S BREATH (A Sydney Rye Novel, #5) Coming April 2014

Emily Kimelman Biography

Emily Kimelman is the author of the best selling “Sydney Rye” series of mystery novels including UNLEASHED, DEATH IN THE DARK, INSATIABLE, STRINGS OF GLASS and the forthcoming THE DEVIL’S BREATH. Emily lives with her husband, Sean Gilvey, and their dog, Kinsey Millhone “Pup Detective”, on a trawler docked in the Hudson Valley during the summer. She spends her winters traveling to where ever the next Sydney Rye Novel takes place. Right now she is in Costa Rica working on Sydney Rye #6.

If you’ve read Emily’s work and liked it please contact her. She loves hearing from readers. You can reach Emily via email ejkimelman@gmail.com or on twitter @ejkimelman. Follow her on Instagram to see pictures from Emily’s latest adventures. Visit http://www.emilykimelman.com to learn more about Emily and the Sydney Rye series.

Links:

UNLEASHED

Amazon ~ Goodreads ~ Kobo ~ Smashwords ~ iTunes ~ B&N

Social Media

Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

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A $30 Amazon or Barnes and Noble Gift Card

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Thanks to Bewitching Book Tours for organizing this wonderful tour.

~~~~

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