Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about The Harvesters

by Ashley Hill

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You get all of the ingredients for a good horror story. A thunderstorm, a rustic old cabin deep in the woods and some really creepy characters. There’s the huge shambling guy with the axe, the sly shotgun wielding old man, and the creepy kids.

I think the kids creeped me out the most. It had me thinking Blair Witch, when they hear the weird voices outside their tent and the kids giggling and slapping the tent.

The Harvesters is relentless and you land right in the thick of it from the get go.

Ash creeps around in the cellar of the ratty cabin and finally spots her boyfriend, Jason. He’s manacled to a metal table.

From this point on, I girded myself for what was coming.

Ash manages to get his hands free before this huge man throws an axe at her. She heeds Jason’s warning and hightails it but is rushed by a little kid. She sweeps past him and slams the door of the cellar shut behind her.

That’s when she hears the whispering.

She rushes to the truck outside, but, of course, there are no keys. A vision flashes in her head of the keys hanging on a hook inside the cabin.

This is where I wonder what I would’ve done. We know the warnings for these scenes. “Don’t go back inside!” But if your true love is lying in there, helpless, about to be carved up, what else can you do?

So, in she goes again.

From the very beginning it’s a mad dash through this short story.

You’ll get to read about it from two points of view. Ash narrates most of the story, but Jason does have his own side to tell.

Then their story meets again as they struggle to survive multiple attacks with no help for miles in any direction.

 I was thinking serial killers or a family of cannibals maybe. I’m still not sure exactly what they wanted from Ash.

That brings me to the ending. It’s a cliffhanger and a big one. I kind of saw it coming, but I think I would have been disappointed if it wrapped up neatly.

This way, I get to look forward to more. I wonder if one of the next books will be about Jason. He has a dark past and I think his story would be harrowing.

We’ll see.

3 Stars

Go here to check out the trailer!

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Author Info
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harvesters trailer ashley5
I’m a college student still trying to get a handle of the adult world. When I need to get away from it I lose myself in books, my own writing, and in spending time with my amazing boyfriend which he supports me to no end. Finding my passion in books has led me to finding a passion in writing my own fictional stories back in 2009, I have turned this into a dream career and going one step further I would love to open up my own book store.
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What can I say. I loved this series.

How great is it that you can get all three stories in one book, never having to wait for the next release.

When you start reading Welcome to Adelheid and meet all of the exciting characters, you’ll see how great this is.

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Welcome to Adelheid

Books One -Three
Mia Darien

Genre: Paranormal Suspense

ISBN: 9781476224244

Number of pages: Approx 375

Word Count: Approx 160K

Cover Artist: Mia Darien

Smashwords  Amazon Kindle  Amazon Print   BN

Kobo     iTunes   Audible

Book Description:

Welcome to Adelheid, CT. Freak central. Unofficial capital of legal preternatural creatures in the Northeast. Focal point for anti-preternatural sentiments in the United States.

Who would ever guess that this otherwise sleepy New England town houses many of the most powerful beings known to exist?

* * *

Cameron's Law (Adelheid, #1)

In “Cameron’s Law,” meet Sadie Stanton, vampire poster girl for preternatural rights. She’s just trying to start a business to help the community, but when vampires and werewolves start attacking each other, she gets thrust in the middle.

My Review

Right from the start you are thrust into the action.

Her name is Sadie Stanton and she owns the Stanton Agency, where she serves all things preternatural.

When Cameron’s Law was passed, making all supernatural beings citizens, Sadie saw the opportunity and offered her services for paranormal investigations.

She’s perfect for the job, after all, she’s a vampire.

While helping a client in the graveyard, a crazed woman runs up and stakes Sadie. As quickly as she appeared, she ran away. Lucky for Sadie, the woman didn’t know her anatomy. It hurt like hell, but healed quickly. And the night is still young.

Following proper procedures, she files a complaint and has the bad luck to have her complaint taken by Detective Johnston, a shifter. There is no love lost between these species and he is being a jerk, or is she just reading him wrong. He definitely gets under her skin, and as her receptionist, Madison, said, “He was tugging on her pigtails.”

Soon enough, Sadie has to deal with Johnston again. It appears that young vampires are attacking werewolves and this could have an adverse affect on the new law. Sadie wants to avoid that at all costs and begins to work closely with Detective Johnston. They need to see who or what is behind this before there is an all out war between the vampires and the werewolves.

There are so many awesome characters in this book. Each one, even the ones with only small roles, stand out as individuals and their voices are strongly written.

My favorites are Sadie and Dakota. Can’t wait for you to meet Dakota. If you think Sadie is tough, wait until to see Dakota in action. She is a hunter and even Sadie isn’t sure of just what she is, maybe something shifty or fae.

The author left me wondering about that in this first book.

I also really liked the view of Sadie’s everyday life while being a vampire, her normalness.

“It was a standard evening. I showered and dressed, had breakfast and checked to see if I had any messages. After that, I ran a few errands, which were ultimately very banal. Just like all the other myths, being a vampire did not automatically make your life exciting or glamorous, and you didn’t come equipped with servants. Vampires still had to do things like go to the bank, buy food and do their laundry.”

Of course, her breakfast must have been some type of blood and her day started after dark. I wonder what the grocery stores are like, having to stock edibles for all types of supernatural beings.

There are more attacks and the race is on to solve this case before all hell breaks loose.

You’ll meet some very interesting characters, good and bad.

You’ll get to see how Sadie interviews  demon summoners, and lawyers for her agency, which was a fun way for the author to introduce new characters.

And you get to meet Dakota, the bounty hunter from hell. Still not sure what she is.

I had a really fun time getting to know the characters of Adelheid, the largest supernatural community in all of New England.

For a not so long book, this one is packed full of back story mysteries,  budding romance, lethal investigations, and a look at the politics of a preternatural town.

A great beginning to this series which the author wraps up nicely, but hints at answers to some lingering questions, which leads you to the next book.

5 Stars

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When Forever Died (Adelheid, #2)

In “When Forever Died,” Dakota is a rare shifter and hunter who has lived a long, hard life. But the past never sleeps and two simultaneous cases are going to test the personal defenses she’s built over the centuries.

My Review

I love it. This book features Dakota, bounty hunter extraordinaire. She is one of my favorite characters.

Dakota hunts the NHF, or Non-Human Form creatures. She’s the one police call when they can’t handle a particular supernatural being. Cameron’s Law may have made all preternaturals citizens, but just like humans, you get your bad seeds and that’s when they call Dakota.

Dakota now kind of works for Stanton at her agency. She has a long way to go to be a team player and she’s kind of scary.

She’s working a case for Myles Bail- Bonds. A fight ends in death and the vampire, wanted for manslaughter, has bolted.

Then she gets a phone call to come down to the police station. The Captain has a case he needs help with.

It seems he needs an ancient, a vampire over 1000 years old, found and brought in.

Dakota doesn’t usually work more than one case at a time, but she’s intrigued. She’s never hunted an ancient before.

And Detective Moore, the visiting detective, has caught her eye. When she learns the detective is looking for a mysterious being, the name slaps her in the face. She’ll need to stay close to Moore in order to monitor her hunt for this being, which happens to be Dakota’s sister.

Someone is following Dakota, things are heating up, people are being torn apart, and bodies are disappearing.

What I really enjoyed about this second book, is Dakota finally opens up, as much as she can, and tells what she is, or thinks she is. She starts to let others in, to trust a few people, to get this ‘friend’ thing.

The authors flashes you back into time so you can see Dakota’s origins and why she is like she is. You also meet her deadly sister. Not someone you are going to like at all.

The writing is so fluid. The characters and situations feel normal, not fictional. You forget they can’t really exist and just go with it.

All I’ll say about the ending is it left me grinning.

And, of course, wanting more.

5 Stars

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Voracious (Adelheid, #3)

In “Voracious,” the life D wants isn’t what it seems. He certainly never planned on the fangs, but he’s going to need a lot more than the pointy teeth to survive the first weeks of his new existence.

My Review

 D is a reluctant vampire. He is lured by a mysterious and beautiful woman to a vampire bar. He really should have known better.

I guess a few too many drinks left him with his guard down. He hates fangs, his name for vampires, and certainly wouldn’t have let this female turn him into one.

Their night of passion ends with a quick snap of his neck and now he’s that thing, a fang.

D is haunted by a dark hunger, has been for a long time, and now he has a hunger even greater, a hunger for blood.

As he gets the hang of it, of being a fang, he feels the need to find out why Ceille did this to him, why she thought he could help her. So he returns to the scene, to the vamp bar 5, and asks the owner, Quintus, what Ceille’s story  is.

What Quintus tells him leaves him hanging. Ceille was beheaded by another vampire. She is now truly dead.

When he turns Cassandra, a young woman dying after being attacked, he has a new bunch of problems. She can’t be left on her own, like he was, and he is her sire, he is responsible for helping her adjust.

There is something special about Cassandra, something that draws vampires to her. D takes her to the vampire coven lead by Jade. They will help her adjust and learn to control her abilities.

Now, a vampire is after him and her and he has no idea why. Too bad Ceille is dead for good, but maybe, just maybe, she can still tell him what he needs to know.

What I liked best about D is how at first, he came off as callous, as a drunk wandering aimlessly through life.

Then, when he’s turned into the thing he despises, only then does his humanness come out. That’s when I started to like him, to pull for him.

Dakota makes a boisterous appearance, as does Sadie, Johnston, and several other characters from the first two books.

I like that you could read these as stand-alones, but why would you want to. You can get all three books individually at a very affordable price, or you can get all three stories in one book!

I read one book each night and had a fun time doing it. I never had to wait for the next release and all of my favorite characters made appearances, like old friends stopping by to visit.

I caught myself wishing there was a town like Adelheid, a town of supernaturals and humans living side by side. I think I’d like it there. Who knows, maybe there is.

5 Stars

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I gave each of these books 5 Stars because I just couldn’t get enough of the characters. I was really sad to reach the end, but had such fun getting there.

As I can’t give Welcome to Adelheid 15 Stars I give it 5 Stars

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Quotes I liked:

“You can’t learn stupid like that. It’s got to be genetic.”

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He stared openly. “Is there some way I can get rid of you?”

“Not really, no. Except by telling me what I want to know and not lying to me. Believe me, you will not like me when I’m angry.”

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“I’ve been known to go to church from time to time, and the walls never came falling down.”

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Somehow, I heard her grin.

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The place was filled with shift work shifters. Say that three times fast.

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About the Author:

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Mia Darien is an indie author of speculative fiction, and a New England Yankee transplanted into Alabama clay. No matter her geography, she continues to stubbornly and rebelliously live the life of her choosing along with her family and pets. She doesn’t miss the snow.

http://www.miadarien.com

http://www.twitter.com/MiaDarien

http://www.goodreads.com/mia_darien

http://www.facebook.com/author.miadarien

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Giveaway

4 paperback copies of Welcome to Adelheid -open to US Shipping only

12 ebook copies of Welcome to Adelheid

To enter, click on the rafflecopter link below.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

I’ve been waiting for a while to tell you about these magnificent flying horses!

The day has arrived and the tour has begun.

I’ll be reviewing the first two books in Linda Ulleseit’s Flying Horse Trilogy.

I’ll be back to tell you about Book Three after it’s release.

Come to Wales and be enchanted.

In the Winds of Danger (Flying Horse Books, #2)

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In the Winds of Danger, Book #2

Synopsis

Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third

Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and

innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that

both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before

making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young

groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his

nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a

dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save

his people as well as the winged horses?

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Excerpt

As if choreographed, the First Barn mare and the Second Barn stallion converged on each

other. Eira’s upswept wing hid the other horse, then revealed him on the downbeat. Nia gripped

her mare with her legs and leaned forward, anticipating impact. She forced her eyes away from

Catrin’s approaching lance, focusing instead on the other rider’s armored torso. The horses’

wings beat in unison, down at the same time. Now! Nia’s lance struck somewhere near her

opponent’s shoulder and slipped off her armor. Meanwhile, Catrin’s lance connected with Nia’s

left shoulder, great pain accompanying the sound of the wooden lance thunking against armor.

The impact jerked Nia back, the restraining straps tightening against her legs, straining to hold

her in place as Nia fought against the weight of her armor to regain her balance in the saddle.

Eira’s wingstrokes broke rhythm as the weight on her back shifted. Panic roared inside Nia’s

helmet like the most violent storm, to be replaced by fury as she regained her balance. Eira

resumed the powerful wingstrokes that kept her aloft, and Nia patted the now-sweaty neck.

Fighting the urge to clap a hand to her injured shoulder, Nia struggled to maintain her hold

on the lance, now dipping and swaying above Eira’s head as if it had a mind of its own. The

mare flattened her ears against her head, and her neck stretched out straight in front of her.

Miraculously, the powerful wings beat cleanly as the mare swept past the other horse, feathers

brushing his tail.

Nia got the lance stabilized into its upright holding position and clutched it with her right

hand. Left shoulder throbbing, she guided Eira to the ground in front of First Barn. The mare

landed harder than usual, no doubt due to the extra weight she carried, and jarred Nia’s shoulder.

The pain inflamed her anger. Her left hand, freed of the reins, clasped her amulet. She hoped

serenity would flow into her from the necklace.

Catrin circled in to land at Second Barn as Tristan hurried toward Nia. “What happened? You

were supposed to go three passes!” he shouted up to her.

He was her barn leader, so tall she had to look up at him from her five foot height when

she was on the ground. Seven years older than her own seventeen years, Tristan sometimes

seemed younger. His blond hair was always neatly combed, but his dark eyes were charged with

emotion. If she ever wanted to know how Tristan felt about something, she read his eyes instead

of listening to his words. Right now he was angry. Well, so was she.

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My Review

The characters from On a Wing and a Dare return in this next book in the Flying Horse Trilogy, along with some new ones you’ll want to get to know.

The situations are more mature as the characters have grown and the suspense and intrigue are palpable.

I was eagerly turning the pages, flying(pardon the pun) through this book, eager to return to the air with these magnificent winged steeds, and to meet and come to know the new cast of characters and the challenges they face.

The aerial sequences are so vividly written, I was once again pulled into the skies, feeling the wind stream past my face and whistling in my ears. A good thing I don’t have vertigo!

I seemed to connect more with the previous and new characters in this follow-up book. The story reads like it’s written for a more mature reader, not so much for middle grade. I suspect that’s because the story should mature as the characters do.

I’m deep into this series now and anticipate a grand finale in the final book of this trilogy.

5 Stars

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On a Wing and a Dare (Flying Horse Books, #1)

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On a Wing and a Dare, Book #1

Synopsis

In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.

Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.

Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.

As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.(

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My Review

Emma is burdened with following tradition or following her heart.

She loves her family and takes her responsibilities seriously, but her strong bond with a winged horse from another barn is forcing her to make a tough choice.

Meanwhile, a mysterious illness strikes the flying horses and the townsfolk must decide whether to stay or move their settlement.

When I first discovered these winged horses I was so excited. I’ve had a love for them since I was a young child. and actually had an imaginary world, which you entered through an old tree stump in my backyard, where I rode one of these magnificent creatures.  It was so real for me, it makes me wonder.

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Who could resist riding a winged horse in the Dance of Welcome or participating in the Aerial Games.

The games had me imagining jousting or polo in the sky.

I even visualized the games as playing Quiddich(Harry Potter) using flying horses instead of brooms. The danger is present as is the spectacular display of aerial feats.

A sky filled with these wonderous creatures would be something to behold.

As for the characters, once you become familiar with them, you are caught up in their stories.

There is a love triangle between Emma and the two brothers, Davyd and Evan. That’s not unusual with teenagers. Emma’s choice could tear this friendship apart.

While written for a younger audience, On a Wing and a Dare offers something for all ages: tradition, loyalty, tragedy, and coming of age.

Come fly with the barns of Tremeirchson.

5 Stars

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About the Author

Linda Ulleseit

Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary

school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending

time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice

scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former

students alongside hers in bookstores.

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about The Rain Wouldn’t Take Away The Pain

by Cedrix E. Clarke

The Rain Wouldn't Take Away the Pain

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The cover left me clueless, but it did catch my eye while browsing for a short story.

I downloaded this for free and want to say thanks to Cedrix and to all of you wonderful authors for your free books.

How else could I afford to sample so many different stories.

What was supposed to be a lovely drive to my parents house for Thanksgiving was turning into something more serious.

Mary, a brilliant and lovely young woman and possibly the love of my life, was showing an unusual side of herself.

I never realized she was so insecure about how strangers would feel about her.

I was trying to figure this out, but the odd noise coming from under my car was a distraction. I should have got that looked at before we left.  Also, as I was behind the wheel, I needed to pay attention to the road.

I admit, I was a bit over it with her worries, but I felt a need to reassure her, and to find out what she was so afraid of.

Meanwhile, I’m worried about those noises still coming from under the car. They seem to be caused by turning to the left, so I baby the car around those turns. The tunnel ahead, created by a canopy of thick trees, is a straight shot and we are almost to my parents, so I feel safe to speed up.

There, smack dab in the center of the road, stands a magnificent buck. Expecting him to move, I’m surprised when he calmly gazes at me, standing motionless.

I keep expecting him to move as I draw nearer. If he doesn’t, maybe I can go around him.

I apply the brakes, not knowing what the deer will do….

So much in such a short story.

The conversation between these two lovers and the introspection by the narrator make you feel like a fly on the wall, viewing and listening to everything.

The conversation flowed so naturally and the scenes were depicted in visual detail.

As the story progressed, I became curious about Mary and what was going through her mind to make her so worried. But, then I felt this creeping sense of dread, of suspense. Somehow, without really mentioning it, the author weaved in this calm before the storm feeling. I began to anticipate what could be coming.

What came, was so different from what I was thinking. I actually wasn’t sure what would happen, but I never saw this coming.

The Rain Wouldn’t Take Away the Pain will make you think. It will make you ask yourself some poignant questions and it will push the limits of believability.

This is a very short story that left me with a “what do I know” feeling.

4 Stars

About the author

Cedrix E. Clarke is a pseudonym for a Kentucky writer that has written his entire adult life, but only recently began publishing. Cedrix has a professional day job in a small town in Kentucky and writes at night, and like most comic book heroes, he must protect his identity. Cedrix does not fight crime…not yet, anyway.

For more about the author and his books:

Amazon / Website

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

Ravage: An Apocalyptic Horror Novel

Here are some I picked up to review on fuonlyknew.

Sledge  Heartless (Tales of Goldstone  Wood #1)

Got some good ones!

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Books for Review.

Getting Back to Normal  My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #1)  Resilient

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The Eyes of Love by Angelina Rose

You’ll have to wait to see the cover.

I had to have these!

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Books I won.

I didn’t win anything this week:(

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Reviewed this week.

Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)

A Tag Team Event – Two blogs, two reviews, two giveaways!

Enter the giveaway here.

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Halo of the Madonna

Reviewed on my Monday Minis post here.

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Black Door

Reviewed on Freakin Fridays here.

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Dawn of a Dark Knight

My review and enter to win a signed paperback here!

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Scheduled reviews for next week.

The Rain Wouldn't Take Away the Pain

Reviewing on my Monday Minis post.

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On a Wing and a Dare (Flying Horse Books, #1)  In the Winds of Danger (Flying Horse Books, #2)

Reviewing both books on Wednesday, July 10th.

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Welcome to Adelheid (Adelheid #1-3)

Cameron's Law (Adelheid, #1)  When Forever Died (Adelheid, #2)  Voracious (Adelheid, #3)

Review of all three books in one and giveaway on Thursday, Jully 11th.

Several more reviews and awesome giveaways coming this next week. Be sure to stop by!

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

Giveaway ~ Chasing Invisible

Release Day ~ For Nick

Teaser Tuesdays ~ Extinct 

Giveaway Blast ~ The Devil Drinks Coffee

WWW Wednesday

Giveaway ~ High Witch

Thursday Theatre ~ Fourth of July

Giveaway and Cover Reveal ~ Reap

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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.

Freakin Fridays!

Freakin Fridays is my own little meme. I’ll be posting about books, movies, and all things scary.

Feel free to join in and do your own Freakin Fridays posts!

Tune in every Friday. Get your scare on!

Let’s have some fun!

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Black Door

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William and his brothers are on their way to summer camp. But when a wrong turn leads them to an abandoned campground, things start to get weird in this nail-biting tale of adventure and suspense.

This book brought back lots of memories.

When I was little, my parents took us on camping trips every summer. It could be hectic and I imagine my parents wondered why they did it, as the proverbial, “Are we there yet?” must have been yelled so many times from the back seat of our station wagon.

We took everything we would need with us, plus there were six of us kids.

We sometimes went to pretty remote areas and it felt exciting and eerie, like being the only people on the planet.

When I read Black Door, that feeling returned.

Imagine three boys in the car impatient to get to camp. arguing back and forth and teasing each other endlessly.

The poor father just wants to get there quickly and end this nightmare ride.

As they get close to their destination, even some of the boys feel something is wrong and when they arrive at the deserted camp, their fears are confirmed.

When they realize this can’t be the right place, it’s too late to turn back. They are low on gas. So they enter the abandoned looking office and all that’s there is the black door.

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Should they open it? What lies behind it?

I’d like to think I wouldn’t go through that door. But, then again, I am curious by nature.

That’s how Evans writes. He entices you to go further, to ignore that gut feeling and do what you know you shouldn’t.

More suspense then horror, Black Door takes you into the other side. Beware what waits.

I’d recommend this for pre-teens, teens and adults.

4 stars

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What’s this? Evans is working on something new!!!

We Don't Need No Water

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When his little sister ends up dead in the local jailhouse after being taken in for a misdemeanor, Iverson doesn’t believe for a minute that she committed suicide. After he and his brothers learn the harsh truth about what really happened, what the Sheriff and his friends did to her, they set out to make the whole town pay for their sins – and nothing but the truth can stop the flames of hell that burn in the wake of their brutal vengeance.

This brand-new story from Evans Light is coming August 2013!

You can bet I’ll be grabbing this as soon as it’s available!

And he’s working on another one! Can’t wait to learn what it’s all about.

~~~~~

I’ve read almost all of Evans Light’s stories

Be sure to visit THE LIGHT BROTHERS web portal at www.evans-light.com for exclusive discounts and giveaways.

Check out my reviews!

ARBOREATUM

ArborEATum

PAY BACK

Payback

The Mole People Beneath the City

The Mole People Beneath the City

Whatever Possessed You?

Whatever Possessed You?

CRAWLSPACE

Crawl Space

Dark Curtains

Dark Curtains ~ Reviewing soon

****Short story collections****

Screamscapes

SCREAMSCAPES serves as the definitive collection of Evans short story/novella output from 2011-2012, and is available in ebook and paperback through quite a few retailers, including Barnes & Noble (ebook is currently Amazon-exclusive, but that will change in another month).

Screamscapes – Reviewing soon.

Screamscapes - Limited Edition

The limited edition signed/numbered paperback of SCREAMSCAPES is available exclusively through THE LIGHT BROTHERS Book Store at www.evans-light.com/book-store.

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***written with Adam Light***

The Corpus Corruptum

Corpus Corruptum – Reviewing soon.

Evans Light

Evans Light

Evans Light is a writer of horror and suspense who suffers from frequent bouts of delusional grandeur interspersed with moments of soul-crushing suspicions of personal inadequacy.

He has a collection of short stories and novellas, SCREAMSCAPES, in the bag and now available from fine retailers everywhere, and a first novel well underway.

Evans works closely with his brother and frequent collaborater Adam Light, who is a stellar horror writer in his own right. Intense sibling rivalry and incessant one-upsmanship will ensure that nothing but horror of the highest caliber will be produced by The Light Brothers for years to come.

Connect with us:

Join “Q&A with The Light Brothers – Evans Light and Adam Light” – Goodreads group:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/8…

Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Evan…

Goodreads

Facebook

You can also stalk Evans here.

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Happy Fourth of July from Castle Charmeine!

I’m back to tell you about the third book in The Light Bearer Series, Accendo.

After my review, enter the giveaway for some awesome prizes!

This is a Tag Team Event hosted by me and Sherry at fundinmental. You can also enter on her blog for another chance to win and read her thoughts about Accendo!

Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)

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Spoiler Alert! This is Book III in The Light Bearer Series

You are probably safe to read this, as I didn’t giveaway anything about the events in this book.

My Review

It’s always difficult to review the next book in a series, and even harder by the third one.

Accendo takes you further into the struggles of this family.

Charmeine must choose wisely when she comes face to face with the Elder Council. The wrong choice could destroy her family and all those she loves.

My heart almost broke when the falling out between Charmeine and Tabbruis occurred. I could only read on, my heart aching, as their love and trust fell apart. I had to have faith they would be able to rekindle what they had lost.

“I love your father, you , and everyone else in the family…when everyone did not trust my instinct, and he didn’t back me up…Well, something inside me started to die.”

The Light Bearer Series is about love, faith, trust and hope. The characters strive for a peaceful, happy existence while battling evil minions and overcoming the uncertainties, worrys, and needs of everyday life.

The further I read into this series, the more I hope. I hope for their survival, for their faith, for their triumph.

As ever, Emily’s love for her characters is breathed into every word, every action and tragedy that occurs.  You forget these are fictional, supernatural beings, and become so emotionally attached, you can only….only wish.

I was given a copy as a gift from the author. No review was requested, but it was honestly and gladly given.

aEmily's Angel

5 Halos for Accendo

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Book Trailer for Charmeine – Mactus – Accendo in The Light Bearer Series

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOiaAGKlEN0?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]

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I have some exciting news to share with you!

Seditious, the fourth book in The Light Bearer Series will be releasing any day now!

Seditious banner

I’ve already started reading this and can’t wait to tell you what’s happening next with this amazing family!

Go here to read an interview with the sexy men from Castle Charmeine.

While you’re there, browse Emily’s site. So many stunningly beautiful posts and so much to entertain!

Keep an eye out for Seditious!

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Giveaway

Emily is giving away one signed copy of Charmeine (US,Can,UK)

And three e-books (International)

When entering, please specify if entering for signed copy or ebook and answer this question:

“Just how far would you go to save your family?”

This is a Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry at fundinmental. You can visit Sherry’s blog for another chance to win and see what she thinks about Accendo here.

Giveaway ends July 18th.

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Synopsis…

Of

“The Light-Bearer Series”

Can romance develop between a Heavenly Light-Bearer and a Hellish Vampire Blood-Hunter?

“Charmeine” the First Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series,” was released January 2012.

Charmeine: Book One

Charmeine (The Light-Bearer, #1)

Go here for my review.

Tabbruis is a Blood-Hunter, he drinks blood to survive. Over millennia Tabbruis has wandered the Earth alone aimlessly living through many historical events.

Charmeine just came to the Earth in 1997, unable to remember anything.

When Tabbruis meets Charmeine the attraction is immediate and passionate. They are polar opposites and clash together in a strongly romantic and dramatic way. When she meets Tabbruis, Charmeine’s powers as a Light-Bearer, one who throws lightning, is triggered and grows exponentially.

Will Charmeine and Tabbruis fulfill their destinies?   Will they realize their importance in both the Blood-Hunter and Light-Bearer world? 

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Mactus (The Light-Bearer Series, Book 2)

Go here for my review.

“Mactus” is the Second Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series.”  The romance and action develop and deepens between our two ill-fated lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine.

“Mactus” means well-done in Latin, and as our Tabbruis and Charmeine proclaim their love for one another, they are reminded of the daunting task before them.  However, their union is joyous and very romantic. 

Tabbruis and Charmeine’s love deepens and grows stronger.  However, they are both thrown when Charmeine is revealed to be the Queen of Light and Tabbruis is the King of Darkness!

Their son, Shane, brings an addition to the family, his fiancée, Sandra Gomez!  She bonds with Charmeine and Tabbruis instantly.  Can Charmeine and Sandra work together to defend themselves from the powerful Elder Council Blood-Hunter Pascal’s attack?

“Mactus” is a romantic and exciting book and a page turner from the beginning to end!

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Accendo (The Light-Bearer Series Book 3)“Accendo” is the Third Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series.”  Reality knocks our two star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine into the now when they have to plan to battle the Evil Blood-Hunter Elder Council.

Charmeine is cut to the core because of Tabbruis’ lack of faith in her ability to lead.  Will their love survive?  Will their faith in each other be tested as they begin their new life together? 

Tabbruis and Charmeine find their close relationship is challenged with unbelief and lack of trust.  The battle to freedom from the Dark and Evil forces which Lucifer has let loose on the Earth is harder than Tabbruis and Charmeine ever imagined.

Their family also suffers a serious loss.  Can they recover and pick up the pieces?   “Accendo” is a romantic and exciting book is a page turner from the beginning to end!

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SeditiousThe Fourth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” is “Seditious.”  This book is the continuation of Tabbruis and Charmeine’s romantic and turbulent love story and mission on Earth to battle Lucifer’s minions!

Tabbruis and Charmeine’s life at the ‘Castle Charmeine’ is blissful until reality of the ruling the Elder Council Blood-Hunters hits them in the face.

In “Seditious” Tabbruis and Charmeine find that their love is tested in the most heinous way possible. 

Then, as a one-two punch, Lord Cromwell, one of the most deadly and powerful Blood-Hunter ever has escaped the Elder Council Prison.  Lord Cromwell sends his beautiful agent to cause trouble for Tabbruis and Charmeine and wants something that they have!

Charmeine runs away from the ‘Castle Charmeine’ to forget the betrayal of her most beloved husband Tabbruis. 

Can Tabbruis win Charmeine back?  How can he make her understand?

Exciting all the way to the end!  ”Seditious” will have you turning page after page in this story of passion, betrayal and seduction.

“Seditious” the fourth novel, will have you riveted from the beginning.

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5Ransom new cover“Ransom” is the Fifth Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” Can Tabbruis convince Charmeine, his love and soul-mate to take him back?  Will Charmeine be able to forget the pain of the past?

Tabbruis and Charmeine take their new family on a much needed and impromptu vacation; however, there is always a twist and turn for them to recover from.

The children of Dmitri are growing up fast and there is an addition to the ‘Castle Charmeine’.

Lord Cromwell, plans a deadly attack on the ‘Castle Charmeine’ and he takes something precious to Charmeine.  However, he wants something in exchange.

Can Charmeine and her family battle this deadly adversary?

Tabbruis and Charmeine’s family bond together to fight Lord Cromwell and more surprises are in store for the star-crossed lovers, Tabbruis and Charmeine!

A must read for all who have read “Charmeine,” “Mactus,” “Accendo,” and “Seditious” in “The Light-Bearer Series.” However, “Ransom” can be a stand-alone novel in its own right!

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“Conundrum,” soon to be released in early 2013 will undoubtedly have more of Charmeine and Tabbruis’ adventures along with their family!

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About Emily Guido

Image of Emily Guido

Emily Guido is a very New Paranormal Romance Author.  She was inspired to start writing “The Light-Bearer Series” because one day she got an idea of two characters of light and dark who needed to have their epic romance story told.  Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written.  When Emily writes, it is similar to you or I watching a movie.  She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene.  There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough. She has written five  novels, “Charmeine” “Mactus” “Accendo” “Seditious” and “Ransom”  The sixth novel in “The Light-Bearer Series.” is entitled “Conundrum” and will be released early 2013.

Where to find/follow Emily:

Website: http://authoremilyguido.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5764521.Emily_Guido

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Emily__Guido

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelightbearernovelist

I’m looking forward to telling you about Dawn of a Dark Knight by Zoe Forward.

Sexy magi, a reluctant healer, and an ancient evil.

What more do you need!

Enjoy my review and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Dawn of a Dark Knight

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In the shadows of our world, a secret band of warriors fights to protect us. They are the last line of defense against an evil no human can stop.

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Ashor Vlahos, as Prime Magus, the leader of the last eight magi, is duty bound to find a healer. One is needed, and needed now, as an old enemy has returned.

The Gods have chosen Doctor Kira Hardy. She saved Ashor ten years ago.

Kira agrees to help when the magi are devastated by a daemon attack. Now Ashor insists she stay and become their healer, their akhrian.

There’s a big problem though. Kira likes her life. She doesn’t believe in these Gods, and she just wants to go home.

An even bigger problem is the attraction between Ashor and Kira.

It’s is forbidden for him to be with their akhrian, but since Kira doesn’t believe in the Gods, she sees something she likes and goes for it.

And she sees Ashor. Toned muscles, rock hard abs, and those tattoos. She would love to do things to those tattoos.

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Poor Ashor is already half insane, close to his turning. Kira could be his undoing.

He’s been experiencing blackouts brought on from fighting with deamons. Their evil souls are poisonous and work on a magus, corrupting their kem-seki and causing them to go berserk..

When that happens, there’s no going back, and they have to be destroyed by another Magus

Ashor is so close, he knows it’s only a matter of time.

But still, he gets all twisted up in his boxers when Kira entices him to crawl between the sheets with her. He senses she is his senariai, soul mate, but their union is strictly forbidden.

“He’d sought her soul, but discovered he’d lost his own.”

 It’s all he can do to turn away and obey the Gods.

Now the enemy approaches, and it wants to finish them off, get rid of the magi and the healer and let darkness loose upon the world.

Why did this story work for me?

Because of several things.

First, great characters.

I couldn’t help but fall for Ashor and Kira. They are in the middle of a battle to save mankind and still have to deal with their raging desire for each other.

I think the Gods were laughing while they watched Ashor struggle to stay out of Kira’s bed.

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You know how they say almost dying can make you fall into bed together, just so you know you’re alive? Kira and Ashor have to deal with this a lot and it gets funny and pretty steamy.

But this thought always stops Ashor from going too far.

“If he horizontal mamboed with her, the gods wrath would pour down on them.”

Second, the peripheral characters.

Each is well written with distinct voices and personalities.

They helped flesh out the story and I grew quite fond of some of them.

The magi are sexy, fierce warriors and the bad guys are truly vile.

I would like to read their stories.

Third, originality.

It’s hard to find a book with new beings and a new twist on an old story.

The Magus are unique and fascinating and the forbidden love is more fun than frustrating.

The author kept the sexual tension just right. And she also kept me guessing as to whether these two would ever be together, or would I have to wait for another book.

Fourth, editing.

If there were any typos and such, they were so minor they didn’t make a blip on my radar. The book read smoothly, keeping  me up late, turning the pages to hurry and see what was coming next.

Fifth, sarcasm.

I like some sarcasm, or snark, in my characters. Makes it fun and keeps me grinning. As long as there’s not too much. In this case, it was just right.

So, there you have it. Five reasons I recommend this book.

Then there’s the pure enjoyment I got out of reading it.There was plenty of action, it was never dull. I could picture the scenes in my mind and visualize the characters. I left feeling like I knew them .

4 Stars

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Giveaway

 I have one signed paperback to giveaway.

****US/Canada Only****

Sorry to my International friends.

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

Do you think a man with tattoos is sexy?

Giveaway ends July 17th.

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About the author

Zoe Forward

Zoe Forward writes action-adventure paranormal romances. She has a special love of archaeology, especially anything Egyptian.  Although a deep part of her wishes she had pursued a career that would have her at a dig site in a hot, sandy country, she’s a small animal veterinarian, caring for everything from chinchillas to dogs…and even one hermit crab in there.

Contacts

Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon

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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about Halo of the Madonna

A short prequel to the Halo Series

by Dina Rae

Halo of the Madonna

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Halo of the Madonna is a really short prequel to the Halo Series.

A world of fallen angels, demons, and Nephilim.

You learn what really happened to Lydia, Kim and Joanna’s mother.

You’ll see just how despicable Armaros is and why Lydia broke from the families church of Fallen

Now Armaros, calling himself Andel Talistokov, is back.

Lydia hears his voice and learns he’s set up shop in his headquarters at The Evil Empire, his advertising chain.

Perfect place to hide what he is, a fallen angel, and gather evil souls.

Lydia wonders if he knows where she is, knows what she stole from him?

She sets up safe guards, but who knows if he is coming after what is his, or when he’ll come.

Lydia can’t let him get the box and rushes to find a safe hiding place, while ensuring her daughters will be able to get to it.

Time is running out and she needs to come forward and tell her daughters everything, what they are, so they can prepare for what is sure to come.

I’ve been hoping to read about Lydia, to learn some of her story.

While this is really short and ends quite abruptly, it gives me answers to questions I had nagging me after I finished the first two books in this series.

Lydia was so brave, running away from the Fallen and trying to protect her children, while knowing she would be forever running and hiding.

She knew the day would come, the day when she would have to tell her children what they are and where they come from.

She just hopes she’s not too late.

Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still was so afraid for Lydia and was immersed from beginning to end.

4 stars

I’ve also read and reviewed the first two books in this series.

Halo of the Damned

HaloOftheDamned - Book One

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A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship… Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan‘s work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell‘s Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother’s fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother’s secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. Halo of the Damned is a horrifying tale that weaves research together with suspenseful twists and turns.

My Review

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Book Two in the Halo Trinity

Halo of the Nephilim

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Can a fallen angel, his band of broken souls, and his nephilim children change the world?

Armaros the Cursed, Satan’s favorite of the Fallen, falls once again after breaking the rules.  Fearing an eternity of punishment, he desperately attempts to save himself by sending a bird to his island.  The SOS message is received by his beloved congregation.  They prepare the great Armaros’ kingdom for his return.  Can his loyal worshipers rescue him from the pit?
Halo of the Nephilim is the sequel to Halo of the Damned.

My Review

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I’ve also read Bad JuJu by Dina Rae.

Bad Juju

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A Haitian bokor mentors two teens in the dark arts. Their spells backfire.

Lucien Nazaire flees his Haitian homeland and meanders around the United States for decades. He settles in a Wisconsin trailer park filled with elderly tenants. He meets Jake and hires him for odd household jobs. As their relationship progresses, Lucien invites the boy into the world of Voodoo. Jake LaRue lives in foster care with his abusive uncle. The Voodoo lessons give him a sense of power within an otherwise helpless situation. Despite his loner status, he instantly connects with Henry, his only friend in high school. Henry Novak has Asperger’s Syndrome. He fixates on historical events, most recently the 2010 Haitian earthquake. Like Jake, he becomes passionate about the dark side of Voodoo. They learn how to cast spells on those they hate and lust, leading up to dire consequences. Months after the Haitian earthquake, Henry convinces his family to volunteer for the island’s reconstruction. Their mission turns into a nightmare when he mysteriously walks off of the campsite. Bad Juju is a balance of horror, romance, and literary fiction intended for adults and mature teens. The plot uses research involving the Voodoo religion.

My Review

Biography of Dina Rae

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Dina Rae is a new author here to stay.  As a teacher, she brings an academic element to her work.  Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots.  Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character.  In the spring of 2013, her latest novel, Halo of the Nephilim, will be released.  Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago.  She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories.  She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio programs.  When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.

Links

http://dinarae.co

www.dinaraeswritestuff.blogspot.com

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dinaraebooks/

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DinaRaeBooks

@haloofthedamned

Eternalpress.biz

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This is my own version of a weekly bookhaul post where  I’ll be telling you about all of the books I got this week, whether print or e-book plus all things 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 Vampire  Dark Deeds: Serial killers, stakers and domestic homicides  Body of Immorality

Here are some I picked up to review on fuonlyknew.

Dark Territory (The Tracks, #1)  Scraps of Paper Large by Kathryn Meyer Griffith photo ScrapsofPaper_LRG_zps22ac2264.jpg

Got some good ones!

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Books for Review.

Blood in the Past (Prelude Novella to the Blood for Blood Series)  Triptych

I had to have these!

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Books I won.

Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream (The Gastien Series #1)

I won Gastien from Renee on her blog giveaway at Reading Renee. Thanks so much Renee!

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Books I reviewed this week.

Buick Cannon: A Joke From the Moon

You can read my review on my Monday Minis here.

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You can read my review and enter the giveaway here.

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Cemetery Planet

You can read my review on my Freakin Fridays here.

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Reviewing this coming week.

Accendo (The Light-Bearer, #3)

A Tag Team Event – Two blogs, two reviews, two giveaways!

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Halo of the Madonna

Reviewing on my Monday Minis post.

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Other reviews coming up next week.

Black Door  Dawn of a Dark Knight

Haedyn's Choice (Haedyn Chronicles, #1)  Stitch (Stitch Trilogy #1)

Several more reviews and awesome giveaways coming this next week. Be sure to stop by!

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

Cover Reveal ~ Someone Else’s Skye

Free Book Blitz ~ Witch Weigh

Teaser Tuesdays ~ House of Fallen Trees

Blast Giveaway and Freebie ~ The Esposito Series

WWW Wednesday

Thursday Theatre ~ Pacific Rim

Giveaway Tour ~ Bad Publicity

Cover Reveal ~ Landlocked

Cover Reveal ~ Heart Search: Found

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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.