Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

Out of banner

Thanks for visiting my stop on the tour for Out Of The Darkness by Darcia Helle, running from March 1st through 31st.

I have an exciting excerpt and my review to share with you today.

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

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Out Of The Darkness

by Darcia Helle

Genre: Paranormal Suspense
Published by: Indie
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Number of Pages: 300
ASIN: B07KJGZY9F
Series: Joe Cavelli, Paranormal PI Book 2
Purchase Links: Amazon |Goodreads

 

My Review

I had a lot of fun reading Out Of The Darkness. I was worried going into it that I hadn’t read the first book but had no problems jumping in here.

There’s some funny situations that had me chuckling out loud. From the blurb, it’s revealed that P.I. Joe Cavelli can hear ghosts. He can’t see them though, so when Gus makes impromptu visits and starts cursing like a drunken sailor, he’s always jumping out of his skin.

Gus is a ghost with amnesia. He doesn’t know what happened to him and he doesn’t know why he keeps getting pulled into a place of pure darkness. He sure doesn’t lack for creative ways to string cuss words into one long sentence. Not a patient guy and he pesters Joe to get to the bottom of things.

The humor really made this work for me. Another thing that did was how the story was presented. You get Joe’s side of things. Then you get Gus’s. It works really well when Joe is investigating what happened to Gus. The two collaborate and start to get a gist of what occurred.

What hinders the investigation’s momentum is when Gus is suddenly pulled back to the dark place at what seems to him to be inappropriate times and without warning. Except, it doesn’t remain dark and Gus once again resorts to stringing his curse words together as he tries to sort through the soup of information revealed to him. I do want to mention that, while Gus can cuss up a storm, you don’t actually read those words. It’s more of an implied thing.

Back to earlier when I mentioned not having read the first book and having no trouble jumping in here. Joe mentioned not knowing why he can hear ghosts so I’m thinking that might be discovered in a future book. And Max was referred to a few times. I gathered that he was the ghost that Joe helped in the first book. While I didn’t feel like I missed anything important by not knowing more about him, I was intrigued and went ahead and added book one to my reading list. I enjoyed this book so much and really grew fond of the character’s and I wanted to read about how it all began.

To wrap up my review I’ll chat about my rating. I knew this was at least a four star experience for me. What earned it five was the writing. Throughout the book there were these small sentences that seemed to be just dropped in. They made me pause and think how authentic they felt. How I wished I’d thought of them. Things like that are something I look for and the author made them appear so casual yet they made the story feel very real. Kudos to Darcia for sealing the deal with me.

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Synopsis

Gus wakes up in a dark void with no memory and no body. Screaming and cursing does him no good. He’s trapped, until he learns about one man who can help.

Joe Cavelli is a PI who hears ghosts, solves their murders, and sometimes fixes their personal problems. Now he finds himself pestered by an invisible, impatient, and brash amnesiac.

Solving cases for ghosts comes with a unique set of circumstances. This time, Joe can’t even claim to be investigating a murder, since Gus’s body is nowhere to be found. Together, Joe and Gus delve into Gus’s past, uncovering clues that lead to a startling conclusion.

 

Read an excerpt:

Joe put the few dishes in the dishwasher, made himself another cup of strong coffee, and said, “Okay, Gus. Let’s see if we can figure this out.”

He walked out of the kitchen, Gus’s voice trailing after him. “Where are we going?”

“My office.”

Joe stepped into the room that was the smaller of the two spare bedrooms. He crossed over to his desk, opened his laptop, and switched it on.

“This is your office?”

Joe sat in his padded leather chair. “My home office. I have another, professional place, with an assistant. No need to go there, though, particularly since she doesn’t know about—” He waved his hand in Gus’s general direction. “—you. This.”

“She doesn’t know you talk to ghosts, is what you’re saying?”

“Right.”

“Afraid she’d think you’re crazy?”

“No. It’s just not something I feel like sharing.”

“You banging her?”

“Jesus. No.”

“Huh. I thought all guys banged their secretaries.”

Joe heard the dry humor in Gus’s tone, though the statement still irritated him. “No, all guys don’t. And I said assistant, not secretary.”

“Same thing, isn’t it?”

“No. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I’m a one-woman man.”

Joe opened a browser page, then the Tampa Bay Times website. He typed ‘Angus Smith’ into the search bar and clicked the Enter key.

“What are you doing?”

Gus had a gruff way of asking a question that made it sound more like an accusation. One minute Joe felt bad for Gus, and the next he wanted to punch Gus in the face. If he could see Gus’s face.

If Gus even had a face. Did ghosts have faces, or were they just invisible blobs of energy? Joe was too tired to deal with this.

“I’m trying to find out how you died,” Joe said.

“Why?”

“I don’t know, Gus. Because it’s a place to start? Figure out how you died and maybe I’ll figure out why you’re stuck in the dark? Unless you have a better idea?”

A huff, then, “No. I got nothing.”

Gus kept silent while Joe scrolled down and clicked a link. Gus’s photo stared back at him from the screen. Seeing the person for the first time was always an odd experience. He couldn’t help but form a picture of each ghost in his mind, based solely on the voice and the little he knew about who he or she had been. Sometimes he was way off. Other times, like now, he was pretty close.

“That’s a crapass picture of me,” Gus said.

Joe studied the grainy image accompanying the article. Buzzcut. Deep brown eyes. Tattoo snaking down the side of his neck, disappearing into his shirt. He seemed to be snarling at the camera. The article put him at 6’3”, 230 pounds, and Joe could see it was all muscle.

He didn’t address the quality of the photo, ignoring Gus while he read through the article. He double-checked the date on the article, then said, “You’re missing.”

“What d’you mean, I’m missing? I’m right here.”

“I mean, you were reported missing. Last Friday, so three days ago.”

“Missing? That makes no sense, since I’m dead.”

“No one appears to know you’re dead.”

“Huh.”

“Do you remember where you were when you died?”

“No.”

“Were you sick? In an accident? Traveling somewhere?”

“I don’t know!”

Joe leaned back and closed his eyes. He forced himself not to react to Gus’s abrupt tone. The guy had every reason to be upset, though this mess sure as hell wasn’t Joe’s fault.

“Who reported me missing?”

Joe opened his eyes and scanned the article. “Cat Loring.”

Silence. Joe waited a moment before adding, “Says she’s your live-in girlfriend.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you remember the last time you saw her?” Joe felt a cool wall of air pressing around him.

“Are you leaning on me?”

“I’m trying to read the article.”

Joe suppressed a shudder—barely. “It doesn’t say much. You left the house at your usual time on Thursday morning. You’re not answering your cell phone, and no one has seen you since.”

“I don’t remember.”

“What’s the last thing you remember?”

Silence.

“Gus?”

“The very last thing? Hell, I don’t know. I might’ve been at a bar with some buddies. I might’ve been driving my truck. Or having sex. It’s all a jumble.”

“Did you and Cat fight the last time you saw her?”

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. Maybe.”

“Could she have killed you?”

Gus snorted a laugh. “Cat? Kill me? That’s funny, Mr. Detective.”

“Yeah? Why is it so funny?”

“She just wouldn’t.”

Joe rubbed at his burning eyes. “Tell me about your relationship.”

“Why?”

“Maybe it’ll trigger a memory. Help me figure out where your body might be.”

“Well, shit.”

***

Excerpt from Out of the Darkness by Darcia Helle. Copyright © 2019 by Darcia Helle. Reproduced with permission from Darcia Helle. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Darcia Helle

out of author

Darcia Helle is a Massachusetts native, who escaped the New England winters to write in the Florida sunshine. She lives with her husband in a home full of spoiled rescue animals and an occasional stray lizard. She writes because the characters trespassing through her mind leave her no alternative.

Author Links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

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GIVEAWAY

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing another spooky fun children’s book by Author Terri Bertha!

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Spooky Twisties III

13 Tales Of Terror

by Terri Bertha

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Genre: Middle Grade / YA / Supernatural

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My Review

Having read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, I was expecting more spooky fun as I ventured once more into a town of supernatural occurrences with a group of stalwart friends.

Terri had a great idea when she interconnected the stories in her books. The tales are all different, but the outcome and events leading up to them are intertwined throughout.

I prowled the library when I was young, looking for books like this. I still do as an adult and get just as much hair raising enjoyment out of them.

Terri brings on the eerie without being too scary and surprises you around every corner. These tales are spooky twistie indeed and a whole lot of fun.

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Synopsis

Spooky Spine-Chilling Tales for Children/Teenagers

Spooky Twisties III is the third book in the series offering 13 interconnected short stories for middle grade readers (9 and above). These short, scary, spine-chilling, yet humorous tales, are recommended for children/teenagers and all young readers who enjoy R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps. The quick, fun reads find a group of friends encountering the creepy and supernatural in their hometown which has become a magnet for the strange and paranormal.

House of Puzzles: Will Chris and Nick be able to solve the puzzles to save their lives?

The Best Book Ever: Can a school book report prove to uncover a little too much for one student?

Pretty Voodoo Doll: What will one of the girls resort to in order to make the cheerleading squad?

A Needed Friend: Why does the mysterious boy seem to be drawn to the girl who visits the graveyard?

Ghost Catcher: Lindsay meets a woman with some amazing abilities at the old-age home. Can you catch a ghost?

Saving Cardinals: Does Amy’s love of birds and animals prove to be a life-saver?

Two Bloke Boys: Will Nick and Chris find gold at the end of the rainbow?

Candle Sense: A thoughtful gift provides a haunting experience.

Would You Believe?: The science fair and a revolution. Seriously, that’s why I didn’t turn in my homework.

Dronepocalypse: Buuuzzzz… did you hear that?

The Promenade: A trip to the historical museum and an old photo help solve the question of how to ask a girl to the spring dance.

Dire-Rama: WOW! That model looks so real!

Hello Me, It’s Me Again: Will an unexpected family reunion finally put things to rest?

The hidden references in these short ‘horror’ stories foreshadow future encounters and/or connect back to events of previous stories, and the twists in the story endings make reading the tales even more fun for ages 9 and above.

Amazon / B&N

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Click on the covers for my reviews of Spooky Twisties I & II

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Author Terra Bertha

Terri Bertha

 

Terri Bertha is author of the Spooky Twisties Series for Middle Grade/YA. Each book consists of thirteen interconnected stories which follow a group of friends as they navigate their way through supernatural events in an idyllic community during the course of a ‘normal’ day. A mix of horror, humor and ‘twisted endings’ make for fun and entertaining reading.

Terri has lived her entire life in the rolling hills and three rivers of western Pennsylvania and the majority of her working years as a Systems Engineer for a large corporation. When her sons were born, she took a hiatus from work, and tutored math and reading while being a substitute teacher in local schools. She returned to the workforce and retired a few years ago.

Besides writing, Terri enjoys watercolor painting, sketching, puzzles, exercising, and golf.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Murder Between The Pages

A Nina Foster Mystery

by Linda Hope Lee

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Murder Between the Pages (The Nina Foster Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Crimson Rose) (December 19, 2018)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 1509223673
ISBN-13: 978-1509223671
Digital Print Length: 190 pages
ASIN: B07JKZT5TM

My Review

I sure do enjoy a fun cozy mystery. And one about writers and bookstores makes it double the fun. The life of a librarian may not seem dangerous to most people. But when Nina discovers her friend dead in her bookstore, it’s wrongful death.  Nina hadn’t planned on getting involved in the investigation. Or of becoming a target. But her friend Zelma is the prime suspect and begs her to help clear her name. A sleuthing she will go.

It’s  a tangled web of truths, half truths and out and out lies as Nina pokes around, trying to find out who killed her good friend Wildeen. The fact that she stumbled around, accidentally overhearing significant information, angering acquaintances when she questioned them, and really had no clue what she was doing made her a believable, genuine character.

The author introduces Stephen, the handsome newcomer who just acquired the newspaper, to the story, which causes a hiccup in Nina’s sleuthing and plans for her future. She has no time for him, but he’s persistent. I enjoyed the back and forth dialogue and the hot and cold emotions between them.

A mystery not easily solved with a slew of suspects and a saucy, fun romance made this a fast and delightful read. I’m curious to see what kind of pickle Nina finds herself in the next time and where the romance goes from here.

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Synopsis

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It’s a sad day for librarian Nina Foster when she discovers her good friend, bookstore owner Wildeen Bergman, dead on her office floor. Worse yet, another friend, romance writer Zelma Duke, becomes the police’s prime suspect. Nina knows Wildeen had something on Zelma. Was it enough to warrant murder? Handsome Stephen Kraslow, owner of the local newspaper, joins forces with Nina to find out the truth. The quest takes them on a dangerous journey of twists and turns before they reach the final outcome.

About Author Linda Hope Lee

Linda Hope Lee had written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries. Other pursuits include watercolor painting, photography, collecting children’s books and anything to do with wire-haired fox terriers. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon    B&N

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 11 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 11 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

March 12 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

March 13 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW

March 13 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

March 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 15 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW

March 15 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 16 – The Book Decoder – REVIEW

March 17 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

March 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

March 18 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW

March 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

 

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

I was invited to share a review over on Anne’s blog ,Books Of My Heart, as part of her Friends On Friday feature. I was thrilled to be asked and jumped right on it!

We’ve been having some fun conversations since we met on Kimberly’s Sunday Post feature. Anne shares some fun discussions and books. Be sure to give her a follow.

I chose to review Dead Eye, a Tiger’s Eye Mystery by Alyssa Day.

Dead Eye by Alyssa Day @Alyssa_Day ‏@laurathomas61 ‏#FriendsOnFriday

Genre: Urban Fantasy /  Mystery

Synopsis

For Jack Shepherd, tiger shape-shifter and former soldier, life is heading for a dead end. Dead End, Florida, to be exact. When he learns that he inherited a combination pawn shop/private investigation agency from his favorite uncle, Jack’s first job is to solve his uncle’s murder. Because sometimes it takes a tiger’s eye to see the truth.

Amazon / B&N

This book was free at time of posting. Click the link to grab your copy. Just be sure to check the price before you click!

Hop on over to Anne’s post and check out my 5 Star review HERE.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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Some chit chat.

We had a really cold snap come through. About froze at work. Now it’s 70s and muggy again and I just know spring is close. I started putting away most of my winter clothes and bringing out the summer stuff I’d put away. I usually keep most of it out as the weather usually isn’t cold for long here.  I noticed my banana trees are getting green stalks again and will share some pictures next week. The Sega’s are also sprouting new greenery and flowers are blooming.  My windows are covered in lizards and geckos at night, snatching up the insects drawn to the light. And I’m now watching for the first hint of green buds on my pecan trees. I know spring is here to stay when they appear. I plan to spend today sitting outside with a book, soaking up some sun and trying to get some color on my pale winter skin. LOL

Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

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My new books this week.

Outre (Deviation Trilogy) by [Adamson, D. J.]  Strange Tales of Scotland (Jack's Strange Tales Book 1) by [Strange, Jack]

Turn the Tide by [Ruggle, Katie, Anders, Adriana, Rushdan, Juno, Mann, Connie]  Fate's Call by [Armae, Angelique, Lize, Shelique, Gray, Elena, McCracken, Kelli, Mason, Erica Gerald, Phoenix, Athena, Serrah, Brantwijn, Beaumont, C.J., Lind, Valia, Ash, Crystal, Julie Trettel, Candace Sams, AJ Anders, Heather Marie Adkins, April Canavan]

Penne Dreadful (Italian Chef Mysteries Book 1) by [Bruns, Catherine]  This Much Country by [Knight Pace, Kristin]

And some audibles that came in the mail!

 

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And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

Lies Never Sleep: A thriller with a twist ending you'll never see coming by [Claflin, Stacy]  A Perfect Grave by [Mofina, Rick]

Seaside Summers (Books 1-3, Boxed Set): Love in Bloom (Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers) by [Foster, Melissa]  Seized by Love (Love in Bloom: The Ryders): Blue Ryder by [Foster, Melissa]

DUNE, DOCK, and a DEAD MAN: A Ravenwood Cove Cozy Mystery by [Dean, Carolyn L.]  Murder at Castle Rock (Amelia Grace Mysteries Book 1) by [Stoddard, Anne Marie]

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Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

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Other posts on my blog this week.

The Night Docket by Michele Lang ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Tickle your funny bone with …. 99% Faking It ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

Kingdom Of Salt & Sirens ~ Excerpts and Giveaway

Lily’s Trust by Lilli Carlisle ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Restaurant Weeks Are Murder ~ Review and Giveaway

Beach Blanket Homicide by Maria Geraci ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

Books From The Backlog #3 ~ Moon Called

All good things must end….. Phoenix Falling by Laura Bickle

The Friday 56 #200 ~ The Corpse In The Cabana

Blood & Whiskey by Meredith Allison ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

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Leave your link and I’ll come visit you.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

phoenix falling banner

Phoenix Falling

A Wildlands Novel

Book Five

Laura Bickle

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Harper Voyager

ISBN-10: 0062567357 / ISBN-13: 978-0062567352

Release Date: February 26, 2019

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Horror, Dark Fantasy, PNR, Paranormal Fantasy

My Review

I’ve been loving these characters since the very beginning of the series and this one is particularly bittersweet as it is the last book. I’ve went through so much with them and I expect I’ll be going through some tough times as I get the wrap up.

Petra struggles with what she is or isn’t. What makes her human? Nine has been separated from her pack. Will she rejoin them? Gabe is the last of the Hangmen. What will he be now? Owen is still haunted by a little girl from his past. Will he finally help her find peace? And what is causing the wildfires burning throughout Temperance and will Lascaris rise again to claim their souls?

While the book has a bit of a slow start, I was still held captive. As I mentioned at the start of my review, I’ve loved these characters from the beginning, even that scamp, Sig, Petra’s coyote sidekick. I got all of the answers to questions I’ve had from the start of this series. Some were harrowing. Some were sweet sorrow. And some were happy happy.

And I got a great ending. It was like a hug goodbye.

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phoenix falling teaser

Synopsis

Laura Bickle, the critically acclaimed author of Nine of Stars and Witch Creek, returns with a fiery new chapter in her celebrated Wildlands series.

In the Yellowstone backcountry, a merciless source of evil carries a torch for the past…

Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—

a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.

It was a dreadful night in 1862 when Lascaris went harvesting for souls, only to be set upon by townsfolk determined to eliminate the root of all evil in a trial by fire. Petra can’t help fearing that Lascaris has crawled out of the ashes of history to wreak vengeance—and to complete his mission by claiming every vulnerable soul in Temperance.

With the help of Gabe and her coyote sidekick, Sig, Petra must now venture into Lascaris’s shadow before he turns her world into an inferno burning out of control.

“Bickle is well on her way to establishing her work as a cornerstone of her genre.”

—Publishers Weekly

Amazon     Harper Voyager     BN     iTunes     Google Play

 

About Author Laura Bickle

Laura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology – Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams.

Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.

Website / Newsletter / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

.

Restaurant Weeks Are Murder

A Poppy McAllister Murder

by Libby Klein

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Restaurant Weeks Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Kensington (February 26, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1496713079
ISBN-13: 978-1496713070
Digital ASIN: B07DBQBVYJ

My Review

While the idea of working with Gigi, her ex-finance’s partner, dims her enthusiasm a little, Poppy is thrilled to be a part of his team for the Restaurant Week Challenge. There will be lots of televised exposure and it’s been her dream to show off her abilities with desserts and appetizers. Before the event even starts, she gets a taste of how tough the competition is, and once it’s under way, all kinds of trouble spills over like water from a boiling pot. Then, a judge dies after eating one of her tasty desserts and she becomes the main suspect. Time to put on her other hat, amateur sleuth, and get to work.

This was my first time reading a book in the series and it was so much fun. The foods shared throughout the book had my mouth watering. The mayhem that ensued from the stiff competition was crazy. The dilemma over which man Poppy’s heart really wanted was fun without being a drawn out love triangle. Getting to know all of the talent in the story and choosing which one was the guilty party kept me entertained and on the alert for little clues. And the ending was a well deserved treat.

Poppy is such a delight and I wish her all the best with her new B&B. She’s a woman with many talents. And some of the other characters are still on my mind. Aunt Ginny with her peppered comments. Gia, Poppy’s delicious male love interest. And a cat that weaves a sparkly trail throughout the book, popping up in the most unusual places. It was good clean fun and I had no trouble reading this and following along even though I’d not read the previous books in the series.

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Synopsis

Cape May, New Jersey, is the site of a big culinary competition—and the knives are out . . .

Poppy McAllister is happy about opening a Jersey Shore B&B—but working in a professional kitchen has always been her real dream. Now it’s coming true, at least briefly, as she teams up with her former fiancée, Tim—and his condescending partner, Gigi—during the high-profile Restaurant Week challenge. Poppy’s specialty is pastries, despite her devotion to a Paleo diet. But if anyone can make glorious gluten-free goodies, it’s Poppy.

Things get heated quickly—especially when some ingredients get switched and Tim’s accused of sabotage. Relatively harmless pranks soon escalate into real hazards, including an exploding deep fryer. And now one of the judges has died after taking a bite of Poppy’s cannoli—making her the chef suspect . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!

About Author Libby Klein

Libby Klein dabbles in the position of Vice President of a technology company which mostly involves bossing other people around, making spreadsheets, and taking out the trash. She writes culinary cozy mysteries from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard.
Author Links

Purchase Links – Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Hudson Booksellers   Target   Books A Million   IndieBound   Walmart

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GIVEWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

February 25 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

February 26 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

February 26 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 27 – Mythical Books – GUEST POST

February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 28 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 28 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT  

March 1 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

March 2 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

March 3 – That’s What She’s Reading – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST

March 4 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 5 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

March 5 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW

March 6 – Sapphyria’s Books – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW

March 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, RECIPE

March 8 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

March 9 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

 

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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Some chit chat.

It was a great week. Nothing really happened but I just felt happy all week. I’m wondering if it has anything to do with the weather. It has been 70s and muggy here. The pollen is so thick that my car looks green every morning even though it’s actually dark blue. And my eyes are itchy and red. Sounds like I’m complaining, but I’m not. It means that spring is in the air. Time to get out the pool floats, bathing suits and flip flops! Woo Hoo!!!!

 Have a lovely Sunday everyone.

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My new books this week.

How to Leash a Thief (Steely & Cuff Mysteries Book 1) by [Clayton, Cat]  Emily, Gone by [Crosby, Bette Lee]  Touch of Iron (The Living Blade Book 1) by [Whitecastle, Timandra]

Pop the Clutch: Thrilling Tales of Rockabilly, Monsters, and Hot Rod Horror by [Guignard, Eric J.]  The Final Homestead: EMP Survival in a Powerless World by [Hunt, James]  The Invited: A Novel by [McMahon, Jennifer]

Isle of Bones (We Witches Three Book 1) by Humphrey Quinn  Beast Out Of Hell by Camilla Ochlan & Bonita Gutierrez  Fangtastic Tales of Werewolf Savagery by [Eyenot, Toneye]

I’ve been wanting to try Judith’s books and had to grab these when she announced they were free. So many books, how could I not grab them!

The Alexandra Destephano Series: Medical Thriller Novels: Boxed Set: Books 1 - 5 by [Lucci, Judith]  Michaela McPherson Mysteries: Books 1 - 4 Box Set by [Lucci, Judith]

I thought that was all of them, but when I came home from work Friday afternoon there were some packages waiting on my front porch. Look at these beauties!

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And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

Last Call: A twisty, fun PI Mystery (The Janet Black Mystery Series Book 1) by [Kirsch, Libby]  I Can See You: British Detective (Jonathan Roper Investigates Book 2) by [Leese, Michael]

PLAZA: An Archaeological Thriller by [Brown, Shane M]  Lux Desecrata by [Hushour, J.M.]

The Corpse in the Cabana (Viola Roberts Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by [MacLeod, Shéa]  Crossing Over Easy (Eastwind Witches Cozy Mysteries Book 1) by [Nelson, Nova]

  Beautiful Demons Box Set, Books 1-3: Beautiful Demons, Inner Demons, & Bitter Demons by [Cannon, Sarra]

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Click on the covers for this week’s reviews.

Moses and Mac  antarctic ice beasts cover 

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Other posts on my blog this week.

The High Sierras Series by Diane Benefiel ~ Blast and Giveaway

Book Blast and Giveaway ~ Mother Of The Chosen by Janeal Falor

Teaser Tuesday #252 ~ Beach Blanket Homicide

No way could they have seen her coming ~ Moses & Mac by Franca Pelaccia

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Series ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

Armed ‘N’ Ready ~ A Romantic Suspense by Tee O’Fallon ~ Excerpt and Giveaway

Books From The Backlog #2 ~ Not A Drop To Drink

The Haunting Of Elmwood Manor ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

House Of Madness by Sara Harris ~ Guest Post and Giveaway

2019 They Call It Puppy Love Challenge Wrap Up

Antarctic Ice Beasts ~ Need I Say More…..

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Leave your link and I’ll come visit you.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Not too long ago I posted about the upcoming release of Hunter Shea’s newest book, Antarctic Ice Beasts. I sat down and read it in one night and now have my review to share with you.. Horror fans are gonna want to grab their copy. Just click on the cover or link to get yours.

Antarctic Ice Beasts

by Hunter Shea

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My Review

I have been reading a lot of books set in inclement weaher conditions, especially in Antarctica. I was beyond thrilled when I spotted Hunter’s upcoming new release in his newsletter. Went right over and ordered me a copy and dove in the minute it showed up.

You know the skinny from reading the blurb, but just in case, here’s a brief recap. The crew of US Freedom Base, located in the worst part of Antarctica, are staying through the long, dark winter. Conditions are bad. A  huge storm is blowing outside and they’re worried if the structures can withstand it. Then, they learn an even worse storm is following close on it’s heels. But they have far worse things to fear. Another storm is coming. It’s not the weather. It’s not human. It’s something other. None of them may survive until help can arrive. And who knows when that will be.

Hunter never wastes time on dropping you right in the thick of things. I met the characters. Got to know some. Like some. Not like some so much. Then the things came knocking on the door. Or rather, trying to knock it down. They weren’t what I was expecting. In fact, the way the rest of the story went wasn’t what I was expecting. That’s okay. The author threw me a curve ball and gave me bloody violence, characters to use as chum, monsters of a most unusual and creepy kind and a twist to the story that, while it felt like he was reaching somewhat, sure did have me poring over each word, making sure I grasped it right and didn’t miss anything.

 I would say this fell between three and four stars for me. As I don’t do half star ratings I always bump it up. While I might not have got the story I thought I was going to get, it was a goodie. And Hunter can surprise me anytime. I’ll keep coming back for more.

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Synopsis

The South Pole in winter is one of the deadliest places on Earth. The seven person crew of the US Freedom Base lives alone in months of utter darkness with no hope of help or rescue. A freak storm batters the walls and threatens to expose them to the deadly cold. All they can do is wait…and pray.

The ground quakes. An alien screech rips through the night. There’s something, or someone, lurking outside. Fists bang on the walls. Each tiny crack in the base spells death by hypothermia.

Untold horrors have come to Freedom Base…and they want in!

Amazon

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Author Hunter Shea

Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary
movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past
his house. He’s the author of over 17 books, including The
Jersey Devil (Pinnacle 2016)), Tortures of the
Damned (Pinnacle 2015), and We Are Always
Watching (Sinister Grin). Hunter’s novels can even be found on
display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. The Montauk
Monster (Pinnacle 2014) was named one of the best reads of the
summer by Publishers Weekly. He was selected to be part of the
launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside
legendary author Ramsey Campbell. His video podcast, Monster
Men, is one of the most watched horror podcasts in the world. Living
with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be
close enough to New York City to see the skyline without having to
pay New York rent.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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I had so many books I planned to share for this challenge.

Sadly, I failed. Only read and reviewed three. It was crazy with working two jobs and I just couldn’t get to all of them. Here’s what I did get to.

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How Dachshunds Came To Be and A Tall Tale About A Dachshund And A Pelican both got 4 Stars.

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And The Puppy Who Knew Too Much received 4 Stars too.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.