Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

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.

I’ve read plenty of A.J. Cosmo’s children’s book and he always keeps it real.

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 Nuts

  by A.J. Cosmo

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Genre: Children’s Book

Ages 4– 9

Grade Level: 1 – 3

My Review

Right from the beginning this story felt so familiar. It began with Wally the squirrel and his sister and parents driving to his grandmother’s house for a family reunion. I remember playing the car games. I Spy and counting objects we passed by. And it never failed, someone always asked, “Are we there yet?”  Remember those family road trips?

The more I read, the more fun I had. If it weren’t for the colorful, fun illustrations I would have forgot this was about a family of squirrels. That’s how much I connected with them. And those illustrations. You should see the expressions on the squirrels faces. Too cute.

And the author gets quite creative with their names. There’s Wally and his sister, Pistachio. His mother, Brazil and father, Almond, Grandma Praline and Uncle Peanut. A few more relatives are introduced. Can you guess what their names might be? Every time I read their names I grinned. It’ll be fun for your kids to see how many “nuts” they recognize.

Wally thinks it’s all about the presents. Everyone exchanges names and brings a gift. He’s impatient to eat so they can start opening them. But family reunions are much more than that. Something Wally will soon learn.

I’ve read many of A.J.’s books and Nuts is one of my favorites. He includes special messages in such clever ways. If my son ever gets around to giving me grandkids, you can bet I’ll share this with them. I can almost hear the snickers and exclamations of excitement when they see the pictures and read about Wally and his family.

   5 Stars

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Synopsis

Ever felt like your family was crazy?

All Wally wants to do is open presents, but before he can he has to endure his nutty family!

Written for siblings of autistic children, this fully-illustrated heart-warming, story teaches tolerance and understanding for everyone.

Amazon

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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

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This is a Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry.

 It’s always a pleasure to share more books by Ashley Fontainne. I’ve read many of her books and plan to read everything she writes.

For today, I’m sharing my review of Ruined Wings. I’m very excited for Ashley as this has been optioned for a movie.

After reading my review, head on over to Sherry’s blog at fundinmental and check out her review.

Enter her giveaway for another chance to win!

And Ruined Wings is free. Click on the links below the synopsis to grab the eBook.

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Ruined Wings

by Ashley Fontainne

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Genre: Fiction

My Review

This story isn’t an easy read. The author writes a bare bones, honest and hard to take look into the painful lure and eventual fall to the call of drugs.

Callie is a rising track star. Her future is bright and she has exciting plans. But fate intervenes. And when she loses her brother and father to a car accident her world comes crashing down.

Not strong enough to handle her grief, Callie chooses drugs to numb her pain. And thus begins a long painful journey as the girl with with everything going for her slides to the rocky bottom.

Drug addiction is ugly. Loved ones become someone else. And as the drugs tighten their grip, they’re led to do despicable things to get more drugs. The love of their family and friends turns to anger and disgust.

Ruined Wings should be required reading in schools, for students and their parents. I used to look at those addicted to drugs as lost causes. Not having known them before the drugs stole their lives, I didn’t realize how quickly anyone could become hooked.

Ashley Fontainne takes you through it step by painful step. She doesn’t try to paint a pretty happy ending. I wanted to hug Callie. Tell her everything would be okay. But only Callie could save herself.

Thanks for shaking me up and opening my eyes, Ashley.

  5  Stars

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Synopsis

“Ruined Wings is raw, real and a terrifying journey into addiction. A must read for every parent.” – Elaine Raco Chase, bestselling author.

Seventeen-year-old Callie Novak is on the cusp of changing her life as she warms up for the final heat in the Women’s 1600 meter track and field competition. While she sets a new state record, her family’s worse nightmare is just beginning.

When tragedy strikes the Novak family every reader will feel the pain of grief, the perils of drug abuse, the despair that leads to a shocking downward spiral and the strength that’s needed to overcome addiction.

Purchase Links

Amazon / B&N / iTunes / Kobo / Audible

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Author Ashley Fontainne

 

Award-winning and International bestselling author Ashley Fontainne is an avid reader of mostly the classics. Ashley became a fan of the written word in her youth, starting with the Nancy Drew mystery series. Stories that immerse the reader deep into the human psyche and the monsters that lurk within us are her favorite reads.

Her muse for penning the Eviscerating the Snake series was The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. Ashley’s love for this book is what sparked her desire to write her debut novel, Accountable to None, the first book in the trilogy. With a modern setting to the tale, Ashley delves into just what lengths a person is willing to go when they seek personal justice for heinous acts perpetrated upon them. The second novel in the series, Zero Balance. focuses on the cost and reciprocal cycle that obtaining revenge has on the seeker. For once the cycle starts, where does it end? How far will the tendrils of revenge expand? Adjusting Journal Entries answered that question: far and wide.

Her short thriller entitled Number Seventy-Five, touches upon the sometimes dangerous world of online dating. Number Seventy-Five took home the BRONZE medal in fiction/suspense at the 2013 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards contest and is currently in production for a feature film.

Her paranormal thriller entitled The Lie, won the GOLD medal in the 2013 Illumination Book Awards for fiction/suspense and is also in production for a feature film entitled Foreseen.

Ashley’s decided to delve into the paranormal with a Southern Gothic horror/suspense novel, Growl, which released in January of 2015. The suspenseful mystery Empty Shell, released in September of 2014. Ashley will be teaming up with Lillian Hansen (Ashley calls her mom!) to pen a three-part murder mystery/suspense series entitled The Magnolia Series. The first book, Blood Ties, released the Summer of 2015.

Whispered Pain released in October of 2015 and Night Court released December 13, 2015.

Ashley also hosts The WriteStuff, a popular BlogTalk Radio show, each Friday night at 10 p.m. CST.

Blog

Author Website

Foreseen Movie Website – See the trailer

Number Seventy-Five Movie Website

       

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Ashley is giving away one Audible Copy of Ruined Wings

Entry is easy. Just leave your email address so I can contact you if you win, let me know which format you are entering for, and answer this question:

Have you ever done something you knew you  shouldn’t, but couldn’t stop yourself?

Now hop on over the Sherry’s post on fundinmental for her review and another chance to win!

Giveaway ends June 27th.

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Books by Ashley Fontainne

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And coming September 4th, 2017.

Blood Loss (The Magnolia Series Book 2) by [Fontainne, Ashley, Hansen, Lillian]

Click on the covers to see on Amazon.

And click on the links below to see my reviews.

Growl

The Lie

Night Court

Suicide Lake

Tainted Cure

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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

Hi ya’ll!

It’s been ages since I missed a Sunday Post. I love sharing what I’ve received and what I’ve read.

And I especially like my freebies feature where I browse sights and find freebies to share. I love including all genres and age groups so there’s something for everyone.

But, I was out of town most of the weekend, and since I add the freebies Saturday night so they’ll still be free Sunday and I wasn’t home, I decided to hold off and just provide a smile for ya!

Thanks for stopping by!

And check out the links below. I have all of my giveaways and reviews linked for you to check out. And a page with some free books too.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

http://www.jeanbooknerd.com/2017/04/nothing-left-to-lose-by-dan-wells.html

Nothing Left To Lose

Series: John Cleaver (Book 6)
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (June 6, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765380714
ISBN-13: 978-0765380715

My Review

Another thrilling installment in the series. I go into each story hoping for more intrigue, complexity and angst and Dan Wells doesn’t disappoint.

John still battles his urges as he continues to hunt down the Withered. In each book I learn more about these monsters and what drives them. Terrifying they may be, but you’re given insight into their side of the story, which left me feeling conflicted about them, kind of.

The authors choice to tell this in first person POV from John’s perspective was a wise one.  He keeps evolving, growing mentally stronger but still needing some releases for his dark urges. As a budding serial killer who has rules to keep him from killing the innocent, I find him one of the most compelling characters I’ve come across.

There’s an interesting twist that makes for an edgy read. And it’s a gut wrenching finale in the last third of the book as good and bad become entwined in a fight to survive. I wish I could tell you the last scene of the book. All I could think was, it’s about time.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Dan Wells continues his acclaimed John Wayne Cleaver series, popular with fans of Dexter

Hi. My name is John Cleaver, and I hunt monsters. I used to do it alone, and then for a while I did it with a team of government specialists, and then the monsters found us and killed almost everyone, and now I hunt them alone again.

This is my story.

In this thrilling installment in the John Wayne Cleaver series, Dan Wells brings his beloved antihero into a final confrontation with the Withered in a conclusion that is both completely compelling and completely unexpected.

Don’t forget to catch the film adaptation of the first installment in the series, I am Not a Serial Killer, in theaters August 26th.

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Excerpt

Run from Rain. It was one of the last things Brooke had told me, one of the last leads she’d dug up from the recesses of her memory. Ten thousand years of dead girls and a supernatural killer, and all of them were terrified of “Rain,” though we’d never figured out who or what Rain was. Another Withered, we’d assumed. Maybe one of the last ones left. And now, after months of searching, I’d found another piece of the puzzle. I ran outside, looking for the dazed, dirty woman who’d said the words, but she was gone. Homeless, maybe? Unbalanced, almost certainly. Or maybe it was something more sinister—was she a victim of Rain, somehow? Someone who’d been enslaved to a paranormal monster, or who’d been attacked and managed to escape, or maybe just someone who’d seen an attack and been broken by the thought of it. Withered attacks could be horrifying, mindshattering things, upending everything you thought you knew about the world and the way it functioned. Or maybe she’d survived a different kind of Withered attack—not by Rain, but by Nobody. Nobody killed by possessing young girls and using their own bodies to commit suicide; Brooke had lived through it, but she’d gained an untold horde of Withered memories as a result. That’s how she could remember things like “Run from Rain.” Now here was another girl with the same dark memory and the same broken, disorganized mind and . . . in ten thousand years, Brooke can’t have been the only person to survive an attack from Nobody, could she? Maybe this lost girl was another. Whoever the girl was, at least one connection seemed obvious: a Withered named Rain, in a city where someone had drowned without water. It couldn’t be a coincidence. I had to stay in Lewisville and I had to learn everything I could about this killer, starting with the body of Kathy Schrenk. And the best way to do that was to wait. There was a bus stop nearby, on the heat-blasted side of the cracked asphalt road, and I sat there in the sun and waited. My backpack containing all my worldly possessions was back in the bus station where I’d showered after hitchhiking into town; storing it had cost me a dollar, which probably meant that I couldn’t eat dinner that night, but it was better than bringing the whole dusty thing with me to the mortuary. Nothing said “ignore and/ or suspect this person” like showing up in a clean, well-kept place with an old, dirty backpack bursting with clothes. That marked you as a drifter, and I needed these people to trust me. Now more than ever.

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Praise for JOHN CLEAVER SERIES

“Top-notch writing and well-structured suspense elements keep the story moving briskly.”―Publishers Weekly

“Fans of Jeff Lindsay’s Dexter series will welcome Wells’s gripping debut.” ―Publishers Weekly on I Am Not a Serial Killer

“Wells’s debut is an unabashedly gory gem. This deft mix of several genres features a completely believable teenage sociopath (with a heart of gold), dark humor, a riveting mystery, and enough description of embalming to make any teen squeamish, even if they won’t admit it. Buy multiples where it won’t be banned.” ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review) on I Am Not a Serial Killer

“This dazzling, un-put-downable debut novel proves beyond a doubt that Dan Wells has the gift. His teenage protagonist is as chilling as he is endearing. More John Wayne Cleaver, please.” ―F. Paul Wilson, New York Times bestselling author

“The beauty of the prose, mixed with the depth of characterization, gives the haunting, first person narrative a human touch. Regardless of your age or your genre preferences, you will find this story both profound and enthralling.” ―Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author

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Author Dan Wells

DAN WELLS writes a little bit of everything, but he is best known for the Partials Sequence and the John Cleaver series, the first book of which is now a major motion picture. He is a co-host of the educational podcast Writing Excuses, for which he won a Hugo and now helps run a yearly, week-long writing conference. In addition to novels, novellas, and shorts, he has also written and produced a stage play, called “A Night of Blacker Darkness,” and works as a staff writer on the TV show “Extinct.” He has loved in the US, Mexico, and Germany, and currently resides in Utah with his wife and six children and 439 boardgames.

       

 You can purchase Nothing Left To Lose at the following Retailers:
   

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Win the complete John Cleaver series.

(Six books in total)

Click HERE to enter.

Follow the tour HERE.

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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

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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.

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

I fell asleep last night while reading a horror story. Usually they don’t cause nightmares or make me scared to go to sleep. I came awake slowly. Something was wrong. I heard loud breathing. Felt warm breath on face. Bad breath! I was afraid to open my eyes. Did someone get in the house? Was I about to be raped or murdered? I cracked open my eyes. Something was in bed with me! It’s mouth was sprinkled with grey hairs. It’s nose was cold. It’s eyes were rolled back in its head. Oh man. It’s my dog, Quigley. LOL He got in the bed and lay down with his head on my pillow. Talk about a waker upper. That’ll teach me to read scary books before going to sleep. And I need to get him some doggie denture sticks. His breath. Whew!

And now….It’s all about the books! I got a bunch. Reviewed some. And browsed a whole bunch of freebies for ya!

*****

My new books this week. Got a lot. Guess I went a little crazy on Amazon too. LOL

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25098131  28468139  Tales from Harborsmouth Ivy Granger Psychic Detective Urban Fantasy

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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.

I went a little crazy on finding freebies this week. So many good ones!

I hope you realize I didn’t grab all of these myself. Honest!

Changeling: An Appalachian Magic Novel Book 2 (Appalachian Magic Series) by [Herbert, Debbie]  Sweetwater American by [Coleman, Eileen Cruz]  Something Like This by [Coleman, Eileen Cruz]

Haven on the Riverwalk by [Coleman, Eileen Cruz]  The Girl on the Roof by [Coleman, Eileen Cruz]  Dawn of the Infected: A Prequel Novella (Hybrid Chronicles) by [Cruz Coleman, Eileen]

The Last Spartan: Different Paths by [McCullough, A. E.]  The Last Spartan: DJ's Mission by [McCullough, A. E.]  Hell's Rejects (Chaos of the Covenant Book 1) by [Forbes, M.R.]

Harlot by [Podger, Tracie]  Hounds of Autumn by [Blackwood, Heather]  The Tinkerer's Daughter by [Sedgwick, Jamie]

Hearts Under Siege (Civil War Collection Book 1) by [Kelly, Kathryn]  A Regency Romance and Murder Mystery Box Set by [Wylde, Anya]  Fortune's Flower (Passport to Romance Book 1) by [Lawson, Anthea]

A Match Made in Spell: Lexi Balefire, Matchmaking Witch (Fate Weaver Book 1) by [Welling, ReGina, Lynn, Erin]  Witches' Brew: Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series (Vampires and Wine Book 1) by [Best, Morgana]  HAPPY PANTS CAFE (The Prequel) (THE HAPPY PANTS SERIES) by [Pamfiloff, Mimi Jean]

*****

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

 

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Other posts on my blog this week.

Death Is His Medium ~ The Snowman ~ Review & Giveaway

Teaser Tuesday #206 ~ River Of Teeth

Nerd Blast and Giveaway ~ Sputnik’s Guide To Life On Earth

The Kid’s Korner #14 ~ Me Tawk Funny

A Suspense Thriller ~ Strawberries ~ Tour Giveaway

Check out the Pre-Order Party and Giveaway for Tales From Harborsmouth by EJ Stevens

The Friday 56 #154 ~ Skin And Bones

Freakin Fridays #51 ~ Devil In The Countryside and Apparition Lake

Saturday Screams #33 ~ River Of Teeth

A Romantic Suspense ~ Wilde Horses ~ Tour and Giveaway

*****

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.

Welcome to my Saturday Screams.

I couldn’t resist this book. The title. The cover. The blurb. The hippos! Oh My!

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River Of Teeth

by Sarah Gailey

 

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Genre: Alternative History / Fantasy / Science Fiction

My Review

Being a southern gal, I’m always looking for stories set in my neck of the woods.  The author did a superb job describing the bayous and the muddy Mississippi. I heard the rising shrill of the cicadas, the buzz of the annoying mosquitoes, and the grunt of alligators. Caught a glimpse of huge alligator gars as they rolled on the surface, while being lulled by the back and forth swaying on top my hippo. Yes, I said hippo.

The US Government came up with the idea of importing hippos into Louisiana for a much needed food supply. Sounded like a good idea, but didn’t happen. Except, in this book it did. And now the hippos are feral and eating everything, including humans, making the river a dangerous place. A ragtag group of hippo wranglers enter the swamp to round them up. All is not as it seems.

I read somewhere that in Africa more people die from hippo attacks than any other animal. They hide under the water, move at tremendous speeds, and their teeth are gigantic. In this book you have hippos that the wranglers bond with from birth, making them safe to ride, most of the time. Then there’s the feral ones. No one wants to encounter them. When some of these characters come across a feral, it’s bloody mayhem.

The characters you meet are varied and odd. One of my favorites is Winslow Houndstooth. He’s usually somber and withdrawn, until you shake his hornets nest. Then he’d as easily kill ya as step on an ant. He’s a charmer and I loved how he could make men preen and blush from his attentions.

The writing is haunting, powerful, and visual. Such a superb job for this author’s debut.  The good guys aren’t all good and some bad guys aren’t all bad. Action, intrigue, and betrayal keep you glued to the story. And the hippos, I just couldn’t get enough of them.

Do I recommend this book? Most definitely. Will I be reading the second book? Hell yes!

   5  Stars

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 Synopsis

Sarah Gailey’s wildfire debut River of Teeth is a rollicking alternate history adventure that Charlie Jane Anders calls “preposterously fun.”

In the early 20th Century, the United States government concocted a plan to import hippopotamuses into the marshlands of Louisiana to be bred and slaughtered as an alternative meat source. This is true.

Other true things about hippos: they are savage, they are fast, and their jaws can snap a man in two.

This was a terrible plan.

Contained within this volume is an 1890s America that might have been: a bayou overrun by feral hippos and mercenary hippo wranglers from around the globe. It is the story of Winslow Houndstooth and his crew. It is the story of their fortunes. It is the story of his revenge.

Amazon

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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

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Welcome to Freaking Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve gota couploe of good ones to share today.

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Devil In The Countryside

by Cory Barclay

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Genre: Historical Mystery/Horror

My Review

The story takes place in Germany. The year is 1588. People are being murdered, torn to pieces in what looks like a vicious animal attack. Rumors abound that the Werewolf Of Bedburg had returned.

Investigator Heinrich Franz is tasked with discovering who or what is behind the killings and putting an end to it. He’s joined by three people who, whether willingly or by choices not their own, combine their knowledge to kill the beast and save their town.

This book reads like a movie. I felt like I was watching events as they took place. The settings were so visually written and it was steeped in suspense and horror as the characters delved into the mystery and more people were torn apart.

The historical aspect was well written. Especially the religious and political agendas of the times. It was a bloody battle on both sides. And there is quite the cast of characters. I wasn’t sure any of them could be called good people. They all had secrets and hidden agendas.

And is there really a werewolf? I wasn’t sure right up til the end.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Devil in the Countryside is a story about the most famous werewolf investigation in history, brimming with intrigue and war, love and betrayal, and long-kept vendettas.

It’s 1588, the height of the Reformation, and a killer is terrorizing the German countryside. There are reports that the legendary Werewolf of Bedburg has returned to a once-peaceful land. Heinrich Franz, a cold and calculating investigator, is tasked with finding whomever — or whatever — the killer might be. He’ll need all the help he can get, including that of a strange hunter who’s recently stumbled into town. Though they’re after the same thing, their reasons are worlds apart. And through it all, a priest tries to keep the peace among his frightened townsfolk, while a young woman threatens his most basic beliefs.

In a time when life is cheap and secrets run rampant, these four divergent souls find themselves entwined in a treacherous mystery, navigating the volatile political and religious landscape of 16th century Germany, fighting to keep their sanity — and their lives.

Amazon

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Apparition Lake

by Doug Lamoreux and Daniel D. Lamoreux

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Genre: Horror/Mystery

My Review

Mother Nature strikes back, unleashing a man killing grizzly on the unsuspecting people who venture into Yellowstone National Park. Glenn Merrill, Chief Park Ranger, vows to catch and stop the rogue bear. but more people die and signs point to something else, something mystical, that stretches the ranger’s beliefs. It may take more than bullets to stop the bear, and it might just be coming after Glenn.

The cover for this book fits the story perfectly. And that bear is terrifying. I can’t think of many things more terrifying to be eaten by except maybe a shark.

I enjoyed the Indian mysticism aspect of the book. Their connection to Mother Earth is deeply ingrained in their beliefs and it sure lends to the mystery, which I found fascinating.

I expected this to be a bit gory and would have been disappointed if it wasn’t. It’s also oozing with creepy atmosphere. I liken it to walking down a dimly lit empty street, shrouded by moist fog. What lurks in the shadows. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next and also worried about what would happen next.

The characters read genuine, flaws and all, and the bear is something else. Loved this book and it would be such a great movie.

Anyone who loves a good mystery with bits of horror will enjoy this one. I recommend you give it a read.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Something is terribly wrong in the nation’s oldest national park.

Horrific deaths have occurred throughout Yellowstone and everyone believes that a monstrous grizzly bear is on a rampage. Scientific evidence suggests another terrifying conclusion. For Chief Ranger Glenn Merrill, putting an end to the mysterious deaths is more than just his job, it is a mission that will take him to the brink of death and shatter the foundation of his beliefs.

Apparition Lake plunges Glenn, his full-blooded Shoshone friend Johnny Two Ravens, and Jennifer Davies, an aggressive young biologist, into a world of Indian mysticism where mankind and nature struggle for control of Mother Earth. Apparition Lake races through its supernatural tale of an environment that has “had enough” and the Native American spirit it uses to mete out its revenge.

Amazon

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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

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.

I came across this on Amazon and just couldn’t resist it.

It was free on Amazon at the time of my posting. You can click on the cover to grab a copy. Just make sure you check the price before you one click.

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 Me Tawk Funny

A Shaggy Dog Story #1

  by Neil Roy McFarlane

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Genre: Children’s Book

Ages 6 – 13

My Review

It all starts when Hector Dumble’s dog, Buster, starts talking. Hector thinks of himself as dumb. Now he thinks he’s going crazy. Dogs can’t talk. But Buster can. And he keeps getting smarter. Soon, he has Hector studying and getting smarter too.

It’s not long before reporters get wind of the miracle and interview Hector and his talking dog Buster. It’s the headline in the newspaper and leading story on the towns news program. Until they’re knocked from the headlines by a bank robber. He’s due to strike again and maybe, just maybe, Hector and Buster can combine their smarts and catch the guy.

This is such a fun and clever story to encourage children to ask for help, not give up, and believe in themselves. Hector and Buster both buckle down, support each other, and learn together. But it wouldn’t have been as fun if they didn’t have a dastardly villain to catch.

The author had a good idea with this and made it silly and fun while also teaching children some valuable lessons. They’ll have so much fun reading about Hector and Buster, that they won’t realize they are also learning.

I think a lot of kids will identify with Hector. Learning can be hard, but it can also be fun and rewarding. Just like this cute tale.

There are two more books in this Shaggy Dog series and you can bet I’ll be reading them.

   4 Stars

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Synopsis

How did Hector’s dog start talking?
Hector Dumble thinks he’s dumb. When his dog Buster starts talking to him, Hector begins to think he’s crazy too.

Things become even stranger when Hector learns that his teacher Mr Weazel has a secret identity.

How will Hector handle having a dog that can talk and a teacher who wants to take over the world?

Find out in this shaggy dog story for kids aged 6 to 13.

EXCERPT

As they were taking a short cut across the park, Buster suddenly stopped walking.
“Come on, Buster,” said Hector. “Mom’s waiting for us.”
But Buster just stood there and started making some funny noises. It wasn’t really a growl and it wasn’t really a bark. It was like a cross between the two. A ‘grark’. Then he coughed a bit and gave another grark.
Hector looked at him curiously. “Buster, are you OK?”
Buster looked at Hector, grarked again, and then he said, “Kay kay.”
“Did you just say ‘kay kay’?” Hector asked.
“Nuh nuh,” said Buster. “Missa me kay kay.”
“Huh?” Hector thought that the noises Buster was making were pretty weird.
“Missay me ko kay,” said Buster.
“Buster, are you trying to talk?” Hector said.
Buster cleared his throat again and said, “Me say me OK.”
So, thought Hector, all this studying and homework has finally made me go crazy. Now I think my dog can talk. “OK, Buster, let’s go home. Mom will be worrying.”
“Hokay Hector,” said Buster. Then he gave another grark, as if he were trying to clear his throat. “Me tawk funny.”
“You sure do,” said Hector. “Come on.”

Free for Prime and Kindle Unlimited Customers

A perfect-length bedtime story – grab a copy today!

Click on the link below for your free copy.

Amazon

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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

 
It’s a pleasure to be participating in author Yolanda Renée’s THE SNOWMAN Blog Tour through MC Book Tours today.
This is a prequel to the author’s Detective Steven Quaid Mysteries. This story tells of Steven’s first case as a rookie detective. It takes place 10 years before the events in MURDER, MADNESS & LOVE, the first book in the series.
The author is offering a tour-wide giveaway featuring both print and eBook copies from her series. More information on the giveaway is listed below.
◊ THE SNOWMAN
◊ by Yolanda Renée
◊ Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense
◊ Publisher: TRACE Enterprises
◊ Series: Detective Quaid Mystery
◊ Novella
◊ Print & eBooks
◊ Contains explicit sex & violence
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It takes a true artist to pursue his victims in the art of seduction, and Stowy Jenkins is no exception, especially with blood as his medium.
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          Stowy Jenkins, aka, Stone, and as Alaskans refer to him, the Snowman, is a true artist. His muse, Gigi, is the ultimate inspiration for his painting. Her rejection inspires him to use a very unusual medium…blood.
          While art may be his passion, the taste for blood is his obsession, and multiple murders, the result.
          Rookie, Detective Steven Quaid, is no fan of the Snowman’s murderous exhibitions. A twisted and deadly relationship bond the two men and neither knows who will come out of it alive.
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My Review

I sure enjoy a story that hits the ground running and The Snowman sure does that. The opening scene is the Snowman doing what he does best. Creating art in oh so horrific ways.

I feel I should warn you, the author pulls no punches. Many scenes are graphic in violence and sexual attacks. Yolanda does a super job of putting you into the mind of the Snowman, a crazed, sadistic serial killer who believes he’s the next great artist, using blood, body parts and corpses as his medium.

Genuine characters and a taut plot keeps the reading pace fast. And switching POVs from main characters to victims and the killers own thoughts ramps up the suspense and keeps it there.

This is a prequel to the Detective Quaid series and takes place ten years before the series, featuring the detective’s first murder case. You don’t need to have read the other books as it can stand alone or actually introduce you to the beginning.

Those who enjoy some gristle and gore along with a creepy mystery will enjoy this one. I plan to pick up the series and see what happens next.

4 stars

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At one time Alaska called to me, and I answered. I learned to sleep under the midnight sun, survive in below zero temperatures, and hike the Mountain Ranges. I’ve traveled from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, and the memories are some of my most valued. The wonders, mysteries and incredible beauty that is Alaska has never left me and thus now influence my writing.Despite my adventurous spirit, I achieved my educational goals, married, and I have two handsome sons. Writing is now my focus, my newest adventure!

You can connect with me here:
Blog    *     Facebook     *     Twitter     *     Pinterest     *     Email
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The other books in the Detective Quaid Series include:
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          A killer plays cat and mouse with a young widow against the snowy backdrop of an Alaskan winter. Branded a black widow after the suspicious death of her millionaire husband, Sarah Palmer flees Seattle for Anchorage. However, the peace and quiet she hoped to enjoy in her hometown is soon shattered. A killer is murdering Sarah look-alikes on the 14th of each month, taunting Sarah with a valentine of evidence. After her experiences in Seattle, Sarah is slow to go to the police. When she finally does, she finds Detective Steven Quaid—Anchorage P D’s hotshot investigator—has not only heard the rumors, he believes them. Worse, her aloofness and composure only confirm his suspicions. Is Sarah a victim or a very skilled manipulator?
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World damnation is a psychotic man’s goal, but two obstacles stand in his way, greed and a dedicated detective.
Catching Alaska’s most notorious serial killer as a rookie made Detective Steven Quaid a hero, but falling in love with the victim of his last case tarnishes that status. While attempting to repair both his personal and professional life, he stumbles upon an unusual case–and an even more extraordinary foe: a man who believes he is Lucifer. An insidious man who delivers Quaid the ultimate choice: save his fiancée from an assassin’s bullet or stop the sacrifice of a young girl.
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Flames burn between a hardboiled cop and a gifted artist, but soon extinguish as another man’s obsession ignites into an inferno of desire, driving him to destroy the object of his madness.
Detective Steven Quaid is ready for new challenges as Anchorage’s top detective, but not until he marries the woman of his dreams on New Year’s Eve. Determined to give Sarah the wilderness honeymoon she desires, he turns his grandfather’s cabin into the perfect honeymoon retreat. After the final details are complete, Steven treks into the mountains to hunt. On his return to the cottage, instead of Sarah, he is greeted by several police officers and a bloody crime scene. Accusations fly, and Stephen flees into the wilderness, his heart racing and thoughts etching into his soul. The wilderness is unforgiving, but Steven faces it head on: Caught between a massive grizzly and a black bear in a deadly tug of war, he is barely saved from death’s door by the fortuitous appearance of his uncle. Despite surviving multiple injuries, Steven continues his investigation as he recovers, but answers don’t come quick or easy. Having enlisted the aid of his number one suspect, Steven faces a struggle that has become more than personal. This one just may cost him his heart.
You can find out more about the books and the author by following the tour HERE. You can also include your chances of winning in the giveaway.
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This tour-wide giveaway features both print and eBook copies of the four books in the Detective Quaid Series. The giveaway will end at 12 a.m. (EST) on Tuesday, June 6.
The prizes include:
* Grand prize – Winner receives a print copy of all
four books in the Detective Quaid Series (U.S. and Canada only).
* First place – Winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift certificate.
* Second place – Winner will receive eBook copies of all four books in the Detective Quaid Series.
* There will be 3 runner-up winners and each will win an eBook copy of THE SNOWMAN or one of the other books in the series (winner’s choice).
To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.
Thanks for stopping by and be sure to follow Yolanda on her month-long tour. You never know what you might find out.
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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

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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.

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

It’s the weekend and I’m busy swimming, sipping Sangria, and relaxing. Of course, I’m also doing some reading since it’s a long weekend for me. Boy did I need it.

I just had a glass of wine. One tiny glass of wine. And I’m tipsy and having to correct about every fourth word I type. LOL I used to drink like a fish when I was a bartender. Drank all during my shift (a job requirement, seriously!) and then went out with friends and drank and played pool and danced until the roosters crowed! Oh to those days of youth. Now I’ll probably have a hangover from one lousy little glass of wine!

Onto other things. What do you have planned for the weekend?

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My new books this week.

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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.

Spirit Doll by [Kingston, Stephen]  Surviving The Evacuation, Book 1: London by [Tayell, Frank]  Ash: A novella in the Wheels and Zombies series by [Van, M.]

All That Remains (A Missing and Exploited Suspense Novel Book 1) by [Holborn, Hannah]  A Human Element (The Element Trilogy Book 1) by [Galanti, Donna]  Survival: After It Happened Book 1 by [Ford, Devon]

Beauty and the Beast: An Adult Fairytale Romance (Once Upon a Spell Book 1) by [Savage, Vivienne]  The Royal Dragoneers: 2016 Modernized Format Edition (Dragoneers Saga) by [Mathias, M. R.]  The Night the Sky Fell by [Levy, Stephen G.]

Nursery Rhyme Murders Collection: Mysteries not for the faint of heart!: Including the Bestselling Humpty Dumpty: The killer wants us to put him back together again by [McCray, Carolyn, Hopkin, Ben ]

*****

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

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Other posts on my blog this week.

My Monday Minis Reviews #60 ~ Eenie, Meenie and The Curse Of The House On Cypress Lane

The Fairy Tale Five Present: Fractured Beauty ~ Nerd Blast and Giveaway

Teaser Tuesday #205 ~ Tell On You

Dumpster Dying & Grilled, Chilled and Killed ~ 2 Cozy Reviews and Giveaway

The Kid’s Korner #13 ~ The Blue Baboon In The Big Balloon

Nerd Blast and Giveaway ~ Seeker by Veronica Rossi

See You Later Broadway ~ Blast and Giveaway

The Friday 56 #153 ~ Memory House

Why Did It Have To Be You? ~ Spotlight 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.