Archive for the ‘Series’ Category

Raven : The Legends Saga #2 by Stacey Rourke ~ Cover Reveal

Posted: August 18, 2014 in Cover Reveal, otherworldly, Series, suspense, thriller
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Cover Reveal

covergifTitle: Raven
Series: Legends Saga # 2
Author: Stacey Rourke
Audience: NA Paranormal
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Formats: E-book and Paperback  
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Cover by: Najla Qamber Designs
Editor: Melissa Ringsted
Expected Date of Publishing: Sept 22, 2014
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An infamous love, destined nevermore,
For death could not claim, the enchanting Lenore.
Cursed by the malevolent spirit of the Headless Horseman, Ireland Crane ventures to Manhattan in search of a way to break her soul crushing bond. Instead, she discovers the lines between fact and fiction are blurring once more. Croaking ravens. Telltale hearts. Could the works of Poe be coming to pass with handsome Wall Street Midas Ridley Peolte as their unwilling target?
She walks the Earth, a plague on mankind,
searching for he, her rotted heart doth pine.
Together, the two unknowingly release a dark force death itself could not tame. Surrounded by the unrelenting violence and mayhem they’ve unleashed, Ireland feels her control over the Horseman slipping. Before the beast within consumes her, she and her crew must follow the clues of the dead to right a centuries’ old wrong. Will it be enough to sate the Horseman’s appetite?
Hell hath no fury like a ghoul scorned.
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authorgifThe Gryphon Series is written by Stacey Rourke. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects. The Gryphon Series is available wherever fine books are sold.
Contact Info: Visit the author at www.staceyrourke.com
Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor
Twitter @Rourkewrites
Email anchorgrouppublishing@gmail.com
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Release Blast for Keeper VS Reaper by Jennifer Malone Wright

Posted: August 12, 2014 in Book Blast, New Release, Paranormal or fantasy, Series
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new release

covergifTitle: Keeper vs. Reaper

Series: Graveyard Guardians, # 1

Author: Jennifer Malone Wright

Audience: New Adult

Genre: Paranormal

Formats: E-book and Paperback

Publisher: Jennifer Malone Wright

Cover by: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design

Editor: There for you editing

Pages: 300 pages

Date of Publishing: Aug 12, 2014.

 

 

blurb

When her father died, Lucy Mae Estmond inherited the family business. She has known all of her life that she would be in line to watch over the souls of the recently passed, keeping them safe from the Reapers.

The soul eating Reapers have been a plague upon the Earth, stealing souls and leaving the Keepers as the only thing that stands between Heaven and Hell. The factions despise each other and have warred for generations.

Then Lucy discovers an ancient legend predicting the arrival of the Chosen One, destined to bring forth an end to the Reapers. The surprises continue when she realizes she is that person. For Lucy, being the Chosen One doesn’t change much. Fighting Reapers is just another day in the life of a Keeper.

When she meets Jack Walker, they both realize they have an insane, mutual attraction. Too bad that he’s been sent to prevent the prophecy from coming true. His only mission: to kill the Chosen One.

 

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excerpt

Inch by painstaking inch, the casket sank lower into the freshly churned earth.

The scent of lilacs floated on the breeze, along with the heavy stench of perfume and cologne, reminding Lucy of the fragrance aisle in a department store.

Lucy stood beside the grave, dressed in a modest royal blue sundress. She had chosen it specifically because her father always said the color looked the best against her hair, which was a mix of reddish brown that shone burgundy in the sunlight.

Tilting her head up, Lucy looked through the canopy of the aging oak trees that were scattered throughout the cemetery. The breeze shifted the branches, causing a few of the leaves to pull free and flutter off into the wind. There were almost no clouds in sky, allowing the sun to shine down over the funeral.

Her brothers and sisters surrounded the open grave opposite of her. All six of them also wore something fitting for a funeral, but nothing depressing enough to send their father into a rage in his afterlife.

Smiling, Lucy remembered the argument she and her father had during his last moments. “Lucy!” he had shouted at her. “Don’t you dare let them bury me in a suit. I am not going to spend eternity in a stuffy ass business suit. Make sure I’m wearing my khaki shorts and a Hawaiian shirt because I’m going on the vacation of a lifetime.”

That was toward the end, when the cancer was so bad that her dad spent most of his time in bed, moaning about how he should be up and about doing something. They both knew that the end was near, but Lucy had cried only in private. Her father wanted her to be happy he was moving on to the next life, but she couldn’t understand in what way, shape or form, his dying was a good thing.

So she shed her tears alone in her room until there were no more left to cry.

The fog of the memory lifted from Lucy’s mind and she looked across the grave at her brothers and sisters. The entire brood of Estmond siblings were born with the same color hair as Lucy had been blessed with. Each of them, as well as Lucy and Ethan, held a white rose in one hand. Later, before the grave was sealed, they would each take a turn throwing one down onto the casket, as a symbol of their wish for their father’s peaceful journey into the afterlife.

Just behind her brothers and sisters stood the mourners who came to pay their last respects. Most of them were town’s people whom they had grown up with, except for one group who stood close together, most of them around her father’s age. These were the Keepers whom her family had been closest to over the years. She could see Gloria and Edward White, the Keepers from one of the Napa Valley graveyards standing solemnly beside Ellen and Stanly Evans, who worked in the hospital in Santa Rosa. There were several other Keepers surrounding them who she recognized and made a note to speak to them later.

Beyond them, further out into the trees, the spirits began to show themselves. They appeared in the form of their human bodies, a bit transparent, but solid for the most part. It was harder to see in the daylight, but their misty blue auras swirled around them, helping form the solidity of their bodies.

The spirits were fascinated by funerals. When Lucy was little she used to think that they wanted to say goodbye to someone, but really it was because there wasn’t much else to do in a graveyard except talk to each other and attend burials.

Pastor Brown spoke solemnly, saying kind words and telling her father’s life story. Inwardly, Lucy cursed her father for choosing Pastor Brown, a man who had not known her father and she was sure didn’t give a flying fuck about him either. Her father hadn’t set foot in church since he was a child. Not because he didn’t believe in God, he just didn’t believe in organized religion.

Sensing her tension, Ethan squeezed her hand reassuringly. Turning to her left she looked up and met her best friend’s eyes through the tint of his sunglasses. Even through the dark lenses she could see the sorrow in his eyes. He had loved her father too, just as much as any one of the Estmond clan. In response, she squeezed his hand back and then turned back to stare at the grave again.

“And now, Lucy Mae, Gregory’s youngest child, will say a few words about her father.” The preacher cleared his throat, signaling to Lucy that it was time.

Lucy had no tears staining her face. She had cried all those tears long before the day of the funeral. Again, Ethan gave her hand a gentle squeeze and then released her so that she could reach down and withdraw the folded piece of yellow legal paper out of her miniscule handbag.

As Lucy unfolded the paper she felt like it was taking an eternity.

This day is never going to end.

Finally, the paper was open in front of her and she began.

“I know that this speech is going to sound like the speeches given for so many others who have passed on. But, when someone we love dies, we all feel pretty much the same way … so here it goes. My father, Gregory Estmond, was the best person I’ve ever known. Today, we stand here, not to mourn him, but to celebrate him. He didn’t want any one of us to be sad that he was gone. Because … he isn’t gone. He will always be with us. For those of us who spent each day with him, his teachings and his love will always be with us. He taught us love, he taught us respect, he taught us of our family heritage, and he taught us how to live.

“For those who are acquaintances of my father, you may have met him only once and you are here because he impacted you in some way.”

A few nods came from the crowd.

Lucy continued. “He had that effect on people because he had a genuine love and respect for human life. Which is not something all of us can say we have. He treated everyone the same, with kindness.

“Because my father had cancer, he knew that this day was coming and he had time to prepare for it. We had many discussions and the one thing he consistently told me was to embrace life. He didn’t say this because he was dying, it was his mantra. This man lived every day of his life like it may be his last. He didn’t wait until he was dying to find the beauty in this world or the people in it. He was always this way.

“Remember my father, not with sadness, but with the memories he left behind. Remember him with love, with laughter and knowing that he is exactly where he wants to be.”

Lucy stepped back, reaching out for Ethan to grasp her hand once again. She eyed her siblings, none of them were crying either. Daniel, the second oldest son, reached into his gray trench coat and pulled out a silver flask. Lucy sighed and watched as her brother didn’t even try to hide it and took a long pull of the whiskey she knew was inside.

Sadly, as inappropriate as her brother was being, she couldn’t help but wish she could take a giant swig off that flask too.

It’s almost over.

“Would anyone else like to say a few words?” Pastor Brown offered.

Sherriff Davis stepped forward, he had his Stetson clutched in one hand and hitched up his gun belt with the other. As always he was wearing his uniform. The Sheriff and her father had been pretty close … well, as close as a Keeper can get to someone without that someone thinking that they are out of their mind.

“I’d like to, if that’s all right.” The Sheriff looked down into the grave before his eyes swept across the crowd of mourners. Finally his eyes met Lucy’s and she flashed him a smile meant to encourage him to proceed.

“Greg was my friend … and an old grump like me doesn’t have many friends. Greg knew a lot of people in this town, but I feel damn sorry for anyone who lives here and never had the chance to meet him. No one, aside from my own wife, Darcy, could make me laugh like Greg could. He was loyal and respectful, even if he was a bull shitter. Good grief that man liked to tell stories. Also, any man who can raise a brood of children by himself and manage to keep them all out of jail is a good man in my book.”

Lucy could have sworn that she heard Principal Robertson blow air between his lips like he was blowing a raspberry. A few people looked his way and then back at Sheriff Davis.

“That is all I got.” Sheriff Davis stepped back into the crowd.

Evelynn Andrews, the librarian at the Summer Hollow library, raised her hand slightly. She was about seventy years old, but didn’t look a day over fifty five. Lucy hoped she would age that well as the years progressed.

Evelynn pushed her glasses up her nose and closed her eyes for a moment before she began to speak. “I don’t think I can say much more about how wonderful Gregory was, but I wanted to make sure to pay my respects by voicing them. I’ve known the Estmond family all the way back to when Kathleen was still alive, as far back as when she and Greg were high school sweethearts. No one, could have been a better father to these children. Sure, they have caused a fair amount of ruckus over the years, but he did it all on his own and they are educated, mostly well behaved.”

She paused to glance at Daniel who had decided that moment would be appropriate for another pull from his flask. “And above all, Greg gave these children a sense of loyalty. Anyone who knows these kids knows that if you mess with one, you get the whole bunch of them.”

A few people giggled, even Lucy, knowing how true that statement really was.

“This may not seem like a good thing in retrospect, but a family who stays together so closely is a rare thing these days. It is to be cherished. Greg gave them this sense of family and that is something to be proud of.” As she finished, she closed her eyes again looked Pastor Brown.

“Would anyone else like to speak?” Pastor Brown addressed the crowd of mourners.

Unexpectedly, Ethan released Lucy’s hand and raised it up a little bit. “I need to say something.”

Pastor Brown nodded and held his hand out beside him. Ethan moved over to the other side of Lucy beside the pastor. “There are very few people here who don’t know who I am.” Ethan began. “Gregory Estmond took me under his wing a long time ago, when Lucy and I were both very little. My parents, who have moved away now…”

He paused and took a breath, pondering if he should let out the deep dark family secrets. Well, secrets that the whole town knew anyway. That was how small towns worked.

“They were, drug addicts and alcoholics who barely took care of me. Greg came by the house one day to see my parents for some reason and what he found was a little boy locked in his room with no food or water and his parents passed out in their bedroom surrounded by drugs and trash. The story is a long one, a long sad story. But it ended with Greg and the rest of the Estmonds making sure I always had a place to go, that I always had food. Greg even went so far as to pay me for making good grades, just to give me incentive to do well in school.”

Lucy grimaced as he told the story, hating Ethan’s parents for what they did to him. Ethan had conveniently left out the part about how her father had beat the ever living snot out of Ethan’s dad that day he found him locked up in his room half starved. It was hard to believe Ethan’s parents came from a Keeper line, but sadly, not all Keepers were immune to addiction. Keepers were human, just like everyone else.

Ethan scanned the crowd through his glasses. “No one, except for maybe the Estmond kids, owes more, or loves that man, more than I do. He saved me and I will never forget that. I hope that none of you ever forget that either.”

Ethan lowered his head and hurried back to Lucy. She immediately took his hand again, knowing how hard it must have been for him to say all that in front of everyone. He never spoke about his parents. They moved away when he was fourteen and left him alone in the house. After that he came to live with the Estmonds for good. She and Ethan were friends long before the incident at Ethan’s house, but after he came to live with them, they were inseparable.

Pastor Brown closed up the ceremony with a prayer and then the bagpipes started on Amazing Grace. Lucy stepped forward with Ethan’s hand firmly in her grasp and looked down into the dark, deep hole where her father’s body would spend eternity. Luckily, she knew better than most that his soul would not remain in that body.

She held the white rose firmly over the grave. “I wish you peaceful passage.” She released the rose and it drifted down into the depths of the hole. “I love you, Daddy.”

Ethan mimicked her actions, familiar with the meaning of the ceremony from the many deaths of Keepers past. Her siblings had moved into a line directly behind her and Ethan, tossing their roses in as well.

The other mourners milled about, giving Lucy and the family some time before they headed over to her house for the wake. She caught sight of Gloria and Ellen chatting beside the giant wreath of flowers with her father’s picture inside. She wandered over to say hello. “Gloria, Ellen, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you.”

Gloria smiled, as did Ellen. “Yes dear,” Gloria greeted her. “It has been some time. I’m sorry we couldn’t make it sooner.”

“Or under better circumstances.” Ellen added.

Lucy nodded. “Well, I’m just glad that you could make it here now. I’m sure my father would be happy that you are here now.”

Gloria and Ellen nodded, they made a bit more small talk and then Ethan appeared beside her. “I think we had better get over to the house now.” He whispered just loudly enough for the older ladies to hear.

“Oh,” Lucy checked her watch deliberately. “You are absolutely right. I’m sorry ladies, I need to get some things ready over at the house.”

Gloria smiled again, a loving gentle smile of someone she had known her entire life. “You go on dear, we will see you over there.”

With a quick ‘see you later,’ Lucy backed away and then turned to join hands with Ethan again. “Thanks for saving me. I didn’t really want to talk to them, but I had to make sure to say hello to them.”

“You doing all right?” Ethan asked, rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.

Lucy nodded. “I’m fine.” She turned her head to try and see his eyes through the dark tint of his glasses. “How bout you. Are you all right?”

He twisted his lip up a little and she knew he was giving slight eye roll. “I’ll survive. I just miss him and all this,” he gestured to the crowd, “actually makes it harder.”

She nodded again. “I know what you mean. I feel the same way.” Her gaze strayed from the grave and focused on her house. Their home sat on the edge of the cemetery, separated from the dead by a white picket fence and about thirty yards of grass. The yellow farmhouse had been in their family for several generations, and now it was hers, as was the family business.

“Let’s head over.”

She nodded. Of course they had to get to the house. But, it wouldn’t be for relaxing. There was food to get out and serve. People would come up to her and tell her how sorry they were for her loss, or how much her father meant to them, or some awesome memory they had of him. It was going to be a very long afternoon.

Almost over, she told herself again. Almost over.
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about the author

imageJennifer Malone Wright is best known for her short story series, The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter. Other works include the follow up to The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter series called The Arcadia Falls Chronicles and her vampire novel called The Birth of Jaiden. Jennifer also co-authors a series called Once Upon A Zombie Apocalypse.

She resides in the beautiful mountains of northern Idaho with her husband and five children where she practices preparing for the zombie apocalypse. Just kidding!

But seriously, between the craziness of taking care of her children, Jennifer has little time left for herself. The time she does have left, usually leading far into the night, is spent working on her beloved fiction or chatting with her equally crazy friends.

Jennifer also loves coffee, has a passionate affair with red bull, wishes the sushi were better where she lives and dances while she cleans.

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Aug 12
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A supernatural suspense thriller ~ JOE by H.D. Gordon ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: August 6, 2014 in Blitz, giveaways, Series, Supernatural, suspense, thriller
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Joe 1 Banner

I’ve read JOE and JOE II and loved both of them. It’s so exciting to share Joe with you and I’ve included links for both of my reviews.

I’ve also read all of H.D.’s other books and am always left wowed and wanting more.

Check out Joe and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Joe (The Joe Knowe Series, Book One)

by H.D. Gordon

 

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BLURB:

 

A psychopath planning a massacre. A stuttering young girl with disturbing visions of the future. Six ordinary people who will all be in the line of fire come the day of the disaster.

 

Joe Knowe is not a boy. She is twenty-one years old, and she sees things before they happen; bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. A madman is going to shoot up the college Joe attends. The trouble is, her gift is stingy on the details she needs to divert the impending tragedy. Now, Joe has four days to figure out the mystery and save the lives of many.

 

From the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga comes a tense tale that glimpses the mind of a genuine psychopath, follows an unlikely hero, and explores real-life terror in a race against time that will leave the reader breathless.

MY REVIEW

 

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Excerpt

 

“No, it will never stop. As long as you have this gift, it will never stop. And when you get out into the big ole world, baby, it’s just going to get worse. Evil is not just a thing of fairytales. Evil is real and it walks among us. Evil is jealousy and hate and fear and fire. Yes, evil is fire. You saw it in his eyes. The fire reflected from those jealous, hateful eyes, and whether or not you want it to, it’s going to happen.

 

So…What now? What are you going to do now?”

 

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JOE 2 : WHITE SHEETS

Book Two of The Joe Knowe Series

by H.D. Gordon

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MY REVIEW

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Synopsis

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

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

H.D. Gordon

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

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You can follow H.D. Gordon at:

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The author will be awarding a signed paperback copy of JOE (US Only – an ebook copy will be substituted for international winners) and a $15 Amazon Gift Crad via rafflecopter.

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Click on the banner below to follow the tour. And make sure you comment. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

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Barefoot Review and Giveaway ~ The Gull Motel by Amie Denman

Posted: July 30, 2014 in Blitz, Contemporary Romance, giveaways, Humor, reviews, Series
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When I read that this story took place on the Gulf Coast, I had to read it. That’s my stomping grounds and I had to see if I recognized anything. Then I learned that the main character, Savannah, lived in Michigan. That’s where I was born. It was like a sign, telling me I’d love this book. And I did.

So kick off your flip-flops, grab a cool beverage, and check into The Gull Motel. Enjoy the fun excerpt and my review, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway.

The Gull Motel

by Amie Denman

The Gull Motel cover

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My Review

Savvy needs a vacation. She’s earned it after finishing college, top or her class in hotel hospitality and management. She’s applied for a job at The Grand Chicago, a posh hotel, and decides to cool her heels in Florida while she waits for their decision.

From the moment Savvy arrived at her Uncle Mike’s and Aunt Carol’s place, The Gull Motel in Barefoot Key, I felt at home. I live on the Gulf Coast and there are many of these little beachside motels. Painted in bright colors, like the aqua blue of the Gull, they call to me and are my favorite places to stay.

Savvy’s Uncle Mike greets her with a big hug and her Aunt Carol breaks out the Margarita mixer. Now that’s true southern hospitality.

She barely has time to settle in before her aunt and uncle need to leave. Carol’s mother got arrested for stealing the neighbors grapes and they need to go get her out of trouble. Savvy agrees to run the motel while they are gone, anticipating they’ll be back from Michigan in a week or so. How hard can it be with an established clientele and long-serving staff? Plus there’s Rita, the receptionist, described as” thirty-something with the sun damage of a sixty-something sailor.”

Savvy’s given permission to improve the motel without changing anything. Hmm, there’s a challenge.

The other challenge is sexy Skip McMcComber, the proud new owner of the bar next door. Savvy and Skip have a long history as she spent many summers at the motel while growing up. Last year they mixed more than Maragarita’s and haven’t spoken since.

Things have changed in Barefoot Key. Big business is buying up property and somethings fishy.

A week turns into several and Savvy stays busy, drumming up business and sparring with Skip. She keeps saying her stay is only temporary. Who’s she trying to convince?

Everything about this book was fun. I loved the descriptions of the motel and town. I live in a small single tax colony on the bay and it all felt familiar. How the small business owners pulled together to help each other. How employees and employers were also friends and their lives intertwined.

I can’t say I had a Skip McComber but I bet someone around here did. Skip and Savvy had me snorting with laughter as they mixed it up. I had my fingers crossed for Skip. He worked on her, wearing her down, and an opportune hurricane helped his efforts.

I wanted to mention the characters. They were funny and flawed. You could come to my town and meet people very similar to the ones the author created. They felt genuine, familiar, like someone I knew.

The Gull Motel charmed me, tickled me, and made me view my town through new eyes. I had to finish reading it outside by the pool so I could lie back afterwards, close my eyes, feel the suns rays on my face, and listen to the gulls overhead. Made me smile.

5 Stars

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A scene with Savvy and Skip that made me laugh out loud:

“I know a lot about fixing things,” he said.

Of course he did. He had the benefit of owning a penis, a wonderful device imparting knowledge about cars, computers, pool pumps, and probably the space shuttle.

And this description of Rita, the receptionist:

An experienced multi-tasker, Rita could probably smoke a cigarette, do her nails, and handle three guest complaints at the same time.

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BLURB:

 

Savvy Thorpe needs a vacation. Finally finished with college, she heads to her favorite shabby motel on Florida’s Gulf Coast where her aunt and uncle always save her room twenty-four. She quickly finds out, though, that The Gull Motel is not just her home away from home. It’s hers to manage while her aunt and uncle take an extended trip.

Skip McComber, The Gull’s former maintenance man, has been working on Savvy’s nuts and bolts for years. Now the new owner of the bar next door, his mission is to renovate a pirate bar while being a walking temptation for the girl he can’t get off his mind.

For Savvy, keeping her cool running a motel in Florida heat is one thing, but navigating the steamy waters of a former fling takes a whole other kind of savvy. In addition to the motel and the man next door, Savvy stumbles on a plot to swindle land from the residents of Barefoot Key. Devalued properties tumble like dominoes until Savvy musters her colorful crew from The Gull Motel to make the pillagers walk the plank.

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Enjoy this fun excerpt!

Day four of what I had planned as a Gulf Coast vacation had me perspiring in the pool shed and wondering what I should do.

“Need any help?”

I whipped around, blood rushing from surprise and something else. Of course I knew the voice. Skip McComber leaned against the frame of the open shed door. Shirtless. Wearing low slung jeans and a grin that registered somewhere between caution and amusement.

He looked like a man who knew how to run a pool pump. From experience, I knew he could handle a lot more than that.

“I’m fine,” I said, trying for cheerful dismissal in my tone. “Just taking a look around.”

“Taking stock of your new property.”

“Temporary property.”

“Since it’s your place now and all,” he said, disregarding my comment, “looks like we’ll be seeing a lot of each other.”

A mild earthquake rolled under my sternum and sent shockwaves from its epicenter. Maybe I’d have better luck with the space shuttle launch pad configuration than I would handling Skip.

“Temporary,” I repeated.

He nodded, continuing to appraise me with his look. Perhaps appraisal was too glamorous a word. He was looking at me like a cat who’d just opened the bird cage and was wondering how much fun he could have with the bird.

Skip had been rattling my cage since we were both sixteen. Every time I came to visit my aunt and uncle for a vacation, an added perk had been the endorphin boost from their local boy turned maintenance man. A skinny handsome kid, he had matured every time I came back to the Gull until he was the full-blown man standing in front of me.

“I know a lot about fixing things,” he said.

~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

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Amie Denman lives in a small town in her native Ohio with her husband and sons. Her two cats and large yellow labrador are kind enough to share a sunny office where she lets her imagination run wild. Reading books was her favorite escape as a child, and growing up four houses away from the community library encouraged her addiction. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys walking and running outside. The helpless victim of a lifetime of curiosity, she’s been known to chase fire trucks on her bicycle just to see what’s going on. Amie believes that everything is fun: especially roller coasters, wedding cake, and falling in love.

 

Amie is the author of five contemporary romance novels:

The Gull Motel

Blue Bottle Beach

Her Lucky Catch

Her Lucky Prize

Will Work for Love

He’s on Her Trail

Please visit her at:

Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ Smashwords ~ All Romance ebooks ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Turquoise Morning Press

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Amie will be awarding print copies of her three Barefoot novels from Turquoise Morning Press: Blue Bottle Beach, Will Work for Love, and The Gull Motel to one randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour (US ONLY).

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Click on the banner below to follow the tour. And make sure you comment. The more you comment, the more chances to win!

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Stolen Dreams ~ A Cassie Scot Novel by Christine Amsden ~ Blitz and Giveaway

Posted: July 30, 2014 in Blitz, Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, Series
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Welcome to the blitz for Stolen Dreams by Christine Amsden.

This is the final book in her Cassie Scot series and while I can’t wait to read it, I’ll be sad to see it end.

I love this series and each book gets more intense, more dangerous.

I have a peek inside the book for you and the spectacular cover art.

There’s also an awesome giveaway, so remember to enter and Good Luck!

Stolen Dreams

Cassie Scot , Book 4

by Christine Amsden

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Genre: Urban fantasy, mystery, romance, paranormal, new adult

Publisher: Twilight Times Books

Date of Publication: June 25, 2014 (ebook)

October 15, 2014 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-60619-281-8 / ASIN: Coming soon

Number of pages: 260 / Word Count: 84,000

Cover Artist: Ural Akyutz

 

Book Description:

 

Edward Scot and Victor Blackwood have despised one another for nearly a quarter of a century, but now their simmering hatred is about to erupt.

When Cassie Scot returns home from her sojourn in Pennsylvania, she finds that her family has taken a hostage. Desperate to end the fighting before someone dies, Cassie seeks help from local seer Abigail Hastings, Evan Blackwood’s grandmother. But Abigail has seen her own death, and when it comes at the hand of Cassie’s father, Victor Blackwood kills Edward Scot.

But things may not be precisely as they appear.

Evan persuades Cassie to help him learn the truth, teaming them up once again in their darkest hour. New revelations about Evan and his family make it difficult for Cassie to cling to a shield of anger, but can Evan and Cassie stop a feud that has taken on a life of its own?

Conclusion to the Cassie Scot series.

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Excerpt:

The Prologue

 

            Evan’s face stared back at him from a large glossy poster hanging in the front window of the local post office. The words “Wanted Alive” were splattered across the top in big red letters. Someone had cast an animation spell over it to make his hooded eyes shift slightly, as if in guilt. Evan had seen all that before, but a new addition to the bottom of the poster stopped him dead in his tracks: “One Million Dollar Reward.”

            “Crap,” he muttered under his breath. He looked around, more than half expecting an ambush right there on the street, but he saw nothing sinister. He reached within himself for his magic anyway, channeling it into a shield that would protect him from most magical attacks.

            A million dollars. This was going to bring out every crazy in the country! He had been fighting bounty hunters for over a month, ever since the wanted posters first went up, but then the reward had only been $100,000.

            The Scots were either getting desperate or stupid to try something like this. Rumors already abounded regarding his bottomless reserves of magic, making him out to be some kind of inexhaustible fountain of power. The million-dollar reward would only confirm these lies in the minds of many; which meant that if someone did manage to catch Evan, the Scots were unlikely to get their hands on him. Why would a bounty hunter settle for money when he could have Evan’s magic for himself?

            Evan turned away from the poster and was just about to continue down the street when a black Suburban turned into the post office parking lot, cutting him off. He waited for it to pull into a spot, his shields still up, his senses alert.

            Robert Scot, Edward Scot’s cousin, stepped out of the vehicle, threw Evan a dirty look, then went around to the back to pull a four-year-old girl out of a car seat. The presence of the child did not convince Evan to lower his guard, though he truly hoped they hadn’t sunk so low as to fight when an innocent child might get hurt.

            One million dollars. People had killed for far less, and had allowed children to become victims. Robert Scot was a strong practitioner, on par with Edward, but he didn’t have access to the secrets of alchemy, and he was not a rich man. He earned a good living as a bank manager or something, but one million dollars had to be a temptation.

            The two men did not take their eyes from one another as Robert walked into the post office. Robert clutched the wriggling child, who clearly wanted down, to his chest in an almost painful grip. A minute later he was past, and Evan breathed a little easier. He walked away from the post office, heading down the sidewalk in the direction of his Prius, parked a few stores down. He still had errands to run, but in light of what he had learned about the reward, they didn’t seem important.

            Suddenly, an explosion rent the air. Evan dove behind the nearby antique shop, his shields maxed out, his senses hyper-alert. When he peeked around the corner, he saw smoke and debris where there had once been a Suburban.

            The chubby face of the little girl filled Evan’s mind, and he felt a moment of terror as he wondered whether or not Robert and his little girl had already returned to the car. Practically flying from his hidden position, Evan sped back to the post office and that mockery of a wanted poster, his eyes searching the interior until they fell, thankfully, onto the shocked faces of Robert Scot and his daughter huddled safely inside the building.

            Robert’s face didn’t remain shocked for long; it fell into an enraged scowl. Robert shoved the girl into the arms of a nearby post office patron and marched outside to confront Evan man to man.

            “You son of a bitch! My daughter could have been in there. I almost left her there while I ran inside, but then I saw you.”

            “I didn’t do that. I ran back to make sure you were all right.” More the girl than Robert, but still….

            Robert didn’t respond with words; instead he let loose with a torrent of raw energy that battered Evan’s shields until he could scarcely hold them. Raw magic wasn’t normally a useful attack strategy, but powerful emotion could turn it into one for a short time. Another blast like that and Evan would be in trouble, but he had no intention of letting Robert get off another shot. He parried the attack with his own telekinetic gift, throwing Robert bodily backward, forcefully enough that he smashed through the wanted poster and the glass window, shattering it.

            Evan didn’t wait for Robert to get back up; he ran. He hadn’t caused the explosion, and he had no reason to finish a fight against a man he scarcely knew, but one whose family seemed to want to go to war with his.

            The worst part was that someone in Evan’s family probably had done it–they had been muttering for weeks that they couldn’t just let the Scots persecute him. Evan had begged them to give him time, but obviously time had run out.

            Robert wouldn’t care whether Evan had been personally involved or not, nor would the rest of the Scots. And maybe they were right. Evan would find out who had done it and set him or her straight, but the damage was already done.

            The first direct shot had been fired.

~~~

About Author Christine Amsden:

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Christine Amsden has been writing fantasy and science fiction for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and relationships, and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

 

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams.

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.

Website    Newsletter     Blog

Facebook     Twitter       Goodreads    Google+

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$100 Amazon Gift Card

Click on the Rafflecopter below to enter.

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Tour giveaway:  from July 15-October 15.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

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It’s Release Day for Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler

Posted: July 29, 2014 in Dark Fantasy, Excerpt, horror, Release day, Series, Western
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The Legend of the Chupacabra is now available! Today is Release Day!

This is the third book in a six book series and the last one to take place in this era. The author will be taking us to new territory as the series continues.

Michael has provided an exciting excerpt from the book and you can click on the link below the book cover for my 5 Star review.

After checking out Michael’s fantastic cover art and learning all about his series, you can find purchase links, news about his upcoming release of the audible books, and catch a fun chuppie video!

Legend of the Chupacabra correct cover (RGB)

Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western

Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words

Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook

Retail: $17.95 (print) / $9.99 (audible) / $4.99 (e-book)

Click HERE for my 5 Star Review

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Synopsis:

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.

In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”

In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.

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EXCERPT:

Blood poured out of the chief’s wound, cueing the squaws to form a ceremonious line at Eagle Claw’s feet. With their jars ready, each dancing warrior paired with a woman. It was Raven Child and Mighty Wind who were the first to concoct the sacrificial mixture. Raven Child caught Eagle Claw’s blood with her jar, while Mighty Wind poured the mountain goat’s blood out of the beast’s skull into the same, creating a broth that Eagle Claw lifted into the air, once ready. He presented the bequest to the spirits, calling the goat spirit forth with the offering of its own powers of agility and energy joined with his powers as chief, and then spouted, “Goat, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

Eagle Claw took a sip from the jar and swallowed. He, then, poured the rest of the contents into the fire.

Storm Cloud stood at the edge of the platform. He gazed down at the flames still flipping about as the burning mixture sizzled and sparked.

With bated breath, everybody watched to see if the goat spirit had been properly deceived. Eagle Claw did exactly as instructed by Atraco. The Pniese’s instructions were to simply ask the spirits for their wisdom and protection; making sure to keep all truth from them. Deceit from a heart filled with rage and hatred was the only way to conjure revenge; the requests for help needing to be as treacherous as the act of revenge itself. The one responsible for Loud Fire’s death would suffer mercilessly before dying.

The strength of the fire changed; the flames whipped about like a blistering weapon, and the escaping smoke blackened. It was happening; the goat spirit had been fooled into accepting the offering.

Storm Cloud continued to gaze over the edge as the thick smoke began to take the shape of a mountain goat. It rose into the air–as common smoke would–but gave the illusion of the goat charging towards him. Once he and the entity met, Storm Cloud took a deep breath and inhaled the smoldering spirit. The moment the possessed fumes filled his lungs, it took every ounce of self-restraint to suppress his urge to cough, but Atraco had warned him ahead of time of this egregious mistake as it would release the spirit back into the universe, never to return. He only needed to wait a short time before the smoke spirit would find its path and seep into his body like a cancer; and the old Pniese had been right. He could feel his need subside as the spirit began to take control.

The moment the smoke spirit had been born, the black stallion became restless. He and Tree Cradle had lived most of their years together, and she thought of Black Wild as family, as he did the same of her. So it was with considerable ease that she was able to calm her four-legged brother by stroking his elongated nose and looking him in the eye to let him know all would be fine.

Tree Cradle twisted her head back to the ritual, saw that the smoke spirit was gone, and Storm Cloud’s body was beginning to relax. She wondered if Black Wild would continue to listen to her when the next eight spirits were called.

Water Stone and Talking Bear were next. As before, Eagle Claw’s blood seeped into the jar while Talking Bear poured the blood from his bear’s head.

Eagle Claw lifted the jar containing the powers of defense and transformation, calling to the bear spirit, “Bear, I give sacrifice for your wisdom.”

He swallowed a single mouthful of the blood mixture then threw the remainder into the fire. Again, the blood spoke as it burned and the waves of the flames grew more intense.

Storm Cloud readied himself, now with the understanding of what was to come next should the bear spirit accept the offering.

It did.

The flames released another cloud of smoke that transformed into an earthly bear. Once more, the spirit rose towards the sky, charging at Storm Cloud as though he were its prey, only to be sucked into the young man’s body with one long breath.

Tree Cradle had guessed correctly; Black Wild did not like the bear spirit’s summoning, and he had not been as easy to tame the second time, but they both would have to endure since they were bound and could not leave. Each had a purpose for being there, as the wandering shaman had previously inculcated.

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For all of you who like audio books, great news!

Michael has a tentative release date of Sunday, August 10th for all three chupacabra books. And he’s priced them at a steal for around $10 each. So keep on the lookout.

Purchase Links

Amazon ~ B&N ~ Booksamillion

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Author Michael Hebler

chup Author, Michael Hebler

Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Forgein Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).

Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.

CONTACT DETAILS

Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

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Fun short chupacabra footage.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Knock-out cover art for Demons by K.F. Breene ~ Highlight and Giveaway

Posted: July 25, 2014 in Book Promos, Excerpt, giveaways, Paranormal or fantasy, Romance, Series
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Title: Demons

Author: K.F. Breene

Series: Darkness #4

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publication: July 21st, 2014

It’s been a long road, but Sasha has finally claimed her role as the least knowledge mage in history. She’s also acquired a new, incredibly grumpy bodyguard, and a spunky new BFF. With her team by her side, she learns the ropes of this new profession.

Her experience level is about to be fast-tracked, however.

On a routine trip to check out a perimeter breach, she encounters a hideous demon called by an experienced magic worker. It is this terrifying discovery that unlocks a deeper problem: Stefan’s troubled past and the reason he gravely mistrusts the Mata.

While Sasha struggles to fight the physical demons, Stefan struggles to fight the demons of his past. If he fails, his future in Sasha will be lost.

 

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As I got halfway through the open
space, a vulgar feeling began to crawl up my skin like tiny insects scrabbling
under my clothes. The sickly-sweet smell of rotting flesh tickled my nose.
 
“I’ve never felt anything like this
before,” I said quietly, passing my hands through the air. “Although, granted,
I haven’t had a lot of experience.”
 
Shapes took form within the shadows
toward the back wall the closer I got. On the right, near the corner of the
building, lay a pile of grayish sticks, charred and blackened by fire. Scorched
fabric was glued to the various elements of the pile.
 
Three more steps had me halting,
sucking in a huge breath. 
 
It was a body! They weren’t sticks,
they were bones coated in masticated skin!
 
Did that moan come from me?
 
A face, twisted in an endless scream
of agony, lay on the backside of his calves. One arm had been ripped out of the
socket and lay flat under his back. One leg, obviously broken at the thigh, lay
over the other. He was broken and twisted, as if he’d been made of match-sticks
and sporadically snapped and tossed to the ground.
 
“No human could have done this,” I
whispered. “His back was broken in half.”
 
“A bear could have,” Jonas’ voice
echoed around the crouching walls.
 
“Not without opposable thumbs,” I
retorted into the hush.
 
A few more steps and I could see
another fire site, only this time, there was a large black pot overturned
against the wall. A round camping stove, smudged with soot, half lay under it.
 
“This has got to be a few days old,
at least…”
 
“You’re not here to investigate,”
Jonas growled. “You’re here to feel for magic. We have experienced clan that’ll
go over this site and give us more conclusive findings.”
 
 “Oh. Well, you could’ve made
that more clear before I looked at the body.”
 
I let my magic drift, sensing for
spells and pitfalls within the area. This was something I practiced every day
per Toa’s instruction. A large part of my job was sensing other magic and
possible dangers. I still had trouble doing this on the fly, but here, in the
quiet settings, the building almost feeling as if it was holding its breath, I
had nothing else to do but concentrate.
 
The black glow of my magic, hardly
discernable in the gloom of the warehouse, drifted over the overturned pot.
Like a match to kerosene, a circular fire lit up, climbing into the sky like
fairy lights. Sparkles danced and played in a shimmering orange halo lazily
drifting toward the right. Toward the body.
 
I could not help that squeak. Or holding
my breath afterwards.
 
Still it drifted. Reaching for that
death. What would it do when it got there?
 
I don’t want to know!
 
A blast of rotten flesh crawled up my
nose, prompting a gag. That smell didn’t come from the body, it came from the
disgusting magic corroding this area. Magic that was still active. Lingering,
waiting. But for what? Whatever spells had been laid, they weren’t used to
create rainbows. They were also extensive and intricate. Beyond my training.
 
“Not good magic over here…” I
mumbled.
 
My magic spread like a fog over the
body. For a second, nothing happened.
 
“Sasha?” Tim asked into the din.
 
“Don’t go in there, mong—“
 
Jonas’ voice cut off as my magic
started to sizzle and pop. Like water splashing into hot grease.
“What’s it doing?” I asked Jonas with
a quiver in my voice.
 
“This isn’t normal…” Jonas’ voice
drifted away.
 
“Back out of there, Sasha,” Tim urged
from the door.
 
Something tugged at my magical
senses. It was like undertow, rolling and fierce, sucking. Consuming. As fast
as magic surged into my body, elements desperate to get in, something in that
area stole it again, using my draw to fuel itself.
 
But what the hell kind of spell was
it?
 
 “Oh shit,” I mumbled,
scrabbling to pull my power back.
 
“What is it?” Jonas asked, stepping
into the building, his tattoos lighting up like a Christmas tree. A great,
gleaming sword swung into his hand, the blade glowing orange.
 
“Get out of here, Jonas! I need to
tie off this weird spell. It’s sucking magic to it.”
 
Jonas took a hasty step back, his
body once again receding out of the doorway. Tim backed out with him, but
hesitantly.
 
I got to work, sweat beading my brow,
fighting the draw both of that corner, and from the elements fighting to rush
into my body.
 
 “Nasty spell-working, this,” I
said under my breath, sensing the elements within the casting. “They’re, like,reaching for me. Feeding off my magic. I’ve
never dealt with a spell like this. I didn’t even know this was possible.”
 
“Dark magic,” Jonas whispered. “Hard
to work. Harder to control. Someone has balls of steel.”
 
“Well, it’s not me,” I wheezed.
 
I snubbed out the elements that made
up the spell, like soldering wires, closing the spell in a sort of circuit. The
question was, did I just lock all that power in, or would it fray and
disintegrate like it had been, needing someone with magic to come along and fan
it higher?
 
“I don’t think the wielder knew
exactly what he was doing,” I murmured, analyzing the lacy structure of the
orangy incantation. It hovered within a shaky line spilled on the cement floor. Spilled because it looked suspiciously like blood,
sticky and slick, gleaming in the soft light from the window.
 
As I was about to turn away toward
Jonas, wanting to talk about what I’d done and see what he thought—we’d
probably have to go get Toa—the lacy spell cleared away like mist. In its place
grinned the head of a black monster, staring at me like a hungry lion would a
fresh steak.
 
“You did not call me.” Sharp, ragged
teeth filled a mouth too big for its face.
 
Terror jolted me back as a stringy
leg stepped forward.
 
“Sasha?” Jonas’ voice held hard
fibers of alarm.
 
The monster slapped into an invisible
barrier. Orange sparks rained down on its head. It glanced up, and then around,
noticing the hazy orange circle trapping it. And then its face straightened
out, staring right at me out of black pits instead of eyes.  “We can rule,
you and I. Our power, combined, will be indestructible. Join me.”
 
“Oh lovely, one of you. Fantastic.”
 
I eyed his cage as it did, sensing
the weakness of it. The shaky spell, barely held together. Even as I stood
there, the thing was starting to eat away at its cage.
 
Super.
 
Was this terrible spell by design, or
some sort of failed attempt?
 
“We gotta get out of here!” I
roared at Jonas, backing away as quickly as possible. “This thing is way, waystronger than other Dulcha I’ve seen. It’s feeding off of the
magic containing it, somehow. We need Toa for this one.”
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~~~~~
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Tad sees auras. Gray-green being the most evil. Khaki = Killer by Connie Corcoran Wilson ~ Reviewing The Color Of Evil Series

Posted: July 23, 2014 in Blog Tour, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Series, thriller
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I’m excited to tell you about all three books in The Color of Evil series.

It’s been thrilling, chilling, and intense reading them.

I’m starting out with Khaki=KIller as it’s the most recent release. But I’ve also reviewed the first two books, so you can skip down and read my reviews in order if so inclined.

Beware. As of the third book, Pogo the Clown was still free, still prowling, looking for his next victim!

Have fun and fasten your seatbelts!

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Khaki = Killer (Book 3 of the Color of Evil Series)

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Publisher: Quad Cities’ Press (April 22, 2014)
Category: YA, Psychological Paranormal Thriller
ISBN: 13: 978-0982444825
Tour Dates: June 23-August 1, 2014
Available in: Print and E-book, 235 Pages

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MY REVIEW

Being the third book in this series, this may contain spoilers from the other books.

The author drops you right back into the story.

Michael Cray,AKA Pogo the Clown, is still roaming free, still plotting to kill Tad. So that was always in the back of mind. Especially when some local girls go missing.

Tad once again teams up with retired police officer Charlie Chandler to find the missing girls. The whole town joins in the search. Fear hangs over the small town like a fog bank.

Tad and Jenny are still working out their relationship.

One girl is clinging to life in the hospital.

Some bad guys are still plotting and caring on.

New romances start and others struggle.

And under it all, Pogo still prowls, still waits to pounce.

This third book and the entire series have something in common. They start fast, pick up speed, drop you in without a parachute, leaving you flailing and maybe, just maybe, give you a safety net.

So many different things are happening with different people, but the author blends it all together into an easy to follow chiller thriller.

4 Stars

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The Color of Evil series first two books (The Color of Evil and Red Is for Rage) were named: PageTurner of 2013 by Shelf Unbound magazine; Best Indie Cover of 2013; NABE Pinnacle Thriller winner; E-Lit Gold Medal winner (Horror); and Connie is a 2 time Silver Feather (IWPA) winner (2012, 2014, Chicago chapter).

The Color of Evil series describes the adventures of the young man (Tad McGreevy) with the power to detect auras around others (Tetrachromatic Super Vision) and to relive the crimes of those with “the color of evil” in his dreams.

Khaki = Killer, the third book in the Color of Evil Series, picks up where Red Is for Rage left off, answering the question, “What happened to Melody (Harris) Carpenter?”

Readers of Red Is for Rage, [Book #2], will remember that Melody was involved in a rescheduled UNI (University of Northern Iowa) football game, cheering for the Sky High Eagles. Rushed to the hospital with injuries suffered in a fall from atop the human pyramid [formed by fellow cheerleaders Heather, Kelly, Janice, Angie, and Jenny, Melody is hospitalized and fighting for her life as Khaki = Killer opens.

The budding romance between Janice and Stevie continues to grow more serious, but Janice’s parents oppose her relationship with the son of a murderer. There are more revelations about Earl Scranton’s motives, and other romance s develop (Tad and Jenny; Charlie and Andrea).

When Heather Crompton and Kelly Carter mysteriously disappear while ice skating on the Cedar River, the tension in town ratchets to a fever pitch. The entire town is involved in the search. Retired police officer Charlie Chandler reorganizes the rag-tag team that helped find Stevie Scranton and bring him back to Cedar Falls, Iowa (Book #2).

In the background lurks Michael Clay (aka, Pogo), still searching for Tad McGreevy, still hoping to permanently silence “the boy who can see the future.”

Tensions run high and the stakes run even higher in KHAKI = KILLER, Book #3 in THE COLOR OF EVIL series~~~~

Praise for THE COLOR OF EVIL series:

“Wilson makes all this count and mixes the ugly and the good in ways that can turn out to be rewarding for readers…There are moments of a real gift here…deft touches…especially between Stevie (Scranton) and his girlfriend, that are quite touching and even inspired…So, I remain happy to follow this series. I am assuming this series will reach a conclusion, and I cannot wait to see how Wilson writes it.”- Andy Andrews,True Review

“Connie Corcoran Wilson weaves a deftly fine scalpel in an age where a crude blade is more the norm. Her work is a smooth, subtle hybrid mix of science fiction, thriller, and horror that realizes a unique and pointed vision in the great tradition of Phillip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury. Her voice is a wonder to behold, at once dark and somber while maintaining a glimmer of hope that shines in the hearts of her heroes, who cling to the light. Like Stephen King, nothing escapes her discerning eye, the result of which is tale after tale that bleed life onto the page, both literally and figuratively.”—Jon Land, bestselling author of the Caitlin Strong Series

“Connie Wilson is back—-She’s good! She’s DAMN good! In a world of mainly bad-to-fair writers, she stands above the crowd with plot, description , and strong character. Believe me, you’ll enjoy her latest! That’s a guarantee!…She’s a born storyteller!”—William F. Nolan, Living Legend in Dark Fantasy, “Logan’s Run,” “Logan’s World,” “Nightworlds”

“Wilson’s characters come alive on the page. Comparisons to Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Philip K. Dick aside, Wilson has spent 33 years teaching students in this age range. She knows what she is talking about.”—Gary Braver, author of “Flashback” and 8 other thrillers.

“THE COLOR OF EVIL series is old-school psychological horror, artfully blended with new-school shocks and twists. ..Bravo!” —Jonathan Maberry, New York Times best-selling author, multiple Bram Stoker winner

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 Color of Evil (Book 1 of The Color of Evil Series)

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MY REVIEW

When Tad McGreevey opens the door, he falls back in fear. Standing before him is Pogo the Clown, hired to entertain the kids at his eighth birthday party.

It’s not the clown suit that terrifies him. It’s the aura that surrounds him. Tad can see auras, or colors, around people. Different auras show whether that person is good or bad. Pogo’s aura is gray-green, or khaki, the worst color.

Nothing happens at his birthday party, but Tad suffers 53 days of nightmares. Pogo is a serial killer and Tad sees each violent killing in his dreams.

Night after night he wakes up screaming and no one is getting any sleep. His family doesn’t believe in his visions and Tad spends a brief time in a psychiatric hospital before Pogo the Clown is caught and his horrific deeds are revealed.

The author then takes you forward eight years. Tad’s nightmares ended when Pogo was caught and his biggest problem now is that Jenny, one of his best friends, is hot for bad boy Jeremy, while Tad’s feelings for her have changed from platonic to to romantic. He is falling for her.

Tad’s nightmares begin again. This time he can’t see the crime as clear. Can’t quite tell who the killer or victim is. And his dreams don’t tell him whether the crime is going to happen, whether it’s happening now, or whether it’s yet to occur. But it will happen. And his biggest fear is not being able to do anything about it.

Something this author does and does well is catch you unawares. You’ll be reading a scene, and suddenly, with no warning, it turns ugly. It rocks you back on your heels. And it happens often, catching you again and again.

The atmosphere of pending danger is felt the whole time you are reading, even in scenes that seem innocuous. Not that they stay that way for long as the evil in this small town is rampant. Hiding in plain sight. Happening to many different people. It’s as if the town harbors evil.

As I neared the end of the book, I knew there were going to be many issues left unresolved. So when I read the title for the last chapter, Loose Ends, I feared the author would cram all of the unfinished scenes into this last chapter.

The author does tie up some of the loose ends. But some really big ones are still hanging wide open. I’ve never read a book with so many things left unfinished and I still loved the ending.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Tad McGreevy has a power that he has never revealed, not even to his life-long best friend, Stevie Scranton. When Tad looks at others, he sees colors. These auras tell Tad whether a person is good or evil. At night, Tad dreams about the evil-doers, reliving their crimes in horrifyingly vivid detail.

But Tad doesn’t know if the evil acts he witnesses in his nightmares are happening now, are already over, or are going to occur in the future. He has no control over the horrifying visions. He has been told (by his parents) never to speak of his power. All Tad knows is that he wants to protect those he loves. And he wants the bad dreams to stop.

At Tad’s eighth birthday party (April 1, 1995) in Cedar Falls, Iowa, the clown his parents hire to entertain Tad’s third-grade classmates is one of the bad people. Pogo, the Killer Clown (aka Michael Clay) is a serial killer. So begins 53 nights of terror as Tad relives Pogo’s crime, awakens screaming, and recites the terrifying details to his disbelieving family. The situation becomes so dire that Tad is hospitalized in a private institution under the care of a psychiatrist–who also does not believe the small boy’s stories.

And then the police arrest Pogo, the Killer Clown.

Flash forward to the beginning of Tad’s junior year in high school, 8 years later. Tad is 16 and recovered from the spring of his third-grade year. When Michael Clay was caught and imprisoned, the crime spree ended and so did Tad’s bad dreams.

Until now, in the year of our Lord 2003, when evil once again stalks the land.

This is a terrifying, intense story of the dark people and places that lurk just beneath the surface of seemingly normal small-town America. As one reviewer says, “Wilson nails the darkness beneath the surface of small-town Midwestern life with an intense story based on fact.”

Tad must wage a silent war against those who would harm the ones he loves. A battle to the death.

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Red is Rage (Book 2 of The Color of Evil Series)

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MY REVIEW

I should warn you this is the second book in The Color Of Evil series in case I can’t avoid spoilers from the first book.

In book one, Tad suffered horrendous nightmares until the serial killer, Pogo the Clown was caught and put behind bars.

Moving on to highschool, Tad begins to have the nightmares again. They are tied to the aura’s he sees around people.

In the end of the first book, Tad’s best friend, Stevie, is still missing, and Tad will not stop until he finds out what happened to him.

With the help of a retired police officer, he follows the clues and encounters someone every bit as evil as Pogo the Clown.

I had a feeling Tad wouldn’t be getting any relief from his nightmares. Especially when I learned that Pogo, AKA Michael Cray, had escaped and immediately set about to find Tad and kill him, believing if he did this, he could remain free to do his evil deeds.

This second book takes place a few months after the first and moves at a fast pace. You are dropped right back into the middle of small town terror.

I feared Tad wouldn’t be able to get a handle on his special powers. Wouldn’t be able to use them to save the people he cared about.

As I was reading, I felt like an observer, like I was privy to different character’s thoughts and actions. This made for more thrills and tension as evil plotted and Tad raced to catch up or get ahead of them.

Not as horrific as the first book but more intense, more suspenseful.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

RED IS FOR RAGE is the second book in the award-winning THE COLOR OF EVIL series. It was named the winner in the Thriller category of the Pinnacle book award by NABE (National Association of Book Entrepreneurs) in 2013.

At the end of Book One (THE COLOR OF EVIL), Stevie Scranton, best friend of Tad McGreevy, went missing. Best friend Tad McGreevy, who has the ability to see auras around others that lead him to “see” the crimes of the evil-doers, vows to do everything he can to find Stevie. In their search, they discover a monster every bit as dangerous as Pogo, the killer clown, and must confront him in order to save Stevie.

Pogo, from Book One, still is a threat, hoping to kill Tad to keep his freedom, since he thinks Tad has the power to turn him over to the police. Now, Tad must learn to harness his unique gift. Stevie’s fate hangs in the balance as well as his own life.

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”I didn’t find this book as scary/creepy as I did The Color of Evil. It was more eerie. I knew that something was going to happen, I just didn’t know what or when. Ms. Wilson introduced a number of side stories that each could have been the ‘big one’. Again, I found myself wanting to continue reading to find out which of these stories would develop furthest. I wasn’t able to complete the reading in one sitting, but I was back up early in the morning to finish.”-Heather Pearson, Books and Quilts

“Connie Corcoran Wilson has become another favorite go-to storyteller. The Color of Evil and Red is for Rage, are reminiscent of a Stephen King novel. Mr. King has a knack for making the all American small town a nest of unimaginable horror. Well, Ms. Wilson has also accomplished that in her tales.

The incredible twists and turns the author takes the reader on; the in-depth characterizations that Author Connie Corcoran Wilson employs is exceptional; the reader becomes intimate with the characters, an affectionate bond grows, with the reader finding those characters to root for.

Red is for Rage was a good story, disturbing in spots but this was due to the author’s skill at creating a very realistic plot line. The story flowed smoothly, the action was steady.”-Michelle Cornwell-Jordon, Author of “Tormentin”, “Night School Vampire Hunter Trilogy”, “Chrysalis”

“I have not read the first book in this series, The Color of Evil, but I had no problem picking up on what was going on in Red is for Rage. It was suspenseful and Intriguing. After I started reading, I quickly became absorbed and anticipating what would come next . Connie does a great job of bringing it all together in one book that. I highly recommend reading .”- Heather Beldon, Saving for Six

” If you’re looking for a book full of adventure and action, then this is the one for you. I can say that Ms. Wilson did a wonderful job with Tad, and his unique abilities, which we learn more about in this novel. I also think that she knows her characters quite well. She left me craving the next book, which says something. Especially since I tend to avoid these types of tales where there is so much darkness. But I could see that little glimmer of hope, the little bits of light through the darkness and it left me wanting more.

We also get to see a bit more of Stevie in this book which was nice since he had gone missing early in Book #1. And Michael Clay, (aka Pogo the Clown), just reinforced my hatred of clowns! He doesn’t have as big a role in this book, but he still plays a part in continuing the story line. He is a great character whom we all love to hate!

I recommend it to ages 16 and older. While it deals with some sticky situations, it does it in such a classy manner that it will suck you into the world she has created.”-CondyGirl, Recent Reads

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About Connie Corcoran Wilson

Connie (Corcoran) Wilson (MS + 30) graduated from the University of Iowa and Western Illinois University, with additional study at Northern Illinois, the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Chicago. She taught writing at six Iowa/Illinois colleges and has written for five newspapers and seven blogs, including Associated Content (now owned by Yahoo) which named her its 2008 Content Producer of the Year. She covers politics and entertainment and has over 1,000,000 “hits.”

She is a member of ITW (International Thriller Writers), where she is a writer for their online newsletter, and a member of IWPA (Illinois Women’s Press Association, Chicago chapter), which awarded her its Silver Feather Award in 2012 and 2014, MWA (Midwest Writers Association), AWP (American Writing Program) and MWC (Midwest Writing Center), which named her its Writer of the Year in 2010. She has won numerous E-Lit awards, a NABE Pinnacle award, an ALMA (American Literary Merit Award), Lucky Cinda competition and two IWPA Silver Feather Awards (2012, 2014).

Her stories and interviews with writers like David Morrell, Joe Hill, Kurt Vonnegut, Frederik Pohl, William F. Nolan, Anne Perry, r. Barri Flowers, Valerie Plame, Allen Zadoff and Jon Land have appeared online and in numerous journals.

Her work has won prizes from “Whim’s Place Flash Fiction,” “Writer’s Digest” (Screenplay) and she has 25 published works. Connie reviewed film and books for the Quad City Times (Davenport, Iowa) for 12 years, wrote humor columns and conducted interviews for the (Moline, Illinois) Dispatch and maintains her own blog, www.WeeklyWilson.com, while also twittering (@Connie_C_Wilson), Connie Wilson Author.

Connie was a presenter at the Spellbinders Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii over Labor Day (2012) and at Love Is Murder in Chicago (February, 2014). She has three ongoing series: THE COLOR OF EVIL, HELLFIRE & DAMNATION (short stories organized around the crimes or sins punished at each of the levels of Hell in Dante’s Inferno) and THE CHRISTMAS CATS, which she writes for her granddaughters. (www.TheColorOfEvil.com; www.RedIsforRage.com; www.KhakiEqualsKiller.com; www.HellfireAndDamnationTheBook.com; www.TheXmasCats.com)

Connie lives in East Moline, Illinois with husband Craig and cat Lucy, and in Chicago, Illinois, where her son, Scott and daughter-in-law Jessica and their five-year-old twins Elise and Ava reside. Her daughter, Stacey, graduated from Belmont University in Nashville, and is currently in training in Dallas to become a Southwest Airlines stewardess.

 Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest

Buy Khaki=Killer:

Amazon– Paperback
Amazon– Kindle

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Follow the Tour:

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 20 Spotlight & Giveaway
Books & Quilts June 23 Review
Room With Books June 24 Review
Let’s Talk About Books June 25 Review
Cassandra M’s Place June 26 Review & Giveaway
The News in Books June 30 Review
BK Walker Books July 8 Interview
Like a Bump on a Blog July 12 Review & Giveaway
Elizabeth McKenna Romance Author July 14 Excerpt
Giveaways and Glitter July 18 Review
Bound 4 Escape July 21 Review
The WormholeJuly 22 Review
fuonlyknew July 23 Review
Cheryl’s Book Nook July 28 Guest Post
Paranormal Romance July 29 Review

Legend of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler ~ My Review and the Winners Announcement

Posted: July 17, 2014 in Creatures, horror, reviews, Series, Western, Winners!
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The “Legend “of the chupacabra continues

Press Release

Newport Beach, CA

– June 14, 2014 – On July 29, 2014, dark fiction author, Michael Hebler will release the latest installment in his Chupacabra Series. Legend of the Chupacabra, Book III in his 6-part series, is the final chapter of an independent trilogy before the narrative of the infamous “goat-sucker” transitions into new and thrilling territory.

Legend of the Chupacabra correct cover (RGB)

Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Fiction / Horror / Western

Length: 372 pages (print) / 85,500 words

Binding: Perfect bound, digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf ), & audiobook

Retail: $17.95 (print & audiobook) / $4.99 (e-book)

MY REVIEW

In this third book in the Chupacabra series, you once again follow Suzanne and Jessie . It’s been six years since they killed the chupacabra and broke the curse. Or did they?

Suzanne seems to be settling down in Portland, believing things will be better now. Jessie, on the other hand, is her own worst enemy. She’s as sassy and quick to fly off the handle as ever. Even though she works in a rough and tumble saloon, she’s still expected to cater to the customers and is often mistaken for something other than a server, and she makes the poor sap pay for that mistake, often painfully.

The owner would like her to be more than a server, the bartender creeps her out with his puppy dog drooling, and a handsome young stranger sets her nerves on edge. He seems to enjoy it when she fights of the groping hands and off-color comments of the patrons. Just who is he?

It isn’t noticeable at first, the men disappearing, because they’re strangers.  But then some local men disappear too and this sets off Jessie’s radar. Could it be the chupacabra? Did they kill it? Is it another one? Or is it something else?

The author excels at putting his characters in new and stranger situations. There are some new nasty characters to despise, which I always like, as they can be used as fodder for the chupacabra. But the chup isn’t selective, and likes his blood from good or evil people.

Maturing his characters, having their personalities change after each new encounter with the chupacabra, is another area Michael excels at. Especially with Jessie, as she’s gone from a young girl to a young woman. He did leave her as feisty and fearless as before, allowing me to savor her victories, worry when she lands in tight spots, and hope she’ll finally let someone get close to her.

Even the chupacabra is different, like it’s evolved, become even more evil and cunning. It likes to play with its food, and it’s always hungry. Which gives you some excellent scenes of bloody mayhem.

I was attracted to this series because of the chupacabra. Curious about the legend, and of course, its bloody path through the book.. Then I became attached to the characters and, with each new book, I looked forward to seeing what new mystery the author put them in. What, besides the chupacabra, they had to deal with.

It’s never dull, no stumbling through slow parts, as there aren’t any, and Legend of the Chupacabra leaves you hungry for more. Just like the chupacabra.

5 STARS

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Synopsis:

 

Legend of the Chupacabra finds Jessie and Suzanne living peacefully in Portland, Oregon six years after they believed to have put an end to the curse of the chupacabra. But the women come to learn of their failure, and the futility of their sacrifices, when a remarkable reunion brings horror back into their lives; only this time, what they face will be unlike any creature they’ve encountered. Legend of the Chupacabra marks the end of a trilogy, but the continuation of a saga that will leave this moment of history drenched in blood.

Earlier this year, Hebler’s first volume in his Chupacabra Series, Night of the Chupacabra, earned him top honors in the category of “Horror” from the National Indie Excellence Awards. The NIEA was founded by Ellen Reid, the current President and CEO. Reid comments, “The awards celebrate the best of books in print, and represent a diverse group of first-time authors and seasoned authors.” Hebler was extremely honored to have received such extraordinary recognition for a story that had lived within his mind and heart for 20 years before its 2012 release.

In reference to Legend of the Chupacabra, Hebler hopes his fans and readers will enjoy their reunion with Jessie and Suzanne. There is no shortage of action, mystery, humor, drama, romance, or, of course, horror. And as usual, there are surprises around every turn. “I’m especially excited about including a little piece of Oregon’s scandalous history with the Portland underground,” states Hebler. “I think that particular element rivals the callousness of the chupacabra itself and examines the similarities between monster and man.”

In addition to the release of Legend of the Chupacabra in trade paperback and eBook on July 29, 2014, Hebler will also release an audiobook of his reading, which will accompany the release of the audiobooks of the first two series novels, Night of the Chupacabra and Curse of the Chupacabra.

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This is my favorite part!

It’s time to announce the winners!

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For the giveaway of The Chupacabra Series 

by Michael Hebler

1 Grand Prize: signed copy of [Legend] print (US only)
1 First: e-books of all three Chupacabra Series novels (Night, Curse, and Legend) (Worldwide)
3 Runners-Up: e-book of [Legend] (Worldwide)

The Grand Prize Winner is : Audrey

The First Place Winner is : Candi

The Three Runners-up are :

Justin

Robin

Jessica

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And now a word from Michael

Thank you everyone for taking a moment to enter the “Legend of the Chupacabra” giveaway, and a “congratulations” to the winners. It is such a comfort to know that there are so many like-minded readers. There is no greater joy for an author than having his/her work read, and I am comfortable in speaking for all authors to say that your support is appreciated beyond any words we can write. We are your servants. As for my series, three more volumes are in the works, and scheduled to release one year apart. I hope to see you back then. Enjoy reading the Chupacabra Series even more than I enjoyed writing it.

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Congratulations!

Winners have been notified.

Thanks to everyone for your comments.

I do love reading them and hope you continue to visit fuonlyknew!

Thanks so much to Michael Hebler for his wonderful books!

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Other books in the series.

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“Night of the Chupacabra” was announced as Best Horror at the 2014 National Indie Excellence Awards.

legend 1 Night of the Chupacabra

Click HERE for my review.

There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account.

In the Chupacabra Series, a vampire-like, cryptozoological creature (which literally translates to “goat-sucker”) takes a supporting role to a cast of memorable characters who struggle to survive while finding their place in developing America. Currently slated for six books, the Chupacabra Series echoes strong family themes and the sacrifices required for that nature of love; and while some characters do survive long enough to make it through multiple novels, each volume will host a different protagonist to lead the reader through its continuing journey.

Amazon / B&N

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Click HERE for my review.

They never thought their luck would be their curse. In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail. However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust. But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

Amazon / B&N

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Author Michael Hebler

chup Author, Michael Hebler

Prior to becoming an award-winning author of his dark fiction Chupacabra Series, Michael was a full-time international film publicist who had worked on multiple titles for Walt Disney, Pixar, Lionsgate, Lakeshore Entertainment, Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, and the 2013 Academy Award-winning Best Forgein Language Film, “La grande bellezza” (The Great Beauty).

Born in the early 1970′s in Los Angeles County to a salesman and a homemaker, Michael dreamed of following his passions for entertainment and storytelling by becoming an actor. It was while studying theatre arts at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, did he realize his penchant for stories were better suited on the page rather than the stage. However, creating tales with suspense, laughter, and heart is not Michael’s only love. Hebler also enjoys volunteering in his local community for Meals on Wheels, as well as aid in the capture/spay/neuter/release feral program.

To date, Michael’s publications include Chupacabra Series Novels, “Night of the Chupacabra,” “Curse of the Chupacabra,” and now “Legend of the Chupacabra,” the first three of his six-part series, as well as his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Michael also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” (currently unavailable) preceding the events of Book I, and will release his first novella, “The Ghost of Christmas Past” on October 7, 2014. [Ghost] is a spiritual story placing the popular Dickens character in the center of its own afterlife, and life, while aiding a woman’s complicated past.

CONTACT DETAILS

Email ~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

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

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Blog Tour Reviews ~ The Discord Trilogy by Lauren Hodge ~ It all started when…

Posted: July 15, 2014 in Blog Tour, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Series, Vampires, Witches
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Witches and warlocks. Good vampires and not so good vampires. And so much more. I had quite the experience reading this trilogy.

Learn more about Lauren Hodge’s Discord Trilogy and enjoy my reviews.

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The Golden Apple of Discord – Book 1

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MY REVIEW

How could I resist a story starring four sisters, and they’re witches. At least, in the beginning they all are. Then Taralie gets kidnapped and turned by some vampires with their own agenda.

When the sisters turn to The Twelve, the decision makers for the Milunfran, its ordered that they kill Taralie. Being halfings, the purebloods don’t much care for them and this comes as no surprise. This is the thanks they get after banishing all sorts of evil beings, protecting humans from evil.

The sisters have no intention of killing Tara, so they go into hiding. With the Milunfran and the vampires after them, they find some unlikely allies in a group of vampires also in hiding.

The halflings have been dropped right in the middle of the vampires long raging civil war.

It became quite interesting when  the vampires joined the sisters. I knew something big would have to happen for the alliance to work. Something huge happened and it bumped up my excitement. I also knew there was going to be some romantic entanglements and I was right. Throw some funny, kick butt witches and some sexy, alpha vampires together, and there’s bound to be powerful attractions. I caught myself trying to play matchmaker.

Besides great characters, the author wrote some lively dialogue, sprinkling humor here and there. She also built a complex world and added lots of suspense and dangerous situations for her characters.

I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next, in Abomination.

4 STARS

~~~~~

***Winner of the Compulsion Reads Quality Book Endorsement***

Synopsis

Taralie Severin and her three sisters are a powerful coven of modern-day witches who banish mythical creatures in between classes and shifts at the police station. But when Taralie is kidnapped by vampires and converted into the undead, her sisters are ordered to execute her for crimes against the Milunfran order. Refusing, the sisters become fugitives from both their kind and vampires alike.

Ignorant and hunted, Taralie becomes entangled with unlikely allies, a band of vampires in hiding from the ruling vamperic government. With this new addition to their coven Taralie must balance duty with desire while learning not everything is as it seems, their enemies are worse than she knows, and she could be on the verge of ending a thousand-year-old civil war.

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Abomination – Book 2

abomination

MY REVIEW

This being the second book in the series, I’ll try not to put in spoilers.

 Tara and her sisters have formed a kind of truce with the Noricum, the vampire rulers, and things have returned to a more normal rhythm.

Now the excitement is all about an upcoming wedding.  But things change quickly and the truce is broken.  The Noricum will tolerate no threat to their rule and the sisters, along with their mates can either serve the vampires or die. There is no bargaining. Just those two choices. Serve or die.

Told through the perspective of Alex, Tara’s new husband, this second book was harder to take.

While on their honeymoon. they stumble upon some local vampires preparing to feed on a human couple. This is something Tara can’t turn away from and the results of her actions are tragic. One beloved character loses their life, the truce with the vampires is shattered, and Tara will pay a horrific price for her choice.

I applaud the author for not being afraid to put her characters in difficult, sometimes, unsurviveable situations. By the time I reached the end of this book, I felt like I’d been put through an emotional wringer. Such sadness, hopelessness, and anger were evoked. I couldn’t believe what happened to Tara and now that I’m moving on to the third book, I fear the outcome.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

Taralie Severin and her sisters have secured a non-aggression pact with the rulers of the vampire world, the Noricum. Having relocated to Cannon Beach, Oregon, Alexander prepares to marry his beloved Tara. But when an encounter with average vampires goes wrong, the Severin coven’s fragile amnesty with the Noricum is destroyed. With the supremacy of their rule challenged, the Noricum set out to restore the balance of power, leaving the Severin family two choices – Die on their feet, or live on their knees.

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Rubicon – Book 3

rubicon

MY REVIEW

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The Noricum are still after the Severin coven, so they take shelter on the water, living on a boat while they wait to see whether Tara will ever be herself again. She survived the abomination, but now she’s only partially recovered and without their leader, the clan is more at risk than ever.

The author kept me busy with so much drama, but it was always in the back of mind, what about Tara? I couldn’t stand it that she was so reduced, so not in control. It wasn’t until about half way into the story that I got some hope.

And my trust of the Severin coven was almost non-existent. In the beginning of this series, they had no compunction about ordering Tara’s death. And throughout the series, I felt they were self-serving and held themselves above the Milunfran witches. I didn’t see why that would change now and had little hope they’d choose to help the sister’s clan over their own skins.

I’ll provide no spoilers, give no hints about where the rest of the story goes. But, I will say this is a thrilling, nerve-wracking next installment. One that still lingers, still has me recalling how far this story came from the beginning.

4 STARS

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Synopsis.

Hidden away on a Caribbean island, Tara’s body survived abomination while her mind did not. Strangled from within by Verus’s accumulated memories, the eldest Severin sister struggles under the weight of so many conciseness inside her mind. But the Noricum are not idle, nor are they forgiving. Enraged by Tara’s murdering of their princess, they hunt the Severins relentlessly. After turning a powerful halfling and declaring open war, the Severin coven must choose between defending the Milunfran witches protecting humanity or their own extinction.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

discord laura

I’m Lauren Hodge, a chemist turned author with three children, a lot of friends no one else can see, and a swearing habit. Writing is something I stumbled into on accident. I was reading fiction for the first time as an adult and wondered if I could do it. It never crossed my mind to publish until my twin got a hold of my manuscripts and pressured me into it like the cool drug seeking kid from the After School Specials. Because of that, my books are different. I don’t write because I have a story to tell. I write because there is a story inside my head and it’s merely using my fingers to get out. I enjoy writing protagonists that are flawed and enemies that aren’t. Not everyone is all good or all bad and I love the philosophical process of defining that grey area. There are two parts of communication. What is articulated and what is received for only the latter can compel action. You, the reader, are more important than me, the author. I relish understanding what you receive from my articulation. To help with that, I have editors – lots and lots of editors. Editors are the heroes authors need, but not the heroes they deserve. As an author, I strive every day to be worthy of professional editors. I’m the oldest of seven and have an identical twin/perfect organ donor.

Lauren’s Website / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram

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