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My Monday Minis #32 ~ Fun Adventures With Captain No Beard

Posted: November 20, 2017 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, reviews
Tags: Captain No Beard Series, Carole P. Roman, children's action/adventure, reviews

Welcome to my Monday Minis where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.

I’m reading this cute, fun series By Carole P. Roman called Captain No Beard.

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An Imaginary Tale Of A Pirate’s Life

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

My Review

It’s a busy day on the Flying Dragon and all hands are on deck for a new adventure. But before they set sail, the pirates all have their assigned chores to do. Then its off to sea, where they battle a raging storm and a mysterious voice from the deep to get back home.

What a charming story.

Alexander is a young boy with a big imagination. His crew is made up of stuffed animals and his cousin and first mate, Hallie.

I adored the fun character’s in Carole’s story, such as Fribbet the frog, Mongo the monkey and Captain No Beard. And the illustrations were colorful and busy.

This crew of pirates set my imagination to buzzing, remembering when I was young and all of the flights of fancy I had then. And while there’s lessons to be learned, they’re subtle and add to the fun.

A story to be shared and read over and over again, the adventure will never get old and the lively illustrations will reveal something new each time.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Description

Captain No Beard and his pirate ship The Flying Dragon set sail for a voyage of the imagination with his fearless crew of four: First Mate Hallie, Mongo the Monkey, Linus the loudmouthed lion, and Fribbit the floppy frog. Normally a young boy named Alexander, his cousin Hallie, and three stuffed animals, once they board his bed their world is transformed into a magical vessel, sailing the seven seas on dangerous and exciting adventures!

Captain No Beard – An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate’s Life named to Kirkus Reviews’ BEST OF 2012 for Children’s Indie Books, and garnered the star of remarkable merit!

Amazon

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Pepper Parrot’s Problem With Patience

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

My Review

There’s a new member on the crew of the Flying Dragon. Before they can set sail, Pepper the Parrot must learn the drills. Pepper can’t tell left from right and keeps getting frustrated. It’s up to the crew to help her learn and to accept that some things take time and practice.

Carole once again makes learning fun with her lovable band of pirates. I fell in love with them all over again. And every page shares delightful illustrations that will charm both parent’s and children.

I love these pirates. How they work together. Help each other overcome obstacles. And all end up happy and ready for the next adventure.

Another extraordinary children’s tale, sure to get plenty of bedtime story requests.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Description

The crew of the Flying Dragon is sailing again. This time, new crew member, Pepper Parrot is having a hard time keeping up with the drills. Captain No Beard and his mates join together to help Pepper achieve her goals with patience and tolerance.

Amazon

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Stuck In The Doldrums

A Captain No Beard Story

by Carole P. Roman

Genre: Adventure / Children’s Book

My Review

Captain No Beard always says being captain is hard work. He thinks he has to be best. That he knows all. But when his crew doesn’t do what he wants, he gets mad and decides he doesn’t need them. Until he does.

A fun story about having friends but also being one. And that it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do everything yourself. I’m sure many kids will identify with that.

The lively illustrations tell the story as much as the words do. I continue to be charmed by these rambunctious pirates.

This is the third book in the series and I love that a new character was added. I wonder who the next one will be and what challenge they will face. I’m sure it will be fun to find out.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Description

When the wind stops blowing, Captain No Beard and his crew, including First Mate Hallie, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, Mongo the Monkey and Polly the Parrot, are stuck on a desert
island. Marooned with nothing to do, they begin to play and enjoy themselves. However, Captain No Beard has other ideas, bossing his crew around and making playtime cheerless for everyone. Soon, Captain No Beard decides he has had enough and storms off. When his ship is attacked by a giant squid, he realizes he needs his crew more than ever.

Captain No Beard and his crew show young readers that’s it’s important to cooperate and share your belongings. The crew teaches us that if you want to have friends, then you must be a friend too.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Dragon by Anthony Renfro ~ New Release With Bonus Stories

Posted: November 20, 2017 in horror, New Release, Short stories and collections
Tags: Anthony Renfro, Horror, New Release, Short Stories

I love Anthony’s stories and have read and shared a bunch of them. He’s got a new release you should check out.

Like your horror in smaller bites? The Dragon will do the trick. And it comes with a couple of bonus stories too!

The Dragon

With Bonus Stories

by Anthony Renfro

Synopsis

What happens when they ask The Dragon to summon a demon? A simple machine. Able to answer requests. Able to play music. Able to turn on lights and answer questions. Fun and enjoyable technology, but what happens when this machine is able to manifest actual things. In this short story two guys worst fears will come to life.

Bonus Short Story: Webs

A pyramid in the deep dry desert. What secrets lie within its walls? One explorer is about to find his greatest desire and his worst nightmare inside this ancient artifact.

Bonus Short Story: The Headless Fountain Man

A simple photo. A quick snap shot. One woman’s perfect picture is about to become her scariest nightmare.

~~~~~

Enjoy this excerpt from The Dragon

Pat followed, looking around at the huge house, no, not looking, gawking would be the appropriate word. The place was huge with a dining room filled with a table that could sit twenty, a library full of books (some rare, some new), and further down the massive hallway with the vaulted ceilings stood four more rooms, all of them hidden behind closed doors. They opened each closed door, and found bedrooms with full baths behind them. They moved on, stopping at the end of the hall when they reached the staircase.

“Would you look at that?” Doug replied, as he stepped onto the bottom part of it. He ran his hand over the ivory railing, and eye balled the expensive carpet that covered each step.

“I bet this place has at least ten rooms in it.”

“Probably more if you consider the attic and basement,” Doug replied, shining his light up the curved staircase. He couldn’t see beyond the curve, but he knew there was another massive amount of space lurking upstairs.

Pat started to move. “Come on, let’s see what’s at the end?”

Doug followed, and at the end of the hall they found a kitchen big enough for a hotel. It was covered with cabinets and hanging cookware, all kinds of cookware, from cast iron to copper bottom. They took a few moments to raid the pantry and fridge, both of which had lots of supplies in them. It was the packaged food and cold beer that both boys took advantage of. They were under 21, but just above the age of 18 so the alcohol was the real treat. After pounding back a few beers, Doug got up to go find a bathroom and on his way back to the kitchen he stumbled upon The Dragon.

“Look what I found,” Doug replied.

“Is that one of those Dragon things that work only with your voice?” Pat asked, standing up, stumbling over to where his friend was standing.

“I wonder if the house is hooked up to it?” Doug asked, looking at his friend.

“Plug it in, find out.”

Doug found a USB outlet, and slipped the plug into the square hole. He was happy to discover that the power hadn’t been turned off in the house. Both boys let the machine warm up, watching the blue light spin around the top, waiting for it to be ready to use. When the light died, the machine sat cold and lifeless, waiting for a response to wake it from slumber.

Purchase Links: Amazon US / UK / AU / CA

Find out more about Anthony and all of his books on Goodreads.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

What’s New On My Bookshelf #233 and The Sunday Post

Posted: November 19, 2017 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: fuonlyknew, my weekly bookish news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

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

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

Sunday Post

Some chit chat.

Another week of not much happening. Work was slow and I had a couple of extra days off. The weather has been wonderful. Cool nights and warm days so I worked in the yard, cleaning out the dead stuff and spiffing everything up.

I was so tempted to start decorating for Christmas. It takes time to get everything the way I want and then it’s almost time to take it back down.

Been doing a bunch of reading. So many of them were really good too. I realized most of them weren’t my holiday books so I’m starting on those now. Other than that, just watching the telly and taking some naps. The daylight savings time makes it get dark so early I struggle to stay awake.

I hope you all had a fabulous week and thanks for stopping by!

*****

My new books this week.

*****

And here are some FREEBIES for ya. Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

*****

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

*****

Saturday Screams #42 ~ Rolling In The Deep & Into The Drowning Deep

Posted: November 18, 2017 in horror, reviews
Tags: Horror, Into The Rolling Deep, mermaids, Mira Grant, review, Rolling In The Deep

Welcome to my Saturday Screams where I share books that, well, make you scream!

I’ve got a couple wicked ones to share today. How do you like your mermaids. Pretty and sweet…or dark and lethal?

Rolling In The Deep

Rolling In The Deep #0.5

By Mira Grant

Genre: Horror / Mermaids

My Review

What a rush. For a short story it sure came packing a lot of terror and bloody mayhem. And we like that, don’t we?

I like how the story is presented. It’s like found footage, only in words instead of tapes. And you don’t miss a thing.

With failing ratings, Imagine Network discovers its golden ticket when they decide to do a documentary on mermaids. Many believe they exit and others scoff. Mermaid, myth or real? The Atargatis sets sail hoping to delve the depths and find answers. They travel to the an area far from land, anchoring over the deepest part of the ocean, in an place known for mysterious disappearances.

Along with Image Network members, scientists with studies in several areas, and a film crew to document everything, an unusual group is included. Professional performing mermaids. Partly for show and also to provide a mermaid sighting if the real ones deign to avail themselves. I really liked the gals with tails. The descriptions of the many colored mermaids was amazing. I could see them cavorting and dashing about in the water.

Just as visual was the description of the real mermaids. They claw up from the depths, scale the ship, and devour their bounty. Slimy, gray things with mouths full of needle sharp teeth and cold lifeless black eyes like a shark. I admit I have a fondness for the pretty, sparkly mermaids, but I’ll always go for the scary ones. The ones of nightmares. I feel if we ever do find real ones, they’ll be a lot more like these.

Knowing the outcome, that none survived, didn’t take away from my enjoyment while reading this book. In fact, it heightened my curiosity and excitement. I was going to get my evil mermaids and a high body count.

What I didn’t expect was how easily I connected with some characters. This isn’t a long book but I came to know and care for several of them. And then there were those I felt deserved to become mermaid poop.

I was hooked before I even started reading Rolling In The Deep. Just look at that spectacular cover art. Read that thrilling blurb. This was horror fodder for me and I read it in one bloody, happy gulp.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

When the Imagine Network commissioned a documentary on mermaids, to be filmed from the cruise ship Atargatis, they expected what they had always received before: an assortment of eyewitness reports that proved nothing, some footage that proved even less, and the kind of ratings that only came from peddling imaginary creatures to the masses.

They didn’t expect actual mermaids. They certainly didn’t expect those mermaids to have teeth.

This is the story of the Atargatis, lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy. Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the bathypelagic zone in the Mariana Trench…and the depths are very good at keeping secrets.

Amazon

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And now for more mermaids!

Into The Drowning Deep

Rolling In The Deep #1

By Mira Grant

Genre: Horror / Mermaids

My Review

After devouring and loving Rolling In The Deep, I couldn’t wait to get on the ocean, set sail, and see how this next venture would wind up.

It’s been seven years since all were lost on the Atargatis. It’s no longer top news and many think it was a hoax. Imagine Network isn’t done yet. They commission a new ship, a much larger crew, security guards, and supposedly failproof systems to protect them from what they now know lives under the waves, deep in the Marianna Trench.

Among the crew is a girl who wants vengeance, a reporter trying to make her name, two big game hunters looking to add mermaid heads to their walls, more scientists than you can shake a stick at, and some who feel it’s their duty to be there.

There is a lot more character development in this second book. It’s a longer story and I needed that. Sure, I couldn’t wait for the mermaid scenes, and there were were plenty of crazy ones, but I wanted to care about the character’s, feel their hopes and fears, and worry for their safety. I also wanted to select the ones I’d feed to the mermaids. It’s fun to have some that you loathe. I imagine how they might meet their sticky ends. And Mira Grant doesn’t disappoint with any of this.

And the mermaids. We learn quite a bit about them. We already know they’re killers. Now we find out what they really are. What it might mean to mankind, and the world. Scary stuff, indeed.

If you like your mermaids dark and lethal, you’ll love this one. You don’t have to have read Rolling In The Deep to enjoy it. Mira does a great job of filling in the blanks without breaking the easy flow of the story. But why miss out on more fun. I’d recommend you read them both.

And I’m hoping for more in this series. That titillating ending has me crossing my fingers that the author hasn’t weighed anchor on these mermaids yet.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

New York Times bestselling author Mira Grant, author of the renowned Newsflesh series, returns with a novel that takes us to a new world of ancient mysteries and mythological dangers come to life.

Seven years ago, the Atargatis set off on a voyage to the Mariana Trench to film a “mockumentary” bringing to life ancient sea creatures of legend. It was lost at sea with all hands. Some have called it a hoax; others have called it a maritime tragedy.

Now, a new crew has been assembled. But this time they’re not out to entertain. Some seek to validate their life’s work. Some seek the greatest hunt of all. Some seek the truth. But for the ambitious young scientist Victoria Stewart this is a voyage to uncover the fate of the sister she lost.

Whatever the truth may be, it will only be found below the waves.

But the secrets of the deep come with a price.

Amazon

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Did you happen to catch the Animal Planet Documentary, Mermaids The Body Found, when it came out? Here’s a short clip supposedly capturing a real mermaid on video from a deep sea submersible.

So, what do you think? Real or fake?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

It’s a mad, mad……Moto Maddie BMX Portal Series ~ Reviews and Giveaway

Posted: November 17, 2017 in Children's books, Fantasy, giveaways, reviews
Tags: giveaway, Kat de Falla, middle grade fantasy, Motto Maddie BMX Portal series, review

This is my stop during the book blitz for the Moto Maddie BMX Portal series by Kat de Falla. This book blitz is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 6 till 19 November. See the tour schedule here.

Both books for only $0.99!
This series consist of two books so far Flying Mutant Zombie Rats and Slime Spewing Vampire Velociraptors. Both books are only $0.99 for a limited time only! Both books are in Kindle Unlimited!

Flying Mutant Zombie Rats (Moto Maddie BMX Portal #1)
By Kat de Falla
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Middle Grade

My Review

I confess, the cool cover and title were the first things to catch my attention. Once I read the blurb, I was in for the fun.

Pea O’Neil is stoked. Summer vacation is starting today and the super cool new BMX track is open and calling his name. He’s been practicing his back flip and can’t wait to show off with his friends. He’s nailing it until…. something knocks him flying. He’s accidentally opened a portal to another dimension and nasty mutant zombie rats come pouring out, eyes glowing red, teeth gnashing, and they have wings.

It’s a race against time to stop the horde of rats, especially after his cranky neighbor gets bitten and starts to act strange.

This brought back so many memories for me. That last day of school, the last bell rings, and the mad dash to freedom. I lived on a dead end street and there were tons of kids in my neighborhood. Pea and his pals remind me many of the kids from back then. The camaraderie and competition between them brings on the excitement as they battle the otherworldly rats. I couldn’t help but laugh at some of the weapons they come up with.

Brave boys battling mutant zombie rats in order to save the world. And a smart aleck talking cat. What’s not to love?

4 Stars

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Blurb:

Summer vacation is almost here! And Pea O’Neil is stoked to try out the new local BMX track which is finally open. He and his gang of friends can ride all summer long!

But when Pea tries a back flip, he unwittingly opens a portal to another dimension and hordes of flying mutant zombie rats are unleashed upon the city. With the help of an otherworldly talking cat sent to help prevent the demise of humankind, Pea and his friends must hunt down the hungry mutants and send them back before the portal closes.

But when the zombie rats attack a neighbor man, the boys have to enlist the help of a graveyard looney and the city’s stray cats. With time running out, Pea and his gang track the monsters to the city’s sewer system. But in the city sewer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it’s eat…or get eaten.

You can find Flying Mutant Zombie Rats on Goodreads

You can buy Flying Mutant Zombie Rats for only $0.99 on Amazon
Flying Mutant Zombie Rats is available to read with Kindle Unlimited.

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Slime Spewing Vampire Velociraptors (Moto Maddie BMX Portal #2)
By Kat de Falla
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Middle Grade

My Review

The boys are back in action. They thought it was all over when they closed the portal, stopping the mutant zombie rat invasion. But another strange events opens it again and out come some slime spewing vampire velociraptors, armed with huge fangs and a raging hunger.

After the previous invasion, most adults scoffed at the boys claims of zombie rats. But they can’t ignore the velociraptors rampaging through their streets leaving trails of glowing slime.

Pea’s father is bitten while trying to capture the creatures and the infection is taking hold. Max, the talking cat, and now the O’Neil’s family pet, along with the boys and some believing adults must race against time to save Pea’s dad and stop another otherworldly invasion.

More fun and creative antics await you in this second installment in the Moto Maddie BMX series. Some of my favorite parts have to do with Pea’s two step-brothers They’re big bullies and love to torment Pea, taunting him, beating him up, and doing all this away from their parent’s prying eyes. Made me kind of wish the dinos would chomp them and reminded me, in a round about way, of Cinderella. LOL

Just like in the first book, there’s plenty of action and creative solution solving to keep you laughing and cheering on the characters. I hope the author keeps this series rolling.

4 Stars

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Blurb:

When Pea opened a portal and the alien cat, Max Gigan, jumped through from another dimension, he certainly didn’t expect the talking tomcat to stay on as a family pet. He soon learns it can come in handy to have a fur ball from an alternate universe around when his friend re-opens the portal letting in vampire velociraptors who want to slime and eat the whole city!

Pea’s dad is one of the first infected. But his dear old dad isn’t the only one. The dinosaurs escape the museum where the portal opened, and rampage through Milwaukee. As Pea’s dad gets sicker, the BMX gang joins together with the feline army to corner the raptors and use them to develop an antidote. But Pea’s meddling step-monster brothers threaten to ruin everything! A city wide alert goes out for the misidentified “turkeys” while Pea and his gang try to stay ahead of the hunt.

Can the kids capture the dinos and get them home before they control everyone with their vampire powers? Will Pea’s dad remain infected forever?

Join Pea and his gang in their battle against the SLIME SPEWING VAMPIRE VELOCIRAPTORS.

You can find Slime Spewing Vampire Velociraptors on Goodreads

You can buy Slime Spewing Vampire Velociraptors for only $0.99 on Amazon
Slime Spewing Vampire Velociraptors is available to read with Kindle Unlimited.

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About the Author:
Author Kat de Falla was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where she learned to roller-skate, ride a banana seat bike, and love Shakespeare thanks to her high school English teacher. Four years at the UW-Madison wasn’t enough, so she returned to her beloved college town for her Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is happily employed as a retail pharmacist where she fills prescriptions and chats with her patients. She is married to her soulmate, classical guitarist, Lee de Falla and raising four kids together ala the Brady Bunch.

You can find and contact Kat de Falla here:
– Website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Instagram

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

There is a tour wide giveaway for the book blitz of Moto Maddie BMX Portal Series. One winner will win a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

To Helvetica And Back by Paige Shelton ~ A Cozy Mystery Review

Posted: November 17, 2017 in audible, Mystery, reviews
Tags: audible, mystery, Paige Shelton, review, To Helvetica And Back

TITLE: To Helvetica And Back

A Dangerous Type Mystery #1

AUTHOR: Paige Sheldon

NARRATOR: Marguerite Gavin

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

PUBLICATION DATE: July 2o, 2017

FORMAT: Unabridged Audiobook

LENGTH: 7 hrs.

GENRE: Mystery

My Review

I do love a good cozy and I’m always looking for a new one. The clever title and whimsical cover caught my attention immediately. I thought this could be a fun one.

Claire works with her grandfather at their shop, The Rescued Word. I love that name. It’s a typewriter repair shop and they also restore old books and sell paper supplies. Sounds like a place I could spend time in. And the location for their shop is fun too, Bygone Alley. We have some side streets like these in the town I live in and they have such unique little shops hidden in them.

When a man comes in demanding a typewriter be given to him that was earlier dropped off for repair by someone else, he gets irate and the police are called. They take a closer look at the typewriter and something is strange about it. Later the man is found dead and the mystery begins.

I enjoyed visiting Star City. Who doesn’t want to spend time in a ski resort. The isolation made the mystery more intriguing too. Lots of strangers to add to the suspect list.

Many of the characters were a joy to meet and I loved the friendship between Claire and Jodie. Jodie’s her friend but also a cop and she could be one or the other as needed.

A fun, frisky cozy with genuine characters and a good spin on a mystery, I’m glad I read To Helvetica And Back. I’ll be back for more.

4 Stars

Read by Marguerite Gavin

Marguerite did a wonderful job telling this fun tale. I sat back and enjoyed her pleasing voice. And sat up when she got to the dicey parts. I hope she continues to tell this series.

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Thanks so much to Tantor Audio and the author for the complimentary copy.

My review is voluntarily given.

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Synopsis

Star City is known for its slopes and its powder. But nestled in the valley of this ski resort town is a side street full of shops that specialize in the simple charms of earlier eras. One of those shops is the Rescued Word, where Chester Henry and his adult granddaughter Clare lovingly repair old typewriters and restore old books. Who ever thought their quaint store would hold the key to some modern-day trouble?

When a stranger to town demands they turn over an antique Underwood typewriter they’re repairing for a customer, Clare fears she may need to be rescued. A call to the police scares the man off, but later Clare finds his dead body in the back alley. What about a dusty old typewriter could possibly be worth killing for?

Amazon / Tantor

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Wolfmoon Series by Nikki Broadwell ~ Tour and Giveaway

Posted: November 16, 2017 in Fantasy, giveaways, Romance
Tags: fantasy, giveaway, Nikki Broadwell, romance, Wolfmoon Series

Moonstone

Wolfmoon Book 1

By Nikki Broadwell

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Is magic gone from the world? Was it ever here? Read Moonstone and you
might just believe in magic again! Fans of Juliet Marillier’s
‘Daughter of the Forest’ series will find themselves right at home.

Finna is pregnant and proud of herself for being strong enough to kick out
the father of her child. But when her absent mother shows up and
tells her that her baby needs to be blessed by the moon goddess to
keep her safe, Finna’s newfound confidence disappears. The Otherworld
her mother describes sounds tantalizing. And by the time Finna
discovers the truth it is too late. Her only hope is to make it out alive.

Goodreads * Amazon

Willow

Wolfmoon Book 2

Maeve’s dreams are waking her in the middle of the night. And consulting a
psychic does little to help. But when a shipment of paintings arrives
in the gallery where she works her mind really begins to unravel.
What she sees in one of those paintings has to be an hallucination.
How could she be seeing herself running with wolves in the background
of a landscape simply hanging on the wall? Little does she know what
lies ahead.

Goodreads * Amazon

Raven

Wolfmoon Book 3

A cold and callous tyrant has taken over Otherworld leaving death and
destruction in his wake. The only hope is a prophecy written
centuries before. But the woman named hasn’t a clue. How can a
green girl from the States come to grips with a destiny she didn’t
even know existed?

Maeve is oblivious of all of it as she travels to Scotland. All she can
think about is her boyfriend, Harold who she left behind. But what
lies ahead includes him too, and will take both Maeve and Harold into
a dangerous world they could never have imagined.

Goodreads * Amazon

Faery

Wolfmoon Book 4

Maeve and Harold are about to be tested. Between the birth of their baby
girl and Maeve’s obsession with the faery known as the ‘love
talker’ lie many twisted paths. When the elven queen becomes part
of the equation it takes more than love to reweave what’s been
unraveled. A Fae civil war brings Harold’s alter ego, King Kenneth
MacAlpin, to the fore, possibly ruining Maeve and Harold’s
relationship forever. Danger abounds, bringing with it hard decisions
and possibly death.

Goodreads * Amazon

I graduated with a BA in art and English from Sonoma State University
in California. I’ve been an avid reader since I first learned how and
a writer from my early teenage years on. I’ve had several art related
businesses, including greeting cards and more recently a silk
painting business. When I began to write in earnest I put aside the
art, concentrating only on the writing.

I’ve traveled a lot over the years, finding inspiration wherever I go.
Scotland holds a special place in my heart, hence the setting for
“The Moonstone”. I had to make a 4th trip there to do
research as I was putting the book together!

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Manhattan Is My Beat by Jeffrey Deaver ~ Audible Review

Posted: November 16, 2017 in audible, Mytery/Thriller, reviews
Tags: audible, Jeffrey deaver, Manhattan Is My Beat, mystery, review

TITLE: Manhattan Is My Beat

The Rune Series #1

AUTHOR: Jeffrey Deaver

NARRATOR: Tanya Eby

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

PUBLICATION DATE: July 11, 2017

FORMAT: Unabridged Audiobook

LENGTH: 8 hrs.

GENRE: Mystery / Thriller

My Review

Rune is a bit of an oddball, sporting purple hair and packing lots of snark. Working at the video store isn’t usually exciting, but when she stumbles into the scene of a murder, she can’t let it go. The old man was a friend of hers and she’s sure that the video he kept renting over and over again ties into a crime committed many years ago. She dives head first into danger to avenge her friend.

Being a fan of Deaver’s darker, brooding thrillers like The Bone Collector, this lighter mystery caught me by surprise. Not that Deaver doesn’t throw in his usual curve balls to keep you off balance so the mystery eludes you til the end.

And I couldn’t have asked for a more delightful character than Rune. For a twenty-year-old, she’s fiercely independent and definitely not a wall flower. Throw in some more quirky people that join her in her endeavors and you get the fun character driven part of the story.

While this felt a bit different than his other writing, being an earlier work, I was glad I listened to it. And now I want to get to the rest of the series. I’m curious what our purple haired gal is going to get into next.

4 Stars

Narrator Tanya Eby

I enjoyed the crisp, clean reading done by Tanya. She hits those high and low points and has a very pleasant voice.

~~~~~

Thanks so much to Tantor Audio and the author for the complimentary copy.

My review is voluntarily given.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Five feet two inches of slick repartee, near-purple hair, and poetic imagination, twenty-year-old Rune hasn’t been in Manhattan for very long. But she’s crafty enough to have found a squatter’s paradise in an empty TriBeca loft, and a video store job that feeds her passion for old movies. It’s a passion she shares with her favorite customer, Mr. Kelly, a lonely old man who rents the same video over and over. The flick is a noir classic based on a real-life unsolved bank heist and a million missing dollars. It’s called Manhattan Is My Beat.

That’s the tape Rune is picking up from Mr. Kelly’s shabby apartment when she finds him shot to death. The police suspect a robbery gone wrong, but Rune is certain the key to solving the murder is hidden somewhere in the hazy, black-and-white frames of Mr. Kelly’s beloved movie. But as Rune hits the mean streets of New York to find answers, she gets caught up in a dangerous adventure more chilling than anything Hollywood could dream up. As her story draws to its terrifying conclusion, Rune’s final close-up may include the killer of a costar.

Amazon / Tantor

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Learning is fun with the Purple Turtle Graded Readers ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: November 15, 2017 in Children's books, giveaways, reviews
Tags: children's educational books, giveaway, Purple Turtle Graded readers set, review

Boxed Book Set Details:

Book Title: Purple Turtle Graded Readers Level 3 (12 Titles)
Category: Children’s Fiction,
Genre: Educational
Publisher: Aadarsh Pvt. Ltd.
Release date: April 1, 2017
Tour dates: Oct 30 to Nov 24, 2017
Content Rating: G (informative content intended for and available to children & their parents/educators to enhance and support learning. Suitable for: Family audiences with younger children.)

My Review

The Purple Turtle Graded Reader set is sure to delight young ones as they strengthen their reading skills, learning new words and context and many other things. And parents and teachers will find them useful, fun teaching tools.

Each book focuses on different subjects and begins with a list of things to do. There’s read along, read aloud and read alone. The children mark off each task as it’s completed. And at the back of each book are some fun activities like connect the dot, find the object, matching pictures to words and other cool stuff.

The stories are fun adventures with vivid illustrations sure to bring a smile to kids faces. And they’re small books, the perfect size for little hands.

The saying, “Learning is fun,” rings true with these well crafted story books. Perfect for home or classroom.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Boxed Book Set Description:

A1 Edutainment is all set to take you on an adventurous journey to the amazing world of Purple Turtle and his friends. Purple Turtle Graded Readers by A1 Edutainment is a new reading program especially for emerging readers. The third level includes a set of 12 books with engaging stories and fun-filled activities. It is based on the Lexile and ATOS reading level system and has a word count of 250-350. This level is for learners who have started reading with confidence.

To read more reviews, please visit Purple Turtle’s page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Boxed Set:

Amazon

Watch one of the book trailers:

Meet the Publisher:

Purple Turtle is India’s 1st International brand with its educational content in several languages sold in more than 30 countries including Russia, China, US and UK. The character of Purple Turtle has delighted children across the globe through beautifully created Purple Turtle books, rhymes and videos available on YouTube.

Purple Turtle was created with the idea to spread education through a wide range of innovative books for children. To give them the experience of convenient online learning, Purple Turtle also brings both learning and entertainment on a common platform to give a wholesome learning experience to young minds.

Connect with the publisher: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Kid’s Korner #21 ~Oh…. Susannah’s having a really bad day!

Posted: November 15, 2017 in Children's books, reviews
Tags: Adventure, Carole P. Roman, children's books, Oh Susannah series, review

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

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

Today I’m sharing some delightful books by Carole P. Roman.

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It’s In The Bag

Oh Susannah Series

by Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by Mateya Arkova

Genre: Children’s Early Reader Chapter Book

My Review

It all starts with unfinished homework, progresses to a rotten banana, and culminates in an invitation to spend the night at a haunted house.

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a scary story. It’s a story about a young girl who becomes overwhelmed by all the things she can’t get done.

The quality of the writing is amazing. Carole’s story flows so easily and conveys the anxiety and hopelessness of Susannah’s situation. How she uses the backpack to symbolize the situation is so clever. And it ties in the title with the book too.

I was completely swept away by the story. Adults will be able to connect with Susannah’s story as much as younger readers can. Life gets busy, things get shoved to the side and ignored, until they can’t be ignored anymore. We can all relate to this. And we should all take note of the solution Carole gives Susannah. It makes perfect sense.

A pleasure to read and a fun and satisfying ending. I highly recommend this book.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

From award-winning author Carole P. Roman comes a new chapter book featuring Susannah Logan, a young student having a very bad day.

It all begins with homework trouble and an invitation to a sleepover that she doesn’t want to go to. Would you want to go to a sleepover in a creepy house? Rather than dealing with her problems, Susannah stuffs them into her backpack. But how much can a backpack take? Will she be able to confront her worries before the backpack bursts? Or will she just continue to hide them away?
Join Susannah and her friends in this story sure to charm busy young readers everywhere.

Amazon

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Things That Go Bump

Oh Susannah Series

by Carole P. Roman

Illustrated by Mateya Arkova

Genre: Children’s Early Reader Chapter Book

My Review

Susannah tackled her homework issues in the first book in this delightful series. Now she’s got to face the dreaded sleepover at her friends house. A house that’s supposed to be haunted and gives her the willies. She doesn’t want to disappoint her friend but how can she dare to stay there?

Once again, Carole pens a story that flows easily, with no bumps except for the ones in the night. How Susannah faces her fears by helping another friend face her own is a wonderfully imaginative idea.

I love how easy it is to identify with Susannah’s problem and how rewarding the solution is. This is where Carole’s talent as a writer shines.

Another special story in the series, sure to delight both mature and young readers.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

Susannah Maya Logan is not having a good day. She doesn’t want to go to her best friend, Lola’s sleepover. Susannah thinks the house is big and spooky, not to mention the ghost that is said to live there. Lola’s big brother, Kai, loves to tease Susannah with scary stories.

Throughout her day, she sees people deal with things that scare them. Her sight-impaired friend, Macy, is terrified of unicorns, of all things. She sees a boy at a party who’s frightened of clowns. Her teacher is afraid of getting a cold. Susannah realizes everybody is scared of something. She wishes she was more like Lola, who is not afraid of anything, or so it seems.

Susannah discovers people have different ideas of what is scary and what is not, and only they can determine the difference.

Join Susannah as she learns to confront her fears and not let her imagination prevent her from having fun.

Amazon

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20171112_104622

I had such fun with these books. And Carole was so awesome to also include her Oh Susannah Color With Me book.

20171112_104638

It’s filled with fun illustrations from the series and had me itching to get out my pencils and start filling them in. Such a fun contribution to the series.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

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