Anthony Renfro is at it again.

He has three of his short horror stories free on Amazon today!

Come on in and check out Need To Feed and Killer Treads, plus his newest release, SHe.

If you ever wanted to read about Vampires who stalk you in the daylight, a monster who attacks only women, or a treadmill that thirsts for blood then today is your day. – Anthony Renfro

Need To Feed

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My Review

Three great things in one story.

It’s a supernatural western setting.

There are vampires that hunt by day.

And werewolves that shift at sunrise.

All of these combined to make one rollicking bloody read.

Saltwater Junction, Northern California.

The night of the full moon.

Tomorrow they come. Like they do once every year.

The sheriff gathers the town folk and they get the town ready for the morning.

The werewolves will attack at dawn.

The vampires soon after.

This year will be different.

This year they will win.

No more men lost to the werewolves.

No more women and children bled out by the vampires.

If…. If the people do what the sheriff says. If they stand and fight. If…

I loved this idea. Instead of the moon and darkness being these monsters strengths, it’s sunrise and daylight.

You’d think it would be easier for the people to fight them, easier to survive.

Not so. The werewolves are numerous, mindless, feeding machines. The vampires are cunning, swift, and organized.

Right from the opening scene when the sheriff had a shootout with the Lizard brothers, I knew I was in for something different.

I’d love to see this as a movie. I almost could as the author did an excellent job describing the scenes and characters. My wish is he’d write more about this town and it’s characters. It ended too soon for me.

5 Stars

***

Description

How terrified would you be if vampires stalked you in daylight or werewolves changed with the sunrise?

The Old West town of Saltwater Junction is about to find out again what that terror is all about.

Get your free copy at the links below.

AMAZON

EBook:

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006GWZ24U?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006GWZ24U?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B006GWZ24U?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B006GWZ24U?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Example from Need to Feed:

 Dawn’s light was on the horizon.

A foul crispness filled the morning air, as the Vampires stood in a dusty patch of Earth, and stared off in the direction of Saltwater Junction.

These creatures stood about seven feet tall on thick muscular tree trunk sized legs. They wore dark pants over these legs and no shoes on their big ugly grey skinned feet. Claws hung off the ends of their toes like talons. Nothing covered their ripped and muscular grey skinned upper body. Their heads were bald, their fangs long and white, and their eyes were red and glowing. They had two pointy bat-like ears standing out on either side of their head, and this gave them superior immortal hearing.

On leashes at their sides, like dogs, were mutated human beings. They were shackled around the neck with big red collars that had metal loops on the end of them. Attached to these loops were leather lines that led up to the Vampire’s right or left hand. These mutated humans were on all fours with wide hypnotized eyes, foaming mouths, and bruised flesh. They were naked, and the punishment they had endured to become what they now were was clearly evident. Whipping scars covered them from head to toe.

~~~~~

SHe

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My Review

It stalks the night in Tampa Bay.

Takes what it needs from women.

The taking kills them.

Just what is this monster?

I can’t tell you that.

I can say that it’s so evil, so deadly, and so bizarre.

Anthony took it to a new level with his newest monster.

When you find out what it takes, what it can do, what it is, you won’t believe it.

And neither will Detective Roberts.

A dash of horror that will shock you. It left me grinning. I loved how twisted and original it was.

4 Stars

***

Description

A short story about a monster who stalks the city of Tampa Bay. This monster is only attacking women, taking only the one thing it needs. Tim Roberts, a detective, is hot on this monster’s trail. Will he catch this monster in time or will this monster feed until it has its fill? Be careful Tim, this monster has a secret yet to be revealed.

Get your free copy at the links below.

AMAZON

EBook

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011VGBT7Y?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B011VGBT7Y?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B011VGBT7Y?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B011VGBT7Y?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

~~~~~

Killer Treads

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My Review

Hey, look at that. A tread mill, like new, for only twenty bucks. What a steal.

He’s been meaning to get in shape, get rid of that spare tire around his middle.

He should have slowed down, caught the warning signs that something was seriously wrong with the deal. Not been so impulsive.

Alas, it’s too late now, and the deal is going to cost him much more than cold hard cash.

This story teaches you to never buy something when the deal seems too good to be true.

Kind of fun, kind of gory, and I liked it.

3 Stars

***

Description

(Revised and Updated: 2015)

A short story about a man who sees a flashy ad online advertising a twenty dollar treadmill. He buys the machine, too cheap to be scared, and realizes much to his dismay that this machine has a taste for blood. Big Bob better run like his life depends on it, because in many ways it does.

Get your free copy at the links below.

AMAZON

EBOOK:

US: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D4BG0VK?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00D4BG0VK?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00D4BG0VK?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00D4BG0VK?*Version*=1&*entries*=0

~~~~~

Example from Killer Treads: 

A face appeared on the video monitor. It wasn’t demonic or evil-looking, just a plain computer generated male face was all that it was. It had two eyes, two ears, a nose, mouth, and no hair. It had no body attached to it, just a free-floating head in the middle of the video screen.

The floating head looked at Bob. “Get on, take a spin. I’ll make you thin.”

Bob looked down at the face, as his ratty tee-shirt and sweat pants evaporated. In a flash, they were replaced with a shiny new set of running clothes. Wick away shirt, keeps you cool and dry. Running shorts that fit much like swimming trunks, net in the middle to hold your junk in place. Moisture controlling socks and a perfectly fitting pair of new running shoes. To top it off, a head band decided to rest itself around the top of Bob’s head. He was now suited up and ready to run.

The black belt on the treadmill started to move, rolling gently from top to bottom, inviting him to step up and get started.

“That’s it Bob, come along for the ride, take your stride,” the floating head replied, smiling up at him.

Caution, hello, caution! I don’t know about you guys reading this, but if a machine appeared in your garage, and started talking to you in rhyme, don’t you think you might run for the door or at least not climb on when it asked you to?

~~~~~

Coming Soon.

13 short stories of terror.

13 short stories that will have you reaching for the nightlight.

Nightlight Tales - High Resolution

~~~~~

Thanks for the scares Anthony.

Keep them coming!

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A Dish Best Served Cold
by Rosie Genova

This is an enjoyable, fast summertime read, which takes you to the jersey shore and beyond.
~Mystery Playground

If you’re a beach lover, and especially if you’re an aficionado of Italian cuisine, you’ll love this book (and the Italian Kitchen series) with the delicious recipes, busy kitchen, wonderful characters, and of course the Jersey Shore and Boardwalk! I highly recommend A Dish Best Served Cold by Rosie Genova, and grant it our highest rating of Five Kitties.
~Jane Reads

A Dish Best Served Cold:
An Italian Kitchen Mystery

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Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: NAL (August 4, 2015)
ISBN-13: 978-0451415165

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 My Review

First I want to mention that this is the third book in this series. Don’t let that stop you from reading this out of order. The author smoothly provided back story in the right places without slowing down the story and I easily became familiar with the characters and previous events.

Now to the book. How could I pass this up? A cozy mystery with the main character being a successful mystery writer.

Victoria Rienzi, or Vic, returned to Oceanside on the Jersey shore a few months ago. She’s trying to write the next book in her mystery series while working in the families Italian restaurant, Casa Lido.

The restaurant is preparing for it’s 70th anniversary, but it’s not looking to good. A storm is barreling down on New Jersey. Vic’s grandmother, Nonna, isn’t going to let a little ole hurricane ruin the outdoor dining and festivities. When the winds begin to bluster and the rain starts to fall, everyone is hustled inside to continue the celebration.

Like all hurricanes, it blows through and the morning is bright and clear. There’s lots of power outages along with some damage, but it looks like everyone came through it okay. Until they find the body.

Stinky Pete, the resident homeless man, is found dead at the historical carousel ride on the boardwalk. He was last seen after he stumbled into the restaurant celebration. Nonna gave him some food and water and guided away from the guests, sending him on his way.

Vic isn’t convinced it’s an accidental drowning and she just can’t help herself. She has to stick her nose in the investigation, drawing Nonna’s wrath.  It’s not the first time Casa Lido has been  at the center of a murder investigation.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the research. The research done by the characters. Vic and her sister-in-law, Sophie, dig deep and stumble upon a connection to Vic’s great uncle, Roberto. He was the black sheep in the family and thought to have died in Italy a long time ago.

They make a list of suspects and the list keeps growing. I tell you, these ladies left no one off that list.

And I have to hand it to Vic. I don’t know how she kept going. A deadline is looming on her new release, and she needs to get cracking on the next book. She ‘s dealing with issues at the restaurant and at home due to lack of electricity. And she’s having to work alongside the man who broke her heart and sent her running away many years ago.

Vic is persistent and starts asking questions, angering some people and setting herself up as a target.

Love lost and found, people who want to keep their skeletons in their closets, and a possible mob connection kept this mystery rushing forward and kept me on my toes, right along with Vic. That, and her Nonna, who brooks no slacking and no nonsense.

Good clean fun with lots of laughs and some intense scenes as the mystery unravels. Everything you need for a good cozy read.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

The national bestselling author of The Wedding Soup Murder returns to the Jersey Shore where a killer is stirring up trouble during a hurricane…

At the Casa Lido, the end of summer means a party, and hit whodunit writer Victoria “Vic” Rienzi and her family are cooking like crazy for the restaurant’s seventieth anniversary celebration. As they chop onions and garlic, old family friend Pete Petrocelli stops by, saying he knows something that would make for a good mystery novel. Curious, Vic asks Nonna to elaborate on Pete’s claim and learns of a relative who mysteriously disappeared back in Italy…

The night of the party brings a crowd—and a full throttle hurricane. When the storm finally passes, everyone thinks they’re in the clear—until the first casualty is found, and it’s Pete. Remembering his visit, Vic isn’t certain Pete’s death was an accident and decides to dig deeper into his story. What she finds is meatier than Nonna’s sauce…

~~~~~

Genova head and shoulders high res

About The Author –

A Jersey girl born and bred, national bestselling author Rosie Genova left her heart at the shore, which serves as the setting for much of her work. Her new series, the Italian Kitchen Mysteries, is informed by her appreciation for good food, her pride in her heritage, and her love of classic mysteries from Nancy Drew to Miss Marple. Her debut novel, Murder and Marinara, was named a 2013 Best Cozy by Suspense Magazine and is a finalist for a 2014 Daphne Award. An English teacher by day and novelist by night, Rosie also writes women’s fiction as Rosemary DiBattista. She still lives in her home state with her husband and the youngest of her three Jersey boys.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links
Amazon      B&N      INDIE BOUND

~~~~~

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Rosie Genova has an awesome giveaway for you.

Check out what you can win!

Genova prize offering

Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance at the goodies!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Follow the tour for more fun posts!

August 4 – Mystery Playground – Review, Interview

August 5 – Jane Reads – Review

August 6 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Review

August 7 – Melissa’s Eclectic Bookshelf – Guest Post

August 8 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

August 9 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review

August 10 – fuonlyknew – Review

August 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Guest Post

August 12 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews – Review, Interview

August 13 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review

August 14 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

August 15 – Kimberly’s Bookshelf – Review

~~~~~

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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Assassin banner

A little magic.

A little danger.

Some villains.

Some romance.

A great time to be had by all!

Mage Assassin

Mages #3

by K R Yaddof

Assassin cover

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Synopsis

Lauren Trinidad is the best private security money in the League of European Nations can buy. She’s been trained by her father for her entire life to protect the good guys from the bad. But when the good guys seem to be working for the mad man responsible for blowing the world into chaos and her family is suddenly the bad, she is forced to choose between what she is taught to do and what she thinks is right.

Captain David Trinidad is the best soldier the New Republic of Texas can find to pull off a secret mission that will decide the fate of the small country. He’s been raised in his military family to do anything to help his homeland. But when he discovers he is the only chance at saving someone he loves, he has to choose between the only two things in his life that he’s never doubted.

Meagan Trinidad is the best assassin the United Countries of America has for hire. She has walked the tightrope between making her father proud and protecting those she cares about for a while. But when her work threatens to destroy her friends, she must choose between the familial loyalty that has guided her whole life and the promise of being loved for who she is and not what she does.

~~~~~

Enjoy the excerpt.

“I did, but I saw a few suspicious characters before I left, so I stopped them from killing everyone.”

“Oh, you did, huh?” He smiled that charming grin that made her forgive him for anything.

“Yeah, because I’m smooth like that.” She couldn’t help but smile back.

“Sure you are.” He laughed and crossed the room to her. “You’re hurt.”

“It’s nothing,” she lied. Even her teeth hurt.

“Here.” He gently took her face in his hand. He blew a thick lock of her chestnut hair back. He ran his finger over the bruise and whispered, “Curatio.”

White-hot magic radiated from his thumb into the center of the pain and slowly flowed over her face, leaving cool relief in its wake. Her hand joined his as she felt her healed face. Her skin was smooth and no longer sore.

“Thanks.” She kissed him softly. His lips felt warm, soft, and familiar. His hands immediately pulled her to him. She stopped him by putting her hands on his chest. “I need a shower.”

“Shall I join you?” He cocked a platinum eyebrow.

~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links

Assassin author

K R Yaddof was lucky enough to take a few writing classes at the University of Iowa Writer’s Workshop when she was there as an undergrad getting her degree in cinema. Now she lives in Denver, CO with her husband, two kids, and one fat cat.

KR is currently finds time to write while staying home with her two small children. If you want more MAGES, cross your fingers for her children to start sleeping through the night!

Author Links

Website / Amazon / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest

Buy Links

Amazon / B&N

~~~~~

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Click on the banner below to follow the tour and comment.

The more you comment, the more chances to win!

Goddess Fish Promotions

~~~~~

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

Another fun way to share your book news and enjoy others is The Sunday Post hosted by

Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

Head on over and leave a link to your Sunday Post and hop around to visits others.

~~~

Some chit chat.

I have been so frustrated this week. I was without my car for three days and finally got it back. Needed a new radiator. Only one day later, I watched it being towed out of my driveway. Back to the shop for a leak. I think it’s a small hose. Crossing fingers!

Needless to say, I was boiling over as was my car!

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It made me think what it would be like to not have a car. How would I get to work? To the vet? To buy groceries? So many things that you need a car for. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Well, maybe I would. It’s not very fun.

My car is well over ten years old. I should be looking for a new one. But I’ve already put a lot of money in it. Much of the parts are new. The engine has been rebuilt. Which brings up the question, when do you stop pouring money into your car and go get another one.

There’s a hitch to that, though. I don’t have the money to buy another car. So it looks like for now I’ll be spending more money. I just want my baby back!

Something else new this week. The police have been out in force. They have cops dressed in plain clothes stand on the side of the road with cardboard signs. People think they are homeless men, begging for money. They don’t even read the signs that state they are cops and you’ll be ticketed for not wearing a seatbelt or for texting while driving. One lady was pulled over after she drove by a cop without her seatbelt on, putting on her mascara, and texting while driving with her knee.

I usually know when someone in front of me on the road is texting. They swerve all over the place, speed up and slow down, and drive me crazy. I stay way back from them so I won’t get caught up in the wreck if it happens. I tried one time to text and almost hit a mailbox. I was on an empty back road and just seeing what would happen. Are people nuts?!!!!

I’ll be hopping over to check out your Sunday posts so be sure to leave me your link!

~~~

Here are my new books for review.

A Big Fat ZERO!

I can’t believe it. It’s been so long. If you saw my schedule for now through the end of September, you’d understand why I didn’t take in any new ones. I even have some for October and November but trying hard to cut back and review books that I’ve won or was gifted or downloaded for free.

Not sure how long it’ll last, but we’ll see. LOL

~~~

And here are some freebies for ya!

Click on the covers to get yours and remember to make sure they’re still free before you click that buy button.

17733872  19446784  10804281

22741018  25816149  26043307

25625093  22967840  7305141

22457223  18653188 

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

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25357738  25726901  25335220

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Books I’ll be reviewing next week

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I have a couple more to choose from too. Trying to catch up on long overdue reviews.

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What I won.

eBooks

22573246

Print books

25494756 22609518

Huge thanks to the blog hosts, authors, and tour organizers for these wonderful prizes

~~~

Other Posts on my blog this week.

Fudging The Books ~ My Cozy Review and Two Giveaways

Teaser Tuesdays #124 ~ My Life As A White Trash Zombie

Who invited the ex? Killer Wedding Cake ~ My Review and Giveaway

The Spotlight Is On The Spellbound Series by Lola James

The Fall Of Icarus ~ My Review and a Giveaway

Give ‘Em Pumpkin To Talk About ~ A Cozy Review and Giveaway

The Friday 56 #72 ~ Choices…

A YA Sci-Fi Dystopian ~ Shadow Of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson ~ My Review and a Giveaway

Spyder by David Fingerman ~ A Suspense Book Blast

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Have you joined TSU yet?

Click on the widget to friend and follow me!

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Fora list of my reviews go HERE

For a list of free books updated daily go HERE

For all of my giveaways go HERE

~~~

So, what did you get to read this week?

Got any recommendations?

I’d love to know and thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew.

Spyder Blast

Looking for some good suspense to keep you reading late into the night?

I have a good one to share with you.

Come on in and check it out!

 Spyder

By David Fingerman

Genre- Suspense

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Blurb

Meet Spyder-a street-wise antihero of inner city society. Experience his strange wisdom, and his twisted sense of humor.Thirty-year-old Spyder doesn’t waste time thinking how much lower he can sink. When he finds his girlfriend dead as the result of drugs he supplied, Spyder contemplates his life and decides it’s time to do what he’s avoided most of his days-join mainstream society. All he needs to do is kick the drug habit, find a job, a place to live, and earn some money. Easy. He’s done it hundreds of times, but never all at once. As always, Fate steps in and knees him in the groin. All the dregs he’s ever known want their say. George won’t stop his pestering, Sal needs a huge favor, Coon is hunting for a certain arachnid, and Spyder’s dealer doesn’t want to lose one of his best customers. As things spiral out of control, Spyder tangles himself in a web so tight that even he might never be able to escape.

Purchase Links

Goodreads / Amazon / B&N

 

About the Author

David Fingerman

During the summer months when the sun is shining and birds are singing, David is perfectly content to sit in his office, with blinds drawn, typing away at the computer. His favorite day of the year is the first day toward the end of summer that’s cool enough to pull a flannel shirt from the closet.

As a student at the University of Minnesota, David realized that if he switched his major from journalism to speech, he could graduate that quarter. It was a no-brainer. After 24 years of working in the court system, he walked away to write full time – another no-brainer.

Two Degrees Closer to Hell will be his second collection of short stories. He has also written three other novels.

David is married and lives in Minneapolis.

Links

Goodreads / Publisher / Amazon / Facebook / Twitter / Website

~~~~

Until the next time….

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

SHADOW OF DECEPTION

(The Kazumi Chronicles #1)

by Sophia L. Johnson

YA Dystopian/Sci-fi

Published on April 19th, 2015

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My Review

Kazumi should feel lucky. She’s the only survivor of a plane crash that had over five hundred passengers. But she doesn’t. She feels lost, scared, hopeless. She’s lost her sense of self. Has no memory of who she is, where she comes from.

A nurse at the hospital tries to help her. She senses Kazumi is more than she appears. When it’s time for her release from the hospital, Linda sneaks her away to some people who might be able to help her. With nothing left to lose, Kazumi, though scared, goes along with it.

Deep inside the Rocky Mountains is a secret society of super humans, genetically advance people called Sarcomeres. Their enhanced strength and high tech toys fascinate Kazumi and she quickly becomes a part of the society.

Quick to learn, she trains diligently, preparing for the daunting tests to come.

She’ll need to learn quickly as the Sarcomeres old enemy, the Neuronics, are plotting world supremacy over humans and all other beings. Subterfuge, attacks, and Kazumi’s own hidden memories could bring about a catastrophe.

I should mention that Kazumi is referred to as Gabi for much of this book. The name was chosen for her in the hospital as she couldn’t remember her real one.

This books is intended for young adult readers, and as I’m much older, I worried if I’d appreciate it. I sure did. I enjoy science fiction and dystopian stories and this is a bit of both.

Kazumi is a scrappy young gal. She’s a quick study, bold, and still a bit girly. Especially around Finn.

The Sarcomeres stay hidden from society. Not because they are bad, but because of what they are and what they fight.

The Neuronics. Nasty beasts for sure. They can envelop you with their tentacles, reach into your mind and body, and control what you see and do. Quite creepy, indeed. And what’s a good villain without a plot to take over the world.

There’s lots of world building, but it flows easily in the story. The characters come to life with some well written descriptions. And the action is fast and furious.

Almost forgot. There are some sub plots too. A big one is about Kazumi’s past.

Young and mature fans of these genres will enjoy this new series.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

2153, Toronto, United Nation of North America (UNNA)

A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi emerges from the wreckage physically unscathed but has lost all her memories. Her miraculous survival has the whole city buzzing but all she wants is to go home, wherever home is.

After waiting a month in the hospital with no one to claim her, Kazumi is deemed homeless. She is about to be sent to a nearby teenage shelter when the nurse she grew to trust ushers her down a mysterious path, one that promises safety and maybe even the chance to recover her memories. With no better options available, Kazumi takes her chance and finds herself in the headquarters of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans hidden deep inside the Rocky Mountains. The Sarc’s heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi. Finnegan O’Riley, a fellow Sarc she meets along the way also gets her heart racing. When Kazumi discovers that she possesses the genetic potential of a Sarcomere, she jumps at the chance to train with them, not knowing the death defying tests that are involved.

Meanwhile, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark, setting their dark plans in motion. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her new found home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself.

Who can she trust when she can’t even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death.

AmazonBarnes & NobleIndigoGoogle Play
Add it to your Goodreads list!

_________________________

All royalties made in the first year will go to a charity

called Covenant House, to help homeless youth.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With a degree in International Business Management, Sophia has worked in a major marketing firm where she realized the corporate world isn’t one she wants to be in. She then made the switch into the healthcare industry as a Registered Massage Therapist by day and a writer by night. She is now a Massage Therapy instructor and a published author living with her husband and daughter in Toronto. Her go-to genres are science fiction, fantasy, and dystopian; or anything that sweeps her away into a foreign world that promises adventure.

WebsiteTwitterFacebook

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International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Shadow of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson is now on tour!
Check the hosts and join the International giveaway running here and on each stop.

Shadow of Deception Tour schedule:

~~~

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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Welcome to The Friday 56 hosted by Freda’s Voice.

 

This is a really fun meme!

The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.

Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!

My 56 for this week is from

 Choices

by Sarah Ann Walker

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My 56 is actually from page 65.

I wish I could scream every disappointment of every single thing this man who claims I’m the love of his life has done to me this year. I wish I could make him understand what he’s done to what was once us. But I doubt he’d understand anyway.

~~~~~

Synopsis

“Crying, I can’t help but realize, nothing in life can destroy you faster
than your own choices…”

Samantha Newman is awesome.
She has best friends, a soul mate, and the love of her life.
She is loved, and she loves in return.
She is sexy, intelligent, successful, and happy.
People gravitate toward her, and live for her love…
Until she has an accident.

Recovering, things begin changing in and around her.
Samantha is no longer loved and trusted, and she’s no longer happy.
When her life becomes little more than grey darkness,
She slowly loses everyone who ever mattered to her.
Through a series of choices made,
Samantha become nothing but a memory of her former self.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

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Give ‘Em Pumpkin To Talk About

By Joyce and Jim Lavene

These skilled writers have done it again. They’ve penned a book that had me completely transfixed. Their style of writing feels as though it was so effortless to them. (I bet they would say different). It just flows across the pages.
~Lisa K’s Book Reviews

Well-tuned, with plenty of romance, mystery, suspense, history, legend–and some just plain ornery people. The book became a really fast read, because I couldn’t bear to stop before finishing!
~Mallory Heart Reviews

This is a great read, with wonderful characters and a great plot. You’ll want to read it all in one sitting. If you are looking for a great new mystery series then I highly recommend this one. I’m really looking forward to book two.
~Booklady’s Booknotes

With a romantic interest, a murder, lost gold and missing grandparents, not to mention a hard to deal with mother, this cozy mystery has all of my ingredients for a great read!
~Book Splurge

It is Amazing!…Each character brings something unique and has a charm about them that really bring this story to life.
~Shelley’s Book Case​

Give ‘Em Pumpkin is a superb beginning to a new series. It’s cozy mystery; and it’s written by the Lavenes. What else could it be but great?
~Back Porchervations

This is a good cozy with a couple of mysteries. Lots of drama, treasure hunters, murders and talk about ghosts and Aliens.
~readalot

Give Em Pumpkin To Talk About
(Pumpkin Patch Mysteries Book 1)

25726901

Cozy Mystery
Print Length: 199 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (August 4, 2015)
ASIN: B00Z7LUVZQ

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My Review

I was so excited to read this book. I’ve read many books by these authors and have always started each series somewhere besides the beginning. This is the first time I’ve started one at the beginning! Now I don’t have to go backwards to go forward.

I’m beginning to suspect Joyce and Jim Lavene have special powers. How else can they write so many books so fast and make me fall in love with their characters so easily?

I loved Sarah Tucker. She’s a successful lawyer working for a senator. Rising up the ladder quickly. When her mother decides it’s time to sell her grandparents abandoned farm, Sarah takes time off to seal the deal.

Off she goes to Misty River, Virginia, and right into her childhood memories. Sarah loved her grandparents and cherished every minute she spent on their farm. From swimming naked in the river, to watching the pumpkins grow huge, she knew every inch of those acres.

Her analytical mind says seal the deal when a buyer offers a huge amount of money for the farm. Her whimsical mind says don’t do it. You love this place. It could be brought back to it’s former glory.

And what about her grandparents. They vanished without a trace many years ago, food still on the table, no signs of violence. If she sells the farm, she might never know what happened to them.

And where will Jack go. Her former childhood playmate, the boy who gave her her first kiss, lives on the farm. He’s been there for years, a squatter you could say, protecting the place and keeping it from falling to ruin.

Digging into the old investigation stirs up a hornets nest. Sarah and Jack arrange a meeting with a man who says he has a lead on her grandparents. Once they reach the farm, bullets fly and they find the man dead.

Sarah, along with Jack and many of the town folk, better dig faster for clues if they don’t want more bodies piling up.

Speaking of digging. There’s also the mystery of the buried Confederate gold somewhere on the farm.  The plot thickens.

This is the type of writing that keeps me reading for hours, reading from beginning to end. Pausing to laugh. Diving back in. Wanting to know what happens. Not wanting it to end.

The romance is sweet and funny. Sarah is attracted to Jack in spite of herself. He loves to keep her off balance. These two are made for each and I crossed my fingers for a happy ever after.

The mystery is a good one. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it totally caught me by surprise.

The characters were wonderful. So many of them, yet it was easy to remember who was who.

The community is close. Everybody pitches in to help each other. And a bear can’t poop in the woods without someone knowing about it. You know those kind of towns.

The writing. How to describe it. These two authors have a way of keeping me engrossed even when they’re writing about something as mundane as walking from the farmhouse to the barn. No wasted word, just the right ones to show you the scene.

I loved every word. Can’t wait for more. And knowing how fast these two write, it probably won’t be a long wait.

5 Stars

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Synopsis:
Richmond attorney Sarah Tucker returns to sell her family’s abandoned farm in Misty River, Virginia despite unanswered questions about her grandparents’ disappearance sixteen years earlier. Sarah was only twelve when she went to visit and found her grandparents had vanished. No amount of searching has brought answers.
Now Sarah is faced with other issues when a man is killed who claimed to have information about what happened to her grandparents. She learns of a Confederate chest of gold that is said to be buried on the property, and treasure hunters who are willing to do anything to get their hands on it.
Were her grandparents murdered for the gold? Sarah can’t sell the land and go back to her life until she has answers. But the cost of the answers may be her life.
Includes farm-fresh recipes!

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About These Authors

10497504_10203996507538565_7985334038155587208_o

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Amazon / Twitter

Purchase Link
Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Check out the other stops on the tour for more fun posts!

August 3 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – Review

August 3 – Mallory Heart Reviews – Review

August 3 – Books and Authors – Review

August 4 – Booklady’s Booknotes – Review, Guest Post

August 4 – Kimberly’s Bookshelf  – Review

August 4 – Book Splurge – Review

August 5 – Shelley’s Book Case – Review, Guest Post

August 5 – Back Porchervations – Review

August 5 – readalot – Review

August 6 – fuonlyknew – Review

August 6 – Girl with Book Lungs – Review

August 6 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review

August 6 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – Spotlight

August 7 – A Blue Million Books – Interview

August 7 – Queen of All She Reads – Review

August 7 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – Spotlight

August 8 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post

August 8 – MysteriesEtc – Review

August 8 – Griperang’s Bookmarks – Interview

August 9 – Community Bookstop – Review

August 9 – cuppa Tea With G – Review

August 10 – View from the Birdhouse – Review

August 10 – Cassidy Salem Reads & Writes – Review

August 10 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy,  &, Sissy, Too ! – Spotlight

August 11 – Babs Book Bistro – Review

August 11 – Mochas, Mysteries and Meows – Review

August 12 – A Chick Who Reads – Review

August 12 – Book Babble – Review

August 13 – StoreyBook Reviews – Review

August 13 – Melina’s Book Blog – Review  

August 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – Review, Guest Post

August 14 – Moonlight Rendezvous – Review

August 15 – deal sharing aunt – Interview

August 15 – LibriAmoriMiei – Review

August 16 – Laura’s Interests – Review

August 16 – Brooke Blogs – Review

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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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Fall of Icarus Banner

N. R. Bates is on Tour

July 31 thru August 9

with

The Fall Of Icarus

25357738

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(Fantasy/Magic Realism/Short Stories)

Release date: March 31, 2015 at NR Bates Publishing

65 pages

ISBN: 978-0-9931905-6-8 (mobi)
ISBN: 978-0-9931905-7-5 (epub)
ISBN: 978-0-9931905-8-2 (print)

Website | Goodreads

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My Review

An errant elevator, Greek myth, and a girl who can fly. Each of these stories can stand on their own. Together they make a strong statement for making our own choices, seizing opportunities, and following our own paths.

As these are short stories, I can’t give much more description.

I did get a feeling that some of these stories were left unfinished. Could have been given a real ending. That brought me back to their messages which I mentioned in the beginning of my review. Maybe leaving an open ending was so I could choose how it would go.

What I enjoyed was putting myself in each character’s shoes. What would I do? Would I succeed? Could I have done something different?

When a book can make me do that. Make me pause, think, ask questions, I know I’ve been reading some strong writing.

4 Stars

***

Synopsis

Three interconnected short-stories set in Paris explore the issue of choice, survival and transformation. In the first story, a young man on his first business trip is waylaid by an aberrant elevator. In the pivotal tale, a young scientist re-imagines the Greek myth of Icarus and his fall to earth. In the final story, a young woman who cannot recall her own name relates the fantastical tale of a girl who can fly.

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Here’s a glimpse inside!

Fall of Icarus Excerpt two

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About The Author

Fall of Icarus - Nicholas Bates

NR Bates was born in London, grew up in Wales, and lived in Canada and Bermuda. He shares his life with his wife and his house with seven cats, one dog and the subtropical wildlife of lizards, wolf spiders and ant colonies that seek out a better life indoors. He is an oceanographer and scientist, and has published more than one hundred and thirty scientific papers on ocean chemistry, climate change and ocean acidification. He is a Senior Scientist at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Professor of Ocean Biogeochemistry at the University of Southampton, UK. His novels focus on epic fantasy and magic realism, and inspired by his deep love of the ocean and environmental sciences.

Follow him on Twitter | on Facebook

Buy the book | on Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk

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You can enter the global giveaway here
or on any other book blogs participating in this tour.
Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook,
they are listed in the entry form below
.

Entry-Form

Visit each blogger on the tour:

Tweeting every day of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time!
[just follow the directions on the entry-form]

Global giveaway open internationally:
5 participants will each win a digital copy of this book

***
Click On The Banner Below
To Read Other Reviews And An Excerpt

Fall of Icarus Banner

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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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I have some fun books to share with you today!

The Spellbound Series

Books 1-5

by Lola James

Pageflex Persona [document: PRS0000035_00035]

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Book Description:

 

The journey of a spellbound woman, her friends, and the men who vie for her affections as she falls headlong into a world of vampires, witches and Greek gods.

Who will she choose as her one true love and how many lives will be turned upside down in her quest to fulfill her eternal destiny?

Friends become enemies and enemies become deadly as each seek to find the one thing that will bring true fulfillment.

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Excerpt

Bound to Remember, Book One

 

“Hello.” I held out my hand. “I’m Doctor Toni Hollander, but you can call me Toni.”

He stared at me as if he was looking right though me, ignoring my extended hand. A wave of embarrassment washed over me and I pulled my hand back. Maybe I imagined that stare thing with him a minute ago. My thoughts retreated to Kevin. He had only been the last in a long line of failed relationships and I was starting to wonder if my terrible taste in men had struck again.

“Where are my manners? I am Benjamin, but you may call me Ben” He pulled my hand into his, with a toothy grin.

*****

 

Unbound, Book Two

 

Hades closed the space between us. “I will return soon, my sweet.” He took my hand, kissing my fingertips, before releasing it. Then the three gods and Dawn disappeared.

Ben and I stood alone in the hallway as I moved closer to him. The lust from our kiss still lingered thick between us.

“Ben . . . I—”

“Shhh.” His finger touched my lips, stopping my rambling. “We have only a short time, and I need to plead my case to you; so let me show, rather than tell you why it should be me you pick for eternity.”

*****

Bound to You, Book Three

 

“I’ve missed you already. I don’t know how I survived without you for so long.” His warm lips kissed the top of my hand. If my cheeks could blush, they’d be the darkest shade of red.

I had to clear my throat and shake my head from the swoon-worthy trance Hades had me in. “I’d like to have my place back, but Ben compelled my landlord to get me out of my lease.”

His lips trailed to my finger, then fingertips, creating sensations throughout my body. “My Antonia, I want nothing more than to fulfill every desire in your heart. It’s such a beautiful heart. I know that you love me, and that you will make your decision when you are ready. I can wait. I’ve waited so long for you, and I’d continue to wait an eternity to be with you.”

Imaginary butterflies fluttered in my stomach and I felt my heart slipping into his hands. I knew his words were true; he would wait.

*****

Bound by Fate, Short

 

“I have something for you.” It was the same line she sang every time. Her voice was the perfect pitch to allure any human and I felt my body being pulled toward her. I wouldn’t even greet her anymore when she came; I tried to block her out.

“Benjamin, I have something for you.” I didn’t want to go, but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to possibly see Toni. She’d promised me that I could see her one day—to see if she was truly happy; so I gave in each time and went to Aphrodite. I always waited here for her to arrive, for she had me at her beck and call.

*****

Abound Christmas, Short

 

Snow was falling and I heard her charming giggle. The sound enchanted me. I looked down and I was holding her mittened hand in mine.

“I love you, Benjamin,” she said. I looked carefully, trying to make out her face, but caught only her profile bundled under a furry hood and scarf. I glanced around, noting that we were in a carriage riding through Central Park, passing snow-covered trees.

*****

Witch Bound, Book Four

 

My melancholy thoughts broke as I heard my name being called—I wasn’t paying attention to details anymore. I hadn’t left the building in the last 24 hours and I was exhausted. The sounds of the hospital continually echoed in the fog of my thoughts. I played Doctor Stevens’ words in my head on repeat, but the memory of Hermes’ first touch in Hades’ temple still sent chills down my back.

My daddy taught me better than to fiddle between boys. “Always pick the man, Dawn,” he would say. Thinking of my daddy reminded me that I needed to call him. I could only avoid his calls for so long.

*****

Rebound, Book Five

 

“Does beauty run in your family as well?” A nervous chuckle escaped me. What a cheesy pickup line.

“You’re nervous, aren’t you?” she asked, batting her eyelashes and making sweat swell on my forehead.

“Yes.” I nodded. Why was I being so honest? I cleared my throat. “I’m Ben, by the way.” I extended my hand.

She looked at me then my hand before gently wrapping hers in mine.

“And I am Thalia.” The warmth of her hand made everyone on the train disappear.

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About the Author:

Lola is a fool for a love story, a sucker for a cupcake, and let’s not talk about what she’d do for a Klondike bar. She enjoys long walks on the beach and movies that involve chainsaws. By day she’s the HR Lady and by nightfall she puts on a cape to become a romance writer.

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Pinterest / Tumblr / Shelfari / Instagram

Blogs: Lola James / Fate Series / Spellbound Series

B&N / Amazon / iTunes

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Until the next time….

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!