fuonlyknew

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

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I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

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Predators

by Michaelbrent Collings 

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

When I was a young girl, I dreamed of going on safari in Africa. Then, I got older, read some books and saw some movies, and changed my mind. They say the odds are low you’ll get attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean. I live on the Gulf Coast and have seen what lurks under the water and I don’t swim in open water anymore. I figure the same goes for trekking around Africa, especially after dark, when things come out to hunt. A diverse group of people do just that and get more than they bargained for.

I’m big on character driven stories and that’s what this was all about for me. Sure, something hunts them. But it’s how they react, who steps up and who turns tail that feeds this horror fan.

So, the characters. A father, along with his blind little girl and her grandmother. A washed up movie mogul and his aging trophy wife actress. A bully and his timid wife. The Maasai brother and sister tour guides. There’s more to them than meets the eye.

The author puts his characters into the worst possible situation and strips them down to the bare bones. As they try to get back to safety, they’re tracked, hunted by something that taunts them. Just out of sight, but always there. Then the attacks begin. It’s raw, brutal, and almost beautiful to see these character’s true colors come out.

Who survives? It’s anyone’s guess.

Did I enjoy this book? Most definitely. From the opening page to the final face off. Would I recommend it? Sure enough. And I’m already reading The Haunted, another thrilling book by the author.

 5 STARS

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Synopsis

SHE IS ONE OF THE ONLY ANIMALS
WHO CAN CHASE A LION FROM HIS KILL…

Evie Childs hoped the all-expense-paid trip to Africa would give her a chance at adventure. Maybe it would even let her forget a past that haunts her, and find safety from a husband who abuses her.

HER JAWS CAN CRUSH BONE TO POWDER…

But when a group of “freedom fighters” kidnaps her safari tour group, intent on holding them for ransom, the adventure turns to nightmare.

SHE KNOWS NO MERCY, ONLY HUNGER…

Now, Evie and the rest of the survivors must travel across miles of the harshest, most dangerous environment on Earth. No food. No water. No communications.

And they’re being hunted.

SHE IS THE ONLY ANIMAL ALIVE
WHO LAUGHS AS SHE HUNTS…

A pack of Africa’s top predators have smelled the blood of the survivors, and will not stop until they have fed. Because in this place, you can be either one of the prey, or one of the…

PREDATORS

Amazon

Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 The Beast Of Barcroft

by Bill Schweigart

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

Right from the beginning I felt almost like I was watching a movie. Cue the music as an ominous scene unfolds and the mystery of the The Beast Of Barcroft began. I was hooked.

Ben is a sympathetic character. He thinks he’s finally moving up in the world. That his hard work has paid off. That’s until he discovers that his posh new digs are planted right alongside a rundown house riddled with rats and stray cats. His life begins to fall apart. And it changes forever when he sees the creature that killed his beloved dog.

Yep, I thought I should warn you, a dog dies in this story. But the author doesn’t describe it’s death. Just what happens afterwards. When Ben faces the beast, it’s so otherworldly yet so beautiful.

The story moves swiftly then. The mystery deepens, some vital characters are introduced and the horror of the beast takes over.

Wowser. I thought I knew what the beast was. But I was way off. It was something new to me and that’s a huge bonus. I love cryptids and this one prowled right out of folklore in all its shiny newness. Some scenes were more subtle. And some were so intense I couldn’t see how anyone would survive. Some didn’t. Some did, and they want after the beast. The final confrontation seemed hopeless. I braced myself and took what the author dished out. But, wait. It wasn’t over. There was one more violent confrontation. Then it was over.

Now, about the final battle. I thought about it for awhile. Then I decided it worked. Might not be what I wanted, but it worked.

Did I enjoy The Beast Of Barcroft? Yes I did. The audible is over seven hours long and I listened to it straight through. Would I recommend it? In a heartbeat.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

Ben McKelvie believes he’s moving up in the world when he and his fiancee buy a house in the cushy Washington, D.C., suburb of Barcroft. Instead, he’s moving down-way down-thanks to Madeleine Roux, the crazy neighbor whose vermin-infested property is a permanent eyesore and looming hazard to public health. First, Ben’s fiancee leaves him; then, his dog dies, apparently killed by a predator drawn into Barcroft by Madeleine’s noxious menagerie. But the worst is yet to come for Ben, for he’s not dealing with any ordinary wild animal. This killer is something much, much worse. Something that couldn’t possibly exist-in this world. Now, as a devilish creature stalks the locals, Ben resolves to take action. With some grudging assistance from a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and the crackpot theories of a self-styled cryptozoologist, he discovers the sinister truth behind the attacks, but knowing the Beast of Barcroft and stopping it are two different animals.

Amazon

Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Antarctic Ice Beasts

by Hunter Shea

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

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

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

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

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

4 STARS

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Synopsis

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

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

Amazon

Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Blood And Rain

by Glenn Rolfe

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

I can’t resist a good werewolf story and the first thing that was promising about Blood And Rain was the wicked cover art. Next was the setting. Yeah, I like my critter horror to be set in a small town. The beasts can do a lot of damage and the character list is smaller and easier to keep track of. Especially if you’re like me and enjoy a high body count. Glen Rolfe doesn’t disappoint there.

It’s been many years since the last incident and the town hardly remembers the gruesome killings. Until the killings begin again. It’s a full moon and the people of Gilson Creek, Maine learn of several brutal slayings, apparent victims of an animal attack. Yep, the books starts right away with some very nasty business. I settled in for some more mayhem.

I barely had a chance to get comfortable with the characters before the next full moon. I liked Sheriff Joe Fischer. He’d faced the beast many years ago. Killed it. Burned it. And buried it. But it’s happening again. Was it the same beast? Or a new one? He knew most of the town scoffed at the idea of a real werewolf. Some knew better. As he gathered a group to fight what was sure to come, I admired his courage and ingenuity. Those that knew the beast was real manned up. For those that didn’t he had to do some heavy convincing to get them on board. He had to protect the people of Gilson Creek so he learned all he could about the beast. But, something niggled in his brain. What if it was true. Someone had asked him. “How certain are you that this thing can only hunt at night?” Now he was faced with a fear that the creature could kill at will on the full moon. No longer confined to when the moon was visible in the night sky.

This is where it got insane. The sheriff and his officers were strategically patrolling the town, trying to anticipate where the werewolf would attack and stop it. I was swept up in the worry and anticipation of what was coming. They ran out of time and the bodies started piling up. The attack scenes were gory and terrifying. They came from different parts of town and in many different ways. The beast seemed to relish terrifying and toying with it’s victims and also appeared to have certain ones in mind.

I’m used to authors killing off their characters. It’s a given with any good horror story. However, the author caught me by surprise with some he chose to sacrifice to his beast. And I was caught by surprise again and again. Surely he’d let some survive? But I was kept on the edge until the bloody finale. When the dust finally settled there weren’t many left. Add to that some insight into how the beast thinks and a few crafty twists and the suspense kept me flying through the book. I Read it in one sitting.

A bloody good werewolf story that will have you thinking twice about going out during a full moon. Was that a howl you heard in the distance? What was making those rustling noises in the shadows? Don’t turn around and you won’t have to see it coming.

5 STARS

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Synopsis

The light of a full moon reveals many secrets.

Gilson Creek, Maine. A safe, rural community. Summer is here. School is out and the warm waters of Emerson Lake await. But one man’s terrible secret will unleash a nightmare straight off the silver screen. Under the full moon, a night of terror and death re-awakens horrors long sleeping.

Sheriff Joe Fischer, a man fighting for the safety of his daughter, his sanity and his community, must confront the sins of his past. Can Sheriff Fischer set Gilson Creek free from the beast hiding in its shadows, or will a small town die under a curse it can’t even comprehend?

One night can—and will—change everything.

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

,

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Clowders

by Vanessa Morgan

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

They say cats have nine lives. What that means in the lovely isolated town of Clervaux, Luxemburg is they take nine. That’s right. When a cat dies, nine human lives are taken.

When an American family moves to Clervaux, they believe the legend is just that, a legend. But then a cat is killed and not long after someone dies. One down, eight to go.

This started out so hopeful. A scenic little town, friendly inhabitants, and lots of cats. But slowly, the atmosphere darkens. Strange noises are heard. Something prowls in the house at night. Claws click across the floor. Food disappears, Shadows hide a hunched over figure. And the friendly neighbors become not so friendly. Sounds like a good movie, doesn’t it? Thanks to the author’s talent for showing the story, it felt like I was watching it.

It takes a lot to give me the creeps. I’ve read a bunch of horror stories and watched lots of movies. A few scenes in this book are so creeptastic! There’s this scene where something is stalking the next victim. It moves boldly through the crowd of tourists. They think it’s part of something put on to entertain and take pictures of it, even as it attacks. I’d like to think I’d know the difference. I read it over again and still got creeped out.

Soft kitty. Warm kitty. Little ball of fur….. Not!

4 STARS

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Synopsis

Clervaux, Luxembourg. This secluded, picturesque town in the middle of Europe is home to more cats than people. For years, tourists have flocked to this place – also known as “cat haven” – to meet the cats and buy cat-related souvenirs.

When Aidan, Jess and their five-year-old daughter, Eleonore, move from America to Clervaux, it seems as if they’ve arrived in paradise. It soon becomes clear, though, that the inhabitants’ adoration of their cats is unhealthy. According to a local legend, each time a cat dies, nine human lives are taken as a punishment. To tourists, these tales are supernatural folklore, created to frighten children on cold winter nights. But for the inhabitants of Clervaux, the danger is darkly, horrifyingly real.

Initially, Aidan and Jess regard this as local superstition, but when Jess runs over a cat after a night out in the town, people start dying, one by one, and each time it happens, a clowder of cats can be seen roaming the premises.

Are they falling victim to the collective paranoia infecting the entire town? Or is something horrible waiting for them? Something unspeakably evil.

Aidan and Jess’ move to Europe may just have been the worst decision they ever made.

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Predatory Animals

by Gabriel Beyers

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

After reading the synopsis, I knew I had to read this book. A near death experience and psychic connection to three mysterious dogs. A haunted forest where strange things stir. Disappearing people. And something evil in the mix. Right up my alley.

The mystery and magic behind the three dogs was probably my favorite part. When Casper Brown nearly drowns, he suddenly has a psychic connection to three dogs that mysteriously happen to follow each of his three children home on the same day. How strange! And these dogs are smart. They can do all kinds of things a dog shouldn’t be able to.

It’s simple for Casper to be curious about the recent disappearances. His life is already strange and he’s formed a bond with the two men who rescued him, one being a police officer. Not wanting to go into a lot of details, I’ll just say the two guys made this story even more entertaining.

And what’s a good horror story without some villains. This has some character’s you’ll love to hate. The Pummel family is the town’s staunchest benefactors and their large cat sanctuary is very popular, but they have some secrets. When Casper and his two friends threaten their nefarious endeavors,they show their true colors.

I want to talk about the cover art for this story too. The vibrant colors and shadowy figures are spectacular. Once you read this book, you”ll see how much the picture tells the story.

I could go on and on. What’s with the weird stand of pine trees and the strange noises heard there? And just who or what is Uriah? So many questions and so much nerve wracking suspense and action. There are so many things I wish I could share. You are in for some scary and amazing surprises in the town of Shadeland.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

IN THE TOWN OF SHADELAND, PEOPLE ARE VANISHING.

After suffering a near-death accident, Casper Brown awakens with a strange new connection to three stray dogs recently adopted by his family. Casper’s nights are filled with dreams of the dogs’ activities; at times he can even see through their eyes. And what he witnesses has him worried for his family’s safety.

AN ENIGMATIC EVIL IS HIDING, WAITING TO STRIKE.

The Pummels are the most beloved family in town. Though their wealth, philanthropy, and charisma form a cloud of mystery about them, their work with the town’s exotic cat rescue center has captured the heart of the people. But the Pummels are guarding a secret. One they will kill to keep quiet.

ITS HUNGER IS INSATIABLE.

Shadeland is a town of shadows, where hunters hide in plain sight and prey scurry about unaware. But a new predator has been unleashed. One unlike any this world has seen.

ITS SURVIVAL IS OUR DOOM.

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Into The Mist

by Lee Murray

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

A hot, steamy jungle. people with their own agenda’s, and something big and ravenous stalking them. Sure does sound fun. And it was.

The author’s descriptions immediately put me in the jungle with the character’s. All of them have to deal with the harsh environment. But, that’s not the only problem. Something huge, primordial stalks all of them, and it’s right at home in the jungle. Perfect camouflage until it strikes, leaving not much more than blood splatters to show someone was ever there.

I’m always looking for stories where the character’s have to struggle against the environment as much as the creature stalking them. And I liked the mythical aspect when the local legend comes into play. Made for a deeper, more thrilling reading experience for me.

This would be great to see on the big screen. I’d have to buy the DVD. It’s a keeper.

4 STARS

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Synopsis

When NZDF Sergeant Taine McKenna and his squad are tasked with escorting a bunch of civilian contractors into Te Urewera National Park, it seems a strange job for the army.
Militant Tūhoe separatists are active in the area, and with its cloying mist and steep ravines, the forest is a treacherous place in winter.
Yet nothing has prepared Taine for the true danger that awaits them. Death incarnate.
They backtrack toward civilisation, stalked by a prehistoric creature intent on picking them off one by one. With their weapons ineffective, the babysitting job has become a race for survival.
Desperate to bring his charges out alive, Taine draws on ancient tribal wisdom. Will it be enough to stop the nightmare? And when the mist clears, will anyone be left?

Amazon

.

Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2025! I’m so excited to be doing this again!  I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

.

.

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

.

 Animal Kingdom

by Iain Rob Wright

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Genre: Horror

MY REVIEW

With Animal Kingdom I got everything I was expecting and more!

It was supposed to be a special day. Since the divorce, Danny really missed his dad and had ants in his pants when he found out Joe was taking him to the zoo. Joe was just glad to have his son with him. It didn’t matter what they did but he knew Danny would love the animals.

Everything is great until the reptile show starts. The handler has a giant boa constrictor wrapped around his body. While he tells the gathering crowd about the snake it suddenly begins to wrap its thick coils around his neck, constricting and crushing the man. Joe does his best to help him, but the snake is too strong and time runs out for the handler.

The crowd panics and runs in all directions, horrified by the grotesque killing. As Joe grabs Danny and rushes to get help, he notices people are screaming and running from all directions. They couldn’t all have been at the exhibit. Then all of the animals start making a racket. Something bad is happening elsewhere in the zoo.

Deciding to get inside, away from whatever is occurring, Joe ducks into the new visitor’s center. Most people were running for the exits, but Joe had to get Danny to safety quickly. There were several people inside, along with the zoo’s curator. The curators protestations that an animal attack couldn’t be happening are cut short. When Joe turns to see what he’s looking at, he can’t believe what he’s seeing. There in the doorway are four massive lions, snarling and revealing their thick fangs, dripping with blood.

This is where the story really cranks up. The animals, for some unknown reason, have gained intelligence and have turned on mankind. From the lowly spiders to the gigantic elephants, they all want everyone dead.

The diverse group of people trapped in the visitor’s center are safe for the moment, or so they think. The animals won’t be denied, and find ways to get in. How the individual characters react to this is very interesting. As you’d expect, there are the one or two bad apples that think their way is the only way, you have an older woman spouting prophecy, a young girl without her medication, Joe, whose main concern is his son Danny, the curator, not much help there, and an older man with some fight in him. It’s up to them to work together. Otherwise, no one will get out of this alive.

Except that the story takes place in a zoo with animals from all over the world, it reminded of a book I read years ago. I also watched the movie and really enjoyed both. It was Day of the Animals.

The author gave me the same sense of dread and gut-wrenching fear with Animal Kingdom. You just knew people were going to die and die horribly. The animals are too many to fight off.

Reading scenes about the group dynamics was very real. People react differently when their lives are at stake. Some step up, some cower, and some act like blustering buffoons. I can’t figure out why some people can’t see past their own arrogance, or should I say ignorance.

This is a book about a war we may not be able to win. About surviving minute by minute and always looking for the way out.

At the end of the book there are some short Bonus stories. They all tie into the Animal Kingdom book and the one by Eric. S. Brown, Night of the Squirrels, is very interesting!

5 STARS

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Synopsis

WELCOME TO THE BOTTOM OF THE FOOD CHAIN!

Aside from being freakishly tall, Joe is just an ordinary divorcee taking his son, Danny, to the zoo for his weekend of custody. Everything is going great until a bizarre snake attack sends everybody in the zoo running for cover. It isn’t long before Joe realizes that there is a lot more going on than a simple snake attack – and if the hungry lions, roaring gorillas, and rampaging elephants have anything to do about it, there will be more bloodshed to come.

All of the world’s animals are attacking and no one knows why. The only thing that is certain is man has fallen to the bottom of the food chain.

Amazon

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Click on the covers for more Thrills And Chills reviews.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.