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Posts Tagged ‘review’

The Kid’s Korner #35 ~ Spooky Twisties III

Posted: March 13, 2019 in horror, middle grade, reviews, Supernatural
Tags: Horror, middle grade, review, Supernatural

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 another spooky fun children’s book by Author Terri Bertha!

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Spooky Twisties III

13 Tales Of Terror

by Terri Bertha

Genre: Middle Grade / YA / Supernatural

My Review

Having read and enjoyed the first two books in the series, I was expecting more spooky fun as I ventured once more into a town of supernatural occurrences with a group of stalwart friends.

Terri had a great idea when she interconnected the stories in her books. The tales are all different, but the outcome and events leading up to them are intertwined throughout.

I prowled the library when I was young, looking for books like this. I still do as an adult and get just as much hair raising enjoyment out of them.

Terri brings on the eerie without being too scary and surprises you around every corner. These tales are spooky twistie indeed and a whole lot of fun.

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Synopsis

Spooky Spine-Chilling Tales for Children/Teenagers

Spooky Twisties III is the third book in the series offering 13 interconnected short stories for middle grade readers (9 and above). These short, scary, spine-chilling, yet humorous tales, are recommended for children/teenagers and all young readers who enjoy R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps. The quick, fun reads find a group of friends encountering the creepy and supernatural in their hometown which has become a magnet for the strange and paranormal.

House of Puzzles: Will Chris and Nick be able to solve the puzzles to save their lives?

The Best Book Ever: Can a school book report prove to uncover a little too much for one student?

Pretty Voodoo Doll: What will one of the girls resort to in order to make the cheerleading squad?

A Needed Friend: Why does the mysterious boy seem to be drawn to the girl who visits the graveyard?

Ghost Catcher: Lindsay meets a woman with some amazing abilities at the old-age home. Can you catch a ghost?

Saving Cardinals: Does Amy’s love of birds and animals prove to be a life-saver?

Two Bloke Boys: Will Nick and Chris find gold at the end of the rainbow?

Candle Sense: A thoughtful gift provides a haunting experience.

Would You Believe?: The science fair and a revolution. Seriously, that’s why I didn’t turn in my homework.

Dronepocalypse: Buuuzzzz… did you hear that?

The Promenade: A trip to the historical museum and an old photo help solve the question of how to ask a girl to the spring dance.

Dire-Rama: WOW! That model looks so real!

Hello Me, It’s Me Again: Will an unexpected family reunion finally put things to rest?

The hidden references in these short ‘horror’ stories foreshadow future encounters and/or connect back to events of previous stories, and the twists in the story endings make reading the tales even more fun for ages 9 and above.

Amazon / B&N

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Click on the covers for my reviews of Spooky Twisties I & II

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Author Terra Bertha

Terri Bertha

Terri Bertha is author of the Spooky Twisties Series for Middle Grade/YA. Each book consists of thirteen interconnected stories which follow a group of friends as they navigate their way through supernatural events in an idyllic community during the course of a ‘normal’ day. A mix of horror, humor and ‘twisted endings’ make for fun and entertaining reading.

Terri has lived her entire life in the rolling hills and three rivers of western Pennsylvania and the majority of her working years as a Systems Engineer for a large corporation. When her sons were born, she took a hiatus from work, and tutored math and reading while being a substitute teacher in local schools. She returned to the workforce and retired a few years ago.

Besides writing, Terri enjoys watercolor painting, sketching, puzzles, exercising, and golf.

Website / Twitter / Facebook

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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

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Murder Between The Pages ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: March 12, 2019 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review

Murder Between The Pages

A Nina Foster Mystery

by Linda Hope Lee

Murder Between the Pages (The Nina Foster Mystery Series)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
The Wild Rose Press, Inc. (Crimson Rose) (December 19, 2018)
Paperback: 264 pages
ISBN-10: 1509223673
ISBN-13: 978-1509223671
Digital Print Length: 190 pages
ASIN: B07JKZT5TM

My Review

I sure do enjoy a fun cozy mystery. And one about writers and bookstores makes it double the fun. The life of a librarian may not seem dangerous to most people. But when Nina discovers her friend dead in her bookstore, it’s wrongful death. Nina hadn’t planned on getting involved in the investigation. Or of becoming a target. But her friend Zelma is the prime suspect and begs her to help clear her name. A sleuthing she will go.

It’s a tangled web of truths, half truths and out and out lies as Nina pokes around, trying to find out who killed her good friend Wildeen. The fact that she stumbled around, accidentally overhearing significant information, angering acquaintances when she questioned them, and really had no clue what she was doing made her a believable, genuine character.

The author introduces Stephen, the handsome newcomer who just acquired the newspaper, to the story, which causes a hiccup in Nina’s sleuthing and plans for her future. She has no time for him, but he’s persistent. I enjoyed the back and forth dialogue and the hot and cold emotions between them.

A mystery not easily solved with a slew of suspects and a saucy, fun romance made this a fast and delightful read. I’m curious to see what kind of pickle Nina finds herself in the next time and where the romance goes from here.

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Synopsis

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It’s a sad day for librarian Nina Foster when she discovers her good friend, bookstore owner Wildeen Bergman, dead on her office floor. Worse yet, another friend, romance writer Zelma Duke, becomes the police’s prime suspect. Nina knows Wildeen had something on Zelma. Was it enough to warrant murder? Handsome Stephen Kraslow, owner of the local newspaper, joins forces with Nina to find out the truth. The quest takes them on a dangerous journey of twists and turns before they reach the final outcome.

About Author Linda Hope Lee

Linda Hope Lee had written contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries. Other pursuits include watercolor painting, photography, collecting children’s books and anything to do with wire-haired fox terriers. She makes her home in the Pacific Northwest.

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon B&N

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GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

March 11 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 11 – Books Direct – GUEST POST

March 12 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

March 13 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW

March 13 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW

March 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

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March 17 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

March 17 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

March 18 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW

March 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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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

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Over at Anne’s Friends On Friday ~ Dead Eye

Posted: March 11, 2019 in Mystery, reviews, urban fantasy
Tags: mystery, review, urban fantasy

I was invited to share a review over on Anne’s blog ,Books Of My Heart, as part of her Friends On Friday feature. I was thrilled to be asked and jumped right on it!

We’ve been having some fun conversations since we met on Kimberly’s Sunday Post feature. Anne shares some fun discussions and books. Be sure to give her a follow.

I chose to review Dead Eye, a Tiger’s Eye Mystery by Alyssa Day.

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Mystery

Synopsis

For Jack Shepherd, tiger shape-shifter and former soldier, life is heading for a dead end. Dead End, Florida, to be exact. When he learns that he inherited a combination pawn shop/private investigation agency from his favorite uncle, Jack’s first job is to solve his uncle’s murder. Because sometimes it takes a tiger’s eye to see the truth.

Amazon / B&N

This book was free at time of posting. Click the link to grab your copy. Just be sure to check the price before you click!

Hop on over to Anne’s post and check out my 5 Star review HERE.

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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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

All good things must end….. Phoenix Falling by Laura Bickle

Posted: March 7, 2019 in Dark Fantasy, horror, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Romance, urban fantasy
Tags: dark fantasy, Horror, PNR, review, urban

Phoenix Falling

A Wildlands Novel

Book Five

Laura Bickle

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Harper Voyager

ISBN-10: 0062567357 / ISBN-13: 978-0062567352

Release Date: February 26, 2019

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Horror, Dark Fantasy, PNR, Paranormal Fantasy

My Review

I’ve been loving these characters since the very beginning of the series and this one is particularly bittersweet as it is the last book. I’ve went through so much with them and I expect I’ll be going through some tough times as I get the wrap up.

Petra struggles with what she is or isn’t. What makes her human? Nine has been separated from her pack. Will she rejoin them? Gabe is the last of the Hangmen. What will he be now? Owen is still haunted by a little girl from his past. Will he finally help her find peace? And what is causing the wildfires burning throughout Temperance and will Lascaris rise again to claim their souls?

While the book has a bit of a slow start, I was still held captive. As I mentioned at the start of my review, I’ve loved these characters from the beginning, even that scamp, Sig, Petra’s coyote sidekick. I got all of the answers to questions I’ve had from the start of this series. Some were harrowing. Some were sweet sorrow. And some were happy happy.

And I got a great ending. It was like a hug goodbye.

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Synopsis

Laura Bickle, the critically acclaimed author of Nine of Stars and Witch Creek, returns with a fiery new chapter in her celebrated Wildlands series.

In the Yellowstone backcountry, a merciless source of evil carries a torch for the past…

Petra Dee and her immortal husband, Gabe, have been trying to gain a toehold in what passes for ordinary life in Temperance, Wyoming—

a wickedly enchanted land founded generations ago by the alchemist, Lascaris. Petra may be adept when it comes to the uncanny, but as a reasoned geologist, Petra still can’t fathom the wildfires suddenly engulfing Yellowstone National Park, or why Gabe claims to have seen the sky explode in flames. The answers could lie in the past.

It was a dreadful night in 1862 when Lascaris went harvesting for souls, only to be set upon by townsfolk determined to eliminate the root of all evil in a trial by fire. Petra can’t help fearing that Lascaris has crawled out of the ashes of history to wreak vengeance—and to complete his mission by claiming every vulnerable soul in Temperance.

With the help of Gabe and her coyote sidekick, Sig, Petra must now venture into Lascaris’s shadow before he turns her world into an inferno burning out of control.

“Bickle is well on her way to establishing her work as a cornerstone of her genre.”

—Publishers Weekly

Amazon Harper Voyager BN iTunes Google Play

About Author Laura Bickle

Laura Bickle grew up in rural Ohio, reading entirely too many comic books out loud to her favorite Wonder Woman doll. After graduating with an MA in Sociology – Criminology from Ohio State University and an MLIS in Library Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, she patrolled the stacks at the public library and worked with data systems in criminal justice. She now dreams up stories about the monsters under the stairs, also writing contemporary fantasy novels under the name Alayna Williams.

Her work has been included in the ALA’s Amelia Bloomer Project 2013 reading list and the State Library of Ohio’s Choose to Read Ohio reading list for 2015-2016.

Website / Newsletter / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

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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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Restaurant Weeks Are Murder ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: March 5, 2019 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review

Restaurant Weeks Are Murder

A Poppy McAllister Murder

by Libby Klein

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Restaurant Weeks Are Murder (A Poppy McAllister Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Kensington (February 26, 2019)
Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-10: 1496713079
ISBN-13: 978-1496713070
Digital ASIN: B07DBQBVYJ

My Review

While the idea of working with Gigi, her ex-finance’s partner, dims her enthusiasm a little, Poppy is thrilled to be a part of his team for the Restaurant Week Challenge. There will be lots of televised exposure and it’s been her dream to show off her abilities with desserts and appetizers. Before the event even starts, she gets a taste of how tough the competition is, and once it’s under way, all kinds of trouble spills over like water from a boiling pot. Then, a judge dies after eating one of her tasty desserts and she becomes the main suspect. Time to put on her other hat, amateur sleuth, and get to work.

This was my first time reading a book in the series and it was so much fun. The foods shared throughout the book had my mouth watering. The mayhem that ensued from the stiff competition was crazy. The dilemma over which man Poppy’s heart really wanted was fun without being a drawn out love triangle. Getting to know all of the talent in the story and choosing which one was the guilty party kept me entertained and on the alert for little clues. And the ending was a well deserved treat.

Poppy is such a delight and I wish her all the best with her new B&B. She’s a woman with many talents. And some of the other characters are still on my mind. Aunt Ginny with her peppered comments. Gia, Poppy’s delicious male love interest. And a cat that weaves a sparkly trail throughout the book, popping up in the most unusual places. It was good clean fun and I had no trouble reading this and following along even though I’d not read the previous books in the series.

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Synopsis

Cape May, New Jersey, is the site of a big culinary competition—and the knives are out . . .

Poppy McAllister is happy about opening a Jersey Shore B&B—but working in a professional kitchen has always been her real dream. Now it’s coming true, at least briefly, as she teams up with her former fiancée, Tim—and his condescending partner, Gigi—during the high-profile Restaurant Week challenge. Poppy’s specialty is pastries, despite her devotion to a Paleo diet. But if anyone can make glorious gluten-free goodies, it’s Poppy.

Things get heated quickly—especially when some ingredients get switched and Tim’s accused of sabotage. Relatively harmless pranks soon escalate into real hazards, including an exploding deep fryer. And now one of the judges has died after taking a bite of Poppy’s cannoli—making her the chef suspect . . .

Includes Seven Recipes from Poppy’s Kitchen!

About Author Libby Klein

Libby Klein dabbles in the position of Vice President of a technology company which mostly involves bossing other people around, making spreadsheets, and taking out the trash. She writes culinary cozy mysteries from her Northern Virginia office while trying to keep her cat Figaro off her keyboard.

Author Links

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

Cozy Mystery Crew / Bookbub / Instagram / Amazon

Purchase Links – Amazon Barnes & Noble Hudson Booksellers Target Books A Million IndieBound Walmart

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GIVEWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

February 25 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW

February 25 – Here’s How It Happened – SPOTLIGHT

February 26 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW

February 26 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 27 – Mythical Books – GUEST POST

February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW

February 28 – MJB Reviewers – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 28 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

March 1 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW

March 2 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

March 3 – That’s What She’s Reading – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 3 – Cozy Up With Kathy – GUEST POST

March 4 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 5 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

March 5 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

March 6 – Laura`s Interests – REVIEW

March 6 – Sapphyria’s Books – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW

March 7 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 8 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW, RECIPE

March 8 – Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 9 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW

March 9 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

March 10 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW

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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

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Antarctic Ice Beasts ~ Need I Say More…..

Posted: March 2, 2019 in horror, New Release, reviews
Tags: Horror, New Release, review

Not too long ago I posted about the upcoming release of Hunter Shea’s newest book, Antarctic Ice Beasts. I sat down and read it in one night and now have my review to share with you.. Horror fans are gonna want to grab their copy. Just click on the cover or link to get yours.

Antarctic Ice Beasts

by Hunter Shea

My Review

I have been reading a lot of books set in inclement weaher 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.

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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.

Untold horrors have come to Freedom Base…and they want in!

Amazon

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Author Hunter Shea

Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary
movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past
his house. He’s the author of over 17 books, including The
Jersey Devil (Pinnacle 2016)), Tortures of the
Damned (Pinnacle 2015), and We Are Always
Watching (Sinister Grin). Hunter’s novels can even be found on
display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. The Montauk
Monster (Pinnacle 2014) was named one of the best reads of the
summer by Publishers Weekly. He was selected to be part of the
launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside
legendary author Ramsey Campbell. His video podcast, Monster
Men, is one of the most watched horror podcasts in the world. Living
with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be
close enough to New York City to see the skyline without having to
pay New York rent.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * 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

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Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Series ~ Spotlight and Giveaway

Posted: February 27, 2019 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: cozy mystery, giveaway, review

Think Murder

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 1

By Cassidy Salem

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Good friends, wine and conversation… Great fun – until somebody turns
up dead.

Adina Donati came to Washington D.C. to find excitement, not a dead body.
When a friend is murdered, Adina is drawn into the middle of the
police investigation. Tensions rise as the suspect list expands to
include Adina, her friends, and colleagues at the prestigious think
tank where she works. But every cloud has a silver lining. Between
the nice detective, the hot new volunteer at the dog rescue center,
and the newly available preppy ex-boyfriend, Adina’s dating dry
spell appears near its end. That is, if she doesn’t become the next victim.

Goodreads * Amazon

Dying For Data

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 2

A rival suitor and a deadly attack are enough to put a damper on any date.

A romantic evening with a hot guy goes downhill fast when dinner is
interrupted by the scream of sirens and the arrival of Adina’s
favorite police detective.

Afraid her bartender boyfriend might be accused of murder, Adina’s neighbor
enlists her assistance, and in the process exposes her to the seamier
side of illegal immigration and crime in the city. Hard as she tries
to limit her involvement, the more Adina learns, the more she needs
to know – until a case of mistaken identity lands her in hot water.
Will she uncover the truth before it’s too late?

Goodreads * Amazon

Killer Reputation

Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Book 3

Adina can’t resist snooping when someone she knows turns up dead. Again.

When a colleague at a prestigious think tank meets a violent death,
Adina’s not convinced any of the obvious suspects disliked him
enough to want him dead. Can the young research assistant, her quirky
neighbor, and a lovable rescue pup help the police put together the
pieces of the puzzle?

Killer Reputation is the third mystery in the Adina Donati, Accidental
Sleuth Series by Cassidy Salem. The books are standalone reads and
can be read in any order.

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review

A violent attack. The victim recovers only to be found strangled several days later. Adina can’t let it go. The safety of people she cares about hangs in the balance. The assailant struck so close to home.

This was a fun, quick read. Finished it in a couple hours. There’s a bit of a mystery in a mystery as the two attacks could be the same or two different assailants. I quickly grew to bond with several of the characters. Adina and her policeman boyfriend, Jonathan, were adorable. And retired policeman and neighbor Bart Crockett is someone I’d like to have living in my neighborhood. I spid a little romance brewing between Bart and Joan, owner of the Cutie Pie dog rescue center. His recent adoption of one of her puppies doesn’t appear to be the only reason she comes to visit.

While I haven’t read the previous books in the series. I had no trouble following along and enjoying the characters. And being a huge fan of cozies, I’m sure I’ll be going back to the beginning to see how the series began.

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Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of
mysteries (both cozy and traditional) and police procedurals. Over
the years, her favorite mystery authors have included Agatha
Christie, Kathy Reichs, Mary Higgins Clark, and John Grisham. When
she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and
friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible. Her
travels have taken her to destinations throughout the United States,
Europe, and Scandinavia.

Cassidy is the author of the Adina Donati Mystery Series, which includes
Think Murder, Dying for Data, and Killer Reputation. Cassidy
co-authors, together with Christa Nardi, a YA mystery series, which
includes The Mysterious Package, Mrs. Tedesco’s Missing Cookbook, The
Misplaced Dog, and Malicious Mischief.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content 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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

No way could they have seen her coming ~ Moses & Mac by Franca Pelaccia

Posted: February 26, 2019 in Action/Adventure, Mystery, reviews
Tags: Adventure, mystery, review, women's fiction

Welcome to my stop on the Virtual Book Tour for Franca Pelaccia’s Moses & Mac from Febraury 4th – 28th. I sure had a blast reading this book and I’m excited to share my review!

MOSES & MAC
Author: Franca Pelaccia
Publisher: Solstice Publishing
Pages: 303
Genre: Women’s Fiction/Adventure/Mystery

My Review

Mackenzie didn’t expect much for her 30th birthday. A cake would be nice. But it seems everyone forgot about her. No phone calls from family. Well, except for a strange package that arrived from her Aunt Sara. That can’t be right. Her aunt has been dead for some 30 years. Maybe it’s an elaborate ruse to throw her a surprise party.

Not so fast there, Mackenzie. I don’t think getting shot at by terrorists is a birthday party. A surprise yes. Before she can say we’re off, she is off on the adventure of a life time. She’s initiated into the Vatican Archaeological Service, VAS, and is whisked off to foreign lands. Before her plane leaves the ground, bullets fly and the plane is blown up. It’s a race against time to stop global domination.

What a crazy, fun read. Mackenzie is a hoot. She’s just a normal gal turning 30 and now she’s off on adventures that could get her killed. More than one group is trying to kill her and she has to adapt and think on her feet. She finds she can do a lot of things she never would have considered and is growing to like it. Not bad for a Victorian Scholar.

The action is relentless and the pages are filled with character’s of all walk’s of life. Is the plot believable? Well, maybe or maybe not. It reminds me of The Da Vinci Code, only funnier and with some potential for romantic hanky panky. Did I enjoy Moses & Mac. You betcha. Lots of action, snark, sexual innuendo and surprising characters.

I like that the author included an epilogue answering some lingering questions about certain events and characters. There was a lot going on in this book and including it left me with questions answered and a satisfied feeling. Now that Mackenzie is finding her way place as a member of VAS, I’m excited to see where she lands next and whether it’s on her feet or on her rear end. Either way, it’ll be fun.

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Synopsis

On her dismal 30^th birthday, unassuming Victorian scholar Mackenzie Braden receives a mysterious package from her Aunt Sara, urging her to locate Moses’ rod. The most powerful weapon in history will start global chaos if it lands in the wrong hands. Sara was an agent for the top-secret Vatican Archaeological Service. She has also been dead for 30 years and the agency dormant for just as long. Mackenzie’s only clue is a souvenir figurine of Moses, and except for hunky ex-military pilot Eoin Reilly, her allies are as inept as she is.

But nothing is going to stop Mackenzie from recharging her lacklustre life, fulfilling her mission, finding answers about her aunt, and making Eoin her birthday present. Armed with the figurine, Mackenzie sets off with Eoin for the Middle East. There she has to fend off a Ph.D. candidate turned terrorist, a dysfunctional family of treasure hunters, a fake Mossad operative, a manic former VAS agent, the underground tunnels of the Gaza Strip, and a whole lot of rocket launchers. But this is training for the ultimate confrontation with her aunt’s and now her greatest foe, a charming deposed Saudi prince with world domination on his mind.

Purchase link: Amazon

Author Franca Pelacci

Franca Pelaccia

Franca Pelaccia is the author of Moses & Mac, a fast-paced and lively action/adventure/mystery and the first book of the Vatican Archaeological Service series published by Solstice Publishing. The second book is tentatively entitled Mac & the Crusaders. Under the pseudonym of Kirsten Paul, Franca is the author of two romantic comedies for the Calendar Men of King Court series. The first book, The Hockey Player & the Angel will soon be published by the Wild Rose Press. The second book, The Detective & the Burglar is in progress. Writing as Francesca Pelaccia, Franca self-published The Witch’s Salvation, a historical paranormal novel, which won the Beck Valley Reviewers’ Choice Award for 2013. An avid reader, Franca reviews novels for the Historical Novels Society.

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

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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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That Which Grows Wild ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: February 22, 2019 in Dark Fantasy, giveaways, horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: dark fantasy, giveaway, Horror, review, Short Stories

That Which Grows Wild

by Eric J. Guignard

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Short Stories

That Which Grows Wild collects sixteen dark and masterful short stories by
award-winning author Eric J. Guignard. Equal parts whimsy and weird,
horror and heartbreak, this debut collection traverses the darker
side of the fantastic through vibrant and harrowing tales that depict
monsters and regrets, hope and atonement, and the oddly changing
reflection that turns back at you in the mirror.

Discover why Eric J. Guignard has earned praise from masters of the craft such
as Ramsey Campbell (“Guignard gives voice to paranoid vision that’s
all too believable.”), Rick Hautala (“No other young horror
author is better, I think, than Eric J. Guignard.”), and Nancy
Holder ( “The defining new voice of horror has arrived, and I stand
in awe.”)

Stories include:

• “A Case Study in Natural Selection and How It Applies to Love” – a
teen experiences romance, while the world slowly dies from rising
temperatures and increasing cases of spontaneous combustion.

• “Dreams of a Little Suicide” – a down-on-his-luck actor unexpectedly finds
his dreams and love in Hollywood playing a munchkin during filming of
The Wizard of Oz, but soon those dreams begin to darken.

• “The Inveterate Establishment of Daddano & Co.” – an aged undertaker
tells the true story behind the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre, and
of the grime that accumulates beneath our floors.

• “A Journey of Great Waves” – a Japanese girl encounters, years later,
the ocean-borne debris of her tsunami-ravaged homeland, and the
ghosts that come with it.

• “The House of the Rising Sun, Forever” – a tragic voice gives dire
warning against the cycle of opium addiction from which, even after
death, there is no escape.

• “Last Days of the Gunslinger, John Amos” – a gunfighter keeps a decimated
town’s surviving children safe on a mountaintop from the incursion
of ferocious creatures… until a flash flood strikes.

Explore within, and discover a wild range upon which grows the dark, the
strange, and the profound.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * B&N * Kobo

My Review

I usually find that when reading a collection of short stories, some of them are great, some are okay and some miss the mark. I was thrilled to find that I was happy with all sixteen tales in That Which Grows Wild.

The book begins with A Case Study in Natural Selection and How It Applies to Love. I’m a huge fan of dystopian and apocalyptic tales and this one adds human combustion to the mix. The fact that the author made it seem like something that could actually occur was like sprinkles on an ice cream cone. Tasty.

From there I went on to devour the book. I was expecting to need a break somewhere. For my interest to taper off. But, no. I kept right on to the end, encountering tormented beings, creatures big and small, aliens and ordinary people facing difficult and fantastical situations. But that wasn’t all I found. There were some deeply moving scenes and some characters I wanted to tuck under my wing and keep safe from harm.

I was going to list my favorites but I found myself adding another and then another. The writing is powerful and the stories intoxicating. Eric is a storyteller in the true sense of the word.

Eric J. Guignard is a writer and editor of dark and speculative fiction,
operating from the shadowy outskirts of Los Angeles. He’s won the
Bram Stoker Award, been a finalist for the International Thriller
Writers Award, and a multi-nominee of the Pushcart Prize. His stories
and non-fiction have appeared in over one hundred genre and literary
publications such as “Nightmare Magazine,” “Black Static,” “Shock Totem,”

“Buzzy Magazine,” and “Dark Discoveries Magazine.” Outside the glamorous

and jet-setting world of indie fiction, Eric’s a technical writer and
college professor, and he stumbles home each day to a wife, children,
cats, and a terrarium filled with mischievous beetles.

Website * Facebook * Facebook Page * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

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~~~~~

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For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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The Kid’s Korner #34 ~ The Firefly

Posted: February 20, 2019 in Children's books, horror, middle grade, reviews
Tags: Horror, middle grade, 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 another spooky fun tale from Nancy Gray’s Spine Chillers!

~~~

The Firefly (Spine Chillers)
by Nancy Gray

Genre: Horror
Age category: Middle Grade
Release Date: November 19, 2018

My Review

The fireflies appeared in autumn. Strange, as they’re only supposed to appear during the summer. Leila asked her mother for a net and jar to capture some in. They didn’t act like normal fireflies because… they weren’t. She spies something lurking in the woods. A bug man with skin the color of charcoal. She soon learns what it wants and has to make the toughest decision of her young life. Lives hang in the balance.

This book would have given me such shivers of delight when I was young. It did a pretty good job of doing that now. Leila was a brave little girl. Her love for her baby sister and her sense of right and wrong put her between a rock and a hard place and I admired her bravery.

The bug man was creepy as all get out. The author’s description had me visualizing a cross between a praying mantis and The Crooked Man. Once Leila confronted the thing I knew she couldn’t defeat it by herself and was excited when she discovered the Spectral Investigator’s Society. It’s supposed to be a boys club but exceptions are made. Supernatural creatures don’t distinguish between boys and girls.

The story really picks up the pace as Leila realizes she doesn’t have to fight this battle alone and a plan is formed to stop the creature. This is fiction, but how they kids rallied together and executed their trap reminded me so much of my childhood and how my friends and I would stand by each other, even when scared.

A good campfire tale to raise the goosebumps and make you jump at those bumps in the night.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Leila’s sister has come down with a terrible fever that the doctors can’t explain. It started with the fireflies that mysteriously appeared in November, and then when she was visited by “the bug man.” When Leila confronts the FIREFLY that has made her sister sick she must make a terrible choice to save her sister or offer it another victim to satiate its terrible appetite! The monster needs to feed on blood and it needs another body to inhabit. His eyes are set on Leila!

You can find The Firefly on Goodreads

You can buy The Firefly on Amazon

About the Author:
Nancy Gray has published a number of works including her young adult fantasy series Blood Rain. Her short story “Chosen” appeared in Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal Author Quest: a Penguin Special from Grosset & Dunlap. Her work also appears in various anthologies.
Nancy Gray has been writing for over ten years. Gray lives in South Carolina with her husband and two daughters. She enjoys books, video games, anime, manga, and horror.

Other Works by Nancy Gray:
Blood Rain
Blood Moon
Blood God
Spine Chillers: The Scarecrow
Spine Chillers: Big Bad Wolf
Spine Chillers: The Beast of Black Pond
Spine Chillers: Empty Eyes
Spine Chillers: The Firefly

You can find and contact Nancy Gray here:
– Website
– Blog
– Facebook
– Goodreads

~~~~~

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

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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